Maundy Thursday. It’s today. And it’s a day that shocks in its intensity.
Americans have been experiencing a lot of intense days lately, as a growing number are realizing that they were duped by their incumbent President … betrayed by him … by someone they thought cared about them and would make America great.
Many years ago, on this day, the man named Jesus of Nazareth, was about to be betrayed … betrayed by someone who said he cared about, loved, him. But that man, Judas, betrayed his friend, his mentor, his rabbi, Jesus of Nazareth. What drove Judas to such action?
What drives anyone to betray another?
That question gives rise to another in this Holy Week: “When someone is betrayed, has God been betrayed?” How to answer that? Perhaps, reflecting on these may help get to the answer.
… When a desire for wealth or fame has overwhelmed the call to be persons of justice and mercy – has God been betrayed?
… If we name ourselves Christian, yet think unloving thoughts about another, act in ways that are not compassionate or kind or just – has the Holy One been betrayed?
… When selfishness prioritizes ‘wants’ before the ‘needs’ of others – has the Creator been betrayed?
… When we refuse to be uplifted, enabled, and transformed by the wisdom or experience of another – have we rejected gifts given by the Creator
… When we only see how right we are and ignore the learning that comes in acknowledging that we have made a mistake – have we betrayed the Source of All Being?
… When we will not accept God’s support and grace, strengthening us for the tasks we have been asked to undertake, or the new ministry roles we are challenged to experience – have we betrayed the Beloved Rabbi?
… When we say we love God, yet have answered ‘yes’ to any of the above – is our connection to the man known as Judas, tangible?
While today, Maundy Thursday, is a day to feel the pain and shock of Judas’ betrayal, it can also be a day to reflect on moments in our own lives when we have betrayed God … when we have not forgiven another … when we have spoken, or thought unkindly of another, betraying our common humanity by our words, thoughts, tweets, texts, social media comments.
On this holy Maundy Thursday, may we receive the story of Jesus in a spirit of humility, and draw closer to one another, mindful of the ways betrayal has been part of our life and yet, in spite of it, remember that we are loved by the One who always loves unconditionally … and who invites us to do likewise to others by expressing kindness, compassion and justice.
Semocracy is on the edge of disappearing in many countries. Added to that is the rising homelessness; war; addiction; climate refugees; increasing hatred at work, school board meetings, local community gatherings; escalating polarization among family members, religious communities, cities / towns / villages – has led to experiencing grief at a profound, often inexplicable level.
It is a grief that is different than the grief experienced after personal loss (death of a loved one, limb, ability, relationship, home, job). It is a grief that rises when hearts are physically heavy from the hurt and pain due to witnessing hate, racism, injustice and discrimination in the local community, on the news, in person, in social media. It is a grief when living with the reality of war on the doorstep. In “The Wild Edge of Sorrow,” Frances Weller writes that “it takes everything we have to deny the sorrows of the world.”
If you’re wondering why you’re feeling more tired … your body is hurting … you’re experiencing confusion, unusual anger, impatience, loss of sleep (or inability to sleep), headaches, resentment at life’s ‘little things’ etc., it could be the consequence of collective sorrow – corporate grief.
What to do about it? … we can “turn off” for a bit of a break and retreat from social media – not enter conversations that cause distress … we can become a supporter, ally, listener, financial contributor of people/causes that touch our soul … we can talk to someone we trust, as simply ‘naming’ the grief/feelings can release some of their grip on us.
And if/when mental health concerns surface, we can … speak with a health care professional … focus on balancing the sorrows of the world with moments of gratitude, experiences with nature, gentle moments with ourself while enjoying a craft / art / music / hobby / reading.
Focusing on all that is happening in the world can be a double-edged emotional sword. It can … trigger past grief … cause fear and sense of hopelessness and lead to deep emotional trauma.
It can … promote into action. Action via peaceful protest … contacting political leaders … becoming involved in the political process … learning about Restorative Justice programs in the community … speaking out by writing letters to the editor in local newspapers, being witnesses to the truth … and more.
Corporate grief is real.
While sorrows of the world have always existed, today’s social media world and the exploding world of AI bring those sorrows in our living rooms, on our phones, even on our watches. It’s up to us as to how we handle the sense of corporate grief that is palpable, visible, here-and-now.
May we be honest with ourselves – be part of the witness and do what we can to raise consciousness. May we bring truth to the lies and work towards change within ourselves – not so we stop being compassionate beings, but so we can be / continue to be concerned about, care for, advocate on behalf of those people and situations without being crippled by the communal grief.
We must take care of ourselves and acknowledge the corporate grief we feel. It is real. Very real.
“I’m scared – afraid – terrified. J’ai peur.” These are words the world is hearing every day – on the news, around the office, on social media, in our own heads.
