Be Opened!

Posted on September 6, 2015 by sstyves

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I work in the Deaf community and so today’s reading from Mark about Jesus healing the man who was Deaf and had a speech impediment always brings mixed reactions for me. I do not believe that Deaf people need to be healed of their inability to hear. I often wonder what happened when Jesus took him aside in private, away from the crowd. Did they have an insightful conversation about what he really needed healed? Perhaps it was that all the well-intended folks had hurt him with their inability to see his ability.

Regardless, Jesus by the end of it, says to the man as he sighs, Ephphthatha or be opened! The man can then hear and speak and all present say he has done everything well. Maybe there is a clue in the First Reading from Isaiah 35 that speaks about what this man, his companions and indeed, most of us need to be healed of: Be strong, do not fear! Many of us have fearful hearts and we wait for water to break forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. Our lives are closed to so much goodness because our hearts are filled with fright.

The Second Reading of James 2 also addresses this fearfulness of people who are different. We react differently when we see someone in fine clothes and shiny bling than when we encounter a beggar in dirty clothes. Our fear prevents us from seeing Christ within each of these people. Sometimes we may judge the rich person, even if we are more comfortable than with the street person. Again, I can hear Jesus sigh and say be opened!

We are all wonderfully and beautifully made just as we are. All of us are also in need of healing, of being opened, and of being less fearful. Often I see non-Deaf people be unsure of how to act around Deaf people. I started working with disabled people–young people in wheelchairs, with Down’s Syndrome, and with blindness–fairly early in life. I began volunteering in the Deaf community when I was 20. These two experiences made me less fearful of people who are different. That is not to say that I do not have fears or manage perfectly when I encounter people who are different than me but I may not be thinking it is really too bad that X cannot hear or Y cannot see or Z cannot walk. I tend to go to the place that X has a great sense of humour or Y is a compassionate soul or Z can be as mean as the rest of us sometimes. I try to see people for who they are….which is maybe why Jesus sighed and had lots to say to that Deaf man in private about what really needed to be healed. I am sure God had a different plan when creating people without a cookie cutter. Perhaps if we walk through a closed door we enter a beautiful place. Be opened indeed.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

Who creates a fearful heart in you?
Where do you need to be more open with people who are different than you?

Prayer

Jesus, help us to be more opened
to those who are not like us
to those who ignite within us
a fear-filled heart that lacks
compassion, mercy and love.
Jesus, heal us of our small-mindedness
and our hard-heartedness.
Keep us attentive to your sigh
so that we can live with greater welcome.

Amen.

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First Saturdays

Posted on September 5, 2015 by sstyves

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On first Saturdays at my church after mass, we have healing teams pray with people who are in need of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. I have gone to these prayer teams for years now and today was no different. I often pick a team that already knows my story so that I can jump into the prayer without taking too much time.

I have been having some issues with my PICC line. I am leaking some fluid and I may be wee bit allergic to the adhesives. Since getting it in, I have been back several times to have the nurses look at it. We are making progress and I have added a gauze pad this morning to the outside to soak up and stray liquid. This seems to be helping with the itch. I also am dealing with a sore hand from the IV prior to the PICC line. Yesterday, I had to ask the medical folks to stop touching it. They could see the bump in my hand and it hurts horribly when it is rubbed or patted which is what most people wanted to do as if somehow my complaint was an invitation to poke at it which elicited pain.

As the prayer partners began their ministry to me, I could feel myself relax as they tenderly placed hands on me, avoiding contacting the painful areas. Each of them had a beautiful message for me, affirming and healing. As the prayer drew to a close, I suddenly had an image come to me after one of them prayed that I might be held in the arms of Jesus. The vision was much like that of the Pietà by Michelangelo, pictured above. I was being lifted–I am not sure by what–and placed into the arms of Jesus, in the same manner as Jesus was placed into Mary’s arms after his Crucifixion. I went so willingly and could feel a profound sense of peace as I was laid in Christ’s arms. I am reminded once again of my mantra: God.has.this.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions:

What role does healing prayer have in your life?
Have you ever been moved by an image that has come to you during prayer?

