Giving and gathering

"All of these look to you

to give them their food in due season.

You give it, they gather it up;

you open wide your hand, they are well-filled."

Psalm 104:27-28

 

While the Israelites wandered in the desert, God literally fed them with manna, quail and water out of a rock.  God gave it and the people gathered and ate it--just like it is described here.  But something shifted when Jesus came along.  God still feeds the people, but the actual hands opening and nourishing are our hands.  Jesus tells us to do the work of the Father and feed the hungry.  God still feeds the hungry, but now it is through our hands.  Today is Pope Francis' birthday and last year on his birthday he invited several homeless men to mass and breakfast. Today, let's celebrate his birthday by doing something for special for those who may be suffering in our own communities.  And as we open our hands in giving, let's pray for many more happy birthdays for Pope Francis!  Love, heidi

Just do it!

"Jesus said, 'What is your opinion? A man had two sons...'"

Matthew 21:28

 

Jesus poses the hypothetical of a father asking one son to go into the field and work.  The son says "No," but goes and works anyway.  The other son says he will go but does not.  Which one does the will of the father?  The ponderous question looms...which one am I? It's so much easier to talk a good game than it is to actually do it. If I am truly honest with myself I know I am more like the second son than I'd like to be. I avoid the difficult people. I shudder at reaching out.  I keep a close watch on this heart of mine, to quote the old song. It's not as easy for me to actually do God's will as it is to talk (or write) about it each day.  So knowing and recognizing this, what am I going to do about it?  This is why we have this period of reflection and reconciliation called Advent.  To prepare ourselves and become the people God created.  To become the people who actually do God's will instead of just talking about it.  We have our marching orders, let's go!  Love, heidi

God will help!

"The one who calls you is faithful, and he will also accomplish it."

1 Thessalonians 5:24

 

This reading yesterday really struck me.  It reinforces the message I have been receiving lately that when God calls us to something, God gives us what we need to complete it.  When I read it yesterday, I was reminded of my first semester in graduate school in Michigan.  I was just a little Montana girl, coming to this huge school, to this renowned program and I was so afraid I couldn't cut it.  I expressed my fears to a second semester student who knew the ropes and he reassured me.  "They selected you for this program," he said, referring to the faculty.  "They'll help you through it."  What he said in secular terms hit home spiritually for me. God had called me to the field of blind rehabilitation and this particular program.  I had a higher calling then and I feel I have a calling from God now.  So, God, who calls us will definitely help us accomplish it, whatever it is!  We need to show up with willing hands and an open heart.  God will help. This is so reassuring as we continue with the tasks God has given us as well as when we embark on new ones.  God is faithful and God will help.  Love, heidi

Already here!

"Sometimes we seem to 'discern' ourselves right past the moment of opportunity and on past the moment of grace, rather than see and hear the all-too-obvious signs of the reign of God being offered us--a hurt that needs healing, an injustice that demands righting, an offense calling for forgiveness."

Sr. Pat Kozak, "Give Us This Day"

 

This really resonates with me today.  Sometimes we get so caught up in the "waiting" of Advent we miss what is happening right now.  While we are waiting for Christ to be born are we missing the Jesus who is sitting right beside us?  I remember one Advent I was so intent on the waiting I'd finally just had enough of that by the Fourth Sunday of Advent and practically shouted, "I'm tired of waiting! Come NOW!"  It was then I sensed the presence of Jesus beside me saying, "I'm right here and have been all along...no need to shout, Heidi-dear." I wonder if we don't make all this so much harder and more complex than it really is by "over-discerning" as Sr. Pat suggests.  It also reminds me of one of Fr. Richard Rohr's comments:  You can quit knocking, you are already inside! Let's not over-think, over-stress or over-anything today.  Let's just bask in the presence of Jesus, who is, in fact, already here! Love, heidi

Come to me...

"Jesus said to the crowds, 'Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.'"

Matthew 11:28

 

Jesus, I know you will give me rest, if I can just stop running around long enough to sit with you!  There's just so much to do this time of year getting ready for YOU!

Truth be told, Jesus would much rather have us sit quietly and spend time with him than all the hustle and bustle we think we need to do.  Festivities are hitting high gear from now on, but let's try to take some time to just be with Jesus.  He will give us rest. Love, heidi 

A change of heart

"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."

Isaiah 1:28

 

In thinking and praying with this reading today, I pondered what being "full of grace" would look like in Mary's life.  It struck me how often I pray for a change of heart or a change of mind about someone or something and then it hit me.  I wondered if, in Mary's case, that didn't have to happen. Mary's heart and mind were already exactly where they needed to be.  I pray constantly that Jesus will fill my heart with his loving heart. My heart beats with judgments and criticism about people and I can't possibly love well with that hindrance.  I imagine Mary's heart already filled with Jesus even before he began to grow in her womb. She doesn't need a change of heart or a change of mind. Her mind and heart are already good to go. That is why we call her "Immaculate." That is how she could say "Yes" so readily and without hesitation to God's plan. Jesus, once again I pray that you fill my heart and it grows more into your heart...love, heidi