The CSI of Faith – Luke 18:1-8
Perhaps, you enjoy the three versions of the crime show, “CSI” which
air weekly on a major television network.
Based alternatively in Miami ,
New York Las Vegas
I found a recent episode particularly intriguing because of the use of
trigonometry. Using a few miniscule
facts, the officers input this information into a computer program which ran
this data mathematically and determined the exact location of the crime. Heretofore, they had been guessing where the
crime scene was. This fascinating use of
math made me realize that I was as lucky foregoing math in college as I had
thought previously. How I wish that math
had been taught from such a practical perspective when I was in high
school! I most certainly would have
taken more of it. I have come to realize
that owning a home and cars is a longstanding algebraic equation, considering all
of the factors that one must balance to keep them functional and appreciating
in value. Nevertheless, I greatly
appreciate the meticulous technique of these fictional police personnel in
painstakingly following the trail of the evidence in order to accomplish
justice. Their methods of science and
math are not my forte. However, they
lend themselves to spiritual appropriation and application.
Interestingly, there is a “CSI” of faith. Instead of the techniques of a “Crime Scene
Investigative” Unit, a believer can practice the mantra of “Consciousness –
Spirit – Intentionality” when reaffirming his or her healing of past
hurts. As children of our loving
Heavenly Father who seek inner healing and wholeness, we forget what lies
behind us and strive forward, pressing toward the mark of the high calling of
Christ Jesus. We do not allow the past
to define us. We do not judge ourselves
today by who we were yesterday, nor do we allow anyone else to do so. Rather, we maintain the daily practice of
spiritual disciplines which solidify our healing and make us whole persons
before God and humankind. The Christian
mystic and hermit, Carlos Carretto, in his compelling book, Summoned by Love, posits that an unconditional
acceptance of our position as a son or daughter of God is the most healing and
liberating event in life! In order to
gain this acceptance, the eyes of one’s heart must be open. One cannot see one’s self as a son or daughter
of God with the natural eyes. They too
often look with the myopia of culture, consumerism and the free market. In contrast, I suggest that one must be
constantly vigilant with mental consciousness, sustained by the Holy Spirit and
emotionally and psychologically intentional about seeing one’s self as a son or
daughter of Almighty God.
The character of the persistent widow demonstrates perfectly the “CSI
of Faith.” This woman holds within her
mental consciousness an idea of justice which she absolutely refuses to
relinquish. The chilling indifference of
a judge who neither fears God nor cares about the thoughts of others does not
compel her to surrender. Myriad
philosophers of the Stanford Philosophy Encyclopedia refer to the “canvass of
consciousness.” Practically speaking,
one paints a very vivid picture of the dream, ambition or goal that one
pursues. A widow who probably did not
have a son to take care of her, this woman might have been cheated out of the
bequest that her husband left her. Conceivably,
she may be on the verge of poverty unless her money was restored. The text does not divulge the specific details
of her legal case. Yet, she sears a
definitive resolution for justice into her consciousness and unrelentingly
pursues it.
Her example encourages us to look inwardly and view the canvass of our
consciousness. What lies on the emerging
mosaic of our minds? What pictures are
we painting during periods of prayer and silent meditation? What images fuel us toward action and
achievement? This widow’s mental
consciousness defines her purpose for living until she receives the justice
that she previously determines she deserves.
Similarly, a God given goal or dream will comprise our raison de’tre
(reason for being or living). It is simply
amazing that we as believers in the risen Lord can wander aimlessly through
life. As a son or daughter of God, we
emulate His love. We have The Great
Commandment which requires that we love the Lord with our whole being and our
neighbors as ourselves. The Great
Commission instructs us to share the love of God with others in gratitude for
is gracious gifts of inner healing and wholeness. Unless we maintain this eternal purpose on
the canvass of consciousness, we easily digress to the past with its old
wounds, frustrating fears and broken promises.
Utilizing holy imagination, I suspect that this widow may have painted
a grand picture of a purposeful, peaceful and prosperous life on the canvass of
her consciousness. After healing from
her bereavement, she plausibly found a “new normal” and a need reason to live. Possibly, she found some service to God and
humankind to which she would devote the remainder of her life. That resolution in turn gave her a new joy,
freedom and happiness. This peace, however,
became contingent upon her ability to obtain justice in her case. Consequently, her financial and material
well-being are equally subject to the outcome of her legal proceedings. In order to realize the life that she
envisions, she must retain her quest for justice on the canvass of her
consciousness until it manifests concretely.
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