Reflections on Jn 15:1-9

"As a branch cannot bear fruit all by itself,
unless it remains part of the vine,
neither can you unless you remain in me."

This passage speaks hugely to me since I have spent a good part of my life being happy to do things on my own. I have battled a superiority complex where I have believed things like, "I'm right and you're wrong," and "No one can do it as well as I can, so I'll just do it myself." Although Jesus is talking about the importance of keeping the commandments and remaining part of the body of Christ, it is clear to me that he also makes a comment about the importance of humility and belonging in community. I have never been a patient person, and have always wanted change to occur on my terms and fast. In order for real change to occur and be lasting, it has to involve real buy-in from all the stakeholders involved, or at least a willingness to continue to dialogue through the change process.

There is no greater strength than that which is found in community. There is also no greater opportunity for personal growth than when people come together to solve problems. Just as significant is the content, i.e., the problem solved, is the process of solving the problem and the quality of the relationships that result. This truly gives glory to God, when we work in true community.

Reflections on Jn 15:1-9

"It is to the glory of my father that you should bear much fruit and be my disciples"

Our fruit is our love and our ability to spread that love. There is no limit to the amount of love that we can show toward others. As long as we breathe, we show love through our words and deeds. When we remember that we are branches on the vine, and that the vine sustains us, we know we can reach out and accomplish anything as we glorify God ("you may ask for whatever you please and you will get it.")

The understanding for me is that when my motives are true and pure, I will find the love necessary to sustain me and help me to sustain others. There is no limit to this love, I just have to reach out and access it. It's there for me - it always has been. There's no end to it.

Reflections on Jn 15: 1-9

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
you may ask for whatever you please and you will get it."

With God all things are possible. With faith, hope, and love, all is possible. No obstacle is too great to be overcome by God.

This is a simple truth but it is all too easily forgotten in the daily experience of human life. When I pause to realize my love in God, my lightness, I am capable of anything. I let go of fear, despair, anxiety, and concern and I just am. When I truly just am, I am able to be myself and be happy. I realize that life in God is the life that I was destined to live, and that no greater way of being exists. It's so easy to access, but elusive to keep at the forefront of every interaction, every moment of my daily life.

Lord, may I keep you at the forefront of my life. May you be present in all I am, all I do, all I have. May I dwell on you and let your spirit shine in and through me always. Amen.

More reflections on Hosea 11 1-5

"I was like someone lifting an infant to his cheek/and that I bent down to feed him"

The Lord God takes care of me in ways large and small. I am insignificant compared to the vastness of the universe, yet as significant as anyone. I am loved. I am cared for. I have my needs provided as long as I remember the presence of God in my life always.

Reflections on Hosea 11: 1-5

"...but they did not know that I was the one caring for them,
that I was leading them with human ties."

I do not remember the presence of God in me, through me, and around me enough. It is easy for me to slip into myself. To slip into fear, and anger and for that anger to be displaced onto my children, Zack and Nick, especially, because they are the easiest targets. They are the ones who are most easily hurt and least capable of seeing what is truly happening, which is my own insecurity.

I realize that this is what it means to be human, and that I must ask for forgiveness of all concerned in times of weakness. I must also pray that I do not forget the constant presence of God as a source of strength and support, of wisdom and guidance in all things.

More reflections on Psalm 145

"Great is Yahweh and worthy of all praise,
his greatness beyond all reckoning." (5-6)

I cannot conceive of the greatness of God. I know that it is a constant and that God is always present (Yahweh I know you are near/Standing always at my side/You guard me from the fall/and you lead me in ways everlasting) I know that all I need to do is reach out and feel for God and God is there.

I know that whether I am in great pain or experiencing great pleasure, God is with me. I know that if I live my life in way that glorifies God, I will feel God's presence most deeply. When I err, I am more quick to return to God just by knowing that God is there, always there. ("Your kingship is a kingship forever/your glory lasts from age to age")

I struggle with the line "Yahweh guards all who love him, but all the wicked he destroys" because I don't understand this. I have trouble rectifying this with the New Testament notion of God as a loving, forgiving God. Plus, I wonder if humans destroy themselves through their own fear and lack of faith, hope, and love. I wonder how this is contextualized, if it refers to the enemies of the Israelites or if it also had/has a meaning for individuals.

I also wonder about happiness. I wonder why some people are happy and others aren't. i know I have experienced varying levels of happiness in my life which correspond to the level of access to the divine I allow myself. I am never happier, never better, than now, because I am constantly evolving and transforming into a more actualized being. Is it selfish or foolish to think that not everyone does the same whether they realize it or can articulate it?

Reflections on Psalm 145

Dear God,

I seek your wisdom and counsel to live upright. I seek to be infused with love and to let your mighty love shine in me and through me. You are great, the source of all life. You bless me in ways I can't even fathom. I know I am loved each and every day by you as manifest in the people around me. When I reach out and access the eternal love that you provide I am happy.

Love,
Rick