God in all things

I am currently enrolled in a photography class and the first lesson we had was on barriers to seeing which made me think of my blog which invites readers to see God in all things. Sometimes we do not “recognize the value of the familiar” as the author of a handout for the class suggests. Freeman Patterson writes about how we cannot always see past ourselves in shooting photographs. Our worries and our inadequacies catch up with us. Sometimes it is that we see too much and cannot focus on what is right in front of our eyes. We see the same things and in their ordinariness we actually do not see them.

The same is true for God. We do not always recognize God in the familiar because we seek the extravagant experience. To be content might be to relax in the routine. Appreciate the daily gifts that bombard our lives. Wonder at the smell of coffee in the morning or the sound of footsteps crunching on snow. Breathe deep and know that Life has filled your lungs. All is a miracle worth seeing. Do not be misled by the glamour of glitz. Be awed by the ordinary. See God there…and there….and over there. God is knocking at every door in every moment awaiting your response.

Peace,

Suzanne

Epiphany is one of my favourite Sundays and it is officially the 12th day of Christmas. The readings are spectacular. Isaiah returns after a bit of a break: Arise, shine for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!…Then you shall see and be radiant, your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you. We are a people blessed beyond our imaginations and are asked to arise and shine our lights for all the world to see. This is the time of rejoicing.

The Gospel of Matthew’s account of the Magi has long held readers captive to this mysterious tale. Rich in intrigue and deceit, joy and wonder, and wisdom to feed the soul this story is worth reading again and again. Who are these wise men that appear on Herod’s doorstep, asking for the Child? Who is this King that invokes such terror in Herod and all of Jerusalem? What is this star, even, that shines so brightly that all are fixated on it? So many questions arise from this tale.

First of all this story is about seekers–people who long for something outside of themselves, something that will fulfill them on the deepest of levels.  They have been vigilant, watching the sky for a sign, and lo, their time has been rewarded. This star bursts into the heavens and catches the attention of those who are looking. Perhaps that Light is God’s own heart, bursting with Love for the Beloved Babe, shining in the darkness so that all will know that the Light cannot be defeated.

Why do we fear the Light? What is it that we are terrified that it may reveal? Herod is afraid of lose his power to this new King, and attempts to spin a web of deceit so that he may destroy the competition. Can we let go of all of our fears as this New Year begins so that we may be filled with the Light that longs for us to be free? Can we celebrate others while knowing we are still enough? Will you choose to be a seeker of the Light? Will you follow the star that is beckoning?

The Magi set out, following the star and when they realize that it had stopped–without even seeing to whom it had led them–they were overwhelmed with joy. They simply knew they had arrived at the spot to where they had been called and were filled with incredible joy. They did not know exactly what it meant–and they would soon be in for a surprise as to who this King was–but nonetheless, they rejoiced. Such gratitude! Do we embrace the moment of our journey without comprehending the outcome or do we despair that it may not be all that we had hoped it would be? No wonder we call them wise men.

Entering the house, they worship the Child and offer Him their gifts. They do not ask for anything it seems–they gently give of what they have brought and leave. They give their very best to this Stranger who has been their Guide and Destination.  They offer praise and honour. Then they depart.

The thing is though, they leave different than how they arrived.  They choose not to return to Herod who they might have honoured earlier in the story but now have encountered the Truth and so walk a different road. That is the amazing reality about encountering Christ.  You are never the same. Your dreams speak to you. Your heart is restless. You no longer are comfortable walking in the same way you did. You always long for the Light.

When I left for Africa four years ago, my pastor posted on my blog these words: “Follow that star and who knows what road will take you back!!” I have returned to those words on occasion, when I want to let my light shine, when I am afraid of the journey, or when the calling in my heart seem bigger than I can imagine. They are words of hope to me. I long to follow the star all of my days, to let its Light shine on my path, even if it is simply one step at a time, and to reflect it back to those who sit in darkness. This is a New Year with a clean slate. I do not know where this road will take me; I do know though that deep down I trust God to lead me and to overwhelm me with Joy. I can only hope that I will remember to fall on my knees and pay God homage, to offer my best gifts, and to walk with as much courage as I can muster upon a road I had not considered traveling, and to shine as brightly as I can in thanksgiving for it all.

