Dream Big

Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Genesis 28:10-22a

Jacob departed from Beer-sheba and proceeded toward Haran. When he came upon a certain shrine, as the sun had already set, he stopped there for the night. Taking one of the stones at the shrine, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep at that spot. Then he had a dream: a stairway rested on the ground, with its top reaching to the heavens; and God’s messengers were going up and down on the ladder.

Do you ever experience weird dreams?  Have you ever awakened from a nightmare thinking everything was REAL?  What if you dreamed of a towering staircase with angels walking up and down from heaven?  How would you react?

We read examples of prophetic dreams throughout the bible.  Joseph discovered the truth of Mary's pregnancy and warned to fleed to Egypt through dreams.  Daniel was considered skilled at dream interpretation.  Then we read about Jacob's ladder.  Each time a major figure in the bible dreams, a special message is given through an angel or God himself.  Something BIG results: a lesson learned, a secret revealed, or an epiphany which causes celebration.

Most of us are familiar with the saying "Dream Big!" As children, especially in America, we are taught about the American Dream and how we can all achieve whatever we put our minds to.  We are encouraged to get a college education, a high paying job, a large house, a fancy car, and then tons of techno gadgets for entertainment. Yeah, maybe fit in a spouse and a couple of kids just as an added benefit so we appear less self-absorbed and more "family focused."  (Yes, the sarcasm is on purpose.)

 I find it sad that the "Leave It to Beaver" generation is long gone, replaced by the "Leave ME to do what I please" generation.  Dream Big is all about satisfying one's individual desires and passions.  Pride ceases reason and sensibility; vanity causes vitriol as we see ourselves more worthy than others; sensuality is all about self seeking pleasures often at the expense of another's dignity and self-worth.

Jacob was so blown away by God's message that he built any entire shrine around the stone he used as a pillow.  His dream caused him to Think Big; that is, make a special sanctuary where future generations can give honor to God. He wanted his descendants to always remember the Lord's promises.

Our Catholic heritage is full of shrines and memorials dedicated to miraculous events.  I think about Lourdes and Fatima which celebrate Our Blessed Mother.  Then, I think of major and minor basillicas and small chapels where the remains of saints are buried.  There's something nostalgic, surreal, and somewhat dreamlike about these famous sites.  If we are lucky enough to make a pilgrimage, we may even think we are in the middle of a dream when we are truly present, with the camera phone and Facebook app in hand to prove it!

Next time you Dream Big, make Christ part of the plan!  Remember He provides more freedom and eternal rewards than earthly possessions!  It just takes a dash of Faith, a sprinkle of Hope, and pinch of Trust!

-J.