Humility

Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.   Luke 18:17 
With all our education and sophistication, we have no guarantees about our present or final conditions. We are simply who we are, along with everyone else. We humbly accept our lot and get on with life. Humility means that we stash our expectations and receive the love of others. Whether we know or do not know anything about life after this one, we rest in the grace that love endures forever. 
This is the last week of the liturgical year. Next week we begin the season of Advent in preparation for the Nativity celebrations -- the holidaze! This is therefore my closing blog post, at least for this calendar year. May the Holy One bless you with joy, and love. Shalom, Mother BE

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Photo by Ken Brin

Faith Works

Someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith.  James 2:18

Back in the days of the Reformation, Martin Luther left the book of James out of his translation of the Bible. Why? Because it seemed to him that there was entirely too much emphasis on works to the detriment of faith. The argument has been going on for centuries with results that either polarize people when they have expectations, or renders them apostate because of the ridiculous nature of the discussion. The writer of the James community tells us that one without the other is simply moot, nothing. Furthermore, it is not our business to judge anyone's faith, works, or lack of either. Let us love one another! Shalom, Mother BE

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Photo by Ken Brin (from my window sill)

Restoration

Restore us, Elohim; let your face shine, that we may be free. Psalm 80:3    BE

Within the lectionary readings for today, this litany of hope lies hidden among gloom and doom. The word I've translated as "free" is yashaw. It shares a root with the name Y'shua (Jesus), and from it we have the words "save,"  "deliver," and "liberty" in translations. The Holy One is forever present, with us, in times of stress or disappointment. Those of us who are members of affluent societies,  would be wise to remember that our relationship to one another is of sacrificial love; that is, we seek the well-being of others. We put the desires of others above our own. Restoration begins with respecting the people with whom we live, and it moves out in circles of influence. So we live alone? Are we then exempt from love? It may seem like we have no one, but even the hermit has neighbors, if not people, then plants and animals. Shalom, Mother BE

Other readings for today:Joel 1:1-13; Rev. 18:15-24; Luke 14:12-24
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Baptism of Fire

I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed!  Luke 12:49-50

These words of Y'shua seem quite contrary to the message of love with which most of us are familiar. The context is even more perplexing, as it appears to put family members and nations against one another. Haven't we had enough of division and strife? Wasn't there already enough two thousand years ago? And why would He be stressed out waiting for the kindling to catch? Those of us who have recently been through forest fires or perfect storm hurricanes don't want to acknowledge anything good coming from them. So what in the world is He saying here via Luke the Greek physician?
One simple truth! Life rises out of death! The forests will recover, the tide will clear the beaches, and relationships will heal in the Resurrection if not before. It's all worth the hope energized by the devastation. Shalom, Mother BE

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Photo by Ken Brin
 

Grow Up!

We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knitted together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love. Ephesians 4:14-16

There are two kinds of law, high and low. One sets a high standard, sometimes called Roman Law, that no one is expected to reach, so allowances are made according to how major or minor various infractions occur. An example would be a speed limit. It's against the law to go over a certain mile an hour, but when you do, the fine will correspond to the degree of violation. On the other hand, the low standard, or common law, sets up a mode of acceptable operation to which everyone is expected to adhere. Failure to comply carries penalties according to the severity of the infraction. An example is the Magna Carta, the guarantor of basic rights, and the basis for most legal systems in the world today. Unfortunately, legislation is vulnerable to political trickery, craftiness, scheming, and in some cases, religion. The Big Ten from the Bible (Exodus 20) is neither, as it exemplifies what it means to be human in relationship to our Creator. When we fail to be human, we also jeopardize our relationships to one another. Let us grow into the Love of Christ, which is respectful, decent, and sacrificial. Shalom, Mother BE

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What Is Your Address?

A Psalm of David.
O Lord, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy hill?       Psalm 15:1

The Psalm goes on to answer that question: the upright, the blameless, the trustworthy. It pretty well leaves out everyone who ever fibbed, envied, or fell short of any standard of behavior, which, of course, excludes most of us, though we try to do what is right.That is where the gospel, good news, comes to our rescue. Y'shua of Nazareth for all time took on our failures, and with his life covered our short-comings. Like him and with him, we enter into the holy places where estrangement dissipates. We do not need to doubt our capacity to live at Love's address. Love loves us already and wants to abide with us. Shalom, Mother BE

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Rise Above It All

As for me, I will look to Yahweh, I will wait for Elohim, my salvation, who hears me. 
Micah 7:7 ...BE

