Creation

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Creation

Anew   Christlike

Entrusting   Proclaiming   Transforming

The Message of Reconciliation

Righteousness

(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Second Corinthians 5: 17 to 19

If you are in Christ, you are a new creation.

All that is old has passed away.

The new has come.

This comes to us from God.

We have been reconciled to God through Christ and given the ministry of reconciliation.

Our sins will not be counted against us.

We have been given the message of reconciliation.

Reflection

Have you ever thought of yourself as a new creation?

Most of us think of our original creation and give thanks for the gift of life from our parents. Life is precious and we try to make the most out of this amazing gift we have been given.

In our reading from Second Corinthians Paul is pointing us in a different direction. Because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we have been given a new gift of life, a new creation. Jesus has come to fill us with grace. He invites us to proclaim a new message.

It is the message of reconciliation. God comes to us offering forgiveness so that we can put our old ways behind us and start anew. 

So many times, we are crippled by our past. We talk about people who are stuck at a certain point in life and who have never moved forward. A painful memory, a frightening encounter, or a family tragedy can paralyze us.

Jesus comes to us in these situations with a message: I want to embrace you with My Grace and fill you with new life. I don't want to see you burdened by your past. I have come to reconcile you to God and to lead you in a new direction. 

This process of reconciliation leads to our transformation. We gradually realize that the past cannot limit us. Jesus wants to heal those old wounds and pour new life into us.

As beautiful and awesome as our original creation was for us, our new creation in Jesus is even more filling. It is a grace that will always be with us and that will help us bring the message of reconciliation to everyone. 

We will feel the righteousness of God deep within. It is a new beginning. 

Creation time is here and now!

1. What do you feel as you ponder your creation?

2. How is Jesus offering you personally a new creation?

3. Why is forgiveness so important for starting anew and healing the wounds of the past?

4. Are you ready for a new beginning with Jesus?

5. What do you experience as you meditate on Kathy's photo?

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)

Planted

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Planted

Fig   Tree

Fruitless   Exhausted   Barren

Cultivate It And Fertilize

Reborn

(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Luke 13: 8b to 9

'Leave this fig tree for a year.

I will cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it.

It could bear fruit in the future even though it has not borne fruit for three years.

If it does not bear any fruit in the future, then you can cut it down.'

Reflection

Are you a patient person?

How long would you wait for your fig tree to bear fruit?

This can be a very difficult call for us. We don't want to waste a lot of energy and effort on a fig tree, a project, a relationship, or a cause that doesn't seem to be fruitful. Most of us like and are used to instant results.

Jesus is pointing out in this parable from Luke that patience can be a good thing. Our first step is the planting. We have to plant our tree with much care.

We need that same care in all of our relationships. Some friendships do not last because we have not planted well, we have not been honest, or we have not communicated clearly.

The fig tree can produce some delicious fruit. We can all reflect on some wonderful friendships we have experienced that have brought us much joy. Careful planting in both cases is the important first step.

When our tree or our relationships are fruitless, we have decisions to make. We know that there is a problem. We can feel exhausted and barren. As we examine the soil around our fig tree, we look at the quality of the soil.

If the tree has been planted deep enough and if it has been properly watered, we can look at other issues. We can cultivate it and fertilize it and see if this makes a difference.

This is important in our relationships as well. We have to spend time with our friends and fertilize our time together with good listening.

My personal experience with fig trees bears that out. In my first year there was very little growth. Then gradually the fig tree blossomed, and I was able to plant others from the roots of the first one and even give some away.

Now my first fig tree is huge, and I've had to trim it back or else it would take up my whole front yard. It was as if the tree was reborn after that first disappointing year.

During that first year, several people advised me to get rid of the fig tree. They thought it would never grow. A recipe of cultivation with fertilizer and a dose of patience paid off. The number of figs I get each year are amazing. I am able to give many away to others.

Our relationships with people and God are very much like this. We have to make sure our roots are planted deeply. We have to wait patiently for our friendships to develop. We have to take time to cultivate and fertilize.

It is important to be persistent because those relationships can be reborn with enough patience and effort. How many times have we all been surprised when we meet someone after twenty years and discover new aspects of personality, character, and insight that we didn't notice? Our patience in sticking with the relationship can pay off and bear much fruit. 

Enjoy your daily planting!

1. Do you feel that you are a patient person?

2. Do you like to see instant results?

3. Why have some of your friendships fallen apart?

4. How can your relationships with God and your friends be reborn?

5. What do you feel as you contemplate Kathy's photo?

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)

Refuge

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Refuge

Light   Salvation

Fear   Courage   Stoutheartedness

Wait On The Lord

Answer

(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Psalm 27:14

Wait on the Lord with courage.

