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| My first Icon, Angel Gabrielle, greets Mary. "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you." |
FEBRUARY begins with a new look.
Each entry will be short and simple.
I list my favorite moments, pictures, quotes as often as I am able.
February 1
I begin a new class that helps me write an icon of Mary and Jesus. I found a sketch and begin the process that layers colors on top of one another. Icons were used, like picture books, to tell the stories in Scripture. Greek Icons are prevalent to this day.
February 2 Groundhog Day is not a big event down in south Florida but it's a fun day to remember when the sun shines brightly. We will have six more weeks of winter. Decades ago some people in western Pennsylvania created Groundhog day on "Candlemas."
The "Candle Mass" was a time to bring the wax candles to church to be blessed for the year. It's also the day that Mary, mother of Jesus, was allowed to present her son, Jesus, at the temple and rejoin other worshippers forty days after the birth of Jesus. That's when Simeon and Anna greeted baby Jesus and gave prophecy and blessing.
The "Candle Mass" was a time to bring the wax candles to church to be blessed for the year. It's also the day that Mary, mother of Jesus, was allowed to present her son, Jesus, at the temple and rejoin other worshippers forty days after the birth of Jesus. That's when Simeon and Anna greeted baby Jesus and gave prophecy and blessing.
February 3
The story of Solomon, David's son, in 1 Kings 3 reminds me of the priceless gift of wisdom. God came to Solomon in a dream and invited him to ask anything he wanted of the Lord.
Solomon recognized the vast riches he inherited from his father but he also realized his youthful inexperience as one in a position of great responsibility. Solomon asked for the gift of wisdom.
I feel I have all the riches in the world. God has gifted me greatly even though I most certainly have not earned such grace. Yet, as one who has said, "Yes" to the new covenant life with God's Son, I am able to ask whatever I wish from God. I ask for grace daily but am reminded to ask for wisdom more often than when I need a little extra help with words or decisions.
February 4
Coach Lombardi said, "Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence."
It's nice to reflect on a statement by one whose football team sought perfection. Yet, to be 'perfect' is to be God.
We are but mortals, trying the best we can to be who God called us to be in our daily lives . . . to love God and then to love others as much as we love ourselves.
I fail daily as I seek to give kindness and goodness and love others.
Yet, with God's perfect love, I do my best.
I hope I can say at the end of my life, "I did my best."
February 5 HAPPY BIRTHDAY to David and Denise. We also remember dad, whose birthday we celebrated on this day last year. He died in May, happily having reached the age of 102. He joined his sister who died a few months earlier at 104. They both are dancing with the Lord and free of the frailties that come with age.
February 6
Catherine of Sienna says, "If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world ablaze!” It's like being comfortable in our own skin when we are pressing into foreign territory.
If we know who we are (God's precious creation, given a purpose, loved beyond human comprehension) we will be that sparkling light in the midst of darkness, that fire of purpose and unconditional love that touches all those in our sphere of influence. Our 'fire within' when spread to others, can become a glowing explosion of goodness and charity wherever we go. We are reminded to simply be ourselves as we "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
February 7 Mark 7:14 says, "Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them, “. . . Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.”
Jesus exhorts his disciples saying that the contents of any food, ingested, does not defile the body. It's OK to eat foods which were once restricted. The real problem is what comes out of our mouth, not what goes into the mouth.
The heart and mind control what we say. If we are focused on God's presence in our lives, God's unconditional love, God's forgiveness, and God's never-ending grace towards us, our thoughts . . . and then words . . . can only deliver goodness and love and caring and forgiveness to others we meet along our journey. It's a lot to think about.
February 8-9
The story of Solomon, David's son, in 1 Kings 3 reminds me of the priceless gift of wisdom. God came to Solomon in a dream and invited him to ask anything he wanted of the Lord.
Solomon recognized the vast riches he inherited from his father but he also realized his youthful inexperience as one in a position of great responsibility. Solomon asked for the gift of wisdom.
I feel I have all the riches in the world. God has gifted me greatly even though I most certainly have not earned such grace. Yet, as one who has said, "Yes" to the new covenant life with God's Son, I am able to ask whatever I wish from God. I ask for grace daily but am reminded to ask for wisdom more often than when I need a little extra help with words or decisions.
February 4
Coach Lombardi said, "Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence."
It's nice to reflect on a statement by one whose football team sought perfection. Yet, to be 'perfect' is to be God. We are but mortals, trying the best we can to be who God called us to be in our daily lives . . . to love God and then to love others as much as we love ourselves.
I fail daily as I seek to give kindness and goodness and love others.
Yet, with God's perfect love, I do my best.
I hope I can say at the end of my life, "I did my best."
