Do You Not Know?

THE MAP

As the disciples gathered and Thomas and Philip questioned Jesus as he told them where he was going. Still not quite understanding Thomas asks, "Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Much can be said about this especially during this time? How can we know the way when there is so much confusion? How can we know the way when we don't know where the next meal is coming from? How can we know the way when we don't know what it will be like going back to work? How can we know the way when we don't know what our financial status will be in the next few months? There is so much uncertainty that one begins to spin and spin in dizzying trance. 

THE GATE

Last week we heard Jesus talking of the gate and the shepherd. This week he is more explicit in stating that he is the way, the truth and the life. What does that mean for one is overwhelmed with being restricted, whose life has been upended? Perhaps, first of all it is asking us to find Jesus. Thinking of life before the pandemic, I had time to pray and meditate in the morning, however once I arrived at work it was pretty much non-stop as well as my drive. There were moments that I had time to reflect on God's grace, but they were momentary. Now I have find time between work sessions at home to go outside take in the air, the quiet, the birds chirping, the hummingbird whirring around the yard, and the butterflies flapping around the flowers. "Slow down,"  I hear the voice say.

THE QUESTION

Do I not know that Jesus is the way? Of course I do, but my humanity beckons and I forget so soon. Despite the tragedies that are besetting our nation and the world daily, there is a sense that Jesus is the way. Even with fear in the newly established Christian community, the followers of Christ knew this. They had a compass that pointed towards Christ, though sometimes the path was filled with persecution and incredible uncertainty. 

Our times mirror that as well. Believing that Jesus is the way means submitting to his guidance, trying to find his will. Looking out to others instead of our own problems. Much like the passage in Acts today, we are asked to look to see how to serve those less fortunate. They may be closer than we know. Putting our faith in Christ and asking what is it that we should know today to serve the kingdom might be in order. 

Reopening the Gate

DRIED UP

When writing a blog is is said that consistency is key. Write daily or weekly in order to maintain success and rhythm. The same can be said for spirituality. Establishing a routine, prayer upon waking meditation, nightly reflection, attend mass, go to confession, even join a group that builds your spirituality. All of these are key to a life that usually is not upended by crisis as it built upon a foundation.

For over a 15 months I have not written a single post. Life events such as a parent passing after a prolonged illness and lately the Coronavirus pandemic has distracted me. For the longest time I had absolutely no desire to even write anymore. Work was consuming me as well as my inner distractions that took me away from spiritual writing. Periodically I would write in a notebook, but even that was consistent. The many voices of the thief were calling me here, calling me there. Even though the shepherd was calling the voice was not strong, until today when the voice was clear, "You need to start writing in your blog again."

THE CALL

Perhaps the crowd that listened to Peter had some influence as he proclaimed: Let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." Their response was "What are we to do?" (ACTS 2:14A, 36-41) Exactly, what am I to do? Seek the good shepherd. Quiet those voices that call you out and distract you.  So much as Samuel proclaimed. "Here I am Lord," I do the same. Here I am Lord, what do you want me to do? How will you inspire me to write? For I am in the flock sometimes and other times I wander and feel distressed.  I have stumbled on the rocky path, I have wandered into the dark valleys where the wolf prowls and the food does not fill me. Yet I come back as I hear the shepherd  say, "Come through this gate. Bring your tired souls brokenness, for I will give you rest."

THOUGHT

So as I ponder these times, the constant and tragic news of death, job loss, especially among the most vulnerable, I ponder for a moment, "What gate is the Good Shepherd opening for us now?" I leave with this part of the Serenity Prayer from Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Living one day at a time,Enjoying one moment at a time,Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,Taking, as Jesus did,This sinful world as it is,Not as I would have it,Trusting that You will make all things right,If I surrender to Your will,So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,And supremely happy with You forever in the next.