Journal of Sacred Work

Today’s mediation was written by Cathy Self, Senior Vice President for the Baptist Healing Trust.

     Henri Nouwen has written of the mystery of the human heart in relationship to one another, and suggests our greatest fulfillment lies in giving ourselves to others. Beyond what others have asserted as a universal need to love and be loved, Nouwen believes we all have a simple and pure desire to give, even if from our own brokenness or view of ourselves as not quite capable. The picture Nouwen paints of this paradox of desire to give from brokenness is captured beautifully in Leonard Bernstein’s musical presentation titled "Mass." Originally commissioned by Jackie Kennedy in memory of President John F. Kennedy, the musical premiered in 1971. Though the characters begin in great harmony and agreement with one another, doubts emerge and confusion spreads. In the end, the holy chalice lies broken on the stage. The priest looks at it for a long time and then quietly remarks "I never realized that broken glass could shine so brightly." How does this paradox stand in the light of Love?

     There seems to be a relationhip between our brokenness and our ability to give to each other. Just as shards of broken glass have many more surfaces from which to reflect the light, our own brokenness opens us to deeper ways of sharing life and of offering hope. As Nouwen has written "just as bread needs to be broken in order to be given, so, too, do our lives." From our own places of sadness and loss, we can meet others in theirs.

     Of course, none of us seek to be broken, life creates that reality. In befriending it, however, and surrounding brokenness in ourselves and others with the cloak of Love, it becomes blessing and gift, and we find much more to give than we may have ever dreamed. It is through our gifts of friendship, kindness, patience, peace, forgiveness, and hope that Love becomes our greatest giving.

     As was spoken in actual masses during the time that Bernstein wrote Mass, his muscial presentation is ended with a strong voice that proclaims "The Mass is ended; go in peace." We know Love never ends, and so we can share of ourselves with boldness to those we serve and in the midst of brokenness rest in the belief "Love remains; go in peace." I wonder today how you experience giving from your own brokenness?