We
are learning to experience silence and solitude for some fraction of our daily
lives. It may be five minutes in the morning, an hour in the evening, or a part
of the weekend. But when we leave that time we aspire to be spiritually
enriched so that we can do better, be better, for the life we live.
We
live in the real world... a world filled with beauty and joy, but also with
pain and suffering. Thomas Merton knew well that the clarion call to the spirit
was not one to be hidden, but one of participation:
“...
it may express the solitary's conviction that he is not good enough for most of
the visible exercises of the community, that his own part is to carry out some
hidden function, in the community's spiritual cellar.”
Who
will answer the call when a loved one or a stranger cries out in pain?
Abraham
said “Here I am, Lord.”
The
Dalai Lama said:
“Our
prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at
least don’t hurt them.”
Surah
40 of the Qu’ran says:
“Call
on me, I will answer you.”
No
matter our faith walk, we believe that answering the call carries noble
purpose. Firefighters rush into burning buildings as others stream frantically
away. Police and ambulance sirens herald that help us on its way. The calm
voice of the dispatcher responds to the 911 call. Trauma doctors and nurses
triage incoming emergency room patients. Such visual evidence of men and women
answering the call are both redemptive and instructive.
First
responders train for moments of chaos, that they may reach standards of
capability to face disasters large and small. We train as well. Sincere
commitment to shedding fear, hesitation, and self-doubt prepares us to bring
life and light where we find darkness and despair.
We
are on a journey of self-discovery. It is our highest call to our best selves.
Perhaps holding up the visual image of the First Responder can personify for us
what we can do, and who we can be for the people in our lives who need us.
Situations
we all know about could be inviting us: a sick neighbor or relative who could
use a visit; a parent with a disabled child who would love respite; a dying
friend for whom witness or prayer could be transformational.
Envision
the call, and cast yourself into the role of responder. Every one of us can be
that answer.
Excellent !!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts. Perfect analogy!
ReplyDeleteHow apropos this is! I received a request to attend a posse meeting from our life enrichment coordinators. They would like the residents to handle the search for assumed missing residents. The
ReplyDeleteshifts are all overnight, on weekdays. On weekends, it's 24 hours. Of course, I am going to answer the call and be one of the first responders. I'm just hoping that the calls will be few and far between, in the wee hours of the morning. Thank you for this great blog.
Great messages. �� Respect and compassion for others makes us all stronger and wiser.
ReplyDeleteWhat a creative connection you made between those answering God’s call and those who are first responders.
ReplyDeleteI never thought that their response is the same.
And then drawing the application to our calling.
You are doing lovely work!