A Spiritual Reflection by Chaplain John Love       

The year was 1939 and a teenager named David Hawkins had an after-school job delivering newspapers in rural Wisconsin. He used a bicycle to travel the rigorous, seventeen-mile roundtrip. One day on his route, something happened that forever changed David’s life. Decades later, he used these words to describe his experience.

“On a dark winter’s night, I was caught in a twenty-below-zero blizzard. My bicycle fell over on the ice and the fierce wind ripped the newspapers out of the handlebar basket, blowing them across a snowy field. There were tears of frustration and exhaustion, and my clothes were frozen stiff. To get out of the wind, I broke through the icy crest of a high snow bank, dug out a space, and crawled into it. Soon, the shivering stopped and there was a delicious warmth; and then a state of peace beyond all description. This was accompanied by a glowing light and the presence of infinite love which had no beginning and no end. My body and surroundings faded as my awareness was fused with this all-present, illuminated state. My mind grew silent; all thought stopped. An infinite, divine presence was all that was or ever could be, beyond all time or description.”

“After this sense of timelessness, I suddenly felt someone shaking my knee. Then my father’s anxious face appeared. There was great reluctance to return to my physical body and all which that entailed; but because of my father’s anguish, divine spirit nurtured and reactivated my body. There was compassion for my father’s fear of my death; although at the same time, for me, the concept of death seemed absurd.”

David Hawkins went on to graduate from medical school. He became a respected psychiatrist. In fact, his private practice grew to be the largest in New York City. He managed fifty staff members and treated over two thousand patients a year. Hawkins provided care for people with debilitating mental illnesses. But after years of witnessing profound human suffering, he felt exhausted, depleted and overwhelmed. It was as though Hawkins had begun to experience the pain of his patients. Starting to doubt the existence of a loving God, he was engaged in a serious crisis of health and faith.

Hawkins took an extended leave of absence from his medical practice. And during this time, he was gravely ill. Though never fearing death, he nonetheless shouted, “If there is a God, I ask Him to help me now! I surrender to whatever Higher Power there might be.” From that moment, an enlightened spiritual journey began. Like many philosophers and theologians before him, Hawkins asked: Why would a God of love allow such intense human suffering to occur? After a period of reflection, Hawkins mused: Is it possible that one of the primary reasons we are in this world is to achieve spiritual growth? And if this is so, what is it in life that affords us the greatest opportunities for spiritual growth?

Of course, suffering is rarely welcomed at the time it occurs. Yet, it is during difficult, stressful, and even tragic times that we may have best the chance to draw closer to God. So perhaps we should re-evaluate our perceptions and judgments about the challenging times in our lives. Maybe they shouldn’t be viewed so harshly. That’s not to say you should deny your feelings, or that your pain isn’t real. But a shift in perception might be warranted. In the end, Dr. Hawkins persevered. Both his health and his faith in a loving God were restored.

Today, David Hawkins is an acclaimed author and has travelled the world hosting lectures and workshops on spiritual growth. He believes that a mature faith eventually leads to a complete surrender to God’s will. It’s the kind of surrender that comes from strength, not weakness. Placing our trust in God will nurture a sustained sense of safety, well-being, and peace. And it’s a liberating journey. Why? Because when we surrender to a Higher Power, there’s no longer a desire to control and micro-manage our lives. There’s no longer a reason to worry about the future and its uncertainty. There’s no longer a need to try to save the world. All of these daunting tasks are left to God. And the result is a confident, underlying feeling that all is well.

Still, there are empowering choices we can make. Chief among them is the willingness to adjust our perception of the human experience. A Course in Miracles suggests that a miracle is sometimes nothing more than a ‘shift’ in perception. The story of the Mongolian stallion is a classic example of shifting perceptions. A struggling family lives near a remote border of Mongolia. One day, a stallion magically appears. It helps them with many of their farm chores. The horse is good. Then, while riding the stallion, the oldest son is thrown and breaks his leg. The horse is bad. Soon after, a government official arrives to claim the family’s oldest son, so that he may fight in a bloody war. However, with his leg broken, the oldest son is honorably excused from combat. The horse is good. A few weeks later, the stallion unexpectedly disappears. Now the family is left with nothing. The horse is bad. But after several more weeks, the stallion returns, this time accompanied by five mares. The horse is good.

