The Spiritual Waiting Room
The Spiritual Waiting Room
The Spiritual Waiting Room
The Spiritual Waiting Room
Agape
Unconditional Love
Forgive Be Merciful Give
Ask Nothing In Return
Practice
(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)
Scripture: Luke 6:35 and 36
Love your enemies.
Do good to them.
Lend and ask nothing in return.
You will receive a wonderful reward.
You will be children of the Holy One for God is kind to those who are ungrateful and mean.
Be merciful for your Father in Heaven is merciful.
Reflection
Can we really and truly love our enemies like Jesus is asking us to do in this passage from Luke? Isn't Jesus asking the impossible?
Enemies are those who hate us, demean us, and cheat us. They are out to get us. They can't stand us and constantly fight against us. They are always thorns in our side. They are dedicated to making our lives miserable.
The Greek word agape speaks to this. It is a deep love that is founded in God's Love for us. We realize gradually in our lives that God loves us unconditionally.
It is very hard to realize this and to take it in. We can say it very glibly and not realize how amazing it truly is. Most of us will love someone who treats us well and who respects us.
God's Love is not based in that. It is a Love freely and completely given because God views us as GIFTS. God loves us because we ARE and not because of what we have done, are doing, or will do.
When we begin to realize this and start to glimpse even a little bit of this LOVE, it is possible for us to forgive someone who has hurt us very deeply. We can be merciful for we begin to realize how merciful God is towards us.
We can give more to others because we know how much we have been given. God loves us into existence and surrounds us always with that Love.
We do good to our enemies because we start to see them how God sees them. We know that God loves them unconditionally also and does not wait for them (or us!) to be perfect in order to love them.
We give to them when they are in need because we remember how much God has given to us. We give and do not expect a return because we know that we can never possibly even begin to return all the Love that God has given to us.
Our perspective has changed. We have been touched by God's Love. We are different. We are transformed.
We don't hold grudges. We are not out for revenge. We pray for those who are because we realize that they don't know how deeply God loves them.
We try to practice the forgiveness and mercy of our God.
We have been loved. AGAPE dwells in us.
1. Is it possible to really love your enemies?
2. When did you truly realize that God loves you unconditionally?
3. Why does God love you?
4. What has helped you to really forgive someone who has hurt you deeply?
5. What do you feel as you contemplate Kathy's photo?
(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)
The Spiritual Waiting Room
The Spiritual Waiting Room
The Spiritual Waiting Room
Simeon
Faithful Prophet
Recognized Identified Acknowledged
Eyes Have Seen Salvation
Sight
(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)
Scripture: Luke 2:29 and 30
"Now, O Holy One, you may dismiss your servant in peace, as your word has proclaimed, for I have seen Your salvation with my eyes."
Reflection
Have you ever thought about actually seeing salvation? Salvation is an amazing gift, and it is overwhelming to think that somehow, we might be able to come face to face with it.
Simeon is older and he has been awaiting the coming of redemption for the people of Israel. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would see the Messiah before he died.
He was faithful to the traditions and teachings of his Jewish faith. He was very familiar with the writings of the prophets. He lived in a time of great anticipation. People were looking for someone who could lead the people to a deeper relationship with the Holy One and true freedom from oppression.
Simeon recognized something extraordinary in this young child whom Mary and Joseph brought to the Temple in Jerusalem to be presented to the Holy One. He knew that this child was the Messiah.
He identified special characteristics in this young boy. He was guided by the Holy Spirit. He was excited to share this news with Mary and Joseph. They must have been so happy that Simeon acknowledged the mission of their young son.
It was an unexpected encounter. Mary and Joseph were just going to the Temple to fulfill the requirements of the Law. What a surprise to encounter Simeon and then to hear him speak so highly of their son.
It was a special moment for Simeon also. He proclaimed that his eyes had now seen salvation. He knew that this child would bring the Good News of God's Love and care for all of us. He knew that all of us would never be the same because of what this child would do. Redemption and forgiveness had now arrived among us.
His eyes were opened to what God wanted to do for the People of God. What a feeling of pure joy for Simeon and for all of us as we reflect on what God wants to share with each one of us.
God is not holding back. The Son of God has taken on human flesh. He is one with us. Pure Love surrounds us.
We just need the sight, the eyes of faith, to recognize it as Simeon did!
1. Have you ever seen salvation?
2. How did the Holy Spirit work in Simeon's life?
3. If you were Mary or Joseph, how would you have reacted to Simeon's message about your son?
4. What are some obstacles that have stopped you from seeing Jesus in your life?
5. What do you SEE as you reflect on Kathy's photo?
(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)
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