The first six verses of this chapter pretty well reflect our current political scene. It begins with "Woe is me.." then goes on to complain about the bickering among leaders and perversion of public service. The prophet advises caution about speech and enemies within one's closest circles. Do we never hear good news? Has nothing changed since Y'shua of Nazareth walked upon the Earth and suggested, with his life, that we love one another? Love is patient and kind. It doesn't throw mud or look for iniquity under every pebble. I can almost see Micah heading to the poles, waiting for that still voice within him to guide his vote. Not only does the Holy One hear our questions, but we can trust in the salvation of divine answers. Shalom, Mother BE

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Rock Solid

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. Luke 6:48

The Rocky Mountains are full of rocks, and most of us have to dig them up in order to put down a foundation. On the other hand we have a nearby example of an old chapel literally built upon a huge boulder surrounded by marshy terrain. Even the highway department went around it rather than remove it. It'll be there for a long time. The point of the pericope above illustrates the value of a person who has a solid foundation for his or her life of faith, which manifests in good works for the community. When faith comes from the heart which focuses on the Other rather than the Self, the inevitable floods of disappointment or sorrow cannot prevail. Faith based upon early parental guidance or solid conversion forms a foundation for unwavering convictions regarding shifting cultural mores. Without it, the vicissitudes of society deplete our resources of integrity. Keep the Faith. Shalom, Mother BE

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Fear Not

Learn not the ways of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens. The gods who did not make the heavens and the earth shall perish from the earth and from under the heavens. Jeremiah 10:2&11.

The planets circle in their orbits, and once in a while a few of them line up with Earth. That phenomenon occurs later this year when the ancient Mayan calendar runs down, and there are all kinds of fearful predictions joined with global warming and irrational announcements by certain national rulers and fanatical biblicists alike. Do Not Be Afraid: may phobos, in Greek, from whence English derives phobia. Jeremiah is not the only prophet who calls us to faith, not fear. We can stand with him to affirm that Yahweh is creator (verse 1) and has our best interests in hand. We can also stand with historic persons such as St. Remigius of Rheims (Fifth century France) who upheld the Trinity which means that Y'shua of Nazareth is One with Yahweh and the Holy Spirit, together the One creator and sole ruler of the universe. Remigius was up against those who argued against the divinity of Y'shua, an opinion expressed by many people today. The ways and gods of the nations still demand allegiance, but the one who knows us best, our triune Creator, blooms among the weeds of sophistry for our well-being. Fear Not. 

Shalom, Mother BE

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Photo by Ken Brin 

Queenly Obedience

And who knows whether you have not come into the kingdom for such a time as this. Esther 4:14b

On the surface, the book of Esther tells a romantic Cinderella story of a girl who becomes the queen who saves her people at great risk to herself. It's worth a read, even if it does portray blatant sexism, greed, intrigue, and violence. She knows she could die without an invitation to approach the king . (They didn't have too much trouble limiting lobbyists in those days.) This verse selected from the story, illustrates for any age that each day holds the possibility for greatness. Esther thinks of all the reasons she shouldn't trouble the king, her husband, with any request, let alone one that endangers her life. At far less risk, we too may think of why we can't do a deed that might require something of ourselves beyond our comfort zone. We won't know the outcome until it's over, and it may be really trivial, but when we're summoned to help or intervene or give of ourselves in some way, at such a time, we respond because that is the way of Love. The blessing that follows usually comes as a complete surprise. Shalom, Mother BE

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Perfect Harmony

Above all ... put on love which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts... Colossians 3:14-15a

St. Hildegard of Bingen (12th century Germany) was a nun of the Celtic Tradition whom one biographer called the Dear Abby of her day. She is credited with Popes and Princes among her disciples, and is still appreciated for her literature, art, and music. She brought events and people together in peaceful harmony and serves as an enduring example for a believer's mission throughout life. Love lights up the dark matter that connects us to nature and to one another. It is up to each one of us to live peacefully with our ever widening circles of relationships. We simply can not do it without submitting to the rule of Christ which is to be of service toward one another. Shalom, Mother BE

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Photo by Ken Brin.

Brand Name

My sheep hear my voice, and I hear them, and they follow me. John 10:27

This verse is part of a rather long discourse that uses the common metaphor of the shepherd in relation to his flock. The first person, above speaking, is Y'shua of Nazareth. The setting is Jerusalem even though the metaphor is pastoral. The time is winter and the feast of Hanuka or Dedication of the Temple remembrance and celebration. We can take the literary device of metaphor to ridiculous extremes or we can understand the quick picture it affords us as we look for the deeper significance. Granted, St. Joan d'Arc said she heard sacred audible voices leading her to protect her French Prince against the English invaders, resulting in her death and canonization. But for ordianary believers in the mystery of Incarnation, hearing the voice of our Shepherd is a heart-felt knowing His presence in our everyday experiences. How do we hear His voice? We ask Him to be our Shepherd, and He brands us as His own. Then we sit back and enjoy his presence. Shalom, Mother BE