Perception shapes everything that happens in life. So it’s important to understand that perception is a matter of choice. Indeed, it’s a blessing to be able to choose how personal experiences and the world at large are viewed. As a result, we can choose to see peace, rather than conflict; love, rather than fear; abundance, rather than lack; and we can to see a divine plan, instead of random chaos. Abraham Lincoln is credited with saying: “Most of us are just as happy as we make up our minds to be.”

Like Sam, an eighty-year-old man who has lived alone since his wife, Doris, died two years ago. Though he still misses Doris, Sam is comfortable. He enjoys living independently, in a spacious, familiar place. But Sam’s health is declining. He struggles with bathing and preparing meals. One fateful day, Sam falls. And though his injuries aren’t serious, Sam’s children urge him to move into an assisted living community, where he can have help whenever it’s needed. Sam agrees to the move.

A few weeks later, his son, Thomas, drives Sam to his new home. In a voice tinged with anxiety, Thomas explains, “Dad, you’re going to notice some changes. The room is small, and you’ll be sharing it with a roommate.” Sam replies, “I like my new room and my roommate.” Looking puzzled, Thomas exclaims, “But Dad, you haven’t seen your room or your roommate yet!” Sam answers, “That has nothing to do with it. I can decide to be happy in advance. Happiness doesn’t depend on my room or the person I share it with; it depends on how I choose to see them. In my mind, I’ve already decided I like them.”

Spiritual teachers have long suggested that happiness has little to do with what happens to us. Yes, we can find temporary excitement in what we do; we can find fleeting pleasure in things we own; and we can find welcomed comfort and support from close relationships. Yet, none of these leads to lasting happiness. Joy does not originate from an external source; it comes from within our heart. Happiness is an empowering choice that each of us, like Sam, can make.

In a similar way, we can choose to be kind and compassionate to the people we meet as each day unfolds. We can choose to forgive others and ourselves. We can cling to anger, fear, jealousy, and guilt; or we can release them. And in terms of our identity, we can decide to be a victim or a victor. In the journey ahead, will you choose to accept the future, and dismiss its uncertainty? Will you choose to accept change, and let go of its emotional pain? Can you surrender all judgments to God? Do you view your Creator as a source of courage, strength, wisdom, and guidance? And finally, can you trust God, and ask that His will be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven?

A Guided Reflection by Chaplain John Love     

Scientists claim that our universe is made entirely of matter, energy, and space. But matter and energy are – at their genesis – identical, so the scientific community is actually saying the universe contains just two things: energy and space. Curiously, energy is the source of both the matter and the “antimatter” found in space. And according to acclaimed physicist Steven Hawking, matter and antimatter coexist in the exact same amounts. So from a purely mathematical perspective, the net sum of our universe is “zero.”

That’s one reason why Hawking dismisses the existence of God. If the universe ultimately contains nothing – that is, its mathematical identity equals zero – then a Creator isn’t needed; for in truth, there’s nothing to create. Still, there are natural laws and structure that apply to the universe and to our lives. The universe, from our viewpoint, has at least three dimensions: height, length, and width. Some consider time to be a fourth dimension. However, the theoretical physicists who endorse what is called “String Theory” believe our universe has additional dimensions – though the exact number is still under debate. In other words, there are parts of our world that we can neither sense nor experience.

By an overwhelming margin, scientists believe the “Big Bang” triggered the creation of our universe and the beginning of time. Time is not only directional, it’s variable as well. Influenced by forces such as gravity, time can slow down or, in extreme cases, stop altogether. Yet the human experience is immersed in time. Our lives appear to unfold in a chronological order that features a past, a present, and a future. Applying the laws of physics, Hawking concludes there was no “time” prior to the Big Bang, and this belief serves as his second reason to deny God’s existence: there was never a time in which a Creator could exist before the birth of the universe. Though possessing a brilliant mind, is it possible Hawking has overlooked something? Are there realities in the universe that, to this point, have eluded scientific detection? Is it really “nothing” to listen to the music of Beethoven or to look into the eyes of a child? Is there a mathematical formula which captures love?

