Love Conquers All

Posted on December 22, 2014 by sstyves

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Ignatian Spirituality does not separate the cross from the cradle very much. Love came down with a purpose and and end in mind. Arriving clothed in human skin, God was destined to conquer all on the cross. This Christmas as you think about the Babe in the wooden cradle, can you also see the Son of God stretched out on the wood of the tree?

Love comes this Christmas but it is not for the weak or faint of heart. The cost is everything–more than we can imagine. This act of Love is inconceivable really, and yet Conceived with, in and through Love.

This Christmas take a quiet moment to reflect upon the connection between the cradle and the cross. Express your gratitude for the Greatest-Gift-of-All.

Peace,

Suzanne

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Love Came Down

Posted on December 21, 2014 by sstyves

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The Annunciation finds its place in the last Gospel of Advent Sundays. Today, known as Love Sunday, we discover that God so loved the world that a Son was given, through a lowly handmaiden who was with the Lord and who said yes. This young woman looked beyond her fears and trusted the Love of God that was being entrusted to her. Can you imagine being greeted by an angel and told that you have found favour with God? That you are chosen to be the tabernacle for the Son of the Most High? That the Holy Spirit will overshadow you and the One to be born shall be called the Son of God?

Like David in the first reading from 2 Samuel, I might have protested that the House of God is lacking. Not Mary! She responds with a “Let it be done to me according to your word.” If this messenger knows about her cousin Elizabeth, then she knows the news must be possible. If Elizabeth can be home to a child who shall be holy, then perhaps Mary can too.

Where is Jesus in your life as we walk towards Bethlehem this week? Love came down that Christmas and pitched His tent amongst us. The Trinity looked down and knew the time was ripe. A Saviour was needed and at great peril, One-of-Three became Human while still Divine. We know no other Love like this: unconditional, incarnate, and infinite. This Love leapt from Heaven to Earth and walked amongst us, experiencing life as we know it–its joys, sorrows, temptations, frustrations, and wonders. Are you able to open your arms and take up this Wee One, to hold him and be transformed anew this Christmas?

There are no promises of an easy life, if you do. The angel departed after bearing this news and Mary must have felt some fear and awe on that road to Bethlehem. In the same breath, Love grew within, and that was all she needed. Love came down then. Love comes down now. Will you let the impossible happen with God?

Peace,

Suzanne

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What Brings Joy?

Posted on December 19, 2014 by sstyves

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Ah, nature! I find such joy in you. This morning, walking up to the restaurant in the park, I really wanted to take my camera and go explore but alas, my co-workers were already waiting. The sky was overcast but the twinkle lights dazzled me while the forest whispered me to abandon the day and come play. One quick picture had to do.

What brings you joy? That awesome wondrous feeling almost makes you burst open, flinging your heart upwards in total abandonment. At this time of year, I can close my eyes and imagine a scene in a stable, with the Infinite Infant resting in His mother’s arms, and I can breathe deeply, satisfied that all is very well. If God can come to us so small, so vulnerable and risk it all, what can I do in gratitude in return?

How can I live differently because this Babe bothered to leap from Heaven to earth…for me…for you? What lesson must I learn this Advent as we journey to the Love candle? I am ever grateful that my life is infused with Joy. The source of that Joy is Jesus. I am unashamedly Yours today and always.

Peace,

Suzanne

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Joy Wrapped in a Babe

Posted on December 18, 2014 by sstyves

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We draw nearer to the stable. In a week we will arrive once again, standing in hay and tinsel, and know that God has come, begging us to cradle the flesh of the Creator. The creature can again snuggle close, smell the tenderness and warmth, feel the One-Who-Made-Me stretch and yawn within our arms, and delight in the knowledge that Something-Bigger-Than-A-Baby is what is being held. This mystery is mind-boggling.

What is it about this Mystery that brings you the most joy?

Peace,

Suzanne

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Legacy of Joy

Posted on December 17, 2014 by sstyves

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Today I went to the funeral for one of my Grade 12 English teachers. Lynne Axworthy is one of the teachers who encouraged me to write. She was not the first but she would be the last of my teachers who had the opportunity to help me to see I had a gift. She also was the one who introduced me and my peers to the world of live theatre–both starring in it and hauling us to some amazing plays. Upon graduation, I visited Vancouver and my uncle said I could do anything I wanted on Saturday night. To his initial chagrin, I asked to see A Streetcar Named Desire and managed to hook him into getting season’s tickets after that. He has her to thank for that, indirectly, I suppose.

