Simply Soul Searching

What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? What then did you go out to see?

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. (Matthew 11:7-11 NRSV)

In earlier passages, we learn that John (the Baptist) was in prison, wondering if Jesus was truly “the one who is to come.” So Jesus sent his disciples to tell John about their incredible experiences with him, so John would indeed know that Jesus IS the One. Now, in our passage for today, Jesus is praising John before the crowds, enlightening them of the magnitude of John’s role- for him and for them. John the Baptist is more than a prophet, he is the messenger who prepared the way for Jesus.

Jesus asks his questions of the crowd. “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? What then did you go out to see?” John certainly wasn’t the type of prophet the people expected. John was a most unusual messenger who prepared the way for their Messiah- the one who would come to save them. He was rough and stern. He wore camel hair and ate locusts. John did not wear soft, royal robes; John was not born in a palace. He was a totally unexpected prophet for the people.

The people would soon discover that Jesus was a totally unexpected savior, as well.

~~~~~~~~~

We recall that Jesus went into the wilderness after he was baptized by John, in order to face temptations and ready himself for the life of complete obedience to God. Since then, people are often drawn to the desert as a place of spiritual deepening. In the barrenness of the wilderness, most distractions are removed and all comforts and company are gone. In the emptiness and solitude, people often find deeper meaning, greater awareness, and new life through a more clearly revealed presence of God.

We will soon enter Holy Week. Today, let’s imagine we are heading to the wilderness. We are entering a place of barrenness, with the fervent hope of sensing God’s presence more fully. Jesus’ questions are directed to us, to guide our thoughts and emotions.

Are you talking to ME?

Today Jesus is asking, “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? What then did you go out to see?”

What is your spirit hoping to find in the week ahead? If all distractions were removed, what might God reveal to you? What would you see? Can you release all expectations? Can you prepare to be surprised? Left alone with the Spirit, what do you hope will happen? 

What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? What then did you go out to see?

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(This meditation was written back in February, but it takes on deeper significance today. This pandemic is challenging our world in so many ways- and we need the eternal and relevant wisdom of Jesus more than ever.)   

Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?

Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” Then he told them a parable: “The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.”  (Luke 12:13-21 NRSV)

Jesus has several good lessons for us in today’s passage, doesn’t he?

“…one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”

After our illnesses and before our move to West Virginia, Jim and I gave away many of our possessions. We moved into a smaller home, and there we discovered a new freedom and joy with our lack of clutter and simpler way of living. However, since that time we have started “collecting” again. We may be more mindful of our purchases these days, but I recently ordered a new set of shelves… to display more possessions… 

I needed to be reminded of Jesus’ words. Someone once said that if we think we aren’t attached to our possessions, why do we worry about leaving the garage door open or the door unlocked when we leave home? 

“So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.”

How might we live according to this beautiful phrase, rich toward God? What would a life that is rich toward God look like? We would pay more attention to our relationships than possessions. We would have more time to spend with loved ones, to appreciate nature, to commune with God. We would live with a spirit of generosity, an abiding trust in God’s provision, and a deeper gratitude for all the blessings we have been given. No barns or storehouses can hold these precious gifts found in the life that is rich toward God.

“Friend, who set me to be a judge or an arbitrator over you?”

This question is so pertinent for us today. Jesus doesn’t come to us as an arbitrator, to decide or divide for us. If we are called to share all of creation with one another, we shouldn’t even have these issues. If we are not to store earthly treasures, we shouldn’t argue over inheritances. Jesus gave us his all, and he calls us to a new way of living and sharing the world. Arbitration would be a waste of his time- and ours. 

Jesus sees our faults but also our goodness, he understands our pettiness and appreciates our selflessness, he knows our tendencies to be selfish or greedy, and he encourages us to live differently.

Jesus doesn’t want to arbitrate. Jesus wants us to share.
Jesus doesn’t want to judge. Jesus wants us to forgive, bless and love one another.

Are you talking to ME?

Today Jesus is asking, “Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?”

Have you ever argued over an inheritance or possession? Does the pursuit of earthly treasures consume much of your time? Are there relationship issues you wish Jesus would decide for you? How might you grow in the freedom of generosity today- both in possessions and in lovingkindness? How does this pandemic give you new perspectives about what is important in life?

Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?

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Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?

While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”   (Matthew 12:46-50 NRSV)

When I first heard this story, I thought that Jesus was being quite rude. He seemed to be disregarding his own family- choosing his disciples as his new family- even as his mother and brothers waited outside to see him. I felt sad for his family and wondered how they must have felt to hear him say those words.

