Meditations 4 Misfits

In this meditation based on the Letter to the Hebrews, Chapter 11, we consider the impact others have on shaping who we are and who we become. When asked what the inspiration for his unique approach to sculpting was, Michelangelo stated that he looked to find the beauty already inside the stone, and he wanted to set it free. His work with chisel and hammer was one of liberation. He didn’t create masterpieces—he set them free.

This meditation is based on the words of Jesus found in the Gospel of Mark 10:35-45, where Jesus shares with his friends the criteria for greatness. “It is standing in the world with head erect, solidly rooted in the knowledge of who we are, facing the reality that surrounds us, and responding to it from our hearts.” – Henri Nouwen 

This podcast offers a reflection on the episode with the rich young ruler recorded in Mark 10:17-31. In this passage Jesus teaches that for us to live a fully engaged and robust life, now, we may have to let go of what currently brings us security in an insecure world. “Die before you die, so that when you die, you won’t die.” – an Arabic saying 

This podcast offers a reflection on the last question we will explore in our series of The Questions Jesus Asked. This one comes from Matthew 6:27, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”  In this passage we may even discover an antidote to our preoccupation with worry.  “What worries you, masters you.” – John Locke 

This reflection on the question Jesus asked in John 21:15, “Do you love me?” offers an insight into how God works to help us re-write our life-limiting stories. What if God doesn’t want to rub it in, but rather, rub it out? 

This podcast offers a reflection on the famous story of the woman caught in adultery as recorded in the 8th Chapter of St. John’s Gospel. We suggest there is nothing that brings God greater happiness than helping us re-write our life-limiting stories. “Come, come, whoever you are. Wanderer, worshiper, lover, or drunk. It doesn’t matter. Ours is not a caravan of despair. Come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times. Come, yet again , come , come, to hope.” – Rumi 

This podcast offers a reflection on the question Jesus cried out in Matthew 27:46, “My God my God, why have you forsaken me?” Instead of trying to figure out why this happened, maybe it is better to see this question as an aid to answering how we should navigate our own times of suffering. 

If you’re interested, here’s a video of last week’s Reflection on “What Is Your Name?” https://youtu.be/pHDRYeFYK1U?t=742

This podcast offers a reflection of the encounter Jesus has with the Gadarene Demoniac as recorded in Luke chapter 8. Jesus asked him and us, “What is your name?” “The soul wants to tell us the truth about ourselves.” – Parker Palmer