Prayer

God, sometimes I get weary.
I need to simply rest in your arms
and let go of all the burdens.
Thank you to those who minister on your behalf
who make you real and heal us of our wounds.
Bless these angels in human clothing.

Amen.

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Fully Pleasing to God

Posted on September 3, 2015 by sstyves

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The daily mass readings were wonderful today. The fifth Chapter of Luke tells the magnificent story of Peter having fished all night to no avail. When Jesus had finished speaking to the crowds he recommended Simon put out into the deep water and let down (the) nets for a catch. Peter is somewhat skeptical but because it is Jesus who asks he lets down the nets. When Simon Peter sees how many fish are caught–to the point of breaking the nets–he falls at the feet of Christ and asks Jesus to leave him because he is a sinful man.

Jesus has a different idea and commissions Simon to catch people now. Jesus sees our potential. He does not see our limits and our excuses. Jesus knows what we are capable of through His power. If we listen to His voice and act upon it, even when we might doubt, miracles can happen. Jesus can use us to point the way for others. People will leave everything and follow Christ, just as they did 2000 years ago. We need to work in tandem with Jesus though–Peter had fished all night but had caught nothing before following Christ’s instructions.

The First Reading of Colossians 1: 9-14 talks about how the community is being upheld by the prayers of the Apostles, who ask for spiritual wisdom and understanding so that they may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. The writer stresses that they will be made strong from Christ’s power. Here too, one gets the sense that God sees fruit that has not yet ripened but is already fully pleasing.

We are made whole and beautiful. Peter recognized his failings and weaknesses and reacted with humility, asking Jesus to leave him. We all feel unworthy at times in our lives. We want to serve, we want to love, and we want to be builders of the Kingdom, but we fall short. Today’s readings remind us that God has the whole picture and believes in us. When we yoke ourselves to Christ, we can do so much more than we ask or imagine.

The world has reacted with horror and compassion to the photo of a refugee boy who drowned when the boat he was on capsized. I have not seen any hate messages in what I have read. No one has said this Syrian boy deserved to die. On the contrary, hearts have been crushed with sorrow, watching as he is lifted from the sandy beach and carried behind a rock. Our collective humanity weeps as we recognize that this is a child, not a migrant or terrorist. This is a wee one who deserved a life away from war and strife. This toddler is recognized as innocent. His Canadian auntie spoke today, scarring more hearts, as she shared her dashed dreams for the boy she had hoped might arrive here one day. We should be filled with shame at governments around the world who play with words, avoid casting nets that capture more than enough, and forget what is fully pleasing to God.

We need people like Peter to collapse at the feet of Jesus and say we are sinful. Then we need to stand back and see the plan that God has to build the Kingdom. We need to not be afraid to catch these people before more atrocities unfold. Yes, we need to deal with the root cause but in the meantime, we need to cast our nets and do something so that a miracle will happen. God is watching.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

When God looks at you, what does God find fully pleasing?
Where is Jesus asking you to cast your net?

Prayer

Go away from us, Lord,
for we are a sinful people.
We have enough but we cannot share.
You need builders and fishers
but we cannot imagine that you mean us.
Show us, Jesus, your divine plan
of building the Kingdom with us.
Help us to go out into the deep
and not remain moored to the shoreline.
Let us cast our nets into humanity
and not be afraid of what we might catch.
We still need to do whatever you tell us.
Speak, Lord, we are listening.

Amen.

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Demon-Possessed

Posted on September 2, 2015 by sstyves

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I once knew a man who had demons attached to him. When you believe in the Light, you must acknowledge that the dark also has a presence in our world too. Most people I know are not comfortable talking about demons and darkness though. In today’s and yesterday’s Gospel of Luke 4, Jesus encounters demons and casts them out after they recognize him as the Son of God. Do demons really exist today?

My experience with this man and in other encounters of people who I have seen in various ministries in which I am involved is that I strongly believe that they do exist. Because the demons work on behalf of the dark side, these people may tend to be suicidal and/or chronically depressed. You can imagine the weight of having something heavy attached to you. These entities are not of the Light and therefore are a burden. They seek to destroy–health, success, relationships, sanity, self-esteem, and so much more.

