Our House

Posted on July 19, 2013 by Martha
Ephesus, Turkey taken by Martha Wiggins, 2011

Ephesus, Turkey taken by Martha Wiggins, 2011

“One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth.  She was a worshiper of God.  The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.  When she and the members of her houselhold were baptized, she invited us to her home. ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord,’ she said, ‘come stay at my house.’  And she persuaded us.”  Acts 16:14-15

     Lydia is known as the first Christian convert in Europe.  The disciples had traveled far preaching the Good News.  Lydia, who already worshiped God, received Paul’s message and came to believe in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.  After she, and her household were baptized, she wanted to celebrate and invited Paul and the disciples to stay with her.

     It is natural to celebrate when good things happen.  It is natural to include our family  and friends in our celebrations.  It is also natural to give thanks to our Lord for the blessings He bestows.

     Just as Lydia believed in Jesus and then invited His disciples into her house, if we truly believe, we will invite Jesus into our ‘house’ to stay with us.  We will prepare a room for Him within ourselves, and hopefully, allow Him to take up permanent residence.

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The Master’s Crumbs

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Martha
One of the Stations of The Cross inside the Pantheon, Rome, Italy, 2011, taken by Martha Wiggins

One of the Stations of The Cross inside the Pantheon, Rome, Italy, 2011, taken by Martha Wiggins

“Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.  A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me!  My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.’  Jesus did not answer a word.  So his disciples came  to him and urged him, ‘Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.’  He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.’  The woman came and knelt before him. ‘Lord, help me!’  she said.  He replied, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.’  ‘Yes, it is, Lord,’ she said.  ‘Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.’  Then Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, you have great faith!  Your request is granted.’  And her daughter was healed at that moment.”  Matthew 15:21-28

In this Gospel from Matthew we read about the mother who begs for the crumbs even after hearing Jesus say, “It is not right to take the children’s bread  and toss it to the dogs.”

This is a very difficult passage to discern even for many scholars, and so I will not even attempt to to give a one answer fits all scenario.  Instead, I will share simply from my simple heart, from my simple faith.

One thing that stands out for me is the mother’s willingness to settle for crumbs, to accept the leftovers.  As a mother, I know that if my child were in dire need (here, possessed by demons) that I would take ANY amount of help I could get, even the crumbs.  And, yes, I would desperately beg for them.

Another thing that stands out for me is that after the first rebuff she doesn’t back away from Him.  She knows He is Lord, Son of David.  She knows exactly with whom she is dealing and stands firm.  She continues to support her case; that even she, (here, the dogs) should be allowed the scraps that fall from the Master’s table.  As a mother, I know that if someone had what I needed for my child, I too would be relentless in my quest, no matter who I had to go to and beg (here, the Living God).

In refusing to back down she demonstrated how great her belief was that Jesus could heal her daughter.  It worked.  He remarked that she had great faith and granted her request.  We too must demonstrate our faith to have our requests fulfilled.

In reading Matthew’s Gospel, we should be reminded that no matter how sinful, how unworthy we feel or how unworthy we are told we are, God’s love for us is real, and His help is ever there for the asking.  In our faith we must pursue relentlessly that which we need in order to obtain the goal of Everlasting Life.  Even if we must begin with the crumbs which fall from our Master’s table, we will slowly become whole.

God Bless.

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Thank You, Lord

Posted on July 17, 2013 by Martha
Banff National Park, taken by Martha Wiggins, 2010

Banff National Park, taken by Martha Wiggins, 2010

“How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.”  Psalm 31:19

     I have previously mentioned that, besides recording what happens when I sit before Our Lord in Journey Through The Stillness, I also write in a Daily Prayer Journal as part of my personal prayer routine.  At times I find myself wanting to make the day’s prayer all about thanksgiving and not asking for anything.  Here is such an excerpt (You will recognize the format I use in many of the prayers I post here.) from my Daily Prayer Journal, dated September 22, 2010:

Good morning Lord.  You are Abundant Life.

Forgive me, Lord, when I fail to notice the abundance of your blessing in my life and the lives of my loved ones.

Thank you, Lord, for all that is good in my life.  Thank you for Turner and his love; for our children and their love for us and each other.  Thank you for all of our extended family and the love we share together as a family.  Thank you for our pets and their unconditional love along with the joy they bring to our hearts.  Thank you for friends who care about and support us in our life and faith journeys.  Thank you for food, shelter, and clothing in abundance.  Thank you for financial security for ourselves and our loved ones.  Thank you for transportation to carry out our labors and activities.  Thank you for the moon and the stars, the sun and the sky, for all of nature and creation to sustain and soothe our souls.  Thank you for angels and saints to watch over and pray for us.  Thank you for Mary, our Mother, to intercede on our behalf.  Thank you for your Holy Spirit to bring us wisdom and direction for our lives.  Thank you for your beloved Son to die for us and grace us with the gift of Eternal Life.  Thank you, God, for loving us so abundantly.

Bless our home and our pets.  Love, Martha  (I always sign out this way.)

