god given

God so loved the world that he gave us - something beyond ourselves - something we don't have, something we need. This oft-quoted verse is an exclusive declaration which seems to promote a tome of helplessness and removal. I have a hard time subscribing to it because I know there's something more.

For god so loved the world that he gave us - something with true power - something within ourselves. He gave us light and life; bringing tangible stardust to manifest in the birth of creation. We are truly given an all-together-now vesture of grace to enable life.

Yes we were given a precious life, but it is up to us. It is we who give the eternal life now. In revealing our salvation, in our hopes and dreams, we bring light and life to the world. This is why we are here. For we are made by and for the divine and we are given for the spirit of life.

We can affirm this inheritance, claiming the presence of our relationship as sons and daughters of creation. Or shall we let love wither, disowning and condemning the world? In a way, this is what Jesus asks in today's gospel: Do we remember what we are entrusted with? Can you believe that you make a difference

and give life to the world?

As a volunteer for HeadCount, I endeavor to register voters, not for any party, not for any cause, but so each and every one of us can make a difference. Yet, I am so often dismayed with the disaffected. Those who deny their authority, who cling to a perverse selfishness. They skulk in the shadows of their "I do not matter," asserting there is inconsequence of their acedia.

But ennui is the darkness Christ warns us of. A careless evil inflicted by averted eyes. No light shines from this empty hope. Mine is neither optimism nor pessimism, it is simply conviction of life; a life given to us to fully and freely live.

But the disaffected say, "I am but one, what can I do? Does it really matter if I remain on the side?" The choice to say yes or no is our freedom to belong to life. The indecisive have no place to stand. How can you love if you don't participate. Apathy has no voice but is a smug defiance of our inherent power. Can the mute dare share in the success of hope?

You are the one life is challenging to do something - for someone - be it yourself or another. You have it within you. You don't need to look for it somewhere else. Give your god-given being to light the world, for god so made the world for love and this love will make a difference.

love, always,

pia

Jesus was a bike mechanic

Yesterday while installing some new fenders on my bicycle, I ran into a minor difficulty. I thought I had all the tools necessary, but not realizing I would have to remove the rear rack first, I was short one precious instrument. It wouldn't have been a problem if I was at home - for I have a fairly deep set of bike-specific tools there - but I was at my office where only architectural modeling accouterments are found. A #10 metric box wrench was what I needed but where would I find one? It seemed that my project would have to wait for another day. However, searching the model shop I came across a 3/8" wrench. It wasn't quite right, but perhaps I could make it work.

This is the situation in today's gospel reading. We find Jesus coming to the Jerusalem temple and he finds the merchants using the wrong wrench for the job. At the bike shop it is imperative to use the correct tool to get the job done right and we're adamant that mechanics be good stewards of the resources. If you use a #10  spanner instead of a #10 wrench, although they are the same size, you're liable to ruin it. It's just not made to do that work. So it's no wonder the Christ is furious when he sees the vendors extorting the pilgrims. The cattle, sheep, and doves sold for sacrifice are not the appropriate means to worship god.

God doesn't need our sacrifices - only a sacrifice of love. The divine cannot be bought - neither with money nor goods - but we act as if money can buy us healing, love, and relationships. And that's what drives Jesus crazy, so he drives a wrench into their works. He knows it's not the right tool for the job.

Approaching the bike, I too thought, "No, this isn't right," and pressed to locate the appropriate tool. Eventually I found one, and with the right tool in hand, the work was completed easily and successfully. The right tool for the job is love. We are made for love just like that nut securing my rack was made for a #10 wrench. The wrong one always brings us to ruin. Listen to Jesus, he was a pretty good wrench monkey, he knows that love is what it takes.

love, always,

pia