Simply Soul Searching

MOSES, SHEPHERD OF (TWO) FLOCKS

Moses was shepherding a flock in Midian when an angel of God appeared to him in a burning bush. God was calling Moses to become a shepherd of a much greater magnitude- Moses was to lead God’s people out of Egypt, away from slavery, into a land God had promised them. This new shepherding mission was a huge and risky undertaking, and understandably, Moses felt overwhelmed and inadequate. Where could this shepherd Moses find joy in this moment?

Light the Prophecy, Bethlehem and Shepherd Candles.

Exodus 3:1-5 (NRSV)

Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.” When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”

Yes, God is calling Moses to a very challenging mission. Moses is only a man, a shepherd who could not do this on his own. So God shows Moses that “the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” Moses is in the presence of God, the perfect place to begin any new adventure. God goes on to promise Moses God’s guidance, strength and help. God is present in the bush, and God would be present the rest of the way. Moses would not do this alone.

In a way, each day of our lives is a new venture, a new challenge, a new calling. And we too, are standing on holy ground. God’s presence is with us, just as God was with Moses in the burning bush. We can find our joy in the reassurance that no matter what lies before us, we are in the best place to begin- in the presence of God.

Our joy comes when we are serving God with generous spirits, when we courageously answer God’s call to use us, and when we know that we are not doing any of this alone.

Take off your shoes. We are standing on holy ground.

Prayer: Holy God, we are standing on holy ground. Help us to answer your call faithfully and fully- and always with joy. Amen.

JOY: THE SHEPHERD CANDLE

Light the Prophecy and Bethlehem Candles.

Luke 2:8-20 (NRSV)

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

This week we light the Shepherd Candle, symbolizing the joy of the shepherds on that precious night of Jesus’ birth. Shepherds and sheep are mentioned throughout the Bible, and we will read some of the different passages about them this week. In each of these stories, we will look for reasons to be joyful.

According to the gospel of Luke, the shepherds were the ones to first hear the “good news of great joy” from the angels: To you… is born a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Once again, scholars question whether the shepherds were truly the first ones to hear the good news. But I find that the more I read the Bible for its rich, symbolic meaning, the more meaningful the Christmas narrative becomes. The shepherds become receivers of the message and Perceivers of the Joy found in that message. The shepherds are not royal, rich or renown; the shepherds could be any of us. The symbolism of the shepherds conveys to us these treasures: the good news is meant for everyone, the good news comes to us in surprising ways, and the good news brings joy for all people.

Light the Shepherd Candle.

Today we especially think of the shepherds’ joy on the night of Jesus’ birth. The good news of this Savior is our good news, too. We should feel surprising joy each time we consider this! But the Good News can easily become “old news” at times. Some of us have heard this same story for years, and we may no longer hear the message like we did that first time. We might begin to take the story for granted, or forget what Jesus endured to show us God’s love, or busy ourselves with other Christmas distractions, or fail to recognize how amazing it is that God would come to us.

To perceive is to attain awareness or understanding. Let’s make this week an invitation to revisit this story as well as other passages about shepherds and sheep, and to newly perceive the joy each one holds for us. Let’s ask the Spirit to reveal new depth and meaning for us in these incredible stories. May we never forget what a significant gift we have in joy- the joy that is available for every moment of our lives.

PERCEIVERS OF JOY

Oh, that night of pure, holy light, the shepherds’ joy and thrill!

Angels appeared, the song rang out, and our Good News was heard.

Love came down! For us was born, your Son, our Lord, Your Word.

May sheer joy spill as we follow your will,

As with their message spurred.

Prayer: We are so thankful, God, for that night of joy! Help us, like the shepherds, become true Perceivers of Joy- finding our deep, abiding joy in your love. Inspire us anew, help us to hear these words with fresh perspectives and deep gratitude. Spur us on to share this news with all who need some joy today. Amen.

