Perichoresis

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divine name, Father, God is love, Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity, John, Perichoresis, Son, The Sophia Center for Spirituality, theology

It’s really difficult to talk about God, isn’t it? I’m not saying that for people whose relationship is so intimate that it’s like an invasion of privacy. The name is so sacred to the Jews, for example, that out of reverence they do not even pronounce the divine name. I’m referring to the fact that we know we aren’t talking about a person like any other, but in this day and age we really like definitions. We Christians have a triple difficulty because we celebrate “one God in three persons.” Of course there’s always the issue of political correctness as well, especially it seems, for North Americans so over the last half century we have tried out many alternatives to the trinitarian Father, Son and Holy Spirit, including determination by role, as in Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier. In progressive or feminist circles, we’ve heard Mother/Father God, and the list goes on with nothing definitive that satisfies everyone – and those for whom Father, Son and Holy Spirit is just fine breathing a sigh of relief.

I don’t mean to be facetious or disrespectful here to anyone’s belief. We live in a time where information abounds and culture is evolving at warp speed. There have been many theological treatises written on this very topic and still the reality cannot be contained in language. One of the best conversations about the nature of the Trinity, I think, is centered around the fact that, as it says in one of John’s letters, “God is love.” Sounds simple and is most profound. The premise of how this works in the Trinity is called perichoresis, a Greek word that implies a sort of dance. As the Father loves the Son and the love between them is so strong as to be seen as an entity (the Holy Spirit) they are not separate but flow into each other in the manner by which one author explains that “it can be defined as co-indwelling, co-inhering, and mutual interpenetration which allows the individuality of the persons to be maintained, while insisting that each person shares in the life of the other two.” (Alister Mc Grath)This relationship is seen as dynamic, not static, which is why the image is envisioned as circular, a dance of relationship and energy. I love this image because it speaks to the possibility of our ability to replicate this dance of love to some degree in our human life.

Why all this talk about Trinity? Today Christians the world over celebrate the Feast of the Holy Trinity – a great moment to ponder the reality and expand our consciousness of the nature of the God who will always remain a mystery while yet being the Love that is “closer to us than we are to ourselves.” (St. Augustine of Hippo)

Perspective

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abundance, clear, consciousness, just, perception, perfect, precept, psalm 19, right, the law of God, The Sophia Center for Spirituality, true, trustworthy, understanding, unity, Wisdom School

In reading this morning’s psalm response from the lectionary (PS 19:8-11) I was taken by the refrain (The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.) Even more interesting, I thought, were the descriptive words in the whole text – adjectives to describe the law of God (perfect, trustworthy, right, clear, true and just) and even more, in the last verse, the analogies. (They are more precious than gold, than a heap of precious gold; sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb.) I started thinking that the psalmist’s attitude toward law was very mature and developed and wondered which laws, exactly, he was discussing. Then I played with the word precept which would have been an interesting interpolation if I had inverted the r and the first e. I would then be on my way to speaking of perception which I think has a lot to do with our attitudes as well…

Trusting that God’s laws exist for our good and flow from love, I can see why the psalmist described them that way. Would that all earthly laws would show us the same face. Still, I think there is a message here, on this day when I am halfway through a “Wisdom School” event where we are attempting to go to a deep place in consciousness in order to see from a stance of unity and abundance rather than duality and scarcity. Perhaps I might do well to reflect on some precept that I find distasteful or annoying and see if I can, by going to the root purpose of it, have a better and more appreciative understanding and acceptance. While probably not a life-changing process for any major laws of the land, this exercise might prove a worthy practice for seeing things more often in a positive light.

The Will to Forgive

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ask, believe, forgiveness, habits, I know I can do it, intention, Jesus, Mark, possibility, prayer, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

Yesterday, I spoke of knowing the depth of possibility when asking God for something, i.e. deciding on the right question. Today that message is reiterated in the last few verses of a long, busy gospel. In Mark 11:24, Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.” My interest in that assurance is the following line, however. “When you stand to pray,” Jesus says, “forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance…”

Sometimes it’s very difficult to forgive a person especially if we have been deeply hurt. This morning I’m reminded, however, of the efficacy of repeated, intentional prayer. It really works to say things like Lord, please help me to forgive (this particular hurt from this particular person) because I’m having a hard time and with your help, I know I can do it. That kind of simple statement repeated consistently can pattern into us (in time) the willingness to be healed of the hurt and then to forgive the offender. People say it takes 29 days to form or change a habit. Perhaps that would be enough for us to become hospitable to forgiveness. It’s definitely worth a try. The caveat, though, is that we really – really – have to mean what we say, so the intention must be re-spoken each time we stand (or sit or kneel) to pray.

