Faith=Trust?

Tags

communication, compassion, faith, The Sophia Center for Spirituality, trust

After reading today’s gospel (Jn 14: 1-6), I started to think about faith and trust and nuances of meaning. Jesus says: Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. This is a post-resurrection story where he’s concerned about the faith of the disciples in what seems impossible…What they saw before them (Jesus alive – in the flesh) was something impossible to believe. They had to trust.

It seemed to me, upon reflection, that faith was more an intellectual capacity and trust involved a somewhat emotional response – a feeling level, if you will. As I often do, in an an attempt to “widen the field” of my brain or consciousness, I googled the word trust. What I found gave me enough for an entire day of reflection. Here’s what I offer you for today:

“The four elements of trust: (1) consistency; (2) compassion; (3) communication; and (4) competency.”

(Here’s where it gets interesting!) The next sentence says: “Each of these four factors is necessary in a trusting relationship but insufficient in isolation.”

Agreed???

A Nice Quiet Dinner…

Tags

compassion, Jesus, Judas, Lazarus, Martha, Mary, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

Knowing what we do about this week in the story of Jesus, I was happy to see the gospel for today that began this way:

Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him…(Jn 12:1-11)

I’m always glad to be reminded of the fact that Jesus had a family that extended to some of his closest friends and that—as in “normal” days in our lives—Jesus had celebratory meals with those people and got a chance once in awhile to “put his feet up” and relax. This scenario was enhanced with Mary’s desire to make Jesus more comfortable by anointing his feet with an expensive oil, adding a lovely fragrance to the house and a restful ambiance to the gathering. It was, I think, a telling “moment” about relationship for Jesus. Unfortunately, the feeling was shattered by the shift caused by Judas, complaining about the cost of the oil. Thus did the lovely moment pass and we are thrown back into the scene that is unfolding as a precursor to what is to come.

I choose today, however, to pause and consider this scene. It’s mostly conjecture, as we don’t have much to go on except Mary’s willingness to give such a generous gift to the Master. But who were the other people, named or not, whom we believe to have been in attendance at this meal. We know, at least, Jesus, Judas, Mary, Martha, Lazarus. Clearly we are familiar with all those people to whom we have already assigned roles: Judas holds the role of money-changer and is what we might call “a skinflint.” (There is clear evidence from the text that he is seen as “a thief.”) Martha is, as usual, in charge of the kitchen and Mary takes care of Jesus, making him as comfortable as possible. There are perhaps other friends as well, since it seems as if they are always together. And then there’s Jesus who speaks on Mary’s behalf with a striking statement after Judas complains about the money spent on the oil. Jesus says, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you but you do not always have me.” (Undoubtedly a foreshadowing of what is to come.)

I suggest creating the scene: the people, their placement in the room, their movements (mostly those of Martha, the always-busy one), the interactions of Mary and Jesus…Whose feelings can you imagine? The frustration of Judas and, perhaps, of Jesus…the compassion and tenderness of Mary…the surprise of everyone at the words of Jesus….

See what happens if you begin with some silence and then recreate the scene. Do you learn anything new about anyone? Can you put yourself in the scene? How does that change things—for you or the others gathered there? There are only days before the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Can you feel the tension building?

Compassion Anyone?

Tags

Becoming Wise, compassion, Krista Tippett, love, Meister Eckhart, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

Some days now I can hardly see what to write that is anywhere near relevant to the world, our country, faith or this time of our life. Today I picked up the book that my book group is reading because we meet tomorrow. The book is Becoming Wise by Krista Tippett—not the easiest book to read or to use as a guide, but a really great read! I pulled the scrap of paper that is doubling as a bookmark and found out why it has avoided the trash for so long. I don’t know where it came from or who wrote it but the words written there are surely worth our notice—and our reflection. Take it slowly and savor the message.

Title: Compassion is the expression of love

Love is the inner feeling and compassion is its expression. It doesn’t see the faults of others. It doesn’t see the weaknesses of people. It makes no distinction between good and bad people. Compassion cannot draw a line between two countries, two faiths or two religions. Compassion has no ego; thus there is no fear, lust or passion. Compassion simply forgets and forgives. Compassion is like a passage. Everything passes through it, nothing can stay there. Compassion is love expressed in all its fullness.

