The Drake and the Beautiful World

Mariam looked through the window.
It was a beautiful day, and startlingly - just outside the window - was a drake with irridescent feathers, his back to her.
The bird was far from water, and the sun glinted on the neat patterns of the grey, pearl and white feathers of his wings.
The green-blue head and neck proudly turned from side to side, as the drake eyed all around him with interest.
Mariam was thrilled. 
She told the Rabbi, "What a beautiful world you have made, Lord.
Whenever we look out, we see ..."
Jesus answered, "A new wonder every day."

Photograph taken by Catherine Nicolette, for use copyright free

Time of difficulty

Mariam was struggling through an extended time of difficulty.
The Rabbi said to her, "These things must be.
They will pass.
But the strength which you have gained through them will not pass."

Gleaning and the Rabbi

Mariam was reading of the gleaning process in Jeremiah Chapter 6 verse 9 in the Old Testament.

Rabbi Jesus said to her, 'Allow me to glean your soul of all its faults.'

The Great Prophet Jeremiah Chapter 6 verse 9
'This is what the LORD Almighty says:

"Let them glean the remnant of Israel
 as thoroughly as a vine; 
 pass your hand over the branches
           again,
    like one gathering grapes."

Disappointment

Mariam sat quietly in the church, feeling totally lost after a disappointment.

What was she to do?

The Rabbi said gently, 'Don't let it break you.'

Struggling not to bear a grudge

Mariam was hurt by treatment she received, and was struggling not to bear a grudge.
She asked the Rabbi;
"Lord, how do you manage to deal with people who treat you badly, and forgive them?" 
The Rabbi answered, 
"I remember those who were good to Me, and sift the others away through the fingers of kindness."

Major life shakeup

Mariam was undergoing a major shakeup in her life.
The Rabbi told her, "Out of this terrible suffering, something new and beautiful will be born."

Years later, Mariam would look back to that time of difficulty.
She realised that the Rabbi had helped her find courage to go through that time, and reach the other side.
She had become more compassionate and understanding of others after her time of trial.

Out of her suffering, compassion, understanding and tolerance for others had been born.
Sometimes it is only through difficulty that our true character is forged.

Do feelings matter?

Mariam was told, "Feelings don't matter."
The Rabbi considered that they really do matter. 
He said to Mariam, "Feelings are the indicators that something is happening."

And if we don't keep self awareness as to what is happening within ourselves, how will we be able to respond appropriately and with growing maturity to the society about us?

Our feelings, our emotions are an accurate barometer when something is going wrong - they can warn us that something either within or without ourselves needs to change in order for us to come back to inner harmony again.

The Rabbi and The Great Prophet Isaiah

Mariam was reading the Book of the Prophet Isaiah.

Rabbi Jesus told her, "Just so did I sit and read the Scriptures."

Thereafter every time Mariam read the beautiful book, she felt the happiness of knowing she loved the ancient writings as the Rabbi did.

The Great Prophet Isaiah http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/464019/jewish/The-Prophet-Isaiah.htm

*With thanks to Chabad.org

At a sick person's bedside

Mariam had forgotten to pray at a sick person's bedside, and was distressed about it.

Rabbi Jesus told her, "Your presence was a prayer."

Sometimes just being there in support for another is enough.

Meeting old friends

Mariam met old friends.

She said, "After all these years, we picked up just exactly where we left off."

Rabbi Jesus observed, "The powerful marks of a true friendship."

The Blessed Sacrament

Mariam visited the Rabbi Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar; where the Blessed Bread breathes the message of Divinity having met and matched with humanity.
Jesus told her, "This sacrament is the sacrament of my love; it is also the sacrament of my sorrow."

God waits for us to spend time in prayer and grow in loving relationship with Him, in His sacrament on the altar.
Many a time He waits in vain for us to leave our busy lives and to turn to Him with love.
And He gets lonely.
The great God loves the friendship of humble humanity.

This is the unending mystery that enthralls angels, and infuriates the powers of darkness.
Humble love for his daughters and sons in humanity have brought the great God to dwell among us in His Incarnation.
The greatest powers could not conquer the Almighty Power of God;
the love of the tiniest human can conquer His loving heart in a moment.

Why not make a visit in loving friendship daily to God in your place of worship?
It is lovely for Him, and lovely for you.


*Photograph taken by Catherine Nicolette, with thanks to the artist

Financial worries

Mariam was worrying about a financial problem.

Rabbi Jesus asked her, "How can you worry so over a few pennies when I love you so."

Financial worries pass. Love never does.

Misunderstanding

Mariam was anxious that her spontaneous warm greeting of a friend might be misunderstood.

The Rabbi asked her, "Why are you all so afraid of love?"

Upset after conflict

Mariam was upset with someone after conflict.

Mariam told the Rabbi, "I don't feel like praying for him."

Jesus told her, "He probably needs prayer most of all."

The real me

Rabbi Jesus said to Mariam;
"I have poured out my thoughts on you, and you have soaked them up like thirsty soil."
Mariam answered;
"I'm glad I spent the time praying, reading and studying Scripture and spiritual books, Lord.
It was truly a great help."
Jesus; ""Indeed it was.
It prepared the soil so that I could plant my seeds and water them.
Watch your soul grow.
Now will be a time of unprecedented growth - grasp onto it with eagerness and don't let go until the fruit of holiness appears."
Mariam; "Jesus, I'm no longer interested in anything else - only in spending time with you."
Jesus answered; "That's only natural.
You've met the real me."

A withering remark

Someone crushed Mariam with a withering remark.

Mariam was devastated. "Maybe what she says about me is true."

Rabbi Jesus; "Don't think about that evidence of spite."

Quiet time

Mariam; "How should I spend quiet time, Lord?"

Rabbi Jesus; "Go to the church and spend extra time with me in prayer.

I will always be waiting for you."

Do not be afraid

Mariam was anxious, and at prayer.

The answer she received was,

"Do not see me as a God of fear."

What about meditation?

Mariam; "What about meditation, Lord?"

Rabbi Jesus; "It's not the length of time that determines a good meditation;

it's the depth of it."