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Posts Tagged ‘God does the impossible’

Job 8: Taking the Dare – Part IV

Posted in Comparing Scripture, Mini-Noontime, tagged , , , , , , on May 20, 2023| Leave a Comment »


Job 8: Taking the Dare – Part IV

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Kim French: Bull Rushes

Kim French: Bull Rushes

Job’s friends believe that he is guilty of some crime against God; why else does he suffer so heavily? Job’s friends do not understand that God has taken a dare from Satan (Job 1), trusting that Job will remain faithful no matter the circumstances. Bildad does not recognize Job as an instrument in God’s plan; he cannot imagine that God calls to the potential place in Job at his conception . . . or that God calls on the potential placed in each of us to respond to God’s immense love in such a steadfast manner.

Reeds can’t grow where there is no water . . .

God says: Send down your roots into my Word each day with confidence.

Evil people sprout like weeds in the sun, like weeds that spread all through the garden. Their roots wrap around the stones and hold fast . . . But then pull them up—no one will ever know they were there . . .

God says: Place all your hope in the promise of my mercy.

God will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouts of joy.

God says: My joy in you is endless and boundless.

Risen_LGThose who hate you will be clothed with shame, and the tent of the wicked will be no more.

God says: I have great plans for you. Plans for joy and not for woe. When evil visits you, remain in me. I am the only force that can bring about the miracle of your transformation. Take the dare that Satan hands to you by trusting me more than yourself. Follow me. Rest in me. Trust in me. Remain in me. Take up the great dare that my love for you can bring about the impossible. 

When we spend time with these verses and reflect on varying translations, we begin to see the depths and breadth and height of God’s love for humanity. Use the scripture link and drop-down menus to explore.

Images from: https://pixels.com/featured/bull-rushes-kim-french.html and http://www.redeemerofisrael.org/2009/04/resurrection-part-i-empty-tomb.html

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John 20:1-10: The Impossible as Reality

Posted in Favorite, tagged , , , , , on May 5, 2023| Leave a Comment »


John 20:1-10: The Impossible as Reality

Thursday, May 5, 2023Abundant-Life

 A Favorite from May 5, 2008.

For some reason this chapter has popped up at Noontime several times. Today, as always when this happens, we can look more closely at this reading, and this is what comes to me.

Today’s morning scripture reading is from Hebrews.

Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.  Because of it the ancients were well attested.  11:1-2

I have often tried to imagine the rainbow of emotions which swept through Mary, Peter and John when they saw the empty tomb. There were so many explanations of what might have happened.

This is the time of year in which we always re-live the Resurrection story. Two thousand years after the fact, we are still experiencing the mix of doubt, fear, hope and joy which swept through the early apostolic band. They had been accompanied by Jesus in life. Now they would be accompanied by him and the Spirit for eternity.

We are surprised by the absence of something we thought existed, someone who once was a foundation, some idea that gave us meaning. We see, hear and feel the emptiness and sorrow of that loss. Slowly, and painfully, we explore the possibilities. Little by little we come to the realization that our existence is paradox. We are divine, we are human. We are human, we are divine.

jesus is risenWe are slow to believe. We see the empty tomb. We know that our eyes do not deceive us. We can imagine the possibilities, and we dare to hope, we dare to dream, we dare to live in a way we have never lived before. The impossible becomes reality.

Images from: http://www.robinweinstein.net/blog/our-grave-clothes-for-his-glory and https://www.youngisthan.in/opinions/lord-jesus-tomb-and-the-resurrection-theory/27956

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Joshua 3: Crossing the Jordan

Posted in Favorite, tagged , , , on April 29, 2023| Leave a Comment »


Joshua 3: Crossing the Jordan

Saturday, April 29, 2023

Each time we must embark on an essential task which appears to be impossible, we ought to read this book of how a determined band of faith-filled people were able to accomplish something which appeared to be impossible, but only impossible in human terms, for with God, all things are possible.

