h              " My thoughts are NOT your thought, nor are my ways your ways, says The Lord.                                                "          As high as the heavens are above the earth......so high are my ways above your ways" Isiah 55.   

   " As far as the east is from the west, so far have, I, set your sins, behind you." Psalm 104                               "            " Seek the Lord, while He may be found...... call on Him, while He is still near. " Isiah 55 : 6      

   I am sorry for the delay. I had my back "shot-up", and the results, were not very pleasant. They have not improved. So this effort comes to you through, a murky, haze. You may a lot of work to do," more than usual", you may well, ask? There never was a promise of smooth sailing, that is not life's, reality !!

This is a " bookmark", Sunday. Not because of what is written, but because of what is read. This is a very mysterious, Sunday. The scriptures offer us layers and layers of mysterious, hidden, meanings. It will take the rest of your linear time to plunge the depths of what we are, gift-offered. Like any gift we have the freedom to open the gift, or allow it just to lie there. Neglect, is a common human response ? " All creation, is charged with the glory of, God." (Hopkins.) When we are attached intentionally to creation, we are plugged into the Infinite PowerSource. A Source, in Whose's Reality " we live, and move and have our being. This Power Source is never exhausted. The Power of creative Love is" renewed each morning". As That Power is renewed, so we being attached, are renewed, and invigorated as well. A day of new challenges necessitates a reinvigoration.  Renewed to continue to seek, and search for "the buried treasure", " the Pearl of Great Price". The Price of The Pearl is great. It is gifted to us." We cannot "earn, deserve, or qualify"(Rohr) for this gift. We are invited to open, to unwrap, said gift, in each moment. In 2 Corinthians 4 6:7, " the gift comes to us in, earthen vessels" and the unwrapping,  moment ? It is known to us as, the present

      The reception of this gift is given to all, as gift. To some minds this is hard to accept. These minds raised in the transactional world have real difficulty accept the working of The Giver Who is " Gracious and merciful... compassionate towards all His works." That word "compassionate" is such a strong word. It means, " to suffer with". Yes ! our Ineffable Creator great plan is not to be, "distant from",  but to be.  "immersed in". Why ?  because, " His thoughts are not our thoughts, His ways are not our ways," and to add to the mystery," as high as the Heavens, are above the earth, so high are my thoughts, above your thoughts."( Isiah 55.)  That is why " his ways are unsearchable". Yet there is some Power within our depths that draws us into an endless, seeking, and searching. There is always the hope that in some book, in some sermon, in some ???? we will finally arrive at an answer, that will enable us to cease the endless journey into mystery. St. Augustine summed it well oh. so many years ago, " You have made us for Yourself O Lord, and we will never rest, until we rest in You"

        The You speaks about in within you, and I, we are the presence of The Ineffable Presence. Is that any radical than say, in our "weness", we are The Body of Christ.The power lies in the 'we", not in the I. Reflecting on The Mystical Body Body will aadd so much as  to how we will enter the community, experience the strengthening, transforming power that is gifted through that simple word "we". There is another exploding field of thought, where the power and challenge of entanglement is essential for the evolutionary new awareness. There is that contemporary challenge of seeing some similarities between Christian Mystical though, and the broad scope of Quantum thought. That evolutionary reality adds so much to  our sense of security, so necessary for our present journey into, insanity.  

"Weness", is essential for a healthy mysterious journey. Then, "My thoughts  are not, your thought", and they never will be. This does not prevent us from wanting to make "our plans" the Creative's Spirit's plan.We can blame anthropomorphism for that. The ultimate idolatry, creating a higher power according to our image and likeness. We are wrapped up  in the endless process of making, our plan,  and mistaking it for, The Plan, The Way.  There is only one Way, and we are not it. We are called to have insights These insights are just a drop of water, compared to the expansive, ocean. These lines are from a prayer I love; "Make your way, my way. Make our way, be a revelation of The Way". 

        There is no change without, Paschal pain, leading to Paschal death.There is terminal pain, and then Paschal Pain. One signals the end, the other a new beginning. Something has to die, so, a birthing can take place . The pain of surrendering to The Plan is a sign that something new is taking root in our reality. This is The Power of The Cosmic Christ, ever present , and acting in us, then as a consequence, present in our evolutionary universe. As the health of the cell, so is the health of The Body. Now, where will this fit into your evolutionary reality, Galatians 2 " because I have suffered with Christ, it is He who lives, and not, I. The I no longer has an individual existence, (cf, entanglement).  We have to become new "wine skins". The old cannot accommodate the expansion of "the new wine". Where have you found space to accommodate the challenges of, " The Christ in you", Colossians 1:27 ?? All of creation is waiting for your answer. We must " act our way into a new way of thinking.

  So today we are to obey Isiah 55, and seek The Lord. Not "while He may be found", but " seek the Lord" Who has first found us. This was a life changer for " doubting Joe", "when you search for The Divine, it means that Divinity has found us." He has  first found us, in the darkness of eternity. We have been brought into the light, and life. We are to do our "seeking" in the darkness of our depths, where The Light is, ALWAYS, to be found. Calling out, to The Lover in our depths, in silence, is ???

         

                

                        

                                                          Labor Day 2026.                                           

       " Labor is not a mere commodity. Work is the expression of Human Dignity" Pope Leo X 13th.       " The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly  that The Lord of The                                                               Harvest, to send workers into His vineyard." Matthew 9: 38.          "             "The first thing to secure is to save the unfortunate people from the cruelty of men of greed,                                        who use human beings as mere instruments for money"  Pope Leo X 13th.

              " Faced with injustice, inequality, where the human dignity is trampled underfoot, where                             " the fragile are silenced, take a stand. To hope is to take a stand." Pope Leo 14th.                 I am stuck for words. Yet, there is a flood of words, backed up, waiting to be be released. Floods, are required for growth, and production.  Floods, are also destructive. Our home is being visited with floods, that are so difficult to observe, as instruments of destruction. Today it is sometimes very difficult, on the internet, to distinguish between actual destructive flood waters, and what is the creation of technology. I do not envision the following to be harsh, but harsh words are indeed necessary for the True Gospel of Justice can be preached, and here written, about. I am not speaking, writing from a dearth of knowledge. I have been blessed to share in the lives of some of the most vulnerable, namely the agricultural field workers. I was involved with a, " green onion strike," back in the mid 1970. What a challenge that was. Being hit with the concerns of both sides, with the Social Gospel as the ultimate authority. That Gospel of Life, was so difficult for some to understand, and accept as the true rule to be, faith-fully followed. A long time friend and I found ourselves on opposite sides. This happens when there is a commitment to, Gospel Social teachings. 

    One of my greatest privileges as a priest was to celebrate mass, for the undocumented field workers. The Eucharist was celebrated in some fancy church, or in any church for that matter. Most Sunday afternoons it was celebrated under the same orange trees that they picked fruit from, and slept in. Not under, IN. Yes, you read right, IN the trees.The trees were their homes. Their place of community, care, and aid. The altar was a barrel, turned upside down. Those barrel altars are still vivid in my minds eye. Sharing Eucharist with that church, with those men, who took THE RISK of gathering to be The Body of Christ, and receive Christs Body sacramentally,  truly radicalizes a person. There was one eye on the barrel altar, and another on the sky. Why ? They never knew when an immigration helicopter would come searching for them.  What risk would you be prepared to make to attend Sunday Mass?  If loss of lively hood, was at stake would you risk going to mass ? Research on how the growers used to call in the immigration to do their devilish work, when it came time for the workers to be paid ??????

Such were and are the lives of those actual members of The Crucified Christ, as He continues to be exploited and dehumanized.  These are the ones who are demonized, so politicians will have raw meat for their supporters. Our sisters and brothers innate dignity, as human beings is being denied, and then trampled on. All for what end ? While you pick your vegetables reflect on Who it is that were the original harvesters ?  Yes, come to believe it was your sisters and brothers, your Christic Presences !!!!! Yes, these the original pickers are your brothers and sisters, as all, make up The Body of Christ. Can the dignity of being a sacramental Presence be denied ? All are the continuous incarnation of The Mysterious, Presence. YES !all are the bodies through which, The Incarnation continues to be a living, lived Reality.I hope this will trigger the necessary motivation for you, " to take a stand ". Be informed, I beg you !!!!!   Indifference and complacency are two of the attitudes that enables this crucifixion to continue. Self-righteousness leads to destructions, untold. 

      For now, only for now, or as long as we have the necessary water, the harvest is plentiful. The global weather patterns are changing so must our planning. Our present powers that be seems to be blissfully ignorant of the inherent challenges that must be addressed. They are ignoring the pleadings of the scientists, and of the two recent Popes. The Holy Spirit has given us Pope Francis and Leo who both assumed the mantle of prophets, in the biblical sense. They both have spoken and now Pope Leo is a true worthy prophet for our times. The prophetic Papacy of Francis, began the call for the in-depth changes for the Catholic Church to be an authentic prophetic voice. A voice that spoke truth to power. Francis the began the return to the seeds sewn by The Holy Spirit, in the documents of  The Second Vatican Council, under the shepherding of St. John, XX 3rd. I was coming to the end of my formation in the seminary. Later like all seminaries to be called " the home for expectant fathers." On hindsight there was more truth, than poetry in those words, agree? Then I began to live the changes in the following tumultuous  years. The changes were opposed vociferously then. The war against change is our contemporary sad experience. The Holy Spirit being The Spirit of Truth cannot guide the church into error. 

