In 1970 Joni Mitchell first recorded Big Yellow Taxi, which mourned the loss of “Paradise” on a visit to Hawaii as she looked out a hotel window on a huge parking lot.
It seems to be human nature to take for granted what we have. Those who have chosen to “give up” something for Lent may be reminded in simple ways at a party when chocolate cake is served. Lay missionaries may believe they are prepared for water and electricity outages, delays in ability to correspond with friends and family, yet only realize how challenging this is when they actually miss these conveniences. Mission Doctors frustration for lack of supplies or equipment, diagnostic tools, often becomes the most challenging reality of practicing medicine in resource poor settings. Items taken for granted in their practice at home now lacking may be keenly missed.
The readings for the fourth Sunday of Lent begin with the story of God’s chosen people who had come to take for granted their unique relationship with the Lord. “…they mocked the messengers of God, despised his warnings, and scoffed at his prophets” They only knew what they really had when the didn’t have it anymore, to paraphrase Joni Mitchell. 70 years of exile in Babylon they mourned the loss of the temple, they mourned the loss of that special relationship with God. We pray with the Psalmist now reminded of this loss “Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you!”
Perhaps the most well know words of the entire Gospel are John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” These words form the fundamental truth of Christian faith. Do we take our faith for granted? On this Lenten journey that began on Ash Wednesday we were given the steps we are to take as we move forward to renew our Baptism on Holy Saturday.
We continue to be called to Prayer, Sacrifice, Good Works. Can you imagine your life without faith? Perhaps recognizing just how dark our lives would be without faith, we can avoid taking this gift, this light, for granted and take the steps to deepen our relationship with God on our Lenten journey.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
What are the rules?
For some, knowing the rules is all that is needed to know what is expected of them. For others rules are only a suggestion, and one person's rule is another's mere recommendation.
This can be one of the areas where cultures can clash. Punctuality for most of those of us in the west is considered a paramount rule. In many places where our doctors serve, a meeting may not begin on time, frustrating only the westerner. We may greet each other in the US with a brief "How are you?" never expecting a real answer. However when walking down a road in Africa, such greetings are expected to be genuine and may take some time as people exchange information about the wellbeing of family and friends.
We are walking down a road together now. We need to take time on this Lenten journey, working to renew our Baptism, since this road isn't just leading us to Holy Week and Easter. Ultimately this journey with prayer, sacrifice and good works leads beyond this life, like John's response which we pray together in answer to the Psalm "Lord, you have the words of everlasting life".
The Readings from the First, Second and now the Third Sunday of Lent build on the covenants between God and man; first with Noah, then Abraham and this week with Moses and God's chosen people. In the Gospel Jesus challenges us to recognize that the Commandments are so much more than a short list of rules; 'do's and don'ts'. They show us the relationship we are called to have with God and how we should express this relationship in love and justice for all our sisters and brothers throughout the world. Jesus shows both His human nature and points to His divine nature promising that he will raise 'this temple' in three days.
On this journey how do the 'rules' help us with prayer, sacrifice and good works?
How are we looking beyond Easter to everlasting life?
This can be one of the areas where cultures can clash. Punctuality for most of those of us in the west is considered a paramount rule. In many places where our doctors serve, a meeting may not begin on time, frustrating only the westerner. We may greet each other in the US with a brief "How are you?" never expecting a real answer. However when walking down a road in Africa, such greetings are expected to be genuine and may take some time as people exchange information about the wellbeing of family and friends.We are walking down a road together now. We need to take time on this Lenten journey, working to renew our Baptism, since this road isn't just leading us to Holy Week and Easter. Ultimately this journey with prayer, sacrifice and good works leads beyond this life, like John's response which we pray together in answer to the Psalm "Lord, you have the words of everlasting life".
The Readings from the First, Second and now the Third Sunday of Lent build on the covenants between God and man; first with Noah, then Abraham and this week with Moses and God's chosen people. In the Gospel Jesus challenges us to recognize that the Commandments are so much more than a short list of rules; 'do's and don'ts'. They show us the relationship we are called to have with God and how we should express this relationship in love and justice for all our sisters and brothers throughout the world. Jesus shows both His human nature and points to His divine nature promising that he will raise 'this temple' in three days.
On this journey how do the 'rules' help us with prayer, sacrifice and good works?
How are we looking beyond Easter to everlasting life?
Friday, March 6, 2009
Keeping Things in Context…
When doctors and their families make a commitment to serve for three years this calling, taken out of context seems absurd. Why would a doctor leave their practice in the United States to serve in the missions receiving a stipend of $150 a month? Why would anyone leave their friends and families to serve those in need half a world away?