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I AM

Jesus said, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he.
John 8:28 NRSV

 Y'shua's words, according to the author of the Gospel of John, were part of his journey toward the cross. In reflection, the author referred to an Ancient Near Eastern tradition: Ben Adam (adam means "humanity;" ben indicates a "specific person") was a loaded idiom for, variously, a king, judge, suffering servant, anointed one -- Messiah in Hebrew, Christos in Greek. So the author used that phrase to suggest that Y'shua knew he would suffer a horrible death and be raised in resurrection. The author continues with Y'shua saying that one day you (who  persecute me) will realize that "I Am." (NRSV adds "he" which dilutes the concept that Y'shua is "I Am" -- Yahweh -- Divine.) Y'shua tried to break through the listeners' thick-headed minds caught  in the struggles of living from day to day. "To lift up" was an idiom to raise the eyes into the spirit, such as when Abraham "lifted up his eyes" to see the promise. The people needed to "lift up" this human, that is, see him in the spirit. They needed only to understand that the wonderful signs he did were being done by the Holy One, who was standing there talking to them. The New Testament clearly identifies the only "Son of Man" as Y'shua of Nazareth. Unless a person wrestles in the spirit with the Divine Human, he or she will not realize (see) the Glorious Holy One. 
Shalom, Mother BE

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Photo by Ron Burkett

Happy Prosperity

Happy are those who delight in the Lord, and meditate day and night. 
They are like trees planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season.
In all that they do, they prosper.
Psalm 1:1-3 excerpts

I think of this first Psalm whenever I come upon a stream bordered by bushes and trees, especially those that yield blooms, berries, fruit, or pine cones. Any walk that features plant life can stimulate meditation, probably because natural surroundings remind me of the Creator who loves me, and I delight in knowing that. Here in the mountains where I live, it's easy to overlook the streams and lakes and snowdrifts, and the clouds that feed them. But in meditating upon the whole, and the Source of the beauty around me, I find that the Master of it all walks with me. Then when the desert times arrive, I can look for the flowers that flourish in the dry shadows. Those are the seasons of secret prosperity. Shalom, Mother BE  

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Art by David E. Iles, South of Fairplay, CO,  photo by Ken Brin

Be Still

Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? Did not my hand make all these things? Acts 7:49,50

Questions are often answered within themselves, such as those above. It would be a little more clear if it read, "You can not build me a house when the Earth is a mere footstool of my creativity."  And again, "There is no physical place I can rest when my source of action encompasses the entire universe." We are limited by time and spatial experience, so we find it difficult to contemplate the great beyond. Many, many times we build  formulas (churches) to rationalize (house) that which we cannot explain, and we often forget to rest (relax) into the peace that passes right by our intellectual examination. We often speak of death as a long-awaited rest, a silence that defies rational exploration. Even without the advantage of death, rest opens the heart to that Source who contains all the answers. First, we must be still.

Shalom, Mother BE 

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Divine Love

John 3:16 Οὕτως γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν κόσμον ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ᾽ ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον.

Because Divine Love for the Cosmos is so great, Divinity gave a begotten (human) Son so that whoever believes He is divine will not perish but live forever.  Translation, BE

This is one of the first Bible verses I memorized as a child, in the King James Version. I didn't know what some of the words even meant, let alone any Greek. I've underlined key words in both Greek and English to show how difficult a simple verse can be to translate. One of the most important words is the second one in Greek: gar. It's usually translated as "for," but it has a multitude of uses in Greek. I've also placed it first in my rendition but as "because" for it indicates that the following word is what the sentence is about, in this case: agapasen - agape - Love (not Theos). Theos and the Teutonic Gott or in English, God, are poor translations for the Creator, Yahweh Elohim. However, it is (Theos Divine) Love for the whole created universe that seeds the begetting of a Son. In twenty-first century language one could say that the quantum intent in the dark matter, or in the "presence" that is black space between micro and macro existence, at a particular point in time, energized the creation of a divine-human creature who is Himself the only Son of Love. Whoever believes this awesome statement will not lose the Spirit of life, but will always live in the mystery at hand. Shalom, Mother BE

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Shooting Stars Photo by Ken Brin