If we are lucky, we all have that one teacher who makes a life-changing difference. I had several in my academic career, from a very early age. What I learned today though is that those types of teachers are those types of people. You know the type I mean. The ones who fiercely clutch hope, peace, joy, and love and scatter them abundantly all around in order to make the world an amazing place.

I did not know Mrs. Axworthy as a person because I was still a kid finding my own way but today many things fell into place. I did know that she had a passion for art and culture which she shared widely. Today’s service was sprinkled with poetry and stunning classical music. It occurred to me that she taught what brought her joy, what made her alive and what was her passion. Of course, I understand that now but I did not back then.

I also did not know how much she suffered because she never came across as a stern person. Her mother passed when she was young. She also lost her father and a brother. She was a feminist, a politically-astute woman, and a social activist. She marched in the south during the civil rights movement; how did I not know there was a kindred spirit there? I did not know the word feminist until I was in my 20’s but today when they called her one, I smiled and nodded. Yes, she was indeed.

Mrs. Axworthy left a legacy of joy behind. Her niece told a wonderful, poignant story about her aunt of which the essence was her generosity. Now involved in education, I can see that she gave way more than many teachers do, and not because teachers do not give. No, the “Axe” gave beyond the most extreme givers both to her students and to those she loved. I have fond memories of the school activities which she ran–the school plays and of the cast party at her home. I am not alone in my rememberings. When I read through the tributes left online with her obituary, I could not help but glimpse the respect and awe folks had for her. I am grateful that she helped my siblings and I love literature. I am thrilled that she provided my classmates and I an outlet to read a wide range of genres and to critique our writing with affirmation. She pointed me further down the path I had already been walking and because it was her, I walked it with greater confidence. I hope you all have someone you can thank tonight, someone who has left you and this world a legacy of joy.

Peace,

Suzanne

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Holly Jolly Folly

Posted on December 16, 2014 by sstyves

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This season is not always about joy for some folks. Today I was at my church and after mass the woman who sets up for the funerals stopped by and told me that a couple had delivered a stillborn child. All those months of waiting and their baby did not arrive alive. I remember a December years ago when friends also were waiting for a son who they knew would not survive but a few breaths. For 18 years, I co-facilitated an evening for those who were grieving during the holiday season. I watched family and friends weep as they placed angel cards on a tree. I welcomed some of them back year after year. It was a privilege and an honour to accompany people for so many years. Even good things must come to an end. When we began the ministry, few other Catholic churches were undertaking such a service. Now there are plenty of churches and organizations that assist in this area.

I spent a quiet afternoon at home, napping and resting, trying to recover from this viral infection. I had been to the doctor in the morning and they drew more blood, still puzzled by the symptoms. I stopped in at my church and went to mass. One of the priests there had suggested I come for the sacrament of the sick and he was glad to accommodate me today. As we talked, he suggested that we pray for all the suffering people in the world today. I truly believe in the power of the sacraments and given the world events that have unfolded these past few days in Australia and Pakistan especially, this seemed like a marvelous idea to me.

I sense a deep joy and a solid faith in this man. He has a profound love for the Eucharist that pours out from the altar and spills into the congregation in powerful ways. When he touched my right hand with the oil, he drew a cross on my palm. Then he moved to the left hand and as he carved that cross upon the other palm, I could feel a searing heat penetrate. I knew healing was happening. I had been feeling a little more than frustrated about having no energy. Already tonight I sense a healing in that area. I am grateful for the opportunity to have joined in prayer for those who suffer in this joyous season. Sometimes there is Joy in the darkness that one cannot explain. Peace surpasses all understanding some days. Joy grabs hold of the heart for reasons only God knows.

Will you pray today for someone who is struggling during this holly jolly time?

