God in all things

  As I switched off my computer today at work, a photo of Nelson Mandela flitted over the screen when I clicked out of my email. I had automatically clicked the browser closed but a sinking feeling came over me and I opened it again. All week long I had been watching the South African online news for some reason. I knew why now. Madiba had died. I sat for a moment in the place between sadness that his life was over and joy that he was finally free at last.

When I was in South Africa in June every day we would check his status. Was he still alive? Had the family stopped quibbling over things? Would we be part of a huge celebration of this giant’s life?

One night, while rooming with one of the South African women, she asked me what it would mean to me if he died. I could not articulate it at the time but I have thought about the question often since. How can I explain that this man has been an integral part of my life on the other side of the globe to people who were just discovering who he was? How could I know all the wonderful things that he did and some of the younger South Africans I was traveling with did not seem to know the gift he was to their country, let alone our world? I mourned that the propaganda had stopped them from learning about this man and his deeds.

I have many memories but the one that sticks with me is from the Millennium celebrations, when Mandela re-entered his cell of many years and lit a candle. He has been a light, one who gave much of his life to a struggle until captured. He spent 27 years in prison, planning for freedom. While others continued to risk their lives, he continued inside, fighting for a freedom that he never gave up on.  When I read Long Walk to Freedom I wept when he was denied the dignity of attending his son’s funeral. Giving his life for freedom meant losing his own family. His sacrifices were great and yet he managed to remain free of hostility and bitterness.

He emerged from his ordeal envisioning a country where all would be free. Time and time again he showed his inner strength, his wisdom, and his mercy. I have much to learn from this giant of a man. His joy inspires me. His ability to forgive and move forward challenge me. He was humble in the midst of it all. I remember one other story, this time from the trip, that explains that this great man never forgot who he was or the people he served. A former TRC commissioner shared with us that he loved the gardens at the president’s house. One day he caught a glimpse of the gardener who immediately hid himself because he was not supposed to be seen. The next time Mandela drove by he spotted him again. He leaped from the car and invited the gardener and his co-workers to come for tea, much to the dismay of the presidential staff. When challenged, he replied that he would host these men and he did. He never stopped doing unheard of things for his people. I love that story because it shows his commitment to the people and his love of doing simple, good things as he tried to make the world a better place.

I am sure that there is an amazing, mind-blowing party happening tonight at the Pearly Gates. Biko, Tambo, and so many others are welcoming him Home, while God flings open his arms with the greeting, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Peace,

Suzanne

“Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of the people he will take away from all the earth…this is the Lord for whom we have waited let us be glad and rejoice.” ~ Isaiah 25

The Gospel today is the feeding of the five thousand, complemented by the first reading in Isaiah of being on the mountain of the Lord where a feast of rich food and well-aged wines will be served. In the Psalm, we hear the beloved words that the Lord will prepare a table for us. We wait during Advent for Jesus to arrive in our lives anew. He will feed us with all that we need and more. That is the power and pleasure of our Lord. We cannot even begin to imagine what that day will look like. Our tears will be wiped away and all of our sufferings will cease. Rejoice and be glad! Hang on to hope this week. Come, Lord Jesus, come.

Peace,

Suzanne

In today’s Gospel reading, seventy disciples return with joy and tell Jesus all that they had done. I am sure Jesus was tickled at their enthusiasm. As I drove home tonight, I was telling Jesus about what had happened too during a presentation on prayer that I had given–as if he was not even there. I know that he already knew but I was still excited about how it went and even my self-criticism did not take the joy away. I was aware that the Spirit had moved powerfully through me and I was so grateful. I just wanted him to know that I knew that he was at the centre of that talk and that the outcome was beautiful for me too. I can imagine those disciples telling Jesus story after story of healing, and Jesus nodding with a smile, delighted in their amazement at the work of the Trinity.  Joy is generated in these moments and hearts expand with Love.

In the First Reading, the stump of Jesse springs a shoot and the Spirit of the Lord rests upon him. The gift of the message is that the Spirit also rests upon us, which is why we can also return with joy when we do the work of the Lord. The glorious images of the wolf living with the lamb, the leopard laying down with the kid and the calf and the lion being together, all led by a little child fill our hearts with utter joy. Such hope seems ludicrous and yet longed for so completely! Such is the outcome when we do the work of the Lord. It is not ours, but yet we are mysteriously the vessel through which Good comes.

I am part of a small prayer group that is reading Tattoo on My Heart by Fr. Greg Boyle and earlier tonight we met to discuss the first part of this amazing book in the light of the ministries that we carry out–most of us volunteer with thugs and hoodlums, just like in this book. We live with the lamb and the wolf at moments in these ministries of presence. Hope sometimes seems ludicrous and ridiculous in the ministries of working with inmates or homeless people. Yet we return with joy and tell one another and Jesus all about it. We are changed as much as we change. We are healed equally as healing. We are blessed by the Spirit as we bless in the name of Christ. During this Advent waiting, pay attention to the times of returning with joy to an event that happened as you review your day.  Let the little Child lead your heart to joy.

Peace,

Suzanne

Today’s Gospel is about a man who knows his place. He knows his power and translates it into understanding Christ’s. He knows what Jesus is capable of doing and that tells me that he has a good sense of self. Jesus did not have to trudge a long way to cure the servant and the centurion recognized his obvious authority.

We walk sometimes through life misunderstanding the words of the Gospel. Some days, like this commander, we are fully aware that we are not worthy of more than two minutes of Jesus’ precious time because we know He has it.  We know that Jesus has more important things to do because we believe. We do not need Jesus to spend much time on us; we know what great power lies within the Messiah. There are others who do not believe and require greater attention.