WEEK TWO- LOVE: PERSONAL REFLECTION

This week we looked at a few places where Jesus lived, served and loved. We recognized that love lives in all of our Places of the Heart– places we will remember, places where we learned and grew, places where precious memories began, places where we were welcomed and cherished and treasured. Our Places of the Heart are formed where Love is found- through relationships, feelings and experiences, not in structures alone.

~What would you consider as your five favorite Places of the Heart?

~Do you have any places that may have been uncomfortable or painful, and yet became a place where you grew in love?

~If you don’t already have one, how might you create a special place for time with God?

~Jesus called the disciples, showing us the love that comes from trust and reliance. In what way might you deepen your trust in him? What personal treasure of value are you willing to place in his hands?

~Jesus healed many people, showing us the compassion and the hope he has for all of us. In what way might you show another person compassion and hope? Does someone come to mind today?

~Jesus taught us a new way of being and loving, showing us love perfected. In what way might you try to live differently today? Are you being called to think or act in new ways?

~Jesus surrendered his life in love, showing us deep abiding obedience and selflessness. Where are you most selfish? With your time? Possessions? Finances? Attention? How might you change?

~You are beloved by God. How does this awareness affect your Advent waiting?

Spend some time in quiet and grateful reflection.

YOU AND I: PERSONAL PLACES OF THE HEART

My mom has lived in the same house for over 60 years. Her home has become a deeply treasured Place of the Heart. I have already moved eight times in my adult life, so I have less of an attachment to any of the houses in which I have lived. Each time I move, I notice that once the house is emptied of pictures, mementoes, and furnishings, it is no longer “home.” The house is the shell. The love and the moments shared within our homes are what make them places of the heart. The love is in the contents, not the container.

I find it interesting that Jesus didn’t seem to have a place to call home. He was born in a manger; the gospels often depict him walking the countryside. In Luke 9, Jesus says, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (verse 58). His Places of the Heart may have been the homes of friends (especially Mary, Martha, and Lazarus), the quiet hillside spaces to pray, the boats on the Sea, and even the olive grove in Gethsemane.

Light the Prophecy and Bethlehem Candles.

Psalm 51:10 (NRSV)

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    and put a new and right spirit within me.

Matthew 6:19-21 (NRSV)

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Proverbs 4:23 (NRSV)

Keep your heart with all vigilance,
    for from it flow the springs of life.

Our Places of the Heart are the places where Love dwells. Yes, maybe these places are our own homes, but they could also be our churches, communities, friendships, groups, vacation spots, retreat centers, quiet spaces, closets, gardens, porches, libraries, restaurants, offices, and schools. Most of all, our most intimate and personal Place of the Heart is our soul- and this is the place where Christ lives, the place where love shines, the place where love is poured in and shared out. This inner Place of the Heart remains with us and guides us in perfect love- wherever we go.

Prayer: Jesus, you may not have had a place to lay your head, but please make our hearts a welcoming and permanent place for you and your love. Amen.

GETHSEMANE

If we were to consider all of Jesus’ Places of the Heart, we would need to include the entire gospels. Each place where Jesus has been is now a place where love has reigned. Today’s place, the Garden of Gethsemane, is actually an olive grove where Jesus prayed and agonized before his betrayal and arrest. Certainly it is a painful reality of his deep, sacrificial love for us and his obedient love for God during his time of utter grief and fear.

Light the Prophecy and Bethlehem Candles.

Mark 14:32-42 (NRSV)

They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”

Each of us has probably felt misunderstood, underappreciated, or even ignored at times. But here is Jesus, asking his closest friends to wait with him as he prays. While he is deeply distressed… agitated… grieved even to death, his friends fall asleep. He has only asked one thing- to keep awake and pray while they wait for him- and they can’t even do that. They seem to have no idea of the magnitude of his agony or the significance of his prayers.

