This morning prior to our eucharist I was praying Morning Prayer. The reading from 2 Timothy 2:14-21is a difficult one for me. Paul tells the young churchleader "avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening."
Obviously, I am not a fan of picking a verse (or in this case, part of a verse) and building a God-delivered mandate for every time and season. The truth is, the Scriptures are always best utilized when we apply them correctly. There is a time to build up and a time to tear down, etc. Our dilemma is reading the signs of the time.
Therefore, it appears to be an oversimplification to simply state "avoid wrangling over words" as if we can simply sidestep every argument. Theology is the art of wrangling over words. Trying to keep a balance, we must exercise extreme caution, as we carefully construct our definitions. Careless statements about God are very dangerous. People can be led into all manner of evil because they have not thought through their theology, or they have failed to grasp the true teachings about God.
Yet, there is much wrong with the constant arguing and fighting amongst Christians. There are times when one church or another identifies some line in the sand and draws swords (figurative and literal) to stand to the death (their own or others). Finely tuned arguments can turn vicious and divide the church into factions. But the refusal to wrangle can result in each person going his/her own way without a thought to what others are saying. To say "we just agree to disagree" can be a polite way of saying, "Go thee hence!"
Wrangling! The world is full of it and most of us are very weary of hearing it and participating in it. Would that we all embraced the truth and lived in the truth. Yet, sadly, this side of the Kingdom, seeking the truth entails more wrangling and conflict than most of us want. For as Paul continues in the same letter, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by Him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth." Explaining that word of truth, unfortunately, leads to wrangling.
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
How Bad is it?
Yesterday we were in Bible Study and we addressed the issue of the social changes in our culture. There are many things going one which cause one to worry. It seems that we hear about people being 'persecuted' for their faith in America (or Canada or England) in ways that were unthinkable a decade ago. Traditional beliefs are increasingly being "criminalized" (usually through fines) and while such cases are isolated and seem to be few and far between, the fact that they occur at all is bothersome.
One of the datum which catches my attention is the comments section of many secular websites. I try to keep up with things and probably get most of my news from internet sources. I also read articles from popular publications (like on-line newspapers or magazines). My personal interest includes religious topics, not surprisingly, and it is there that I see the 'writing on the wall' (literally and figuratively). It is amazing how many angry atheists there are. It is sobering to read the (often simplistic) attacks on organized religion in general and the Christian Church in particular. There can be little doubt that some of this is the culture wars (secularized Democrats and Right Wing Christian Republicans). Some of what I wrote about the last two days (demonizing) is certainly at work. Christians have not always been real Christian in the political sphere. But, there is more going on than poor witness or faulty Christians. There is also a deep seated something (anger, hate, despair, fear, rebellion?) at work.
The recent effort to undermine the Catholic Church is something different. I cannot help but believe the media focus on pedophilia in the Catholic Church is part of it. Let me be clear, the Bishops messed up in a myriad of ways. There is NO excuse for what they did. They got what they deserved. But, here is where I do have questions. Why is it that the focus was almost solely on the Catholic Church? (remember I am not Roman and my status with Rome is persona non grata) I have read that the abuse rate in RC churches is actually lower than in many others. I think that there is an anti-Catholic (and also anti-Christian) movement. The sins of the church have taken away their moral authority to speak to issues. It is literally like building bombs and then sending them to your enemies to use in war.
So, how bad is it? By historical standards, it has been better but it has been worse. In the 16th Century Christians were killing each other. In the early Middle Ages the barbarians were pretty brutal and thorough in wreaking destruction. As one looks over the last two thousand years it is fair to say that many Christians have lived in far worse conditions. Even now, looking at Christians in Africa or Asia, we know that there are many who suffer greatly, including death, for the faith. So American Christians can come off as whiners when we talk about how bad it is. Yet, in fairness, there is ample reason to be concerned about the current trajectory. It is fair to ponder what it will be like in twenty years. And we do well to engage in spiritual practices to prepare for what comes next.
One of the datum which catches my attention is the comments section of many secular websites. I try to keep up with things and probably get most of my news from internet sources. I also read articles from popular publications (like on-line newspapers or magazines). My personal interest includes religious topics, not surprisingly, and it is there that I see the 'writing on the wall' (literally and figuratively). It is amazing how many angry atheists there are. It is sobering to read the (often simplistic) attacks on organized religion in general and the Christian Church in particular. There can be little doubt that some of this is the culture wars (secularized Democrats and Right Wing Christian Republicans). Some of what I wrote about the last two days (demonizing) is certainly at work. Christians have not always been real Christian in the political sphere. But, there is more going on than poor witness or faulty Christians. There is also a deep seated something (anger, hate, despair, fear, rebellion?) at work.