This chapter follows on the heels of the story of how Joshua and his fellow-spies were saved by Rahab, the woman who runs a brothel perched higher than the city wall.  Footnotes tell us some interesting details about this woman whom the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews praises.  Details like these allow us to remember that God uses many ways to gain the ends he seeks, and God does not allow discontinuity or aberrations to interfere with the end goal of bringing the kingdom to fruition.  And this is good news for all of us for when we read Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew 1, we read a litany of saints and sinners.  We are all members of Christ’s family.  We are his adopted sisters and brothers.  And as a community, we are his bride, invited to cross the Jordan in our journey home.

There are many river crossings for us to make. There are many currents that want to rip us away into an overwhelming tide. There are many boulders hidden under the rippling water that have slippery surfaces and sharp edges. The river is a beautiful life-giving place; yet it is full of danger. The Hebrews carried their God in an Ark they had fashioned carefully of gold. This Ark held the presence of Yahweh – desert manna, stone tablets of The Law, and Aaron’s rod. This Ark was later replaced by the Blessed Mother who bore the incarnation of God to the world. This Ark must now be the temple place we prepare in our hearts where Yahweh may dwell in each of us. This is the Ark that we now take up as we wade into the swirling depths of life.

What does our Ark contain? Have we made it with loving care? When we lift the lid, what do we see? Superficial lives or faithful service? Hollow hearts of false oaths or full ones yearning to share what we experience?  s the tablet still of stone or have we allowed God to write his promise on our hearts? Do we see the Law of Self or the Law of Love?

If we are to reach the opposite shore of the river, we might want to unpack and re-pack the ark of our lives before we step into the eddying water. Perhaps we will leave something behind. Perhaps we will go in search of something we know we ought to  have. How do we know what to take with us? It is simple. We must ask and answer this question: When we open this ark before God, our creator, will we find an image of God? Will God smile with the love of a parent who sees work well done by the child?

Before we step into the Jordan of our lives, let us think about the contents of the ark we carry on our shoulders and if we must, let us – with honesty – unpack and re-pack the contents of our lives.

Adapted from a favorite from May 26, 2008.

Image from: https://www.pexels.com/photo/stone-stacking-beside-a-river-12072433/

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Isaiah 45:11-13: Shaping the Future

Posted in Web site included, tagged , , , on April 21, 2023| Leave a Comment »


Isaiah 45:11-13: Shaping the Future

Friday, April 21, 2023

Who is Cyrus, why does the prophet Isaiah refer to him here, and does he have any effect on our lives today?

Cyrus II “was known to be a great conqueror, who at one point controlled one of the greatest Empires ever seen, he is best remembered for his unprecedented tolerance and magnanimous attitude towards those he defeated . . . and he declared the first Charter of Human Rights known to mankind”. (Iran Chamber Society)

Cyrus, who freed the exiled Israelites from their Babylonian captivity, might serve as a focus of our reflection today for “it was by diplomacy as well as force of arms that he established the largest empire known until his time”. (ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA)

We might remember this leader for fierce battles that built an empire; and we might also remember his “humane treatment of conquered subjects”. (www.cyrusthegreat.net) By all accounts, he was a leader who showed compassion to a conquered and persecuted nation; and he made possible the reclamation of the city of Jerusalem and The Temple so important to the Jewish nation.

And so Isaiah tells us . . .

Thus God, The Holy of Israel, Israel’s Maker, says:
    “Do you question who or what I’m making?
    Are you telling me what I can or cannot do?
I made earth,
    and I created man and woman to live on it.
I handcrafted the skies
    and direct all the constellations in their turnings.
And now I’ve got Cyrus on the move.
    I’ve rolled out the red carpet before him.
He will build my city.
    He will bring home my exiles.
I didn’t hire him to do this. I told him.
    I, God-of-the-Angel-Armies.”

British Museum, London, UK: Cyrus Cylinder - the first charter of rights of nations

Cyrus Cylinder: the first charter of rights of nations (British Museum: London, UK)

We might spend time today learning about this leader who understood that a conquered people harbor a simmering desire for freedom that cannot be quelled; and that a small measure of tolerance, an openness to forming alliances, and a hope for a better future gain more than arms and force. Today Isaiah reminds us that despite apparent impossibilities, God called the conqueror Cyrus to help a trampled people. Today we might consider similar obstacles in our own lives as we receive the same invitation, the invitation to join others in shaping the future of our lives and the lives of those with whom we have both much and little in common. We only need listen for God’s call and respond.

