My Response to the Contemplation of the Kingdom of Jesus

 My Lord and Savior, I come to you with all that I am and offer it for your service.  In partnership with you and your disciples, I lay my gifts at your feet to be used as you deem important in the work of spreading Your Goodness and love throughout the world.  I wish to follow your model in trusting in God's protection that I might conquer the fear of bearing personal pain as I stand beside you in the work ahead.  I offer you unending praise, glory, and love to magnify Your being.  I offer you my YES if that is what you desire.  If I can be of service in the work at hand, I ask You to use my words, my prayers, and my actions in order to fulfill the purpose for which I was created.  

My Favorite Uncle

Paul Allen is, today and has always been, my favorite uncle. That line has become more and more humorous as the years have gone by, as he has outlasted all of the rest. But the love and sentiment behind it are nothing to be laughed at.

My childhood memories are full of Uncle Paul and Aunt Arma Jo. They were my first definition of neighbor and family. I had no idea that other children did not have a loving aunt and uncle living just a house or two away. It seemed as natural as having a mom and dad. Just the thought that they were close-by was all I needed for reassurance during my youth that love was within reach. I could simply look down the road and know that there were loving arms waiting for me through that door.

I have never known anyone who could make me feel more appreciated than my Uncle Paul. Being the third of a family of four, it was sometimes difficult to get anyone's attention, but that was never true of Paul. The minute he saw me, everything would stop. He would smile and shout out my name like I was the only kid on the planet. Even today, that is still true as he smiles his "Paul smile" and says "Hey Ter," as I walk in. His smile and the sparkle in his eyes tell me that I am loved and all my worries melt away. Nothing else matters; Uncle Paul is here to love and protect me.

My Uncle Paul has loved me throughout all of life's joys and sorrows. He was there for all the moments that counted; happy or sad. I have endured the death of my younger brother, celebrated the success of multiple college degrees, been married, divorced, and moved on. And in all of this was the loving support of my uncle. That is certainly not to say that he always took my side. One of the most important gifts of his being is his ability to tell you straight when you are mistaken or taking the wrong road and to get back on track. It may not look like a typical view of love, but it has been through his advice that I have learned to experience love in times of personal disappointment. During these moments of guidance, he never wanted to hurt my feelings and only had my personal happiness at heart. When my tears came, he was always there to wrap me in his arms and tell me that it was all going to be fine. And I knew it was true.

Now as we look toward the future, we are both aware that our years together are numbered. And so, I take time to share the blessing that his love has been to me throughout my life. I know that love is eternal and my love for my uncle will live on through my children and the stories they tell their children and loved ones but I take a moment to say thank you. Thank you Uncle Paul, for all the advice, the hugs, the kisses, and the swift kick now and then that only you could give, but most of all, thank you for the love.   

Contemplation of the Incarnation

At the beginning of what's known as the Second Week of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, I entered into the Contemplation of the Incarnation. It has found a home in my heart and head and given me new ways of looking at others and moving in the world.

In this meditation, St. Ignatius invites us to imagine the Trinity looking down upon the earth and seeing it filled with human beings. We are invited to use our imaginations to ponder what the Trinity sees and notices in gazing upon all the people. Ignatius adds a few thoughts on what we might see: some healthy, others sick, some weeping, and others laughing. He invites us to notice the blindness and aimlessness and to hear how people are talking to each other. Finally, he invites us to hear the Trinity say, “Let us work the redemption of the human race,” as God plans to send the angel to Mary and then watches as the Incarnation is set into motion.

As I began this contemplation, I envisioned the Trinity looking down at the world and all they survey. They are first struck by the beauty of it all. This creation is still absolutely stunning to witness. The zoomed out lens which they are viewing is that familiar sight that today we recognize as The Blue Marble, the picture taken by the Apollo 17 crew of Earth from space. As their focus narrows, they take in the forests, mountains and oceans still teaming with the flora and fauna that came into being so long ago. Their view continues to come into focus and they take in the glory of the abundant colors - the colors of people - fair-skinned and dark-skinned, the colors of their clothing, brightly hued. As they rest in this moment these human beings create an amazing tapestry beyond description. As their vision comes closer and closer, the sounds of these beautiful people become audible. There is the joyful laughter of children playing and the gentle hum of people working together for the greater good. But soon, those harmonious sounds are overpowered by loud and coercive voices. These are the sounds of adults yelling at one another, calling each other names. The Divine soon realize that what appeared to be diversity has now revealed itself to be division. People are not listening to each other and so many are being led by greed and power. The new god of worship is domination over rather than loving with.

As the gaze of the Trinity takes it all in, they realize that this is something that is not going to fix itself. Somehow, they are going to have to intervene. They need a plan and the time is now. They are Divine Love and they soon realize that they must start again and create the rebirth of love in this, Their beloved people. What better way could love be reborn than in the incarnation of God in the Baby Jesus? They agree that Jesus will be sent with the Holy Spirit to guide Him in his human form. In this way, God's people can once again know Him, love Him and come to serve Him through their love for one another.

While They are deeply distraught at all They have seen, They are also reassured that love will win in the end. Each person on Earth has been born with the spark of God's being. It is always there and can never be extinguished. As each of us loves into existence all that we can be, so will each person with whom we come in contact. This is hope in its truest sense. You and I and everyone living has the power of one. As I encounter God's presence within me and I become my best self, my love and service emanates into the world and it ripples outward to my friends, family, and strangers with whom I interact.

So, as the Trinity take in the beauty and brokenness of the world They are confident that Their love will overpower greed and division. Jesus will be born in the lowest possible form and will save the world.