The recent effort to undermine the Catholic Church is something different. I cannot help but believe the media focus on pedophilia in the Catholic Church is part of it. Let me be clear, the Bishops messed up in a myriad of ways. There is NO excuse for what they did. They got what they deserved. But, here is where I do have questions. Why is it that the focus was almost solely on the Catholic Church? (remember I am not Roman and my status with Rome is persona non grata) I have read that the abuse rate in RC churches is actually lower than in many others. I think that there is an anti-Catholic (and also anti-Christian) movement. The sins of the church have taken away their moral authority to speak to issues. It is literally like building bombs and then sending them to your enemies to use in war.
So, how bad is it? By historical standards, it has been better but it has been worse. In the 16th Century Christians were killing each other. In the early Middle Ages the barbarians were pretty brutal and thorough in wreaking destruction. As one looks over the last two thousand years it is fair to say that many Christians have lived in far worse conditions. Even now, looking at Christians in Africa or Asia, we know that there are many who suffer greatly, including death, for the faith. So American Christians can come off as whiners when we talk about how bad it is. Yet, in fairness, there is ample reason to be concerned about the current trajectory. It is fair to ponder what it will be like in twenty years. And we do well to engage in spiritual practices to prepare for what comes next.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Trivia and Gospel in our Midst
Saturday night our Church Women hosted a Trivia Night (the theme was hats). There were twelve tables of six people each. One of the exciting aspects was the number of non-members who were present. It looked like a couple dozen. The event is so much fun and it is nice to see a group of folks together laughing and enjoying one another's company. It is an excellent way to bring people into a church community without intimidation. For some folks, the worship is too much and it keeps them away.
In the early church, when people wanted to join the church they were not allowed to stay for the second half (eucharist and communion). Instead they were only allowed to hear the Word, then they went off to study the Christian faith. Jesus said, "Do not throw your pearls before swine." At least some understand this to mean that do not push people before they are ready for the deeper levels of the mysteries. We do well to remember the Celtic method of evangelism. First interact with one another in a Christlike way, then talk about Jesus. It has more integrity and draws folks in more effectively.
The purpose of the event was to raise funds for our Outreach Ministries. This means that our fun was at someone else's benefit. People provided their own (simple) food and drink and the overhead was low. The profit margin, therefore, was excellent! In the days ahead we will pick the group(s) to send the money. I know the Lord blesses that.
Every contest has a winner and ours did as well. But in reality, the winners were all the people who came, to laugh, to play, to enjoy. And the real winners are the agencies we support and the people they serve. We can never know how those dollars are translated into benefits to mind, body and spirit of other humans in need. It truly is a situation where everyone is a winner. Sort of like the Kingdom of God! Which brings me to the Gospel...
I conclude with the words of Jesus literally fulfilled in our midst. One table, all guests as it turned out, created awesome hats. However, they were not so good at answering the questions. After ten rounds, they were dead last. As is often the case, the last place team won an award. But it goes on, one of the women at their table won the best hat contest. She also won two raffles. She also won the 50/50 split. She was last but she walked away with a haul that definitely made her first. And as I looked at her I heard the words of Jesus, "the first are last, and the last are first." Her winning hat was sitting on my head this morning during announcements. The money raised to entice me to do that will benefit others who are "last." It is nice to see Jesus in our midst, especially when we are having fun. I hope our eyes are also open to see the hand of God at work and our ears are open to hear echoes of the words of Jesus!
In the early church, when people wanted to join the church they were not allowed to stay for the second half (eucharist and communion). Instead they were only allowed to hear the Word, then they went off to study the Christian faith. Jesus said, "Do not throw your pearls before swine." At least some understand this to mean that do not push people before they are ready for the deeper levels of the mysteries. We do well to remember the Celtic method of evangelism. First interact with one another in a Christlike way, then talk about Jesus. It has more integrity and draws folks in more effectively.
The purpose of the event was to raise funds for our Outreach Ministries. This means that our fun was at someone else's benefit. People provided their own (simple) food and drink and the overhead was low. The profit margin, therefore, was excellent! In the days ahead we will pick the group(s) to send the money. I know the Lord blesses that.