  Pope Francis, a gift from The South American Church, of necessity came with a different understanding of catholicity.  Liberation Theology has an innate power to provide different lenses through which the poor, the exploited, the marginalized are seen. The Paschal Mystery anchors the foundational beliefs. Mercy was his calling card. Not for those who had the necessary money, but for all. "Tutti, tutti" was his mantra.He reintroduced to The Prodigal Father, whose mercy never fails. It is in infinite supply, naturally for those who do not loose faith and confidence in mercy's infiniteness. His great words of encouragement, " The Father NEVER tires of offering mercy. It is us the rebellious and resentful children that tire of asking. Sad to say, religiosity and binary thinking contributed to the "tireing", of many. The qualities of mercy-full, love can be found in past blogs.

 Having The Holy Year of Mercy was intended to bolster the sagging belief in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, not obliteration (Rohr). Synodality was introduced, as a way of sharing the power of decision making. Boy !! did that ruffle more than a few feathers of the churches ostriches.  Now add women to places of authority at the the highest levels at the Vatican. Sad to write this shame-full truth the infighting has been furious and nasty. Change, of necessity is always opposed, especially by all those who are unwilling to let go of their fear of losing power. What prophetic letters he wrote." Laudato Si " was a voice of change. Change essential for the survival of the human race. The earth existed before the evolution of the human race. It will have existence after our disappearance. There have been five previous extinctions. Yet evolution continued. The lasting image of Pope Francis, " The church is a field hospital, next to the battle." We are called to be "wounded healers" not continue as "wounded, wounderers". ( Nowen) 

     Pope Leo X 14th is also a product of The South American Theology.  Born in America, but in his adult years was exposed to the positive dynamic presence of Liberation Theology. He was appointed bishop of one of the most deprived, drastically poor Dioceses. He shepherded That poor, deprived, exploited, Body of Christ. That experience has lead him to be contemporary, "voice of the voiceless". He speaks Gospel Truths to confront and confound the purveyors of deceit-fillled half truths, and in so many instances, downright, lies. He definitely is the shepherd our church and greater community aches for. He challenges the waging of an unjust, and unlawful war. He is The Good Shepherd who is to be found in event the outskirts of The Sheepfold. No person or place is beyond his pastoral outreach. Yet he finds opposition within the catholic community. He is not enjoying the unwavering support of those obligated to support the chosen one, gifted us, by the Holy Spirit.                                 " Holy Spirit awaken us to Your living, and active Presence, in the tabernacle of our depths. We need Your promptings, to encourage us to take the necessary steps, required, so all may live in a more just and peace-filled, cosmic community. Open our eyes so will not be blinded by false promises, and deceit-filled practices. Yes !! " the Truth will set us free". Freedom comes to us at a cost. Strengthen, then, our resolve so we may not weaken, be sidetracked by the comfort promised by lies. The Father of Lies is a powerful presence. Your Presence, Oh ! Spirit of Truth, will lead us to all truths. I believe, strengthen, Joe, in the areas of his, disbeliefs. In all truth, they are so, many. Help !!!"  Amen.                                                                                                                   

 " The real voyage consists, not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." M. Proust.             " The human presence of Christ, is fused with every human wound." Anonymous.                                     " There is in all things a hidden wholeness, we have the long, unsettling work of seeing,                                                                       " and then, taking responsibility for, what we see." Thomas Merton.

        " She/he, who comes after me, must take up his cross, daily, and follow me" Matthew 16 : 24.       "Do not conform yourselves to this age, but be transformed, by the renewal of your mind."Rm.12.  

" Feels like the world has a broken heart. We can use a brand new start. How the he## did we end up so apart." Country music has always been a place of truth. The lyrics of the songs really capture the unvarnished truth of any given situation. Honesty, sometimes brutal honesty removes the fake varnish, of illusion. Reality is saying, it is, what it is, deal with it ???  We are never alone. We are never alone as the challenge is met.Illusion wants to convince us we are, that is a LIE. Spirituality has The Mystical Body of Christ,  The Cosmic Christ, science, quantum thought now has imparted the gift of entanglement. There is no me, but we. We are going to be unpacking the depths of the spirituality of The Mystical, and the truths of emerging quantum thought. The false self will fight you every step of the way, as you work to deepen your understanding. Illusions have many, many supporters.

 Illusions are of their essence deceptive. That is why we have to start over, and over agin as the power of  lenses, inherent in The Cosmic Christ,  changes our perceptions, and understandings. There is no place to rest, in the evolutionary process ?? So then, we gradually are awakened to the in-depth truths, that will be constantly bubbling up.. With these new truths comes new responsibilities, though !! Unfortunately, to the delight of the false self it is, and eternally will be, more comfortable, less challenging to stay in the comfort and safety of illusions, rather than face the challenge of honesty.

  Inaction, will  enable all to live in conformity, and sterility? ( In all honesty what are the battles that you are presently fighting on the battle field of your sou, as you are being awakened. Awakened for a particular unique task, you have been destined to accomplish. Nobody else has your qualifications. The Creative Spirit does not duplicate.  A really probing question that demands an honest answer. Blessings.)

 Conformity will confine us to the prison life, created by guilt, fear and shame, aptly named the "toxic trinity"Our destructive addictions will be many. This WILL be our Calvary. Our crucifixion. Our place of terrifying abandonment leading to the darkness of the tomb experience. This is NOT the end, this is the beginning of a new life,  to be celebrated with a transformed mind. This is a great challenge to face. Because we immersed in a wounded, broken humanity we are in desperate need of help beyond our own limited power. It is there. It is gift that is freely given. The gift giving is renewed every morning on our awakening.

 AH !! awakening !!! What a challenge. The words " awake oh sleeper " awake to the new dawn, with all of its challenges and promises. Awake to your deepest truths. Those truths reveal The Presence of The Truth. Each day, as we embrace our unique cross we are opened to, the presentation of, the participation in The Paschal  Mystery. Death always leads to new life. Question, what are the blessings you have been aware of, that have emerged from loss, and or, deaths ?  With our  ever deepening participation in The Paschal Mystery, we are drawn into participation in life of The Resurrected One, the now, Cosmic Christ.  Being,The Christic Presence, has been your calling, eternally !!!  "The human presence of Christ is fused with every human wound." " The place of the wound, is, the place of the gift." (Scott May). " The greater the wound the greater the gift." what is your gut-honest answer to that? Live in The Truth Blessings GPJ.

 

 

 

 

            

 

  "OH !!! the depth of the riches, and wisdom, and knowledge of God...........      (OH !!!) how inscrutable His judgements, how unsearchable are His ways....(OH !!!)  from him, and through Him, are all things" Romans.                   

  OH !!! how difficult Joe finds it, to even approach writing this week. So it must be, as the finite mind is searching endlessly, for words that will convey, somehow express,The Mystery, that is inexpressible. Scripture is kind when it reminds us that " For now, we see in a mirror, dimly" 1 Cor. 13:9. As it was, so it is, and ever shall be, endlessly. Seeing enough to encourage our endless searching, and exploration.That is why those two letters, OH, are so important for this stage of our shared journey. A journey that has its beginnings in the mysterious mists of eternity, finds expression in time, and then makes its return to the Original Creative Womb. What awaits us " eye has not seen, ear has not heard and no mind can conceive".

 A fitting destiny for our searching for The Reality that is inscrutable and unsearchable ??? You own thoughts ? What you have read are the finite words of a finite mind. These are intended for your encouragement to discover for yourself the ever deepening understanding of inscrutable and unsearchable? Want to be further challenged, and brought to the brim of plenitude, add, ineffable ???? All this I see as creating a bridge connecting spirituality and the quantum world. A bridge must be constructed fro the already known to the ineffable reality of, The Not Yet.

 We all companions on this journey  as the, wounded, the wondering, and the endless wanderer. W.W.W.'s for short. ( To reflect modern practices) Our lives are intimately connected to the evolving revelation of the in-depth meaning of The Paschal Mystery. Paul offers these inspired words for our consolation, and welcome encouragement He tells us , the beloved ones, who are chosen to participate, in the contemporary Paschal sufferings and death, can say these inscrutable words," It is I who no longer live, but Christ lives in me, 1Corinthians 13;12.

   Yes !! The Creative Creator is, faithful. The promise is real. This provides what is necessary, for the wandering, wounded wonderer  to continue the search for the ever deepening  meaning which the two finite words inscrutable, and unsearchable, have been chosen to convey. This search is the, meat and potatoes, of the spiritual journey. A search that is endless in the life's destiny, of every human being.

 The process of becoming an authentic human being takes one into dark valleys, and transforming mountains.     Horizons reached, will never be destinations. They will be thresholds to cross, much to the horror of the false self. The threshold crossings are made much to the delight of the true self, as it finds delight in the continuous unveiling of the unsearchable ways. The desire, the willingness to continue the searching journey is somehow empowered by a gift buried, deep. Very, very deep, before reaching, Silence, Emptiness and Nothingness of the pregnant void. 

