clothe yourself in compassion... and patience

Our weekly Friday prayer and community gathering via Zoom at L'Arche Ottawa just ended. From time to time I have the privilege of leading a few community songs as well as sharing a brief homily concerning community building. One of our key joys today was celebrating the 39th anniversary of Jules in community. He is a loving, friendly man who continues to move through life with a joy and depth that humbles and encourages me. Here is a screen shot for today's gathering.

My reflection, which Danielle dutifully translates and shares in French for this bi-lingual community, was taken from the community's call to live with a transformed heart. St. Paul offers a measure of insight in Colossians 3:

In that renewal there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all! As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

REFLECTION: When we choose to live in loving friendship with one another, when we learn to listen to the guidance of God’s sacred Spirit within, we are living with a transformed heart. We think before we speak. We try to feel how our words and actions might affect those we care for before acting. We evaluate our thoughts, words, and deeds through the lens of compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. St. Paul is telling us what he himself learned: we must practice living in a new way – the way of tenderness and trust – because strengthening our transformed hearts does not happen automatically or by magic. It takes individual initiative and regular times of quiet prayer to listen to what we’re thinking and feeling. Some prayer asks God for an answer; but prayers that nourish our hearts are mostly silent. For as we do this, the Spirit of love quietly teaches us what words, actions, and feelings enrich love, and, what hurts it, too.

One time-tested way to evaluate whether you are nourishing a transformed heart or weakening it is to notice how you are feeling. If we trust that God’s word becomes flesh within us, then our body can help us figure out what God asks of us in any situation. One spiritual guide puts it like this: “Either you will harden and resist, or, you will soften, open, and yield.” You can feel what the Spirit is saying in your body. If you harden, you will always push God’s spirit away and weaken love. If you choose to follow the path of tenderness, no matter what else is happening, you will strengthen your connection to God and help your heart to mature in love. The test is simple: either you are bracing, or you are opening physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When you choose to let go and let God, the Spirit of the Lord ripens within you and your friendships become healthier. This is one of the simple spiritual secrets of a transformed heart. It can make all the difference in the world – so keep on practicing.

Upon signing-off, I read that our local schools will be locking down for only virtual education starting next week for at least three weeks. Local eateries will only be able to serve take away menus, too. (see the Berkshire Eagle @ https://www.

berkshireeagle.com/news/local/pittsfield-schools-suspend-in-person-learning-amid-covid-19-spike-restaurants-limited-to-takeout/article_b9e915fc-251a-11eb-97bd-db889d63d1fe.html) All across the US, and in many parts of Canada, too, the contagion is spiking. Yesterday alone there were close to 150,000 new cases of infection reported in the USA. We have also hit about 250,000 covid deaths with that number likely to double by year's end. Staggering. A new wave of grief washed over me last night as a respected public health doc spoke of our needing to live in this manner of isolation, masks, social distancing, and periodic lock downs for at least another full year. That took my breath away. Not because it is impossible; for us, it is not and we will manage reasonably well. Without vigorous government support, however, the economic toll will be catastrophic. 

What wounded me, however, was missing the company of those I cherish: our children and grandchildren. A few beloved friends. And my dear ones at L'Arche Ottawa. It feels incomprehensible to imagine this isolation for another 365 days. And yet that is likely our new reality - with only modest modifications - until 50+ percent of us are vaccinated. All the more reason to rejoice at today's Zoom prayer time. And our Sunday visits with the Brooklyn crew. This Sunday Louie and I will play some virtual chess after we sing and chat with Anna. Virtual gatherings are not the same thing as holding one another close, but they are a miracle and a blessing. St. Paul was so right: Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 

Take a deep breath, dear friends, keep your mask close by, and clothe yourself with compassion and patience. We can do this hard thing but need one another's help.