The Dance, the Dancer and the Dancing

 As we approach Trinity Sunday we can often skirt around trying to understand how we are drawn into the reality of the relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We can often be caught by feeling that we have to relate to one or the other but the reality of three persons and one God can confuse us. It can cause us to chase various rabbits down holes which are interesting theological explorations but do not actually help us to grow in a dynamic relationship with God. 

I believe that in essence we are called to sustain the same dynamic relationship at the present moment. Just as when we are dancing we are called to experience being the dancer and the certain movement of the dance. I believe that this is a powerful metaphor for the Christian life. We are called to a person of prayer. We learn from our tradition the ways in which people have been led on the dance. We notice those who have become a dancer to that particular rhythm of life. Their way of dancing attracts people to notice how they too are invited into the dance.

So too with us in our own age. We are called to listen to the music that enthralls us, to step out and feel the beat. There is a resonance that runs through our own body which calls us to be part of this dance. The question is not whether we can dance but rather whether we will join the dance?

Ordinary Events, Extraordinary Lives

 I wonder what the disciples felt when they were present to Jesus' ascension. In my own reflections, it may seem that this second separation was more difficult than the first. At the foot of the cross, they experienced a whole mixture of human emotions with which we would be familiar, fear, shock, anger, rejection, and anxiety. These emotions drove them into hiding and withdrawal. Yet in the midst of these all too human responses, Jesus walked into their midst and proclaimed peace and reconciliation. It was these initial resurrection encounters that called the disciples to a deeper appreciation of His life.

However, there was a sense in which the second withdrawal was necessary so that an internal conversion of the heart could take place. It was this liminal space between the Ascension and Pentecost in which the womb of expectation was born in each of them. No longer was their life called to be one simply of observation of the life of Jesus but rather a participation in proclaiming the Good News. They were called to be people who responded to the life for which they were chosen. To proclaim that this changed how they would live in the world and what they were prepared to live and die for.

We are faced with the same choice as the People of God. We can either see ourselves just as observers of holy things and holy people or we can to an appreciation that we are transformed into life through daily prayer and action. In this way, the sacramental life is not an action that we receive or something that is done to us but rather an invitation to participate in a new life. Our participation and response are central. We are not spectators called together on Sundays just to go through the motions but rather people who are commissioned to live that Good News in daily life. In this way, the Holy Spirit transforms ordinary lives into an extraordinary witness of God's love for the whole of creation.

God does not have favourites

 This statement should assure us that we do not have to earn God's love but we do need to witness it with our lives. This can help us to know in our hearts that God loved us first and that our vocation is to grow in that love. This calls us to see each of our encounters as a meeting with the risen Christ. To see in the eyes of another a reflection of God's love for us and to encourage each other in faith. 

This love is not just a warm, fuzzy feeling but a practical call to action. To love one another in a way that helps them to experience their own worth and dignity. This is at the heart of the Good News that we witness the goodness of God's love which created everybody for a good purpose. This shapes both our actions which seek acts of social justice that seek to remedy anything that degrades humanity and seeks to reach out in solidarity with those in greatest need of our care.

Especially, during this month of May, we are called to become part of a continual pattern of prayer around the world for the ending of the pandemic and for specific intentions through praying the rosary. St Mary's Cathedral is one of the 30 Marian shrines around the world which will join in this prayer vigil. More can be found on https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-05/shrines-around-the-world-linked-for-recitation-of-the-rosary.html. I believe this act of solidarity joins our minds and hearts with fellow Christians around the world for a common purpose. It is one of the practical ways is that the physical distance between is carried on the wings of prayer.

As we celebrate Mother's Day we also give thanks to other mothers for nurturing and sustaining us with love and friendship. We also keep them at the centre of our prayer for all the intentions that they carry in their hearts.