Transfiguration

Y'shua took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Luke 9:28,29

This week we celebrate one of the most mysterious events of Y'shua's recorded life: the Transfiguration on the mountain, traditionally presumed to be Tabor because the event occurred near the place of the previous discussion when Y'shua questioned the disciples: 'Who do you say that I am?' and Peter answers, 'You are the Christos (Anointed) of Theo (God).' Eight days later Y'shua invited Peter, John, and James to join him in prayer which included, in the course of the event, Moses and Elijah who were already residents of a heavenly dimension. For the three disciples, it was a glimpse into eternity. For Y'shua, the event revealed his ministry, death, and resurrection which he then shared with his disciples. It is not an easy trail to follow Y'shua. We are warned that this Christos Way may require traversing difficult terrain, but imagine doing it without a guide, a trail master if you will. Along the Way, we glimpse snatches of glory -- a sunrise, or set, that takes your breath away, a mountainside of wildflowers, or a stream tumbling around boulders. In the Spiritual Sojourn, we glimpse dimensions of heartfelt insight or unconditional love transfiguring our attitudes. Shalom, Mother BE

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Plum Blossoms Photo by Ken Brin 

Golden Words

A word fitly spoken is like an apple of gold in a setting of silver. Proverbs 25:11

Sometimes I fling on whatever jumps out at me from the closet, drink a hurried breakfast shake, rush through my exercise routine, stop by the farmer's market, run a letter to the post office or do a million other errands before I meet a friend for lunch. When I get there, breathless and dabbing perspiration, my friend greets me with, "Praise the Lord, you look great today." And those seven words, fitly spoken, under-gird our conversation for the next two hours. I order the Waldorf salad, eat it with gleaming silverware, sip my lemonade, and think how wonderful it is to have a friend to share my thoughts and dreams, sorrows sometimes, joys, and occasional grievances. Such Grace! I must remember the Golden Rule, and pass along the Peace. Shalom, Mother BE


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First Impressions

Mary Magdalene ... said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord."  John. 20:17

The first evangelist ran to tell Y'shua's  disciples the good news after she saw the living Lord following his death on the cross. What had she seen? A gardener, a ghost? Her mind could not comprehend what her senses told her. She did not recognize him until he called her by name, and then she could not sit still in her time of mourning. She ran - to tell his disciples. Of course, they did not believe her, a grieving woman. But her bold eagerness to share her experience planted a seed of curiosity so that they had to go see for themselves. How alike we are to those first- century skeptics. Someone may have a fresh revelation to share, and we scoff at his or her story until we name it for ourselves. What would it be like to accept someone's experience as valid simply because they say so? If we did, maybe it would not have taken over two thousand years for the gospel to reach our hearts. Shalom, Mother BE


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Jericho

 Go view the land, especially Jericho. Joshua 2:1

Thus begins one of the best spy episodes in the scriptures. It has all the intrigue, sex, and violence a writer needs to captivate his or her readership, including the red light (cord) district. I'll leave it to you to read the story. As for the spiritual sojourn, the implication presented here suggests that one seek a helper, a spiritual director, or a soul friend to help sort through the questions that inevitably arise upon the beginning of a vision quest. The value of such a person in one's life is to hear, and examine, one's own out-loud thoughts. Our various "Jerichos" would smother us with taunts of doubt, self-recrimination, or unworthiness. But the Holy Spirit hides us and protects us from personal annihilation just as Joshua spared Rahab, in return for her hospitality. Read the book! Shalom, Mother BE 



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Risk Factor

Do not take us across the Jordan. Numbers 32:5b

I am reminded of the rabbit who said to the fox, "Do not  put me in that brier patch," when that was exactly what the rabbit wanted. Like the rabbit, we're often sure what would be good for us, especially when what we perceive is comfortable - or in the case of the fox, threatens our comfort.. In this context, the tribes of Reuben and Gad want to pasture their herds of cattle on the familiar side of the river rather than cross over into the Promised Land. The metaphor for the life in the Spirit illustrates that we just might not see all the particulars of that leap of faith we've heard about. The Holy One beacons us to deepen our contemplation of Love Peace and Justice and perhaps act on revelation, a risky step into the dark unknown. Our Faith, the action side of Eternal Grace, takes the first watery step into the Jordan, and beholds Glory with hindsight. Shalom, Mother BE


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Perfect Praise

Have you not heard that out of the mouth of babes and sucklings come perfect praise? Matthew 21:16b

The reference to Psalm 8:2 includes the notion of strength, and suggests that praise is unencumbered by enemies who would dampen the spirit. The children cried out, "Hosanna to the Son of David" when Y'shua healed the blind and lame people who came to him in the Temple while the elders were suspicious of his motives, and angry that he had upset the apple carts (the money changers and vendors). Children recognize authentic joy and respond with celebration. This week Americans will turn themselves upside-down with the celebration of Independence. Some of us "Oldies" may decry the boisterous expressions of gaiety, but while we remember that our Founders paid dearly for the privilege of Freedom, we remember that Y'shua gave the blind ones freedom to observe life around them, the lame ones the freedom to dance. Be safe, be tolerant, be sober, but have fun. Let's celebrate life! 