     In wonder, are these finite words any help: Reality, is a mysterious  Presence that cannot be named, or fully expressed, but Which has been calling us from the beginning of time ???? Our lives are a participation in the unveiling of,The Divine Mystery. That is why we are rightly seen, and named," co-creators and co-perfectors", of a universe that is "groaning in pain" Romans 8:22. Our pain is mysteriously connected to, the pain, of the endless birthing, continuously in, process. We follow in the footsteps of The Beloved. He warns us, that where He goes, we as, the contemporary beloved, have been chosen, destined to tread the same, Via Dolorosa. In the spiritual life, there is no time and space ? 

    The mysterious Presence is inscrutable, and no matter how much searching we do we will never find the words to capture The Unknown. The Unknowable.. When we get tired, weary, discouraged, to counter or encounter with the human immersion we have The Power of The Cosmic Christ to strengthen us in our weariness, doubts, darknesses and distress. The Cosmic Christ has to be intimately involved, connected, because all reality finds its origin in Him. Through Him all things  owe existence. "From Him all things, are".  This is why I love I love this famous quote from Julian of Norwich : " All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things all be well"'

You, The Ineffable, Whose thoughts and ways are way beyond our ability to search out and find any meaning that is lasting. We are immersed in a reality which boggles the human mind.  To You The Christ, through whom things were made, and  through Whose Power all things are held together, I pray this prayer  emanating from discouraged souls, from and exhausted mind. Your ways are not my ways. They are forever inscrutable and unsearchable. Give me the courage from the faith that reveals, to me a reality completely unseen but eternally foreseen. Like all my companions on this journey, rightly named, The Via Dolorosa, we share the slog, as wounded, wondering, wanderers. Your Paschal Journey, is now our mysteriously lived, Paschal reality. From our place of crucifixion, we dare to pray, why?, oh why  have you abandoned us ? in desperation I surrender !!!! Your, beloved.   

      

                       

                 " The  first meaning, guides you, the second meaning, TRANSFORMS, you." Anon.                                            " The wisdom of God, is revealed in, simple things. " Paul Coelho.                                         " The next message you need, is right where you, ARE." Doss.

          "My house, shall be a house of prayer, for, all people." Is 56: 7. " Tutti, Tutti." Francis,  Pope.        

       " The gifts of God, are, irrevocable." The gift that you are, just as you are, is an irrevocable gift to the ever evolving story of cosmic, evolution. A revelation, a truth, that is appearing in The Gospel Of The Right Now, is finding life through all your  best efforts. All, being the best version of ourselves as possible, is an indispensable, living contribution to the, contemporary Cosmic, gospel. This authorship does not require perfection. Perfection is a disease. Perfectionism is also seen as a coverup for toxic shame. The better we look on the outside, the sicker we are on the inside.   As our minds expand, the container of the gospel also expands leading to new revelations ?  Revelation bubbling up, not for ourselves but, for all. We are channels. Channels that need constant maintenance, and proper healthy care.

 To day we are able to contribute to the power -filled  good news, innate in, embraced  radically in spite of all imperfections.  The real extent of our imperfections, and character defects are revealed only when we have the mercy-full container necessary, for such ego shattering honesty "We do our best, The Creative Creating Loving Spirit, does the, rest." It is our savior, again and again. All efforts are powered  by The Presence of The Cosmic Christ. As our minds expand into new awarenesses, so will the theology and the language appear through which we will be, empowered.

    Empowered enough so as to be able express the emerging, evolutionary, challenging, Wisdom. A gospel for and of an evolutionary,  ever expanding ,life. The authoring  of this gospel, of the unseen life will continue into The Eternal Silence. A Silence that we will be continuously drawn into, in, endless eternity. It is a daunting challenge to be a co-author, and at the same time being called to be, "a co-creator, and a co-perfector" (Vatican Two), of this ever expanding reality.  Reminder, remember, we are never alone. We are never alone. The wee word we, precluded aloneness  Once we embrace  the 'wee' word we, word we never again walk alone. " Of ourselves, we can do, nothing.. all things are possible, through Him who strengthens us" Paul.  

 The strengthening Presence is an irrevocable gift. The Giver has to be faithful to the process of the gifting. To deny , revoke, the gift is tantamount to denying His Covenant, founded,  to reveal His unconditioned eternal love for us. In The Lover is found ineffable, acceptance. Way beyond our ability to understand or comprehend.  Yet, we are exhausting ourselves in the pursuit of the impossible ? ( What is driving you into the pursuit, of the impossible ? " Acceptance is the answer to all our problems." AA) We still are drawn by The Unknown to plunge the depths of, The Unknowable. To seek the meaning lying beneath the meaning we have discovered, is our destiny. That is also named the spiritual journey. " 

 The meaning beyond the meaning is, The Meaning , never possessed, yet always being approached That, drawing to, that innate attraction, will NOT cease with physical death. Eternal life is now the continuation of the life first created in the eternal silence, finding visibility in reality, and a reality returning to being reunited with The Creative Eternal Silence. Such is the dignity and the destiny of created spiritual beings, immersed in the sacramentality of the human condition. Spirituality and reality are one, and in that  deep oneing, Oneness is slowly revealed.

  All that is required of us is to ,make the conscious effort to be as honest as is possible for us, right now, taking into account our immersion in the, wounded human condition. Lets relax and join the  truths taught by the schools of spirituality, our efforts will be OUR Best, not the best. We are not "citizens of this world", or eternal home is The Womb Of Love, that is forever drawing us homeward. We are ever and always, homeward bound.  Do not settle, make a home in the, what is, ......why?

     Every place we are at, is NOT our home. Homes, dwelling places can not be created in fleeting now moment,  the nanosecond. The blessing of the nanosecond there is no room for the regrets of the past, or the fears for the future. In spite of the speedy transition of the nanosecond we have still will have to fight the false self, who, ever and always wants to build a lasting home. It expresses its insatiable demands for certainty and security.  Scripture warns us about the temptation to find security in created things, " What is seen is transitory, what is unseen lasts forever."(St.Paul) The false self, wants security, certainty, assurance, and will fight tooth and nail to defend its indefensible position.( what battle scars have you to show from this intense, deadly struggle? 

  Wounded-ness is a gift. It is through our wounds, all the teachers teach, that the light enters. All your wounds are sacred. All our wounds are openings for, Wisdom, to enter.  There is no real source wisdom apart from pain, wounds  which is the ongoing immersion in the Paschal Mystery. We encounter endless  opportunities to be "wounded healers".( Now take some time to reflect where you blessed to be a "wounded healer" ? Is a prayer of thanksgiving slowly bubbling up ? 

   Where have you found yourself wanting to wound, and did not surrender to the temptation? Where do you need mercy-full compassion for the actions that contributed to the  deepening of the wounded-ness of another ? " I am sorry " are three healing words. "I forgive you" are three words you need to hear for your own spiritual health and well-being. You destiny is to be a channel of peace. It is in the giving of mercy and compassion real peace is being channeled, infused, into the wounded universal human body, and the wounded-ness of our Mother Earth. All these actions contribute in a mighty way to an emerging spiritually healthy environment for the birthing of " The New heaven and new earth". Can you see yourself being called to be the mid-wife in the birthing process ? Love, prayers, Papa J.

                                 
 

                 " Silence is golden, unless you have kids. Then, silence, is suspicious."                                       "Retiring, into silence, and solitude, woman/man, are exposed, to their nakedness" Benedict XVI                 " Silence is the place where, the unseen gathers, before becoming speech." Anonymous

                We come from, Silence..Silence is the souls natural home... silence is the language                                                                    of God, everything else is a poor translation." Rumi.                                         " The most profound statements, are found in, silence" St. John of The Cross

         " Keep silent, and I will teach you, wisdom". These are the words spoken, by Elihu to Job and have filtered down to you and Joe, in these sacramental moments. The sacramental moments moments, days for you, are "sacramental nanoseconds" for me. A nanosecond of silence is a great place to start. It is gone in a flash, but the gift bequeathed ? is ,eternal. I wonder did Paul have this in mind when he wrote, " Now, is the acceptable time, now is the time of salvation." The emerging  wisdom  those words, and their in-depth meaning evaded me, not for years, but for decades. 

  Let me make an attempt to explain. You see, I had the knowledge, but the wisdom, in time, has become a very welcomed visitor. A visitor, for whom I have ached, as Joe hiked the "highways and byways" of my Via Dolorosa. Because of grace, the workings of The Cosmic Christ, I am beginning to understand this visitor in now more like, a Permanent Resident. A Resident over Whom, Joe has no control. How often have I approached, His dwelling place, the prophet Elijah had a cave, have a room, only to find I am greeted by, silence.  Not just silence, but sheer silence. often accompanied by sheer emptiness. That place of  unmitigated, absolute silence and emptiness, has now become a room I do not want to go to, but Joe finds himself  being  mysteriously drawn to. There is always awaiting him either a welcoming, Presence, or an Emptiness that welcomes his endless questioning, and  the uncomfortable, challenges inherent in, troubled restlessness. He is beginning to understand "he is a spiritual being, immersed in the human experience." de Chardin.  How, awe-full, your awe-fullness ! 

