Cemeteries are fascinating spaces that unlock deep feelings in our human souls.  Perhaps walking among the gravestones at night causes us to feel scared, as if we are surrounded by legions of ghosts, or maybe the sight of a mausoleum reminds us of our own mortality and causes us to feel sadness and existential angst.  Doesn’t the act of burying something, however, demand deep trust?  Doesn’t the ritual of anointing that which is dead imply the hope of something new on the other side? In the same way that the women who went to anoint Jesus’ dead body were the first to encounter the awesomeness of resurrected life (Mt 28:1-10), we shall discover our true depths precisely by having the courage to befriend that which is dead in us.  May our willingness to honor our brokenness in life allow us to become walking, talking, living, breathing cemeteries capable of inviting others into the mystery of salvation. 

Ave Crux, Spes Unica.

Am I a people pleaser?  Do I suffer from good little girl or good little boy syndrome?  Does my sense of goodness and worth depend upon what other people think of me?  Am I addicted to the feeling of approval I get when being obedient to authoritative figures?  Do I even know my genuine desires, likes, and interests?  Do I really believe that my life is more than such neediness and clinging?  Has anyone ever taught me how to listen to a deeper truth?  Do I really prefer the voice of the beloved from the rest of the voices in the crowd?  Am I willing to spend time practicing this kind of prayerful listening?  Jesus invites us to take a risk on the truth.  It is precisely through the journey of loneliness, suffering and being misunderstood that we will discover an approval that matters and come to know how pleasing we have been to our heavenly father all along. 

Ave Crux, Spes Unica.

Interior design is all the rage on popular television.  Women and men of various backgrounds seem to have a growing appreciation for the relationship between the way that their space is organized and their feelings.  The subway tile backsplashes, the exposed beams, the neutral colors, and the vintage furniture thus serve as expressions of their spiritual aspirations.  Jesus, who had “no place to lay his head” (Mt 8:20), invites us to direct our interior design efforts to their ultimate meaning (Jn 19:30), that is, within ourselves (Lk 17:21).  Here, we will discover that there is but one space, a dwelling for you know who (Jn 14:20), that is supported and held in place by the entire cosmos.  Indeed, we shall discover that our dream house is close at hand (Deut 30:14) but will only ever be the result of our partnership with the divine designer. 

Ave Crux, Spes Unica.

Let’s make soup!  Begin with a hearty base, the broth of consistent personal prayer.  Next, add meat and veggies, the rituals of our religious traditions which become tender once they have had time to marinate.  Then, add the seasoning of spontaneous expressions of praise and thanksgiving throughout the day, enhancing the flavor of all of the ingredients.  Finally, and most importantly, share this stew with other people!  May our commitment to living a spiritual life, indeed, allow our souls to be a warm and nourishing pot of soup capable of feeding any stranger we meet along the way. 

Ave Crux, Spes Unica.