Shalom, Mother BE

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The In-Between Faith

We hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works of law. Romans 3:21

This pericope seems to be an oxymoron, a contradiction in terms. Justification apart from Law? We talk about our Justice System as something that enforces the Laws of the Land. My dictionary has six uses for the word "justify" ranging from even-spaced print to pardon. The word in the middle, "faith," in the above quote takes us out of the realm of empirical Law affecting our station in life, to the Divine Law that affects our motivation and attitude. The two "Laws" do not contradict each other, but they are complementary. To have Faith does not mean we don't have to keep the Law, but the things we think and say (our works) are also not governed by the Law. If our motivation is Faith oriented, our attitudes will be focused on the well-being of others, which is what the Law intends. The catch-22 encircles us when we suppose that Divine Law reflects Empirical Law. NO WAY. One, Divine Justice, is a Holy gift which cannot be earned by doing the right works. The other, the Legal System, demands right actions, and "right" depends upon the legislature. Let us exercise Faith in mercy one to another. Shalom, Mother BE 

Testimony

On the day that the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony; and in the evening it was over the tabernacle like the appearance of fire until morning. Numbers 9:15

The tabernacle, in the Exodus story, held the stone tablets that Moses brought down from the mountain which were inscribed with the Big Ten Commandments, the testimony of the Presence of the Holy One. The stones were not especially holy, nor were the carefully described boards that made up the conveyance, nor was the goat hair tent above it all. The Exodus tabernacle has long been lost to legend, but the testimony of millennia generations follows us to this day: the cloud by day, the pillar of fire by night to assure the people of the Holy Presence. A child's growth patterns mirror the developmental stages of human insight. For example, the baby wails for nutrition, the toddler smears food from head to toe, the teen auditions taste. Finally the adult relaxes into healthful habits. It's that way with spiritual nourishment too. First we need manifestations of Holy Presence such as visions, warm feelings, or revelations in meaningful scriptures. Then we go overboard with our excitement often putting people on edge. We go through the stage of testing our beliefs with other belief systems until we mature into grace-filled adults. Finally, our testimony becomes the testimony of divine Presence. Whatever your stage of development, may you glow with the testimony of Love. Shalom, Mother BE  

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Consider Joy

In the day of prosperity be joyful; and in the day of adversity consider: Elohim has made the one as well as the other. Ecclesiastes 7:14

The Preacher pounds the pulpit yet again. Joy comes with affluence but beware of comfort because trouble hides around the next corner. Pessimism can swamp the psyche more quickly than a downpour can fill a gutter. The question is not whether we frolic in abundance or complain about our poverty. Our Creator sets both before us at various times in our lives to exercise our appreciation of life. Prosperity might include good health; and adversity might mean the absence of relationship. Either can exist in either circumstance. Whatever we encounter in daily living makes us rich or poor according to our joy barometer. Like the aster above, we can grow in a lush garden or on a gravel side road. May your decision today bring joy where ever you find yourself. Shalom, Mother BE 




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Vanity

I considered all that I ...had done...it was vanity and a striving after wind...Ecclesiastes 2:11

Pulled from a context about wealth and works, this pericope could impart either humility or depression. The humility would engender a false sense of accomplishment - false because humility would not count works in the first place. Depression would discount the value of whatever things might be added up. Who needs vain busywork that blows away with the wind?  Traditionally attributed to King Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes (koheleth: preacher or assembler of words, and name of the book in Hebrew) brushes away both the context and the message as vanity. About the time that humility and depression collide, we might get the idea that we might as well dump the book. But surely there must be a reason to include the words of the preacher in the salvation revelation? Simply, and simply again, it's not about the world of accomplishment. Everything blows away on the wind of the spirit, and we are simply left with the Light of Love to guide us through our actions. That's good. Shalom, Mother BE  



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Revolutionary Audacity

Y'shua said to her, I who speak to you, am He.
John 4:26 BE

First of all, Y'shua had the audacity to speak to a woman who was not related to him by marriage! Two thousand years ago, that was quite unusual, and unacceptable. This line follows a 25 and a 1/2 verse introduction of the woman's faith development. From a promiscuous adulterer to a confessed believer, from a racial snob to a humble servant, she paved the way for inclusive attitudes regarding our relationships to  Messiah - the Christ - the Anointed One and to One Another. Chapter 4 continues to show the expansion of Y'shua's vision to include the old northern tribal settlements, by then collapsed into Galilee and Samaria, as worthy of his love and attention. Such an idea was quite unusual, unacceptable, revolutionary! After his death and resurrection, he told his disciples to take his inclusive Love to all the world. (Matthew 28:19) That would include us, as believers.
Shalom, Mother BE


