Tuesday - December 24, 2024

SCRIPTURE Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles. WORDS OF HOPE High, high up in the sky over the lake, I watch the flight of what can only be an eagle, its broad circles tracing arcs in the blue. Periodically he needs to gather energy and directed movement, so he flaps his strong wings, but with a seeming ease which belies the power. Then coast, soar, circle. The movement of a fish flutters under the surface of the water and suddenly he dives to capture breakfast. I long for this eagle vision in my spiritual life—the ability to see the smallest movement—but from a larger “field.” And I yearn too for the soaring. Back home and closer to the ground, the Mississippi Kites still roam our skies in the morning, their paths curving over the oaks. The grey falcon-like birds have taken up residence in my neighbor’s yard across the street since Grandmother oak cracked open, collapsed, and was carried away to be recycled into mulch by the city. Though their nest is obscured by a veil of leaves, it’s clear they have young ones as one of the parents carries a largish insect, a grasshopper perhaps, back to the fledglings. Today, walking Sage in the early morning breeze, I stand and gaze upward again—at how they hold steady in a wind and with just the slightest adjustment of their wings, they glide off, cutting arcs as masterfully as an Olympic skater. I marvel and would wish to surrender to the winds of God to carry me in the currents of my life. The song my mother chose for her memorial service sings in my memory, the rich baritone of her pastor full of feeling:  You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord, Who abide in His shadow for life, Say to the Lord, "My Refuge, My Rock in Whom I trust." And He will raise you up on eagle's wings, Bear you on the breath of dawn, Make you to shine like the sun, And hold you in the palm of His Hand. (Michael Jonca) PRAYER Breath of God, Breathe on me and lift me up to soaring even before my final transition. May each of us know such soaring in the arms of Love. Amen. DEVOTION AUTHOR Dr. Pat Saxon

SCRIPTURE Job 38.4-7 Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone— while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? WORDS OF HOPE Unanswered Questions As our vision of the universe gets larger, our knowledge about it, gets smaller and smaller. Einstein observed that the more he learned, the less he knew. It is often that when we answer a question, ten new questions arise each leading us to more undiscovered and unanswered questions. I find that a flower is not just a stem and its petals, but it is also its seed. What is a seed without its journey? The flower is connected to generations of flowers. A person’s name can imply where they come from and who they are connected to. A rock is the culmination of many smaller particles. I have found no simple answers, but always, more to discover. Humility is considering the possibility that what we do not know we do not know. I do not see all the pieces of life’s puzzle or things that I have yet to experience. If I were to try to define anything, then that would mean pretending I had an understanding of universal truths when I do not fully comprehend anything. We believe that God exists, but what or rather who is God? I could say that God is love, but consider how long it would it take me to describe all of God’s love if I could. Why do so many religious people believe that God is love, but then, condemn people for not believing that their religion is the right one? They have neither learned what love is nor who God is, yet they can judge. How can we judge God’s creation without knowing all the facts? Humanity has more in common than it realizes, for many faiths teach that God is love. The scriptures teach us that we have the ability to set aside our differences and be kind to one another. One day, differing faiths may have less strangers, and more friends. Perhaps, because if we know less, then there is more to learn about each other. PRAYER Lord of mercy, Only You know everything and only You can judge. Help us to be forgiving and kind to strangers. Grant us a humble spirit. Show us how to disagree lovingly. Bless You because You are patient with us. We love You, yet we do not know You fully. Help us to love those that we do know, yet don’t comprehend. Amen. DEVOTION AUTHOR Jonathon McClellan Order of St. Francis and St. Clare

