"Lest we forget"

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them, we will remember them.

This week we observe the solemnity of remembrance day, a tradition that has deep roots especially with those who were personally impacted by the wars of the past century. However, the reality of war, and the impact of war is hitting younger people today given our countries involvement in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. As well, the media and social networking has highlighted how all of us are affected by war, injustice, oppression and violence as we live in this global village of this 21st century.

My father in law served in the second world war. I was asked in one of my photography courses to compose a photograph that represented Canada. The part our country has played in conflicts around the world in the past and in the present is an integral part to who we are and how we are seen by others. The image I composed has the portrait of him in his uniform, his metals and a poppy covered cross set against the backdrop of a war memorial monument. These are all symbolic of how his family remember him and the sacrifice he was willing to make for his country.

I can remember vividly the years of my childhood and youth attending the yearly Remembrance Day ceremonies at the cenotaph in our community. Mid November is often associated with weather that is cold, damp and sometimes rainy. But the community gathered none the less and still does to this day. This memorial monument to those who fought in the wars of the 20th century is in the center of town and very much at the heart of the community of Port Dalhousie. It is a reminder of how important it is to remember and never forget the sacrifices that were made in the fight for justice, freedom and peace. Each year, the veterans and members of the legion parade to the cenotaph and back along with various service groups and politicians. The church is also present, active, visible and participating in this yearly act of remembrance. The faithful gather, whether they attend church regularly or not, and prayer, faith and readings from scripture are an integral part of this observance.

Taking a closer look at the monument itself, the soldier is respectfully laying a wreath at a cross. I don't think it's coincidence that the markers of many of the soldier's graves were in the form of a cross. I havn't had the privilege of going to the cemeteries in Europe. However, I have been struck by similar scenes I've seen in my various visits to places in the United States. Their cemeteries often have large sections reserved for those who died in the fight for freedom. The sight of the rows and rows of white crosses is quite profound. For me, that is the intersection of the experience of life and of faith.

The ultimate sacrifice we believe in as followers of Christ is the image of Jesus dying on the cross. That shows to us how much God loves us, that he would allow His Son to die so that we may have life; so we'd know we are forgiven the sins we commit against Him and against one another; so that we might experience the gift of healing and peace in our lives and world of brokenness and despair. This image is so profound for me. And, I can only imagine how God wept that it took this for us to even begin to remotely see, recognize and believe that God wants so much more for us than we can ever attain or create on our own, no matter how many wars are fought; no matter how many lives are lost.

As I enter into the acts of remembrance this week, I want to honor my father in law and others like him. I also think of how much God must still grieve and cry tears of sadness at what is becoming of His world, His people everywhere, the innocence that is lost day to day and the injustices that are perpetuated. And I pray that we might eventually learn from all the past that in war no one ever really wins and that together we all lose; I pray that leaders of nations might truly desire to work with each other for the common good of all people; that as the prophet Isaiah says, swords will someday be turned into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks; and most importantly, from the prophet Micah, that we might be faithful in our living out of all our relationships as strive to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God. Amen.

Hidden Images

Recently, I've looked at some of the photos I've made and realized again that there are subtle images that may not be in the forefront, however that are very visible upon further reflection. And those images invariably are spiritual in nature for me.

This photograph is of the centre of a tulip. The beauty, intricacy and perfect symmetry of the detail is really quite something. I call this photograph "Fireball" because as I reflect upon it, that's what I see. From a spiritual perspective, it reminds me of the flame of fire at Pentecost that was overwhelming and awesome.

On Canada Day, we went to a local fireworks display. The images were awesome and beautiful at the same time. I decided to experiment with the "fireworks" setting on my camera. The images I captured of the fireworks in the sky had other images imbedded in them.

This was one of my favorite photographs of the evening. What I saw was a candle in the middle with the light beaming from the center. The brightness is overwhelming and speaks to me of the light of Christ shining in the darkness of our world. In particular, I thought of the great light of Easter, the light of the Risen Christ and the glorious message of the Exsultet, the ancient hymn of praise celebrating the new light ... "Accept this Easter candle. May it always dispel the darkness of this night"

Again in this image, the sky is lit up with various colours forming different patterns of light. The image that I see in this photograph is the phoenix rising from the ashes. Again, a sign of resurrection, new life and hope. And what a beautiful image that is at the center of our faith in the risen Christ. So many people today embrace the hopefulness and promise that out of the ashes can come new life with a renewed sense of hope and faith.

Finally, again this image shows different light and shape formations in the sky which on their own look quite beautiful. Looking deeper into the photograph, I see the dove of baptism. The stark white, glowing image of the dove speaks of purity, peace, newness of life and again ultimately hope. The story of Jesus baptism comes to mind. Imagine experiencing that dove sent by God with the message "You are my beloved, with you I am well pleased!"

When you look at these images, what do you see? Send me a reply if you'd like. I'd love to hear from you about what you see and what you experience.

