by Liz | Sep 24, 2008 | main
Susan talked about an epiphany of sorts in a post back in June: the “aha!” of the reality that the trees in her backyard may legally belong to her, but she really doesn’t own them. How true.
“Owning” land, or trees or even a house isn’t really ownership: it’s an obligation to stewardship. It has long seemed to me that when the book of Genesis states that man was given dominion over the world, that didn’t mean that we (humans) own the world, but that we are responsible for taking care of and with the land, the trees and the other creatures that share our world. This planet, this piece of creation is to be enjoyed, but not abused. It is to be respected and cared for. And this respect and care is not just for my benefit, but for all the world.
The same concept applies to Cooper and Grace. One paper, legally, I own 2 schnauzers. In reality, I have accepted the responsibility for these creatures. I am responsible for insuring that they are properly cared for. I am responsible for making sure that they get fed on a regular schedule, that they have a safe place to live, that they get attention and that they go visit the vet and keep up on immunizations and don’t suffer from parasites or other preventable illnesses. Rather like children, they are.
So, when the Stewardship committee at church begins to challenge us, I have to take that with the same seriousness. The life of the Christian community in my parish is a part of my responsibility. This life survives only with care and feeding — or is that prayer and participation? Just as with weeding the flowerbed, or paying attention to the dogs, this community thrives on the care and attention of those who consider themselves a part of it.
Some days I don’t feel like it — I don’t think I have the time or energy. Just like some evenings when the last thing I want is a hot dog sitting on my lap, but I give them a few minutes anyway. Or the evenings when I really don’t feel up to choir practice, but I go anyway.
Stewardship: I guess it’s really the required care and feeding/prayer and participation in life wherever you are.
by Liz | Sep 11, 2008 | main
I’m sitting here in the quiet – I’ve been listening to the Hallelujah song from Shrek with Lily, but she’s gone off to play group and I have an hour or so to just sit and be.
I must admit to some apprehension when I was on my way down to spend the week. My daughter-in-law and I had never had the time or space to just be together before this week. My son is in some training, so we’ve not seen him since Monday.
It’s been a gift – this time and space. Just the girls – us and the 2 little ones. We’ve have a chance to visit, to get to know each other a bit better. Not even the man who is our link to one another has been around. We’ve worked out how to deal with a 23 month old and a 1 month old… feeding them (well, I can’t help wih Ella), changing diapers, going to eat, making dinner.
Yesterday was a bit of a test. I had a time of concern when she took the girls and went off with a friend for a few hours in the afternoon. And, I obviously wasn’t invited. It seems that we have very similar basic personalities — and after talking about needing space, it seems we both did. No harm, no foul.
And so, I’m just sort of reflecting — getting to know another person, or the Lord takes time and attention. It takes a sort of letting go. It takes allowing the Other to be fully Herself/Himself. It takes accepting that it not all about me.
Thank you Lord for Now.
by Liz | Aug 22, 2008 | main
I’ve long had difficulty with traditional Marian traditions/prayers/worship. Probably partly stems from my Calvinist introduction to Christianity. But, I think it may go deeper than that. I believe it involves the traditional image of Mary who honor is that she was submissive — and the idea that we often get that she was submissive to men. Yes, I see her as submissive – but only to the will of God. One has to be pretty well centered and strong in faith to submit to God’s will. One has to be ready to stand tall, face opposition and be willing to stand their ground to carry this out.
I’m not so strong. I am often submissive (and resentful) to the wrong things, to the wrong people.
And so, last week, at the vigil mass for the Assumption, I was very struck by Fr. Alex’s message. He asked each of us to share the virtue(s) of Mary that we wish to emulate in our lives. We’re a pretty talkative group, so there were several responses. Then he followed with the idea that the ultimate virtue of Mary was that she gave birth to Christ — she brought Christ into the world. And that is what each of us is called to do, over and over again.
This morning as I made my way through morning prayers and the readings for the mass (Queenship of Mary), the power of Mary as the first among the disciples, the first to bring Christ into the world came back fiercely.
I can only pray that on ocasion I too can bring the Light of Christ into the part of the world I inhabit.
by Liz | Jul 2, 2008 | main
My niece got married last Saturday. A moderate sized affair, with a judge doing the honors. Family all around. I don’t know where the idea came from, but the nicest touch was the roses. Two long stemmed roses, one tucked into the flowers at each side of the bride and groom. After the vows, they each took a rose, and exchanged them as their first gift to each other as husband and wife. They were then instructed to find a special place in their home for the roses. When words fail, the judge told them, place a rose in the special spot. The other is to accept the gift… and not demand the proper words.
This works for apologies and joys, I think. Sometimes the words just don’t happen, but you really need to let someone know. Let them know whatever. Kind of like a prayer without words. I’m here. I’m sorry. I’m thrilled. I love you, but the words are doing it justice.
by Liz | Jun 25, 2008 | main
Soul Music. World Music. Music of the Universe…
The opening measures of the cello repeat throughout the entire piece, like the eternal music of the soul. Deep, grounded, constant. And then the higher strings chime in and begin to move atop the solid foundation. They get lighter and more joyful until the notes are dancing and flying into the air.
This is music that induced a deep, meditative state in my. I can hear the cello anchoring me. Giving me rest. And from that deep place the other strings begin to vibrate. I feel the joy of being so grounded that I can dance and fly and laugh — all without fear. Anchored, and yet free to move and bloom.
How does that happen? The music is the most vivid image of Life in Christ to me. So grounded, so calm, so steady — It’s like the gospel from last Sunday: Be not afraid. I am with you. I will be there, eternal and loving. Go forth, and don’t be afraid. No matter what happens, good or bad, flat or sharp or right on key, I am here, under it all, constant but moving. Only fear that which can cut you off from this grounding, from your own soul. Now go forth to love and live and vibrate like the strings of the violin.
Soul music. World music. Music of the Universe…
