Wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a manger

 We have become familiar with the Christmas story and the way it provides a focus for our lives. It is recognized in how we undertake journeys to be with those we love and how we sit down with them at the table. We are called to recognize each other's fundamental dignity and the need to be nourished: to be clothed and fed. Jesus is born in a manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes. In his vulnerability, he becomes an unspoken source of good news which seeks to disturb us.

In our modern world, we notice how this Good News can be disrupted by events beyond our control. Not only the difficulties associated with travel caused by the pandemic but the hidden disruption which causes people to be disturbed by the relentless barrage of information that seeks to take control of our lives. Evelyn Underhill, an English mystic compares these to the animals which are present in the nativity scene: the ox of passion and the ass of prejudice that seek to push out the person of Christ. Yet it is the person of Christ who we need to make room for and allow His light to shine within us.

This may be the challenge which is how we allow these days of Christmas to become a place where God makes an election for us so that we can fulfill our office in the world. To discover a rule of life that radiates out to others. To become people who act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with our God. Where our world view is not shaped by self-interest or divisions but a genuine desire to encounter God in our daily life.

May this Christmas season bring you joy and peace. Live what you believe that Christ seeks you to make room for him in your prayer, in your own environment, and in how you act.

How do we listen for God?

 One of the questions which seem to occur in the spiritual direction of others is how do I know that this is what God wants? There can be a desire to buy a how-to-book that will lay out an easy-to-follow plan which clearly states what needs to be done. This finds echos in the reading from Hebrews which we read this weekend which seeks some concrete expression of this desire whether it is through the sacrifices we make for others, the gifts we offer, or the time we spend in preparing for Christmas. Yet it is how we are present to God and others that are more important. It is a life that we live which gives the best expression to what we believe.

We see this in Mary rushing to be at Elizabeth's side during her pregnancy. There is a deep concern which Mary seeks to live through the visitation. There is a sharing of what brings her life which elicits a response from Elizabeth which recognizes the blessing which draws attention to what is at the heart of all life. This obedience is about allowing God's voice to make a connection between everyday life and the mystery which is at the heart of life. A blessing is a lived expression of who God desires us to become not just something that we receive.

This is the essence of the incarnation which seeks that we are met body and soul by the person of Jesus. This person changes the way we listen both to God and each other. It helps us to notice the deep connection between the spiritual underpinning of God's creative spirit and the human expression of that loving presence. We are called to be internationally present to others in seeing the life of Christ motivating our every action. By being people who listen to the movement of God's spirit which quickens within us for the good of the whole world. This calls for an offering our whole life in being transformed by the person of Jesus. May his peace disturb us!

Playing by the rules!

 In learning any game we need to not only learn the rules but also the spirit. There is a need to not only compete fairly but also to ensure that we do not exploit the goodwill of those who share the game with us. We know how easy it is to overcook the cake and start to notice the urge to win overtaking our need to treat fairly those who play with us. We are not called to win at the expense of the relationships we seek to build up by playing the game. This may be important to bear in mind as people share their time over Christmas not to squander the goodwill of the time we spend together.

Yet it also overflows into daily life. Life can imitate how we play games. We are called to be people who respect others in a way that is just. As John the Baptist reminds his listeners in seeking to act fairly which does not misuse a position of trust for their own benefit. There is a call to witness to how God is present in guiding us in our daily interactions to be people who live the Good News for the good of others, not just ourselves. To allow the word of God to be announced with conviction in the way we live. Our love is not just to be words but action.

The aim is not just to tolerate others but to seek their happiness which allows us all to give thanks to God. This is evidenced by a prayer that seeks to proclaim to the world that our way of life has its influence on others. We are called to people who return to the source of our hope on a daily basis. The seeking to draw the water of hope from the wells of salvation. To be people whose prayer guides their hearts for the common good. 

May the Lord guard your hearts with joy and gladness as we continue in these last two weeks leading to Christmas.

Straight Paths

 What is the quickest way from A to B? This almost sounds like a traditional maths problem rather than a theological question.  John the Baptist starts preaching a conversion of heart through a baptism of forgiveness. He seeks to see how God speaks to the wilderness of our own lives. There is a desire that we may see the salvation of God with our own eyes. This is not so much just wishful thinking as listening with the ears of the heart. Seeing what is fundamental to life helps us to know ourselves as God sees us.

St Paul stresses this when he speaks to the Philippians about improving their knowledge and deepening their perception. Recognizing how the good work that God has started in us can be brought to fruition. As the psalmist says by recognizing the good things that God has entrusted to us we are filled with joy. We start to find the integrity of life which proclaims God's mercy to the world.

As we approach Christmas we are called to find ways in which we do preserve our own hearts with joy. To find how we become a fragrant gift for others. We seek to discover a God who walks with us and accompanies us to make straight our paths,