SCRIPTURE  I John 1:5 This is the message we have heard and proclaim to you, that God is light and in God there is no darkness. WORDS OF HOPE After reading todays’ scripture, take time to be quiet with it and let God's Spirit talk to you about what you've read. Quietly read it again several times: “This is the message we have heard and proclaim to you, that God is light and in God there is no darkness.” Try meditating on those words to better explore the fullness of their meaning. Try to be so mindful of the words that you feel like you're falling into a pool of deep water... a pool of deeper experience with God. I believe that if you practice this approach, you will be drawn into a richer awareness of your relationship with God. In cultivating a richer awareness of God, define the scripture to yourself. God is pure light, perfect light, not a speck of darkness, a holy brightness. Our faith always has taught us that the Creator God's nature is perfect in all aspects, perfect wisdom, perfect love, and perfectly pure and holy. That perfection contrasts with humanity's mottled behaviors and failings. Our human character is often inconsistent and mixed in motive. Even in the midst of human goodness, perfection is elusive. The Judeo-Christian God has always existed separate from our less-than-perfect humanity. Part of this realization is the basis for the concept that God is holy. In the Psalms, we read that: "Holy is God's name." (Psalm 30:4) The Jews thought that you could understand the nature or characteristics of another person if you knew or spoke their name. When God blessed Abram and promised that he would be father to a multitude of offspring, God gave him a new name, Abraham, which denoted that promise. When we speak of God as holy, we state that God is set apart from us, other-than-us, God is pure perfection. It is our affirmation that God is different from us; we are not God. In meditating on the eternal truth that in God there is no darkness, we come face to face with the "otherness" of God, and that should instill a sense of awe in us. It is a true declaration of worship... Awesome God, Holy God, Pure and Perfect One. PRAYER Lord God, quiet my mind and open my heart to learn more about you. Guide my times of meditation, and allow me to better experience your unlimited majesty. Amen. DEVOTION AUTHOR Donald (Luke) Day Order of St. Francis and St. Clare

SCRIPTURE Psalm 19:1  The Heavens are declaring the glory of God, and their expanse shows the work of God’s hands. WORDS OF HOPE How often do you ask God to do things for you and either do not wait for God to act, or do not recognize God’s answer and blessing to you? I found a cute example of ways we expect God to respond, but miss seeing God’s answer to us: A Reflection: The person whispered, "God, speak to me." And a meadowlark sang. But the person did not hear. So the person yelled, "God, speak to me!" And the thunder rolled across the sky. But the person did not listen. The person looked around and said, "God, let me see you." And a star shone brightly. But the person did not notice. And the person shouted, "God, show me a miracle!" And a life was born. But the person did not know. So, the person cried out in despair. "Touch me God, and let me know that you are here!" Whereupon God reached down and touched the person. But the person brushed the butterfly away and walked on. Author unknown MORAL: Don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way you expect. PRAYER God who is always near, help us to see you in the wonders you send to show us your amazing love. DEVOTION AUTHOR Jan Nunn Cathedral of Hope Volunteer

SCRIPTURE  Luke 15.16 But Jesus would often go away from the crowd to pray in quiet places. WORDS OF HOPE I recently attended something called a “new moon sound bath.” It sounds mystical, doesn’t it? It’s actually a yoga space filled with about 25 or 30 people engaging in light stretching, breathing, and the soothing tones of singing bowls. It’s relaxing and allows your mind to either engage…or wander. Occasionally, someone would fall asleep, signaled by a bit of snoring. Nobody cared. The hum and vibration from the sound bowls, chimes, and rain stick felt almost otherworldly. Those natural, non-electronic sounds, while staring quietly at the ceiling, invited a release from the noise of the day. I often find myself unable to control the moment. Too many days are filled with anxiety from listening to endless news and politics, always politics. Sometimes I wonder why I’m so drawn to that uncontrollable static in the first place. The yoga space glowed with purple and pink lighting, almost like staring into a distant galaxy. We were given permission to drift away. Only once, during one of these sessions, did someone truly doze off hard. Evidently, the release was deeply needed. Whatever worries had carried them to that moment were simply gone. The room filled with intermittent giggles before someone finally nudged them awake. A faint “sorry” was whispered, and we continued with gentle movement. The entire experience lasts only about an hour, yet it feels much longer—as though time itself briefly loosens its grip. For lack of a better description, it’s an inner-city wilderness moment. For a short while, we surrender worry, schedules, and the exhausting need to stay in control. Do you meditate or pray? In Retreats throughout the years, I’ve heard descriptions of intense meditation practiced by both Christian and Tibetan monks, and I sometimes wonder if deliberately seeking collective peace can somehow quiet the low vibration of fear and chaos around us. In a similar way, what did Jesus experience during his walks in the wilderness? Surely, away from the crowds, there was silence there. Prayer. Reflection. Release. Years ago, I walked among the giant trees in Muir Woods in California. It’s difficult to explain, but I felt a powerful vibration in my chest, almost overwhelming, as though the ancient forest itself was welcoming me into communion. Perhaps that’s why one section there is called Cathedral Grove. A posted sign read, “Enter Quietly.” Where are your Cathedral woods? Where will you give yourself permission to commune on a higher plane? When will you finally release the need to control? When you arrive at that place, a place unique to you, no one will need to tell you to “enter quietly.” PRAYER I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. Lord, guide my thoughts and keep me focused on Your truth. Amen. -Psalm 119.15 DEVOTION AUTHOR Charlie Rose Order of St. Francis and St. Clare