Day 34, Week 5: Gathering Fruit of Concern for the World from Your Spiritual Garden: Tending to the Presence of God
If you remove the yoke from among you,
the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
if you offer your food to the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness
and your gloom be like the noonday.
The Lord will guide you continually,
and satisfy your needs in parched places,
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters never fail. —Is 58:9b-11
Dicentra spectabilis, commonly known as a bleeding heart, is a favorite perennial among gardeners. Two are planted in the garden near the entrance to our home. When early spring arrives, the bleeding hearts are quick to show lacey leaves and long stems of strawberry colored blossoms, some with as many as twenty dancing heart shapes on a stem. Each blossom is shaped like a heart. To pray with the image of bleeding heart flowers is to be reminded of how much suffering exists in our world. In full bloom, this stunning garden flower visually proclaims a need for love and concern poured out for the planet.
Today you are invited to gather the specific concerns of the world that touch and move your heart and emotion, inviting you to a response. For each of us, there is a purpose beyond ourselves that speaks directly to our soul and the world’s great need. It might arise from of our past experiences, or not. One person cares for the elderly, lonely and homebound. Another is present to the differently-abled or physically abused. The plight of a war ravaged county might speak to one, while a homeless person shivering with hunger and cold might call to someone else.
Both the Hebrew and Christian scriptures convey a primary concern for the poor and marginalized. More than any other topic, this is addressed by God. The invitation is clear, and our action is not optional. But how do we choose where to focus our effort? The clue is by discovering where our heart is deeply moved. The suffering and pain in the world can be overwhelming, and some days it seems easier to do nothing, questioning whether one person can make a difference. The fact is that each action makes a difference. Interestingly, in our spiritual garden we discover that there is a home for everyone. St. Vincent de Paul walked this path well, demonstrating that a relationship between those who are materially poor or marginalized and those who are not is exactly what is needed for a healthy spiritual life.
How can we define what constitutes a person that is materially poor or marginalized? It is simple. A person that is materially poor wakes up in the morning and has very few options. A person that is marginalized will experience some type of alienation from others. Both appear invisible; yet touch the hem of our daily life if we look closely.
I’m certain that your heart bleeds and cares for a stranger somewhere in the world. There is a social concern that grabs your heart, and speaks to the longing in your soul for healing, hope and wholeness.
You may already know how you are called to serve others. On the other hand, this could be the opportunity to hear your heart reveal a new consciousness to you. A concern for others is different for each person, which is good. For example, I am drawn to service with children who suffer from abuse and neglect, and to women that are violated by abusive power structures. In contrast, my husband’s heart cries out when he encounters a person in need that is elderly or suffering with a physical disability. You too will have a particular population or issue grab your heart and not let go. In our spiritual garden, the tug of concern has no right to go away, and brings spiritual fruition.
Next week you will spend more time exploring how your generosity and concern for others can overflow into service. Today is a simple reflection upon how your heart is pierced with concern for others; how you gather concern for the world.
Meditation practice
Go to a garden or park. Find a quiet place to sit, or walk slowly and peacefully.
Look around you. Notice the firmness of earth supporting you, the trees, vastness of the sky, perhaps a horizon. Become fully present. What grabs your attention? Stop and notice. Bring your attention to your breath. Allow your chest to slow into deep, rhythmic breaths, rising and falling in your body. Notice any scents, sounds. Pay attention to thoughts that arise in your mind. Gently let them pass. Connect to the world. Imagine the diversity of people inhabiting the earth on multiple continents. Realize that what affects one person, affects you. Continue breathing.
Reflect upon the current world news and ask God to bring an image to your mind of what or who is in most need of your care, your concern, your love, your presence. Listen to what commands your attention.
Allow your heart to expand with whatever person, image or concern that rises within you. Breathe stillness, asking God to brand your heart with love. Make a silent commitment to allow a deeper consciousness to rise within you for the person, population or issue that grabbed your heart.
Conclude with five minutes of journaling in order to articulate your thoughts.