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He Took It All

He took our infirmities and bore our diseases. 
Matthew 8:17b

These words came from the prophet Isaiah several hundred years before "He," Y'shua, fulfilled them some two thousand years ago. The context for this short pericope describes ministry among people not of the Jewish religious culture from which Y'shua emerged. Prior to this verse, the writer explained how Y'shua healed an outcast leper, a Roman centurion's servant, a woman (females were not part of the religious culture), and various others who were physically or mentally ill and thus fell short of perfection. The prophesy applies to every human who ever lived or will live on planet Earth. The writer reveals to us the ultimate mystery that the Creator of everything, in the person of Y'shua, owns everyone's infirmities and diseases.
Shalom, Mother BE

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From There To Here

The Holy One has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the realm of  Y'shua, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14 BE

Redemption means that something is recovered that was held by someone else, such as a mortgage, or something is paid by someone else for our benefit, a rescue. We may feel that we do not need rescuing, that our lives are comfortable, and we can see perfectly well that our existence is everything we ever wanted it to be. That is simply the trap of affluence. Until we recognize that Y'shua is the embodiment of the Holy One who created us, we walk in darkness, bumping into walls of stone as if in a cave without a candle. OK, so we don't do anything immoral, we follow all the rules of society, get along with everyone, and are healthy to boot. In other words, we are really good and we don't need anything. Another trap. The word "sins" does not describe acts that violate cultural mores. We could use the Greek word it translates: harmartia, which means to miss the mark or violate a divine law. The law in question is the Law of the Holy One. Like gravity, it exists whether we want it too, or not. That Law includes the Big Ten, but much more encompasses the existence of the whole universe. That Law states simply that Love exists. Without Love, there is nothing. Shalom, Mother BE

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From Discipline to Righteousness

For the moment, all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant; later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 RSV

One of my favorite spring flowers is the wild sweet pea growing along country fences or peeking out from under boulders. They are completely undisciplined, and that is part of their charm. The blooms don't last very long and they seldom successfully adjust to transplanting. Fortunately, horticulturists have developed strains that do well in gardens, tended by loving care. Their sweet aroma fills the air outside or inside with color therapy -. often just what we need to remember a gracious time of peace. Wildness is illusory, it doesn't last and it gets in the way of progress. Our lives are like sweet peas in gardens tended by Love. Sometimes we need a clip here and there to keep the main stems healthy. We may not agree with the discipline, but over time, we will recognize the value of a moment of painful training.  We will invariably yield the fruit of righteousness which endures forever. Shalom, Mother BE  

website: www.woodlily.org 

Number One

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything as this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children or they will become discouraged. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, and do it not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:18-24 RSV

This pericope on relationships sites submitting, being harsh, obeying, embittering, discouragement, duplicity, work. Each is difficult for the first person and easy for the second. Even a wealthy loner has work to do if for no one but him or herself, and then he or she is still dependent upon others for infrastructure. Mothers are left out, but in Luke 13:32 Y'shua describes himself as a hen who protects her chicks. In the above pericope, it seems we can just pick and choose which verses apply to the "others" in our lives. The verse addressed to slaves comes across as the most applicable for just about everyone. Oh, we don't do slavery anymore; that went out with the Civil War. I submit it has merely taken a modern form: namely, anything that we are accountable to that ties us down to a schedule for the purpose of survival (food, shelter) holds the position of master. The corporations that run our world with their endless levels of accountability are uncaring and impersonal taskmasters. Ephesians 6:9 and Colossians 4:1 do not let masters off the hook. Corporate officers at the top are responsible to directors and should be to workers. The author of Colossians admonishes us to do what we do as if for our beloved -  the One who first loved us long before we were even slightly lovable.  The "Lord," in this New Testament pericope, is the risen Y'shua of Nazareth. May he, in his loving kindness, embrace you as you do your work - for him. Shalom, Mother BE

website: www.woodlily.org 

Straight Ahead

Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Matthew 3:3b RSV

Make straight the path that the Holy One will tread. The Greek word euthys rendered "straight" carries more nuances than "straight" as in a line between dots or a pathway without any curves. It connotes immediacy and levelness or smoothness as along a beaten trail.  As a way of life euthys refers to the absence of obstacles. In the context here, John the Baptist referred to the saying of the prophet Isaiah that there would some day come One who would accept our repentance, which is the preparation for our enduring relationship with our creator. To repent means to change direction, to return to the way set before us by Love, itself a path for the Holy One, Y'shua, to find us in the wilderness of our conceit. Shalom, Mother BE



website: www.woodlily.org 

Angelic Longing

It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things which have been announced to you by those who preached the good news to you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. First Peter 1:12 RSV