But Jesus’ question is not one of exclusion but inclusion. Jesus was not rejecting his birth family, he was including any others who longed to follow God’s will. Jesus embraced and welcomed those who wanted to be part of his family, who wanted to walk with him and serve with him, who wanted to receive and share his love.

Jesus models a profound example for us. Whether we have a family of origin, a church community, a circle of friends, a small group, or a larger club- any group of people who are united by our love of God and one another- we are richly blessed. We can receive so many gifts in our sharing of life together. With our family through faith, we learn and grow, share and listen, serve and care, support and depend on one another.

Our family circle is meant to increase. May we never forget to also welcome and include, invite and embrace, all who long to belong- just as Jesus would do. 

Are you talking to ME?

Today Jesus is asking, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?”

How does being a family member with Jesus make you feel? Is there someone else you would like to include? Has your family of origin been united in faith? Are you part of another group that is connected through their love of God? Is this group growing and welcoming? Are you being nudged to begin such a family?

Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?

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Why do you ask me about what is good?

Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”   (Matthew 19:16-17 NRSV)

I have heard stories from teachers who are passionate about the subjects they teach. They strive to help students thoroughly understand and appreciate the topic. These teachers share their lessons with enthusiasm and joy, hoping that their students will become interested and excited about the subject, too. Then the humbling reality of indifference is revealed when the question is asked, “Is this going to be on the test?” The student only wants to know what it will take to get by- to pass the class. 

Perhaps Jesus felt this way, too. Jesus was calling people to follow him. He was changing lives and healing and forgiving and teaching. Jesus was inviting people to a completely new way of living in the love of God. Then, this man approaches Jesus with a similar question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” Is this going to be on the test? What is the one thing I need to know? The man disregards all of the incredible gifts of life in Christ, searching only for what he would need to get into heaven.

Jesus asks him a question in response. “Why do you ask me about what is good?”

Doing what is good has nothing to do with gaining eternal life; it is our grateful response to the salvation that has been already given us. Jesus continues: “There is only one who is good.” The One who IS good has everything to do with eternal life. Eternal life is not about what we do, but about the One who is. Our salvation is here for us now, to be experienced, appreciated and relished in this present moment, through the life and love of Christ.

But then Jesus concludes with this simple direction: “If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” I wonder if Jesus is giving the man a place to begin. Keeping the commandments isn’t the key to eternal life, but doing so will help the man “enter into life.” Jesus is offering the man a starting point for living his life in Christ. Trying to keep the commandments will help this man (and all of us) begin to notice how much God’s grace and forgiveness are needed, provide basic guidelines for faithful and obedient living, and initiate the process of maturity and perfection. 

Are you talking to ME?

Today Jesus is asking, “Why do you ask me about what is good?”

Are you embracing the life in Christ with your heart and soul? Are you experiencing all that Jesus has to offer? What might you be missing as you try to glean just the basics in an effort to get by? Is there a particular commandment for you to consider as a guideline for obedience today? Do you appreciate that your salvation and abundant life- now and forever- are not dependent on YOU? But what might you do to embrace and experience even more of the life Jesus offers?  

Why do you ask me about what is good?

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Why are you afraid, you of little faith?

And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A windstorm arose on the sea, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. They were amazed, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?  (Matthew 8:23-27 NRSV)

I have had my doubts about this story. Was Jesus really asleep while the storm was raging? The windstorm was ferocious, the waves were washing over the boat, the disciples were petrified… and Jesus was sleeping? I could believe he was reading or resting in spite of the storm, but how could he sleep while chaos and calamity surrounded them all? I have trouble imagining this.

Until I recall when my daughter was an infant. 

When Jennie was about three months old, I was nervous about leaving her in a nursery room while I tried to enjoy my first Moms’ Morning Out. I became even more unsettled when I saw SO many children- some of them crying, some of them playing noisily, some of them running- all around the room. I hated to leave her! Worried, I returned to check on her about fifteen minutes later.

Jennie was sleeping soundly, oblivious to the noise, clutter, crying, and activity all around. In her short little life, she had always been well loved. That morning, her needs had been met and she was ready to rest. She didn’t become concerned, anxious or stressed. She probably wasn’t even aware that she should feel such feelings!  This tiny child had no reason to be afraid; she even had no idea of a need to be afraid.

This is what sheer peace and trust look like. As Jesus peacefully slept through the storm, he exemplified his genuine lack of fear and complete trust in God. Jesus was able to sleep because he knew that whatever happened, God was in control, and he would be firmly and fully held in God’s loving care.  “Why are you afraid?” Jesus justifiably asks his friends.

