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Meditation – March 27, 2013
Posted on Wednesday, March 27th, 2013
Scripture
Then one of the Twelve, the man called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you prepared to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty silver pieces, and from then onwards he began to look for an opportunity to betray him. (Matthew 26:14-16) When evening came (Jesus) was at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating he said, “In truth I tell you, one of you is about to betray me.” They were greatly distressed and started asking him in turn, “Not me, Lord, surely?” He answered, “Someone who has dipped his hand into the dish with me will betray me. (Matthew 26:20-23) Judas, who was to betray him, asked in his turn, “Not me, Rabbi, surely?” Jesus answered, “It is you who say it.” Matthew 26:25
Prayer:
Is it a coincidence that I came upon yesterday a U.S. Congressional Report of 1994 that reviewed in detail the Aldrich Ames case—the notorious CIA spy who cooperated with the Soviets for many years, causing irreparable damage to the U.S. intelligence effort during the Cold War? Instead of dismissing Judas without a thought, help me to be the one who begs the Lord’s forgiveness for the times that I betrayed His trust.
Response
This is a special time—season for you to take an accounting of who you are and are becoming. It is a time to repent for past failings and to repair the injury endured by others by begging forgiveness—or simply making reparation. This is not a time to assign blame, but to admit to yourself—at least—your missteps, to be contrite, and where possible to share your reflection and regret with the injured party and/or a loved one. And what an extraordinary example it is to share with the young people in your midst to serve as a model for them as well.
Begging forgiveness is not a rote recitation of perceived wrongs, but a soul-felt regret that prompts deep sorrow—even if there is no immediate way to make [...]
Meditation September 16, 2012
Posted on Sunday, September 16th, 2012
Scripture: I am filled with love when Yahweh listens to the sound of my prayer, when he bends down to hear me as I call. The bonds of death were all around me, the snares of Sheol held me fast; distress and anguish held me in their grip, I called on the name of Yahweh. Deliver me Yahweh I beg you. Yahweh is merciful and upright. Our God is tenderness. Psalm 116:1-5
Prayer: Our God is tenderness. Those four words catch me in stillness this flat morning. Indeed, I am filled with love. I sense his closeness though I have not uttered a word. He knows my heart-thoughts—and what a relief that is—no need to prepare a prayer-script from which to read. Continue Lord to bend down to hear me.
Response: Each time one pauses and is still in the present moment amidst the swirl of life’s distractions, the words of these verses can resound in one’s heart—even if the words have not been previously committed to memory. It’s like being at a carnival where one can hardly hear one think; instead of choosing a rollercoaster, a carousel is one’s selection. While everyone in the vicinity is shouting and squealing throughout the park, one discovers a peace and serenity in a presence where space in height, distance, and speed are not traversed. Instead, one is introduced to a time-less, dimension-less space where the sound of one’s prayer transcends the cacophony of squeals and shouts.
Oh, to be filled with love, knowing that the Lord hears the heart-sound of one’s prayer, to sense his presence as he nears and disentangles the snares of anxiety and sometimes hopelessness that have held one inert. How else to explain the tenderness of this Almighty God?
This day, dive into the present moment, the Now, and see what one discovers. Don’t be surprised, if one has left behind—or better—witnessed the diffusion of the phantoms that previously oppressed one, those snares of Sheol. Praise God.
All for this morning.
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Meditations – May 30, 2012
Posted on Wednesday, May 30th, 2012
Scripture: They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem; Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were in a daze, and those who followed were apprehensive. Once more taking the Twelve aside he began to tell them what was going to happen to him. Mark 10:32
Prayer: How often I too am in a daze early in the morning sleep deprived, or even in the afternoon, and I often brew a pot of strong coffee to clear my mind.
Response: At such times, it is not one’s mind that needs clearing as one’s heart. Even when weary, the heart is not sleep deprived. However, it can be dazed, shocked still in wonder, apprehension, or even dread. Each one is on the road to a Jerusalem, and as one approaches indeed the mind becomes apprehensive with thoughts like what if, or if only.
It is in the stillness of the heart that true repentance, fervor, love, and devotion spring, and they are made manifest in the prayers for and service to another, especially if the recipient is unaware of one’s sacrifice.
How else to clear the fog or daze that holds a traveler from self-absorption? What would it take to hear and apply His Word from the heart each day without the daze of mind-chatter. Praise God.
All for this morning.
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Meditations – May 29, 2012
Posted on Tuesday, May 29th, 2012
Scripture: (The sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow) was revealed to (the Prophets) that it was for your sake and not their own that they were acting as servants delivering the message which has now been announced to you by those who preached to you the gospel through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even the angels long to catch a glimpse of these things. 1 Peter 1:12
Prayer: This morning before dawn, with a breeze stirring awake the flock of birds surrounding, may I welcome His message into my life each day.
Response: Yes, each day is a worthy prayer of welcome. Cultivate a hunger for His word than cannot be satiated. Be concerned if you think that you graduate to a status that no longer requires the attentiveness, perseverance, and humility of a new student. It is not the degree, status, or respect achieved. So disregard the parchments, robes, and pride, in favor of diligent listening and application of what one hears in service.
Even the angels long to catch a glimpse of these things–are appropriate words to underline the gift freely bestowed upon one—living water poured over one in all seasons of life, especially in times of loneliness and despair. It is like receiving an unexpected phone call from a loved one before dawn—assuming of course one is awake—that conveys love and blessing.
See and hear the announcement of the Good News today in what reveals itself to you—in the contact with loves ones, in sights and inspirations received, in opportunities that appear imploring a generous response, and in the joy experienced quite suddenly and without warning.
All for this morning.
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Meditations – May 28, 2012
Posted on Monday, May 28th, 2012
Scripture: The root of wisdom is fear of Yahweh; those who attain it are wise. His praise will continue forever. Psalm 111.10
Prayer: A brilliant red glob greeted me; just yards, it seemed, above the horizon, and close enough to touch. And here I sit now, one man in endless time, contemplating Yahweh’s awesome power.
Response: What is that fear that the psalmist recognized so long ago? Was it in speechless adoration, as he was confronted by Yahweh’s inexpressible wonder and inexhaustible power? And does fear arise when one asks what if? What if this link to Yahweh was a thread of innocence that could nap at any time, hurling one into eternal despair or unknowingness?
Those who attain wisdom are the solitaries who confront in stillness the fear of being hurled into the abyss and turn in praise of Yahweh for each moment allowed to deepen one’s awareness of His presence in one’s life, transforming a tenuous thread into a union for eternity in an expressible mystery.
Wisdom is the fruit drawn from the fear that asks what if Yahweh did not choose to bless His creation? What if . . .? Praise God.
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