Greetings, Sisters, Brothers and Friends of the Community!
Tomorrow’s reading in I Kings 17 (v.8-16) was, to me, more a story about the widow than it was Elijah. This woman had almost nothing but was asked to feed Elijah, a prophet of God. We read in verse 9 that God had already commanded her to get ready for the impending visit by Elijah, and be prepared to feed him. I can almost hear her thinking, “What? What am I supposed to feed him? My sandals?”
When Elijah arrived and asked for water, the widow didn’t respond, but went to get water. Again, her thinking may have been, “Well, OK. This I can handle, if it’s just water.” But as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Oh, by the way, bring me some bread to eat, too.” Well, this pushed her over the top. “What? You want bread? I’ll tell you what I have – a handful of nothing and a little oil to mix it with. We’re going to eat that and then starve to death. That’s what I got for you.”
But the power of God would overcome. When the time came to do His command, the resources were there. The widow had been reaching into the imagined future of scarcity and bringing it into the present moment, thwarting the possibilities. God was not expecting anything beyond the basics, beyond what is needed for life. He was not looking for the widow to produce a fancy car, or exceptional performance or notable achievements. He was asking her to share the basics that He would provide.
This was a story of helping the widow to grow. It was a time of refinement for her, of shaping by God. And what’s also interesting about this story is that it took place in a little village named Zarephath. The Hebrew root for this word is Zareph, which means to smelt, refine, or test. Zarephath was a smelting place, a place of refinement.
I am guilty of worrying too much about the future and losing focus on the present moment. Yes, we have to plan for the future, but let’s not forget the God-factor. If He’s asking us to do something, He’ll also provide the resources to do it at the time when it has to be done.
Please reflect on this in the coming week and let me know what comes to your heart.
Your time-traveling brother,
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Blind Bartimaeus
Greetings, Sisters, Brothers and Friends of the Community,
Sunday’s gospel reading in Mark (10:46-52), the Healing of Bartimaeus, is a further demonstration of Jesus’ character and love for others. What struck me more than the actual healing of Bartimaeus was the fact that Jesus stopped to pay attention to this man in the first place. Jesus was nearing the end of his earthly ministry and there were large crowds around him. Things were reaching a fevered pitch as Jesus moved toward Jerusalem. A lone, blind beggar began to call out to Jesus for mercy. The crowds kept moving and sternly told the beggar to keep still. Busyness of our life and our causes has an inertia that revolts against our attention to the present moment and the needs each one presents to us.
The lone figure took a leap of hope against the moving crowd. The crowd said “Keep still,” but Christ said, “Come. You count.” The art of stopping for a lone individual in need of help is a high art. “Come. You count.”
Profit or people? What really counts? Perhaps there is a lesson for today’s social issues and our brothers and sisters around the world. Famine, economic parity, health care reform…
Your often too busy Brother,
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
Sunday’s gospel reading in Mark (10:46-52), the Healing of Bartimaeus, is a further demonstration of Jesus’ character and love for others. What struck me more than the actual healing of Bartimaeus was the fact that Jesus stopped to pay attention to this man in the first place. Jesus was nearing the end of his earthly ministry and there were large crowds around him. Things were reaching a fevered pitch as Jesus moved toward Jerusalem. A lone, blind beggar began to call out to Jesus for mercy. The crowds kept moving and sternly told the beggar to keep still. Busyness of our life and our causes has an inertia that revolts against our attention to the present moment and the needs each one presents to us.
The lone figure took a leap of hope against the moving crowd. The crowd said “Keep still,” but Christ said, “Come. You count.” The art of stopping for a lone individual in need of help is a high art. “Come. You count.”
Profit or people? What really counts? Perhaps there is a lesson for today’s social issues and our brothers and sisters around the world. Famine, economic parity, health care reform…
Your often too busy Brother,
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
Friday, October 16, 2009
Thoughts on the Jesus Prayer
Greetings, Sisters, Brothers and Friends of the Community,
I pray that this note finds you all well!
The Jesus Prayer has been used for centuries to help unite people with their creator. It is very old, and may go back to the early centuries of Christianity: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Although today it is perhaps used more in the Eastern Church than the Western, it’s gaining in popularity here, too, as people look for ways to reconnect with God.