I had a woman call me recently who confided she was demon-possessed and she fit into the above categories. She believed that she was going crazy and needed someone to pray with her. Someone had sent her to me. As I listened to her, I thought she had some spiritual attachments that were trying to harm her. Her biggest fear was talking to someone about what she was experiencing and hoping others would not think she had lost her mind. I believed her and more than that, I suggested how she could pray for herself for protection. The dark side prowls around, hungry to devour souls. I am pleased that this woman was open to being healed and was relieved to find someone who did not think she was crazy.
This is not to say that everyone who is depressed has a demon attachment. They may need other forms of healing. I believe in the power of a team approach for casting out demons though–it is safer and more powerful. I do not recommend treading unaware into this area; I often refer to people who are more skilled than I am to deal with deliverances.

In today’s Gospel we see that after casting out the demon as well as binding and silencing them (an important aspect so that they do not harm others)–Jesus heads out to a deserted place. This type of work requires immense energy; rest and prayer will restore the one who ministers in this capacity. I think that the spiritual gift of recognizing demons is a challenging one. Most people who I know who have it, do not discuss it. It unnerves people. We do not like to think about demon possession. Images of The Exorcist creep in. I cannot stress enough though, that demons existed in the time of Jesus and they still look for souls to destroy.

The demons in Luke’s readings recognize the Christ. Demons will find ones who stand in the Light and try to create havoc. Whispering the most powerful name of Jesus causes demons to flee or retreat. The more entrenched they are in a person, the more vile and vicious they can be. They are great deceivers and the hosts may not even know that they have these harmful beings attached to them. If you are involved in a deliverance ministry, armor yourself well and take time to retreat and regroup afterwards. If Jesus took the time, you should too.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions
What do you believe about the dark side of life?
How does being a child of the Light give you the strength to battle these forces?

Prayer

God of Light and Love,
You sent your Son Jesus
to cast out demons and darkness.
Banish now anything that is not of You
from my presence and fill me with Your peace.
Bind any spirits that are not of You
and send them silently to the foot of the cross of Jesus
to be dealt with as He judges so that they may not harm anyone else.
Surround me with Your healing Light and restore me to
the fullness of Life that you have planned for me.
In the powerful name of Jesus, the Christ and Conquerer.

Amen.

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Prayer for Creation

Posted on September 1, 2015 by sstyves

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Today is the World Day of Prayer for Creation. The World is joining Pope Francis today in praying for Creation. God who created this planet and everything on and in it be praised! There are so many hazardous conditions concerning our planet–oil spills, toxic waste, extinction of species, poverty, hunger, exploitation of resources, and an endless list of frustrations and horrors. Hopefully God was bombarded with prayer today by those of us who love this earth and all who share habitation here. My recent trip to the West Coast ignited how passionate I am of the sea and the forest, as well as the prairies I left here for a brief time.

Psalm 27 today reiterates that we will see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living. If we would see God in everything around us, would we treat all things with greater love, respect and compassion? Would we hug a tree proudly, wiggle our toes in sand unabashedly, drink water from the tap gratefully, and look compassionately into the eyes of the hungry beggar? Might we think before we buy, wondering what the source of the goods are? Could we possibly speak up or attend a rally for the environment? What would change if we saw a hummingbird and let joy overtake us? We need to protect all species and understand how what we do in our part of the world has an impact elsewhere.

Development and Peace has a beautiful prayer that can be said this day here: https://www.devp.org/sites/www.devp.org/files/documents/materials/devpeace_prayer_to_the_holy_spirit.pdf Will you join creation in prayer?

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

What in creation are you most grateful for?
How do you help care for creation?

Prayer

Gracious Creator,
You have entrusted us with this
beautiful blue ball of beauty.
May we honour it daily,
contemplate how our actions impact it,
pray for its healing and protection,
and rejoice in the many delights offered.
Such a magnificent gift this globe!
Thank You, Creator, for all of this.

Amen.
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Let the Sea Roar

Posted on August 31, 2015 by sstyves

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Psalm 96 is well known for its beauty and support of praise. This might be one of the psalms that St. Ignatius might have meditated on and moved him to believe that we are created to praise, honour and serve God. On my recent trip to the West Coast, I did rejoice at the sea’s roar and all that fills it. I was blessed to walk in the tall forests and felt not only all the trees singing but also my soul.