That quote puts me in mind of a saying of Meister Eckhart that has hung in my bedroom for years and today seems a fitting conclusion to this reflection. It says: “Whatever God does, the first outburst is always compassion.”

A Pause for Reflection

Tags

compassion, gratitude, hope, learn, reflection, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

This morning I awoke to a cacophony of birdsong! The sun was up early (or so it seemed) and the birds appeared to have found their voice. Together, they announced a new day. And so it was in the human neighborhood last night. Announcements all over the airwaves were proclaiming the good news: a congressional bill that would favor the needy and allow people to lift themselves out of poverty, as well as three vaccines showing themselves capable of giving us permission to feel a physical connection. Holding hands was once again a promise, even hugging for those vaccinated would be allowed! The relief and joy in the voices and words of the reporters was visceral and came right through the screen to free us from our sad loneliness after almost exactly a calendar year of “social distance” from one another.

We are still asked to be vigilant as we celebrate success. It is so easy for euphoria to erase any attention to care or caution. But today is a day for a new song…a joy-filled anthem of gratitude for the creativity and sharpness of mind to find a vaccine, of the willingness to move forward for the good of the whole. It is happening. As we rejoice we ought to pause and ask ourselves and one another:

What have we learned from this dark time? What are the lessons that will take us into a new moment of care for the world? Where does compassion lie for those who have seemingly lost everything? How can we add our portion of light to the dawning day? And most of all, how will we express our gratitude to the God whose love for us is everlasting…

A Happy Ending

Tags

compassion, forgiveness, Joseph, kindness, Psalm 105, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

Today’s readings are full of distress. The story of Joseph whose brothers threw him in a cistern and left him to die, the servants and son of the landowner who were killed by the tenants left in charge when the landowner went on a journey (definitely a cautionary tale) and even the psalm (105) that recounts Joseph’s story…If we focus on the behaviors of all the characters, we can learn about conversion – at least of Joseph’s brothers – and consider the warning given by Jesus to the tenants if we still need some push to do the right thing!

What I always focus on when I read these stories, however, is the amazing compassion Joseph exhibits when his brothers stand before him. He is so moved by fraternal love that he is impelled to forgive all that has been done to him by those very people whose jealousy caused him such pain. It puts one in mind of Jesus on the cross and prepares us for what is to come over the next month in our reflections. How ready are we to forgive those who have been less than kind to us and, perhaps, to ourselves if we have failed to be kind? Are there people in my life from whom I hold back a welcome – even if only in my heart where only I can see the failure?

I am reminded of a now familiar adage that says, “In a world where you can be anything…be kind.” Perhaps that is the best thought for today.

The Force of Compassion

Tags

brave, compassion, heartfelt, Meister Eckhart, The Sophia Center for Spirituality, Thomas Merton, virtue

Here’s a little news item that bears repeating, I think. Sister Andre, a member of the Daughters of Charity in Toulon, France, is celebrating her birthday today. She’s 117 years old, the oldest European and the second oldest person in the world. (The oldest is also a woman, Kane Tanaka, who is 118.) Sister Andre will have a birthday feast of foie gras, capon fillet with porcini mushrooms and baked Alaska, washed down with a small glass of port wine (a daily “tonic”). Asked what she would say to young people, Sister Andre said, “Be brave and show compassion.” Good advice and something I have espoused for years. As a matter of fact, long ago I saved and framed a calendar page with the work of artist Mary Southard, a Sister of St. Joseph, because in addition to Mary’s beautiful art work it offers two quotes. I see it every day.

The first of the quotes is from Thomas Merton who speaks of the quality of compassion, saying, “Compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all living beings which are all a part of one another.” The second, from Meister Eckhart, is closer to my heart as it speaks of how we should all be acting. It says, “Whatever God does, the first outburst is always compassion.” I like the quote because while it speaks of a heartfelt virtue that would seem very peaceful in itself, it is very active and can’t be contained, bursting out of us with the force of a love that must be shared.

So as we celebrate Sister Andre today, let us redouble our efforts to be brave in these troubled times in which we’re living and redouble our commitment to compassion for the good of the world.