We may find it easy to be critical of these disciples, but do we fully comprehend what Jesus endured (how could we)? Are we paying attention to the loving ways he is now moving in our lives? Are we hearing what he is asking us to do? Or are we asleep and unaware of his presence, alive and active within and around us? How often are we looking after our own needs instead of his?

Gethsemane is a very special Place of the Heart, as we recognize the sacrificial selflessness of Jesus, and the sleepy selfishness of us.

Prayer: Awaken us, Jesus, and keep us attentive to your Word, your Spirit, your example and most of all, your love. Amen.

THE MOUNT OF BEATITUDES

This Mount where Jesus preached his radical and revolutionary sermon, including the Beatitudes, is traditionally considered to be a mountain near Capernaum, up from the Sea of Galilee. Today it is our Place of the Heart, as Jesus’ message of love overturns our cultural, personal and usual ways of understanding what it means to be blessed and to be a blessing.

Light the Prophecy and Bethlehem Candles.

Matthew 5:5-11, 43-45, 48 (NRSV)

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

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. 

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

What a gift of love these words of Jesus must have been for the people of his time! The people who were lowly, poor, or oppressed were encouraged and blessed. The people who held power and riches were admonished and taught. His words are a counter-cultural gift of love even for us today. In his words, he offers hope for the hopeless, comfort for the grieving, purpose for the persecuted, and encouragement for the faithful.

In this Place of the Heart, Jesus stretches us to extreme love: to think beyond the norm, to live beyond our culture, to trust beyond our comfort, and to obey beyond our feelings.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for showing us a better way to live and serve and love. Keep perfecting us, always. Amen.

CAPERNAUM

Capernaum is a fishing village on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. Today it is our Place of the Heart because Jesus healed many people there, showing his loving compassion, help and care for others.

Light the Prophecy and Bethlehem Candles.

Mark 1:21, 29-34, 2:1-5, 11-12 (NRSV)

They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught… As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven…”

“I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

In just these few excerpts from Mark, Chapters 1 and 2, we begin to see how often Jesus helped and healed others. Jesus loves us and longs to heal all of us, too. In this healing Place of the Heart we see how much Jesus cares and is willing to take the time to help. We only need to place ourselves in his presence or lift others to him in prayer.

Jesus’ desire to heal us is a difficult one to understand, isn’t it? Why do some people suffer or die, regardless of their faith or number of prayers? I don’t have the answers. What I do know is that Jesus longs to bless us; that Jesus always desires our good. What I do know is that in all circumstances Jesus heals our souls, and that type of healing is our most essential blessing.

The reality for all of us is that our bodies will become dust one day. Our souls are the only parts of us that are eternal. So even if our bodies or minds are no longer whole or healed, our spirits can continue to soar. Regardless of our physical infirmities or even death, our souls will be made perfect, beautiful and sound. Our healing may not be in the way we expect, but through the goodness of God, our healing will be more than we can even imagine.

Prayer: Healing and helping Jesus, you want us to joyfully and freely live as your followers, with souls that are healed and whole, sharing your love with the world. We come to you today in gratitude, and we place ourselves into your tender care. Amen.

THE SEA OF GALILEE

The Sea of Galilee is actually a freshwater lake near Capernaum. The Jordan River connects the Sea of Galilee (northern end) to the Dead Sea (southern end). Jesus performed many miracles here, but for today this is our Place of the Heart because this is where Jesus called his first disciples and also where he walked on the water.

Light the Prophecy and Bethlehem Candles.

Matthew 4:18-22 (NRSV)

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

Matthew 14:25-33 (NRSV)

And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

The Sea of Galilee is a Place of the Heart where we are given vivid examples of how Jesus calls us to a loving relationship built on deep trust and reliance. Peter, Andrew, James and John somehow sensed that they could not refuse this man Jesus, who was calling them to follow. Somehow they knew that they could entrust their future to the One who told them to leave everything behind. Impetuous Peter even trusted Jesus enough to begin his walk on the water (at least initially)!