What is it about beauty that transforms humans? An hour in nature has to be as healing as a drug sometimes, and with less ill effects on the body. I sat by the river one day with my cousin, after our stroll through tall, glorious trees and shimmering light. A crow came by and parked itself on a rock in the river, cawing crassly, but even that did not unsettle me. The sound of the river skipping over the rocks was enough to calm me as we sat there silently.

As I left, I could sing a new song to the Lord and declare God’s glory amongst the nations. God’s work are marvellous indeed!

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

Where do the seas roar and the fields exult for you?
How can you sing a new song to the Lord and declare God’s glory?

Prayer

Sing, sing a new and glorious song
to the creative Creator who has
made all things good,
who restores our souls
by having the earth rejoice, the sea roar,
the fields exult, and the trees sing.
How blessed are we to have such beauty
to bathe our senses.
Glory to God
Now and always.

Amen.

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Doers, Not Hearers

Posted on August 31, 2015 by sstyves

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In the Second Reading today, James 1 says that we should be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. Our faith should move us to action. St. Ignatius knew this well, and it is at the core of the Spiritual Exercises, emphasized in the Principle and Foundation to love, honour and serve God.

I have a friend who teases me about making blankets for the poor–I am not a sewer or quilter. I know she is speaking metaphorically when she says this but it does bring a smile to my face that she equates me with those who do acts of charity. There are many ways to be doers of the word. We need only keep our eyes open to see how the Word takes on Flesh around us.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions:

What are you doing to bring about the Kingdom today?
What does serving God look like for you?

Prayer

Talk is cheap, God.
I can pray all sorts of
pretty words but if I do not
act upon them, if I leave
the work for someone else,
I have failed.
Create in me a heart of
compassion that longs to serve.
May I be a Light to this world
and a reflection of You in all I do.

Amen.

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Birthday Blessings

Posted on August 29, 2015 by sstyves

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Hopefully we all have them–the kind of friends that make your life worthwhile, who bring a smile to your face, and who teach you how to be a better person. I was 18 when I met this individual who was a wee bit older than me. Today we celebrated his sixty years of life as he humbly let us toast him. Many accolades were mentioned and he was delighted with many of the stories. What came through for me was what a joy this man truly is and how he understands the Fourth Week of the Spiritual Exercises as he is moved by Love and returns everything to God in gratitude. He is a true servant.

I listened to the stories and had my own flashbacks of a friendship that has spanned 30-plus years and seen us both grow into ourselves as adults. I listened to his nieces and nephews share their love for this man. I smiled watching him watch them. Most of them have become adults now too and will have this role model to shape their lives. Several helped plan the party and a wonderful surprise present.

I could not help but wonder as he received birthday blessing after birthday blessing, if this is how God feels watching us–an immense pride at creation. He must bring a warm pride to God’s heart as he engages in service in humble and small ways, improving life for so many people. He is a man for others and I am proud to call him my friend.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

Review your day. What do you think is running through God’s mind as God watches your behaviour today?

Who in your life do you inspire to be a better person?

Prayer
God watches us watching you
and casts our eyes upon your goodness
You are an inspiration
God nudges us to smile with God
Sit back and say, Well done, faithful servant.
Continue on and bring more joy to
our needy world.

Amen.

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Thanking Enough

Posted on August 27, 2015 by sstyves

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Today’s First Reading from 1 Thessalonians 3 asks a pertinent question: How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? I have just completed a one-week vacation of sorts on the West Coast of Canada. Really, an escape perhaps would be a better word. I needed a break from my reality and so I fled to the arms of those would minister to me and help me get back onto solid ground. I am left feeling very much like the writer of Thessalonians–how can I thank God enough for all those who welcomed me?

Let me be very clear that my family and friends here also fall into this category of trying to figure out how to thank them properly for all that they have done and continue to do for me as I recover from my surgery and now receive chemotherapy. However, this prairie girl was in desperate need of an emotional overhaul. I needed tall forests, mountains, and oceans. I craved beauty. I desired a photography fix–I needed to see through the lens of my camera God in all things. My spirit wanted rest on a far-reaching level. Deep conversations were healing. God, the Generous Giver, did not disappoint. God had this.

