Reflections

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So what is the Nature of Light?

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The spring equinox is upon us in North America this week. It is the day when we experience a balance of natural light hours and darkness. A welcome occasion for sure, one we have been anticipating as the hours of daylight have gradually lengthened.

So what is the nature of light? A Google search leads to 488 million choices to answer a question that has been pondered by scientists for centuries. Their discoveries have led to some very revealing facts. Light can’t be easily defined or studied but scientific advances lead us to a greater understanding of this mystery. We know for instance that light is not an either/or it’s a both/and - wave and particle.

Light provides us with the ability to see clearly, to find our way, to make discoveries. We know that most living things gravitate toward light for its warmth, clarity and transformative powers. Without light, for example, the power of photosynthesis would not be possible. How different would our world be without light?

In many spiritual texts light is used as a metaphor for goodness, even for the Divine. We read, in reference to Jesus, in the prologue of the Gospel of John: The lights shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.

These thoughts of the mystery of light were with me recently as I sat near a window. The sun came out just then. I felt the warmth on my back and I felt reassured and joyful. Winter is finally lessening its cold hard grasp. I felt energized and moved to get active. A few days later I realized I had exactly the same response to seeing a good friend’s face coming towards me. I felt warmed, reassured and joyful. A smile broke out across my face as we shared an enthusiastic hug.

Transforming energies are available to us in the ordinariness of life. We can be light for one another. Awareness of the gift of the mystery of light in my life and openness to being moved to action are essential elements in being transformed. What or who brings light into my life?

In this time of the spring equinox reflect and consider . . .  What could I do or be so that there would be more light in our world.

Ann Baker, CSJ Associate
Jean Bowden, CSJ Associate

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Helping Others Reach Their Someday

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Recently, during yet another commercial break, my distracted thoughts were pulled back to attention by the words, “Helping others reach their someday”. I quickly scribbled the message down on a used envelope wanting somehow to retain their message. I made a mental note to myself, “This message deserves sharing”.

As I mused on these words I thought, “Might the commercial’s message hint at a modern application of the Lenten practice of almsgiving.” Almsgiving need not be restricted to monetary giving. Gifts may include time freely spent with others, words of appreciation, listening to someone else’s problems or dreams etc.

As Christians trekking through the days of our Lenten journey, we are invited to seek new hearts. This simple ad line aptly expresses the spirit of a giving heart.

During the season of Lent, I put forward this challenge to you - Discover what acts of encouragement  you might offer from a giving heart to bring another closer to reaching their hoped for someday.

Diana Ross, in her song, ‘Reach Out and Touch’, also expresses how we can help someone reach their someday. Enjoy a listen.

Nancy Wales CSJ

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Did you watch the Oscars last Sunday?

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Did you watch the Oscars last Sunday? What razzle and dazzle, the stage was radiant with sparkling light and the voices rang out in proclamation “And the award goes to”.  Well wait till you hear the Gospel proclamation for Sunday the Second Week of Lent – here is a description of another amazing experience of dazzlingly light and a voice proclaiming “This is my Beloved; listen to him”.  Just before this extraordinary experience, Jesus and three of his good friends had trekked up a high mountain peak: made a huge effort to arrive at this sacred space where no one knew what would occur, what the results would be. But then a flash of dazzlingly light and words of intimate conviction! An extraordinary revelation! A vision that clarified and claimed Jesus as the beloved of God. 

The Oscars may honour the extreme effort and talent of cast and crew, writer and artistic designer, composer and special effects. But the Gospel passage invites us into contemplating what this transforming scene might mean for each of us faith filled pilgrims in our daily life, far from the hype of TV cameras.

Circumstances like this are rare for most of us. I am not quite sure how I would react. But we are told in other gospel renderings that the three on-lookers were so engaged that they wanted to stay – to sustain this mysterious joy? In spite of their response Jesus urged them to move on and not to say a word about what was revealed.

And yet our world needs to know that such amazing love is beckoning us. At a time when the earth and its people are in much need of healing, is not this tale important to tell?