Peace,

Suzanne

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Comfort and Joy

Posted on December 14, 2014 by sstyves

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What is your purpose in life? Have you ever really considered this question? If so, are you fulfilling your mission? Today’s readings are in part about vocation. In the First Reading of Isaiah 61, the author professes “the Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me” and then goes on to list the duties that are given. Not simple tasks but messy, dirty, heartbreaking and gut-wrenching work: bringing the good news to the oppressed, binding up the brokenhearted, and proclaiming freedom to captives. These are the essence of the Gospel values but the labourers are usually few and yet, this writer rejoices in the duties and finds comfort therein.

The Psalm also echoes these sentiments–the beautiful reading from Luke 1–recognizes that the Mighty One has done great things and looks with favour upon the lowliness of the servant. The response is one of rejoicing in God. In the Second Reading from 1 Thessalonians 5, some advice is given to those about the Lord’s business: rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, and hold fast to what is good. The One who calls you to the work is faithful. Again, such comfort!

Finally in today’s Gospel John the Baptist’s mission is laid out clearly. This man sent from God, named John, had a purpose. He came to testify to the Light. John knew his unworthiness and his place in history. He had not grandiose ideas. He was the voice crying out in the wilderness–a voice that was rejected and slain for his mission. At first glance, perhaps this does not fit in with the other readings which emphasize the joy of working for the Lord. Yet how can the one who is making straight the way of the Lord not rejoice?

Today we light the pink candle of Joy. This Sunday is known as Gaudete Sunday in the Catholic Church. The first word in the Entrance Antiphon explains the meaning of the Latin word: Rejoice in the Lord always. Breaking away from the purple colour scheme, the sole pink candle is lit today on the Advent wreath. Maybe that gives another insight: the one whose purpose in life is to do the Lord’s work stands out, is different, and is pure joy.

Peace,

Suzanne

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Hands Up! Who Can’t Breathe?

Posted on December 12, 2014 by sstyves

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Sometimes peace seems more distant than other times. We are nearing the completion of this week of peace. Today on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, I hear the Mother say to Juan, “Only peace, my little son” as she sends him off on a mission. I have been discussing the signs of the times with some folks lately and drawing from the Jesuit idea of the Incarnation. On this Feast Day, I cannot help but make the link that Mary revealed herself then to the poor and outcast and she still does that now to the least of these. She reassured Juan that he was under her protection and should not be distressed.

In the contemplation of the Incarnation, the Holy Trinity looks down at the world and sees everything that is going on. They are filled with love, compassion and sorrow at the human experiences. Their eyes come to rest upon the young woman, Mary, as the angel Gabriel approaches her with their plan. Her yes is one of fidelity, joy and courage. She wants to serve with all her heart.

When Juan meets Our Lady, he sees love, compassion and joy within her now. That is what serving moves us to. She tells him perhaps something that Gabriel said to her: There are many I could send. But you are the one I have chosen. There are many needed in our own world right now. Are you chosen?

The Trinity looks down through chronos and kairos and sees still that the world needs a Saviour. The world continues to be a place that is broken and hurting. My mind flits to the United States in the contemplation. I imagine the Trinity watching police officers yelling “Hands up!” and seeing a young man crumpling onto the ground as a dozen shots ring out. They see the black man in a choke hold by police, gasping, “I can’t breathe!” Right here in my own country, their eyes rest on a young First Nations girl left for dead by the river in my city, a girl perhaps not that much older than Mary was when Gabriel visited. Unlike so many other murdered and missing First Nations females, she survives and she has a message for the other Harper. She is the voice calling out in the wilderness. The leaders are not listening to the people. The world needs to put down our hands and clasp them together. We need to breathe in meditation.

Watching the families of the slain African-Americans speak out today on a popular talk show, I felt as if I could not breathe. A famous Black athlete was on the show and he commented that it was not a skin issue, but a sin issue. Powerful, insightful words! There is so much hatred in this world. In a couple of days we will celebrate the second anniversary of the shootings in Newtown. Not much change has happened since then. Why? Why do we continue, in this country, to lose our young First Nations women? When will it stop? Peace may seem elusive when we watch the news and try to piece together what is going on.

