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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Photo by Ken Brin

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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Photo by Ken Brin

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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Photo by Ken Brin

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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Photo by Ken Brin

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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Photo by Ken Brin

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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