Every contest has a winner and ours did as well. But in reality, the winners were all the people who came, to laugh, to play, to enjoy. And the real winners are the agencies we support and the people they serve. We can never know how those dollars are translated into benefits to mind, body and spirit of other humans in need. It truly is a situation where everyone is a winner. Sort of like the Kingdom of God! Which brings me to the Gospel...
I conclude with the words of Jesus literally fulfilled in our midst. One table, all guests as it turned out, created awesome hats. However, they were not so good at answering the questions. After ten rounds, they were dead last. As is often the case, the last place team won an award. But it goes on, one of the women at their table won the best hat contest. She also won two raffles. She also won the 50/50 split. She was last but she walked away with a haul that definitely made her first. And as I looked at her I heard the words of Jesus, "the first are last, and the last are first." Her winning hat was sitting on my head this morning during announcements. The money raised to entice me to do that will benefit others who are "last." It is nice to see Jesus in our midst, especially when we are having fun. I hope our eyes are also open to see the hand of God at work and our ears are open to hear echoes of the words of Jesus!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Combative Christianity
My last post was a stroll down memory lane and an amazing experience of God speaking to me. The theme (arrows, spears, armor of God, Braveheart) was thoroughly martial. Pondering those contentious days I find myself evaluating my current state.
Christians are called to give their life to the Lord. We are to be willing to even die in our witness to Him. Martrdom is the crowning achievement of Christian fidelity. I grew up on stories about the great heroes of the faith who endured horrible suffering at the hands of others who demanded that the martyr rejects Jesus, deny God and turn his/her back on the church.
Within the Church at large (and in my denomination) there is an ongoing struggle over the Truth. To take a stand for the traditional faith is, in many places, viewed with hostility and confusion. The question is how does one enter the fray? Martyrs witness to the truth but then they die. What about those of us who are in debate, verbally wrestling with other viewpoints. We seek to win the day, to deliver some argument so logically flawless, so profound, so emotionally stirring, so Holy Spirit filled that the opponent, wide eyed, mouth agape declares, "I see the Light! I convert!" The problem is, human beings are inclined to not listen in debates. We filter out what does not support our views and spin that which does. We are increasingly less and less open as the conflicts become more heated.
Combative Christians are seduced by the desire to win. We also tend to demonize those whom we oppose. When we demonize we often also project. So the opponent becomes a handy location for us to dump all our garbage. By the time we have reached the yelling and screaming (or retreated into our safe little enclaves where we can trash the others) there is little hope for conversion or conversation.
On the other hand, advocates for 'just getting along' ignore the importance of the questions being debated. In the end, if Jesus is the only way to salvation, it is pretty darn important that we are clear exactly what that means. Where we stand on that question impacts the eternal destiny of every man, woman and child on the planet. To get it wrong would be a tragedy beyond anything horrible that has ever happened. It matters too much to ignore. And there is much more. In fact, there are dozens and dozens of other questions which are close to that in importance. Pretending like it does not matter is not a reasonable option.
The problem is every answer is not clear. There are degrees of certitude. There are also competing goods. So I choose not to kill neighbors who disagree with my soteriology (theology of salvation) and assume that they will do me the same kindness. I also acknowledge that The Church has not definitively and totally explained exactly what God's Word means on this question. So we say, "Only Jesus," but that means something different to a vast array of people (including Saints on either side and in between). The danger should be evident, the single most life-and-death issue with which we can ever be faced can become a matter of agree-to-disagree indifference. Relegated to a side table under a sign saying "who knows?"
So what to do? Return to hanging, flogging and burning at the stake? Subdivide into small (and increasingly smaller) self congratulating groups which agree with each other? Embrace the indifference of the contemporary age and immerse ourselves in our prefered distractions? [Or just blog? ha!]
The problem with fighting is we want to win. And fighting to win can end up betraying the Lord who died on a cross. Be assured, those who crucified The Master were convinced they were right. On the other hand, the problem with not standing for the faith is you become a coward, a betrayer of Jesus. So we listen to one another, we listen for God, we read The Word, we sit at the feet of the teachers (across time and geography) whose wisdom and insight bring us closer to the Lord, to the truth. And we do it alone and with others in the trusting hope that our God is faithful, and so we are called to be faithful as well.
