... from the readings of the day:
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.
Luke 8:15
Although most do not notice,
each one of us has a choice:
live caught up in the
ways of the world we see
and live in bondage
The world tells us that we live alone;
fighting to survive in a domain where
dogs eat dogs-like-me
The world tells us that there is
not enough - of anything;
that to survive we need
to accumulate and hoard and compete.
Fear of famine
leads us to compete, uncovering slights
and threats, eliminating rivals -
bogies to fear and loathe and motivate
our anger and hatred,
looking always for difference,
looking always at the
wrapping and packaging, not the heart
of a brother or sister within
each one of us has a choice:
live caught up in the
ways of the world we see
and live in bondage
- or, live in Jesus and be free.
fighting to survive in a domain where
dogs eat dogs-like-me
but, in truth, we are all part
of one incarnation, living our
lives as vital parts of the
body of Christ.
The world tells us that there is
not enough - of anything;
that to survive we need
to accumulate and hoard and compete.
But we know there is enough
if we seek just our daily bread.
Fear of scarcity daunts us.
Fear of famine
leads us to compete, uncovering slights
and threats, eliminating rivals -
bogies to fear and loathe and motivate
our anger and hatred,
looking always for difference,
looking always at the
wrapping and packaging, not the heart
of a brother or sister within
but we could live in peace
with quiet hearts;
singing in choral harmony, not
countless
tuneless soloists jangling against
the orchestra of creation,
tuneless soloists jangling against
the orchestra of creation,
living in love rather than
in fear and resentment.
Loving God, Creator of us all:
calm our fears. Help us live sure of you,
trusting in your love, quieting
our frantic minds so that we can hear
our truer selves speak to us of love and compassion, sharing and equality,
and harmony.
And then, we pray, give us the courage
to live in the face of clamouring voices
from a world still living
in fear and resentment.
in fear and resentment.
We ask this in the name of Jesus
who trusted in you,
took courage from you,
died, and rose again
for us.
for us.
Suggestions for meditation
Always begin by offering your time to God and asking for the grace to grow closer: something like "My loving God, I love you with my whole heart and above all things. I give you this time as I reach out to you, and ask that you guide me now, and each day, closer to you".
Always begin by offering your time to God and asking for the grace to grow closer: something like "My loving God, I love you with my whole heart and above all things. I give you this time as I reach out to you, and ask that you guide me now, and each day, closer to you".
The exact words of the prayer are not important but you do need a firm intention to open yourself to God's input.
Read the mediation over slowly a couple of times.
Listen for the personal message for you. There will always be one word or phrase that will reach into your heart. Think of it as the personal meaning God has for you alone!
If you would prefer a more authoritative reading to focus your meditation, try this from one of today's readings, John 8:31-37
Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him,
“If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,
and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham
and have never been enslaved to anyone.
How can you say, ‘You will become free’?”
Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you,Focus on a significant word or phrase in this passage or the meditation for a few moments.
everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.
A slave does not remain in a household forever,
but a son always remains.
So if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free.
I know that you are descendants of Abraham.
But you are trying to kill me,
because my word has no room among you.”
Is there a word or phrase that jumps out to speak to you?
Why? Try to put yourself into those words. Maybe imagine Jesus speaking, and reply.
Then spend 5, or 10, or 15 minutes with your word from Jesus, or the word FREE or LOVE.
You need a clear intention to empty your mind of random thoughts (you won't be entirely successful but you need the intention).
You might want to begin the meditation using the breathing exercise I suggest in We have two minds.
After a minute or two focused on your breathing, move your focus to the word/s you have chosen.
Each time your attention moves away from the word/s, push the distraction gently aside and return to the word ("without the intervention of analytical thought" as The Cloud of Unknowing puts it).
You may need a countdown clock.
At the end thank God, and return to your day.
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