The passage tells us that the four returned to the ordinary ways of life, eating and drinking at table with the sick, the fragile, the broken, the lost. Perhaps the invitation “Listen to him!” became a mantra for his friends, as Jesus welcomed the stranger, spoke words of comfort to those in sorrow, prayed for the release of disturbing illnesses of the mind.

Jay Cormier in reflecting on this passage suggests that: “The challenge of discipleship is to allow the love of God within us to “transfigure” despair into hope, sadness into joy, anguish into healing, estrangement into community.” Can we find that depth of amazing love, as gift within ourselves, and become the vessels for God to “transfigure” terror into beauty?

Loretta Manzara CSJ

Jay Cormier quotation from “Daily Reflections for Lent, Not by Bread Alone, 2010”, Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN, page 29. Liturgical Press grants gratis permission for one-time use.

 

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A Lenten Journey in the Desert: “Living God, Quench My Thirst!”

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Water is a tremendous gift! Call to your awareness your total dependency on water.  In every culture, water is a powerful metaphor for life. Water is associated with mystical experiences. Where is your favourite body of water and why does it hold a special place in your life?

During Lent, like the Israelites in the Book of Exodus, we are also led into the wilderness, where God speaks to our heart. In the dry wasteland of living out of our false self, we are asked to empty ourselves of all that clutters this landscape, so that there is space for God. We take an honest look at ourselves. In letting go of limiting forms of life, we can be filled with the fullness of authentic life in God. The way of the wilderness is the way to a renewed self. God will “satisfy your needs in parched places … you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.”  (Isaiah 58:11)

What is your experience of thirst for God? God invites us to: “Come to the waters, all who thirst; … come and drink with joy!” (Isaiah 55:1)  Jesus beckons: “If any are thirsty, let them come to me! Let them come and drink who believe in me! Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37b-38) In our thirst for God, we must go to the deep spring within ourselves to encounter the Spirit of Jesus, the Living Water. We will discover that God faithfully and compassionately accompanies us on our inner journey to wholeness.   

After Jesus was baptized, the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness. Jesus knows what it is like to be in a barren land thirsting for signs of new life and refreshment.  God’s angels ministered to Jesus, in his humanity.  As the waters of life were poured over us in Baptism, we became one with Christ. During our Lenten journey to new life, we pray that God will help us to recognize and accept God’s constant care for us in our personal deserts. 

Our intimacy with God deepens when we take time daily to commune with God in prayer. Going to Christ as to a well and drinking deeply of his Spirit, our thirst is quenched. As earthen vessels, we can then be water-bearers to others who thirst for life-giving nourishment. Who have you been a living well for? What persons have been living wells for you? (Refer to Seasons of Your Heart by Macrina Wiederkehr)

Kathleen O’Keefe CSJ

 

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Breathe In – Breathe Out

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By Tuesday, it seemed we had just recently finished off the last of the Christmas goodies and already it was time to clean out the pantry to make ready for Ash Wednesday, in preparation for our six week journey from Lent to Easter. It seems the older we get the faster the cycle goes or perhaps that is just me talking.

Well folks, this wonderful journey through Lent has begun and it gives us the opportunity to put on the brakes again and look at life squarely in the eye – take a deep breath, breath in God and slowly exhale the Spirit of healing into the world. Ask yourself, “This Lent what am I ready to exhale for the betterment of the world, my community, and myself?”

Breathing is a two way movement. Our present world needs all the breath of life we can give to it. We may need to practice some deep breathing exercises first to really make an impact individually and as a community.

  • We can breathe out positivity and with each breath it will grow stronger.
  • We can breathe out compassion helping to heal individuals and even daily crises.
  • We can breathe out welcome to those who feel so alone.
  • We can breathe out justice – take a stand, let your voice be heard.

The more deeply you breathe in the more strongly you can breathe out. We put a positive rhythm in place and life around us becomes renewed.

We can’t change the world in six weeks but we can do our part to refresh the air around us. You know the saying “It only takes a spark to get the fire going.”

This Lent may our breath spark peace, comfort, and a lived sense of community.

Are you ready? 1-2-3 altogether – BREATHE!

Barbara Vaughan CSJ