Read more about Cyrus the Great at the sites below or at a site of your choosing.

http://www.britannica.com/biography/Cyrus-II

http://www.iranchamber.com/history/cyrus/cyrus.php#sthash.OU5kAmeM.dpuf

http://www.iranchamber.com/history/cyrus/cyrus_charter.php

http://www.cyrusthegreat.net/

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Genesis 29-35: God’s Yardstick – Rachel

Posted in Comparing Scripture, Web site included, tagged , , on January 11, 2023| Leave a Comment »


Genesis 29-35: God’s Yardstick – Rachel

Persistent Hope

William Dyce: Rachel and Jacob

William Dyce: Rachel and Jacob

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

In these opening days of a new year, we look for ways to better see God’s yardstick in our lives, and for ways to leave the world’s yardstick behind.

It is a great irony that Jacob, who duped his brother Esau, is duped by his uncle Laban who substitutes the older daughter Leah for the younger daughter Rachel on Jacob and Rachel’s wedding night. Jacob served Laban for seven years in the hope of marrying Rachel whom he loved. The veiled Leah is ushered into the marriage bed by her father. Jacob must work an additional seven years in order that he might also marry Rachel. This quick summary tells about the facts as described by the writers of Genesis but it leaves to our imagination the sentiment between these people. We can only imagine the emotional roller coaster of each person in this story. Today we reflect on Rachel and the yardstick she must have used to manoeuver a path through her complicated life.

When we find ourselves embroiled in family arguments, we remember that God will always heal great wounds.

So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet they seemed to him like a few days because of his love for her. (Genesis 29:20)

When we feel that life holds no promise or grace, we remember that with God all things are possible.

Then God remembered Rachel. God listened to her and made her fruitful. She conceived and bore a son, and she said, “God has removed my disgrace.” She named him Joseph, saying, “May the Lord add another son for me!” (Genesis 30:22)

When we find that life and death occupy the same space and time, we remember that God is the author of all life, of life eternal.

Rachel went into labor and suffered great distress.  With her last breath—for she was at the point of death—she named him Ben-oni (son of my vigor); but his father named him Benjamin. (Genesis 35:16-18)

When we feel that our existence on earth has had little or no meaning, we remember that with God there is always healing and inversion.

Francesco Furini: Death of Rachel

Francesco Furini: Death of Rachel

Thus Rachel died; and she was buried on the road to Ephrath (now Bethlehem). Jacob set up a sacred pillar on her grave, and the same pillar marks Rachel’s grave to this day. (Genesis 35:19-20)

When we are unclear about how to move forward through great adversity . . . we remember the story of Rachel, and we see God’s yardstick in her life.

When we use the scripture link to compare various versions of this story, we allow these verses to show us God’s yardstick in our own lives.

To learn more about Rachel, click on the images above, or visit: http://www.womeninthebible.net/1.4.Rachel.htm

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Genesis 23 & Tobit 3: God’s Yardstick – Sarah

Posted in Web site included, tagged , , , , , , , on January 7, 2023| Leave a Comment »


Genesis 23 & Tobit 3: God’s Yardstick – Sarah

Strength in Reliance

Jan Provoost: Abraham, Sarah and an Angel

Jan Provoost: Abraham, Sarah and an Angel

Saturday, January 7, 2023

In these opening days of a new year, we look for ways to better see God’s yardstick in our lives, and for ways to leave the world’s yardstick behind.

Two women named Sarah figure in scriptures and today as we remember their stories we better understand that God’s promise is so often delivered through surprise. Choose one of these stories – or both if there is time – and look for God’s yardstick.