Physics includes the study of the very small, quantum mechanics, and the very large, cosmology. At the subatomic level, matter is thought to be comprised of tiny vibrating “strands” of energy. And there is shocking evidence indicating these tiny energy strands are “shared” among different dimensions within our universe. Clearly, there are things going on right around us that are completely undetected by our limited senses. It remains uncertain if the laws governing the very small are exactly the same as the ones that govern the very large. Yet, science has conclusively proven that all objects, regardless of their size or density, are mostly just empty space. As a result, there is at least one thing that is known for sure: much of what we see is an illusion.

In humankind’s quest to discover the secrets of our universe, new theories are presented all the time. Radical ideas occasionally gain mainstream acceptance, only to fade away like the night sky as dawn approaches. Even the theories of revered physicist Albert Einstein have not escaped intense scrutiny. His belief that our universe is infinite in size is undergoing a present-day challenge. Prominent theorists currently speculate that our universe is actually finite; that it has a defined shape and a limited size. Moreover, it’s now suggested that our universe might be just one of an infinite number of “parallel” universes. If this is so, are Big Bangs ordinary, ongoing events? For now, scientists think it’s impossible for energy, including a human body, to travel from one universe to another. But this speculation raises more questions. Is it likely that other universes, if they do exist, are the same as ours? And Big Bangs aside, could there be other means by which new realms are born?

Turning the focus to planet Earth, it took eons of time for just the right mix of climate and atmosphere to serve as a supporting backdrop for life as we know it. Science suggests that life began in a primordial “soup” of single-celled microbes. Then, an evolutionary process unfolded. Over millions of years, genetic mutations and “survival of the fittest” have led to the countless varieties of flora and fauna seen today. Searching in the deepest seas and the most remote forests, scientists continue to discover new life forms. Some are flourishing, while others are not. But are the world’s fragile balances maintained entirely by the laws of nature? Or has “intelligent design” played a role in our planet’s evolution?

Those who endorse this view maintain that a “higher power” started, and is perhaps shaping, the growth of life as it appears today. In fact, there are scientists who insist that natural laws solve some, but not all, of the puzzles surrounding carbon-based life. For instance, genetic mutations are typically spawned by a slow, random process. If this is true, have the supporting climate and atmosphere been in place long enough for incremental mutations to sufficiently explain the immense diversity of life seen now? What’s more, mutations occur within existing species. And if that’s the case, can mutations and other natural events account for all of the new species that have come into being?

Ours is a universe of energy. Eternal in the sense that it never disappears, energy simply changes form. Yet in another sense, energy is a prisoner forever held captive by physical laws. But are there formless realms as well? Science and mathematics have neither proved nor disproved the existence of formless realms, where energy, matter, and time are absent. Is it possible there are metaphysical domains that transcend the laws defining our universe? Perhaps even the dimension of space is not found in such realms.

Fueling the human body, energy sustains our heartbeat, our pulse, our breathing, and the electrical impulses found in our brain. And thoughts, too, are energy. Still, it’s unclear whether or not scientists have identified our human essence. Is one’s “life force” wholly defined by vibrating strands of energy? Physicists and mathematicians have struggled in their effort to gather evidence that answers this daunting question. Is spirit part of life’s equation? While there’s little chance of mistaking someone’s body for their clothes, is there a guarantee we won’t mistake someone’s soul for their energy?

Historically, philosophers and theologians have often strayed from science when defining human life. Those who believe in a higher power, for example, usually draw distinctions between energy and spirit. One’s spirit, or soul, is viewed as their eternal life force. And unlike energy, spirit is not trapped in time or governed by universal laws. In addition, philosophers and theologians often apply equal value to the fields of physics and metaphysics, and they may devote similar time to the study of form and formlessness. Can spirit dwell in all realms, those with form and those where form is not? Is spirit able to roam among parallel universes and experience all of their dimensions? Does spirit define human self-awareness? Is it the source of individual or collective consciousness? In a domain absent of space, could one’s soul be both everywhere and nowhere? And finally, if God is indeed found in timeless realms, then could not a Creator have existed “before” the Big Bang that sparked the birth of our universe?