I have to admit I don’t use it much, and until this morning I really wasn’t sure why.
My meditations on this day included some writings of Nicholas Herman, otherwise known as Brother Lawrence of the 17th century. He, too, was very interested in reconnecting with God, and focused on practicing the Presence of God. One of the suggestions in his Spiritual Maxims included a series of short prayers that could be offered up to God frequently during the course of a day, similar to the Jesus Prayer. Some suggestions he had to offer:
“Lord, make my heart just like Yours.”
“O God of Love, I love You with all my heart.”
“My God, I am wholly yours.”
As I read these prayers, it struck me that the intent was the same, but the approach was quite different. Br. Lawrence’s approach works better for me as it focuses on the good side of me and not the bad. Yes, there are parts of me that are sinful, but there are also parts of me that are holy – the image of God in me, for example. So, which part is stronger? Does the sinful part totally taint the entire being, or does the holy part overcome the sinful? Thinking of myself as a sinner may be helpful to a point, but it can go too far. How about thinking of myself as a child of God that screws up once in a while? The goal is the same – union with God; but the positive approach works better for me. How about you?
This week try writing your own Jesus Prayer. See what you come up with.
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, may all our hearts become one.”
Your Part Holy-Part Sinful Brother,
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
I pray that this note finds you all well!
The Jesus Prayer has been used for centuries to help unite people with their creator. It is very old, and may go back to the early centuries of Christianity: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Although today it is perhaps used more in the Eastern Church than the Western, it’s gaining in popularity here, too, as people look for ways to reconnect with God.
I have to admit I don’t use it much, and until this morning I really wasn’t sure why.
My meditations on this day included some writings of Nicholas Herman, otherwise known as Brother Lawrence of the 17th century. He, too, was very interested in reconnecting with God, and focused on practicing the Presence of God. One of the suggestions in his Spiritual Maxims included a series of short prayers that could be offered up to God frequently during the course of a day, similar to the Jesus Prayer. Some suggestions he had to offer:
“Lord, make my heart just like Yours.”
“O God of Love, I love You with all my heart.”
“My God, I am wholly yours.”
As I read these prayers, it struck me that the intent was the same, but the approach was quite different. Br. Lawrence’s approach works better for me as it focuses on the good side of me and not the bad. Yes, there are parts of me that are sinful, but there are also parts of me that are holy – the image of God in me, for example. So, which part is stronger? Does the sinful part totally taint the entire being, or does the holy part overcome the sinful? Thinking of myself as a sinner may be helpful to a point, but it can go too far. How about thinking of myself as a child of God that screws up once in a while? The goal is the same – union with God; but the positive approach works better for me. How about you?
This week try writing your own Jesus Prayer. See what you come up with.
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, may all our hearts become one.”
Your Part Holy-Part Sinful Brother,
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
Monday, August 17, 2009
HEAR YE, HERE YE
Greetings, Sisters, Brothers, and Friends of the Community!
I pray that this note finds you all well!
Occasionally we hear of people who claim that they have heard the voice of God; that God has actually spoken directly to them! Other people reflect on this claim and reluctantly reveal that they have never heard God’s voice – but they wish they would.
There is some implication in this comparison that those who have heard God’s voice are somehow closer to Him and more spiritual than those who have not heard His voice. Inevitably I am asked (and you may be wondering at this point, too) whether or not I have ever heard God’s voice. Perhaps there is a test embedded in the question, assessing just how far my spiritual quest has brought me.
“Well,” I begin my response, “I most certainly have. As a matter of fact, I hear Him all the time.” The inquirer cautiously moves back a step, uncertain as to what they are now dealing with. So, I need to explain a bit more:
Do I hear God’s voice? You bet I do. He sounds like every person asking for help, or saying thanks, or offering a compliment. He is the sound of every child playing, every person laughing, every bird singing; He sounds like a busy street or a symphony orchestra; I hear Him in the hammering of a house being built, or in an ambulance siren; He’s the sound of a clock ticking or a phone ringing; His voice is the sound of the storm wind or a gentle breeze. When you see a flower He is saying, “See the beauty in the world? Please enjoy it.” God’s voice is the sound of life, moment by moment.
