Acceptance, not resistance

“For there is a time for every experience and for every happening” (Qoheleth 3:17)

Life is received; from God – or Universe (as some would prefer) and destined for a purpose. That purpose has to be discovered because no one has it spelled out when the journey begins and every happening or experience is designed to shape its realization.

When we resist, oppose and even fight certain experiences – because we “do not like them”, they are nasty or unpleasant - we only delay the actualization of life's purpose. There cannot be joy nor fulfillment when life's purpose is not realized.

Life becomes meaningful and satisfying when we discover and pursue its purpose – and do so relentlessly. Do not give up, despair or be discouraged in its quest. Challenges and adversities are to be met and overcome, not avoided, resisted or fought.

Acceptance versus resistance

“A season is set for everything; a time for every experience under heaven” (Qoheleth 3:1)

We have learned or taught ourselves to “chart out our own course”, to determine which direction to go and which not to go. We have decided which experience is good and which is not good.

We do not want to be sick; for example, and that is understandable. We do not want to lose a job or not have income or enough to eat. These are experiences we consider to be bad and so we spend a lot of time and energy resisting them.

The writer of Ecclesiastes says there is a season for everything. Actually, everything has a purpose.

Think of the seasons of the year. Some people may not like the heat and humidity of summer. (Could it be that some are already complaining?) Others may not like the cold and snow in winter. But we have learned to find joy and fulfillment despite the elements we dislike.

But then, that is the physical world and the physical experiences associated with it. The five senses – touch, sight, taste, smell and hearing – influence our perception and reaction. So does social environment.

Shavuot calls for willingness to be transformed

The Jewish holiday of Shavuot began at sundown on Saturday May 26 and ends at sunset on Monday, May 28. The holiday coincides with the Christian Day of Pentecost observed on Sunday, May 27.

In Jewish tradition, Shavuot commemorates the receiving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and Jews are required to read the Torah all night! Reading does not mean memorization or recitation. On the contrary, Jewish tradition involves discussion and wrestling with questions; and doing this all night.

But why?

Simply stated, it is because the Torah is not static. It speaks anew to successive generations and in so doing transforms. Thus every Shavuot is a call to be transformed. A commentary on Exodus (actually Midrash Shmot Rabba 47) shows that when Moses received the Torah, he also received all questions that would be raised in the future.

It is alright, and indeed, it is encouraged to have questions, to ask God questions and to seek clarity. The willingness to question, to inquire, is what leads to transformation. Society needs to continuously be willing to be transformed or it dies spiritually.

It is necessary to question what has come to be accepted as norm. In dealing with any section of society – for example the poor, the needy, the defenseless – the norm needs to be questioned. Seeking answers is indeed willingness to be transformed.

A guide into all truth

Even before Pontius Pilate snapped at Jesus, “What is truth?” (John 18:38) and to the present, mankind continues to search for truth. There are half-truths, “true lies”, fine prints, “make believes”, distortions and even fabrications; rich vocabulary for the opposite and very little for it.

Speaking of the Holy Spirit in this Sunday's – Day of Pentecost – Gospel Reading, Jesus said to his disciples, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16: 13).

Pentecost is the Greek name for the Jewish holiday, The Feast of Weeks (Lev. 23:15 -22) – Shavuot - which is also believed to be the day the Israelites received the Torah on Mount Sinai. Torah actually means “teaching” or “guidance” which is what comes from a loving and caring God.

As Jews observe Shavuot the entire biblical book of Ruth will be read. Why? Agriculture, the main source of livelihood for the Israelites, is a prominent motif in the story which shows God's desire for the community to care for the poor and the needy in its appropriation of the agricultural harvest.

This Sunday, therefore, Christians and Jews reflect on the received divine guidance for discernment of God's will in a society that is clouded with too many false truths and deliberate distortions. Cincinnati, for one, is witnessing unprecedented economic activity in the urban district: The Banks, Washington Park project, and the Casino development are all of economic vitality.

