Introduction: Courtney Bennett
The process of mass planning never disappoints and hopefully today’s reflections will similarly inspire food for thought, and in my humble opinion, offer hope. The beauty of not remaining alone with the challenge of readings, their sometimes violent imagery or the depiction of a God that feels foreign or uncomfortable was surely one of my takeaways from this week’s planning. We will listen to today’s readings that present images of darkness, impending doom, severe punishment yet unfathomable salvation and unshakable faith. For today’s theme, we agreed to ask the very personal question of “What is your faith asking of you?”
We will begin our gathering with the song “We are Called, We are Chosen” and at first glance I pause and say whoa – you mean I’m chosen but not others? And go down a rabbit hole of doubt and being rubbed the wrong way by a separateness that I do not believe serves anyone well. I can then “choose” to stay in that fearful anxiety ridden space of feeling separate or disconnected from a loving God, OR turn toward a less fearful mindset of faith. To stay in one polarity alone does not help resolve or alleviate these doubt-filled spaces. To join with others to share, make sense, fine tune, gather information, and find companionship as we wrestle speaks to the unity that is found in the push and pull, the positive and the negative, that exists in most things. Their relationship is solid and quite often dependent.
We will end our gathering with this same refrain “We are Called, We are Chosen” and hopefully find ourselves more connected to, more celebratory of our own faith and how we share in that hope-filled place of gathering for sharing and communion with one another.
1st Reading: Wisdom 18: 6-9
2nd Reading: Hebrews 11: 1-2, 8-19
Gospel: Luke 12: 32-48
Homily: Tuck Grinnell (paraphrased from notes taken)
Hebrews chapter 11 has always struck me; sometimes my faith gets weak. “Faith is the reality of all that is hoped for; faith is the proof of all that is unseen.”
I love the example of Abraham and Sarah, both called to search for a (promised) land they would never know, with their descendants “heirs of the same promise.” How could these promises be fulfilled when they had no children and were past childbearing age, indeed “as good as dead.” And what about the call to sacrifice Isaac, their only son – how could their descendants then be “heirs to the same promise.” How did they keep trusting/seeing into the future. The Jewish people inherited the promised land some 400 years later.
The question today is What is Your Faith Asking of You? Charles (Schehl) has shared with us that his time on earth is short. What is his faith asking of him? He is no longer eating yet he is deeply thankful for his children and this community.
For me, fear has (sometimes) kept me from seeing – as has anger or resentment. For others, it’s possessions that keep them from seeing clearly. What challenges do you face? What do you see even though it’s far off or even seems murky to you now? I find my life is becoming more and more oriented on eternal life. I feel more like Abraham and Sarah – better able to look beyond the present.
Community Dialogue: reprinted with permission
Rhonda: I am recently divorced – not by my choice. My partner said, “I want a divorce” and I am being challenged to let go of my want/need to understand why. I am not capable of understanding. I have realized God is not asking me to understand. My faith tells me to go forward, it asks me to just love.
Molly: I think this is often the message, “How am I going to handle this?” I had back surgery almost 12 years ago after 18 years of back pain. I’ve realized I don’t have to ask the question “How am I going to do this for the rest of my life”, I’m already doing it. I still have some pain issues, but instead of asking the question I have learned to lean on God.
Marian: I believe Dag Hammarskjold said “Life only demands from you the strength you possess. Only one feat is possible – not to have run away. For me, my faith asks me to be present and an active participant in the world. Sometimes, I can only bear witness to the challenges and sufferings of others. Sometimes, I can lift others up and bring their situation to the attention of others who may be able to help. And sometimes I can directly intervene and offer actual assistance. My faith asks me to be open and willing to do whatever I can whenever I can to help others in need.
Mary Lou – Recently I’ve lost more and more dear friends and relatives. Last week, I visited a friend who, for 3 years, has Alzheimer’s and she expresses herself through her eyes. As In the reading, the Master has given all of us our life. I acknowledge that the source of life is God even as our lives will end. I like to start my day with “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.”
Leslie: I try to remember Steve (Brown)’s prayer “Let Go and Let God.” I feel like I have to be in charge of everything. The past two weeks I’ve had bad sciatica in my left leg, which has left me hobbling around. It’s as if God has made me slow down. Never before have I been forced to slow down, I’m always busy. I’ve heard God before, but now I’m listening and learning not to do everything I think I should be able to do.
Rosa: I feel God has always been with me since I was born; I’ve always felt surrounded by God’s love. I have been so lucky with my family and this community which is my family. I bother God all the time. The help I’ve received has been amazing. So many PAX people have embraced me and continue to do so. God is my companion and helper.
Tuck: I’m struck by what Courtney said at the beginning of our liturgy and hopefully we will find ourselves in a hope-filled place; a unity found in the push/pull of all things. Thank you for your sharing.