February 5 HAPPY BIRTHDAY to David and Denise. We also remember dad, whose birthday we celebrated on this day last year. He died in May, happily having reached the age of 102. He joined his sister who died a few months earlier at 104. They both are dancing with the Lord and free of the frailties that come with age.
February 6
Catherine of Sienna says, "If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world ablaze!” It's like being comfortable in our own skin when we are pressing into foreign territory.
If we know who we are (God's precious creation, given a purpose, loved beyond human comprehension) we will be that sparkling light in the midst of darkness, that fire of purpose and unconditional love that touches all those in our sphere of influence. Our 'fire within' when spread to others, can become a glowing explosion of goodness and charity wherever we go. We are reminded to simply be ourselves as we "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
February 7 Mark 7:14 says, "Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them, “. . . Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.”
Jesus exhorts his disciples saying that the contents of any food, ingested, does not defile the body. It's OK to eat foods which were once restricted. The real problem is what comes out of our mouth, not what goes into the mouth.
The heart and mind control what we say. If we are focused on God's presence in our lives, God's unconditional love, God's forgiveness, and God's never-ending grace towards us, our thoughts . . . and then words . . . can only deliver goodness and love and caring and forgiveness to others we meet along our journey. It's a lot to think about.
I continued to 'write' my icon today. Here are some steps I've already taken.
1. I found a line-drawing so did not have to trace from a finished icon, which is the normal practice.
2. I laid tracing paper over my line-drawing and traced those same lines with RED pencil.
3. Since the drawing was 'sized' to fit my 11X14" board, I laid the tracing paper on the board and taped it to the board on the top and bottom.
4. I then added tracing paper, face down, and used a graphite pencil to only draw lines of large 'color' segments. I can easily see what lines I did NOT trace as the graphite lines guide me through each process.
1. I found a line-drawing so did not have to trace from a finished icon, which is the normal practice.
2. I laid tracing paper over my line-drawing and traced those same lines with RED pencil.
3. Since the drawing was 'sized' to fit my 11X14" board, I laid the tracing paper on the board and taped it to the board on the top and bottom.
4. I then added tracing paper, face down, and used a graphite pencil to only draw lines of large 'color' segments. I can easily see what lines I did NOT trace as the graphite lines guide me through each process.
5. I take the tracing paper off and begin to paint major sections.
I forgot about Mary's Halo but this does not matter as Gold will be placed in that area of blue with the 'rays' and will intersect with Jesus' halo.
6. I paint thin layers of each color over two days, allowing the acrylic paint to dry thoroughly. Notice the green skin. In the end this will barely show but will subtly depict their olive skin.
This year our classes only last 4-5 hours each week. I have been in two other icon writing sessions which lasted five days, eight hours each day, and I barely finished.
7. My next step was to place tracing paper over Mary's outer garment to mark the folds and space for gold trim around the edges.
Gold will be added last but if you look carefully, you can see faint lines 'written' on her outer garment to indicate folds. I will later add layers of brighter colors to enhance those folds and bring this red garment alive.
8. Lines are added to hands and feet, to be outlined later. My next step is to create folds in Jesus' outer garment and sash and soften this bright color into a golden elegance.
February 10
What is an Icon and why do we say we 'write' an icon?
In the early centuries of Christianity, the written word was not available to the average seeker. Stories were shared by word of mouth or by these icons.
Most icons were painted by those in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
People learned to 'read' these paintings, study them, know what the hand positions were saying, and meditate on the story the icon portrays.
This icon shows Mary reverencing her child, Jesus, as son of God. The regal-red of her outer garment reminded people of her godly status. Her inner, blue, garment reminds us of her purity.
As the icon develops, we will see other 'signs' in the story that draw us further into God's presence through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Each person studying a particular icon may have a different personal experience. St. Francis of Assisi had a profound awakening. He turned his life around when he meditated on this icon of Jesus on the Cross at the tiny San Damaino Church in Assisi.
The story is 'read' beginning at the foot of the Cross with 'crowds' watching the crucifixion of Christ.
February 11 Transfiguration Sunday
It's the last Sunday of the season of Epiphany.
As we follow the life of Christ, we will move into a 'desert' time on Wednesday. Today is our last grand celebration of the presence of God in Christ until Resurrection Sunday.
I never tire of this same story every year.
It's a mountain top experience for Peter, James and John.
Jesus shows his divinity while the cloud descends upon them and while in conversation with Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (the prophets).
His chosen disciples do not understand the true significance of this moment and will not understand until after Jesus' Resurrection from the dead.
They will always remember the resounding words from the Father that boomed through the cloud, "This is my Son, my Chosen, listen to him!"
February 12-13 "The Good Book Club" began a new series yesterday.
