Meditation is an ideal way to pray. Using God's word (Lectio Divina) allows me to hear, listen and reflect on what the Lord wants to say to me - to one of his disciples - just like He did two thousand years ago.
The best time to reflect is at the beginning of the day and for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
Prior to going to sleep, read the Mass readings for the next day and then, in the morning, reflect on the Meditation offered on this website.
I hope these daily meditations allow you to know, love and imitate the Lord in a more meaningful way.
God bless you!


Saturday, January 26, 2013

Mk 3:20-21 He Is Out Of His Mind

Jesus came with his disciples into the house.  Again the crowds gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
Have you ever visited a modern art gallery?  Did you ever walk out of it feeling confused?  It’s easy to.  But do not be confused, for all artists are out of their mind and their art is an expression of it. 
The great French artist, Claude Monet, was out of his mind, for when he looked at the sun, the moon, the sky, flowers, water, and landscapes, he saw what no one saw.  And only when he put it all down with paint could we see what he saw and give it a name:  Impressionism.
The great German composer, Ludwig Van Beethoven, was out of his mind, for when he went out into the countryside he heard what no one else heard.  And only when he put it all down in music form did we hear what he heard and give it a name:  Romanticism. 
Artists are out of their mind.  Lunatics are not.
Adam Lanza was not out of his mind; he was incased by his mind.  He saw a world that was strictly physical.  He only saw a world that was ‘sensibly’ there.  He could not see like an artist.  He only saw little creatures, little animals running around as he walked inside Sandy Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.  He only saw easy prey.  He did not see “innocence”.  How could he...if he were not out of his mind? 
Only when we are out of our mind can we see "innocence".  Only when we are out of our mind can we see and hear "beautiful" things, "radiant things".  Only when we are out of our mind can we acknowledge "holiness". 

Otherwise, how else would we do it? Under natural or rational lighting?    
He is out of his mind.  The Lord’s relatives were right.  But while the Lord was free to roam out of his mind, his accusers were entrapped by theirs.  While the Lord was able to forgive seven times seventy-times, his accusers were out to condemn him.  While he was being creative, his detractors were being destructive.  While he was saving, his enemies were plotting to kill him.  The Lord spoke in paradoxes and his own did not understand him.   They had grown no bigger than their thoughts, no wider than their paradigms, and no more sensible than their senses.  It’s easy for someone to call another crazy if they themselves are a lunatic.  It’s easy to point a finger and say, “He’s nuts!”  However, just imagine for a moment if the lunatic could think the impossible; that is that was someone bigger, much bigger, outside their box of rational goodies.    
Whereas the artist brings out colors unseen and sounds unheard, the lunatic is someone who is entombed by his senses, his thoughts, and his life.  He literally lives in a box with the light on.  He has hidden himself (“his light”) under a bushel basket.  Hence, his mind, his thoughts and his life grow ever darker.  And if he shines, then he shines like the moon (luna), leaving everything else in near total darkness.
“The light came into the world, and the world preferred the darkness” (Jn 3:19).
God is an artist.  He is not a lunatic.  Unfortunately, not everyone appreciates His work.  It’s not his fault.  But for those who do:  His universe is an exhibition; His words are poetry and music; His hands are that of a sculptor.  His creation is a work of art.  His masterpiece is life; His centerpiece is the Christian - the loving man, the holy man - an image and likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ.    

2 comments:

  1. Father, My heart brakes for all those lost and for their families. It will take a very long time for the parents to go on with their lives, but the Lord will help them heal. It is obvious this is a Christian community, and they have all come together to help one another. In a way those who were taken away that day have brought our country together. I don't mean politicians, I mean the hearts of the citizens. It has been a long time since all of America came together, to weep and pray. Those little children did that, along with the brave teachers and administrators.

    I do not believe there is any death, I believe we go from the earthly side of God's kingdom to the heavenly side of God's kingdom. Like going through a door way.

    Some have said to me, how can you feel this way. I say, we are supposed to pray for the sinners, and forgive. Forgiveness comes in time, hopefully for all involved and all who grieve for those lost. They are all with our precious Lord, and it just doesn't get any better then that.

    Of course we all feel pain, but none as much as the parents of those lost, the brothers and sisters of so many wondering why. The why can be a big obstacle to overcome, it can cause us to become stuck in our grief. I say, don't give the devil that power over you. Have faith in our Heavenly Father, that he knows why and trust in him that we will see our loved ones again and until then they are well taken care of. Of course it is OK to cry, we all experience the deep burden of pain, seemingly endless when someone we love so much as a child or spouse is lost, parent or grandparent we are especially close to. But the relief of the burden of pain comes when we stay focused on God's promises. He will take care of the wicked, vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord. Let God take care of Adam Lanza in his own way, however he see's fit. Only God knows his heart, none of us will ever know, he took it to his grave.

    I agree with you, he is not a lunatic, but I do believe he was a lost soul and not walking in any way in the path of our Lord. Without God we are all lost. If we reject God, we give our souls over to the devil, and he will have his way with us.

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  2. I draw and have painted a little. I am no artist yet but am still probably outta my mind. :)

    Ps: SHEPERD'S CAFE tonight!!!! Going to be a fabulous evening with the CFR's praise and worship, coffee and adoration!! I be praying for you father!

    Katie

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