Genesis Chapters 12-23 tell us the story of Sarah, wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac. Although we know this story well, it is likely that we have not spent time beyond the basic facts that are obvious to us. She traveled with her husband and his family from Ur to Haran and was barren for much of her married life. She was so beautiful that her husband asked her to pose as his sister to avoid creating jealousy among Egyptian leaders and endangering his life. She suggested that her husband take her slave Hagar to his bed so that he might engender an heir with her; then later asked him to banish the slave and child when the younger woman took on a disparaging attitude. Sarah prepared a meal for strangers and then laughed when they told her that she would conceive at the age of 90. She was buried in Machpelah Cave near Hebron. When we focus on even a portion of her story, we find that Sarah shows humor, resiliency, and openness to God’s presence in her life.

Jan Steen: Tobias and Sarah on their Wedding Night

Jan Steen: Tobias and Sarah on their Wedding Night

Tobit 3 introduces us to Sarah who prays for death to come to her quickly. In Chapters 6-12 we follow Tobias and Sarah as the angel Raphael ushers them through danger. We may know this about the Sarah who marries Tobias: she is married to seven men who die on their wedding night, she and Tobit pray for death at the same moment and God hears them both, she travels from Ecbatana to Nineveh and back to Ecbatana with Tobias who – with help from the angel Raphael – routs the demon who has plagued her. When we explore her story, we find that Sarah withstands false accusations that mount against her by relying on God to solve problems that appear to have no solution.

Strength that flows from reliance on God and belief that with God all things are possible. This is the yardstick with which these two women measure their lives.

Images from: http://catholicsaints.info/sarah-the-matriarch/ and http://thislamp.com/posts/2012/2/14/for-valentines-day-a-love-story-from-the-book-of-tobit.html

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James 1-4: A Prayer to Resolve Turmoil

Posted in Prayer, tagged , , , , , , , , on October 19, 2022| Leave a Comment »


James 1-4: A Prayer to Resolve Turmoil

Wednesday, October 19, 2022peace-key-703x201

No matter the constraint, no matter the barriers to resolution, there is always a path to find peace when we live in Christ, James tells us. We have seen, in the last few days as we have spent time with the opening chapters of James’ letter, the steps for resolution are not complicated when we live in the Spirit. We see today when we reflect on all that James has shared with us, there is always a way forward with God. And so we pray.

Faith and works together will bring us wisdom . . . good and gracious God, bring us your wisdom. Remind us to rely on what we learn from you rather than our intelligence.

Good works bear good fruit . . . generous and faithful God, bring us your grace. Remind us that apples do not grow on vines and berries do not grow on trees.

Wars and quarrels are of our own making and not God’s . . . peaceful and sustaining God, bring us your serenity. Remind us that with you all things are possible.

God’s love is persistent, patient, strong and at the same time gentle . . . loving and courageous God, bring us your meekness. Remind us that humility can achieve more than all earthly power, fame and glory.

No matter the problem, there is always a solution . . . life-giving and eternal God, bring us your fortitude. Remind us that your love for us will never die.

Amen.

For reflections on how to find peace in today’s world, click on the image above or visit: http://www.peacepoint.com/find-peace

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Ezekiel 37: From Dry Bones to Restoration – Part II

Posted in Favorite, tagged , , , , , , on September 15, 2022| Leave a Comment »


Ezekiel 37: From Dry Bones to Restoration – Part IIwith-God

Thursday, September 15, 2022

At the end of chapter 37 is the Oracle of the Two Sticks in which we understand that the two kingdoms will be re-united (something thought totally impossible) and the true Davidic king will reign eternally from Jerusalem – Jesus. The chapters following this one describe the battle against Gog, again a dramatic description, and the end-of-time feast in the restored Jerusalem. In all, this portion of Ezekiel’s prophecy tells the reader that what is thought impossible . . . is possible for God. It tells us that God does not abandon us even when we abandon God. It tells us that God loves us and God is constantly with us, even when we have turned away.

The most hopeless of cases have hope in them somewhere, but it takes an act of great love to resuscitate what has been lost.  God does this for us, and God calls us to do the same for one another.  When we move through a desert experience it is difficult to believe that God is with us; but this difficulty does not make God’s love more distant. Through the visions of Daniel and Ezekiel we see that with God all things are possible. It is possible to move toward our own conversion. It is possible to move away from the brittleness of the dry bones and toward the refreshing, renewing waters of restoration in the New Jerusalem.