      Wisdom comes to all. Wisdom comes not instantaneously, it will take days, and speaking from experience, decades.  She appears as a consolation for the pain endured from failure, rejection, abandonment, and endless encounters with nakedness. In other words, encounters with The Cross, The Paschal Mysteries, and The Cosmic, Risen Christ. " In Whom we live and move and have our being". Apart from his Transforming, and Transfiguring Presence we do not nor cannot have existence. So when another companion offers the compliment, " you are very wise, or, you have been blessed with wisdom" it is another way of saying, "You have a made lots of mistakes". Mistakes that spun you for a short or long time, but they were not allowed to define you. This mysterious happening was because of The Transforming Power, Who entered your life, AT, the  exact times of failure. "  "Creative Creator I offer myself unreservedly to You. Yes, my false self, and, true self. Remove from me every defect of character, that stands in the way of my usefulness in the revelation of  your Cosmic Creativity. I may be just a dot on the screens of many, but You have me front and center, never to be moved, eternally."

   Prayer, an honest acceptance, owning of who one is, where one is,  and how powerless one is, is essential for transformation and transfiguration. Any prayer, or communication, will fit the bill. We are not perfect, so our prayer will be imperfect. The more brutally honest, one can be, not in proper or accepted words the more ???? This paradox, one has to experience for oneself....."The Spirit will guide you into all truth". The results are not to  be hoarded, stow away, they are to be given away. In the act of giving, they become a Presence, " the wounded, becomes a wounded healer."( Nouwen)  This is the power experienced in the meetings of each and every 12 Step Program. In the rooms of every twelve step program, The Wounded Good Shepherd is present. He is looking on each one of his beloved flock. He looks with mercy-full care, and never looses focus, even for a nanosecond ??? 

      Elijah did not come to the refuge of the cave, on a winning streak. He was a frightened, be-wild ered prophet. At the end of his rope. The teachers, reaction to his predicament ," Elijah, you could not be in a better place." The retort will be instant, and very impolite.( Us, Irish , have a very pity phrase, that fits perfectly, for occasions such as this. I am not going to tell you, you have three guesses, and the first two, do not count.From my experience, the shorter, the better.) Spirituality begins with, TRUST, not perfection. Perfectionism is the greatest obstacle to an honest, healthy spirituality. We are all perfectly imperfect, the challenge lies in the acceptance of that truth, rather in the dis-functional comfort of the illusional, toxic, lie.  Perfectionism is a deadly, controlling, destructive disease It takes a great number of trips down the trail of the illusion, until some earthquake happens, to shatter that illusion. Years ago I was blest with this earthquake like honesty, " Joe you are an egomaniac, with an inferiority complex." That honest assessment was the earthquake essential for beginning of my endless journey.  Earthquakes are essential for, healthy evolution. It is only in hindsight we slowly begin to comprehend the value of our earthquakes. Where are the earthquakes in your life ? What are the challenges you have to face, to facilitate the emergence of your true self ? HONESTY, must I ? 

 Earthquakes are the one constant in the process of evolution. That is true for both the physical and spiritual worlds. We are experiencing tremendous earthquakes as our common home is being rattled, and cracks are appearing. Those cracks, are the passageway through which the truths essential for a healthy spirituality, filter into our lives. Reflect on the dynamic power Quantum has released ? Science and spirituality are no longer in tense opposition. Now they are being accepted as being, complimentary. All will ask, " Is there another way" ? Do not wastes your time, in ducking avoidance, of the harsh truths we are challenged to face. Remember The Presence in sheer silence ? That Presence will reveal, slowly, the healthy steps required for the unique Via Dolorosa you are destined to take. Follow in the steps of The Wounded Shepherd Who has gone before. These are the simple words we are destined to hear, again, and again. "Come, follow Me. Come, follow Me." He who is eternally calling, is Himself, The Bread of Life the enhancing strength we crave. In His Gospel journey, He was chosen, blessed, broken, and given. Big footsteps to follow, in companionship. G.J. 

       

         

 

        

                                   

 "   Thus, says the Lord, heed Me, come to Me heedfully, listen that you may have life." Isiah 55.

 " All you who are thirsty, come to the water. You who have no money, come receive grain and eat. Come without paying, without cost, drink wine and milk" Isiah 55.

" Meaning as a living depth, cannot be exhausted. Our capacity to receive, can be                  exhausted.  The false self version of meaning, can be exhausted."  Anonymous.                                                                                          

" It is the best of times. It is the worst of times", Charles Dickens is being  paraphrased  to describe the existential reality, we are forced to face, in these awe-full troubled times. For the few, the entitled it is "the best of times", and getting better still. For the many, it is "the worst of times", and getting  progressively worse. Scientists are telling us. " the cosmos is expanding". The cynic in me asks, "for what purpose" ? What need is there to expand the home  for, the poor, the powerless, the marginalized, the exploited, the dehumanized, all those for whom life is an endless, inexhaustible crucifixion", for the benefit of the few. It is a house that demands up-keeping, that is getting progressively more demanding, and expensive.  

        The vivification Joe needed to be " Bread for the weary, wine for the depressed, experiencing hopelessness and despair," is found hope in the power of The Word. The Word,  The Historical Jesus, who is now The Resurrected Christ, The Eternal  CosmicShepherd, whose compassionate Presence, all have been chosen to be. No empathy, active compassion for the crucified is demanded. In this is freedom.  Too be who we are really meant to be. In this is liberation to be led into being " new wine". New wine, needs new wineskins. The Spirit has, and is blessing us with a Liberation Theology,  also offering a spirituality grounded in the deepest of Realities, The Crucified"

           A Theology of The Glorious and Triumphant Kingdom, was viewed as superfluous, redundant. What was needed was a theology of liberation, meeting and ministering to the Suffering Christ in His deepest reality. Out of the pain of the masses, whose deepest reality is now seen as, The Sacrament of Christ. It is within the depth of their reality is found,The Presence. The Christic Presence, The All dwelling within, the all.  This creative and creating Presence has gifted humanity with a new Theology, founded on the living truths, revealed in, The Paschal Mysteries.

      Liberation Theology, let us be brutally honest, was not readily accepted by those whose fundamental lenses were,  European. Yes there was, and there is an ongoing battle for the  acceptance, validity of this new vision of,  The Suffering Christ. We have been blessed, with Pope Francis, whose foundation and formation was in The South American Church. He was from his earliest, education and formation, immersed in the Liberation Theology of the exploited masses whom he ministered to.  He was a witness to the power of The Small Faith Communities.

             What a dynamic, power-full presence small faith communities are. They vitalized the Catholic Church in South America. The powerless became transformed and transfigured by The Creative and Creating Spirit. The same Power gifting and challenging you, as you read this effort. The new listing of The Communion of Martys, in ways that have yet to be revealed. It would not be politically crept to do so. The list of martyrs is vast. How many of us in The  Western Hemisphere are  even aware of their sacrificial deaths ? I had the privilege of working in the same parish one of the martyrs. 

Pope Leo spent 20 years in South America. Though a Chicago native, he is continuing the vision of Francis. Pope Leo is facing tremendous opposition. He is desperate need of the support of those who accept that the Catholic Church is a church of ,The All. This  Awe-full Presence is to be reverenced in the all, TheMystical Body of Christ. In reality, all of us. We are all together, unified and empowered by The Cosmic Christ, our Origin and Destiny.

Isiah 55  offered hope to the exiled chosen people, and to us who are exiled from ourselves. Yes, The Jewish people, the chosen lost their home, and were banished into exile.  Being the beloved, does not inoculate the beloved, from reality.(Take time out so you can reflect on the treatment, The Beloved Son. What meaning is gleaned, for inspiration and motivation ? Actions ?) The  Creative Spirit selected Cyrus, a gentile for the work of liberation and renewal. In their time of alienation they were reminded of Covenant Love. Covenant love provides for the starving, and penniless, " grain and wheat to eat, and milk to drink," all without cost. This is the power of sacramental powerlessness !! 

 The lesson for us, in this transactional world, is we cannot earn, deserve, or qualify for this bounty, it is all free. It is all grace. Today  we find the same reality is found in the transformative word, beloved. We are all, the beloved, of The Beloved. No questions ever asked. Yet, do not we question our belovedness , endlessly ? Money, power status cannot buy the Living Water we are so desperately thirsting for. It is always offered, without cost, in the sacrament of the now moment. For me it is the sacrament of the, nanosecond ??? 

      We are all challenged to enter our depths and discover the  in-depth meaning, the unique gift waiting to be discovered and then bestowed, for what purpose ??  How do you personalize Isiah 55, and its  inherent challenges. We all are need of radical freedom. Cast off the chains that bind us. Walk freely and discover the " new heavens and new earths " waiting to be revealed, and actualized. A new creation emerges, because we are free.  This is why we so desperately crave freedom, but the price.... ?????  Are we ready for The Paschal immersion, with meaning This is where  our  personal understanding of  Liberation Theology and spirituality fulfills our present  existential needs as we emerge into ???   In all reality, Reality awaits you. Meaning is never exhausted, we get to be, exhausted. Vivification awaits. Not a stroll in the park, The Via Dolorosa, never is...................... You, have survived and  endured , and ??  Gramps.

            " I will not shrink the mystery, of The Mystery, into a cage of ego comfort." 