Hundreds of millions of people believe there is a higher power present in our world. Globally, this deity has many names, including God, Krishna, Buddha, Allah, and Christ. But again, science can neither prove nor disprove the existence of a Creator. That’s why human beings wrestle with something called faith. Ultimately, each person decides whether faith leads to folly or to truth. Is belief in God a crutch, or is it a gateway to illumination? For centuries, similar questions have prompted reflection among people determined to seek and find reality. Intellectual curiosity is a compelling motivator. For many, only science and logic can reliably lead to truth. But others choose to follow their hearts. They travel a different road while searching for wisdom and insight. And truth waits patiently, unaffected by the path which reveals it. That’s because absolute truth is constant and forever unchangeable. Or is it?

A Guided Meditation by Chaplain John Love  

The human experience includes both joys and sorrows. Though we celebrate great triumphs, we also endure bitter disappointments. Indeed, pain and suffering — whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual — are ongoing dimensions of the human condition. Most of us are born into this world as students. We grow, we mature, and ever so slowly, we learn. Fortunately, teachers are born into this world as well; teachers who show us how to live and how to love; special men, women, and children who show us how to persevere; spirit-guided teachers who show us how to forgive; and God-chosen leaders who inspire hope. Jesus was a teacher who used both words and deeds to show us how to live. He told his followers there is no reason to worry about worldly things. He assured them, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” Jesus also said, “Seek the kingdom of Heaven, and your earthly needs will be given to you as well.” He reminded believers there is no reason to be fearful of the future and its uncertainties. He comforted his disciples by telling them, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me.” Then Jesus said,” In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, I would have told you.” Finally, he promised, “I am going there to prepare a place for you.” What might this lesson mean? By saying “let not your hearts be troubled” perhaps Jesus is teaching that when we have faith, there is no cause to worry. That when we choose to trust God – to accept His love into our heart and ask that His will be done – there is nothing to fear.

Christian theologians suggest that “my Father’s house” refers to Heaven. And most likely, Heaven’s “many rooms” means an infinite number of rooms. And in contrast to the ones found in man-made buildings, perhaps each heavenly “room” is infinite in size. In truth, the vastness of God’s creation is beyond our comprehension. An infinite number of rooms implies an unlimited number of afterlife experiences. It suggests heavenly colors and beauty not yet seen by human eyes; and it hints of heavenly praise and music not yet heard by human ears. Having been created in God’s image, we too are creative. In this world, our creative instincts are expressed through music, art, literature, design, and so on. In the afterlife, could we be exponentially more creative than now? And is it possible we will have a hand in shaping many of our heavenly experiences? The afterlife is timeless. And like the vastness of creation, Heaven’s timelessness is beyond human understanding. We are invested in time. Our lives appear to unfold in chronological order and include a past, a present, and a future. But instead of a horizontal timeline, picture a vertical line where time is not; where the past and future may occur simultaneously; where there is only an eternal moment of now. Does this image offer insights into a timeless realm? Either way, it’s clear that a lifespan on earth – even if it lasts one hundred years or longer – is less than an instant when compared to forever.

After telling his followers that God’s house has many rooms, Jesus declared, “If it were not so, I would have told you.” With this statement, Jesus is saying he would never teach something that is not true. Finally, he promised, “I am going there to prepare a place for you.” These words convey a profound message of hope. And later he added, “Your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” Perhaps Jesus means Heaven is not earned, but is offered as a gift – a gift of God’s grace. The Bible promises there shall come a day when there is no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain; and that God Himself shall wipe away your tears. The afterlife, then, is a realm of oneness, wholeness, and perfection. There is an intimate reconnection with all whom you have ever known and loved. There is no sense of separation or lack of any kind. There are joys and possibilities not yet imagined by the human mind. And should you dwell in a heavenly body, it will be perfect and everlasting; for there are no betrayals in Paradise.

