Habemus... What?

Elusive and ephemeral as the ritual white smoke at the Vatican some weeks ago, but nevertheless real, "Habemus" (we have) ... something, someone, even if we grasp nothing. Ironically, that is good  - because what we need most is to be unencumbered and focused, listening, alert and aware that we are "there" (everywhere and always), and not forgotten. And neither are we ever nameless nor discarded.  Habemus... What?  Whatever we need, of course! Argentinian bridge builder moving forward, Italian philosopher caring for truth, liturgical harpist plucking "Were You There" melody ... All pretensions aside, another  stark Good Friday. 

And then there's this splendid excerpt, perfect for today, in the Bercovici's (Forbes) interview with Chris Hayes. It explains the rationale for naming his new MSNBC show "All In" - and struck me as brilliantly descriptive of genuine, deeply mystical Christianity: 

Bercovici: “All in” is a poker term. Do you play?
Hayes: I’m not a poker player but I liked the idea of total, full, un-back-outable commitment and of everybody being included. 

Obviously, I also liked the idea and know something of its challenge. I daresay it parallels our need for deeply mystical spirituality, an experience of God that tells us we are known by name, that we are securely held, that bigotry, greed, war, hate and cowardice, no matter how pervasive, are ultimately nonsensical. "Total, full, un-back-outable commitment and everybody being included" is possible. But no one says it is easy.  So having a Doctor at Calvary would be just fine with me, not to anesthetize but rather to recognize the cards being played and whether one has a winning hand. 

 Cross: Gift From Ursula aka Uriela