The readings for the second Sunday of Advent, taken on their own, may be confusing at the least, but we are reassured by Paul, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
As we continue to make this Lenten journey, of prayer, sacrifice and striving to do good works to renew our own baptism, we read of Abraham being put to the test, and Jesus transfigured with Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets.
Taken on its own, Abraham is being asked to sacrifice his only beloved son, to us an obvious foreshadowing of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Taken in context, Abraham is willing to do so because he deeply believes in the promise God had already made, and he believes that if he carries out what is asked, God will raise Isaac from the dead to deliver on that promise.
Jesus appears transfigured with Moses and Elijah. On its own we can completely understand Peter’s reaction – "Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents...” In the context of the Resurrection we see that Jesus is the fulfillment of both the Law and the teachings of the Prophets, his transfiguration a foreshadowing of the Resurrection, with the exhortation from the Father, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him."
Mission Doctors and their families serve in the context of their faith. Called to live our Baptism, we too, with prayer, sacrifice and good works, believe in the Promise and know “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
The readings for the second Sunday of Advent, taken on their own, may be confusing at the least, but we are reassured by Paul, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
As we continue to make this Lenten journey, of prayer, sacrifice and striving to do good works to renew our own baptism, we read of Abraham being put to the test, and Jesus transfigured with Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets.
Taken on its own, Abraham is being asked to sacrifice his only beloved son, to us an obvious foreshadowing of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Taken in context, Abraham is willing to do so because he deeply believes in the promise God had already made, and he believes that if he carries out what is asked, God will raise Isaac from the dead to deliver on that promise.
Jesus appears transfigured with Moses and Elijah. On its own we can completely understand Peter’s reaction – "Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents...” In the context of the Resurrection we see that Jesus is the fulfillment of both the Law and the teachings of the Prophets, his transfiguration a foreshadowing of the Resurrection, with the exhortation from the Father, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him."
Mission Doctors and their families serve in the context of their faith. Called to live our Baptism, we too, with prayer, sacrifice and good works, believe in the Promise and know “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The First Sunday of Lent
This First Sunday of Lent --- taking the first steps on this journey to renew our baptism, where we were washed clean in the waters, signed with the cross and received the Holy Spirit.
Jesus tells us today that; "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."
The old covenant has passed away – the covenant made with Noah that prepared the world for the Son of God. The new covenant was made through Jesus’ sacrifice bringing to us the opportunity for forgiveness, wholeness, perfection, and union with God.
Our baptism begins with God's love and continues with us, living and bringing God's love and care to the world. Our mission doctors strive to do this each day and those who support are partners in this care.
As we walk this 40-day path together we can strive to remember that we must act in a way that both recognizes Gods love for us, and also calls us to act in a way that reflects God’s love to others.
How will we do this? Step, by step, with prayer, sacrifice and fasting.
What are you doing as you begin your journey? Please share your experience with me here, by posting comments on this blog, I would love to hear how you are living this Lenten journey.
Jesus tells us today that; "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."
The old covenant has passed away – the covenant made with Noah that prepared the world for the Son of God. The new covenant was made through Jesus’ sacrifice bringing to us the opportunity for forgiveness, wholeness, perfection, and union with God.
Our baptism begins with God's love and continues with us, living and bringing God's love and care to the world. Our mission doctors strive to do this each day and those who support are partners in this care.
As we walk this 40-day path together we can strive to remember that we must act in a way that both recognizes Gods love for us, and also calls us to act in a way that reflects God’s love to others.
How will we do this? Step, by step, with prayer, sacrifice and fasting.
What are you doing as you begin your journey? Please share your experience with me here, by posting comments on this blog, I would love to hear how you are living this Lenten journey.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Ash Wednesday
On this 40-day Lenten journey we are called to renew our baptism that begins with God's love and continues with us, living and bringing God's love and care to the world.
Ash Wednesday, our first step on this journey gives us the Gospel reading with Jesus speaking of three important things we should be about on this path: sacrifice, prayer and fasting, all to be done without a desire for recognition.
What we do recognize is that we are in need of conversion, and the ashes that are on our foreheads today publicly acknowledges this and reminds us that we are to called to "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel."
The prophet Joel tells us that we can rely on God who is "gracious and merciful...slow to anger, rich in kindness and relenting in punishment," And the reading from Paul expresses the urgency of the message – the time is now, this very day is our “day of salvation”.
As we walk this 40-day path together lets remember that it we must act in a way that both recognizes Gods love for us, and also calls us to act in a way that reflects God’s love to others. How will we do this? Step, by step, with prayer, sacrifice and fasting.
What are you doing as you begin your journey?
Ash Wednesday, our first step on this journey gives us the Gospel reading with Jesus speaking of three important things we should be about on this path: sacrifice, prayer and fasting, all to be done without a desire for recognition.
What we do recognize is that we are in need of conversion, and the ashes that are on our foreheads today publicly acknowledges this and reminds us that we are to called to "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel."