The important Question

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Ask and you shall receive, blind spots, consciousness, desires, disciplined life, happiness, honest assessment, Jesus, Mark, Matthew Kelly, Perfectly Yourself, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

I just read an interesting quote from a book called Perfectly Yourself by Matthew Kelly, speaking about the necessity of discipline in life. The crux of it was that the level of our happiness is equal to the level of our discipline. I’ll be thinking about that one today. He says if you have too little happiness, try being more disciplined in whatever area of your life seems lacking that happiness. It’s a question of going deeper than the surface, I think, to discern what our deepest desires are and then working to fulfill them. Consciousness and honest assessment are the necessary disciplinary practices for long-term success in this matter. For example, a large piece of chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream may momentarily assuage the hurt of a bruised ego, but too much of that might have dire consequences. A good vacation may restore equilibrium but if there are issues at home that we don’t care to face, the effects of the time off will dissipate quickly. It’s up to us to take charge of our own choices and come to clarity about what’s really important to us.

This morning’s gospel (MK 10:46-52) is a good example of how Jesus was always calling people to get to the heart of their desires. He asked the blind man, “What do you want me to do for you?” Knowing that he also said more than once in one way or another, “Ask and you shall receive,” the short, seemingly simple exchange is really rather stunning – especially if I consider the answer of the blind man who asks to see and gets his wish. Now there’s something to ask for! Considering my “blind spots” would I be disciplined enough to ask to have them removed? Am I willing to look life that fully in the face? What would I need to give up in order to see that clearly about everything?

God asks: What do you want me to do for you? Hmm…

Ordinary Time

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extraordinary days, liturgical seasons, maturing, ordinal, Ordinary Time, quiet growth, rhythm of life, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

Sometimes I find myself looking ahead in my calendar to do a survey of “coming events” thinking that once something major has happened things will turn back to normal (whatever that is!) and I’ll be able to return to a rhythm of exercise, good eating and prayer. I’m reminded of that by the notation on the US Catholic Bishops’ website calendar that we Catholics are solidly back in “Ordinary Time” after the extraordinary seasons of Lent and the 50 days of Easter.

Ordinary Time, in Church parlance, is akin to the word ordinal, the kind of numbers that are a well-ordered set, a sequence. It is counted time, in Latin tempus per annum (time during the year). I like the sentence from one online source that says, “The rhythm of liturgical seasons reflects the rhythm of life – with its celebrations of anniversaries and its seasons of quiet growth and maturing.” My point is that ordinary time is not in the least ordinary in the way we think of the word. For instance, my day today has already included a muted sunrise accompanied by quiet birdsong and a view of greening occasioned partially by a lovely rain from yesterday afternoon. This afternoon I will participate in a meeting where we will talk about a year of interfaith gatherings, hopefully leading to a return trip to Israel in 2017. After that I will offer a prayer of sacred gesture at a liturgy celebrating religious Sisters and Brothers who are marking anniversaries of 25 to 80 years (yes, 80!) of living in religious community. What an honor for me to pray with such people who give me strength from the witness of their fidelity to God! There will be nothing “ordinary” about this – or any day – if I am willing to look with inner eyes.

So here’s to extraordinary days of all kinds! May the little things be significant and the great things be great so that we all appreciate the seasons and rhythms of God’s gift of life.

A Cheerful Giver

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catholic, cheerful giver, generous, giving, laughter, lightness of life, pay homage, piety, sanctity, singing, Sirach, smiling, St. Philip Neri, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

This morning’s first reading from the Book of Sirach (35:1-12) sounds like an ad for “sacrificial giving” in church. It is talking about paying homage to the Lord but goes beyond tithing, which ought to be accomplished in a spirit of joy. Expansion of the theme of actual donation is also implied in such language as: in generous spirit…be not sparing of freewill gifts and Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means. Upon reading this I was thrown back to a song that we used to sing during our novitiate days that began: God loves a cheerful giver; give it all you’ve got! (great emphasis on the second part – sort of like a football fight song, gestures and all). Certainly, we were not singing about monetary contributions to the Church but rather the attitude with which we lived our lives.

Serendipitously, today is the feast of St. Philip Neri who lived in the 1500’s, a tumultuous time for the Christian Church. A summary comment from the website http://www.americancatholic.org offers the following:

Many people feel that such an attractive and jocular personality as Philip’s cannot be combined with intense spirituality. Philip’s life melts our rigid, narrow views of piety. His approach to sanctity was truly catholic, all-embracing and accompanied by a good laugh. Philip always wanted his followers to become not less but more human through their striving for holiness.

So, if they’re not already part of your spiritual backpack, it sounds like a good idea today to add smiling, singing and considering those you meet as friends just waiting to be found, with whom the lightness of life can dispel some of the heaviness of the world.

 

 

Who Are You Carrying?

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America, Carry the Load, flags, freedom, Memorial Day, serving our country, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

Last night on the NBC Evening News there was a clip about an organization and month-long event called Carry the Load. It was initiated by a retired Navy Seal whose purpose is to remember those who have served our country in the military or as first responders in emergencies. This year over 15,000 people participated in some way in a trek that covered 2,000 miles over 27 days. When asked “Who are you carrying?” (rather than “Why are you doing this?”) each of these diverse people told of a family member or group of which they were a part during a conflict somewhere in the world. Most jarring for me was the young man who said he was carrying his grandfather who had served in Vietnam. It reminded me that my contemporaries have over 40 years of memory of that dark time in our history. For some who survived, the load is still heavy. For those whose loved ones never came home, it is the same.