There is a line from an old novena to St. Jude that I remember: When the difficult was too great to bear, Saint Jude somehow managed to see that it was lifted.  It was almost as if he had set the pattern for one of the branches of the armed services: “The difficult I shall take care of immediately; the impossible (in terms of human power) may take a little longer”.  Faith found that humility means power in the eyes of God.

Jesus saidAnd so we can petition God for forgiveness – which God freely gives. We can ask for restoration. And this God also gives.  We can come before God humbly as we stagger through the deserts of our lives, and we can ask that God grant us all that we believe to be impossible. And God will always answer.

In MAGNIFICAT on Saturday evening, there was a small reflection at the beginning of the Evening Prayer: God is present in the deserts of our lives.  It is in the desert that God revealed himself to Abraham.  It is in our dryness and desolation that God is often working the most marvelous transformations.  Let us rejoice in this blessed desert . . . where Christ reveals himself.  

As we tumble into our beds, perhaps weary at the end of a dry day full of impossibility, let us remember to pray for the impossible as the psalmist does in Psalm 63.

O God, you are my God, for you I long; for you my soul is thirsting. For your love is better than life, my lips speak your praise. So I will bless you all my life, in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul shall be filled as with a banquet, my mouth shall praise you with joy. On my bed I remember you.  On you I muse through the night for you have been my help; in the shadow of your wings I rejoice. My soul clings to you; your right hand holds me fast.

 As we begin our days that promise impossibility, let us remember . . .

O God, you are my God, for you I long; for you my soul is thirsting.  Your love is better than life . . . My souls clings to you . . . your right hand holds me fast.  Amen. 

Tomorrow, praying for the impossible . . . 

Cameron, Peter John. “Prayer for the Evening.” MAGNIFICAT. 26.1 (2008). Print.  

Adapted from a reflection written on February 1, 2008. 

Images from: https://olayemirichard.wordpress.com/2015/02/16/with-god-all-things-are-possible/

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Ezekiel 37: From Dry Bones to Restoration – Part I

Posted in Favorite, Social Justice, tagged , , , on September 14, 2022| Leave a Comment »


Ezekiel 37: From Dry Bones to Restoration – Part Iwasted food

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Today’s verses for reflection are the famous “Dry Bones” of Ezekiel, the metaphor which describes the reunion of our own body and soul at our own resurrection.  This book is a panoply of images, for this prophet speaks in a variety of metaphors which, when examined, bring the understanding that the oasis mirages of the desert are possible.  Restoration after great tragedy can happen – not because of our own good works, but because of God’s infinite and ever-abiding compassion.

Several summers ago I had the gift of living in the Arizona desert for a week to witness the quiet but sudden blooming which happens after a rain. Tiny delicate yet sturdy flowers pop up overnight after a scattering of dew . . . and then disappear again with the heavy noon sun. The constant cycle of arrival and departure is fascinating.

So, too, are Ezekiel’s bones which clamber together to form full figures. This dramatic imagery came to the Jewish people when they were well into their exile, well into the desert, without much hope or recourse to salvation, or so they thought.  When the prophet is asked if he thinks it possible that the desiccated bones might rise to take on flesh and function again, he wisely replies that only God can answer that question.  What follows is an interesting interplay in which Ezekiel is invited to take a part in this resurrection which does occur quite dramatically. What was thought as lost has been found. And restored. The people who had no temple, no visible home for Yahweh, had never been abandoned by their God as they had thought. The dry bones rise, take on flesh, and live.

Tomorrow, oracles and more possibilities . . . 

Click on the image above for more of Chef Barber’s vision or visit: http://www.karenandandrew.com/2015/03/chef-dan-barbers-vision-to-slash-food-waste-transforms-blue-hill-into-wasted-through-march-31st/ 

And as you consider resurrection from desolation, you may want to read about chef Dan Barber who pulls together exquisite meals from food that would otherwise be thrown away. http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/waste-not-want-not-eat-up

Adapted from a reflection written on February 1, 2008.

 

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