Journal of Sacred Work

Days 8-9 Standing At The Door of Your Heart

"The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature."
~ Joseph Campbell

Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman does Just that in her  poem, "New Year's Lyric. " Listen has she captures your heart and spirit with her inspired words and thaoughts that "match the beat of the universe!"

“As long as there are people, 

Christ will walk the earth as your neighbor,

as the one through whom God calls you, speaks to you, 

makes demands on you.

That is the great seriousness and great blessedness 

of the [Christmas] message.

Christ is standing at the door.

He lives in the form of a human being 

among us.”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

ChristKnocking

Artist William Holman Hunt

…and may we match our true nature with Nature, and may our hearts open to discover the Christ (Love) and Beauty in every being!

With heartfelt love,
Liz

Offered by Liz Sorensen Wessel

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6 responses to “Days 8-9 Standing At The Door of Your Heart”

  1. Maureen McDermott Avatar
    Maureen McDermott

    Such energy and passion Amanda brings to her poetry with such a powerful message. As Amanda expresses so eloquently, ‘when we come together we can overcome’. May we move in companionship with one another in hope and trust.

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  2. Jolyon Avatar
    Jolyon

    …and if we do not come together Nature will overcome all our world. Like an abandoned cabin in the woods, Nature will take back what is Hers, unless we embrace our brothers and sisters and be more Christ-like…
    Thank you. Peace be with All.

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  3. Erie Chapman Foundation Avatar
    Erie Chapman Foundation

    “Standing at the Door…” What an inviting, comforting and enlightening title, Liz – to imagine Jesus waiting to be invited in, perfectly portrayed in Hunt’s stirring painting.
    Since we are all in need, why would we not Jesus in? Maybe I think help will not come that way? May I asked before and still suffered? Maybe the “Jesus” that stood at the door for me was not surrounded in golden light but simply wore a housekeeper’s uniform?
    THIS is the image I envision. You and I have heard it before. “The night shift housekeeper was the best caregiver I had,” a hospitalized doctor told me once. This physician found more healing from the woman with the mop not the doctor or nurse with the needle. Perhaps this is the “Christ” we have been seeking. Thank you for this encouraging writing, Liz.

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  4. Liz Wessel Avatar
    Liz Wessel

    Thank you Maureen, I agree her message and her beautiful presence is a beautiful force to behold. Thank you for compnionship of kindness, hope and trust!

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  5. Liz Wessel Avatar
    Liz Wessel

    Yes, the situation is alrming to say the least Jolyon as it requires a global collaboration, cooperation and working together for the common good vs. greed and protection of self interest.
    I am disheartened by the sign of the times and the seeming inability of nations coming together in unity, as well as encouraged and inspired by young people and so many people around the world who are making difference in small and big ways.
    Thanks for your spirit of good will and kindness.

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  6. Liz Wessel Avatar
    Liz Wessel

    I appreciate the light you bring to this reflection, Erie as well as your important insights. Yes, we can respond to the call and be the hands, feet, ears, and speech of Christ when we respond to the call as vessels for Love to manifest in times of suffering and darkness.
    We may pray and sometimes may wonder where is God in all of this…why our prayers go seemingly unanswered. Yet in our suffering Love has a way of shining through… be it some small gesture of kindness that can mean the world to a person in need.
    I see the image of William Holman Hunts photo as a touchcard of remembrance. I love the symbolism of the door that has no handle on the outside but that must be opened from within.
    I recall as a visiting nurse venturing into the homes of patients, I often saw pictures of Christ hanging on the wall in a dimlit hallway or Mother Mary above the headboard of a person in bed. I found these images gave me the strength and at times courage I needed to encounter suffering and respond with compassion for the dying or a quiet listening presence for a hurting person who lashed out. Whatever the situation I was reminded of the presence of Christ in every person I encountered.

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