Archive for the ‘Elizabeth Lowe’ Category

« Older Entries

The Feast of Epiphany

Friday, January 6th, 2012

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Epiphany: manifestation~ realization~ appearance

Readings: Isaiah 60: 1-6     St. Paul to the Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6          Gospel Matthew: 2:1-12

We have all experienced “epiphanies” in our personal lives. Sometimes they are small manifestations regarding something we need to change in our lives, take on or pay attention to. Today’s beautiful feast calls us to the joyful realization that God is there for us all; that God’s Son Jesus was sent not only to the Jewish nation, as is declared by the prophet Isaiah:  “Rise up in Splendor, Jerusalem…” Rather, he was sent to us all regardless of race or creed. Paul writes for our uplifting: “God’s secret plan as I have briefly described it was revealed to me, unknown to men in former ages but now revealed by the Spirit to the holy apostles and prophets. It is no less than this: in Christ Jesus the Gentiles are now co-heirs with the Jews, members of the same body and sharers of the promise…”

What an Epiphany! What a realization! It creates the kind of joy within that the mystic, Dame Julian of Norwich surely felt when one day in meditation she heard the voice of God give this assurance:  “ See, I am God. See, I am in all things. See, I do all things.  See, I never remove my hands from my works, nor ever shall, without end.”  Julian of Norwich

There is a realization/epiphany we should perhaps remind ourselves of when life is difficult and we are tempted to give up and find ourselves questioning where God even is in all the turmoil. We need to remind ourselves as well that the people in our care often feel as lost and alone. It often happens that as we boost the morale of others with our care, prayer, companionship; whatever form it may take we find our own spirits lifted. I once had a good mentor say to me, “Remember, you do not bring God to anyone. You go into the room of a patient and find God.”

Is that what occurred that first Epiphany in Jerusalem? Matthew shares, Astrologers from the east arrived one day in Jerusalem inquiring.  “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage.” So, we read in different texts that they knelt, bowed, offered gifts. Perhaps they stayed awhile to share food and conversation. The text then relates, “they went home a different way.” Many take that to mean they tried to avoid an encounter with Herod. I believe it is more true to “Epiphany” to believe they went home with the full realization of who Jesus was. They brought their gifts, but they found God.

Was there a manifestation for the child Jesus as well? Why not? We don’t know for certain how old Jesus was when the Magi visited. Very young children can realize, surmise. God has foreigners, pagans come as the first to recognize and give Jesus the proper respect as King of the Jews. Why then would God not allow Jesus to discern that he was here on this earth for them as well? Epiphany!

Rest easy; we’re in good hands! A blessed New Year to all.

Elizabeth Lowe
Chaplain

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Elizabeth Lowe, The Scribes | No Comments »

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Friday, December 9th, 2011

Isaiah 61:1-2A, 10-11      St. Paul to the Thessalonians 5:16-24      Luke 1: 39-47

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice.  Indeed the Lord is near! 

Yes, the Lord is near!  According to our measure of time, just two weeks away.  In fourteen short days we will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ the son of God, who took human form (Yeshua ben Yoseph ) and dwelt with Mary and Joseph, at first in a stable meant for animals, then in a tiny town where he grew in wisdom and grace. So like us in so many ways.

Isaiah 61: 1-2A,10-11~ is a beautiful reminder of Calling.  The calling of Jesus by Go, to the ministry of healing; especially those marginalized children of God.  It is a reminder of our own calling to minister, each in our own way, to the sick of body, mind and heart.  Therefore, we can gratefully say with Jesus:  

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me;  God has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the broken hearted and …release to the prisoners …and a day of vindication by our God….        

1Thessalonians 5: 16-24:  In the second reading; St. Paul writes to the Thessalonians, an early group of followers of the teachings of Christ made up of Ethnic Jews and pagans.  They suffered much persecution and Paul gave them support.   Paul reminds them:  “Rejoice! Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks.  Do not quench the Spirit.  (Neither in yourself nor in another.)  Do not despise prophetic utterances. ( Prophecy is a gift from the Spirit). Rather, test everything; retain what is good.  Refrain from every kind of evil…. The one who calls you is faithful and will accomplish your desire.”

