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
Sunday, July 19, 2009
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
Saturday, July 4, 2009
July 4th - Independence Day?
Greetings, Sisters, Brothers, and Friends of the Community!
July 4th has been set aside as a day to celebrate the birth of America, to celebrate independence not only for us, but to express a hope that one day all peoples of the world will have freedom.
I can’t help wonder, though, if by wishing for this we get a bit off track.
Wanting to be independent, to be free, rather than being interdependent, was the mistake made back in the Garden of Eden. When we become truly independent, we disconnect ourselves from God, from others, and from nature, not realizing how very much interconnected we all really are. What one person does really affects another, what one person does really affects nature. It’s unmistakable when we look at the record of mankind throughout history.
Becoming truly independent actually brings us into a state of slavery. We become more easily susceptible to the influences of culture and societal norms that may or may not be good for us. We become ensnared in the desires, attachments and prejudices of our runaway egos, causing these scales to build up over our eyes very much like what happened to Saul. The prominence of false values become the norm to which all aspire.
True freedom rests in living a life with God, interconnected with each other. It comes when we shed the shackle of these scales, like Saul did in Acts 9:17-18, and allowing the truth of the Holy Spirit to flow through us. True freedom comes when we finally shed our false self and begin to live the life that God meant us to live, serving Him in our own unique way – a way that no one else could ever possibly do. As Psalm 137:4 asks, “How can we sing the Lord’s song (being who we really are) in a strange land?” (A land where although we think we’re independent we are actually under the influence of a misguided system.)
As Richard Rohr states, “It’s quite clear that in the final analysis it’s the grace of God that liberates us. It’s the experience of divine and unconditional love that really sets us free. No political system can offer us this inner liberty.”
Let us worship the Father in spirit and truth, for it is the truth that shall set you free.
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
July 4th has been set aside as a day to celebrate the birth of America, to celebrate independence not only for us, but to express a hope that one day all peoples of the world will have freedom.
I can’t help wonder, though, if by wishing for this we get a bit off track.
Wanting to be independent, to be free, rather than being interdependent, was the mistake made back in the Garden of Eden. When we become truly independent, we disconnect ourselves from God, from others, and from nature, not realizing how very much interconnected we all really are. What one person does really affects another, what one person does really affects nature. It’s unmistakable when we look at the record of mankind throughout history.
Becoming truly independent actually brings us into a state of slavery. We become more easily susceptible to the influences of culture and societal norms that may or may not be good for us. We become ensnared in the desires, attachments and prejudices of our runaway egos, causing these scales to build up over our eyes very much like what happened to Saul. The prominence of false values become the norm to which all aspire.
True freedom rests in living a life with God, interconnected with each other. It comes when we shed the shackle of these scales, like Saul did in Acts 9:17-18, and allowing the truth of the Holy Spirit to flow through us. True freedom comes when we finally shed our false self and begin to live the life that God meant us to live, serving Him in our own unique way – a way that no one else could ever possibly do. As Psalm 137:4 asks, “How can we sing the Lord’s song (being who we really are) in a strange land?” (A land where although we think we’re independent we are actually under the influence of a misguided system.)
As Richard Rohr states, “It’s quite clear that in the final analysis it’s the grace of God that liberates us. It’s the experience of divine and unconditional love that really sets us free. No political system can offer us this inner liberty.”
Let us worship the Father in spirit and truth, for it is the truth that shall set you free.
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
Saturday, June 6, 2009
What Good Work Should I Do?
Greetings, Sisters, Brothers and Friends of the Community!
A rainy Saturday here, with temperatures in the low 50s. Certainly not tomato-growing weather!
From the Sayings of the [Desert] Fathers (Verba Seniorum), we find yet another affirmation of our quest as seekers to serve God in our own unique way, in the way that He made each one of us. In Book 1, Of the Perfecting of the Fathers, it is recorded that the great abbot Nistero was asked by a friend, “What good work should I do?” The abbot responded, “The Scripture says that Abraham was hospitable, and God was with him. And Elias loved quiet, and God was with him. And David was humble, and God was with him. What therefore you find that your soul desires in following God, that do, and keep your heart.”
Note that the abbot did not say what your ego desires; but what your soul desires. Your soul is the real you, the part connected with God. The examples of great works mentioned above are those that please God: hospitality, solitude, and humility, because they came from the person’s soul. There are numerous other examples. What does your soul desire? Music? Reflection? Art? Helping? Building? Numbers? Appreciation of nature?
To become who you were made to be is to glorify God.
Have a blessed Trinity Sunday!
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
A rainy Saturday here, with temperatures in the low 50s. Certainly not tomato-growing weather!