The Long View

Tags

compassion, Kathleen Deignan, The Hidden Ground of Love, The Sophia Center for Spirituality, Thomas Merton, tolerance

As we learn that the election we have just concluded was fair and decisive, we realize also that the “new day” is not yet upon us. There will be challenges to what has been determined as “the will of the people” and we need patience and stability to assure a safe transition. I read a brief paragraph this morning from Thomas Merton’s Book of Hours by Kathleen Deignan that gave me a glimpse of a possible “long view” going forward. It will be my companion for this day as I struggle to wait for a resolution.

Merton writes: I think what I need to learn is an almost infinite tolerance and compassion because negative thought gets nowhere. I am beginning to think that in our time we will correct almost nothing, and get almost nowhere: but if we can just prepare a compassionate and receptive soil for the future, we will have done a great work. I feel at least that this is the turn my own life ought to take. (originally written by Merton in The Hidden Ground of Love, p. 20)

All Saints

Tags

All Saints Day, blessed, compassion, fidelity, goodness, holy, kindness, love, saints, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

Today we join with people all over the world in solemn celebration of those we call “saint.” It is one of those days when each of the several lectionary readings begs for attention as they all echo the wondrous history of holy men and women, known and unknown, whose stories tell of the power and love of God. These are the “canonized” saints – the ones recognized by our Churches from the earliest days of Christianity. Should we choose, we could go all the way back in the Hebrew Scriptures to find names like Abraham and Moses, Ruth and Isaiah. Always there have been those who have served the God whose kindness and compassion have endured forever.

Today we understand as well the value of those heroes of love and fidelity whose names may be lost but whose service to God and humanity remains as a light in centuries of love and good works. Listen, if you will, to words that speak of such goodness and call us to emulate people we know on this universal day of celebration. Create your own litany of those you call “saint” and consider how you may sit in their company.

1. (RV 7:2-4, 9-14): Then one of the elders spoke up and said to me, “Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?”…”These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
2. (PS 24) Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? or who may stand in his holy place? One whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain. They shall receive a blessing from the Lord…
3. (1 JN 3:1-3) Beloved: See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are.
4. (MT 11:28) Alleluia! Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest, says the Lord.
5. (MT 5: 1-12A) Blessed are…Rejoice and be glad for your reward will be great in heaven.

Good Grandparents

Tags

compassion, Jesus, King Solomon, kingdom of heaven, Kings, Matthew, psalm 119, Romans, St. Paul, The Sophia Center for Spirituality, treasure, understanding heart

Today we celebrate Saints Anne and Joachim, parents of Mary, Mother of Jesus. If we ever needed to speak of what makes up the image of a good grandparent or any person of wisdom, each of today’s readings is a noble start:

1. In a dream God invites Solomon to ask for something that will help him in his life. It is a beautiful exchange (1 KGS 3:5, 7-12) wherein Solomon shows his wisdom, asking God: Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.
2. In Psalm 119:77, the psalmist asks God: Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight.
3. Paul reminds the Romans (8:28): We know that all things work for good for those who love God…
4. And, in conclusion, Jesus tells his disciples (MT 13: 44…) The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Are you ready, with all the above currency, to go and buy the field?

Hero of Happiness

Tags

compassion, Dalai Lama, kind, kindness, living saint, love, responsibility, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

Today is the birthday of the Dalai Lama, the revered world leader of Tibetan Buddhism. He is 85 years old today. It has been my privilege—along with large crowds of others—to be in his presence twice in my life. In spite of all the pain and struggle in his life, one cannot fail to notice the buoyancy and deep love that emanates from this holy world leader, affecting all in his path. I am grateful to live in a time that allows people of all nations and religions access to such a saint, such a down-to-earth model of how to live. It is my joy and privilege to share some of his “quotable quotes” in celebration of his birthday. We would do well to reflect on his words and follow his example today. (Remember to smile.)

♥ Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.

♥ When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive—to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.

♥ Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.

♥ Today, more than ever before, life must be characterized by a sense of Universal responsibility, not only nation to nation and human to human, but also human to other forms of life.

♥ If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

♥ My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.

♥ If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.