Many of us will have picnics or other gatherings today which will rekindle the bonds of family or friendship. We will welcome the summer season (although in the midst of disastrous weather in some parts of the country) and hope for some “slower” time in the next few months. We will see American flags and feel the gratitude that comes from living in a land of freedom. I will think of my father who served in North Africa and Sicily during World War II and told only stories of camaraderie – never of the war itself and who was proud to have served his country. It is my privilege to carry him (not a heavy load) and many others, remembering the stated purpose of this day and praying for a time when peace will be achieved everywhere in the world.

Who are you carrying today?

Pentecost!

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access lives of holy people, Acts of the Apostle, Alleluia, Pentecost, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

Today is the great feast of Pentecost which many Christian churches consider the “birthday of the Church.” There are more reading choices than on almost any day in our lectionary – including the selection from the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2, that talks about it as the day when all the different groups who spoke different languages heard the apostles speaking in their own and understood (often a challenge of pronunciation for the lector!). One can really catch the importance of the day by reading all of the texts for the vigil and for today – 16 in all, counting the “ALLELUIA!” verses. For me, the most poignant of all that shone out from the collection is the plea of the gospel acclamation that I have known since childhood that calls out, Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love!

May it be so! Alleluia!

Good Behavior

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Jesus, John, lesson, ministry, motivations of others, Peter, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

Today’s gospel reading is the conclusion of John’s account (21:20-25). As is sometimes the case, Peter is concerned about something that warrants correction from Jesus. As they are walking along Peter turns and sees John following so he says to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answers (in a rather uncharacteristically abrupt way), “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” There’s more here, obviously, than if Peter and Jesus were going to someone’s house for dinner. Jesus is about to leave the planet and he could be speaking of the way Peter is to follow in his footsteps, i.e. to crucifixion. Also, this is John’s account so he (or the members of his community who wrote the text) probably wants to have the last word about the ministry continuing. But just taking the words at face value, I see a lesson. Sometimes we are overly concerned about the actions and motivations of others. It could be when we’re at a meeting, involved in a project or dealing with our children who want to let us know what is and is not fair. I have often heard that no matter how many people we are involved with in life, we are ultimately responsible for ourselves; we go to heaven alone. There is sometimes a fine line between caring for the welfare of others (which we must do) and taking over responsibility for their actions (which we must not). Today, then, I am grateful to Peter for the word that says in essence: “Mind your own business.”

The Long View

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aging, disciples, elders, golden years, gratitude, Jesus, John, Peter, sandwich generation, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

My favorite post-resurrection story in John’s gospel is what I call “breakfast on the beach.” (JN 21) It’s the one that finds the disciples having fished all night long and caught nothing. Jesus appears and calls out to them from the shore to cast their nets to the other side for a catch. Although they don’t recognize that it’s Jesus making this suggestion and they do mention that they’ve been at it all night, they actually do what he asks! As soon as they do and have a great number of fish in the net Peter yells, “It is the Lord!” and jumps out of the boat to get to him as fast as possible. Then Jesus cooks breakfast for them – as if all is right with the world. I like that part because it makes Jesus seem so human, seeking out his friends and wanting to feed them with food and love. But that’s not the end of the story.

Today’s selection is JN 21:15-19 which follows the meal. Jesus starts asking Peter, “Do you love me?” He asks three times even though Peter gives the right answer on the first try. “Yes, I do.” By the third time Peter is wondering what this game is about and says  in a rather frustrated voice, “You know everything! You know I love you!” Jesus has been indicating that this is more than a game as each time Peter answers he tells him to “feed my sheep” – actually what he has just done in cooking breakfast – but obviously something more serious than feeding the physical body. This is the part that holds a lesson for us and gets more real for me with every passing year. Jesus says to Peter, “When you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”

There are two ways in which this statement is significant for me. We live in a time when we are living longer and often are alive because of the advances in medical science. Some of us are part of the “sandwich generation” – taking care of children or grandchildren as well as our aged parents, dressing and feeding and otherwise spending ourselves in love for them. It isn’t easy but can be incredibly rewarding. At the same time, those of us in the middle of the sandwich are feeling our own aging process and need to “stretch out our arms” in surrender to what we know as diminishment of our capacities, both physical and otherwise. That can sometimes be more difficult than caring for others, since it involves giving up of control. We, in the United States, find it hard to admit advancing age because we are bombarded with products that will erase our wrinkles, dye our hair and restore bone growth assuring us that we can resist the onset of old age. Eventually we must look deeper for a solution and learn from those cultures who revere the wisdom of the old, celebrating the wrinkles and finding strength in acceptance.

Today my prayer will focus on gratitude for those elders who have given me good example of growing old gracefully and on willingness to accept the lessons that are coming to me in what I hope to call my “golden years” even though they are accompanied by challenges that I would rather not face.