Like Jesus, may we learn to trust and rest in God’s loving presence, whenever the storms of life come our way.  Perhaps Jesus is saying to us, “If I can sleep, so can you.”

Are you talking to ME?

Today Jesus is asking, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?”

What is your biggest fear? Are you able to surrender this to Jesus? Can you entrust yourself into his loving presence? Do you ever feel as if Jesus is sleeping when the storms of life come your way? How might this image bring additional peace instead of fear?

Why are you afraid, you of little faith?

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Do you believe that I am able to do this?

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, “See that no one knows of this.” But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district.   (Matthew 9:27-31 NRSV)

Before Jesus restores the sight of the blind men, he asks them, “Do you believe I can do this?” And when the men say that they do, he touches their eyes and continues, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” Their vision returns. In reading this story, it would seem that their healing was dependent on having enough faith in Jesus.

How much does our healing depend on our faith? Do our prayers affect or move God? Do we receive the results we desire if we ask “according to our faith”? All these questions and more came to me when I had cancer…

I so appreciated the prayers said for me, as well as the prayers I asked for myself. I do believe these prayers bolstered my spirit and helped with my healing. But oh, how I struggled with the purpose of prayer! If my healing was dependent on my faith, would I be responsible for my death if I didn’t have enough? Or if my prayers healed me, should I have prayed more for the beautiful teen who died than for myself? If people exclaim, “God is good!” because I am cancer-free, are we to think less of God if I wasn’t?

Today I notice that Jesus doesn’t ask, “Do you believe I am going to heal you?” He simply asks, “Do you believe I am able to do this?” This helps my understanding and brings peace to my prayers. To that question, we can heartily respond, “YES!” Trusting in the incredible goodness of God- a goodness that is beyond our finite understanding or human comprehension- we can and DO believe that Jesus is able. 

Yes, Jesus is able to heal. But Jesus is also able to make good from whatever life brings us. Jesus is able to know beyond what we know. Jesus is able to love us and accompany us through whatever is in store. Jesus is able to comfort. Jesus is able to wrap us in peace. Jesus is able to give us the hope, the help, the love, the joy- in all circumstances. Jesus is “able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20), through every moment of our lives. All the way into eternity. 

Are you talking to ME?

Today Jesus asks, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”

Do you have a special request of Jesus today? Are you able to fully trust in his goodness? In what ways do you have doubts? Can you recall a time when your prayers weren’t answered in the way you wanted, but in the way you now see you needed? Are you comforted to know that Jesus loves you more than you love yourself? Do you see how Jesus is able to do what is best for you?

Do you believe that I am able to do this?

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But to what will I compare this generation?

But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.  (Matthew 11:16-19 NRSV)

We have seen these people. We may have been these people. During a high school dance, they are the ones standing against the wall, judging all the bad dancers who are having a great time. At a football game, they are the ones in the stands, booing a referee for a call that they can only see from a distance. After worship, they are the ones in the parking lot, whispering criticisms of the recent sermon while ignoring a message that could have changed their lives.

Jesus has come to give us a life of abundance, a life in which we include and embrace others as we fully participate with him. He invites us to celebrate with others in joyous times. He encourages us to sympathize with others in mournful times. Jesus calls us to unite with others as imperfect participants, rather than to observe or judge others as critical spectators. Otherwise, we miss out on life in the rich and joyful community he offers us.

“But to what will I compare this generation?” Are we the ones playing the flute, or are we the ones refusing to dance? Are we the ones who share our tears with one another, or are we the ones who keep our distance? Are we the ones who are the first to laugh at ourselves, or would we rather laugh at others? Are we the ones who give the benefit of the doubt, or do we quickly assess others with a critical stance?

We miss out on Christ’s richest blessings when we refrain from fully embracing life in loving community with others. Jesus ends this lesson with the words, “Wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” What appears to be foolish and clumsy participation in life together with Jesus is in reality the deepest wisdom of all.

Are you talking to ME? 

Today Jesus is asking, “But to what will I compare this generation?”

In what ways might you be missing out on the abundant life in community that Jesus offers? How are you critical of others? Is it easier to find fault than to join with others to make a difference for good? Do you often make negative assumptions about people? Does your concern for your self image ever impede your enjoyment of life? Are you a critical spectator or a joyful participant?

But to what will I compare this generation?

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For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others?

