Connecting across languages, cultures, races, ages, genders, even life and death
I was thrilled yesterday to watch this short video about our upcoming pilgrimage. For one thing the five cities on the itinerary were listed succinctly: Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, Birmingham, and Memphis. I can pray for these cities and for The Rev Canon Carla Robinson (she narrates the video) as we prepare to travel together.
I felt proud to have already registered because I bet the trip will fill in a hot second now that this promotion is circulating on YouTube.
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For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
Monkey Brain
It is often said that within us reside three distinct “brains” – the robot, the monkey, and the sage. Taming the relentless impulses of the monkey brain, which gravitate towards every shiny and new distraction, poses a significant challenge. This aspect prevents us from concentrating, pushing us to constantly chase after the latest trends and ideas.
When delving into matters of faith, beliefs, and worship, our Monkey Brain tends to take the lead. It propels us towards the incessant pursuit of the next shiny object – whether it be a new doctrine, rituals, or even the allure of novel religions. Despite the perpetual changes in trends, the fundamental message endures: God remains omnipresent, almighty, and brimming with love and grace. It is crucial, regardless of the paths our Monkey Brain may lead us down, to recognize that there is only One Creator, always ready to meet us wherever we are, ready to embrace us as their beloved children.
The challenge, then, lies in taming the monkey brain. Establishing a consistent practice of prayer becomes a powerful tool in centering the mind, fostering inner peace, and providing resilience against constant distractions. In the pursuit of spiritual harmony, let prayer be the guiding force, bringing stillness to the restlessness within, and may the Lenten season usher in a profound sense of peace and connection with the divine.
Cerebro Mono
Porque va a llegar el tiempo en que la gente no soportará la sana enseñanza; más bien, según sus propios caprichos, se buscarán un montón de maestros que sólo les enseñen lo que ellos quieran oír. 4Darán la espalda a la verdad y harán caso a toda clase de cuentos. (2 Timoteo 4:3-4)
A menudo se dice que en nuestro interior residen tres “cerebros” distintos: el robot, el mono y el sabio. Domar los impulsos implacables del cerebro mono, que se inclinan hacia cada distracción brillante y nueva, plantea un desafío significativo. Este aspecto nos impide concentrarnos, instándonos a perseguir constantemente las últimas tendencias e ideas.
Cuando se trata de asuntos de fe, creencias y adoración, nuestro Cerebro Mono tiende a tomar la delantera. Nos impulsa hacia la búsqueda incesante del próximo objeto brillante, ya sea una nueva doctrina, rituales o incluso el atractivo de religiones novedosas. A pesar de los cambios perpetuos en las tendencias, el mensaje fundamental perdura: Dios sigue siendo omnipresente, todopoderoso y rebosante de amor y gracia. Es crucial, independientemente de los caminos que nuestro Cerebro Mono nos lleve, reconocer que solo hay un Creador, siempre listo para encontrarnos donde sea que estemos, dispuesto a abrazarnos como sus amados hijos.
El desafío, entonces, radica en domar el cerebro mono. Establecer una práctica consistente de la oración se convierte en una herramienta poderosa para centrar la mente, fomentar la paz interior y proporcionar resistencia contra las distracciones constantes. En la búsqueda de la armonía espiritual, que la oración sea la fuerza guía, aportando quietud a la inquietud interna, y que la temporada de Cuaresma traiga un profundo sentido de paz y conexión con lo divino.
Lake Tahoe 2023
Bridges to Morning Prayer
I am not liturgical by birth. No “cradle Episcopalian” here. While one could say the Presbyterian services of my childhood were “works of the people,” one definition of liturgies, we didn’t rely on the ancient scripts of the Book of Common Prayer.
Thus I am repeatedly surprised, even delighted, as I lean increasingly into these centuries-old forms from our ancestors.
I’ve decided to read Morning Prayer for these 40 days of Lent, with God’s help. Please God.
And assistance is showing up. First I remembered the audio version that Father Steve introduced me to years ago. Then I listened to it while commuting to work. Now I can listen while I stretch. Next I found pre-made ribbon bookmarks online (nine sets for only $11!). They help me flip pages after marking the various scriptures. And now Mother Linzi has invited us to join her via Zoom to pray and worship on the weekdays.
Prayers answered. Options abound. No excuses.
God Is Light
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)
Oby is more than just my pet; he’s my baby. Every time I come home, his joyous celebration makes it seem as if we’ve been separated for ages. It’s a heartwarming reminder that to him, I am the center of his world. When I’m away, he displays a deep loyalty, often waiting by the door and even foregoing meals until my return. In sickness, he lies faithfully by my side, and in moments of happiness, he shares in the celebration. Even during work, he stays close, perched on my lap. I am everything to him. Reflecting on this, it strikes me how wonderful it would be if we could share a similar relationship with our Creator. To rely on God, celebrate His presence, and make Him the focal point of our lives. Imagine God being our Light and our everything! The Creator offers us unconditional love, forgiveness, mercy, and grace. The question then becomes: Are we ready to accept and embrace these gifts? Just as Oby unconditionally gives me his love, can we open our hearts to receive the boundless love and grace that God extends to us? It’s a beautiful invitation to deepen our connection with the Divine and find fulfillment in a relationship where God is truly our everything.
Dios es Luz
Éste es el mensaje que Jesucristo nos enseñó y que les anunciamos a ustedes: que Dios es luz y que en él no hay ninguna oscuridad. (1 Juan 1:5)
Oby es más que mi mascota; es mi bebé. Cada vez que llego a casa, su alegre celebración da la impresión de que hemos estado separados durante siglos. Es un recordatorio conmovedor de que para él, soy el centro de su mundo. Cuando estoy fuera, muestra una lealtad profunda, a menudo esperando junto a la puerta e incluso sin comer hasta mi regreso. En la enfermedad, yace fielmente a mi lado, y en momentos de felicidad, comparte la celebración. Incluso durante el trabajo, se queda cerca, encaramado en mi regazo. Soy todo para él.
Reflexionando sobre esto, me sorprende lo maravilloso que sería si pudiéramos tener una relación similar con nuestro Creador. Confiar en Dios, celebrar Su presencia y hacerlo el punto focal de nuestras vidas. ¡Imagina que Dios sea nuestra Luz y nuestro todo! El Creador nos ofrece amor incondicional, perdón, misericordia y gracia. La pregunta entonces es: ¿Estamos listos para aceptar y abrazar estos regalos? Así como Oby me da su amor incondicional, ¿podemos abrir nuestros corazones para recibir el amor y la gracia ilimitados que Dios nos ofrece? Es una hermosa invitación a profundizar nuestra conexión con lo Divino y encontrar la plenitud en una relación donde Dios sea verdaderamente nuestro todo.
Always Bridging 