Throughout Lent and almost to Pentecost I will be joining thousands as we read the Gospel of Luke and continue with his book of Acts.
Luke, the physician, writes concisely. His stories are riveting. Chapter 1 focuses on the annunciation to Mary from the Angel Gabriel (see icon at the top of this blog): "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you."
When Mary, filled with God's presence, visits Elizabeth, she says to Mary upon greeting her, "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb."
The Magnificat (1:46-56) is a beautiful song by Mary which closely follows Hannah's song. Mary's miracle within her is purely divine. The Holy Spirit planted God's presence, Jesus, inside Mary. As God bearer, Mary becomes the "New" Ark of the New Covenant.
February 14 I cannot recollect the last time Lent began on the day we celebrate the life of St. Valentine.
One minute we are embracing ashes on our foreheads to remind us that, "We are but dust and to dust we shall return" and the next minute we are enjoying hearts and flowers with those we love.
The question arises, "Are we allowed to celebrate with hearts and flowers when we are suppose to begin forty days of personal reflection and fasting?
I say we can do both.
We need to take a 'time out' to reflect upon the fact that we truly are made of a substance that will eventually disintegrate into nothing but dust.
It's also a time to remember that our soul will live forever and is simply surrounded by this 'house' called a body.
How are we feeding our soul?
We can ask ourselves, "Is some habit getting in the way of our desire to embrace the full presence of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit?"
If so, perhaps this is the time to create a new habit.
We can ask ourselves, "What new habit can I embrace that will bring the presence of the Lord into my life in greater capacity?"
Think about the JOY that the Lord provides when each of us embraces God's precious presence through reading of scripture, through prayer and through worship.
After a time of reflection, you will know when it's time to share your love with friends and family as you rejoice in the knowledge of God's everlasting love.
February 15 After-Thoughts
Did you know that we truly are dust?
Our epidermis (that thin layer of outer skin) sloughs off daily. Every 48 days this layer of skin is completely renewed.
I often think of 'Pig Pen' . . . the character in Charles Schultz's comics strip, "Peanuts."
He is always pictures as a bit of a 'dirt ball.'
If you think of it, we are about the same as we slough off that skin which becomes dust.
We are little 'dust balls' but with a difference.
God created a soul within us to house his presence.
Our soul will never turn to dust but lives forever.
Those who are baptized as Christians have received the Holy Spirit.
Yet, the Holy Spirit will reside, dormant, in our soul until we give him permission to act in our lives.
We are given the choice to embrace the Lord, thy God, or not.
Only when we allow the Holy Spirit within us to preside over our lives will he direct our path.
February 16 How does God preside over our life?
We have to give God permission to preside over our lives.
God's expectations are clear.
God sent his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to become the New covenant, the new 'once-for-all' sacrifice so that we no longer must make sacrifices to cover our sins.
IF we believe this and if we hand over our sinful lives to the Father through his Son, by faith, God will do the rest.
It's that continual giving over of our control and allowing the presence of God to preside over our lives that is the challenge.
That's why we take a 'time out' every year to walk in a desert of reflection for forty days as God's chosen people did when they wandered in the desert for forty years.
This fasting and reflection time of Lent echos the time Jesus spent in the desert at the very beginning of his active ministry.
If we are serious about asking God to preside over our lives we need to take time to know his Son . . . why he came, what he did for us when he went to the cross for us . . . died and rose again so that we might have everlasting life.
February 17 I continue reading the Gospel of Luke.
It's like seeing the entire life of Jesus flash before me in just one week. I'm only on chapter 4 and Jesus has already entered into public ministry and is being led into the desert.
I am reminded of the story in the Old Testament regarding the salvation of the Hebrew people as they cross the Red Sea from Egypt into the Sinai desert.
They wandered for forty years as the old generations died out and only the newest generation was left before they re-entered Canaan. God's presence in their lives over these forty years was vital for their existence.
They learned to worship only the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and lived by the 'new' commandments that God dictated to Moses.
February 18 First Sunday of Lent.
We began our journey to the Cross on Wednesday but are reminded of Jesus' desert experience for forty days.
We are invited into that desert experience to reflect upon our own lives, let go of that which gets in the way of our walk with Christ and renew our walk.
Daily reflection on passages in the Gospel of Luke are a beginning that we all are embracing.
It should be an interesting walk.
February 19 Go Fish!
Luke, chapter 5, reminds us that many of the immediate disciples of Jesus were fishermen.
This particular day they caught nothing but Jesus told them to go out again . . . in the middle of the day . . . which seems to be a waste of time. Fish go deep in the middle of the day.
Yet, Jesus spoke with authority, as if he know this was the right time and place.
Sure enough, they lowered their nets and immediately the nets were filled so full they could barely pull them up.