Jesus was, and is, our reliable, trustworthy, unfailing Guide. We can count on Christ- always. As we keep growing in our reliance and trust in him, as we keep learning to lean on him for help and guidance, our love for him grows as well.

Prayer: Jesus, you have called us, too. Call us to new adventures and even risk-taking steps, and help us to answer in faithful obedience and trust, as we grow in love for you. Amen.

LOVE: THE BETHLEHEM CANDLE

Light the first candle, the Prophecy Candle.

 Luke 2:1-7 (NRSV)

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Today we begin our week of Love- Places of the Heart with the lighting of the Bethlehem Candle. As we recall, Bethlehem was first named in Micah (5:2-4) as the future birthplace of a shepherd and leader for Israel. We are familiar with the nativity story of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem for the census and Mary then giving birth to Jesus there.

Several biblical resources question whether Jesus was actually born in Bethlehem of Judea, since it was so far from Nazareth (there was another city of Bethlehem in Galilee, which would have been more feasible). Bethlehem may have been used by the gospel writers because of Micah’s prophecy, because Bethlehem is known as the City of David, and also because Bethlehem means “House of Bread.”

Wherever Jesus was born, I love the symbolism of his story, of his very humble and meager birth- in an unexpected place- among lowly people- in difficult circumstances. Bethlehem symbolizes the true humility and generous love of God, coming to us in modest ways. Whether or not Jesus was born in Bethlehem is not important. What is important is that he was born as a human baby, as a gift of God’s LOVE, and our lives are forever blessed.

We will be looking at other Places of the Heart in Jesus’ life this week. Our own places of the heart have become so, not because of their physical structures or locations, but because of what we have experienced in those places. Our places of the heart are formed from the moments, relationships, inspiration and joy that have taken place; the feelings we associate with certain spaces in our lives. Our places of the heart are all of the places where love has come.

Light the second candle, the Bethlehem Candle.

Today we especially think of Bethlehem as a meaningful Place of the Heart where God’s Love came to live with us.  Because of Jesus, we know that Love is everywhere. Wherever we are, we can build an altar of love. For we know that the presence of God is there with us, given to us in Jesus as a human being, a baby born in love for us all.

PLACES OF THE HEART

Your presence pervades and permeates all times and places.

Today I invite your presence to saturate my heart.

Fill my soul with love, enter into all my spaces

That I may know and share your graces

And never be apart.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for Bethlehem and all of the places where we sense your loving presence with us. Help us to feel your love and to share your love- everywhere. Amen.

WEEK ONE- HOPE: PERSONAL REFLECTION

Light the Prophecy Candle.

This week we considered a few of the prophets who foretold of the coming of a Messiah in their Promises of Hope. These prophets were called to first name the disobedience and brokenness of the people from God. Some were even called to warn of the impending hardships that would result from their brokenness. Finally, all the prophets were called to proclaim the hope for a brighter future, assured through the promises of God. The prophets considered themselves only the messengers of God’s words, never seeking their own purposes and often risking their lives to speak God’s words of truth.

One only has to read a bit of the world news to know that prophets of hope are needed today. If you were to be a prophet…

~ What would you first address as the main brokenness of your community and/or our world?

~ What would you name as the most hopeful possibility for our future? Where do you see glimpses of light and change and hope?

~ Oftentimes appearances are not realities. We may need to use wisdom and discernment before casting judgment on a person or a situation. Can you think of a time when you misjudged a situation or a person based on appearances alone?

~ Given the opportunity to speak as a prophet, what steps might you take to ensure that you are speaking God’s message and not your own intention?

Now imagine you are acting as a prophet to yourself…

~ Is there any brokenness or disobedience that you would like to change? Where might this brokenness lead if it should continue?

~ Where do you find your hope? What would be your first step toward a brighter future?

~ Are there any new gifts you are discovering within you that you would like to begin using?

~ What words of challenge would you give yourself?

Spend some time in quiet and grateful reflection.