Journey to Joy

Obstetric Joy

“Pilgrimage is a journey taken in the light of a story.”  Paul Elie on Krista Tippett

“So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples” Matthew 28:8  New International Version (NIV)

We have been focused on finding “happiness” as a culture.  “Happiness” seems to have a kind of private/individual focus.  It seems to me that at this time of Lent/Easter we need to see that “joy” is the “light” in the pilgrimage in the Good News story!

A reality of our pilgrimage towards “joy” is that it is a journey in relationship to others.  When we are on pilgrimages we do not travel alone.  

We have that joy experience in relationship to others.   It is what we feel when we hear the Hallelujah Chorus or sing it standing with our brothers and sisters.   Most importantly it was the initial emotion in response to the reality of the resurrection; a reality that must be shared.   That Joy can be ours as well if we live our lives into that reality.

Marvin

References:

Hage, Marvin (2010-12-01). Healing Agents: Christian Perspectives (p. 65). Kindle Edition. 

Francis, P. (2013). The Joy of the Gospel: Evangelii Gaudium. Usccb. 

Paul Elrie  with Krista Tippett “On Being” - “Faith Fired by Literature”

Retrieved from http://www.onbeing.org/program/faith-fired-literature/999

Hage, M. L. (2013). Joy. 

Retrieved from http://healingagents.blogspot.com/2013/06/joy.html

Returning

Rembrandt's  Prodigal Son

“Altar Q: 16th Ruler Receives Staff of Leadership from 1st Ruler”, Copan, Honduras

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”

Marcel Proust

Returning to Honduras (2/22/14) was exciting but with some emotional uncertainty.  When I left in 1998, it was at a of a time of personal and professional loss.  It was also a time of transitions that were difficult but helped shaped a new direction in my life.  So how did I see this place that was also a beginning?  Which “son” do I look like? (See David Brooks editorial)

What I experienced was some wonderful memories of a place and people.  What was the best was to experience and see my son's leadership. The community service model had not changed in form, but it's execution had been improved and expanded.

So, Rembrandt's depiction of a father and his sons and the Altar Q can also be seen from a perspective of a father's or a King's joy in the transfer and continuation of leadership and a work that is valued!

Marvin

References

Luke 15:11-32

Fash, W. F., Ricardo Agurcia. (2007). History Carved In Stone: A Guide To The Archaeological Park Of The Ruins Of Copan, Fourth Edition (4th Edition ed.). Copan Association. Page 25.

Marcel Proust Quote: Most likely a misquote but with origins in the work “Remembrance of Things Past”.

Hage, Marvin (2010-12-01). Healing Agents: Christian Perspectives (p. 30). Kindle Edition.