God is the Alpha and the Omega, without beginning or end. He understands that everyone makes mistakes. So there is nothing that you can think or say or do that is beyond God’s forgiveness. His love and grace have no boundaries. And you are worthy of God’s love and grace; for if God truly believes His children are unworthy, then why did He send a Savior? Christ’s victory over death is your divine assurance that life is eternal. The Resurrection of Christ transformed the cross – an instrument of torture – into the ultimate symbol of hope. Scripture teaches that God is love and His presence is with you always. You will never be left alone, even for a moment. So, feel God’s peace. Feel the comfort of His angels who watch over you, and bathe in the light of Jesus Christ.

A Guided Meditation by Chaplain John Love

Your journey begins on a path which leads through a tranquil forest. Picture the forest floor blanketed by lush ferns. Their rich green color blends perfectly with the emerald trees shading your path. On the distant horizon, ancient rock formations penetrate the clouds, and you are awed by nature’s beauty. As you walk along the path, there is no sense of time or urgency. You feel a sacred connection with God. Now, your ear detects the comforting sounds of a nearby stream. Going a bit further, you see crystal clear water cascading over polished rocks. To your right, an inquisitive fish explores the boundaries of a secluded pool. As you resume walking, birds glide from tree to tree, and their whistled melodies offer an unexpected serenade. Playful animals are all around: daring squirrels, timid rabbits, darting chipmunks.

Now, the path leads to an opening, to a distinct change in landscape. Magically, you stand at the edge of a vast meadow – a vista graced by an abundance of wildflowers. Vibrant reds, yellows, oranges, and purples stretch as far as you can see. You reach down, pick a blossom, and lift it to your nose. A glorious fragrance greets you – then lingers in the air. You examine the fragile petals one at a time. Each is intricate, yet simple; each petal is an elegant expression, a gift from God. But there are more gifts to discover. Finding a single drop of nectar, you taste it and marvel at the sweetness.

The path ahead is so inviting, you take off your shoes. While walking barefoot, cool grass soothes your feet. You smile as soft moss tickles the tender skin between your toes. The blue sky is dotted with cotton-like clouds. You feel the warmth of a golden sun, and a gentle breeze touches your face. To your left, a deer stands watch over her fawn. Like all young life, this fawn is so innocent, so frail – so dependent on its mother’s vigilance. Yet, its future holds such promise. Now, your gaze is fixed on a butterfly. Its fluttering wings are relentless, tireless. As this curious creature disappears from sight, you sense a genuine kinship; because it, too, follows a whimsical path leading to an unrevealed destination; it, too, must confront uncertainty.

Walking further, you view something ahead – something that seems strangely out of place. Still, you are clearly drawn to it. The attraction cannot be denied. Continuing on, you realize the out-of-place ‘something’ is, in fact, a structure of some kind. And as you get closer, you’re surprised to learn that it’s made of marble and gold, and adorned with precious gems. At last, you recognize what you’ve come upon. It’s an altar. More importantly, you know this sublime altar is a special gift and that its discovery is not an accident. You’ve found a holy place and you sense God’s closeness.

Feeling humbled, you choose to kneel in front of the altar. And listening to your heart, you know exactly what to do. On this altar, you place your pain and suffering. You place your grief and anger on the altar. You lift up to God any guilt or shame. On this altar, you place your fears, your worries, and your anxieties. You place your regrets, mistakes, and disappointments on the altar. You lift up to God any unfulfilled dreams, broken promises, unrealized legacies, or failed relationships. And God loves you so much that He gladly accepts your offering of earthly burdens. He is pleased to relieve you of your fears and worries, your regrets and mistakes. He is eager to help you heal emotionally and spiritually. God wants you to talk to Him and grow closer to Him. God wants you to feel whole.

As you rise from your knees, you feel so much lighter – so renewed and joyous. You feel a profound inner peace; a calmness far greater than you’ve ever felt before. You bathe in the light of your Creator. And now that you know where to find this altar – this sacred place – you can revisit it as often as you wish. You can revisit it anytime you start to feel once again weighed down by earthly burdens. Be assured that God is love; and know that you shall never be left alone or comfortless.