Speaking of Prophets, the Gospel reading will introduce you John the Baptist, a cousin of Jesus who was called by God to be the preparer or the “lamplighter” lighting the way for Christ’s coming.  John was a man for all seasons and times.  He would have fit very nicely into the hippie culture of the 60’s.  Today he might be in downtown Lewiston among the homeless.  God plays no favorites. Each one of us is called to God’s purpose.  Each one of us is called to be a voice crying out in the desert “Make straight the way of the Lord!” 

Wishing you a dream to bless, a star to guide, and peace and harmony inside!

Elizabeth Lowe
Chaplain.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Elizabeth Lowe, The Scribes | No Comments »

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Friday, November 4th, 2011

Sunday, November 6, 2011

A Call to Consciousness

The readings for this coming Sunday’s Sabbath Day speak clearly to us of a caring God who through God’s messengers, Paul, Matthew and Jesus, caution us all to pay attention; to be conscious.  The Psalmist in song 63: 2-8, calls to God in our name: “Let my prayer come before you, Lord; listen and answer me.” {Be conscious of me.} What a gift! We can speak up to God as we would a parent or friend.

We move in our reflection to the first reading, a passage from the Book of Wisdom 6: 12-16. “…and whoever for her sake, {Wisdom’s} keeps vigil, shall quickly be free from care.” Approaching the next reading, we meet Paul, a dedicated and conscious follower for Jesus, writing a letter to a group of Christians and assuring them. I take leave to paraphrase this passage in order to emphasize the concern and consciousness these followers had learned from Jesus, the greatest Teacher of all. “We do not want you to be unaware brothers and sisters about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. If we believe that Jesus died and rose, then God will through Jesus bring home all who have fallen asleep.” While pondering this reminder from Paul, we might ask, “Who is this We?” My belief is that the “We” consists of the community of inclusive believers who want all to know Christ and the call to eternal life that he came here to share. God the father is part of the “We”. God created us, we are God’s children and God wants us all home. Jesus is the “We” who was born, lived, taught, ministered and died to make us conscious of the path home.

We follow along this path in our reflection to the Gospel of Matthew 25: 1-13. This story is another call to consciousness. It tells of ten bridesmaids who are asked to await the arrival of the groom. However, it is late and they are tired. It is also the age before the invention of flashlights. It was necessary to keep oil rags wrapped around torches. Five of these women were conscious of that and five were not. As evening darkened, the five who did not prepare were heard to ask of those who did for assistance. The five who had oil refused to help. According to the story, those five were allowed into the feast {heaven}, the others were shut out. This is harsh. According to scholars of the New Testament, this is not a typical Jesus approach. Jesus is not divisive. Are we not accustomed to Jesus admonishing those who will not share? However, we know from real life experience that there are certain things one cannot obtain at the last minute.

In our ministries here at St. Mary’s/d’Youville Pavilion, we are not averse to sharing. It has never been my experience to be refused help or to be shut out for being less prepared. The times I have been “unconscious” have been blessed learning opportunities.

“Each person has influence on the people they contact. We can reach other people who are still in fear and anger, distraction and addiction; we can reach those people through a contagion. Consciousness is Contagious! Catch It!

Blessings to You,

Elizabeth Lowe
Chaplain

 

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Elizabeth Lowe, The Scribes | No Comments »

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Monday, October 3rd, 2011

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Esther:13: 9-11      Isaiah 5:1-7      Paul to Philippians 4: 6-9      Matthew 21: 33-43

“I have chosen you from the world, says the Lord, to go and bear fruit that will remain.” John 15-16

For those of us who plant gardens, grow indoor plants, or work at growing ourselves, the readings are ripe with messages about the need to cultivate, feed, trim, harvest, trust, share, and plan for rest.

Yes, everything that grows needs rest. This reflection will focus on the Gospel message of Jesus in his parable concerning the Vineyard. If you are able to access the readings that accompany this parable for this Sunday, you will see how the message is supported.


Jesus said to the people, “hear another parable.”

