The sufferings of this present time...

"I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed to us."

Romans 8:18

 

This was the second reading Sunday and it just jumped off the page at me.  So many people are suffering now.  I would like to think this verse would be a comfort, but I don't know. Suffering can take on a life of its own and even words of comfort, like this, can fall short.  When in the midst of trials we just try to get hour-to-hour, day-to-day, wishing and praying for just one ordinary day. We look back, wistfully, at the days of ho-hum routine.  Boredom can look pretty good when in the middle of a crisis! Today, let's keep in our minds, hearts, and prayers those who are going through difficult times; whether they be loss of a loved one, loss of a job, injustice, a bad diagnosis, or the loss of a friend or home.  Let's consider all those who are struggling to find a better life, whether it be by crossing a border or kicking a drug habit.  Let's make a point today to pray throughout our day for all those who are suffering. And if we, ourselves, are going through a difficult time, let's turn to the One who knows suffering like no other, Jesus.  Love, heidi

Landscaping project!

"A sower went out to sow.  And as he sowed, seed fell on the path..."

Matthew 13:3-4

 

After this Gospel yesterday, I re-read the corresponding chapter in "Jesus: A Pilgrimage" for more to chew on.  Fr. James Martin poses the possibility that we may all experience all types of terrain in our own relationship with God.  I sat and pondered this for a long time and came up with some real examples of my own. To begin, what part of our lives is most fertile ground?  For me, my relationships with family and loved ones. It's easy to see the good fruit sprouting up and growing in those loving and nourishing relationships.  That said, where, in our lives, is our rocky ground?  Where we can't readily observe God's word changing us? I tend to hold onto hurts and grudges. I can easily wallow around in the past at the expense of the present. There are some big boulders, there, I'm afraid. And what about those thorny areas? I tend to jump to harsh judgments and just have a hard time with people who challenge me or need compassion from me. Those are some thorny bushes, I'd love to dig up and toss away!  God's word has immense power in our lives, but different areas of our lives may be more receptive to it.  What can we do to be more receptive in ALL areas?  I think our awareness of the areas in which we struggle is a start. We can certainly turn to Jesus for help in pulling out the thorn bushes and hauling in top soil!  The rocks may be a bit harder to move, though.  Love, heidi

God moments

"Positive experiences are moments in which a sacramental sensibility seems to overtake us, so that God's presence, light, love, and glory shine through them."

Janet K. Ruffing, RSM, "Spiritual Direction--Beyond the Beginnings"

 

We probably became more aware of these moments after Cursillo, when we'd be asked to reflect on our Closest Moment to Christ from the previous week. Our awareness of these moments is the key--they probably occur all the time but we just may miss them.  I was walking the dog last night and there were fabulous storm clouds brewing in the west.  The sun was casting light down through the clouds creating an awesome picture.  I had new tunes on my mp3 player and the whole deal--the song, the picture of God shining right through the clouds, even the fact that Tebow walks so well on a leash, just moved me to tears.  I couldn't stop smiling and I couldn't stop the tears either.  The moment, frozen in time, just spoke to me of God's closeness to me and also God's tender love.  God was saying to me, "Here I am...I'm here for you!  Let's enjoy this summer evening!"  Today, let's be especially aware of these God moments in our day.  Maybe we can just stop what we're doing, tune into God and just say Thanks!  Thanks for a summer Thursday!  Love, heidi

Jesus is calling...

"Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority..."

Matthew 10:1

 

On Pray-As-You-Go this morning, they talk about Jesus naming the disciples--calling them by name.  We were asked to think about what that would be like, to hear Jesus calling us by name. I thought about it for a bit and realized that I often imagine Jesus calling me "Little One," and I really like that.  Now, I sit and imagine Jesus calling me to do something.  Yesterday's prayer "Jesus, what do you need? What do you want? What would you do?" was very powerful to me and I could feel myself changing the course of my day to be a little more other-centered because of it.  It's a good start!  So today, I can imagine Jesus calling me and asking me to step out of myself again.  What can I do to put aside my own Heidi-centered agenda and help someone else today?  "Little One, come and help me..."  Love, heidi

What do you need, Jesus?

"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few..."

Matthew 9:38

 

It is just way too easy to cast this off as a call for clergy!  We could easily say, "Oh that doesn't mean ME! I already have my vocation!"  Too easy!  The fact is, we are all called to serve in the fields of God.  But how?  I really like this prayer I read just last night.  A person in Spiritual Direction prayed to Jesus, "What do you need? What do you want? What would you do?" (Spiritual Direction--Beyond the Beginnings, by Janet K. Ruffing, RSM)  Isn't that a neat prayer?  God needs you and me working in the fields, teaching people about Jesus through our loving actions. Just how are we to do that, this summer Tuesday?  A good start is this lovely prayer..."What do you need, Jesus? What do you want? What would you do?"  Then, let's do it!  Love, heidi

Lead me to the desert!

"I will allure her;

I will lead her into the desert and speak to her heart."

Hosea 2:16

 

I believe this happens every time I go off on retreat--especially to the Hermitage.   My question this morning is:  Is God speaking more to me when I am off on retreat or is it that I'm listening better? Maybe a bit of both, truth be told.  God has a captive audience in me when I am unplugged from chores, phone, and computer.  I am so much more open to listening, hearing, just experiencing God in everything around me.  Why can't I seem to get that tuned in while at home?  It is definitely harder to unplug while at home.  The computer beckons me with new email as I walk by.  There are clothes in the dryer crying out for me to fold them.  The dogs need a walk. Not to mention the new July offerings on Netflix!  Oh my! Lord, please help me to unplug myself from the world, even while at home.  I need you to lure me into my own backyard and speak to my heart in the stillness of a summer morning.  I need help to listen to your whisper while still in the midst of my life!  Love, heidi