How much faith do you have in the power of Jesus to work miracles in your life? As you wait this Advent, pay attention to those moments when you are worthy or in need of reassurance and those when you need not worry because you have surrendered to the incredible power that is extended to us.

Peace,

Suzanne

Today is the Advent Sunday known as Hope Sunday. In a few days, we will be remembering the 1989 Montreal Massacre. Shortly after will be the one-year anniversary of the Newtown shootings. Perhaps as we begin Advent, it is good to pray for hope and for peace in our world. Many are devastated by the events around them. Here in the North, it is easy to forget where the homeless will sleep as temperatures drop. Safe in our own homes, the people suffering from the devastation in the Philippines seems surreal. In this busy holiday season, we can be so distracted by our to-do list that we forget to-be present to the real reason for this season.  I am looking as I usually do this time of year to participate in a few Christmas miracles so that I can help to harvest hope for some people in dire need this season. Keep your eyes open for such opportunities.

Advent is to wait and to begin these four weeks we hope. I believe in hope, foolish though that may be to many. I know our world needs a good, heaping dose of hope. Many people feel hopeless at this time of year. Some cannot afford food, let alone fancy gifts. Some are discouraged at spending yet another Christmas by themselves. Others dread the closing of this year as it means work is also ending due to lay-offs and cutbacks.

In today’s readings we have reason to hope. Come to the mountain of the Lord so that he may teach us his ways and we may walk in his paths. Stop learning war and walk in the Light. I hunger for the Old Testament passages during Advent. Psalm 122 urges the people to go to the house of the Lord, to pray that peace be within you, and to seek the good of others for the sake of the Lord. We are urged in Romans 13 to awake from our slumber, to lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of light, to live honourably, and to put on Christ. The Gospel of Matthew is also a call to keep awake as the Son of Man will appear at an unexpected hour.

There is a call to vigilance and hopeful anticipation, a heeding of keeping watch for the One who is Coming. During World Youth Day, Pope Francis advised the crowds to not be robbed of hope and to not rob others of hope, but rather to become bearers of hope. In Ann Voskamp’s new book on Advent, The Greatest Gift, the reflection for Day 1 says:

“The mattering part is never what isn’t. The mattering part is never the chopped off stump. It isn’t what dream has been cut down, what hope has been cut off, what part of the heart has been cut out. The tender mattering part is–you have a Tree.”

Out of the stump of Jesse will come the tree that will become the cross. The beautiful Babe that we await in these four week is born as an ultimate sign of hope–God becomes human, vulnerable, and touchable. God was there in Montreal and in Newtown. God is there in your personal pain and anguish. God vulnerable and present has the power to restore any hope you might have misplaced recently.  Come, walk in the light, hunger for the Good News that is being delivered, spread hope, sprinkle joy, and seek good for others. Be diligent and awake. Now is the time to believe that whatever has happened to you, God can redeem.

Peace,

Suzanne

I am grateful to live in the land of the silver birch. Canada really is a stunning country. Today as i drove home from work, I found myself thankful for so many things. God hides in some amazing disguises if we have but eyes to see.  What is it that you find yourself filled with appreciation for right now?

Peace,

Suzanne

Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah. Do you ever contemplate if your light shines brightly in this world? Or is it dimly flickering, tired of the darkness? Believe that your light is needed. Shine!! Think about spreading light over the duration of this Jewish holiday. Our world needs joy, peace, wonder, love, and light. Be a light bearer. You may find your flame burning strongly at the end of this time if you are attentive.

Peace,

Suzanne

Seeking God in all things is a hide and seek game. My prairie province is often maligned because it is so flat yet we have a “mountain” or two. My heart always sings at the sight of them. I know many marvelous creatures live there and I always hope to catch a glimpse. None this trip but still a lovely prairie view on a clear day.

Stereotyping does not let you see the surprises that God offers you daily. Let your heart be surprised.

Peace,

Suzanne

I used to pass this house en route to a friend’s place out in the country.  Back then, you could still tell it was a house of sorts. Now, you would miss it if you were not looking for it. Today when I passed it, I thought about how my “house” had fallen into disarray over the past year. Slowly, things sort of fell apart. Demons moved in and I have spent part of the fall, sweeping them out, tidying up and shining the furniture. Distracted by other things, I took my eyes off the One who creates clean hearts and renews spirits. I love being back in my home, where God is a welcome guest and a strong foundation.

What state is your house in these days? Do you need any tidying as we approach Advent?

Peace,

Suzanne

It is that in-between dangerous time here–rivers are not yet quite frozen; sidewalks are slippery, roads have black ice. When you leave home one morning you need a hat and parka; the next you can throw on a lighter jacket. Today I returned to driving on the highway and it was one of the worst drives of my 14-year career. At one point, I saw that the surface looked shiny so I took my foot off the accelerator. I saw a car in the ditch on my left. Ahead, a half-ton truck in each ditch with people just getting out of them. I could feel that my tires were struggling to stay glued to the road. Definitely scary!

I had a three and a half hour drive ahead of me today which seemed never-ending. I had no choice but to stay in the present moment. Driving 80 km/hour stretched the trip out but at least I arrived safely. God sent angels around me today to protect me. I remember why I do not like this job at this time of year.

Upon arriving at the school though, I remembered why I love this job. I spent an intense afternoon with new staff and hardly had a moment to breathe but as the afternoon sped by, I was happy to be back doing this kind of work after a short break. God is at work in my life and I need to pay attention to the movements of the Spirit. Sometimes the road is not easy–it can be a slippery slope that requires complete attention to the task. Life is like that right now but I know I am in God’s good hands and there is no place I would rather be.

Peace,

Suzanne