Be stouthearted.

Wait on the Lord.

Reflection

Trying to find a refuge from the hectic pace of life can be important for all of us. 

We hear talk of men creating a "Man's Cave" where they can go to withdraw from the pressures of work and family to find some peace and quiet. 

Sometimes that refuge can be found when we take a walk on the beach. We can find interior peace as we explore nature through a walk in the woods. We can find refuge with a close group of friends who know us well.

Our refuges are places of renewal and reflection for us. They help us to achieve perspective and wisdom. We begin to realize that things are not as difficult or troubling as they first seemed. We can discover a path forward.

A lot of the darkness disappears as we are bathed in the light of God's Love. That light helps us to know the call of God for us. Many times, we are faced with difficult decisions. When we go into our place of refuge, those decisions can become a little clearer as we are led by the Light that God shares with us.

We know that Jesus came to share the message of salvation. Jesus told us that He was the Light of the world. He does not want us to be confused or misled. He came to show us the path of truth. 

This light can help us to overcome our fear. Sometimes we are unwilling to try new opportunities that come our way. We might feel very secure in our present job or with our current friends and unwilling to take a risk to expand our circle.

The interior voice of fear might be reeling off a long list of bad things that could happen: you could fail at that new job; you might not like your new coworkers; those new friends might take advantage of you.

The fears can cripple us from trying anything new. We need the courage to take on those new challenges in areas which make us initially uncomfortable.

We also have to see our refuge as a place of renewal and not withdrawal. Our reading from the Book of Psalms talks about being stouthearted and willing to take on difficult tasks. 

The key in this process is to wait on the Lord. As we seek refuge, we can take time to pray and to ask the Lord to accompany us as we face our fears and obstacles. 

We begin to realize that we are not alone. God is with us to support us and strengthen us. The answers will come as we listen to God.

Enjoy some time with God in your refuge!

1. Where do you go to find refuge from the pressures of life?

2. How do you deal with the difficult decisions you have to make?

3. What helps you to face down the fears you encounter as you are presented with new possibilities?

4. Do you feel that you are a stouthearted person?

5. Is it difficult for you to wait on the Lord?

6. What do you see as you contemplate Kathy's photo?

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)

 

Lent

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Lent

Solitude   Fasting

Resist   Evil   Temptations

Cling To His Word

Deliverance

(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Psalm 91:14

Because he clings to me, I will deliver him.

Reflection

What happens during the season of Lent? What words describe it for you?

We think of solitude. It is a time to look within and to see how our relationship with God and our sisters and brothers is going. 

The solitude helps us to withdraw from the distractions of the world around us. Can I actually put down my cellphone? Can I refrain from checking all those "really important" emails? Can I turn off the tv and the radio? 

Am I afraid to be by myself for a while?

Am I afraid to spend some time with God?

Do I worry about what God will say to me?

Lent is a time for fasting.

Fasting can be very hard for us. Things that we do not even think about can start to come to mind when I am fasting from them. That ice cream or candy that I have decided to give up for Lent seems to come up more now that I can't have it!

Fasting can help me to resist those things that I should enjoy in moderation. When I am cutting back from some things, I can use the money I am saving to help others who are in need. As I fast, I can picture a family in need sitting down and enjoying a good meal together. We are all one!

My fasting can lead me to overcome the evil in our society. When people are putting another person down and saying negative things about her or him, I can fast from the evil of disparaging another person. That fasting can send a message that can lessen the divisions and hatreds in our society. That fasting can lead to peace!

There are temptations that we face as we fast. We can think that our fasting will not make a difference. We can say, "There is so much evil in the world that one person trying to overcome it will never make a difference. The problems are just too large and intractable." 

Yet we have seen over and over again in history how one person standing for truth against evil has made such a big difference. I think of all those who have been inspired by the brave witness of St. Oscar Romero to work for change and to bring peace and justice to those on the margins of society.

We overcome that temptation and the many others we are sure to encounter as we fast for justice by clinging to the Word of God. We turn to the Word for strength and encouragement. We learn as we ponder the Word that Jesus faced opposition and discouragement and suffering and persevered through it all because He was clinging to the Father and the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus led us to deliverance by clinging to the Father and the Holy Spirit. He triumphed over evil by showing us that Love is the strongest power in our world. 

Setbacks will come and the temptation to get discouraged will always present itself. As we cling to the Word this Lent, Jesus promises us that He will show us the way. Our clinging always leads us to His Clinging.