From the Sayings of the [Desert] Fathers (Verba Seniorum), we find yet another affirmation of our quest as seekers to serve God in our own unique way, in the way that He made each one of us. In Book 1, Of the Perfecting of the Fathers, it is recorded that the great abbot Nistero was asked by a friend, “What good work should I do?” The abbot responded, “The Scripture says that Abraham was hospitable, and God was with him. And Elias loved quiet, and God was with him. And David was humble, and God was with him. What therefore you find that your soul desires in following God, that do, and keep your heart.”
Note that the abbot did not say what your ego desires; but what your soul desires. Your soul is the real you, the part connected with God. The examples of great works mentioned above are those that please God: hospitality, solitude, and humility, because they came from the person’s soul. There are numerous other examples. What does your soul desire? Music? Reflection? Art? Helping? Building? Numbers? Appreciation of nature?
To become who you were made to be is to glorify God.
Have a blessed Trinity Sunday!
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
Sunday, May 17, 2009
A New Song
Greetings, Sisters, Brothers, and Friends of the Community!
I pray you are all well!
The first verse in Psalm 98 brought to mind what we, as a Community, and all of us, as Children of God, try to focus on: “O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.”
And what is this “new song”?
Our daily movements and words are the spiritual notes we play on each measure (each moment) of God’s symphony of life. We are His instruments, each playing a part in his orchestra. Every thing we do and say sends out the sounds of love or the sounds of discord. Are we in tune with Him? Who is actually singing – our true self or our ego?
As we shed the false self from our souls (like Paul did on the road to Damascus), the Gifts of the Holy Spirit begin to flow through us out into the world like a finely tuned instrument. And, oh, what a sound this makes! Peace, joy, harmony, gentleness, understanding, compassion, generosity, self-control, patience… music to His ears. This is the new song!
Observe what “notes” you are playing as you go through the day. Did you hit a sour note? Reflect on it, so that the next time you play it, it will be more in tune.
Let me know how your week goes!
Your occasionally out-of-tune brother,
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
I pray you are all well!
The first verse in Psalm 98 brought to mind what we, as a Community, and all of us, as Children of God, try to focus on: “O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.”
And what is this “new song”?
Our daily movements and words are the spiritual notes we play on each measure (each moment) of God’s symphony of life. We are His instruments, each playing a part in his orchestra. Every thing we do and say sends out the sounds of love or the sounds of discord. Are we in tune with Him? Who is actually singing – our true self or our ego?
As we shed the false self from our souls (like Paul did on the road to Damascus), the Gifts of the Holy Spirit begin to flow through us out into the world like a finely tuned instrument. And, oh, what a sound this makes! Peace, joy, harmony, gentleness, understanding, compassion, generosity, self-control, patience… music to His ears. This is the new song!
Observe what “notes” you are playing as you go through the day. Did you hit a sour note? Reflect on it, so that the next time you play it, it will be more in tune.
Let me know how your week goes!
Your occasionally out-of-tune brother,
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Waking Gatha
Greetings, Sisters, Brothers and Friends,
I pray that this note finds you all weel and full of God’s joy!
Every day brings us hundreds of opportunities to live mindfulness lives; to return us gently to the present moment of awareness where all of life happens. Are you living in the past? Are you liivng in the future? Then, perhaps, you are missing out on the treasures and miracles happening before your very eyes.
There are many ways to awaken our attention to the present moment, to snap us back to reality, to pull the plug on mental movies that keep playing in our heads. One such technique is to use little “gathas.” Gathas are short verses which we recite during our daily activities to remind us of where we are. For example, this gatha can be used when you wake up:
Waking up this morning, I smile.
Twenty-four brand new hours are before me.
I vow to live fully in each moment
And to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.
A great way to start the day is with a smile. As Thich Nhat Hanh writes in “Present Moment, Wonderful Moment,” your smile affirms your awareness and determination to live in peace and joy. The source of a true smile is an awakened mind.
Gathas, which can also be short verses from the Gospels or other scripture, are used for any of our daily activities; brushing our hair, washing the dishes, using the phone, sitting on a chair, getting the mail, opening a door, etc. All the little actions in our life become sacraments of movement revealing the miracles of life.
This week think about the sacredness of movement and being. Write a gatha or two for yourself, and share them if you feel moved to do so. Collect them! Trade them with your friends!
Know that you are loved by Our Lord!
Your gatha-seeking brother,
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
I pray that this note finds you all weel and full of God’s joy!
Every day brings us hundreds of opportunities to live mindfulness lives; to return us gently to the present moment of awareness where all of life happens. Are you living in the past? Are you liivng in the future? Then, perhaps, you are missing out on the treasures and miracles happening before your very eyes.
There are many ways to awaken our attention to the present moment, to snap us back to reality, to pull the plug on mental movies that keep playing in our heads. One such technique is to use little “gathas.” Gathas are short verses which we recite during our daily activities to remind us of where we are. For example, this gatha can be used when you wake up:
Waking up this morning, I smile.