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Promises, Promises…

Posted on July 16, 2013 by Martha
Basilica Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Rome, Italy, (Basilica of St. Mary over Minerva) taken by Martha Wiggins, 2011

Basilica Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Rome, Italy, (Basilica of St. Mary over Minerva) taken by Martha Wiggins, 2011. Saint Catherine of Siena is buried beneath the altar, and to the left is a statue carved by Michelangelo -Christ Bearing The Cross.

 “But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not ‘Yes’ and ‘No’.  For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us–by me and Silas and Timothy–was not ‘Yes’ and ‘No,’  but in him it has always been ‘Yes.’  For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.  And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.  Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He annointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”  

     The August 4th entry of God Calling, A.J. Russell, reads:  “Draw into your beings more and more this wonderful Eternal Life.  It is the flow of the Life Eternal through spirit, mind and body, that cleanses, heals, restores, renews youth, and passes on from you to others, with the same miracle-working power.”

     Promises, promises … We hear the promises; we try to do what is expected of us, and still we often seem to come up short.  Are they empyt promises?  No, just not so often easily obtained.

     Read the quote once more.  Eternal Life promises cleansing, healing, restoring, and youthfulness.  Continue to look more closely and see that it is the flow of Life Eternal through spirit, mind, and body that brings these promises to fulfillment.  And as an added plus, when we have Eternal Life flowing in and through us we become vessels of that Life channeling it from ourselves to others.  It truly becomes as miracle-working power in our lives and the lives of those we interact with.  It is truly amazing when you reflect on all that this means.  And yet, there is sometimes a big gap between fulfillment and achievement. 

     For most of my life it has been my experience that I did all the talking in my prayer routine.  I prayed sincerely and fervently.  I had a good relationship with Our Lord.  It wasn’t until I became Still that I began to experience the flow of Eternal Life.

     At first it was more of a mind thing.  I wanted, and needed so badly, a more personal connection that I believed it could happen and I willed it to be so.  I  was open to the possibilities.  As time went on my openess became Spiritual longing and anticipation.  This is when I believe Our Lord knew He had me, hook, line and sinker.  This is when my Journey Through The Stillness became less disjointed and the writings became more meaningful, more profound.  Did I doubt? Was I confused and a bit frightened?  You bet, but somehow, I willed myself to continue on to see where He would lead me.  It was then that I began to physically experience Our Lord and many other wonderful encounters.  He now had me mind, body, and spirit.

     This journey was not something that happened in an instant.  It was a long time in the making through years of faithful prayer and preparation …His preparing me.  Even though my Journey Through The Stillness has undergone changes over its course, I can now look back and see these changes as necessary.  What was in the beginning was preparation for what is now.  I have experienced Him as I never imagined possible.  Now I am learning from Him how to move forward from these experiences and share all that He is with others.

     He has blessed my efforts.  He will bless yours too.  Be patient with Him for He has endless patience with you.  Go and sit before Him in silence believing in possibilities, expecting good things, but knowing you are a work in progress, unique unto yourself.  Do not compare your faith walk with mine or anyone else’s.  Instead, learn all you can through the faith of others and give yourself over to Our Lord.  He will reward you …if not right now, eventually.

     Time spent with Our Lord in whatever form; mind, body and/or spirit is never waisted.

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Lord, You Are Divine Order

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Martha
Bernini's Holy Spirit at Saint Peter's Basilica

Bernini’s Holy Spirit at Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy, 2011

Lord, You are Divine Order.

Forgive me, Lord, when I fail to leave all in your Hands, and instead, take control trying to force all according to my plan.

Thank you, Lord, that in your infinite wisdom, you set all of creation into an order that works solely through your Divine Providence, and that I, in my wretchedness, cannot thwart.

     We often wish we could control circumstances in our lives in order to work them to our advantage, in order for our lives to run smoothly.  Be careful what we wish for, for only God knows the plans He has made for us, and how intertwined they are.  Instead of wishing for control, we should be thankful we are not.

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Christ Carries My Cross

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Martha

431px-Memling,_The_Virgin_Showing_the_Man_of_Sorrows,_melbourne“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  Hebrews 12:1-3

 Today, I am sharing an entry from Journey Through The Stillness, (My personal spiritual journal.)

January 13, 2011 – Today in my prayer time I keep seeing the image of a previous Stillness, where I step into the road and see Christ coming toward me, carrying the Cross.  Today I am asking forgiveness for succumbing to my pride, my vanity.  When I enter The Stillness, there He is.  I am walking down the road, sinning over and over again.  Every time I turn to glance backward, there He is, carrying MY CROSS.  He is literally picking up my sins and carrying the weight of them.  I will see this image the same no more.  Even though I already knew all of this, it just became even more personal, even more undeniable, even more moving.  I see it as my call to action, my call to change, my call to stop making everything about me.  I am nothing; He is everything.  There can be no greater love than His love for me.  “My Lord, My God.  Forgive me.  Do not forsake me.”