And so….I clasp my hands and breathe. I come back to that beautiful young woman, pregnant with a Saviour. She was part of a divine intervention. She was told by Gabriel not to be afraid. She would then tell Juan to not fear either. I have to believe that Love wins, that peace will come, and that God has this. I close my eyes and imagine the Trinity, looking down at us, and I wonder if they can breathe peace upon us. Can they squash the fears that haunt us? Will they look down and see at least one of us who will say yes to their ongoing plan? Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Peace,

Suzanne

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World Peace

Posted on December 10, 2014 by sstyves

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A young student I was working with the other day was rattling off her very long list for Santa and I smiled at her desires, varied and marvelous. We kept on working and it was a few hours before she stopped and looked at me. “What about you,” she inquired, “What do you want for Christmas?” Without really thinking, I replied quite honestly, “World peace.” She cocked her head and looked at me quizzically. “Peace,” I reiterated. She frowned and said nothing else as she went back to her work. I realized that my wish was as equally as impossible as this young girl’s shopping list.

What is your heart’s desire this Christmas?

Peace,

Suzanne

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Juan-abe

Posted on December 9, 2014 by sstyves

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Today is the Feast Day of St. Juan Diego Cuauhlatoatzin, following on the heels of yesterday’s Feast of the Immaculate Conception. I love the Feast of St. Juan, a simple and poor man. I think at this time of year, it really brings home that the Holy comes to all of us, especially the least of these. He was born in 1474 in what would now be Mexico City and his name meant “the talking eagle”. I love eagles, as some of you know. They are strong, majestic birds who often leave me breathless. I have seen two lately, one just yesterday, flying across my path, startling me at this time of year but bringing a smile of awe to my heart. I wonder if his name is part of the reason I am so drawn to this man.

En route to mass, St. Juan encountered the Blessed Virgin on this day in 1531. This humble convert is the one chosen to the voice for Mary, the Mother of God. He goes to the bishop and tells him that Mary has asked that a shrine to be built at Tepeyac. This human shepherd behaves a bit like Zechariah and asks for a sign. God is only too willing to oblige and while he does not strike him dumb, I am sure the bishop was silenced for days to come as he considered all that he had seen. To this day many venerate the sign St. Juan brings to him after seeing Mary a second time–on the feast day we celebrate soon enough, December 12, Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Mary told Juan to gather roses that he would find nearby and to bring them to the bishop. Those roses do not grow in Mexico, it turns out, but he did find them and eventually brought them to the bishop wrapped in his cloak. When he opened his cloak to show the bishop the roses, the striking image of Our Lady was now on it. A woman I know is traveling right now just posted a photograph of the original cloak in the Shrine and I was a bit envious. We have a replica in my church but to see the real one must be spectacular.

The fact is though that St. Juan was deeply moved as these events transpired. Why was he chosen? He devoted the rest of his life to humble service. Mary had said these beautiful words to him:

“Hear and let it penetrate into your heart, my dear little son; let nothing discourage you, nothing depress you. Let nothing alter your heart or your countenance. Also, do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection?”

As we move from hope to peace this week on the Advent Candle Wreath, are not these words exactly what many of us need to hear? It has been a challenging few days for me as I have talked with several friends who face hard times ahead. Cancer is laying its greedy paws where it does not belong. Heartache and confusion are creeping into gentle souls. Patience in waiting for news is being hip-checked. All my friends are still standing though, and rather solidly I might add.

This man is our model. He rose early that fateful morning to walk 15 miles to mass. He heard a beautiful young woman dressed as an Aztec princess promise him that she would respond to the laments of his people if a shrine would be built here. He knew he was nobody–a small rope, a tiny ladder. He was aware of his unworthiness. I love this story so much. Here was a man in tune with the suffering of his people who stood in front of the bishop who needed proof of the story. For some reason, this makes me think of the First Nations people who keep standing in front of authorities, demanding that their laments for the murdered and missing women in Canada be addressed. I wonder what is needed to comprehend the depth of their cries for justice and transformation. We need a Juan. We need Juan-abes. He is a beautiful model for us today. God will use the least likely. God will use you and me. We need to be a tiny ladder, nothing more. This is possible.

We are called in this Advent season to something greater. We must understand that the protection of God is always with us. I believe it. Mary, our Mother will let peace permeate our hearts. Trust in that, whatever the long journey ahead. Peace can be yours. Let nothing discourage or depress you.

Peace,

Suzanne

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