Things! At what "things" do the angels long to look? The larger context tells us that "them" refers to the prophets who told about the coming of a Messiah who would bridge the gap between divinity and humanity. That was the fourth level of a line of communication. Then there are the "things... announced to you" by the third level - those who preached the good news (gospel in old English), through the second level - Holy Spirit, sent from the first level, heaven itself. No wonder the angels might not be able to look into those "things." Sometimes it is truly difficult to read scriptures written thousands of years ago and translated through several languages. We have plenty of material to wade through just getting on with the day at hand. What is so special that divine messengers long to see it, but that has come to us straight from heaven via the prophets, the preachers, and the Holy Spirit? The answer to that question has alluded the sages since time began: that "thing" we call Free Will. Angels are not human. Only humans have the ability to choose to follow Messiah, Y'shua, across the gulf between spirit and flesh. The angels chose to remain in heaven, to be governed by Love, and they watch to see how we will use our Free Will to encounter ordinary "things" in our daily lives.
Shalom, Mother BE 

Early Morning

And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back; for it was very large. Mark 16:2&3.

The early spring flowers are beginning to peek out in the high country, while lower elevations already enjoy lush spring colors. The blooms call to mind the new life we have in Christ, just as the colorful egg hunts of children remind us that the eggs are shaped like the stone at the door of the tomb of Y'shua of Nazareth. But that stone was huge. Archeologists have found grave stones so large that it takes fifteen to twenty hefty men to move them. The Sunday morning on which the world turns dawned sadly for those three women who approached the tomb of their beloved one. They had forgotten to plan ahead -- a common trait of the grief process -- and now they had a problem. How would they move the stone? Sometimes the stones in our lives seem insurmountable. Anything that blocks us from the presence of Y'shua is a huge obstacle to our peace. But if we look up into the face-spirit-mind of our Creator, the block crumbles or rolls on down the hill out of existence. As the ice and snow melt into refreshing rivers, and the crocus and tulips brighten our paths, may the Alleluia season bloom for you with new insights of love and grace. Shalom, Mother BE



website: www.woodlily.org

Holy Week

To the Leader: A lament of David when Nathan the prophet went to him after his affair with Bathsheba. Be gracious to me, Elohim, according to your merciful kindness let your great and tender compassion remove my defiance. Thoroughly wash away my guilt, and from iniquity cleanse me. For I know my transgressions; and my rebellion is ever before me. Psalm 51:1-3 Translation: BE

The word “sin,” usually used at the end of verse 3, has pretty well lost its relevance in the twenty-first century, but this pericope expresses the brutal honesty a person encounters when faced with the accusation of a standard. The Psalmist confesses his failure and pleas for mercy and the grace of reconciliation. We enter into the final days of Lent aware of our own estrangement from our Creator. We long for a union which will assuage our torn loyalties. The romance we found waving palm branches of self-absorption, self-conceit, self-righteousness, and self-delusion leads only to destruction. Holy Week celebrates the revelation of the truth that cleanses away our selfishness: Y’shua of Nazareth, the Incarnation - embodiment of Elohim, walked the sorrowful way through our own dissatisfaction to greet us at the other end of our trials. May this week be a time to consider how very brave Y'shua was to embrace our crosses. Shalom, Mother BE




website: www.woodlily.org

Power Circle

You are like a circle of stones, like a strong wall of granite. Lead me and guide me as your Name accords. Psalm 31:3 

The "You" at the beginning of the verse refers to the Holy One of Israel. The "circle of stones" is usually translated "rock (cela) and fortress (matsuwd)." Some pre-historic and pre-Hebraic Ancient Near Eastern people (as well as those in other places) arranged rocks in a circle to connect with the "other world," a place of power from the perspective of ancient superstitious people. Later in human development, these circles grew up into rock walls for the purpose of defense. Arranged in cairns or placed upon strategic heights, they became landmarks or watch towers. To be in "accord" means to agree. Here, it means to be in agreement with the One whose Name signifies existence, Yahweh. A paraphrase of the verse in modern thought could be: I agree to the guidance and leadership of the One Who Exists, who is a strong dependable upright partner for determining the direction that is best for me. May your own deliberations be filled with the assurance of Divine Presence. Shalom, Mother BE  

website: www.woodlily.org

Are You Happy?