 

 

 

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Going The Distance

Posted on July 11, 2013 by Martha
Taken in the Vatican Museum by Martha McDuff Wiggins, 2012

Taken in the Vatican Museum by Martha McDuff Wiggins, 2012

“But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary.  And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea.  When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’  And they cried out in fear.  But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage; it is I; do not be afraid.’  Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’  And He said, ‘Come!’ and Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’  Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’  When they got into the boat, the wind stopped.  And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, ‘You are certainly God’s Son!”  Matthew 14:24-33

     In this gospel I am always struck by the fact that Peter actually got out of the boat!  Most of us would be frozen with fear.  Imagine the wind whipping around, waves tossing the boat about, and someone calls to you to come on out of the boat and walk on the water!  Most of us would consider Peter either brave or stupid, or both.  In reality it was neither.  He was obediently faithful.

     For me the real lesson in this Gospel has to do with going the distance.  There are many times in our lives where we might be willing to take a chance and step out of the boat.  We might be willing to try something new, but like Peter, at the first sign of trouble we flounder crying out for help.  Thankfully for us, God is always at the ready to rescue us.  We soon find that with Him we can go the distance.  When we are obediently faithful to His commands the winds calm, the trouble subsides, and we then recognize Him as Our Savior and Lord.

     Let us each strive to be faithfully obedient, to go the distance with Jesus.

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Lord, You Are Mercy

Posted on July 10, 2013 by Martha

442px-Crucifixion_026Lord, You are Mercy.

Forgive me, Lord, when I fail to love others as you do; when I set myself up as prosecutor, judge, and jury.

Thank you, Lord, for your mercy towards me and all of mankind, undeserving as we are.  Help me to show mercy to all as You do, especially to those I would judge instead.

     Sometimes I judge without any authority to do so.  The only judging allowed is righteous, not self-righteous!

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A Lot From A Little

Posted on July 9, 2013 by Martha

communion-3_2941677“Jesus replied, ‘There is no need for them to go: give them something to eat yourselves.’  But they answered, ‘All we have with us is five loaves and two fish.’  So he said, ‘Bring them here to me.’  He gave orders that the people were to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven and said the blessing.  And breaking the loaves he handed them to his disciples, who gave them to the crowds.  They all ate as much as the wanted, and they collected the scraps left over, twelve baskets full.”  Matthew 14:16-20

     In Matthew’s Gospel we see Jesus take a little and do a lot with it.  We often come to Him with very little to offer, but in need of a lot.  We often need a miracle.

     There is an important part of this Gospel that is a precursor, a foretelling of events to come.  It is the blessing and then the breaking of the bread which foretells of His sacrifice and of our future sharing in the Eucharist.  The blessing itself also teaches us a very important lesson.  When we need a miracle in our own lives do we remember to pray first, to give thanks and to offer ourselves to God?  That should always be the first step.  Take what we have, take all that we are, no matter how meager or frail it might be, and offer it up through Jesus to God.  Then continue to work with what we have trusting Jesus to take our little bit and make it into a lot, and maybe even with some left over as He fills our spirit with His until our cup runneth over.

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Relentless Pursuit

Posted on July 8, 2013 by Martha

 

Annunciation mosaic on the facade of the Duomo, The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence, Italy, 2012, taken by Martha M Wiggins

Annunciation mosaic on the facade of the Duomo, The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence, Italy, 2012, taken by Martha M Wiggins

 

 “The LORD said to Moses: ‘Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people.  Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you.  I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them.  They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.’ … So Moses went out and told the people what the LORD had said.  He brought together seventy of their elders and had them stand around the tent.  Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took some of the power of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders.  When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied–but did not do so again.  However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp.  They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the tent.  Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp.”  Numbers 11:16-17,24-26

      The Lord is relentless in His pursuit of us.  Even when we would thwart His plan, He finds us and fulfills His purpose.  Eldad and Medad are perfect examples.  Why didn’t they go out to the tent as told?  We will never know their reasons.  It could have been fear, doubt, rebellion, or even pure laziness.  It doesn’t matter.  What matters is the end result, which is that the Lord’s Spirit found them and rested on them.  With His Spirit upon them they fulfilled the Lord’s purpose for them.  They prophesied.

     The following is an entry from Journey Through The Stillness, my personal spiritual journal.  It illustrates the point beautifully:

Jan 30, 2010 – Infusion… I meld into Him and He asks me to look through His eyes.  To see myself.  He TELLS me what I see … someone who is sorrowful, strives to do good, but who falls short because I hear, then doubt my ability to carry out His commands, then push it far back in my mind, but I still hear.  He wants me to see this, to understand He is frustrated with me, yet sees my good and will not stop speaking to and pushing me to do what HE AND I KNOW is mine to do.

      When God seeks us, we can run but we can’t hide.  His pursuit of us is relentlentless and His love for us knows no bounds.  Listen for His voice and do not remain in camp when called.  Yet know, that if you miss hearing His voice, He will lovingly come and find you.  You just might find yourself prophesying!

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