That embrace is always with us and gives us strength. Lent is our invitation to rest in that embrace.

Always!

1. How does solitude help to deepen your encounter with Jesus?

2. Is it difficult for you to enter into solitude?

3. What is your experience of fasting?

4. How do you try to overcome the temptation of discouragement in the face of so much evil?

5. Do you try to cling to God's Word?

6. From what do you think our world has to be delivered?

7. What does Kathy's picture call you to do?

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)

  

Ambassadors

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Ambassadors

For Christ

Reconcile    Work   Together

The Day Of Salvation

Now

(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Second Corinthians 6:2

Behold now is the acceptable time!

Behold now is the day of salvation!

Reflection

Have you ever wanted to be appointed as an ambassador to another country? It seems so intriguing---especially if it is a country that you would really like to visit and get to know.

No worries. You already are an ambassador. You are an ambassador for Christ.

When you think about it, it is really the most important ambassador you can be. Jesus has entrusted you with a very important mission: to bring His Good News to each person you meet.

As we begin our Lenten journey on Ash Wednesday, it is good to reflect on this call that Jesus gives to each of us. We live in a world that is in urgent need of reconciliation.

We see conflicts and divisions all around us and within us. There are political divisions; military conflicts; splits within families; and confusions within our very self.

Jesus calls all of us to put aside those divisions and hatreds and to work together for the good of all. There are people who need to be fed, who need shelter, who are sick and need healing. We are called to see Jesus in each and every one of them no matter if we agree or disagree with them.

We are called in our reading from Second Corinthians to do it NOW!

We all like to put it off but Jesus will have none of that. As good ambassadors we have to share the Good News each day, each moment. It is time to put aside those differences and to let those we meet know that we love them and care for them.

Ambassadors bring a message of concern from their country to the countries where they are sent. As ambassadors for Christ, we bring His Love to all.

Enjoy your ambassadorship!

1. If you were asked to be an ambassador, to which country would you like to be assigned? 

2. What does it mean for you to be an ambassador for Christ?

3. What can you do personally to overcome the conflicts and divisions that you see around you?

4. Why do you think that Jesus says that NOW is the day of salvation?

5. What do you see as you reflect on Kathy's photo?

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara) 

Blind

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Blind

Self-Exam

Our Own Sins

Remove the Wooden Beam

Vision

(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Luke 6:42

Jesus said,

"Remove the wooden beam from your own eye first; then you will be able to see more clearly to remove the splinter in your sister's and brother's eye."

Reflection

Sometimes we take things for granted.

Those of us who are fortunate enough to have sight don't realize what a blessing it is. We have to become more sensitive to those who are blind.

One way to reflect on that is to think of the ways that we are blind. Do we ever walk by those in need and just ignore them?

Do we sometimes overlook difficulties friends are facing as we are talking with them because we are too busy concentrating on a problem we are facing?

Are we blind sometimes to the struggles of our sisters and brothers who are fighting for justice because they might be of a different race or cultural background?

It is good to take a self-exam and look at how we are doing on the blindness scale. Are there things we could be doing better? Who are the people we need to reach out to?

Our own sins can blind us to those areas in our life where we need to make changes. We can be too self-centered and selfish. We sometimes concentrate on our own needs and don't realize the needs of others, especially those who are on the margins of our society. It is easy to overlook and ignore when our sight is limited.

Our vision can be blocked by the wooden beam of our insensitivity. When that happens, all we concentrate on is ourselves. 

I have had many conversations with people who complain that they don't have a nicer car or a bigger home. When we reflect together on those who live without food or shelter and who have no access to medical care, their eyes are open to how fortunate they are and to our responsibility to reach out to our sisters and brothers in need.

Jesus gives us the right vision in our passage from Luke. He is telling us to look at our own behaviors first and to work on that wooden beam that blocks our eyesight. After we remove that huge beam, we can see clearly.

When we have that accurate vision, we will see what our neighbors really need and can help them to achieve it. Our vision then will more closely be aligned with what Jesus wants.

It has been my experience that our sisters and brothers who are physically blind are many times more sensitive to reaching out to others who are in need. Let us follow their vision and the vision of Jesus to bring God's compassionate Love to all.

Those wooden beams have to go!

1. What are some things that you have taken for granted in your life?

2. What have you found to be the most persistent blind spots in your life?

3. When is the last time that you did a self-exam about your own blind spots?

4. What are some of those wooden beams that you have to remove so that you will see more clearly?

5. What do you see as you reflect on Kathy's photo?

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara) 

Agape

 

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)