"The gospels themselves, we are learning more and more, are full of imagination. They are full of Jesus' followers putting words into his mouth. Indeed, it is estimated that 80 to 85 percent of the gospels are of this kind - not words straight from the historical Jesus but words that later writers put into his mouth.

Is this a scandal? By no means. The early writers were not modern historians nor were they striving to be. They were excited witnesses of those who had heard Jesus speak or had heard the stories of those who had. Things got embellished; things got retold; stories grew; different authors were adapting the stories to different audiences and different ideologies. The bottom line is this: The gospels were put together by amazing artists and even amazing poets. We have underestimated once again the power of the artists, the leadership of the artists, and in this case the teachers (more than scribes or theologians) of the church, who are the gospel-makers. The gospel-makers were imitating the historical Jesus, at least in this respect: They were being creative. And in doing so they put together stories, texts, and sayings that have nourished hearts and souls for two thousand years."

Matthew Fox, Creativity

I'd like to share a poem with you by my all time favorite poet May Sarton. This poem reminds me of a beautiful Italian saying: Abbia fiducia nel lavoro lento di Dio, which is translated -  "Trust in the slow work of God". Peace!

OF MOLLUSCS

As the tide rises, the closed mollusc
Opens a fraction to the ocean's food,
Bathed in its riches. Do not ask
What force would do, or if force could.

A knife is of no use against a fortress.
You might break it to pieces as gulls do.
No, only the rising tide and its slow progress
Opens the shell. Lovers, I tell you true.

You who have held yourselves closed hard
Against warm sun and wind, shelled up in fears
And hostile to a touch or tender word -
The ocean rises, salt as unshed tears.

Now you are floated on this gentle flood
That cannot force or be forced, welcome food
Salt as your tears, the rich ocean's blood,
Eat, rest, be nourished on the tide of Love.

-May Sarton

Just a gentle reminder that whatever difficult circumstance you may be experiencing it can be helpful to slow down, take a few breaths and realize that beauty, growth and wisdom are the by products of our suffering. You are supported and nourished on the tide of Love, so take heart, and remember to trust in the slow (sometimes excruciatingly slow) work of God. All will be well. Peace!