There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it and built a tower. He leased it to tenants. When vintage time came, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. However, the tenants abused the servants with beatings, stoning and death. Again the owner tried to obtain what was his by sending many more servants. The tenants treated them in the same way. Finally, the owner sent his son, believing the tenants would treat him with respect. But, the tenants verily abused him and put him to death. “What will the owner do to these tenants when he comes?” Jesus asked. The crowd responded, “He will put those wretched people to death and give the vineyard to those who will care for it and give the owner his due.” Jesus replied, “Have you never read in the scriptures: “the stone that the builders rejected has become the headstone of the corner?” That is why I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.

Before we turn away due to the harshness of this parable, we must remember it is centuries old, being shared with a generation and a culture of people who believed in a punishing God, a God of might who they also believed would come in power to overthrow their enemies. Jesus was not filling this bill!

God does not strong-arm us into submission. God calls each one of us from conception to a task and then trusts us with the ministry by leaving us to do it. God’s patience allows us mistakes and the
chance to learn from them. God’s judgment of us may be felt when we are called to a task and it is taken out of our hands because we refuse it. If we feel punished by God, perhaps it is time to ask if we may have created our own reality. But, keep in mind, we have the privilege of calling God, “Abba,” (Father). God not only calls us but gives us the means to fulfill the call.

We may have to look around, ask for help. The answers are not always obvious. I have found in my ministry, I am surrounded by good, smart people in all areas of work at St. Mary’s and D’Youville who are willing and able to share a thing or two about growing anything!

Wishing you plentiful harvest!

Elizabeth Lowe
Chaplain

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Elizabeth Lowe, The Scribes | No Comments »

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Jeremiah 20:7-9     Paul to Romans 12: 1-2      Matthew 16:21-27

“My real power is in surrender.”
                          Rev. Celeste Frazier

The Scripture readings for this new week are pregnant with the push/pull experience of some of the greatest friends of God and Jesus Christ as these followers struggle with battles of will: their own and those of their higher power. The joy of reflecting on these situations is, they are so much a part of today’s world as well as they were a part of the world of the Psalmist, the world of Jeremiah, a highly political prophet possessing a sense of humor as well as a strong sense of integrity, and the worlds of St. Peter “the rock” who gets up close and personal with Jesus, and St. Paul whose writings urge us to go against the desires of our own bodies, minds, and wills for the sake of a greater good.

Psalm 85 is a song of beauty and praise credited to the sons of Korah of the offspring of Noah, sometime in the early history of Israel. It is a plea to God to restore God’s blessing on the people. We in this age are familiar with prayers of restoration: “Forgive us our trespasses…”

Our first reading: Jeremiah 20:7-9 “You duped me, O Lord, and I let myself be duped”…(give yourself the pleasure of reading this whole passage. It is a smiling Sabbath moment when we realize as Jeremiah did that we have our own times in life when God gets what God wants from us in spite of our stubbornness!)

Jeremiah’s accusation indicates that God forced him to prophesy against his will. Jeremiah can therefore claim to be a true prophet, not one who sends himself out with his own message. We have had a plethora of false prophets in every age!

In the second reading: Paul to Romans 12: 1-2, Paul urges us, “do not conform, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…be able to discern what is the will of God in your life; what is good, pleasing, and perfect.”

The Gospel: Matthew 16:21-27 We are struck by the force with which Jesus commands silence until his listeners (we as well as those present at the time), realize what sort of Messiah he is. Peter was being his usual lovable, open-mouth-insert-foot, self. Jesus has no more time for those who “don’t get it.” He had to respond to his calling, as do we all.

Everyone who shares in reading this reflection has realized or is in the process of recognizing a calling by God to a certain way of life or ministry. We were called from conception and our God never ceases to call. The maturing to response may involve some confusing, contradictory experiences. One is that we must give up in order to win! Jesus backs that up when he says, “For whoever desires to save their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 25.

Elizabeth Lowe,
Chaplain

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Elizabeth Lowe, The Scribes | No Comments »

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday, July 24th, 2011

Sunday, july 24, 2011

1 Kings 3:5 7-12     Romans 8:28-30      Matthew 13:44-52

Our scripture readings for this Sunday’s week-long opportunity for reflection are amazing proof of God’s constant desire to fill us with what we need to sustain ourselves in order to sustain others.