There were more fish than could be consumed or sold as fresh.
This story reminds me that when I move into the 'impossible' all sorts of possibilities occur.
These disciples would soon be fishers of men as they "catch" others into the loving embrace of the Lord.
February 20 Disciples
Each chapter of Luke is filled with one event after another.
Luke is cramming the entire ministry of Jesus (three years) into one book.
One minute Jesus is in the northern part of Israel, Galilee.
The next sentence Jesus is in Judea and towns surrounding Jerusalem.
Jesus is picking his team . . . his closest followers . . . the ones who will carry on his ministry when he is no longer on this earth.
Jesus always worked with teams of people . . . the twelve, the
seventy-five, the one hundred and fifty.
The twelve spend the most part of 24/7/365 with Jesus.
The seventy-five were most likely at every teaching in which thousands were gathered.
The one-hundred and fifty were devoted to Jesus' ministry and were present as often as was possible.
Thousands followed Jesus but twelve were given the power and authority to pray and heal. By spending untold hours with Jesus they had the confidence to 'go and do likewise.'
The twelve empowered others to do the same.
Disciples . . . followers . . . learners . . . open to God's teaching
through his son, Jesus.
We, as disciples of Christ, are called to 'go and do likewise.'
As it says in Romans 10, "If we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we shall be saved."
It's not that simple.
We have to learn about Whose we are and who we are as disciples of Christ.
We must learn to walk the walk, then talk the talk with the confidence and authority given to us by Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Disciple.
A powerful word.
February 21 Billy Graham 1918 - 2018
"Billy"
The greatest evangelist of the twentieth century and he was always called, "Billy."
Humble to the core.
Fervent with the message of the Gospel.
He lived this verse in Romans 10: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved."
He spoke of personal relationship, one's own journey, one's own commitment to God through his Son, Jesus, the Christ, 24/7/365.
He and Ruth raised four crazy kids . . . all of whom have a devotion to Christ after many trials and errors.
Billy's grandkids "got the message" early on and are now taking up the mantle of 'Grandpa Billy.'
I think even atheists watched as Billy Graham Crusades were shone on TV.
Thousands not only walked down from the bleachers to accept Christ, but were met by pastors and lay people from all Christian denominations so that each individual was connected with a church.
Not only was the message of salvation important but so was the continuing support of each person as they began their journey with Christ.
My friend saw Billy Graham on TV while sitting in her living room.
She found a church, began to study scripture, got involved, became a fervent disciple of Christ and, over several years while working full time, took seminary classes and became a leader in the church.
"Billy" left his legacy in millions.
Those millions, hopefully, have shared the message they received with another.
Multiplication . . . Discipleship . . . all part of our life in Christ.
February 22 Strong Foundation
‘Why do you call me “Lord, Lord”, and do not do what I tell you? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built.But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.’ Luke 6:46-49
As I continue to read through Luke I stop at various passages.
This one strikes me as the true meaning of discipleship.
Building a foundation of any structure takes time.
It's costly.
No one sees all the pipes and pieces that are hidden below.
In fact, it's the same with 'building' the layers as I 'write' my icon.
No one will see the many layers of paint applied.
They will only see the top layer, the glitter that shines through the slick resin placed over the final layers of paint.
No one sees the hours of labor.
No one sees the many mistakes that were 're-written' over the previous layer.
It takes time and patience to build a foundation of any sort so that the final project looks gleaming-beautiful.
If 'built' correctly, the foundation of anything worth while will enable the entire project to remain strong and solid for decades or even centuries.
If we base our lives upon a rock-solid foundation, one where we are not in charge but give God reign over our lives, that which is 'built' in us will not waver when mega-storms rage against us.
If we allow God's words to penetrate our soul, reside in us, and preside over our lives, we will be amazed at how much we can handle.
If I tuck words of scripture into my heart periodically, I continue to be amazed by how many words from God come forth when I need them.
My strength that comes from a strong foundation says "Yes" to God. "Yes" to allowing God's son, Jesus, to preside over my life through the power of the Holy Spirit who was called into me when I was baptized.
Baptism is only the first layer of our foundation in Christ.
Waking the Holy Spirit daily and saying "yes" to God builds upon this strong foundation.
Only by saying "yes" to having daily time with God, through scripture reading and prayer and worship, will my foundation become strong.
February 23 Back to the Drawing Board
This week I finally took a picture of my project.
Maria, Regina, Theotokas
The light was not good and I did not have my real camera but one can see the beginning of the outer layers.
Highlights in Mary's robe and the base for highlights in her undergarment are just the beginning.
Jesus' little cloak over his muslin gown are beginning to take shape.
Green hands, you say?
Wait another week and this olive skin will have warm tones added to look like supple skin.