Spirituality in Kensington Market ... Signs of Desolation and Hope.

A few weeks ago, as part of our photography and spirituality course at Emmanuel, we spent the better part of the day in Kensington Market making photographs of what we saw and experienced. What an eclectic part of Toronto with so much evidence of what looks like desolation, and yet so many profound images of hope too. There was what appeared to be sadness and despair, but also elements of joy and celebration. I guess it's so true that it all depends on our perspective what we experience and feel in a given situatin and setting.

There's no doubt that some of the images were disturbing and symbolic to me of desolation, death and perhaps even the powers of evil that can have such an impact upon us, our lives and our world. For many people who are in a vulnerable and fragile state, this is all they see. It's no wonder so many live with the profound reality of depression and other issues that affect their mental health and well being.

As well, there were messages written on the walls that spoke what people felt in their hearts and souls. They may not even be aware of what they were expressing or the impact it might have on those who stop to read it. This particular one is the last line of the song "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea".

As I looked at another image, though, I found great hope and consolation. I was reminded that God calls me His own ... He says to me, "Mine"! It's a wonderful gift to know whose we are, and to be known as God's beloved. Was that the painter's intended message? Who knows for sure. However, it was the message I recieved and felt as I looked upon his/her work.

I found it interesting to look at the various images on the walls throughout the neighbourhood. Some would see it as graffiti; others would view it as art. The impact is truly in the eye of the beholder. Is this the image of a woman in despair; or is she pensive, reflecting on life? Sometimes whether an image portrays desolation or hope is dependant on what's going on in our own lives or in the world around us; what we see and recognize is a reflection of what's going on in us emotionally and or spiritually.

We are in the most holy week of our church year as we walk the road of suffering toward the glory of Easter. Do we experience this week through the eyes of desolation or through the eyes of faith and hope in all that God promises us through both the suffering, dying Christ and the resurrected Christ?

I am reminded of a prayer we often use for those who are bereaved. May it be the prayer that is on each of our hearts as we go through this week:

Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved
the spirit of faith and courage,

that they may have the strength to meet the days to come
with steadfastness and patience;

not sorrowing as those without hope,

but in joyful remembrance of your great goodness,

and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love.

All this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Amen.

Signs of Hope in the Transition from Winter to Spring ...

There is a lot about March that I don't enjoy, especially the slush as the snow melts. It often has a dirty look to it. And yet, there are signs of the coming of spring. Today I took a walk around Richmond Hill. I saw images that reminded me that winter is still here; and yet also the signs that spring isn't far off.

The ice in these two images caught my attention, especially how it had formed around these evergreen leaves. In one case the leaf is brown and dead; in the other there is still life in the green. You can imagine the ice continuing to melt. As it does, our eyes are drawn to the unique patterns and images that are forming. Winter is still here; but there is a profound beauty in the ice gradually becoming a puddle of water.

A sure sign of spring in our part of the world is the return of the robins. I love their beautiful orange breasts and the sharp yellow of their beaks.

Their song as they chirp is quite beautiful too, as long as it's not in the wee hours of the morning. Even then, there is something hopeful. I remember a saying that describes the spirituality of faith ... faith is the bird who greets the morning with a song before the sun has risen. There are worst things to hear early in the morning than the song of the robins greeting the new day!

These are two photos of statues in a local cemetery. The one is of a young girl holding on tightly to a cross; you can see the innocence of her youth, but also the pensive look of grief too. On one hand she could be Mary at the foot of Jesus' cross. I think she represents all who cling to the cross in our deepest times of need, when we need the hope and promise God offers us through the cross. The other photo is the image of an angel standing watch or guard. We all need an angel keeping watch over us, protecting us, guiding and directing the things that happen in our lives. This angel is weathered and worn; but how appropriate too. In the midst of a cemetery where people experience death, profound loss and grief, here are two symbols of hope, faith and trust.

Finally, the most promising sign that spring is coming are the various shoots coming up in the gardens. What a hopeful sign! Soon these shoots will be grown and their flowers will be in bloom. What a joy to watch the process of nature as time unfolds and the seasons pass. I was particularly struck by the image of the shoots coming out of the cracks in the dirt. That reminded me that often hope springs up out of the cracks and brokenness of our lives. In fact, it's often when we're most broken that we search out and recognize the grace of God that is always there but that we've just noticed.

This time of transition from one season to another is an opportunity to see and recognize the profound mystery of our faith, how new lift springs forth of death. The bitterly cold days are feeling a bit warmer as the sun shines; it's brighter later in the evening; the snow is melting away. What a time to hold out hope for the sunnier, warm days that are to come; for the flowers that will fill the air with the fragrance of their smell; and the birds that will sing their songs of joy. May we be attentive to the presence of God as winter ends and spring begins. Amen!

Lent ... Both Desolation and Hope at the same time ...

