Be Vigilant

Be vigilant at all times (Lk 21:36).

Sound advice. Buddha gave the same advice on ethical conduct in the Eightfold Path, right speech, right action or conduct and right livelihood. These prescribed behaviours are meant to reinforce our intent and fortify our motivation. It's common sense, actually. Lying and swearing and inflating our ego with words can only weaken ones resolve to be mindful. Being a prostitute of whatever trade is daily distraction from our intent on inner peace. And causing violence, acting selfish or behaving in a way as to distract others from a righteous life hurts ones own progress. How many times a day do i catch myself speaking out of line or hindering others because of my own selfish actions?


Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap (Lk 21:34-35)

Christ gives us advice. It is up to us to act upon it. He knows how the mind wanders, temptations abound and our vigilance can slacken. We are easily distracted but all the lights and sounds and sensations of the world: we choose to follow easier paths, take the advice from those we think have an easier life, forget the anguish and pain we have survived only to repeat it again and again and again. Indeed, our hearts and minds do become drowsy from daily life.

Be vigilant at all times. If i am mindful of my words, thoughts and actions i can choose what to do and what not to do. My motives for acting can become clearer. The mind, however, does not stop. It reacts to everything, ever sensation, ever movement, ever emotion that floods the body, a constant play of cause and effect. Some call it 'the monkey mind'. When trying to focus in prayer or meditation, notice how often the mind wanders. Vigilance. I like that word, especially because it reminds me why i must be vigilant:

...pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man (Lk 21:36).

Oremus:
I pray that we have vigilance in our thoughts, words and actions so that we may better honour Christ and our neighbour with our love. I pray too, that if i catch myself having stumbled, that i correct the error, gently forgive and be wary not to repeat it. Ever vigilant to the faith we have in God's grace. Amen.

Deo gratias.

Sunday Grace Everyday

Taking Advent seriously? I read the quotation below and it helped soothe gnawing doubts. A light shined. "Yes", i said and so would like to share it:

... a reporter asked me what I would say to Catholics who do not attend Mass because they disagree with, or have questions about, Church teaching. I answered that our teaching does not change because people disagree with it; our faith comes from Christ’s own teaching in the Scriptures and through the teaching authority of the Church throughout the ages. We recognise, however, that many struggle to reconcile Church teaching with social norms in American [Western] society today; to them, we say that we want to engage in a meaningful conversation with you. We want you to know that you are part of our family. We want to assure you that God loves you and waits for you at Sunday Mass. The best place to begin a conversation is by gathering with the family of believers in the worshipping community.
To those who consider themselves unwelcome at Mass because of some irregularity or moral struggle, please know that you are always loved by God and the Catholic community desires your presence with us. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. An inability to fulfil all aspects of Christian worship or to receive Communion should not keep you from Mass. In fact, the habit of being faithful to the Sunday obligation can provide the actual grace, if you cooperate with it, to give you the strength to overcome current obstacles and find paths of reconciliation. We stand ready to help you.” (Boston’s Cardinal Sean O’Malley, to Catholics who no longer go to Mass)

Oremus:
I pray for the resolution to offer thanks as often as possible, moment to moment. Thanks, not because the world is suddenly kind and life and pleasant, not trying to disguise disappointments, anger and frustration. I pray for a steadfast gratefulness for Christ's Love, presence and grace. I pray that all mankind may know peace of mind in whatever the weather of daily life, through Him and in Him and with Him. Amen.

Deo gratias.

Fear Binds, Cripples, Enslaves and Kills

And then sometimes i come to a stand-still. On the celebration of Christ King we are reminded of the history of humanity, ruled by the most powerful with a heavy, merciless hand and laws based on one man's whim. The True king shows us otherwise. If we truly call Christ our Lord, then like him we will feed the hungry, give water to those that thirst, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned, essentially be there for those in need of comfort and aid. Love.

Am i present for those who are in need of comfort and aid? There are degrees, i tell myself. Paying taxes, voting for social systems, perhaps even dropping a coin in a beggar's hat or taking on a new career that involves less profit and more human aid. Is that enough? Giving up some free time to volunteer, praying, meditating, attending mass more often, curbing vice so as to limit sin, being mindful of thoughts and speech and actions, these actions might help us grow, but is that enough? The poor woman who offers her two coins has offered more than all the rest, says Jesus, because from her poverty she has offered her whole livelihood. I go to bed at night knowing that millions starve, millions sleep exposed to the elements, the ill and dying go unattended, violence escalates, and then i wake up the next morning to start my day anew.

There is an insanity to it all. And fear roots me to my safe patterns of life, unwilling to rock the boat too much. Am i afraid? Am i willing to give up my life to dedicate my Self to another's life? Am i willing to follow the king Christ and not the commands of earthly kings bent on maintaining their own power, wealth, status and lineage? Letting go of the Self is the hardest thing: ego, that built-in tool of separation, individuality, pride and utter selfishness (the Self being the centre of the universe). Ignoring the fear it uses for self-preservation seems mad. Almost all saints and holy men i can think of have just let go and trusted enough in Christ to forge a new world that cares.

These days before Advent humble me. Indeed, they scare me a bit. There is discomfort and conflicts of interest between my ego and the Holy Ghost. "Are you crazy!? You have to take care of yourself!" says the one. The other says, "Let go. Trust me. I will always be there for you." I can choose to ignore these feelings and loose myself in Me, my life, my routines, in me, me, me. But that is not what a humble servant of one's lord is expected to do. It is my choice and i know i don't want to choose fear: get behind me Satan!

Oremus:
I pray for the hungry, thirsty, naked, ill and imprisoned, that they not be judged, but be attended to by loving hands and loving minds filled with the grace and wisdom of men and women who put their own needs last and who trust enough in the Holy Ghost to know that the Lord puts their needs first. I pray too, that i may join their ranks in service to Christ King. Amen

Deo gratias.