Christians are called to give their life to the Lord. We are to be willing to even die in our witness to Him. Martrdom is the crowning achievement of Christian fidelity. I grew up on stories about the great heroes of the faith who endured horrible suffering at the hands of others who demanded that the martyr rejects Jesus, deny God and turn his/her back on the church.
Within the Church at large (and in my denomination) there is an ongoing struggle over the Truth. To take a stand for the traditional faith is, in many places, viewed with hostility and confusion. The question is how does one enter the fray? Martyrs witness to the truth but then they die. What about those of us who are in debate, verbally wrestling with other viewpoints. We seek to win the day, to deliver some argument so logically flawless, so profound, so emotionally stirring, so Holy Spirit filled that the opponent, wide eyed, mouth agape declares, "I see the Light! I convert!" The problem is, human beings are inclined to not listen in debates. We filter out what does not support our views and spin that which does. We are increasingly less and less open as the conflicts become more heated.
Combative Christians are seduced by the desire to win. We also tend to demonize those whom we oppose. When we demonize we often also project. So the opponent becomes a handy location for us to dump all our garbage. By the time we have reached the yelling and screaming (or retreated into our safe little enclaves where we can trash the others) there is little hope for conversion or conversation.
On the other hand, advocates for 'just getting along' ignore the importance of the questions being debated. In the end, if Jesus is the only way to salvation, it is pretty darn important that we are clear exactly what that means. Where we stand on that question impacts the eternal destiny of every man, woman and child on the planet. To get it wrong would be a tragedy beyond anything horrible that has ever happened. It matters too much to ignore. And there is much more. In fact, there are dozens and dozens of other questions which are close to that in importance. Pretending like it does not matter is not a reasonable option.
The problem is every answer is not clear. There are degrees of certitude. There are also competing goods. So I choose not to kill neighbors who disagree with my soteriology (theology of salvation) and assume that they will do me the same kindness. I also acknowledge that The Church has not definitively and totally explained exactly what God's Word means on this question. So we say, "Only Jesus," but that means something different to a vast array of people (including Saints on either side and in between). The danger should be evident, the single most life-and-death issue with which we can ever be faced can become a matter of agree-to-disagree indifference. Relegated to a side table under a sign saying "who knows?"
So what to do? Return to hanging, flogging and burning at the stake? Subdivide into small (and increasingly smaller) self congratulating groups which agree with each other? Embrace the indifference of the contemporary age and immerse ourselves in our prefered distractions? [Or just blog? ha!]
The problem with fighting is we want to win. And fighting to win can end up betraying the Lord who died on a cross. Be assured, those who crucified The Master were convinced they were right. On the other hand, the problem with not standing for the faith is you become a coward, a betrayer of Jesus. So we listen to one another, we listen for God, we read The Word, we sit at the feet of the teachers (across time and geography) whose wisdom and insight bring us closer to the Lord, to the truth. And we do it alone and with others in the trusting hope that our God is faithful, and so we are called to be faithful as well.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Hot Hands
On Saturday night (5pm) at St. Andrews we have a healing service with eucharist each week. With the bishop's permission we have utilized the eucharist written by the Order of St. Luke, the format is obviously based on the episcopal eucharist. While this practice predates my arrival here, I have been doing it for over eleven years. During that time there have been long stretches when absolutely no one has come forward. In fact, around 2005 or so, we were seriously contemplating discontinuing. We were trying to discern and it seemed clear that either no one needed healing prayer or no one wanted it.
While there is no shame in misreading a ministry need, there was disappointment. When reading the Gospels there is much room for debate and argument, but I do not think anyone can deny that Jesus is portrayed as a healer. Those of us who want to practice ministry in His Name feel compelled to use Him as a model. As such, healing would seem to be a vital component of ministry. (Jesus preached, taught, healed and exorcised) In the contemporary church there are many believers who deny the possibility of healing today. TV preachers who heal have been, in some cases, accused of being phonies. In an age of skepticism and doubt, healing is certainly not an easy sell to a congregation.
One of the woman most active in our healing ministry shared with us that she is not surprised when someone is healed, rather, she is shocked that it does not happen more. That is one of the themes of our meeting discussions. "What are the barriers to more signs and wonders?" Numerous teachers in the healing ministry provide any number of reasons. I have my own theories. Some of it is a mystery.