How exactly can I thank God enough for the blessings received–the beauty, the joy, the relaxation, the distractions, the take-me-as-I-am welcome? I was spoiled and I am ever so grateful to each of the people who played a role in that. I feel less broken than when I left. Something was mended physically, emotionally and spiritually. In all my encounters I was immersed in consolation. I was fed well with healthy food. I slept often and deeply. I walked for kilometers. People indulged me and I tried hard just to take it without giving back as I might normally. This trip was all about me and I am grateful for the angels all around me who did not think I was being horribly selfish–or if they did, they were kind enough not to say a negative word. I look for miracles and half way through my trip, I noticed the difference at my core. I could feel a strength I had not felt lately, both in my body and in my spirit.

I needed to get away in order to take the next step of chemo and returning to work part-time. I had not expected to come home and have to deal with a major issue right off the hop but I did. I think a week ago, I might have dissolved into tears with one more problem to deal with but instead, I handled it more or less in stride. I could feel my anger rise at this latest event but instead I chose not to give into desolation and by the end of the day, I was not crushed. I am still standing and know that God.has.this.too.

As I write this, I feel the joy I rediscovered returning. I am chuckling at one of my friends who greeted me with a warm hug and the words You look great! How do you expect to get any sympathy? I am tasting a home-cooked turkey meal and a stir-fry with peanut sauce again. I am swinging in a hammock. I am sitting by a river in a forest, breathing deeply. I can see the sparkle of the sea in the morning light. The heron is looking at me with its head cocked, wondering what I am doing staring at it. I hear the laughter between friends who care that I am restoring my soul. I am engrossed in engaging conversation about something else other than my illness. I hear these folks tell me time and again that I should just rest and they will wait upon me. I am grateful for people who made the effort to fit me into busy lives, who accepted me as I was, and who let me be me as I currently am. I have packed all these memories and more into my mind so that I can draw upon them when I need to. I cannot thank God enough for each of those amazing angels who returned me to joy and strength. To God be the glory!

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

Who in your life needs a thank you for all the joy you feel because of them?

As you go through your day, are you spotting God in all things, including the challenging events and marvelous moments?

Prayer

How can I thank you enough, God
for the ministering angels you
place all around me?
What words can I find to convey
their presence restores my soul?
Joy flourishes as they water my depths
and renew my faith and trust.
Creation is a beauty balm,
calming me with each stunning scene.
You have given me more
than I can ask or imagine
and I am eternally grateful.

Amen.

Posted in #BibleStories, #CancerSurvivor, #Consolation, #Miracles, #prayer, #Travel, Catholic, Christian, Faith, Ignatian, Spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Beauty Balm

Posted on August 25, 2015 by sstyves

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Beauty has a restorative quality to it that is indescribable. Immerse yourself in scenic tranquility  and a serenity steeps your soul slowly, silently. Before you know it, a new person is brewed. Whatever stress you might have felt is shed. For me, looking through my camera lens changes my breathing and my state of mind. I am transformed.

This morning I took a solo walk along the beach shore, exploring nooks and crannies, greeting the gulls, geese, and a couple of herons, and chatting with other visitors to the coast. The sun shimmered on the sea and my spirit simmered in the warm rays. Bathed in beauty, I shed burdens. I had not even realized I had dropped them willy-nilly on the beach. Mesmerized by the sea life, I walked quite a distance before even noticing the time. I had not brought water or a hat. I needed to return to where I was staying.

I had wondered prior to coming for this trip if I was yet ready to return to work in a week. I have slept so well here and walked daily. My friends have fed me well and ministered to many of my needs. I have garnered my inner strength. The beach balm has been successful. Beauty has given me that gentle nudge towards healing and for that I am grateful.

peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

What slows you down enough to change your breathing?

How does beauty act as a balm for you?

Prayer

You sprinkle beauty all around us

soothing our souls silently, slowly

bringing a balm that blesses before we know it.

Thank you, Creator, for transforming us

with a gentle touch and a generous heart.

Amen.

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