Twenty-four brand new hours are before me.
I vow to live fully in each moment
And to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.
A great way to start the day is with a smile. As Thich Nhat Hanh writes in “Present Moment, Wonderful Moment,” your smile affirms your awareness and determination to live in peace and joy. The source of a true smile is an awakened mind.
Gathas, which can also be short verses from the Gospels or other scripture, are used for any of our daily activities; brushing our hair, washing the dishes, using the phone, sitting on a chair, getting the mail, opening a door, etc. All the little actions in our life become sacraments of movement revealing the miracles of life.
This week think about the sacredness of movement and being. Write a gatha or two for yourself, and share them if you feel moved to do so. Collect them! Trade them with your friends!
Know that you are loved by Our Lord!
Your gatha-seeking brother,
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Angels, or just Thunder?
Greetings, Sisters, Brothers and Friends of the Community,
In today’s lectionary reading in John we learn of yet another voice speaking from heaven. This time it is to affirm that Jesus was indeed glorifying God’s name. In chapter 12, verse 28, Jesus raises a prayer to heaven: “Father, glorify your Name.” The voice responded from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
What was interesting to me about this exchange is the perception of it by the people. Verse 29 reads, “The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”
Why do people have such different interpretations of what they all experience together? Why do some people brush off the obviousness of God as just thunder, while others see it for the truth? Perhaps the answer comes to us a little later in this chapter when we read what the prophet Isaiah observed: “Who believes our message? To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? Some could not believe because of the hardness of their hearts – and this blinds their eyes and stuffs their ears.” They hear angelic voices only as blunt claps of thunder.
The messages of God’s love are everywhere – if we just have eyes to see and ears to hear. They are in the big things (the earth, the air, the stars) and they are in the little things (a bite of food, a flower, a smile and helping hand from a friend, the whisper of a “thank you”)
The hardness of our heart is another way of describing the dysfunctional ego that encapsulates our soul, clogging our ears and blinding our eyes. As we learn to pry these scales from our soul, as St. Paul did on his journey to Damascus, we begin to more clearly hear the loving angelic voices from heaven, and see the good works of love in our lives, moment by moment. Yes, life is tough, and there is pain, but it is made worse by those who only hear thunder. As more of us hear the angels’ voices, all things will improve.
As you journey through this coming week, watch for two things: First, observe what scales may be covering your heart, and see them for what they are – no good. Second, see more clearly the things that happen in your life, moment by moment, that are little miracles; continuous acts from a loving God trying to get your attention, “Hey you! I love you!”
(And I will try to see the additional snow we got this morning as a blessing. It is a blessing. It IS a blessing. Yes, it is. Well…I’ll keep working on it.)
Blessings to all,
Your brother,
Daniel-Joseph
In today’s lectionary reading in John we learn of yet another voice speaking from heaven. This time it is to affirm that Jesus was indeed glorifying God’s name. In chapter 12, verse 28, Jesus raises a prayer to heaven: “Father, glorify your Name.” The voice responded from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
What was interesting to me about this exchange is the perception of it by the people. Verse 29 reads, “The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”
Why do people have such different interpretations of what they all experience together? Why do some people brush off the obviousness of God as just thunder, while others see it for the truth? Perhaps the answer comes to us a little later in this chapter when we read what the prophet Isaiah observed: “Who believes our message? To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? Some could not believe because of the hardness of their hearts – and this blinds their eyes and stuffs their ears.” They hear angelic voices only as blunt claps of thunder.
The messages of God’s love are everywhere – if we just have eyes to see and ears to hear. They are in the big things (the earth, the air, the stars) and they are in the little things (a bite of food, a flower, a smile and helping hand from a friend, the whisper of a “thank you”)
The hardness of our heart is another way of describing the dysfunctional ego that encapsulates our soul, clogging our ears and blinding our eyes. As we learn to pry these scales from our soul, as St. Paul did on his journey to Damascus, we begin to more clearly hear the loving angelic voices from heaven, and see the good works of love in our lives, moment by moment. Yes, life is tough, and there is pain, but it is made worse by those who only hear thunder. As more of us hear the angels’ voices, all things will improve.
As you journey through this coming week, watch for two things: First, observe what scales may be covering your heart, and see them for what they are – no good. Second, see more clearly the things that happen in your life, moment by moment, that are little miracles; continuous acts from a loving God trying to get your attention, “Hey you! I love you!”
(And I will try to see the additional snow we got this morning as a blessing. It is a blessing. It IS a blessing. Yes, it is. Well…I’ll keep working on it.)
Blessings to all,
Your brother,
Daniel-Joseph
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