Peace,

Suzanne

So this is Day 11 of the Christmas season. Many of us will have packed up the tree and have moved on in various ways, not including the dedicated shoppers still hunting for those 80% off deals on Christmas merchandise. I however am still listening to Christmas carols. I am a stalwart Christmas celebrator. I savour the lights and the glitter. In fact, last night, friends and I exchanged gifts.Their tree is still up too.

On this 11th day I contemplate Howard Thurman’s message:

When the star in the sky is gone,
When the Kings and Princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flocks,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost
To heal the broken
To feed the hungry
To release the prisoner
To teach the nations
To bring Christ to all
To make music in the heart.

This is the work of Christmas that we cannot–indeed must not–pack away with the tree and tinsel. This is the work that Christ calls each of us to, that reminds us of why Jesus became human. His face is in the hungry, the broken, the poor, the beaten, the wounded, and the lonely. We are called to make music in hearts that are tone deaf, to brighten the darkness that threatens to overwhelm, and to journey with those in need of compassion. His are the tears of a child in Syria. His empty belly aches in Burundi. The thin body in the shared hospital bed in Ethiopia is Christ’s. The woman trafficked from Cambodia is the Suffering Servant. The child in the Philippines whose home is destroyed is a familiar Face. Reach out to the least of these. The work of Christmas is not over as we say goodbye to this Holy Season.  If you are looking for a New Year’s Resolution, think of your gifts and of someone who can use them. These are the gifts that were not under the tree but the ones that we were blessed with and were to be given away in service.

As Christmas ends, what gift will you give to those in need? Won’t you join in the continual work of Christmas?

Peace,

Suzanne

We are still celebrating in the Church the birth of Jesus even though the rest of the world might have moved on to different interests. Today the Catholic Church honours the Holy Name of Jesus, that Babe that was born 2000-plus years ago. This Child is God-become-human, the greatest gift that we can know. He is the One who knows all of our human struggles and who gave His life so that we would always have Life. This Child becomes the Man who John the Baptist in today’s Gospel says that the Spirit will descend upon from heaven like a dove and remain upon.

This Jesus has many holy names: Emmanuel, Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God. What name of Jesus means the most to you at this moment in your life?  Who is this Jesus to you? What qualities speak most to  you about the Christ?

How do you use the name of Jesus? I cringe when I hear it taken in vain or used in disregard.  Do you call upon the name of Jesus when in need? Do you whisper thanks when you have survived overwhelming moments? Do you sing out when you are surprised by Joy? What is it about this name that heals and blesses you? Who is Jesus for you?

Peace,

Suzanne

Today, the first day of 2014, is the Feast Day that celebrates Mary, the Holy Mother of God. The Catholic Church also recognizes this as the World Day of Peace. Today, obviously, is a magnificent day.  We are nearing the end of the Christmas season and our attention turns to the New Year but we focus on Mary today and give thanks for her yes that made Christmas possible.

Oftentimes, Mary is deified and placed on a pedestal equal to her Son, God become human who lived among us. For me, it is very much Mary’s humanity and frailty that draws me to her. This is a woman who had the seed of peace planted within her and literally delivers that great gift–the Prince of Peace–to our world. As you make your New Year resolutions, what is it that would bring you the most peace this year?

I had the opportunity to see the movie The Desolation of Smaug this afternoon. One of the themes of the film is evil versus good, dark against Light. Tauriel asks, ” Tell me, when did we let evil become stronger than us?”  What if, this year, we tried to not let that happen? What if we let peace, joy, wonder, compassion, and mercy rule instead? What if Goodness was stronger than us in each trivial decision we had to make, until we were so well-versed in it that in our struggle moments we could just lean into Goodness and trust it completely?