It's much like our lives, isn't it.
We each seem to be basic humans until we look closely.
Defining lines, highlights of life lived and the reality of aging make for a complex picture of each individual.
The more layers we gather over time, the richer our lives become.
Eventually, our 'picture of life' is filled with deep hues and a story only we can tell.
A picture still replaces volumes we might say in words.
February 24 God helps us do the impossible
The following quote by Saint Francis of Assisi caused me to ponder
a little longer than usual today:
February 25-26 Gathering God's Brood
Luke 13:31-35 has been on my radar for several days.
Jesus was sent to us to gather God's chosen people back into His presence, into his covenant life.
Jews had been scattered for centuries.
Many had intermarried with pagans.
Others chose to worship in ways that did not follow God's covenant given to Abraham.
Israel was divided: Southern Kingdom, Samaria and the Northern Kingdom.
The Pharisees told Jesus to 'get out of town' because Herod, emperor over all of Israel, was seeking to kill him.
In essence, the Pharisees wanted Jesus to get as far away from 'their territory' as possible.
Jesus stated emphatically that he was there to gather God's 'Chicks' like a brood hen.
In fact, Jesus was sent by the Father not only to gather God's chosen people but also to invite gentiles to repent and turn to God, through his only begotten Son.
God was calling any and all to gather into His presence and allow the presence of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, to preside over their lives.
Jesus chose to ignore the Pharisees' warnings and continue to gather his brood like a mother hen.
Now it's up to us, who are part of God's brood, to do the same.
First we pray . . . they we say . . . come and receive God's unconditional love and grace.
February 27-28 Two Books
I've been digging through several books this past month but two of them are totally opposite of one another.
The Book of Luke . . . the good news of Jesus Christ by the physician, is concise but is filled with words and concepts from God that take time to digest.
I love it.
I'm learning each day I read even when I know the passages nearly by heart.
After all, I've re-read them annually for nearly thirty years.
Yet, there is always a passage or a word that pops out as if I've never seen it before.
My soul receives words and concepts afresh each day as I look at what God is trying to say I grow with new perspective.
On the other hand, I've been in a small book group with Christians who are clergy, scientists, physicians and laity.
I love the discussions because they help me discern what I'm unable to unscramble in "Mind and Cosmos" by Thomas Nagel. "Why the Neo-Darwinianism concept of nature is almost certainly false."
Since he is an atheist, he can only argue every viewpoint other than that of a theist.
He seems to create a pseudo-scientific-philosophical argument against neo-Darwinianism but not 'for' anything else.
His entire subjective-oriented argument for human mind as unique because its conscious, cognitive and value oriented decision making process, goes against the natural selection theories of philosophical realists.
If Nagel could write in concise sentences, it would be far easier to discern what he is saying.
I smiled at the end of today's session when these 'wise' women and men declared that Nagel wrote in circles and proved nothing.
However, this little book did make us think outside of our theological box.
We could see that Nagel was getting too close to accepting a theist view but stopped short in order to protect his 'atheist' identity.
I felt he had to work harder at 'not believing' than in believing that there is a 'force' an 'entity' beyond the comprehension of our tiny minds that created what we call 'life.'
So, on to another month as I continue to weave Iconography into my other daily discoveries.
I forgot about Mary's Halo but this does not matter as Gold will be placed in that area of blue with the 'rays' and will intersect with Jesus' halo.
This year our classes only last 4-5 hours each week. I have been in two other icon writing sessions which lasted five days, eight hours each day, and I barely finished.
7. My next step was to place tracing paper over Mary's outer garment to mark the folds and space for gold trim around the edges.
Gold will be added last but if you look carefully, you can see faint lines 'written' on her outer garment to indicate folds. I will later add layers of brighter colors to enhance those folds and bring this red garment alive.
8. Lines are added to hands and feet, to be outlined later. My next step is to create folds in Jesus' outer garment and sash and soften this bright color into a golden elegance.
February 10
What is an Icon and why do we say we 'write' an icon?
In the early centuries of Christianity, the written word was not available to the average seeker. Stories were shared by word of mouth or by these icons.
Most icons were painted by those in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
People learned to 'read' these paintings, study them, know what the hand positions were saying, and meditate on the story the icon portrays.
This icon shows Mary reverencing her child, Jesus, as son of God. The regal-red of her outer garment reminded people of her godly status. Her inner, blue, garment reminds us of her purity.
As the icon develops, we will see other 'signs' in the story that draw us further into God's presence through His Son, Jesus Christ. Each person studying a particular icon may have a different personal experience. St. Francis of Assisi had a profound awakening. He turned his life around when he meditated on this icon of Jesus on the Cross at the tiny San Damaino Church in Assisi.