For centuries throughout the world, there have been hurricanes, landslides, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, fires, etc. that have struck fear in the hearts of people. Cancer, Covid and other medical diagnoses have shaken and continue to shake people to the core. The January 6th attack on the capitol of the U.S. terrified people who thought that civil unrest would be followed by civil war. The unimaginable earthquakes in Syria and Turkey killing over 25,000 people were soul-wrenching and foreboding for those living on earthquake faults. The Chinese balloon and unknown object that were shot down over the U.S., sparked frightening images of espionage and evoked the fear that nothing is private anymore. Russia’s ongoing assault on the people of Ukraine, (not only fearful for the people of Ukraine, but for the rest of the free world) is a daily reminder that if Ukraine falls, other countries will not be safe and neither will democracy. And then there’s DJT, JDV, EM and the minions of Project 2025.
Anxiety seems unrelating and fear is rising. Feelings of helplessness, abandonment, and lack of control overwhelm. Breathing becomes shallow. Hearts race. Minds won’t stop thinking.
Images seem everpresent: images of the children; the elderly; the disabled; the farewells; the frigid weather; the explosions; the baby buggies at the train station; the line-ups for food and water; the babies born in bomb shelters; the demolished hospitals / schools / churches; the bodies; the families running to escape the fires … the images haven’t stopped. Neither has the fear.
What to do in the midst of experiencing fear that is “a gut-wrenching … can’t explain … keep-me-awake” type of fear that is being felt as the horror of evil surfaces and spreads? Is there anything we can do to allay the fear, or at least not have such fear so present all the time?
Perhaps there is … sometimes. And sometimes is often the only thing to hang on to.
Sometimes – admitting our fear to ourself, to another … helps. Admitting our fear can help move the darkness out and bring healing.
Sometimes – naming the evil … helps. There is power in naming the evil. The man known as Jesus did that … often. Sometimes – something as simple as saying, praying, thinking, whispering the word ‘peace’ as we gently, and slowly, literally inhale a second of peace into our body, mind and spirit – helps.
Sometimes – saying, praying, thinking, whispering the word ‘fear,’ as we literally exhale the consequences of that fear from our body … helps.
Sometimes – creating something in the kitchen, garden, shop, studio, on the computer, in our Journal … helps.
Sometimes – repeating Dame Julian of Norwich’s words (“All shall be well. All shall be well. And all manner of thing shall be well”) can help and using our breath to say them: … as we inhale, say / think / whisper / pray / sing “all shall be well” … as we exhale, say / think / whisper / pray / sing “all shall be well”; inhale “and all manner of thing”; exhale “shall be well” … helps
Sometimes – remembering that somewhere in the world, every minute of every day, someone is – meditating – inviting peace for others – sitting cross-legged and chanting – saying the Rosary – receiving Communion – reciting the Shema – praying the Daily Office – thinking / sending / praying / whispering good thoughts for the world – holding those experiencing fear in their heart, mind and spirit – thinking a comforting thought … helps
All of these contribute to an energy force that is more powerful than negativity and bring healing.
May we be willing to begin a journey of healing and say “J’ai peur … I’m afraid” when we feel frightened for in not admitting it, healing can’t begin its work within us.
In many parts of the world, today is known as Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of a six-week period called Lent. It’s a time to “slow down and take stock” of our lives – a time of introspection, of ‘metanoia’ (turning around) – an opportunity to realize that we won’t live forever and that each day is a precious gift.
While many follow the practice of “giving something up” for Lent (meat, candy, chocolate, liquor etc), I don’t. Instead, I choose to “put on” instead.
“Put on” love in new ways.
Many words have been used as metaphors for love over the centuries. This year, my metaphor for love is … baby stroller. A surprising word for many I’m sure, but this photo (by an unknown photographer) of train station in Poland shows baby strollers left by Polish moms for Ukrainian moms escaping the war in Ukraine with babies in their arms.
The Polish moms “gave up” (the convenience of the stroller for their own child) their strollers and “put on” love for people they didn’t even know.
Today’s Ash Wednesday is not signalling an end to the war in Ukraine … a lessening of Trade Wars … or a recognition that very bad decisions are being made that are impacting the lives of countless lives. There is a lot of negative energy happening.
So I’m taking the Season of Lent a time of metanoia (turning-around) and “putting on love” this year. For the Forty Days and Nights of Lent, I am asking myself “what way can I tangibly express love and counter the negativity in conversations, social media, media – even just a bit.
I won’t be ignoring the reality of the political chaos … but when I speak-up-and-out about injustice, cruelty, etc., I’ll find a way to “even the playing field” of energy so to speak. For every post I put here on FB or Bluesky that may express negative energy, I’ll post something positive – hopeful – joyful – happy – like a flashmob.