Could we, as Mary did, say an unwavering yes, to this seed of Hope?

Peace,

Suzanne

I just saw a post that said my city was as cold as Mars today.  We are in a deep freeze here with temperatures plummeting to numbers that have not been seen in centuries. We are ending the year well-chilled.

As I look back over this spectacular year, I think the word that comes to my mind is blessed. Two major trips, reconnection with some good friends out east, inspiring speakers to challenge and encourage me, and amazing opportunities.  I learned so much and met phenomenal people. I am so very grateful for what transpired.

As the year ends, I look ahead to 2014 and I feel hopeful. I do not know what the year holds. At the moment I have no extravagant plans, only ordinary ones.  Perhaps that will be the lesson relearned this year–live the ordinary well.  Embrace the life given at every moment. Hold the present as a gift.

I am not making many resolutions yet but I will as the New Year progresses. What do you hold dear from this past year? What are you looking forward to as 2014 begins?

Peace,

Suzanne

On the sixth day of Christmas, it is bitterly cold outside and the temptation is to never crawl out of bed until June. Instead, I seek out beauty as I tend to do. I head to the spa with a friend and we hide from the frigid temperatures and pretend we are in the tropics. Then I drive to a friend’s place for a visit with an out-of-town friend. I finally go home and the desire to snuggle in for the remainder of the week arises again. Sigh.

One week and I am back at work. Six more days of Christmas remain. We are halfway there, folks. Bask in the Light of the Christmas tree. Re-read a card or two. Send the ones you have not yet. Take a moment to reflect on what this year has meant for you. Give thanks for the Gift of this year. The Christmas season is to be treasured and pondered.

Peace,

Suzanne

As I read the readings this morning prior to mass, I was moved by Sirach’s words about fathers: “My child, help your father in his old age and do not grieve him as long as he lives. Even is his mind fails, be patient with him; because you have all your faculties.” These words on the Feast of the Holy Family took on new meaning for me. I could not help but wonder if Joseph needed his son’s help as he aged. Tradition has it that Joseph was older than Mary and died prior to the start of Christ’s ministry. My own heart is tender towards my dad as he struggles with remembering what he is saying in his pain fog.

This Feast day helps us to imagine Jesus growing up in a family, watching his father in the shop and his mother in the kitchen. I can hear peals of laughter as Joseph tosses his young son in the air, followed by shouts of “Do it again, Papa!” I see him riveted to the cake his mother is making and she smiles as she gives him the spoon to lick.  My heart is warmed as Mary tucks her son into bed and gives him a good night kiss. Joseph lifts the young lad up from where he has fallen asleep and carries him into the house after a long journey. They are at temple together worshiping. They attend weddings where no first miracle yet happens. They tend to sick relatives and no one is healed. They know both sorrow and joy as a family. They are like every family, with disappointments and celebrations making their lives routine.

That routine will end one day and Christ will step up to perform the first of many miracles and suddenly life will not be the same. Joseph will not see this part of his son’s life but his influence will have played a part in how Jesus carries out his mission. Family shapes us for the vocation we embrace. Jesus has more than one Father but both mold him into the man he is meant to be. On this Holy Feast Day, give thanks for your family who has made you who you are. It is sometimes a hard gift to accept, with painful lessons at times, but if you embrace it lovingly, you might see the goodness that is there.

Peace,

Suzanne

Day 4 of 12, I find myself wishing this lifestyle could continue forever. I get up. I pray. I read. I lounge in bed. I visit with a friend via Skype. I shovel snow. I go to a party where I meet new people and catch up with dear friends. I win a prize. I walk home in the bitter cold, stopping in at a neighbourhood store. I eat supper and simply breathe. This is what life is supposed to be like I think. The pace is glorious and I am utterly grateful for the gift of this time.

How have you spent this day?

Peace,

Suzanne