The messages God is sending to us can only be heard in the present moment. So, if you’re waiting to hear a message from God, He’s waiting for you to hear the one’s He’s been sending you.
Listen for the voice of God this coming week; what is He saying to you?
Your brother,
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
I pray that this note finds you all well!
Occasionally we hear of people who claim that they have heard the voice of God; that God has actually spoken directly to them! Other people reflect on this claim and reluctantly reveal that they have never heard God’s voice – but they wish they would.
There is some implication in this comparison that those who have heard God’s voice are somehow closer to Him and more spiritual than those who have not heard His voice. Inevitably I am asked (and you may be wondering at this point, too) whether or not I have ever heard God’s voice. Perhaps there is a test embedded in the question, assessing just how far my spiritual quest has brought me.
“Well,” I begin my response, “I most certainly have. As a matter of fact, I hear Him all the time.” The inquirer cautiously moves back a step, uncertain as to what they are now dealing with. So, I need to explain a bit more:
Do I hear God’s voice? You bet I do. He sounds like every person asking for help, or saying thanks, or offering a compliment. He is the sound of every child playing, every person laughing, every bird singing; He sounds like a busy street or a symphony orchestra; I hear Him in the hammering of a house being built, or in an ambulance siren; He’s the sound of a clock ticking or a phone ringing; His voice is the sound of the storm wind or a gentle breeze. When you see a flower He is saying, “See the beauty in the world? Please enjoy it.” God’s voice is the sound of life, moment by moment.
The messages God is sending to us can only be heard in the present moment. So, if you’re waiting to hear a message from God, He’s waiting for you to hear the one’s He’s been sending you.
Listen for the voice of God this coming week; what is He saying to you?
Your brother,
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Can We Play By These Rules?
Greetings, Sisters, Brothers and Friends of the Community!
I pray this note finds you all well! After a dry and cool July, we are now getting a lot of rain. Some of it has even found its way into the cellar!
Recent troubles in our extended family can leave one scratching his head and wondering, “How are we going to straighten all this out?” People talking past each other, accusations, old baggage, finger-pointing – you’ve probably all been there.
Looking over the lectionary readings for this Sunday’s service, I realized that the passages in Ephesians 4 give us a partial answer at least. This list of St. Paul’s for starting a new life could be used as guidelines for resolving disputes. Let’s take a look at these:
· Put away falsehood; speak the truth
· Remember that we are all spiritual brothers and sisters
· It is OK to be angry - emotions compel us to act, and this is not a sin
· BUT! Once we begin to act, ditch the anger. Emotions cloud judgment and decision-making. Don’t let the sun set on your anger.
· Let no evil talk come out of your mouths; instead, uplift each other.
· Put away all bitterness and wrath and malice; instead, be kind to each other, and forgiving
Bottom line, we are to be imitators of God, as His beloved children should be. Following these rules may be only one of the components needed to resolve issues. Outside help is often needed.
NOT following these rules is a guarantee of failure.
And, oh yeah, here’s the most important part – waiting to see if the other person is going to follow these rules before you do is certain failure. It is critical to have the courage of Christ to take the lead on this, whether or not the other person(s) will do it!
Let us praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Your-caught-in-the-middle-brother,
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
I pray this note finds you all well! After a dry and cool July, we are now getting a lot of rain. Some of it has even found its way into the cellar!
Recent troubles in our extended family can leave one scratching his head and wondering, “How are we going to straighten all this out?” People talking past each other, accusations, old baggage, finger-pointing – you’ve probably all been there.
Looking over the lectionary readings for this Sunday’s service, I realized that the passages in Ephesians 4 give us a partial answer at least. This list of St. Paul’s for starting a new life could be used as guidelines for resolving disputes. Let’s take a look at these:
· Put away falsehood; speak the truth
· Remember that we are all spiritual brothers and sisters
· It is OK to be angry - emotions compel us to act, and this is not a sin
· BUT! Once we begin to act, ditch the anger. Emotions cloud judgment and decision-making. Don’t let the sun set on your anger.
· Let no evil talk come out of your mouths; instead, uplift each other.
· Put away all bitterness and wrath and malice; instead, be kind to each other, and forgiving
Bottom line, we are to be imitators of God, as His beloved children should be. Following these rules may be only one of the components needed to resolve issues. Outside help is often needed.
