"Taking the Plunge"!

As I was sequestered over the weekend because of the Polar Vortex, I was able to take in the TV movie of Episode IV - Star Wars. I instantly could name the characters and groupings that appeared, such as: Luke Skywalker and his twin sister, Princess Leia, and all the other assorted heroes, villains, scoundrels, and droids – Anakin Skywalker, Han Solo, Padme, Jar Jar Binks, C-3PO, R2-D2, Chew Bacca, Jabba the Hutt, Obi-Wan-Kenobi, Darth Vader, and Yoda the Grand Jedi Master.  These George Lucas masterpieces have so many spiritual, philosophical, and psychological themes running through them as fictional space operas and fictitious galactic stories of a galaxy far, far away - that you can even find yourself in some or all of the characters!

The “good guys” of the Jedi are all bonded together by the Force – the energy and power that is to be used for the “common good” of the Empire. But as Master Yoda comments: “Yes, a Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware of the dark side. Anger, fear, aggression; the dark side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will, as it did Obi-Wan's apprentice.” And, “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”

I write this because these characters remind me of how we all are given a CALL to become the more of who we are and that there is an inner bond between and among us as people of the “Force”!  We are all invited to touch into the “force” of God’s presence within us and then make the choices to live out through that presence. However, like Luke Skywalker, a time of training and transformation is always a necessary part of BE-coming our true, authentic Self.  St. Ignatius even designed his Spiritual Exercises for this purpose – along with many other spiritual “Jedi” Christian mystics who created paths and stages of transformation for union with God.

In our Gospel this Sunday, we read of the Baptism of Jesus. His cousin, John the Baptist, has been inviting the crowds to “take the plunge” of baptism of repentance.  In this Gospel, Jesus shows up and desires to be baptized as well. Here, too, we have the special effects of the Gospel of Matthew. The River Jordan in the desert, two cousins meeting in these waters – (this makes me reflect upon their first meeting when their mother’s met in their pregnancies, and where in the amniotic waters they were stirred to dance! )

Now above these sacred waters, the heavens split open, and “cloud talk” thunders through this desert, and the Spirit descends in the form of a dove and hovers over these heroes and movers of the Mission! Jesus is named – Beloved! 

Jesus has no light saber for he is the Light, the Way, and the Truth - that God is Good News for all – not just a select few.  He is a Force of goodness, compassion, forgiveness and unconditional love.  His identity as the Anointed One will be revealed through his words and works – the blind will see, the lame will walk, the lepers will be cleansed, the deaf will hear, and the dead will be raised.  Jesus will eventually have to take a stand again and again against the “dark side.” The threatening glances of the religious leaders, and the rejection, suspicion, and animosity of the “establishment” will pursue him all his life. - He will be a disturbing presence – and eventually lose his life.

So what is the Good News for us?  Let us ponder:
• How have we been aware of God’s presence in our lives as we encountered the Light and Darkness in our lived realities?
• Instead of asking ourselves, “Where is God in this?” – Why not ask . . .
“How am I in God?”
• How does this Gospel invite us to “take the plunge” of entering into a deeper relationship with God through reading the Scriptures, seeking out a spiritual guide, or carving out a time daily for personal prayer or quiet reflection?
• Are we willing to be called, “Beloved” as God invites us into the Mission and Light?  Pray for the grace to be open to this “training.”

“Why is it so important that you are with God and God alone on the mountain top? It’s important because it’s the place in which you can listen to the voice of the One who calls you the beloved. To pray is to listen to the One who calls you my beloved daughter, my beloved son, my beloved child. To pray is to let that voice speak to the center of your being, to your guts, and let that voice resound in your whole being. (Henri Nouwen)