Sitting with today’s readings in Lectio Divina style a beautiful image arose in my heart and mind. As I read through the readings a few verses spoke to me – verses that speak of God’s oneness and our call to participate in this bliss.
The image of perfect oneness among all of God’s children arose. It felt good – very good. Pride had been dissolved and humility reigned. Everyone followed the loving way of Jesus Christ. I know it can sound a bit pie in the sky to even dare think of such possibility; however, as I sat in stillness and allowed God entry into my heart he gave me this beautiful vision. A vision of peace, love, and giving among his people – the people of the entire world. All pain ceased to exist and what remained was genuine love between persons. Nothing else followed this image – it must have been all I needed as I sat there open to Him.
With all humility and gentleness, with patience
Bearing with one another through love,
Striving to preserves the unity of the Spirit
Through the bond of peace:
One Body and one Spirit
One hope
One Lord, one Father, one baptism;
One God and Father of all
Who is over all and through all and in all.
September 21st
Today is a very special day in my family; yet, it is also a day that offers deep sorry and pain – at least for me anyway. Sitting with God and experiencing a beautiful oneness that only his love can offer comforted my mother’s heart – if only for a small bit of time. That whole thing about God telling Eve that childbirth would hurt is very real indeed. Not the actual birth mind you, that pain is only temporary. The pain that follows spiritual brokenness cuts to the core of my mother’s heart. This kind of brokenness separates and destroys families.
Sometimes our pain feels too much to bare doesn’t it. Yet, when we turn to God a door into healing opens. Yes, we still need to do our work – God doesn’t wave a magic wand that instantly erases all our human pain. However, he does carry us through our struggles into healing. All we need to do is fall into his arms and allow him to be in control. I do believe that one day, either on this side of death or the other, we will see how everything comes together. The roots of our life’s joys and heartaches will someday make sense to us.
I believe that the roots of our joys and heartaches alike are grown in soil rich with the need for human persons to love and be loved in return. After all, we all want to love and be loved in return. Yet, we do crazy things for love don’t we? We exclude our brothers and sisters (mothers, fathers, grandparents, siblings, and on the list goes) if we feel this exclusion is necessary to receive love and acceptance. We hold on to anger, unforgiveness, fear, and shame. This leads to brokenness, division, and pain. Yet, in the end I believe all will be well as Julian of Norwich tells us in her visions from God.
Human Suffering
So what can we do to help alleviate human suffering – including our personal suffering? To help move away from sin and the heartache that follows; whether it is our sin, transgenerational sin, or sin of the world, we must surrender to and receive the grace God continually offers us. From this grace flows the gifts we have to offer the world on its healing journey. This journey will lead us into the “building up the Body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.”
We are all in this together. Like Matthew, we have all fallen short and we are all in need of healing. We are all sick in need of our divine physician. Jesus Christ came to call all of us towards himself in perfect unity. The illnesses Jesus talks about are not simply physical ailments (although he healed these too), no, Jesus Christ focuses on our spiritual ailments and the destructive wake they leave at our doorsteps. Remember that Jesus’ healing was limited in the areas where faith in him was weak. Jesus Christ wants more than our physical body. He wants us to give him all of who we are – body, heart, and spirit.
When we grow in faith and loving friendship with our triune God real healing happens. Growing like this also enables our gifts to manifest and flow into the world – where healing is needed. Then Christ’s body, of which we are all a part, is built up. We cannot grow on our own, we need God. Through it all we are rather small, yet, wholeheartedly held in the arms of a God who loves us beyond our human capacity to understand. From our conception to our death, God holds us in his loving arms, continually encouraging us to grow in our gifts.
Grey Clouds and Butterflies
I know my reflection may come across as a bit heavy today, I am sorry for that. The grey cloud of depression has landed over my head again. Why does God allow this to happen? Only God knows. I like to tell myself that he is refining me to become a more beautiful instrument for his healing love… and in the end I believe this to be true. However, being a human being dictates that I cannot fully see or understand his refinement or the beauty that awaits. Sometimes life is not all rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes it’s raining and we become wrapped in a cocoon – again… Then one day we will break through as a beautiful butterfly bathing in the light of God’s rainbow.
Lectio Divina
Meditating on Sacred Scripture is something I turn to when I find myself in a cocoon under the falling rain. I have found Lectio Divina to be very healing on my journey into God – my vision today was perfect for my heart. I invite you to share in Lectio Divina with me.
Global Light For Christ (GLFC)
In addition to sharing your prayer requests below I invite you to share with our community your experience with Lectio Divina or any other form of deep prayer you enjoy. Hopefully you will receive something fruitfull from my experience with today’s readings. Be blessed my brothers and sisters in Christ.
God bless all of you. See you next week Friday – Carolyn
If you would like to learn more about my work or my ministry I invite you to visit my website: www.carolynberghuis.com
God the Father – hold us in your Fatherly love.
Sacred Heart of Jesus – heal us with your divine love.
God the Holy Spirit – immerse us in divine love.