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.  (Matthew 5:43-48 NRSV)

Jesus is telling us to love, greet, and pray for everyone, including our enemies. His lesson is one that can be quite difficult to follow. Do you ever want to say to Jesus, “Don’t make me do this!”?

I imagine we can all remember times when we were excited about going out with friends- until we learned that someone else would also be coming along, someone we would rather not see. There are people we would just rather avoid altogether. In fact, a few years ago I joined a monthly dinner group, but then was chagrined to learn that someone else would also be part of our gathering. My enthusiasm waned- until I went to the first dinner and found that she had switched groups! The feeling must have been mutual! 😉

I see two important reasons why Jesus tells us to love our enemies and pray for them. First, as his followers, we are called to be his example for the world. We are to be light and love for others, because they are as beloved by God as we are. As Jesus describes, God causes the sun to rise and the rain to fall on all of us. Every person is equally beloved by God. (In some cases it is necessary to have space from those who would cause harm, those who are hateful or threatening to us. We are still to pray for them, forgive them, and refrain from retaliation, while entrusting them to God.)

Also, in loving our enemies and praying for them, we become better people. Our lives will become richer and more joyful as we learn to live free from hatred, envy, judgment, or hardness of heart. Doing the difficult things also opens a way for us to grow- in our reliance on God, in our gentleness, kindness, humility and forgiveness, and as less bitter and vengeful people.

Are you talking to ME?

Today Jesus asks, “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others?”

Does someone in particular come to mind as you read his questions? Can you begin loving your enemies by praying for them? Can you begin loving your enemies by praying for yourself? What bitterness might you need to release? How might you grow and learn today? What would Jesus want you to know? 

For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others?

(Dear Friends,
When I discover helpful practices for these challenging days, I like to share them with you. Years ago, my friend Nancy introduced me to the Jesuit Pray as You Go app. Each day there are short meditations with beautiful music and scripture readings. Also, Jim showed me another app, God in All Things, also part of Ignation Spirituality. I have found these to be rich blessings for these times. I listen to the daily reflections as I walk, and I come away feeling renewed, strengthened, centered, and peaceful. You may want to give them a try.)

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Why does this generation ask for a sign?

The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side.  (Mark 8:11-13 NRSV)

Jesus “sighed deeply in his spirit.” Doesn’t this image of Jesus touch your soul? One can envision Jesus sighing, perhaps shaking his head while holding his fingers to his temple, showing his exasperation when he is asked once AGAIN to prove himself to the Pharisees. Does Jesus sigh deeply with us, too?

God is always working, the Spirit is always moving, but I often deem these God-moments as coincidences. A voice awakens me from sleep and I attribute it to a dream. God shows me a sign, but since it wasn’t the one I specifically asked God to show me, I discount it. Someone says, “God told me…” and my eyebrows raise with doubt. The lessons of nature provide insight for my daily living, but I pay no attention. A friend says a word I need to hear, and I disregard it. I know there are signs all around me. I just discount, ignore or miss them completely.

And then Jesus asks, “Why does this generation seek a sign?” His words speak to me of true faith. I may miss out on many signs, but even if signs were never sent, God is still loving, still actively working in our lives. Jesus is still serving as our teacher, mentor, model for living, and gift of love from God. The Spirit is still guiding, inspiring, and giving us wisdom. The more we learn to trust all of these, the less we will need signs.

Erica Jong has said, “Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn’t.” I wonder if we seek signs especially in times of our self-doubt. We may hear a calling from God but we doubt our ability, and so we ask for a sign. We may feel nudged to take action but we feel uncomfortable, and so we ask for a sign. We know in our hearts that we are meant to follow Christ, but he asks much from us, and so we ask for a sign. Instead of trusting in God’s provision, in Jesus’ example, and in the Spirit’s wisdom, we believe we are inadequate- and so we ask for a sign.

We have more than enough, don’t we? We have the Word of God with us- in the Bible, in the life of Jesus, and in all creation. We have the Spirit of God in us. We have experiences of God’s love revealed in our own lives. We have everything we need- signs or no signs.

Trusting in God’s loving guidance and provision for every moment of our lives, may we stop seeking signs and begin serving as signs of God’s presence from heaven, here among us now. 

Are you talking to ME?

Today Jesus is asking, “Why does this generation ask for a sign?”

Do you have a sign- an experience of God- that you might share with someone today? Do you have a tendency to doubt a word or nudge from the Spirit? In what situations, if any, do you seek signs? In what ways do you doubt yourself? In what ways do you doubt God? Are you being invited to deepen in faith and trust today? How might you become a visible sign of the presence of Christ for others?

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