1 Kings 3:5 7-12 The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” Solomon who, scripture tells us, was a “mere youth”, responds as I believe so many of us do as ministers to the sick and dying, no matter in what capacity we serve:

“Give your servant an understanding heart, to judge {serve} your people, and to distinguish right from wrong.”

And God, who shows pleasure in the petitions made in the name of others rather than for self, praises young Solomon and grants him those gifts. Was Solomon in fact a “mere youth” of simply young in the ways of how to pray and for what? Many of us may feel young and unschooled in the way of prayer. However, it is really not difficult to grow up in the school of God’s ways. As we look around at our partners in care giving here at St. Mary’s Hospital/d’Youville Pavilion and Rehabilitation Centers, we see countless examples of faith-centered service to others.

The second reading for this Sunday, Romans 8:28-30, is from St. Paul to the Romans. Paul, as we may know, was once a man who scorned Jesus and persecuted any person who claimed loyalty to Christ. God wanted Paul on His team and to make that point one day as Paul was on his way to persecute more of Jesus’ followers. God knocked Paul off his horse and blinded him in order to wake him up. I believe that as you take the time to read this passage, you will recognize that it is a story of calling; of being called by God into your job, your way of life, your ministry! Take a moment and experience the joy!

Paul states: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called together for his purpose.”

In the Gospel lesson, Matthew 13:44-52, Jesus, our brother and teacher, speaks of the kingdom of heaven in being similar to a treasure buried in a field, or a pearl of great price or a vast net full of valuable fish. When found, we tend to hide the treasure again until we are more sure of how to use it to our good and that of others. Many who do great work of any type in our health care center have worked and studied hard; have made many sacrifices to honor their calling to serve.

Finding and fulfilling our purpose can come at a cost. However, the rewards soon outweigh!

Mother Teresa, a “Shero” for many of us, once said, “I know God will not give me anything I cannot handle. I just wish He didn’t trust me so much.”

Go well into a new week. Enjoy the joy in each other’s eyes!

Elizabeth Lowe
Chaplain

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Elizabeth Lowe | No Comments »

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Friday, April 8th, 2011

Sunday, April 10, 2011 

Reflecting on the readings for this Sunday, although still in the Lenten Season, I gave myself permission to shout, “Alleluia.”  Our Father/Mother God, through the Prophet Ezekiel in verse 37, lines 12-14, assures us that we will rise from our graves as Jesus did from his and we will live with God forever!  There is much joy in this passage for it also says to us that God is all about raising us up on a moment-to-moment basis when the burdens of life assail us. “Oh my people!  I will put my spirit in you that you may live.  I have promised and I will do it.”

We receive further nudging to shout “Alleluia” for the assurances of the love and

plan of God for us in a letter to the Romans, verse 8, lines 8-11, written long ago by Paul, one of God’s chosen messengers and a disciple of Jesus.  We may know that Paul, (formerly called Saul) was not always in sync with the Lord.  Paul was a soldier in the Roman army and took pleasure in the persecution, torment, and murder of Christians.  Like many of us perhaps, it took him a while to pay attention.  One day while on his way to do more harm to the followers of Jesus, Paul was struck by a bolt of lightning and knocked off his horse!   (So goes the story, but there are many ways to describe the event!)  Paul came to his senses and spent the rest of his life in contrition and in service to the cause of Christ.

Paul’s gift to us is in helping us to distinguish between a life lived for the pleasures of the world and a life lived in the spirit of God.  In other words, our intellects and emotions should mature in step with our physical selves.  When that occurs we grow as whole persons.  When we work toward that end, the spirit of God dwells within us and we can effect change in the world around us.

“I am the Resurrection and the Life,” says the Lord, “whoever believes in me, even if that one dies, will never die.”  John 11:25-26.  Is there not an “Alleluia” welling up inside of you now?

Through John’s gospel, we are gifted with a story of the greatest teacher and healer of all times: Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  This story shows us Jesus, our brother, doing the kind of ministry we do here at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center /d’Youville Pavilion and Rehabilitation Center on a daily basis. Follow him in this scene as he teaches us how to receive hard news, how to go unhurriedly to the friends and family who are grieving the loss of a loved one who has died, or who have been given tragic news.  See Jesus, who himself is bereft at the loss of his friend Lazarus, go with compassion and patience to the doubters, the impatient, and the demanding.  Jesus shows us how to “Be With.”  He shows us how to trust, how to pray, and how to let God be God.

