Creed

Every Sunday morning I join my heart with Catholics around the world and recite a magnificent statement of faith, the Nicene Creed. The creed in its current form dates from 381 AD, but it expresses what Christians have believed from the dawn of our faith.

I love what songwriter Rich Mullins says about it in "Creed," his appropriately titled song:

And I believe what I believe

is what makes me what I am

I did not make it, no it is making me.

It is the very truth of God

and not the invention of any man

I feel a longing to write about it, line by line, in a series of posts over time. I'm not sure how long it will take; I can see at least three potential posts in the first line alone! I'll learn more about the ancient beginnings of our faith, as well as have an opportunity to express my deepest heartfelt feelings about the statement I recite each week.

The Nicene Creed

We believe in God, the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth, and all that is seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God, begotten, not made,

one in Being with the Father.

Through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation

he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit

he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day he rose again

in fulfilment of the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and His kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son.

With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified.

He has spoken through the Prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come.
Amen

A Particularly Fine Jewel

Today something precious was lost to me. I understand the reasons why; even so, there is a great weight in my heart.

And yet there is an abiding peace inside. I know that "all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) Within me there appears to be room for both sadness and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

This evening as I was preparing my family's dinner, a soft breeze wafted in from the open kitchen window and gently touched my skin, and after dinner, the clouds wore late sunset colors of pale pinks. The biggest oak tree is still outside, a guardian in our yard, as though protecting his smaller brothers. Crickets chirp, their methodical rhythm occasionally mixing with the faint ring of wind chimes. All these things bring assurance. They keep me connected with our Creator and help me know that the world is still running under His command. Our God's great love permeates all circumstances and this is no exception. I willingly submit myself to the refiner's fire and the loving hands of the potter.

This particularly fine jewel has my deep respect, now more than ever.

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." (I Corinthians 2:9)

May I Live Like This

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

(Prayer of St. Francis)

Lord, may I be so overflowing with You that I live in harmony with this prayer.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

I made dozens of Mother's Day floral arrangements over the last few days, putting stem after stem in vases that were ordered with love for mothers and wives. (I enjoy moonlighting at a florist.)

There is something lavishly extravagant about giving such a creation, one that will last a week, perhaps two, but while it lasts it fills the senses with such fragrance, color, shape, and texture. Perhaps that's why women love them so... they are the ultimate statement of living in the present and enjoying each moment as it comes. I have found that to be very important in motherhood.

Our life is like an empty vase with each act of love in Christ's name a flower. The more we love, the more we bring beauty to the world... and, like flowers, each loving act is a statement of the present moment. Continuing on the path of love keeps our vase full.

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." (II Corinthians 2:14-15)

Little by Little

Lord, thank you for answering my prayer, for revealing bits of your wisdom each day. You give us what we need to know. The scripture says "now we see through a glass darkly, but then we will see face to face." Thank you for allowing me to peer through the darkened glass a little for now.

Thank you for scripture that inspires, heals, brings comfort and resonates within the deep places of our souls.

Thank you for friends that speak the truth.

I love you,

Esther

Compelling Life Thought...

This isn't what I intended to write about at all, but I saw the picture and just had to.

Isn't it compelling? I wish it were possible in a physical way.

In a spiritual way, it begs a great question (how?) and offers an appealing challenge (live your life this way).

How may I embrace Christ on the cross? How may I share His burden? How may I bring Him comfort? How may I join my life's work with His?

Fulfilling this is my greatest calling and deepest wish.

(Something to ponder as I work among the flowers with St. Therese today. ;)

Psalm 37

Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever.In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.