NOT following these rules is a guarantee of failure.
And, oh yeah, here’s the most important part – waiting to see if the other person is going to follow these rules before you do is certain failure. It is critical to have the courage of Christ to take the lead on this, whether or not the other person(s) will do it!
Let us praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Your-caught-in-the-middle-brother,
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Another Lesson from the Garden
Greetings, Sisters, Brothers and friends of the Community!
I pray that this note finds you all well!
It has been said that one is nearest to God in a Garden. I guess this goes all the way back to Eden perhaps?
I happened to notice my shadow one afternoon as I roamed through the garden looking for the next vegetable side dish. There, in my straw farmer’s hat, I saw my shadow get twisted out of shape as it wrapped around the edge of a raised bed and get stretched along a walk, yielding to the shape of every weed and pebble.
It reminded me (I’m not sure why) of the impact I sometimes have on other people. My true image, when totally fueled by the Light of The Son, travels from me to its ultimate destination, carrying with it the fullest intent of love in its travels through time and space. Shaped by the Light, it leaves me in a specific form and manner, perfectly reflecting who I am.
But shadows (the impressions we leave on other people and things) are shaped by what they land on, not from where they come. Perhaps this is why we are sometimes misunderstood by others. It is not what we project to them, but the manner and shape that it is received. If the surface of the recipient is rough, what I have tried to do for them may also be viewed roughly. If their surface is slanted, perhaps I will also be seen as slanted.
We can only do our best in this world by being what we were meant to be. We can’t always worry about where our shadow falls, or what it will look like when it gets there. Just continue working God’s love and let the Holy Spirit smoothen out the surface. Just keep going, and do what you were made to do. That is your purpose for Him.
By the way, we had the broccoli!
Br. Daniel-Joseph
I pray that this note finds you all well!
It has been said that one is nearest to God in a Garden. I guess this goes all the way back to Eden perhaps?
I happened to notice my shadow one afternoon as I roamed through the garden looking for the next vegetable side dish. There, in my straw farmer’s hat, I saw my shadow get twisted out of shape as it wrapped around the edge of a raised bed and get stretched along a walk, yielding to the shape of every weed and pebble.
It reminded me (I’m not sure why) of the impact I sometimes have on other people. My true image, when totally fueled by the Light of The Son, travels from me to its ultimate destination, carrying with it the fullest intent of love in its travels through time and space. Shaped by the Light, it leaves me in a specific form and manner, perfectly reflecting who I am.
But shadows (the impressions we leave on other people and things) are shaped by what they land on, not from where they come. Perhaps this is why we are sometimes misunderstood by others. It is not what we project to them, but the manner and shape that it is received. If the surface of the recipient is rough, what I have tried to do for them may also be viewed roughly. If their surface is slanted, perhaps I will also be seen as slanted.
We can only do our best in this world by being what we were meant to be. We can’t always worry about where our shadow falls, or what it will look like when it gets there. Just continue working God’s love and let the Holy Spirit smoothen out the surface. Just keep going, and do what you were made to do. That is your purpose for Him.
By the way, we had the broccoli!
Br. Daniel-Joseph
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Compassion
Dear Sisters, Brothers and Friends of the Community!
Back in the time of the Desert Fathers, Theodore came to Abbot Pambo and begged, “Give me a word to live by, Abba.” After careful thought, the Abbot responded, “Compassion. If you have compassion you can speak freely to God.”
As you walk through this coming week with God, check on your compassion. Compassion is being inside of the other to fully understand their situation and how it compares to what is supposed to be. Compassion is one part of what God shared with us as part of his image. Let this flow through to others, to creatures and to yourself. That’s what God does.
I keep you in my prayers daily,
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
Back in the time of the Desert Fathers, Theodore came to Abbot Pambo and begged, “Give me a word to live by, Abba.” After careful thought, the Abbot responded, “Compassion. If you have compassion you can speak freely to God.”
As you walk through this coming week with God, check on your compassion. Compassion is being inside of the other to fully understand their situation and how it compares to what is supposed to be. Compassion is one part of what God shared with us as part of his image. Let this flow through to others, to creatures and to yourself. That’s what God does.
I keep you in my prayers daily,
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
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