May you go unhurriedly to speak soft words, to hold hurting young and old hands, to look into tired, sad, questioning eyes, to celebrate new life and honor death.  Keep in mind the healer/teacher who walks beside and a bit ahead of you.  Breathe, smile and whisper “Alleluia!”          

Go gently and with a grateful heart!

Elizabeth Lowe
Chaplain

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Elizabeth Lowe | No Comments »

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Monday, January 17th, 2011

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Isaiah 8:23-9:3          Psalm 27 1,4, 13-14        1Cor: 1:10-13,17           Matthew  4:12-23

Throughout the readings the uplifting themes of Unity, Hope, Calling and Belonging fill our spirits with excitement.  It is incredible to realize that God’s love for us and need for us is so strong that from the beginning of recorded history we are invited to be God’s people. 

Isaiah: ( referring to the gift of Jesus) speaks, “Anguish has taken wing, dispelled is darkness….”  Is this not cause for hope and joy?  Think on the joy of the angels, the shepherds, the kings and others called to the manger to witness the birth of the Son, the healer, teacher, and caller.

The gift of hope is extended in Psalm 27 vs. 1,4,13-14. Verses 1& 4 are a song of confidence.  Paraphrased, they remind us that with the Lord as our light, our salvation and our stronghold, we need not be afraid of anyone or anything?  In 13-14, the listener acknowledges belief that the goodness of God will be seen “in the land of the living.” I believe that is here and now.  Do we not witness the goodness of God daily in our ministries?  We witness joyful births, healings of the sick, peaceful and holy deaths. We take part in comforting families, calming the elderly, walking journeys with the addicted and the cured.  “Wait for the Lord, be strong and let your heart take courage.”

St. Paul writes to the Corinthians: “I urge you brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose…”  

Does this not ring a bell for us here at St. Mary’s Health Care System?  We follow in the footsteps of St. Marguerite d’Youville to live out a ministry of healing to the sick, the poor and the marginalized people of God. We are called to do this with the same respect, compassion, stewardship and excellence that Jesus practiced in his ministry and required his apostles to do as well.  Be united in mind and purpose!  Would that we, in our present day society, could/would value that call.  Our political leaders cannot seem to manage it.  Many church leaders insist on a type of ownership of the word of God that often leads to further separation.

Matthew’s Gospel 4:12-23 allows us to look in on a new dimension in the life of Jesus.  John, who is Jesus’ cousin, companion and mentor is imprisoned by a cruel, unevolved ruler.

Jesus must be grieving.  Leaving his home in Nazareth, Jesus journeys to live in Capernaum by the sea.  This was the land spoken of by Isaiah; the land of the Gentiles.

“The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light.” On those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has risen!”  That light was and is Jesus.  Putting his own sadness aside, Jesus picked up the work of John.  “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  Then, Jesus calls, echoing his fathers’ voice, who called all of us before conception.  “Come after me and I will make you fishers of men!” 

“Look up at the Lord with gladness and smile.” Your face will never be the same! Psalm 33:6 (paraphrased.).      

Go Well and Gently!
Elizabeth, Chaplain

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Elizabeth Lowe | No Comments »

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Thursday, December 16th, 2010

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Isaiah 7:10-16          Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19            Romans 1:1-7      Matthew 1:18-26

Joseph’s Yes

        “Somehow in the midst of our tears, a gift is hidden.
         Somehow in the midst of our mourning
         The first steps of the dance take place.” 

Henri Nouwen

Welcome to the final week of “waiting time” on the journey to the stable and the wondrous gift that our generous God chose to send us in order that we may find our way home.  Some of the themes common to the readings as I discern them are: seeking, cleanliness of heart, weariness, and God’s dependability.
For this week’s reflection I have chosen to focus on Matthew’s Gospel 1:18-26:
       
This is how the birth of Jesus came about.  Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.  Joseph, a righteous man, unwilling to expose her, decided to divorce her quietly.  While asleep, an angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife into your home.  It is through the Holy Spirit that the child is conceived in her.  She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and he will be called Emmanuel, “God with us.” When Joseph awoke he did as the angel bid and took Mary into his home.