The story is 'read' beginning at the foot of the Cross with 'crowds' watching the crucifixion of Christ.
February 11 Transfiguration Sunday
It's the last Sunday of the season of Epiphany.
As we follow the life of Christ, we will move into a 'desert' time on Wednesday. Today is our last grand celebration of the presence of God in Christ until Resurrection Sunday.
I never tire of this same story every year.
It's a mountain top experience for Peter, James and John.
Jesus shows his divinity while the cloud descends upon them and while in conversation with Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (the prophets).
His chosen disciples do not understand the true significance of this moment and will not understand until after Jesus' Resurrection from the dead.
They will always remember the resounding words from the Father that boomed through the cloud, "This is my Son, my Chosen, listen to him!"
February 12-13 "The Good Book Club" began a new series yesterday.
Throughout Lent and almost to Pentecost I will be joining thousands as we read the Gospel of Luke and continue with his book of Acts.
Luke, the physician, writes concisely. His stories are riveting. Chapter 1 focuses on the annunciation to Mary from the Angel Gabriel (see icon at the top of this blog): "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you."
When Mary, filled with God's presence, visits Elizabeth, she says to Mary upon greeting her, "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb."
The Magnificat (1:46-56) is a beautiful song by Mary which closely follows Hannah's song. Mary's miracle within her is purely divine. The Holy Spirit planted God's presence, Jesus, inside Mary. As God bearer, Mary becomes the "New" Ark of the New Covenant.
February 14 I cannot recollect the last time Lent began on the day we celebrate the life of St. Valentine.
One minute we are embracing ashes on our foreheads to remind us that, "We are but dust and to dust we shall return" and the next minute we are enjoying hearts and flowers with those we love.
The question arises, "Are we allowed to celebrate with hearts and flowers when we are suppose to begin forty days of personal reflection and fasting?
I say we can do both.
We need to take a 'time out' to reflect upon the fact that we truly are made of a substance that will eventually disintegrate into nothing but dust.
It's also a time to remember that our soul will live forever and is simply surrounded by this 'house' called a body.
How are we feeding our soul?
We can ask ourselves, "Is some habit getting in the way of our desire to embrace the full presence of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit?"
If so, perhaps this is the time to create a new habit.
We can ask ourselves, "What new habit can I embrace that will bring the presence of the Lord into my life in greater capacity?"
Think about the JOY that the Lord provides when each of us embraces God's precious presence through reading of scripture, through prayer and through worship.
After a time of reflection, you will know when it's time to share your love with friends and family as you rejoice in the knowledge of God's everlasting love.
February 15 After-Thoughts
Did you know that we truly are dust?
Our epidermis (that thin layer of outer skin) sloughs off daily. Every 48 days this layer of skin is completely renewed.
I often think of 'Pig Pen' . . . the character in Charles Schultz's comics strip, "Peanuts."
He is always pictures as a bit of a 'dirt ball.'
If you think of it, we are about the same as we slough off that skin which becomes dust.
We are little 'dust balls' but with a difference.
 |
| Image by Charles Shultz, "Peanuts" comic strip |
Our soul will never turn to dust but lives forever.
Those who are baptized as Christians have received the Holy Spirit.
Yet, the Holy Spirit will reside, dormant, in our soul until we give him permission to act in our lives.
We are given the choice to embrace the Lord, thy God, or not.
Only when we allow the Holy Spirit within us to preside over our lives will he direct our path.
February 16 How does God preside over our life?
We have to give God permission to preside over our lives.
God's expectations are clear.
God sent his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to become the New covenant, the new 'once-for-all' sacrifice so that we no longer must make sacrifices to cover our sins.
IF we believe this and if we hand over our sinful lives to the Father through his Son, by faith, God will do the rest.
It's that continual giving over of our control and allowing the presence of God to preside over our lives that is the challenge.
That's why we take a 'time out' every year to walk in a desert of reflection for forty days as God's chosen people did when they wandered in the desert for forty years.
This fasting and reflection time of Lent echos the time Jesus spent in the desert at the very beginning of his active ministry.
If we are serious about asking God to preside over our lives we need to take time to know his Son . . . why he came, what he did for us when he went to the cross for us . . . died and rose again so that we might have everlasting life.
February 17 I continue reading the Gospel of Luke.
It's like seeing the entire life of Jesus flash before me in just one week. I'm only on chapter 4 and Jesus has already entered into public ministry and is being led into the desert.
I am reminded of the story in the Old Testament regarding the salvation of the Hebrew people as they cross the Red Sea from Egypt into the Sinai desert.
They wandered for forty years as the old generations died out and only the newest generation was left before they re-entered Canaan. God's presence in their lives over these forty years was vital for their existence.
They learned to worship only the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and lived by the 'new' commandments that God dictated to Moses.