So, I’m now off to find a video of a flashmob – dancing, laughing, singing, musicians, surprised faces often in unusual settings.
They brighten life … and we all sure could use some of that these days.
Maybe this could be a new way of experiencing the Season of Lent’s “turning around – metanoia” theme. Just a thought on this Ash Wednesday 2025.
I watched tonight’s news. Sure don’t like doing that, but know I need to keep informed because things are moving sooooo quickly – not just in the United States, or Canada, or Ukraine, or … but everywhere.
What can we do? We can “be each other’s strength” … by being kind … by being gentle … by being open to hope for others and ourselves.
And if we believe in prayer, we can pray for … those who are letting evil guide their decisions that they would not be motivated by greed, lust for power
We can pray for this world. And we can pray for its leaders who are working hard – in spite of personal danger to keep democracy alive.
A friend wrote: “I don’t know how the world is going to manage four years of this. I really honestly don’t know, because if this is just the beginning, what’s going to happen from here?” Neither does anyone else know what’s going to happen.
But whatever happens, we cannot lose hope. We cannot let evil win.
While evil may take over for a while, it must not take away the soul of the people.
I believe we can survive this – the “we” being humanity.
While the United States has been at the forefront since DJT took over the White House, while and his unofficial co-president continue to shock Americans with outrageous statements and decisions, there are other countries in similar predicament … or are on the brink if upcoming elections go certain ways.
I believe that “we” … humanity … can survive. I believe that we “must.” I don’t see this as the literal end of the world, as do some.
I draw strength from the words of a woman who lived centuries ago and who wrote these words “All shall be well. All shall be well. And all manner of thing shall be well.” While I wish Dame Julian of Norwich had written “All things ARE well”, she did not. She simply said that they SHALL BE well.
The question for many is — when will wellness happen – for the people of Ukraine? for the people of the city of Djibo, Burkino Faso? for the people of El Fasher, Sudan? for the people of Gaza? for the people of the United States? for the people of Canada, Mexico, Panama?
And will it happen – in our generation? in our children’s generation? in the generation of our grandchildren or great grandchildren or beyond that?
We don’t have the answers, but we must hold fast to the “SHALL BE” well and in the meantime, do what we can to maintain our emotional, physical and spiritual wellness of today.
For some, that means taking a break from social media – from the news – from talking about politics – from certain family members – from certain friends – from certain community / on-line groups that continuously talk about politics.
For some, it means being proactive – calling politicians, writing letters to politicians, being active on social media, speaking up-and out.
And we can send thoughts of protection and loving concern to others in the form of financial support, prayer.
Evil must not permanently destroy the essence of what it is to be human – of taking care of ourselves and doing what we can to bring kindness and compassion into the world around us.
And, we remember to breathe – as this yellow daffodil did in my garden, surrounded by a foot of snow.
Dear friends, This is not like the kind of post you would normally expect to find here on “Soulistry-Artistry of the Soul”. And yet – and yet, when I think about Soulistry, (its origins, purpose, raison d’être), I think of spirituality and recognize that for me, the essence of spirituality refers to the aspect of human life that seeks meaning, purpose, and connection beyond the everyday material world. That often involves exploring inner beliefs, values, and experiences that connect me to something larger than myself, whether that’s understood as a Higher Power, the Universe, Nature, or simply the interconnectedness of all life.
Soulistry (aka for me, ‘spirituality’) is a personal daily journey of self-discovery and personal growth that hopefully inculcates inner peace within me and a sense of belonging/connection with others for I believe that we are connected to one another – on many levels.
Lately, that ‘connectedness’ has felt fragmented … as more and more countries are finding their sense of democracy being attacked … as more and more people are frightened, terrified even, of what they see happening and anticipate even experiencing … as more and more relationships in families, work places, communities, places of worship are disintegrating.
It’s been less than three weeks since the ascendency of one man to the presidency of the United States which ushered in chaos and fear at very deep levels. Like others, I was upset – very upset – though at first I was not very public with my thoughts. But with each passing day as Project 2025 seemed to becoming a reality, that changed. I posted the following on my personal Facebook page and tonight realized that it was time – and appropriate – to post here.
If you’ve been following me on Facebook over the years, you know that the past 16 days, give or take a few, my FB postings on my personal page have been unlike me. I’m usually not political in public or on social media. But since DJT moved into the WH, I found myself speaking out – more and more. I don’t see that changing.
