Our Unique Paths--August 23, 2024

Today’s Readings:

Psalm 140, 142; Job 2:1-13; Acts 9:1-9; John 6:27-40 

Special Note:

As a precursor to the reflection below, I wanted you to know that The Threshold Center, a new ministry of Saint Stephen’s will begin offering programs this fall.  You may learn more at ssechurch.org/threshold and download a program flyer here. I welcome your questions and participation. Please distribute this flyer to those who you believe would appreciate these offerings. If you would like to receive emails from the Threshold Center, please email admin@thethresholdcenter.org.

Today’s Reflection:

When have you had a dramatic shift in your perspective of reality? Perhaps something wonderful or something tragic caused you to rethink previously held beliefs. For Saul, it was on the road to Damascus, at a time when he was persecuting Jesus’ followers. In a stunning turn of events, confident and cruel Saul, suddenly lost his sight, heard Jesus’ voice, and turned his life from that of a terrorist to that of an evangelist. His transformation was marked by a name change from Saul to Paul.

For me, one of the most painful and profound life-altering experiences was when my best friend, Rhonda Holman died from breast cancer at 39-years-old. Her two young children were only eight and five years old. Rhonda faced her diagnosis and treatments with a fierce desire to live as joyfully as possible. Though she was understandably angry with God at times, she searched many places for hope and healing. Sometimes she prayed in the Catholic Church, other times she attended Indigenous Peoples’ sweat lodges.

Once, when Maya Tiwari was teaching in the San Francisco Bay Area, where were living at the time, Rhonda and I attended her Ayurvedic workshop.  Ayurveda is a medicine system native to India influenced by Hinduism which incorporates diet, exercise, herbs, and other forms of healing. For the first time in my life, I experienced chanting prayers with a group. It felt as if my body’s vibrations changed. I did not understand the Hindu words, but I felt the transcendence of dropping away to a deeper place by the repetitive chant and the many voices carrying me.

Other then purchasing a rarely-opened Ayurvedic cookbook, I never really embraced that philosophy in my life. And, the experience of listening to Maya, a compelling and compassionate woman had a significant impact on me. Not least of which was the gift of chanting as prayer. I have great respect for the teachings of her tradition, even if it is not the path for me. Later, I spent two years practicing and studying Tibetan Buddhism. Again, realizing something was missing for me. It was a Tibetan Buddhist monk who encouraged me to “go home” to Christianity.

It may seem odd for an Episcopal priest to have explored so many different paths to God. I am grateful for each of them.  This intense time of seeking was foundational to a passionate return to my Christian roots; and ultimately a late-in-life call to the priesthood. Each of us is invited to walks a unique path with God. In this moment, I encourage you to listen for the voice calling you home to deeper relationship.

Grace and Peace,

Mary Bea+

Questions for Self-Reflection:

When have you had a dramatic shift in your perspective of reality? What new awareness did you gain?