February 18 First Sunday of Lent.
We began our journey to the Cross on Wednesday but are reminded of Jesus' desert experience for forty days.
We are invited into that desert experience to reflect upon our own lives, let go of that which gets in the way of our walk with Christ and renew our walk.
Daily reflection on passages in the Gospel of Luke are a beginning that we all are embracing.
It should be an interesting walk.
February 19 Go Fish!
This particular day they caught nothing but Jesus told them to go out again . . . in the middle of the day . . . which seems to be a waste of time. Fish go deep in the middle of the day.
Yet, Jesus spoke with authority, as if he know this was the right time and place.
Sure enough, they lowered their nets and immediately the nets were filled so full they could barely pull them up.
There were more fish than could be consumed or sold as fresh.
This story reminds me that when I move into the 'impossible' all sorts of possibilities occur.
These disciples would soon be fishers of men as they "catch" others into the loving embrace of the Lord.
February 20 Disciples
Each chapter of Luke is filled with one event after another.
Luke is cramming the entire ministry of Jesus (three years) into one book.
One minute Jesus is in the northern part of Israel, Galilee.
The next sentence Jesus is in Judea and towns surrounding Jerusalem.
Jesus is picking his team . . . his closest followers . . . the ones who will carry on his ministry when he is no longer on this earth.
Jesus always worked with teams of people . . . the twelve, the
The twelve spend the most part of 24/7/365 with Jesus.
The seventy-five were most likely at every teaching in which thousands were gathered.
The one-hundred and fifty were devoted to Jesus' ministry and were present as often as was possible.
Thousands followed Jesus but twelve were given the power and authority to pray and heal. By spending untold hours with Jesus they had the confidence to 'go and do likewise.'
The twelve empowered others to do the same.
Disciples . . . followers . . . learners . . . open to God's teaching
We, as disciples of Christ, are called to 'go and do likewise.'
As it says in Romans 10, "If we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we shall be saved."
It's not that simple.
We have to learn about Whose we are and who we are as disciples of Christ.
We must learn to walk the walk, then talk the talk with the confidence and authority given to us by Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Disciple.
A powerful word.
February 21 Billy Graham 1918 - 2018
"Billy"
The greatest evangelist of the twentieth century and he was always called, "Billy."
Humble to the core.
Fervent with the message of the Gospel.
He lived this verse in Romans 10: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved."
He spoke of personal relationship, one's own journey, one's own commitment to God through his Son, Jesus, the Christ, 24/7/365.
He and Ruth raised four crazy kids . . . all of whom have a devotion to Christ after many trials and errors.
Billy's grandkids "got the message" early on and are now taking up the mantle of 'Grandpa Billy.'
I think even atheists watched as Billy Graham Crusades were shone on TV.
Thousands not only walked down from the bleachers to accept Christ, but were met by pastors and lay people from all Christian denominations so that each individual was connected with a church.
Not only was the message of salvation important but so was the continuing support of each person as they began their journey with Christ.
My friend saw Billy Graham on TV while sitting in her living room.
She found a church, began to study scripture, got involved, became a fervent disciple of Christ and, over several years while working full time, took seminary classes and became a leader in the church.
"Billy" left his legacy in millions.
Those millions, hopefully, have shared the message they received with another.
Multiplication . . . Discipleship . . . all part of our life in Christ.
February 22 Strong Foundation
‘Why do you call me “Lord, Lord”, and do not do what I tell you? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built.But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.’ Luke 6:46-49
As I continue to read through Luke I stop at various passages.
This one strikes me as the true meaning of discipleship.
Building a foundation of any structure takes time.
It's costly.
In fact, it's the same with 'building' the layers as I 'write' my icon.
No one will see the many layers of paint applied.
They will only see the top layer, the glitter that shines through the slick resin placed over the final layers of paint.
No one sees the hours of labor.
No one sees the many mistakes that were 're-written' over the previous layer.
It takes time and patience to build a foundation of any sort so that the final project looks gleaming-beautiful.
If 'built' correctly, the foundation of anything worth while will enable the entire project to remain strong and solid for decades or even centuries.
If we base our lives upon a rock-solid foundation, one where we are not in charge but give God reign over our lives, that which is 'built' in us will not waver when mega-storms rage against us.
If we allow God's words to penetrate our soul, reside in us, and preside over our lives, we will be amazed at how much we can handle.
If I tuck words of scripture into my heart periodically, I continue to be amazed by how many words from God come forth when I need them.
My strength that comes from a strong foundation says "Yes" to God. "Yes" to allowing God's son, Jesus, to preside over my life through the power of the Holy Spirit who was called into me when I was baptized.
Baptism is only the first layer of our foundation in Christ.
