Ecospirtuality Resources offers reflection guides that are “placed within the Universe Story” and are written “with an awareness that the Mystery we call God lives and acts within us and all creation.” Written by Terri MacKenzie SHCJ, this is an excellent resource for small group study. Advent.
Shell Hued Light
O great mystery
and wonderful sacrament
that animals should see the new-born Lord
lying in a manger
Blessed is the Virgin
whose womb was worthy
to bear
Christ the Lord.
Alleluia!
Photo credit: Verdant Beauty by Ninabeth Metcalf, 2014
Photo Credit: The Path, Ninabeth Metcalf
We become, in His last breath and the pouring out of blood and water;
Uninhabitable
Tohu va bohu
Falling falling
Into a deep darkness
Tarrying… tarrying… tarrying
Pulsing hovering mystery
Rising rising
Tehom and ruach
Birthed anew
Elohim speaks, “Let there be light”; and there was light
In the Garden
the seed splits
thrusting the kneeling One
beyond comfort, beyond knowing, beyond fear.
In the distance
loud hosannas reverberate
save us save us save us
ensuing madness deepens
crucify crucify
kill Him
Palms turn to torches
then spears
cheering becomes jeering.
Elohim and Sophia inhale exhale
silently encouraging, enticing, enfolding
As the kneeling One stands
Arms wide open
Heart exposed
Forest Landscape II
Photo Credit:
Emily Carr, Forest Landscape II, 1939, Oil on Paper, National Gallery of Canada, data from University of California, San Diego. Atrstor slide gallery.
First Light
Beloved,
I am – We are – sorry that you do not feel well today. It is such a spectacular day, We know it will cheer you up! Did you see the way the moon winked at the stars? The glow on the horizon lifting the cool azure sky? I felt the Holy Spirit, did you?
Have I told you how much I love you? Your be-ing fills me to bursting!
I know you worry sometimes that you are not on the right path but I try my best to remind you – this is your time – this is your season.
Yes, We tried many times to get your attention but you were not ready to hear how much We love you and want you by our side. You kept running afraid of your shadow, which was Us the whole time! Remember on January 4, 2008 just before epiphany when I told you to; “Shine your light not to change the world but to change yourself. Cast your light not to blind others but so that you may see the reality that surrounds you?” Shortly afterwards your world shifted. We know it was hard and confusing. Embrace the visions and the somatosensory experiences they are Our gift to you. Do not be afraid.
Remember the prayer you gave me in Chartres, how you cried, and We wrapped ourselves around you? You were so alone and scared and awed. I know you felt me with you and it gave Us so much joy to see you basking in the light that day.
You are my blessed, my Beloved; blossom and be confident in my Word, trust your instinct; be alive, be joyful, be humble!
Release your sorrow, poor out your grief. A broken pot can be mended and the cracks will remain as witness to a life lived!
Fear, yes, you do succumb sometimes but you must not you must ride with it; take a risk ride with it into the unknown. Your fruits will diminish your fear. Let your fruits blossom.
Despair, Oh yes, that too. Hold on, don’t let go. Turn it ; forgive, forgive, forgive.
Produce your art you have such wonderful ideas. Do not be afraid if it is not beautiful and pure.
Remember that the hands of Jesus are not clean and blemish free but gritty and scarred.
I remember on May 2, 2008 when you finally heard me answering your prayer! You felt like a parentless child and you let me take your hand! What a sunrise there was – did you see it?
Remember when you were 8 and you made that beautiful calligraphy for your father –“Little seeds of kindness grow and grow”? Let it be your mantra. You ask me so many times where to plant your seeds. It is not for you to decide my precious one, just blossom and let them fall; I will take care of the rest. Remember the seed does not always see the flower.
Beloved, you must slow down just a bit, those rocky spots are alive with grace. Do not fret about the weeds. Stop and look at the weeds, perhaps they are not what you think they are; what may be discomfiting to you may be heartening.
You are my nascent Child, you will stumble, you will fall but We will be there to pick you up and pull you ever closer to me. Why limit yourself? Why say “only”. That boundary to possibility you must remove. My abundant love answers your plea and moves you forward. You are Our gift to the world.
Arise to the East there you will find me. Remember when you saw me in your neighbor? You stood there wide-eyed like a newborn. You were so free and joyous. I want you to see me again like that. How the air tingled and time ceased to exist. I love times we spend on Holy Ground.
My Precious, all are welcome at my table. All are encouraged to walk in my vineyard. However, not all do and that is OK. Not everyone sees the fruit of the vine; some can only see the hard work of pruning.
The earth is groaning. Not many dare to speak for the least of my creatures. The cry from the wilderness is muffled. The polar bears, bees, plants, and untold species devastated. Corridors closed to migration spell destruction. Everything is interconnected. Heed the silent call for salvation. Bear Witness, Tikkun Olam.
You asked me during lent what name I give you. You queried the following; gentle, forgiving, optimistic, empowering, happy, enigmatic, competent, successful, creative, compassionate… I call you Beloved, as there is only one you who can do what you do. Go forth boldly, holding my hand.
It has been 3 months since you have written every day. We miss the writing. I am looking forward to seeing what you do next.
Remember the rhythm of your faith.
It is time to prepare the way.
I – We, give you a holy kiss, a sign of trust. My – Our, love overflows for you.
God
arise to the east 