“Consciousness anticipates what it’s about to encounter and then selects lenses that will bring that object into focus.” This is such an eye-opening concept, so much so that I feel if we could all understand and embrace it, there would be a lot less arguing and bickering about who is right and who is wrong. We all use FILTERS to process what we encounter. A different filter (lens) produces a different interpretation. If we can allow ourselves to think in a non-dual fashion, we always arrive at AND rather than OR - accepting all lenses as possibilities. Genius!
Thank you, Bishop Jake, and thanks to your readers who shared. I love inbreaking stories. I've also loved what I've read in A Full-Hearted Life. I decided to set it aside, though, until the quieter, less-hectic days of Christmas arrive. I wish you and yours a beautiful, wonderous Christmas season. Thank you for another year of wisdom!
I am not Catholic and know nothing about the rosary if it wasn't for TV and movies I wouldn't have heard of it, I have never given any thought to how a virgin could have a baby I just accepted she did
My mother’s cousin has witnessed that “ushering into what comes next” with both of her parents. Not by Mary, but by other family members who had passed on before her parents. Deceased family members sat at the foot of her father’s and mother’s beds just before they passed, according to some of the last words uttered by both her father and mother. It was so very comforting to hear this experience come from part of my blood family…and it truly does take the fear out of death and dying for me, when my time comes. It’s so lovely that others have seen Mary come to guide them into the next phase of living.
As always, thank you, Jake. And merry Christmas to you! —Angie
Thank you Jake for this essay. When my father was in Cardiac ICU, my brothers and I asked a priest to come anoint him. My father had been in a coma for weeks. We had no idea when or if he would emerge. As we gathered, sheltered by the curtains, we prayed. Our voices joined to say the Hail Mary. I looked over and my father was mouthing the words of the prayer. May you and your family have a most blessed Christmas.
Hi Jake, I found your writings through a local publication that I myself contribute to, and am glad I found you. I am enjoying reading your stories and perspective. I resonate deeply with your view of the world and spirituality and am enjoying your most recent book. Thank you for offering such unique insights of your own experiencing and discoveries of God's great presence in our lives. Blessings to you in this holiday season!
After 18 months of cancer treatment, my husband was told there was nothing more that could be done and he needed to begin hospice service. As we drove home I asked what he would like his friends and family to pray, he said “the Hail Mary.” He was raised Catholic and received into the Episcopal Church at 40+. His Catholic piety remained strong and sustaining in those 20 years until his death. In that final month of morphine, he often saw things no one else saw. The morning he died, he was in his recliner and looked out into the hallway. He pointed and asked “Who’s that woman?” I looked to my right towards a side chair and in a brief instant saw what appeared to be an arm clothed in blue resting on the arm of the chair. It was just a flash and gone. It’s been 21 years since he died and I don’t remember what I said, if anything. But I thought it was Mary. Soon after, he set aside what was in his lap, leaned back in his chair and went into a deep sleep. He died peacefully, as he’d lived, a short time later. That sighting remains clear in my memory. I think the veil parted briefly in that moment.
Love this. Deathbeds are the thinnest of all thin places.
“Consciousness anticipates what it’s about to encounter and then selects lenses that will bring that object into focus.” This is such an eye-opening concept, so much so that I feel if we could all understand and embrace it, there would be a lot less arguing and bickering about who is right and who is wrong. We all use FILTERS to process what we encounter. A different filter (lens) produces a different interpretation. If we can allow ourselves to think in a non-dual fashion, we always arrive at AND rather than OR - accepting all lenses as possibilities. Genius!
Thank you, Bishop Jake, and thanks to your readers who shared. I love inbreaking stories. I've also loved what I've read in A Full-Hearted Life. I decided to set it aside, though, until the quieter, less-hectic days of Christmas arrive. I wish you and yours a beautiful, wonderous Christmas season. Thank you for another year of wisdom!
I am not Catholic and know nothing about the rosary if it wasn't for TV and movies I wouldn't have heard of it, I have never given any thought to how a virgin could have a baby I just accepted she did
God bless you Aussie Jo! May this Christmas be filled with joy, peace, and love for you!
My mother’s cousin has witnessed that “ushering into what comes next” with both of her parents. Not by Mary, but by other family members who had passed on before her parents. Deceased family members sat at the foot of her father’s and mother’s beds just before they passed, according to some of the last words uttered by both her father and mother. It was so very comforting to hear this experience come from part of my blood family…and it truly does take the fear out of death and dying for me, when my time comes. It’s so lovely that others have seen Mary come to guide them into the next phase of living.
As always, thank you, Jake. And merry Christmas to you! —Angie
Angie, thanks for sharing this story and for providing a source of comfort and hope for others. Have a blessed, joy-filled Christmas!
Thank you Jake for this essay. When my father was in Cardiac ICU, my brothers and I asked a priest to come anoint him. My father had been in a coma for weeks. We had no idea when or if he would emerge. As we gathered, sheltered by the curtains, we prayed. Our voices joined to say the Hail Mary. I looked over and my father was mouthing the words of the prayer. May you and your family have a most blessed Christmas.
Katie that is such a moving story. Thank you for sharing it. Christmas joy and blessings to you
Hi Jake, I found your writings through a local publication that I myself contribute to, and am glad I found you. I am enjoying reading your stories and perspective. I resonate deeply with your view of the world and spirituality and am enjoying your most recent book. Thank you for offering such unique insights of your own experiencing and discoveries of God's great presence in our lives. Blessings to you in this holiday season!
Hi Christy! Thanks for these kind words. I hope our paths will cross soon. It would be good to share some ideas. Christmas blessings.
After 18 months of cancer treatment, my husband was told there was nothing more that could be done and he needed to begin hospice service. As we drove home I asked what he would like his friends and family to pray, he said “the Hail Mary.” He was raised Catholic and received into the Episcopal Church at 40+. His Catholic piety remained strong and sustaining in those 20 years until his death. In that final month of morphine, he often saw things no one else saw. The morning he died, he was in his recliner and looked out into the hallway. He pointed and asked “Who’s that woman?” I looked to my right towards a side chair and in a brief instant saw what appeared to be an arm clothed in blue resting on the arm of the chair. It was just a flash and gone. It’s been 21 years since he died and I don’t remember what I said, if anything. But I thought it was Mary. Soon after, he set aside what was in his lap, leaned back in his chair and went into a deep sleep. He died peacefully, as he’d lived, a short time later. That sighting remains clear in my memory. I think the veil parted briefly in that moment.
Thank you for sharing this stirring story, Angela. Peace and blessings this Christmas