Waking the Holy Spirit daily and saying "yes" to God builds upon this strong foundation.
Only by saying "yes" to having daily time with God, through scripture reading and prayer and worship, will my foundation become strong.
February 23 Back to the Drawing Board
This week I finally took a picture of my project.
Maria, Regina, Theotokas
The light was not good and I did not have my real camera but one can see the beginning of the outer layers.
Highlights in Mary's robe and the base for highlights in her undergarment are just the beginning.
Jesus' little cloak over his muslin gown are beginning to take shape.
Green hands, you say?
Wait another week and this olive skin will have warm tones added to look like supple skin.
It's much like our lives, isn't it.
We each seem to be basic humans until we look closely.
Defining lines, highlights of life lived and the reality of aging make for a complex picture of each individual.
The more layers we gather over time, the richer our lives become.
Eventually, our 'picture of life' is filled with deep hues and a story only we can tell.
A picture still replaces volumes we might say in words.
February 24 God helps us do the impossible
The following quote by Saint Francis of Assisi caused me to ponder
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| I purchased this in Santa Fe New Mexico |
"Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
Francis was not a genius.
In fact, he failed at being the soldier he'd intended to become.
He had the fine outer garments and looked the part, fully admired by all who saw him.
He lived the wild life that satisfied his every want.
Yet, he found out, after being wounded in a battle and after becoming ill, that what he started out to become seemed a total failure.
He want to the local church in Assisi and studied the icon of the Cross (see icon above).
He began a stellar journey doing what was necessary.
It was necessary that he pray, at the very least to get his act together.
He understood the stories in scripture.
He knew God through his Son, Jesus Christ.
By simply stopping, assessing his life, regrouping - doing what was necessary to get to the next step - Francis did the possible.
He knew that it is possible to be forgiven for the crazy, wild, botched life that he'd led.
Knowing he was forgiven led him to do the impossible.
He began a journey that was totally out of his element.
He gained a new mind-set, totally focused on God, led by the Father, given to the son and embraced by the Holy Spirit.
Saint Francis changed the world as he knew it and multiplied disciples by the thousands simply by stopping, turning his life around, repenting and moving forward according to God's plan.
February 25-26 Gathering God's Brood
Luke 13:31-35 has been on my radar for several days.
Jesus was sent to us to gather God's chosen people back into His presence, into his covenant life.
Jews had been scattered for centuries.
Many had intermarried with pagans.
Others chose to worship in ways that did not follow God's covenant given to Abraham.
Israel was divided: Southern Kingdom, Samaria and the Northern Kingdom.
The Pharisees told Jesus to 'get out of town' because Herod, emperor over all of Israel, was seeking to kill him.
In essence, the Pharisees wanted Jesus to get as far away from 'their territory' as possible.
Jesus stated emphatically that he was there to gather God's 'Chicks' like a brood hen.
In fact, Jesus was sent by the Father not only to gather God's chosen people but also to invite gentiles to repent and turn to God, through his only begotten Son.
God was calling any and all to gather into His presence and allow the presence of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, to preside over their lives.
Jesus chose to ignore the Pharisees' warnings and continue to gather his brood like a mother hen.
Now it's up to us, who are part of God's brood, to do the same.
First we pray . . . they we say . . . come and receive God's unconditional love and grace.
February 27-28 Two Books
I've been digging through several books this past month but two of them are totally opposite of one another.
I love it.
I'm learning each day I read even when I know the passages nearly by heart.
After all, I've re-read them annually for nearly thirty years.
Yet, there is always a passage or a word that pops out as if I've never seen it before.
My soul receives words and concepts afresh each day as I look at what God is trying to say I grow with new perspective.
On the other hand, I've been in a small book group with Christians who are clergy, scientists, physicians and laity.
I love the discussions because they help me discern what I'm unable to unscramble in "Mind and Cosmos" by Thomas Nagel. "Why the Neo-Darwinianism concept of nature is almost certainly false."
Since he is an atheist, he can only argue every viewpoint other than that of a theist.
He seems to create a pseudo-scientific-philosophical argument against neo-Darwinianism but not 'for' anything else.
His entire subjective-oriented argument for human mind as unique because its conscious, cognitive and value oriented decision making process, goes against the natural selection theories of philosophical realists.
If Nagel could write in concise sentences, it would be far easier to discern what he is saying.
I smiled at the end of today's session when these 'wise' women and men declared that Nagel wrote in circles and proved nothing.
However, this little book did make us think outside of our theological box.
I felt he had to work harder at 'not believing' than in believing that there is a 'force' an 'entity' beyond the comprehension of our tiny minds that created what we call 'life.'
So, on to another month as I continue to weave Iconography into my other daily discoveries.