In the midst of all these good developments, the poor may be forgotten or even trampled upon. Thanks be to God, there is divine guidance, if only we would seek it.

Sent into the world

On this Seventh Sunday of Easter, western Christianity traditionally commemorates Ascension Day which was on Thursday, May 17. It was on that 40^{th day after the Resurrection that Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-11).}

The Lessons for this Sunday speak about witnessing – or testimony – and Jesus' followers' role in the world. In the First Lesson, Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, the Apostles elected Matthias in the place of Judas Iscariot "to become a witness with us to his (Jesus') resurrection". The Apostles' were called to bear witness to Jesus' resurrection.

In the Second Reading from 1 John 5:9-13, the writer points out that Jesus' teaching was testimony from God, and believers, consequently bear God's testimony in their hearts. In many ways, this is reassurance to every believer that faith in Jesus comes from God.

The second role of the Apostles, and every believer, can be seen in Jesus' prayer in the Gospel Reading from John 17:6-19. "I am no longer in the world, but they are...I am not asking you to take them out of the world...As you have sent me...so I have sent them..." The task of continuing Jesus' ministry, here on earth, now resides in his followers.

These two roles go hand in hand.

Jesus touched individuals and transformed them and society. Today, each one of us is called, first to be transformed, and then help transform our society. In so doing we bear witness to Jesus and his truth which is in us.

That is, really, what discipleship is all about.

In harmony with nature

Residents and visitors to Cincinnati will celebrate Mai Fest this week-end, May 18 – 20. It is the celebration of the arrival of Spring.

Much as Mai Fest may be associated with some forms of revelry – German-style – with beer drinking, Spring is a season of new life, literally, springing from the ground. In a spiritual sense, Spring symbolizes renewal. After the doldrums of Winter, this is a time of vibrancy and transformation.

Most people are cheerful in Spring, certainly more so than in Winter. What is external on faces and even moods, stems from inner spiritual exuberance. It is possible to maintain the same transformation every day of life. This week-end could be the best starting point.

How can this continual life transformation be maintained?

The week began with The Days of Rogation, or “Days of Prayer” where the prayers focus on harmonious functioning of nature. Our transformation as human beings begins with connecting and seeking harmony with nature.

Indeed, the events in Cincinnati point in the same direction, for the International Butterfly Show, which began on April 21, continues through Mai Fest to June 24. Like many insects, butterflies are the final stage of a transformation (metamorphosis) which goes from eggs to larvae to pupae before becoming butterflies.

The Creator of nature - and humans too - must have designed the process of transformation for all creatures. There are metamorphoses that go unnoticed in human organs. Thus, transformation is necessary for life to be complete.

This week-end, and the days ahead, can jump-start all of us on this journey of perpetual transformation and fullness of life.

Connect with nature and all the creation

Contemporary society has been so far removed from the natural world to the extent that some do not even know that humans are, like all creatures, totally dependent it. Picking up food and supplies from the supermarket creates an illusion – and indeed obscures the fact that everything comes from the earth. If one does not intentionally seek to connect with nature, one is misled into believing that humans are in control.

Historically, the church observed Rogation Days – meaning, “Days of Prayer” - in Spring. April 25 is the Major Rogation and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before Ascension Day (Thursday) are the Three Minor Rogations. During these days petitions are offered, for rain - enough and not too much - because Spring is the planting season. Similarly, prayers are offered for protection against natural forces that are beyond mankind's control – earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.

There is news of drought – and therefore, hunger – in the Sahel Region of Africa. There are also wild fires raging in the west of the United States. Winter did not show up this year in most of the United States.

An imbalance in one season creates ripples in the other season. Cumulatively, the whole ecosystem is put off balance. While we have control over how we treat our environment, we hardly have control over the ripple effects. We can expect harmony if we deal with our environment harmoniously.

How can one be connected or close to the Creator if one is removed from the creation? If we are disconnected with the environment and the natural world around us, we can hardly be connected to the Creator.