And here is why … in high school, I was a history buff. Mr. Jake Snyder was my teacher and he made history come alive for his students. He was a gifted teacher – passionate about history – a teacher who reinforced the words of George Santayana, the Spanish-American philosopher and author of “The Life of Reason” who wrote “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
I learned a lot about WW 11 from Mr. Snyder. And then as an adult, I learned about WW11 from … a visit to Dachau in Germany … a visit to Yad Vashem in Israel … a visit to a Florida school of a Jewish friend’s children where we had to enter via a locked door with a security guard behind bullet-proof glass and then use a code to enter the classrooms.
When I married my husband who was much older than I, he told me stories of what he experienced growing up in the Netherlands during WW11. I wish I’d never heard any of them. They were terrifying. At the time, I thought along the lines of “so glad lessons were learned and won’t be repeated.”
One night, before DJT was elected the first time, while watching the news together, my husband became unusually quiet and held his head in his hands. After a few moments, we talked and his words sent a cold shiver down my spine. “It’s happening again. I see it happening all over again.”
He was right. It is. As much as I miss Hans every day, and wish that cancer had not invaded his body and ended his life, I can honestly say that I am grateful he is not alive to experience what is happening. So that is why I speak up, speak out, blog, write letters … to try and encourage those who cannot see what is happening to look, really look … before it is too late.
And if they need a school refresher update, I encourage them to read their high school history book about WW11. It’s history and easily available to research and authenticate. It’s important to remember that when Hitler first took office, he knew he needed more than just laws to stay in control—he needed loyal enforcers who would carry out his agenda without question. While the SS didn’t officially take over in the first two weeks of Hitler’s rule, the seeds were planted.
What we’re seeing now with Trump’s second term is the same playbook. It’s called Project 2025. Same focus – white male supremacy … different century.
Mr. Snyder taught his students well. Not only did he teach us to learn from history, but to speak up when we saw injustice, when we recognized evil, when we knew deep within our gut that things are not right.
So, that’s what I am doing and I encourage you to do the same because those who believe in and support … DJT and his minions in the United States … the Conservatives and Pierre Poilievre in Canada … the far-right National Rally party of Le Pen and figures like Maréchal … the Fratelli d’Italia party in Italy … the AfD (Alternative for Germany) party in Germany … Călin Georgescu of Romania … are underscoring a broader trend of increasing far-right and neo-fascist influence in global politics … specifically about the future of democratic institutions and civil liberties.
The global surge in far-right movements raises concerns that we must not ignore. We must speak out – resist – speak up – demonstrate – write letters – vote them out of power … not vote them into office.
There are people en route this moment to Guantanamo Bay — where housing is not yet ready, where children and pregnant women and the disabled and elderly will be housed. By any other name – a concentration camp.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
There she was, perched on the fence as I drove by.
She looked so peaceful.
I hadn’t noticed her before though I’m sure she was there when I had driven by that place, many times before. She was a welcome respite in a day seemingly empty of peace.
Images of peace are welcome, all the time, but particularly days such as these, where politics scream at us in the news, conversations, social media causing sleepless nights and stress-beyond-stress.
Miss Cat-Perched-On-A-Fence “spoke” to me and I realized that my walks had had no focus so that day I made a decision. No longer would I wait for something to attract my attention on my walks and drives. I would intentionally ‘focus’ and “look for” images of peace
Where have you seen images of peace? What have been those images of peace? When did you last experience/see/hear something that brought a deep sense of abiding peace? When did you last experience someone who brought a deep sense of peace?
Was the sense of peace in a conversation? in the experience of Nature’s wonder? Was it in a phrase you read or heard?
For me that day, it was a four-legged feline beauty, perched on a fence, doing nothing, other than simply be-ing and in doing so, she radiated peace for me.
Thank you little one, for blessing my day in a way I wasn’t expecting and for reminding me that there are unexpected blessings around us every day, when we open our eyes and ears and hearts to see hear and feel them.
Feeling self-confident or not, she stood before Goliath using the ‘sling and stones’ of word, of gentle voice, of eye-to-eye contact.
Her sermon has been shared countless times. Her words have been quoted and debated and thousands upon thousands have heard words of hope through her.
Like David, she taught Goliath an important lesson: Never underestimate the power of God however that happens even if even if and maybe even if and especially through a woman.
********** May God bless Bishop Budde. May she continue to listen to God’s still, silent voice within. And may she, her family, staff, and people she serves be protected from physical harm, emotional distress, and spiritual dis-ease. Amen. So be it. Amen.
January 20, 2025 is Inauguration Day in the United States. It is also Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
It is not a co-incidence that the two are happening on the same day this year.
While it is true that what is coming is darkness, it is also true, as Martin Luther King Jr reminded us, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Light. Love. Hope!
Light can drive out darkness! Love can drive out hate!
Let us not lose sight of the hope that is is Light and Love.