The course I'm enrolled in at Emmanuel has us focussing on the signs of desolation and hope around us and capturing some of the images through the lens of our cameras. The signs are so present all around us ... all we need to do is be attentive, open our eyes and allow ourselves to see them. Here are a few images I captured around Victoria College this past Monday with some thoughts of what I saw and experienced in watching for the images of desolation and hope.

Lent is a time to ponder, reflect, meditate and pray. This is the image of one of the carvings on one of the entrances to the old building. The angle catches the pondering image of the old man; he's off in thought. And further to that, the black background highlights the features of the reflective stance he has taken. I wonder what he's thinking about; I wonder what heaviness is burdening his heart and soul; I wonder if he's experiencing some kind of desolation. And for us too, when do we look like this old man? What are the things that weigh us down? Is it as evident when we are pondering life? I wonder.

These are 2 images of the "Crucified Woman" statue outside of Emmanuel. The images are stark and a clear reminder of how much brokenness there is in our world. And how much more profound that the image is that of a woman, especially given the oberservance this week of "International Women's Day". Women have born so much grief, injustice, violence and oppression over the years. The truth remains that they still do in so many places. As I saw the lines and cracks on this statue, my prayer went out for all who feel themselves to be crucified by what's going on in their lives, and especially by the things they have little or no control over. And in particular, I said a prayer for women who are in that experience; that God may grant them liberation and freedom and the gift of healing in all that causes them pain and suffering.

I was struck by the cracks in the various sidewalks. They reminded us that all of us have cracks of one form or another in our bodies, our hearts and even our souls. Part of the human condition is that we are easily broken, and for so many reasons that we can't avoid. Some cracks go deeper than others; some are just on the surface. But, they all inevitably affect us in how we feel about ourselves, in our relationships with others around us, and in our relationships with God. Concrete filler might repair the cracks in the sidewalk, but wear and tear eventually leads to the crack returning, sometimes even worst than it was originally. Isn't it true in our lives too; we can bandage and repair the crack, but unless we reflect deeply on what caused it in the first place, the repair will only be temporary. Healing requires intentional reflection and prayer that leads to more than a patch work repair job.

Finally, this image struck me profoundly. Through the cut glass we can see the burning candle; it's not quite focussed; it's a bit fuzzy. However, the light is there; it is burning; it is glowing. Isn't that true of life too. Sometimes the hope is clouded by a fuzziness and so we can't clearly make it out. But it's there, even in the darkest moment; even in the desolation; there is hope. And, just to catch a glimpse of of light in a dark place can be comforting and bring even a small sense of peace in the midst of stress and turmoil.

Lent is about recognizing that we are a broken people, but that we are equally a hopeful people. We've witnessed a lot in our world lately that leads us into despair: the floods in Australia; the earthquake in New Zealand; the violence in Libya; the unrest in Egypt; and so many other things that are going on in our world. There are so many places that are troubled because of nature or war. And yet, we've also seen glimpses of hope: in the volunteers who have gone to Christ Church to dig out the rubble; how the world has come together in prayer for healing and peace; as resources to rebuild have been offered.

Lent is about preparing for the desolation of the cross, but equally for the hope of the resurrection. May we keep ourselves open to see and experience the profound mystery of both. Amen

Experiencing God on a winter day ...

It has been quite some time since my last post. Next week I am beginning a continuing education course through Emmanuel College on photography and spirituality. I'm sure I'll have things to reflect on, write about and share through that.

A couple of weeks ago I decided to take a walk. It was a cold winter day with a clear blue sky. I don't usually enjoy the cold of winter, but that day I found a sense of peacefulness and contentment in being outside, walking, listening and looking for the wonderful signs of God's grace and presence.

One thing that struck me were the shadows from the sun. They really do add to the beauty of a stream or landscape. And they show the intricate beauty of God's creation. Reflections ... a surprising gift from God!

As well, with the snow covering the ground and trees, the hints of vibrant colour come even more alive than they usually are. These orange berries are always there on this tree, but the touch of snow highlights the orange and brings it into the forefront. The oranges, reds, purples and even brownish beige come alive with beauty.

I'm always drawn into the intricate detail of nature. It highlights for me the amazing creation that God has made and blessed us with. Tree trunks in particular show a pattern each of which is unique. The way the snow lands and settles on the trunk adds even more detail and beauty. And yet, it's so easy to miss if we're not looking for it. Isn't that true of life too; we miss the small details when we only look at the bigger picture of life and the world.

I was struck too by the lonely branches of trees that poked through the drifts of snow. They often seemed so fragile and vulnerable. But they were thriving in spite of the bitter cold and snow piled around them. A sign of profound and everlasting hope that is God's gift to us even in the winter exeriences of our lives.

As I have reflected, what came to mind was a Christmas carol I enjoy:

In the bleak mid winter, frosty wind made moan,

earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;

snow was falling snow on snow, snow on snow,

in the bleak mid winter, long ago.

Whether winter is your favorite time of year or not, take a walk; open your eyes and ears; you'll be amazed at the glorious beauty God has ready for you to enjoy and experience!!