               " Let your compassion come to me, that I might live. Let your kindness, comfort me." Psalm 119 

" The Gospel is handed down from generation to generation, but it must reach one of us as brand new, or not at all...The new is within the old, because it is the perennial beginning of everything, transcending it."                                                                                "                                                                             Confessions of a Guilty Bystander." Thomas Merton.

  As we reflect on "Who, it is we are, Who, is it we have been called to Be, and above all, Who it is that has done the calling" we are being called to live, a new life."We must live that life, to the fullest." If not we will be not fulfilling our eternal chosenness, to be,"the glory of God"(Irenaeus) Yes, each person that inhabits reality, is a sacrament of The Unknown, The Ineffable. The more we respond to the invitation to go ever deeper into our reality, The Real is waiting for us. The Real is our Ground, our Destiny, and our Constant Companion. This is the One, when we live from our essential groundedness, our centeredness , we incarnate, and reveal to the individuals chosen, from eternity. 

.Those encounters have their birthing in the now, and intensify in each following sacramental now.  Encounters demands of us, the reality of presence, so The Presence can incarnated, and a little change happens. Not to be seen, captured but bubble up at the moment, that moment  seen as "the fullness of time". We are encouraged to be present to the sacramental now moments, what is your experience of encountering the sacramental, now ? " Every blessing is a curse, every curse is a blessing." Be gentle, be kind, dwell in self compassion, make acceptance, the place of your grounding. Accept your reality, is is ALWAYS the threshold we have to cross, on our way to the next threshold experience,....... ENDLESSLY.

     This, our vocation, our destiny, is fulfilled in personal encounters, as well as in gatherings, given the name communities. Both are essential for healthy living, and growth in our spiritual awarenesses. This is not a choice, we can make. It is not either/or, both personal encounters and presence at communal celebrations are, again, essential.Look at what is happening to the spiritual awakening that is currently taking place. Are not these young generations seeking, searching for meaning and belonging, in The Indefinable. Looking, looking, seeking seeking, searching, searching as that is happening where do you find in your grounding, in your reality, The Contemporary Gospel that helps the endless seeking, and searching? In other words, do you see yourselves as the chosen authors, of the required, The New Gospel?

 Yes, you are the chosen authors, just as Mathew, Luke, John, Peter, Paul, James etc. were chosen for their time, their age. So, " be, like a page, that aches for a word, that speaks on a theme that is, timeless" to borrow lines from my very favorite, Neil Diamond. Your life is a, living parable. A visual for those seeking The Kingdom in the midst of " hunger, fire and sword." You are the enfleshment of The Invisible, The Ineffable. Your essential reality becoming actualized in though, word and deed, IS, the living good news without which the gospel for this "now", of The Now, will not, cannot be co-authored. That is co-authored by?? The Creative Spirit dwells in the tabernacle of your depths. What needs to be revealed, spoken, will bubble up as the truth. Not a truth that responds to the selfishness of the rich and powerful. 

      You are, a prophet for your time, and our age. As you are faithful to your gospel truth, "new heavens and new earths" will be revealed. These new dwelling places will not be cosy, or comfortable, otherwise your truth is not the truth essential for our day, and age.  Pray that, " all people, may not speak well of you." Your place(s) of Crucifixion, will be your temporary home, tomb. From, The Tomb Christ, burst forth, and a new  revelation, understanding of creation, the cosmos, had its genesis. Christogenesis, and, The Omega Point, are occupying more of our, reflective time. And ? "The not yet ,is pressing against the present, seeking birth." It will take a death, for that birthing to take place !!!!! The present is groaning, being in the throes of birthing pains. Where is the groaning, the birthing pains emanating from? The place of emerging new life ? A life, for whom there was no preparation?  A life, that was conceived in eternity, in the womb of The Eternal and is now ....? A new Gospel that will not tolerate being caged.  "Unless a grain of wheat falls to the earth, and dies, it remains, just a grain of wheat, but if it dies.... ? Next time as you exit The Eucharistic Celebration, keep uppermost in your consciousness, these words of St. Augustine, " Be what you see, receive what you are." They are leading you, where ?

      " The Kingdom within, is NOT merely a hidden reality, waiting to be discovered, it is a living Presence seeking deeper expression, through the evolving human person, community, and evolving creation."

              Ever reflect on this reality, your life is a parable. A parable spoken by The Holy Spirit. All the Gospel parables are within you, waiting for your reflective attention. Rabbi Jesus proclaimed, " the kingdom is WITHIN, you. The Pearl of Great Price, has been entrusted to your care. Not as a possession to be hoarded, but.....????   May you reverence your, "parableness" !!!!! Gramps.             

 

        " The only true wisdom is, knowing , you know nothing."  Socrates.                                                                                         "Be willing to be a beginner, every single morning ." Meister Eckhart.

                                          " Now we see in a mirror, dimly." St.Paul. 

 Before this week I though I knew, nothing. After this week, I am CERTAIN now, I know nothing. What blows my mind is this, to more I respond to the invitation to accept, embrace, the fact that is, that in the reality of knowing, nothing, there is no better place that Joe can be. What does the commercial say ?" Nothing is , everything". I got plenty of nothing, so I am, blessed? Now if you get/got, anything out that exposition, you are a far better person than, I. Have you hung up, or just pressed a key "

        I have been blessed to have an evolving relationship with Meister Eckart for a number of decades. In his time he ruffled a few feathers, and was looked on with suspicion. Not over the recent decades, however. Now he is viewed with respect in the fields of Catholic Mystical thinking, and, get this, in the exploding field of quantum thought. That is so very difficult  to fathom, Quantum Theorists  and a  Catholic Mystic, from the 1440 A.D., being in  respectful dialogue. Needless to say, all the expression of appreciation is on the theorists side. What Meister wrote is being researched through more expansive, nonbinary lenses, than the narrow binary lenses used by those who sought to  condemned him. The dialogue between science and spirituality need not surprise us. This was Pierre de Chardin prophetic vision, in the early 1900s. What is emerging from the collective unconscious, and coming to consciousness de Chardin named it, the noosphere.We are all benefitting from this respectful dialogue, as we are being challenged to explore, an ever deeper understanding of the moment to moment reality of, reality. This exploration has led us now to be blessed with new lenses, leading to new discoveries. Discoveries that are, endless.  The Unknown, awaits in the, unknown.

         Nonbinary lenses reveal the deeper realities that were ALWAYS present. They had to be searched for. For eons Mary and Martha were looked on as two women united, yet very distinct, in a gospel narrative. Way back In the 1440 A.D. Meister must have rattled  the cages when he championed the teaching, Martha and Mary, are not two but ONE in the same person. He poured more fuel on the flames of astonishment when he championed Martha actions as being more mature. Space prevents me from quoting at length that pertinent quotes from his sermons. They are really worth the time investment. His radical approach was disturbing, back then. That approach as seen today is in lockstep with what Quantum Theory can offer us. The quantum lens reveals layers and layers of new knowledge, leading to new understandings, leading to....?  

 " What appears fixed and simple at one level may reveal hidden complexity in another.The seen is not the whole story. Reality resists being reduced to surface description."This is where the blessing and the curse of free will come into, play. So much transformative knowledge, food for your  awakening spiritual, appetite. So much is being offered ?? There is no good reason to languish in non-vivifying  spaces while all the time " New heavens, and new earths" are being offered to both you and I. I will miss the greater part of the unveiling. All who read this effort great challenges await, but so do exciting solutions. Be active not only in asking the question, be seriously involved in seeking, and searching  out physical and spiritual answers from that which already present, but where ??     

   I need to correct Joe. There is no new knowledge. The understanding has always been there. It's home has been the collective unconscious. New insights, evolving wisdom, are the triggers for these new transformative, life enhancing, "pearls of great price". Complacency, fear of change, deeper fear of the unknown, will keep us mired in the comfort of certainty, of the familiar. Take from this, senior, senior citizen there is no better way to confront the ravages of prejudice, and crass ignorance. Today's challenging questions demand new answers. These answers are waiting, "IN YOUR DEPTHS". So what are you and I being confronted with ? Fence-sitting is NOT allowed.  Can we take the chance that atrophy, will set in ? 

  " Gracious Spirit enliven again, the hearts of faithful. Enkindle and set ablaze the fire already tabernacled in those hearts. Awaken in all, the fiery response  demanded by the exploitation, of the powerless, marginalized  and all those who are so vulnerable, " the least of the brethren ". From The Via Dolorosa of 2026, cries come forth from, today's Incarnated Christ. "I, thirst". I thirst, that My inherent  dignity, as a incarnated human, being be recognized and restored. I especially thirst, that the wellsprings of mercy-full justice, may once again burst forth transforming the deserts,  of injustice, hunger, isolation, neglect into a  greening place of abundance. A place of overflowing abundance where I am, welcomed unconditionally, garmented, and fed abundantly. Veronica has again stepped forward. As her ministry was welcomed on my Via Dolorosa, it is no less welcome in those I suffer with, now." 