A Guided Meditation by Chaplain John Love

As you cautiously approach the edge of a deep canyon, you might strain your neck and peer downward for a few seconds. Those who stare too long into the canyon’s depths may feel dizzy. Then, their gaze will inevitably focus in a new direction. Otherwise, they risk falling. In a similar way, most people confront thoughts of death for just brief moments at a time. Otherwise, they risk feeling overwhelmed. Yet people who summon the courage to boldly face death’s certainty – those who find the strength to examine and to accept their mortality – sometimes receive an unexpected gift: a renewed joy for living. They choose to drink more fully from the cup of life, for whatever time they have left in this world. Just as fertile soil may yield a bountiful harvest, perhaps the following thoughts will nurture a seed of inner peace . . .

What is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, so that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.

And when you have reached the mountain top, then shall you begin to climb.

And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

Kahlil Gibran

There is one thing certain about the past: It is not here now, so it can no longer harm you. And there is one thing certain about the future: It is not yet here, so it cannot harm you now. We live in a dualistic world – a world in which many things appear to have an opposite: right and wrong, hot and cold, black and white. It’s understandable to instinctively conclude that life and death are opposites. But in truth, death is the opposite of birth. Birth and death are polarities in nature’s realm of cycles. But life has no opposite; life is eternal. Is the earthly body one’s true identity? Or is it the soul, the spirit? Saint Paul wrote, “Fix your eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is everlasting.” The human experience includes both joys and sorrows. At this moment, focus on the positive. Recount the things in your life – from the past and the present – which you are most grateful for. And finally, identify the things in your life which inspire hope. Praise God from whom all blessings flow . . .

Chaplaincy, like clinical and psychosocial disciplines, is dedicated to providing the best possible care to patients and families. It’s a calling, a mission, and an honor to serve the people who choose hospice organizations for end-of-life support. Yet, a chaplain is simply one member of a team that includes doctors, nurses, aides, social workers, counselors, administrators, managers, and support personnel. Teams usually include diverse personalities, religions, and cultures. Still, we must work cooperatively, collaboratively, and synergistically to provide optimum care for each patient’s body, mind, and spirit.

One of the chaplain’s primary responsibilities is to offer appropriate spiritual support. It’s not our job to proselytize or to promote a personal agenda. Indeed, chaplaincy is an interfaith ministry. Our goal is to join patients wherever they may be on their spiritual path and, for a short while, to share their personal journey in an affirming, non-judgmental way. Spiritual support must always honor the patient’s faith history.

Ideally, all caregivers should remember that our patients and families are immersed in grieving. They grieve the body’s betrayal. They grieve the loss of control and loss of identity. They grieve leaving loved ones behind. They grieve mistakes, regrets, unfulfilled legacies, and unrealized dreams. They grieve broken relationships and life’s evanescence. And like death, grieving is a journey unique to the individual. Moreover, patients are often struggling to redefine life’s meaning, and they may be desperately trying to find purpose in their pain and suffering.

For chaplains, a calm presence is sometimes the greatest gift that can be offered. We recognize the need to stay in the present moment, and we accept the truth that silence is sacred. We strive to offer unconditional acceptance and respect. We extend empathy. And while normalizing fears and anxieties, we validate our patient’s feelings. It’s okay for them to be angry, fearful, or sad; and yes, it’s okay for them to be mad at God.

Chaplains build trust-based relationships. We listen as patients share their life stories. We laugh, cry, and learn. We pray, read Scripture, and serve Sacraments. We offer kindness and compassion. We help patients reconnect with their church families. We participate in memorial services and community outreach, and we provide support to our team members and fellow chaplains. In short, we are conduits of God’s light, love, and peace.

If all of this sounds challenging, you’re right. Still, a chaplain’s job is no harder – or more important – than the work done by other team members. It is hoped that our collective efforts will ease the suffering of those approaching natural death. But to serve effectively, the entire team must be committed to a unified mission. That’s why our work is a calling. I’m reminded of Romans 8:28 which reads, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

John