The News of my death is greatly exaggerated"
- Mark Twain
meta -naoia
: a transformative change of heart, a new perspective, turning point,
"He not busy being born is busy dying"
- Bob Dylan, It's Alright Ma
"Where your treasure is , there is your heart also."
- Matt 6:212
"Since the invention of the kiss, there have been five kisses
that were rated the most passionate, the most pure. This one
left them all behind."
- The Princess Bride
Inspiration :
The ride had been mostly a mostly gentle sail.
Many days of letting wind and waves carry this
vessel availing this sailor to the ascent to peace.
Moments of fierce storms soon arrived shifting
me of course and the task of getting back
was almost impossible. Faith and courage waned as
the journey seemed out of control .Then the big knock
down arrived.The cardiologist said "You need heart surgery."
On Thursday July 31, 2008 , the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, I
found myself at a noon mass at a local Jesuit Retreat House.
Spartan attendance was the norm for these liturgies but on
this day the small chapel was filled to leaving many in attendance
standing. Fr. Gerry , the celebrant, informed the gathered believers
that I was scheduled to have open heart surgery on Monday August 4 .
A great gasp echoed throughout. Gerry then invited everyone to
participate in the Sacrament of Healing for me by laying hands
on me in prayer. Humility and gratitude grew.
The blessings began. My tears flowed like an underserved
prodigal.
While departing the chapel the Jesuit guru of the house,Fr. Tom,
satat the exit-way grabbing me gently whispering into my ear
"You know, I heard that this works."
The following Monday waiting with palms perspiring
in pre-surgery the surgeon invited Ginny for one more visit .
My attempt at being the strong positive one was a poor mask.
Ginny saw right through me and gave me a kiss
that I can still feel seventeen years later.It was the blessing I had not expected.
It was the kiss that exceeded the kiss of the Princess Bride.
I was unaware just how much everything was about to change again.
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The Writing:
A Metanoia Anniversary pt 17
"To Every thing there is a season, and
a time for every purpose under heaven "
- Eccl. 3:2
Seventeen years ago today
The sacred heart band taught this troubadour
What it means... to be.
Burned out working within the ivy walls
The student led the teacher..as it should be..
Fateful Ash Wednesday with nothing to lose
The collegial pastor marks the spot.
The retreating sun that day continued to mark a turn in
The wandering pilgrim's road .
A late night phone call, an interview,
a cosmic intervention.
The sojourner introduced to a new world
where faith and work overlapped.
Ying and yang.
Time and the journey never stands still.
Pieces of the puzzle falling perfectly into place.
Another accidental encounter leads
To a new invitation , a silent retreat.
The paralyzed prodigal was about to
lowered into the holy presence.
The seeker then is recommended
to a place of holy ground
within a stone's throw from his home.
There a guide to the spiritual realm continued to nourish
the prodigal's thirst and slow return.
The deep dive began as his worldly passage
begins spinning faster and faster.
Dizzied and heartache brings him to
the expert in matters of the heart .
The grand physician informs the lost soul
of his broken heart. A repair is urgent.
Hours before the chest being cracked open
the half hearted lost wanderer landed in the upper room
at the grace-filled place where those convened
placed there their hands in Sacrament on the pilgrim.
The healing, the transformation, the butterfly about
to break free into flight.
The heart repaired , ribs wired together.
The weak spark rekindled into flame-
Heart on fire , a metanoia being born.
Eyes are opened to see truth, purpose, compassion,
selflessness , peace , love and faith.
Every thing , every moment , every encounter ,
every place , the words of inspiration and encouragement
through both the calm and stormy seas
was all that broken hungry heart really needed.
Finisterre ... an ending - a beginning.
- JF Sobecki
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Poetry: some words and ideas to contemplate
(Please click on links underneath the video)
St. Ignatius' Day (8/2008)
Wel,it was St. Ignatius' Day
The presiding prelate put his hands on me
No words needed as the paralytic was lowered
Into the sanctified presence.
Immersed in the desire to be free
A proclaimed consecrated "exercise"
was suggested by the advocate.
Slowly silently slipping away
When the the community gathered
That had filled the upper room
Laid their hands on this frail worn creation.
A smudge of oil , spirit lifting higher and higher
Oh gentle intercessory prayers
It was St. Ignatius' Day
Fear need a dose.of love and
a confession of faith
Many demons to be slayed
No doubt they were real
Two standards recalled and contemplated
Simple choice
Hold me, hold me don't let me fall
Within the deepest silence
a voice sings out for love echoes
falling into grace
Would this suffice?
Was my desire to please be
satisfactory for hope
I fell to my weakened knees
It was St. Ignatius' Day
Leading by being led
A lighthouse above the breaking waves
From the storms
Shining the great beacon on
this fragile essence to
the safety of the shoreline.
Disappointed with my doubt
Tears of joy -
Pouring like eternal wine from a chalice
The prodigal pilgrim sanctified
From the abundant unconditional benevolence.
The lost vessel with filled with cosmic mercy,
consolations of peace while the
fear washed away with the withdrawing tide.
Nourished by the solemn invocation,
Humbled and grateful
This wounded bird took to flight.
- JF Sobecki
For What Binds Us - J. Hirshfield
https://youtu.be/MQb5g5CISn4?si=W5FXRHS9RRe8p9xA
Life is a Walking - Good Buffalo Eagle
https://youtu.be/ZQYPlEoU9ko?si=5E8i-DZmhCzsS2Yl
----
Music: and such for your listening inspiration
Second Chances - G. A. Isakov
https://youtu.be/makCY8JSqgE?si=7OcM3izuwd1zUtGg
A Promise of Living - A. Copeland
https://youtu.be/bLM_YTnmLto?si=P1-W1B25CndmwjVk
One Fine Day - D. Byrne
https://youtu.be/JvlT5fBIi4U?si=alyDyJIDZQxWs5oK
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Coda: Some extras for your reflection
Field of Dreams - "Is there a heaven?'
https://youtu.be/b_wnD6jxREU?si=pWu2d8CGnWr3e6ZW
(I'm not crying are you crying?)
Prayer- Beach Boys
https://youtu.be/X76ejh4EIV4?si=65-4YAWLRpejPaI4
A prayer of gratitude to all my "companions" I met
and continue to meet along the way.
!7 years since this Second Chance Dance Blog began to pour out.
AMDG
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