   In the nonbinary world, there is no, either/or. The Gospel narrative  reveals the contemplative Mary, sitting at the feet of Rabbi Jesus. Listening to the new wisdom, intended to change humankind. Martha is neck deep in all the challenges that are inherent in being a good hostess. It is getting to her. So she looks to their close family friend Rabbi Jesus to come to her rescue. I would like to think that she has already sat at Rabbi Jesus's feet at moved on. There is a time when it is essential that we move on from contemplation, into active service.  Fulfilling the challenges that Matthew 25 is forever offering.A spirituality that does not lead to active ministry is very suspect. It becomes a possession to be selfishly hoarded, and eventually lost in destructive ,egocentricity. "What you keep, you loose, what you give away you keep" is a very uncomfortable teaching. " The truth will set you free, but first is will tee you off." Active ministry without the grounding of prayer, is destructive. It evolves into ego boosting, rather that a sacrificial, Christ centered way of ministering to today's suffering Christ. We must keep Simon of Cyrene, and Veronica always before our eyes. "Not for our admiration, but for our imitation.  Finally, yes finally, " Pray like everything is up to, God, but ACT like everything is up to, you". Balance ??? Weird word coming from an Irish person. May all the blessings, wished by  Irish mothers, be yours in abundance. Gramps.

  

 

  " Christ, is not Jesus's last name, Christ is a Universal Reality" FR. R. Rohr O.F.M.                                          "The age of nations is past. The task before us now, if we would not perish, is to build the earth." Chardin.      " Concepts created idols, only wonder comprehends, anything." Gregory of Nyssa,

" The sufferings of the present, are not worth comparing with the glory

        that will be revealed in us."    "All creation is groaning as in the pain of childbirth." Romans 8.

 The false self is saying, and has been saying repeatedly, " enough of the @#%@**** it is time to sit back, put your feet up, get a great cool drink, and vegetate." Why ? Here Joe is, retired, and is working harder now than he ever did, in the seminary. With Pope Francis at the helm, and now with Pope Leo pushing all the right buttons,  a transforming energy has been generated. From sitting and relaxing in my LazyBoy comfort, I have become so enthused about the challenging transformative messages, that are forever on The Catholic Conveyor belt. This endless flow of compelling insights, and challenging exhortations  are triggering excitement and  hope in the lives of many, but anger, despair, and resentment in other lives. I pity the Poor Pope, who is charged with the shepherding of all. The atmosphere in the sheep pen is a little, tense !!!! The competing bleeps, can be so bleeping, disconcerting !!!!! 

     We are,  actually physically living in Kronos time, a long way from The Calvary reality, the dehumanization, of crucifixion event. Yet!! not really.  The spirituality of the present moment is revealing   we are, NEVER, Absent. Absent, yet present, paradoxical language ? Paradoxical language stretches us. Stretching is pain-full. Ego, the false self wants no part of that reality.  It is, ONLY in the fantasy, illusional,  and in world of denial are we ever, not, encountering, The Suffering Servant.  Acceptance is the key that unlocks the door, labeled, Fear-Denial.

Where are you, right now, in your theological,  sacramental  understanding , of the spiritual reality of The Crucifixion ? Is it being seen as a past unfortunate event, with no connection to the present, lived reality ?  A tough question, right ? Makes you think about pain, unbelievable suffering, crass dehumanization, and your Kairos understanding ? The Kairos moment is the eternal now moment, finding life, reality in your here and now. This is your deepest ,reality. This is where, The Divine Reality is again,  Incarnated.  Where you are, Bethlehem , again is !!!!!   How are you celebrating this, Christmas Day, where The Paschal mystery is also a reality, to be discovered ?  Reflection on this paradox will continue the revelation of both your dignity, and destiny. This paradoxical reflection will vivify  your eternal journey of awakening into, " Who it is you are ? Who it is you are called to be, and Who it is, that is doing the calling ?" You are not just a, statistic. A blip in the heartless algorithm, which now appears to control, every thing and every one ?  The human influence is completely absent. Now, take the time to reflect the awarenesses that are bubbling up from the collective unconscious. Please  make it reflect your deepest honest, awareness of the reality you are  being sacramentally immersed in. Mysteriously leading to transformation, and transfiguration.  Paul reminds us, "that which is given, is NOT for ourselves, but for the building up of the common good."A practice that will challenge, the many, and encourage all the good samaritans.Bless you.

This blog, Aisling on Earth, is intended, NOT, to give you answers. It is to encourage the reader to ask  new questions, so that, the new, possible, will emerge.  We must always be aware  of being in the process of awakening. Awakening to the answer that has always been, clouded, but the clouds are disappearing.  That which lives and lies within becomes for you, what ? You are never taught anything new, you are only  being awakened to answers that always within and are now bubbling up into new and challenging awareness.  Awakening  to your unique dream, your Aisling  is a process. Take it from this senior, senior, fellow companion on the journey. 

  Aisling is the Gaelic for, dream. There is a great reservoir of Aisling poetry in the history of Ireland. Aisling poetry was the poets answer to denial, exploitation,  persecution, and dehumanization.They dreamt about what was possible for the inhabitants of Ireland , despite the horrendous, draconian Penal Laws. Now add to that the Genocide of the mid 1800s, this begs the question, how did the Irish survive. Not only survive. There are 40,000,000 people, that claim Irish heritage, at this time. St. Andrew The Apostle was founded on a dream, in the 1986. What would happen, if you joined the Spirituality of Imperfection, with Incarnational Theology, topped off with wisdom, gleaned from, The Twelve Steps. They were dynamic components, leading to the acceptance of the unconditioned, unlimited,, unrestricted Loving embrace of the all, by, The All.

    Spirituality can be summed up in Paul's words, " What is seen is transitory, what is unseen, lasts forever." What you do not see, but can intuit, is the life you are fundamentally called to, discover. Once you are allowing the process of woken-ness to be recognized, and the innate challenge, even reluctantly accepted, will. result living the life you have been called, chosen to live in. This chosen-ness is an essential part of the universal creative plan. A plan that finds its foundational, creative energy, in The Creative, and Creating, Spirit. We are, today, being awakened, to the evolution of creation. This is the creation we have been chosen to live. Not as passengers, or spectators but are co-creators of this evolving cosmos. Those words revealing to you, your "co-creator" choosiness, is leading you where? Horizons????

    We must be forever guided by The Wisdom and The Power of The Risen Christ. The living and life enhancing Love of The Cosmic Christ, is a gift we are just beginning to  recognize and process. The Resurrected Cosmic Christ reveals, death in all of its forms is NEVER, the answer. An answer accepted by the many who suffer needlessly. As we embrace this reality, all these Paschal Moments, are gifts intended to deepen our understanding of one of the most fundamental of paradox. Paradoxical living, IS, the spiritual life. What we see, is not really,  what is. We must be given new lenses, so that "new seeing" may be ours. New insights into the depths. and those new vivifying realities, will be the engine that will lead to " new heavens and new earths".   We cannot look to yesterday's answers, for the solutions to, today's questions. The challenges offered by Pope Leo, quantum theology, the insights offered by quantum theory, as it looks at the challenges innate in a healthy spirituality will encourage a blossoming. " Not my will, but Your will be done" is saying, yes, to, The Unknown. Your, Aislings will revel what? Awaken, be aware !!! 

       

                       " YOU ONLY AS FREE, AS YOU ARE WILLING." Anonymous

      " The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, compassionate towards       " all His works. The Lord lifts up those who are falling..He raises up all who are bowed down."

     " We live life looking forward, but understand life, looking backwards." WOW !!!!! "' How often am I to read that quote ?" you well ask. Until something new bubbles up from the unconscious layers of my being, or I read something better, for now, you are unfortunately stuck with it. We have just completed the 250 anniversary of The United States proclaiming independence from the oppression, and exploitation, inflicted on the majority of the inhabitants by the, occupying exploitive forces.  Freedom from oppression,  would result in,  FREEDOM. Yes !!! Freedom, for all. That was the ideal but the reality of achieving real freedom for all, was slow pain-full, fear filled evolutionary process. The process has hit a rather large bump in the road, and we are all suffering because of it. "If, one, is not free, then, all, are not free". 

     St.Paul reminds us of the connectedness that is present in The Mystical Body of Christ. Would I be correct in saying, that the current understanding of "entanglement" can possible lead to the same conclusion. Have you been aware of the  blossoming mutual admiration society that is developing between Quantum Theorists, and Catholic Mystics. What deChardin purported in the early 1900s is now becoming a reality. A reality that is leading to the explosion of new insights, new revelations, all leading to a deepening understanding of the sacramentality of all, that is all, no exceptions, that is real, in our home, we call the, cosmos. The Cosmic Christ is the Original Life source of  that is fruit-full and essentially,  good. Of your essence you are good. So your joy-full, vivified life, becomes the sacrament of The ever-creating Cosmic Christ. Your daily renewal of your commitment to be this awe-filled sacramental presence is essential for the ideals of the spiritual, and physical worlds to be slowly realized. The opposition to your acceptance, willingness will be fierce. You will find the opposition funded by powerful corporate executives of tech conglomerates. Add to the opposition is the unknown power of the Algorithms, who are guided by responsible, social and spiritual, truths. 