The woman you are about to marry suddenly turns up pregnant, and you know you didn’t do it.  What do you do?  Smile and say, “It’s okay”?  Perhaps you pack up your things and head out of town?  Your culture does not smile on this kind of thing.  You could turn her over to an angry crowd to be stoned.  Word will get around and it will not go well will family or friends, and surely not with authority.  You find prayer difficult.  How could God let such evil happen to you?   What about the schmuck who did this to her?

Joseph is facing life-and-death decisions, character testing decisions. Joseph knows the law, but
he also still cares greatly for this woman.  His character shines through.  There will be no violence done to her or to the man.  Perhaps he will send her quietly away where no executioners can reach her; far enough and lonely enough away to remind her of what she has done.
Joseph is weary.  God hears him.  An angel brings the answer.  His reaction to this messenger also requires character.  He could have been angry with God.  After all, why is God interfering with his wife and how easy is it to believe that you have what it takes to raise God’s son?  What will that involve?  He would not have been the first Jew to wrestle with an angel!  Instead Joseph gave a “Yes.” It was a difficult and important yes to make.  The son of God would have an earthly father, a just man who would raise that son with the depth of character that he showed in this traumatic situation.  Joseph chose compassion over the letter of the law.  Mary’s yes and Joseph’s yes pleased God and serves as an example for us in our everyday professional and personal lives.

Go Well and Gently with Joseph into Christmas!

Elizabeth Lowe
Chaplain

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Elizabeth Lowe | No Comments »

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Friday, October 29th, 2010

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Sirach 35                    Timothy 4                   Luke 18 

Psalm 104  “Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord. Seek the Lord and the Lord’s strength. Seek always the face of the Lord.”  This is a directive from our God; to seek always what we need from that source. How beautiful it is to actually process into church singing those words. This was a practice in my youth in the church I attended, as well as in the religious community in which I lived and ministered for many years. There is something in the singing that makes the words well up and assures us of a response from our Lord.

First Reading: From the book of Sirach. This book is also referred to as the book of Ecclesiasticus when referring to the complete old English translation. In its oldest tradition it is believed to have been derived from its author, Jesus son of Eleazar, son of Sirach, or the wisdom of Sophia. It is a delight to skim through the entire book in the New Interpreters Study Bible-NRSV. There we read common sense wisdom that touches every aspect of our mortal lives. Wisdom in the way Jesus taught: “Give to the most high in the way the most high gives to you… “(the translation of Sirach 35:12-14 & 16-18 in your Daily Mass booklet is different from the NRSV. It is interesting to read both and see how much more the wording in the NRSV invites and challenges us to take a more active part in becoming a partner with God to heal the ills of God’s people.)

The fun I found in researching for this reflection is that our all-patient God listens to all of us! Even though Paul, {2 Timothy 4:6}, sometimes whines, he gets our attention with that tactic and then goes on with bold faith to assure us he knows he had a reward awaiting him.

We move on to Luke 18:9-14. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector are in the temple praying. {this is praying?}.  God is laughing and we in the 21st Century may be thinking about the candidates running for a seat in the Blaine House!  Yet, the Lord hears the cry of the poor and the rich and the proud and the broken because Jesus once walked this earth, experienced every pain, joy, and emotion that we do. Therefore, among all the caring ministries that God has placed his people into, God created Pastoral Care and Chaplains. We may not all be called to Chaplaincy, but we are all called to Care. As a Chaplain here at St. Mary’s I witness in every department the highest form of caring. Gentle voices, gentle touch, gentle assurance. People moving with the needy as Jesus did until the release of suffering is evident.

In my own recent experience as a patient, I could not get over the concern and care poured out upon me by nursing and rehabilitation staff as well as housekeeping and nutrition staff. I had a total knee replacement which is a common enough procedure for the professionals. However, I felt as if I were the only person with that particular affliction. I was treated as an individual with a knee that was also individual.

Jesus healed one at a time. He took time to touch, glance, smile, assure. During Pastoral Care Week, let us aim to “Let the beauty we love, be what we do.” So Be it! 

Blessings, 
Elizabeth Lowe
Chaplain

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Elizabeth Lowe | No Comments »

« Older Entries