I don’t care for the linear, Western notion of “Alpha and Omega”—God has no
beginning and no end—but it comes in handy when we want to look back and give
thanks for what has transpired, let go of what is burdening us, make amends, and
look forward to new beginnings. (See Friday’s reflection.)
So, before you get sucked into the busyness of the season, use this week to
prepare for the most amazing event in history—God’s ultimate act of
companionship: the Incarnation. Schedule an hour, more if you can, for your
examen. Look back, reflect, and journal (or at least jot something on the lines
below): “What was the ‘something new’ that happened this past year? How were you
led to look at things in ‘another way?’ What did you or have you to learn from
what has transpired this year? What prayers do you have for the coming year?”
(In the US, this Thursday is Thanksgiving. Make a list of what you are grateful
for and share it with others.)
Mon, Nov
25: “These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever he goes” (Rv 14:1-3,
4b-5). We know “the Lamb” is Jesus. And where does Jesus go? Where did he tell
us we would find him? (Mt 25). Are we willing to follow him wherever he goes, or
do we stand at arms’ length, giving, as the rich do in today’s gospel, from our
surplus, rather than from our poverty? Do we even know what our “poverty” is?
Provision: Where are you willing to follow “the Lamb?” I ask myself this a
lot: “Where will I see you today, Lord, and will I be willing to follow where
you lead? Where am I ‘poor’ today?” Maybe time is where I am poor. Maybe it’s
trust in God’s protection, or it’s patience or courage. Reflect today on what
keeps you from following “the Lamb.”
Tue, Nov 26: “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my
name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them!” (Lk
21:5-11). Yesterday, Psalm 24 asks the question: “Who can ascend the mountain of
the Lord?” The answer from the Hebrew translation: “The clean of hands and the
pure of heart who has given no oath in a lie and has sworn not in deceit.”
Provision: Do not be deceived. As Annie Dillard reminds us, none of us are
worthy to ascend this mountain, but a pure heart doesn’t mean a perfect heart.
It means a heart of love, hope, and mercy, a heart that allows God’s grace to
flow to others. A heart that is honest. Whom do you follow?
Wed, Nov 27: “By your perseverance you will secure your lives” (Lk 21:
12-19).
I don’t know how it is for you, but there are times—like now—when I want to
throw my hands up in the air and cry, “What’s the use? What good is it to speak
of and act from love and peace when hate and violence and greed seem to have the
upper hand?” This is a sure sign I am spending way too much time doom-scrolling
and not enough time in prayer. Provision: Take (a lot of) time to pray.
If you are feeling discouraged too, find quiet time to be with God. Tell God
your frustrations and doubts. Ask God to enlighten and strengthen your body,
heart, mind, and soul so you can persevere. Prayer is the rock onto which we
will secure our lives.
Thu, Nov 28: “Because your merchants were the great ones of the world,
all nations were led astray by your magic potion” (Rv 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9).
It’s so sad that this season, the time we prepare for the poor baby in the
manger, has been overrun by rampant consumerism. But worse, the rise of
“merchants “who peddle the “magic potion” of authoritarianism, hate, and lies
could prove ruinous for all but the merchants themselves. Could it be that the
worshippers of money and power are ushering in the fall of the new Babylon?
Provision: “Do the next loving thing.” My friend, Nora, provided me with
this advice a few years ago when I faced a difficult situation. It has become my
mantra. It is all I can do in the face of what I see as a real existential
threat. So, as Jesus told us yesterday, “Stand erect and raise your heads.” Do
the next loving thing.
Fri, Nov 29: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth” (Rv 20:1-4,
11-21:2). In his book on Revelations, Reversed Thunder, Rev. Eugene Peterson
provides a lovely take on John’s final visions: “It is not an ending, but a
fresh beginning. …The biblical story [in Genesis] began quite logically with a
beginning. Now it draws to an end, not quite so logically, with a beginning.” He
continues, “The story that has creation for its first word, has creation for its
last word.” He quotes T. S. Eliot: “The end is where we start from.”
Provision: Find solace in God’s plan. John’s words have given me some
comfort in these dark days and helps me to keep my focus on God. Reading
Revelations in the midst of the current strife can be scary, just as it has been
over the millennia. Stand apart from the newsfeed today and focus on John’s
words. See if you can bring about in your life and the lives of those around you
a tiny glimpse of a new heaven and earth.
Sat, Nov 30: “The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; The
decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. …The command of
the LORD is clear” (Ps 19). “Refresh the soul.” Ahh, that sounds nice! We all
could use some refreshment! And what is this law, this decree, this command of
the Lord? It is simple: Love our Creator. Love all the Creator’s works—other
humans, the earth and its creatures. Love yourself and the true gift you are to
the world. Provision: Keep it simple. The older I get, the more I realize
that so much of organized religion is unnecessary rules and interpretations,
reasons for division and conflict. “When there is peace among religions, there
will be peace in the world” (Dalai Lama). Who does not believe peace is God’s
desire? As we go into this blessed season, let’s keep things simple: prepare,
not only the house, but your heart. Take time to rejoice in all of God’s
creation. And, clearly, do the next loving thing—for God, for others, for
yourself.
Elaine
Ireland has a passion for working with parents and anyone who struggles to
maintain a sense of God’s love and peace amid the day-to-day challenges of life.
She has a master’s degree in Spiritual and Pastoral Care from the Pastoral
Counseling department at Loyola, Maryland, with a focus on developmental
psychology and spiritual guidance. Rooted in Ignatian spirituality, she is
a writer, retreat and workshop leader, and presenter on topics such as pastoral
parenting, “letting go,” and finding the spiritual in the midst of everyday
life. She lives in Ellicott City, Maryland with her husband, Mark and children,
David and Maggie.
The Word…