     Then there must be someone who will have the courage to speak truth to power. They are those who have been chosen for the very dangerous, risky vocation, of being prophets. Do not look around so as to identify a prophet, just, wait for it, look in the mirror. You, YES !! you are by your  very existence are a prophet. In The Sacrament of Baptism you were anointed prophet.  Anointed," as Christ was, as prophet, priest and king" so the Rite of Baptism proclaim. Baptisms were a great opportunity to reinforce the Baptismal call to serve. In the above quote, your contemporary job is described for you. Read it again so s to become very familiar with your current job description as a member of The Mystical Body. Quantum sees no one existing in disconnectedness, there is that power-full word entanglement. Research that word. Make its truth be a driving force in your life of service. The way you love yourself, is the way you love others, and allow them to love you. Now the big one, ready, the way you love yourself, is the way you ALLOW The Gracious to love you. A love you cannot earn, deserve, or qualify for. Unconditioned Love really takes the pressure off, so do not impose any obligation to, qualify. There is no qualifying test. Love, grace is the essence of fredom. In the Bestower and the recipient. Yes, is that which enables !!!!  The ego, the false self hates that truth. When you are free, you become a very dangerous presence, in the world that demands conformity, and obedience. Have you ever breached conformity ? Good for you. Those scars are battle wounds, through which mercy-filled Love enters.....??? What are you learning, about the ways of Mystery ???

    As you reread the above quotation, wherever you read the word Lord, place your name in it's place. From what has been posted, your essential dignity is to be the living active sacrament of, Lord. That essential sacramental dignity is yours. This has been yours from eternity, and is now being realized in time. You are to be gracious and mercy-full, first of all to yourself, then to the people that WILL BE PLASED IN YOUR PATH OF LIVE. The challenge is to be a life giver, NOT, a death dealer. Look around and make yourself aware of ALL the ways your fellow companions are being deprived of the essentials of life of life. What they are experiencing is mere existence, where abundance of life is their real destiny. 

  Gracious, is a word that is not commonly used in America. I was brought up with it. When a person is gracious, that  person is kind, courteous, and compassionate. Research the word, compassion, and begin to own and accept the responsibilities, and challenges in making their inherent realities in poorest of the poor. Those who are being dehumanized by the senseless acts of those have, only temporary power. When that power no longer exists, then there is "hell" to be faced, endlessly. They have created hell on earth, for those for whom The Gracious Creator has a fundamental desire for, His People, to be loved as they have been loved from eternity. Remember all of us have been present in Womb of The Gracious one. There we were, one. So....???? Before you hang up, Joe will say, thanks.

        

                                       " TUST IN THE SLOW WOORK OF GOD."  deChardin.                                                                                                              "                                            " His love, doe not allow Him to be indifferent to us." Pope Francis.  

                    " The dark valley, is held within, a creative, Presence." Anonymous.

      " The rhythm of renewal challenges us to live each and every day, being converted." Anonymous.         A " cead mile failte," to you all. Us Irish, while being impossible to understand, are a very generous people. We greet you with, "100,000 welcomes." That is my greeting to you, because we have NEVER met, or encountered each other before, this moment. On the one hand you may have NEVER met or reflected upon the reality of Who it is you are, Who is it you are being called to be, and Who is is that is doing the calling. Who it is you are, in this awe-full sacramental moment, is essential  for you to be grounded in the reality, in which makes you available to the gift of, Transforming Power. To quote Paul, now, is the acceptable time when all that is essential for a life that is, happy joyous and free is being gifted, as present, in this present mysterious, moment. As it was, so it is, and ever shall be. 

  Then you have never met me, before. You have never met me, as I am, right now. Since you read this effort last, Joe has encountered Reality in a way, never experienced before. Because of that encounter Joe has been changed. Changed into ?, he does not know The Who it he is becoming. Faith in the Mysteries of Incarnation  and Paschal Mysteries and  tells Him, all was experienced," In Him, Whom all live,  move, and have their being." To add to the mystery, "We who have been buried with Christ, will rise with Him, to become , a new creation", in today's understanding, a Christic Presence. All of which "we can only see dimly, "I Cor. 13:12. Christic Presence, is the ongoing manifestation of Christ within, creation and humanity. No wonder Pope Leo zeroed in on " Magnificent Humanity." After becoming conversant with the encyclical what are your thoughts ? What were the challenges you accepted as the  what actions you are going to be responsible for? What is contained in the quantum world of thought that reinforces your eternal vocation, as being co-creators of the ongoing evolution ? There are no mere observers in the field of quantum physics ?

  This blog is ONLY intended to be the STARTING point of your personal research on all the developments  occurring simultaneously in the evolving, fields of mystical thought, and quantum thought.  We must be immersed in the education necessary for knowledge of the evolving relationship between, the though of the mystics, and,  todays quantum explorers. In the deepening of the respect between the two schools of evolving thought and research, a new horizons, have appeared to be explored. The journey to horizons has no, ending. Once you have reached what was thought to be a horizon, was a stopping place, on the way to the next horizon. To go from one horizon to another, is not a straight line. One has to leave the pinnacle, and start the journey down to the next horizon. That involves the entrance to the dark valley. From the deep darkness of the valley experience, new Light begins to shine. Light that will not only lighten the way, but be experienced as, Light,  that transforms, leading to transfiguration. Then you will fulfill your destiny, as being, "light to the nations."

          Our lenses must be constantly tweaked by, The Ultimate Optometrist.  This  Gentle and Compassionate Optometrist, will make certain we are  gifted with the inner sight, to as to see all that we need to see, not what we necessarily, not, what want to see. What will determine the reality we will be empowered to see, is already waiting for us, in, Gospel revelations. Revelations, that must be reflected on again and again. In the spiritual life, nothing is instant, or at least, almost nothing. Our new way of acting, will of necessity lead to a new way of thinking. These reflections can lead us to the dangerous territory of not conforming to the accepted social norms. Norms intended to strengthen our belief in, the deadly gospel of, "power, property, and prestige" aided by addiction to " control, comparisons, and competition". (I am indebted to fr. Rohr for these insights.) 

    Actions  taken, that are contrary to accepted norms come under deep, inimical , viewing. The Prophets life has not, nor will it ever be easy, safe, comfortable. The Sacrament of Confirmation, is the channel through which the special graces, necessary for the fulfillment of Prophet's challenges are channeled. Paul reminds us,"we will never be tested beyond, our strengths." I repeat  my mantra, " Gracious Spirit. Prodigal Father, you really have more faith in Joe, than Joe has in, himself".  "Out of the depths of my power-less-ness, and fear, Lord, hear my prayer. May the dark valley not swallow me up. May the journey carry and lead me through the darkness into a life, celebrating the transforming gift of, Light. 

   A Light that will light the way into a more faith-filled life of being beloved, daughter/son." " I believe, help my disbelief/unbelief." In the moments of enlightenment, freedom, and gratitude : " Out of the depths of this place of believing in being the beloved, I offer my prayer of thanksgiving. Please remember, if no able, write down, " Gratitude and resentment are mutually, exclusive. You will occupy one reality, or, the other. Practice, practice, all this effort is challenging each individual, to be and become. Your becoming has cosmic dimensions. We do not have an an existence lived in isolation. We are social beings. Just like The Trinity. They live in a communion of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Their Reality slowly emerges and is understood as our reality. "I believe help my, unbelief/disbelief." The more one comes to know, the deeper the struggle with The Not Known.

-          " Nothing, is everything." Current TV commercial.

        " In Your great kindness answer me, with your constant help...for bounteous is Your kindness." Ps. 69

 " Either we see Christ in everyone , or, we hardly see Christ in anyone. Either we are Christ to everyone,                                                                      or,                                                                            or we cannot be Christ to, anyone." Richard Rohr. 

                      '     " Humans, must remain subjects, not data, objects."  Pope Leo X 14.

WOW !!!! WOW !!!!! I am blown away. I have been complaining for eons now, that The Gracious Divine Spirit needed a better public relations company. Now I am so impressed at the current efforts to get The Good News out, Out, for all to see, so all are challenged to sit up, and take notice. Mission accomplished! First, we Received, Pope Leo. Now time, and time again we now see blared across our T V"s " Nothing, is everything". That has been the objective of this effort, when we are in the place of nothingness, we are blessed with, Everything. Remember, " the trinity", that leads unerringly to freedom,  silence, emptiness, and yes.....nothingness."  This " trinity", which will lead us the much desired state of being,  FREEDOM. This journey into mystery, is essentially the same journey that must be taken as when we are being slowly drawn into The Supernatural Mystery of, The Holy Trinity. I have spent my whole life being led into an ever deepening awakening, yet, The Mystery, lives in a field, that lies, beyond. It looks like TV has had an awakening to, the mystical ???? Great to have this constant reminder, "The All, is in all", forever this will be. The Nothingness of The All, is becoming for you... ????? 

      In the last effort Joe "attempted" to delve into The Mystery of The Marriage Covenant. People do NOT enter a contact, they enter a covenant. This covenant is intended to replicate the covenant of old, between The Prodigal Creator and His people. We, the people of The New Testament are immersed into a New Covenant, this covenant has been revealed by The Creators only son, The Prophet Jesus. He, The Eternal Word became The Christ, through His journey into what we call The  events of The Paschal Mystery. In Christ the covenant  of old was not just  renewed, but transformed to reflect not the Enforcer,  The Punisher, The mercy-less judge of The Old Testament. The depth of meaning of New Covenant , we awaken to. Is it more proper to say, we, through the workings of The Holy Spirit, Grace, are gradually awakened to the wonder of mercy-full Infinite Love, in action ???

