Crystal Morning
March is a month that sends signs of two seasons. Last week we had a robin in the yard, and
Tuesday we saw a small flock of swans (although to be fair we were in far southwestern
Wisconsin on our way to visit Michelle’s uncle in Minnesota). Yesterday we woke up to about an inch or more
of fresh snow that had to be brushed off of the car before we could drive
home. We chased the snow all the way
home as that new snow was spread out like a clean tablecloth all the way back
east, and at the same time, I could see the light blue of a clearing sky in my
rearview mirror as the wind had the storm at bay.
Ten miles from home we caught up with the snow as the snowflakes
were still settling across the view. But,
as we pulled off the freeway at our home exit the sun broke through. The landscape literally lit up as we realized
that although it had been just snow all the way across the state, at home we had
obviously had some freezing rain first and then the snow. Everything was encased in ice.
Although we had a brief period of melting with that
late sun, the evening cool down started before much of the ice was thawed. This morning the sky was clear and as soon as
the sun pulled free from the grip of the eastern horizon it was as if
everything had been etched by a master crystal artist. Most of creation’s greatest beauty is
expressed in the visible.
It is not so with us.
True beauty in the human comes from within, because it is within the
soul that the unseen God dwells. The difference
between saints and all others is that saints not only remember that God dwells
within, they choose to live in such a way that God shines without. Take Mother Theresa for example. She was perhaps not beautiful as the world
describes female beauty, but I suspect that even the most callous heart smiled
when they saw her, especially if they saw her interact with other people. My Spiritual Director was a member of the Missionaries
of Charity, the religious order founded by Mother until health challenges
caused her to return home. One time when
Mother came to visit her convent, Mother bowed to her. She asked some of the other sisters why
Mother would bow to her? They suggested
that she ask Mother herself. The next morning
as they passed in the hallway she had her chance as Mother bowed as she
approached. “Mother, why do you bow to
me?” she asked. “I bow to the Christ who
lives in you,” Mother answered.
If you have been baptized, Christ dwells within you. If you have been confirmed, the Holy Spirit
dwells within you. Even if you have
neglected, or even denied that reality, it is still reality.
If you crave a closer relationship with God, start by
looking within, because He’s already there.
He is waiting patiently, but longingly for you to take notice. When St Paul claimed that he could do all things
on Christ who strengthens him, that strength came from within, not from
without. This is why most people hear His
voice with their heart instead of their ears.
This Lent would be a good time to turn your gaze at God within.
His Peace <><
Deacon Dan
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