The prophet Joel tells us that we can rely on God who is "gracious and merciful...slow to anger, rich in kindness and relenting in punishment," And the reading from Paul expresses the urgency of the message – the time is now, this very day is our “day of salvation”.
As we walk this 40-day path together lets remember that it we must act in a way that both recognizes Gods love for us, and also calls us to act in a way that reflects God’s love to others. How will we do this? Step, by step, with prayer, sacrifice and fasting.
What are you doing as you begin your journey?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
And a good time was had by all….
What does a black tie party in Los Angeles have to do with the medical needs of patients at a mission hospital or clinic?
On Valentines Day the Mission Doctors Auxiliary hosted the celebration of 50 years of ‘Hearts and Hope” at a Benefit Gala at the Jonathan Club in Los Angeles.
So much work goes into this type of event – and I continue to be completely impressed by the generosity of the Mission Doctors Auxiliary members with both their time and treasure! Everything from addressing invitations, assigning seating, collecting donations for and making the beautiful silent auction baskets, handwriting the placecards, overseeing the beautiful decorations and then running around all evening to ensure that all went well.
If you’ve been to other such events you might think you already know what this one is like, but I think you would be surprised. First there are the doctors and their wives who came who have served in the missions, happy to share their stories with supporters and occasionally huddled in a corner with other doctors sharing stories of unusual surgeries.
Individuals who have been involved in supporting this work for many years bring friends to introduce them to the work and engender their support.
All evening I was struck by the sense that this is all part of a chain – each individual a critical link bringing health and hope to a child in Zimbabwe, a women in Cameroon, a family in Uganda.
We celebrated the work, honored both those who served and those who make the work possible, and introduced the mission to others. On top of all this we raised money to make the mission a mission possible. Quite a bit of work, but the outcome, as always truly outweighs the effort.
On Valentines Day the Mission Doctors Auxiliary hosted the celebration of 50 years of ‘Hearts and Hope” at a Benefit Gala at the Jonathan Club in Los Angeles.
So much work goes into this type of event – and I continue to be completely impressed by the generosity of the Mission Doctors Auxiliary members with both their time and treasure! Everything from addressing invitations, assigning seating, collecting donations for and making the beautiful silent auction baskets, handwriting the placecards, overseeing the beautiful decorations and then running around all evening to ensure that all went well.
If you’ve been to other such events you might think you already know what this one is like, but I think you would be surprised. First there are the doctors and their wives who came who have served in the missions, happy to share their stories with supporters and occasionally huddled in a corner with other doctors sharing stories of unusual surgeries.
Individuals who have been involved in supporting this work for many years bring friends to introduce them to the work and engender their support.
All evening I was struck by the sense that this is all part of a chain – each individual a critical link bringing health and hope to a child in Zimbabwe, a women in Cameroon, a family in Uganda.
We celebrated the work, honored both those who served and those who make the work possible, and introduced the mission to others. On top of all this we raised money to make the mission a mission possible. Quite a bit of work, but the outcome, as always truly outweighs the effort.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Generosity
One of our doctors recently shared a story of faith and abundance that sounded like it came right out of the pages of the Old Testament (the name of the sister and hospital have been omitted to protect their generosity).
A Catholic sister serving as hospital administrator was approached by a group of about 80 individuals and families members who had walked for two days with no food – they said that they had nothing and were turning to the hospital as a last resort.
Sister advised her staff to feed them for three days and send them back to their homes with a supply of food. The hospital staff while compassionate, informed the sister that doing so would wipe out their eleven day store of grain.
Sister’s reply was "Then we will eat just vegetable here at the hospital.” The people were fed and sent with enough to see them home and provide some nourishment for a time.
The next day the hospital learned that the Jesuit Fathers would be receiving a large shipment of corn, and that they would be sending one ton of corn to the hospital. She believes it is from God. So do I.
I would love to hear about a time in your life or in the lives of others, that were reflections of the generosity of God. Please post here and share your experiences of compassion.
A Catholic sister serving as hospital administrator was approached by a group of about 80 individuals and families members who had walked for two days with no food – they said that they had nothing and were turning to the hospital as a last resort.
Sister advised her staff to feed them for three days and send them back to their homes with a supply of food. The hospital staff while compassionate, informed the sister that doing so would wipe out their eleven day store of grain.
Sister’s reply was "Then we will eat just vegetable here at the hospital.” The people were fed and sent with enough to see them home and provide some nourishment for a time.
The next day the hospital learned that the Jesuit Fathers would be receiving a large shipment of corn, and that they would be sending one ton of corn to the hospital. She believes it is from God. So do I.I would love to hear about a time in your life or in the lives of others, that were reflections of the generosity of God. Please post here and share your experiences of compassion.
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