        There is nothing instantaneous in the formation necessary for in-depth transformation. After transformation we are then privileged to participate in transfiguration. "By this will all humankind know you are my disciples, I your love for one another". The other, to be loved, is NOT to be of our choosing. Christian Nationalism is a prime example of the rejection of this commandment. Ultra-humanism, is the hellish destiny of the rejection of the non-transactional covenant, grounded in mercy-full, infinite Love. A love whose sole purpose is to heal, soothe, comfort, strengthen, protect, transfigure and transform. Trans-humanism is the desired path, but not in any way attractive to the false self, "the small self" (Rohr) Pope Leo emphasizes that all human beings must be the treated subjectively, not objectively. ( These words I was introduced to in 1964 and still delving into their essential meaning.) As the wisdom of, Vatican Two, began its revelation. Revelations that were opposed then, and find vociferous opposition in these present sacramental times. We do not have the choice of being spectators to the will full opposition to the workings of The Holy Spirit. Church Councils are always guided by,"The Spirit of Truth, The Holy Spirit"

       To reduce the mystery of all humanity, and all creation to the workings of an algorithm is absolute dehumanization. Once dehumanization takes place, then exploitation can be readily accepted, and acted upon. When are the consequences of dehumanization, and, the consequential exploitation going to be honestly dealt with? It is going to hit the bottom line of course, power brokers are collectively not ready for this radical sacrificial  Step.  Active opposition to dehumanization is a  truly radical gospel step. To have a beginning, all it really takes is to activate the power of, ONE.  Open person brave enough to take one step. It is past time for " the ones" to exert their power. Minneapolis is our "poster child". The people of Minneapolis challenges all, " Now you go, and do,  likewise". " We showed the way. It can be done. 

    I find the words of Fr.Richard, O.F.M. stunning and challenging. They carry a challenge that appears so very difficult, to our isolated, self-centered selves. We are not self-centered, we are, Self, energized. We are now, Christocentric, connected to The Body of Christ, as a limb is to a vine. Christ, in His farewell message, gave this reassurance " You will NOT be orphans." We, in all of our depths are Tabernacles, were The Presence Of The New Advocate is to be discovered, and a vivifying relationship developed. This dynamic relationship when we respond freely, to the sacramental grace of each sacramental moment. In The Sacrament of The Eucharist the gift, of the actual Body and Blood of Christ is  offered, made available to us. True Love is not forced, nor can it be forced. We are endowed with that very dangerous gift, of, FREE WILL. What is offered Sacramentally must be accepted in freedom. We are bound all together in a Covenant of Love. We know that freedom is of the essence for a  healthy, Love to exist, and evolve. Love of Its Essence is creative. We do not always succeed in doing the right thing. Have no fear.  The Good Shepherd seeks after those who have wandered away, strayed. Not strayed beyond The Sight of,  The Persistent,  Seeking Shepherd. When we cannot make the return because of our wounds, we are gentle hoisted on Broad Shoulders, and carried home. What a homecoming that is.

   We will be caught, gentle in the net of His Compassionate Love, and merci-fully  brought back to a deeper union. One never appreciates what it means to be found, unless one has the frightening experience of lostness. We are brought home, and begin to know that home, for the first time.  What a transforming spiritual experience, which demand of us, reverential silence. So Love is free to flood, the emptiness. We do stray just once. It is the human experience. We are all perfectly imperfect. We are  forever locked  in a covenantal  love. Love, that is  of Its Essence Infinite ,loves us with a love that is " patient, and kind, does not take offense, and is not resent-full." The Good Shepherd always sees Himself in the tabernacle, situated in our depths. A Presence is, never lost, nor cannot be lost. As John reminds us, " It is not that I love God, but that God loves us. Not that we give love, but that we accept,  Love". Again, and again and again. As we are reminded by Popes " The Giver never gets tired of giving. " The problem, lies in the fact that we get tired of, asking." Ask, ask, ask, never loose Hope." Hope never, fails." We do not think our way into new of acting, we act our way into a new way of, thinking". Me thinks !!!  I have reached for , and pressed the button, STOP !!!!!!! Blessings.

                                                                                    

   " There are cosmic plans and Divine designs  far greater than our particular griefs                                                                                                          or current irritations." Kathy Coffey.                               " There may be  tears during the night, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5                                        "The unique face of Christ is, the, ikon, but every human face is                                                                                                                 an, ikon of, Christ " Catherine de Hueck Doherty.

        " Humanity, created by God in all its grandeur, is facing a pivotal choice, either to construct a       new Tower of Babel, or to build a city in which God and humanity dwell together." Pope Leo 14. 

                " Life is not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be, lived ", has to be one of my most often  used quotes. Yet, in the constant repetition of those words, something very unexplainable happens. Each time there is an awakening to an emerging truth, and the evolution of though, of mysterious origin. This leads to this evolutionary understanding ,  the totality of human beings, as well, as all that has been created, or will be created, finds its origin is The Womb of Mystery. That is why you find yourself to be an, insoluble mystery. This does not prevent all from gradually surrendering, to the, " drawing in". This is a workable description of what is sometimes seen as, cosmic human destiny. There is no individuality, in the cosmic consciousness. So we of our essence are mysterious. As the above quote reminds, we are not, THE, ikon of Christ, we are, AN, ikon of Christ.  So when you check yourself at the mirror, Who is it, that is looking right back ?

    How often have we herd describing another as, a "very mysterious person". Those few words are supposed to describe that which is indescribable. People married for a long time, readily admit, "the longer we are married, the less I seem to know about my partner." She/he is becoming more and more of a mystery. BINGO !!!!That was a reality I always made an attempt to convey to couples that were preparing for The Sacramental Celebration of, Matrimony. The forthcoming sacred, mysteriously human actions  was  going to be  celebration of, the sacrament, of their evolving love. In every now moment, of each  lived day  there is a constant awakening. Awakening  the couple to the awe-full realization It will continue to evolve, that evolution will always be guided by The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is The Power that guides all creation, plus each and every act of, creativity. 

       That celebration of the sacramentality of their love, is often celebrated within The Eucharistic Celebration. That celebration is THE great celebration of an essential mystery. "Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again" Each couple will be challenged to accept the reality of they, in their unique mysterious togetherness, are already immersed in, The Paschal Mystery." ( It seems we can never shake the reality of The Paschal Mystery that is waiting, to be awakened to, in all the reality we encounter. Not just meet, encounter. What is  being triggered within you, bubbling up from the depths ?)) Every human face, is an ikon of Christ", we must never stop there. The two people facing each other, that are to be seen in their essential reality as, Christ, not meeting Christ, but encountering Christ. In their bed, Christ will sleep with Christ. In the celebration of the sacramentality of their sexuality,  the sexual encounter is in reality The Body of Christ, is, both given, and received. This  encounter is to be seen as the essence of The Sacrament of The Eucharist. Eucharist is first encountered in your bed. Then there is the eucharist, around the kitchen table. Then all that is brought to be shared and celebrated in the communal celebration of The  Eucharistic Sacrifice, and, Sacrament. Now, to where does, " the Priesthood of The Laity lead you to?  Remember these very old, old, chestnuts: "Liturgy, is NOT, a spectator sport." " You are going to be, IN, the celebration, NOT, at the celebration". Joe,  WOW, it has been a long, long time !!!!!  

       The single person, must also delve deep into their actuality as being, The Body of Christ. They are the tabernacle, the dwelling place of The Holy Trinity. They do not sleep, ALONE. The Father, Brother, and Spirit are to be discovered in the sacramental reality, of each moment. Alone, with The Holy Spirit as guide, the single person is offer no distraction from their unique experience of the sacrament of silence. Silence, IS, the Creator's, first language. What unique sacramental gifts the moments of silence are. Being alone, with, The Alone is the precursor to mystical awarenesses. Awake or asleep ??? Sleep brings in contact, with a reality we wish to avoid. We can do so in our waking hours, but asleep we enter the realm of the archetype.  We are told that our dreams are our deepest reality. A reality that can be denied while we are  conscious, but sleep removes all obstacles. Reality breaks through, but speaks to us in metaphorical language.

  Did you know breakfast, originated in Ireland ? The Irish of old, used to sit around the table in the morning, to share the dreams that inhabited, their just experienced, sleep ? That would take awhile. Us Irish, we are known to stretch conversations into epics !!!!!! You who have been reading these effort ? This is a given !!!!!  Us Irish, are dreamers. The Irish word for dream, is "aisling". This efforts comes under the heading, " Aisling, on earth " For us, The Beloved's creation,  is the reality  within which where we are to live that dream of being," happy, joyous, and free". We are doing our best, most of the time to screw it up. This blog is intended to help us not be saboteurs of, The Prodigal Creators dream. " All creation is charged with the grandeur, of God." ( Hopkins).   How is breakfast celebrated in your, " little church of the home ?"  Even on, weekends ? Does the Holy Spirit need to be gifted with more opportunities to be what The Spirit Has always been, our, CO-CREATOR, of all emerging reality.                Blessings on all the efforts to make each moment, sacramental. Gramps.