Happy are we who shout for joy, who walk in the light of the countenance of Yahweh. Psalm 89:15

The fourth week of Lent feels a bit like Ground Hog Day -- will winter ever end? Will Lent finally reach the season of Alleluia? Lots of folks from the northern climes escape the last dregs of ice and snow to take a Spring Break south of the frost belt. I'm reminded of lyrics of a song from the musical, Oklahoma: "March came in like a lion, a whippin' up the water in the bay." Here in the high country we sing something like, "The winds march down from the Continental Divide whistling around every corner." Sometimes the winds in our psychic selves manifest in our bodies with illness. When the weather reflects our internal struggles or lethargy, we need help to get out of the doldrums! Now comes the time to turn to Psalm 89. A litany of praise for the creativity of the Holy One, the Psalm drags us from our self-centered pity parties to remind us of the glory all around us - regardless of the season, our state of mind, or our physical condition. Ah, but some of us live every day in a paradise, where the weather is wonderful all the time; and the countenance of Yahweh appears before us with the light of every sunrise. Then the Psalm reflects our happiness and contentment, indeed, our joy. If you're happy, clap you hands! Have a good week. Shalom, Mother BE  


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The Teacher

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are Elohim,  my comfort. Psalm 25:5

The Hebrew language has three primary names for the Holy One: Yahweh, Adonai, and Elohim. The latter is the earliest one and the name the scribes used for the Creator. Here the psalmist recognizes the teacher of truth as Elohim, who also brings comfort and health - the meaning of yesha which usually translates into English as "salvation." The context for the above verse is a prayer of King David for protection from his enemies, and a plea for preservation. Who better to ask for help than the Creator? Our enemies might be in the form of physical, mental, or spiritual threat. These different realms were created by Elohim for our well-being, and we can rest assured that all true things bring joy to our Creator, and ourselves. Falsehoods, enemies, erupt into the stresses that consume our energy. Sometimes, we need a reminder to remember that our Teacher's compassion does not remember our failings. Another note about Psalm 25: it's an acrostic lesson wherein the first word of each verse follows alphabetical order as a method for memorizing the text. Some versions of the Bible use marginal notations to indicate the Hebrew letters. For example the first word, after the salutation ("of David"), begins with aleph. The first letter of verse 5 is he, the fifth letter in the Hebrew alphabet, and so on. 
Learn more about Divine Names from my Kindle Article by entering amazon.com in the address bar of your browser, then my name on Amazon's search bar, click "go." 
May you be blessed through the week! Mother BE

Vanquish Fear

When I am afraid, I will trust in you, Elohim. Psalm 56:3


The middle Psalms, called Laments, help to carry us through awful seasons of doubt,  apropos for the Lenten Season. This Psalm, regarding King David's capture by the Philistines, speaks to the need for trust in the midst of one's interior terror or actual threat by an enemy. It's OK to have a pity party now and then if it serves to remind us to seek Divine Presence. Elohim (translated as God) will wipe away our tears, and record whatever slander may assault us, in order for us to be embraced in Eternal Love, with the onslaught concealed by light. Occasionally appearing along mountain trails, the pink and white blooms of little Kitten Paws express the wonder of the Creator's care in the midst of opposition: wild weather, scorching solar glare, or extreme cold. Shalom ...Mother BE

Friends Forever ?

The friend in whom I trusted, who shared my bread, tells false stories about me. Psalm 41:9 Prayers of the People

The Lectionary from the Book of Common Prayer suggests this psalm for Monday of the first week in Lent, and it is not an easy read. The Christmas Cactus has brilliant blooms, but it also has tiny thorns on its pointy leaves. The plant illustrates the ache (thorns) the Psalmist feels with the realization that his friend(the flower) has betrayed him. In its natural environment, the cactus blooms during the winter holidays when people gaily swap gifts and attend to festivities. In short, they express their love and friendship. We seldom hear gossip about ourselves, but when the texting stops or the persons we met at the office party avoid eye contact, we can be pretty sure our trust has been offended. Suddenly we realize we have an opportunity to practice forgiveness. The very next verse cries for mercy. In our own restoration, our friends benefit from a divine encounter they never sought, and we are free to say hello. Shalom, Mother BE

Time of Singing

The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. Song of Songs 2:12    Comment: Scriptures are like flowers, songs, and voices heard abroad. 

Springtime in the Rockies will soon push up from under most of the nation's(USA)water shed. The snow melt trickles at lower elevations and lingers as ice in the high country. It's a period of preparation and promise of flowers to come. As we enter the Lenten Season, we're aware that we enter a time of mourning in anticipation of the celebration of Resurrection. The turtledove (also called a mourning dove) sings her plaintive song across the land in hope of a response. A turtledove was one of Abraham's covenant offerings signifying an inexpensive gift of great worth, the voice. The creation of this (for now) weekly voice-blog intends to generate reflection and contemplation about selected verses of scripture. The Wood Lily is the most rare flower found anywhere in the entire chain of the Rocky Mountains. Rare indeed are those who value the time of singing. Thanks for reading this first post as I begin to learn my way around cyberspace. The next post will be on February 27th. Shalom, Mother BE