Back to the decision to disband the healing ministry.... After a heart to heart with the team leader, we decided that God did not want us to do this, or, even if He did, the parish didn't. The night which we assumed would be the last, or near the last healing eucharist began like all the others. Then, at the time when people are invited to come up for prayer, there was a difference. Some folks came up. In the ensuing weeks we had quite a few, including, if memory serves, a small boy with brain cancer. We prayed for him, and I gave him and his mom instructions on how he should pray in the days ahead. He had come from out of town, a long way, and it was some time later that word reached me that he had been cured.
We made the decision that it didn't matter if few people came up. It was worth it for that miracle alone. Over the years there have been several others. Not long ago a woman came to see me. She wanted to thank me for the healing ministered through our group. She does not attend the our church and she did not look familiar, but she remembered us. Another time a bible showed up with a note of thanksgiving. Sometimes it is e-mail or phone calls. What I know is, over the last decade, many people have been prayed for and annointed and have experienced healing: in mind, body or spirit.
Saturday night, a dear lady hobbled up. She has many burdens and challenges, not the least of which is her pained body. But she cried out for a renewed spirit. As we prayed my hands felt hot. Afterward we talked, and she said she felt better. Her visage reflected that. I asked if she felt the heat and she said, "My face felt like it was on fire." According to the books (and speakers) it is very common for heat to accompany healing. I told her. She agreed. God had shown up, heard her cry and touched her.
The word for saved and the word for healing are the same in Greek. Healing is one form that salvation takes. We are all dying and we all will die eventually. All prayer for healing does not result in miraculous healing. But many do and it is for the sake of those, and for the realization that other types of healing may be more important (like salvation) that we continue each Sunday to do this ministry. It is my hope that more churches will embrace the ministry model of Jesus, to preach, to teach, to exorcise, and yes, to heal.
While there is no shame in misreading a ministry need, there was disappointment. When reading the Gospels there is much room for debate and argument, but I do not think anyone can deny that Jesus is portrayed as a healer. Those of us who want to practice ministry in His Name feel compelled to use Him as a model. As such, healing would seem to be a vital component of ministry. (Jesus preached, taught, healed and exorcised) In the contemporary church there are many believers who deny the possibility of healing today. TV preachers who heal have been, in some cases, accused of being phonies. In an age of skepticism and doubt, healing is certainly not an easy sell to a congregation.
One of the woman most active in our healing ministry shared with us that she is not surprised when someone is healed, rather, she is shocked that it does not happen more. That is one of the themes of our meeting discussions. "What are the barriers to more signs and wonders?" Numerous teachers in the healing ministry provide any number of reasons. I have my own theories. Some of it is a mystery.
Back to the decision to disband the healing ministry.... After a heart to heart with the team leader, we decided that God did not want us to do this, or, even if He did, the parish didn't. The night which we assumed would be the last, or near the last healing eucharist began like all the others. Then, at the time when people are invited to come up for prayer, there was a difference. Some folks came up. In the ensuing weeks we had quite a few, including, if memory serves, a small boy with brain cancer. We prayed for him, and I gave him and his mom instructions on how he should pray in the days ahead. He had come from out of town, a long way, and it was some time later that word reached me that he had been cured.
We made the decision that it didn't matter if few people came up. It was worth it for that miracle alone. Over the years there have been several others. Not long ago a woman came to see me. She wanted to thank me for the healing ministered through our group. She does not attend the our church and she did not look familiar, but she remembered us. Another time a bible showed up with a note of thanksgiving. Sometimes it is e-mail or phone calls. What I know is, over the last decade, many people have been prayed for and annointed and have experienced healing: in mind, body or spirit.
Saturday night, a dear lady hobbled up. She has many burdens and challenges, not the least of which is her pained body. But she cried out for a renewed spirit. As we prayed my hands felt hot. Afterward we talked, and she said she felt better. Her visage reflected that. I asked if she felt the heat and she said, "My face felt like it was on fire." According to the books (and speakers) it is very common for heat to accompany healing. I told her. She agreed. God had shown up, heard her cry and touched her.
The word for saved and the word for healing are the same in Greek. Healing is one form that salvation takes. We are all dying and we all will die eventually. All prayer for healing does not result in miraculous healing. But many do and it is for the sake of those, and for the realization that other types of healing may be more important (like salvation) that we continue each Sunday to do this ministry. It is my hope that more churches will embrace the ministry model of Jesus, to preach, to teach, to exorcise, and yes, to heal.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Serendipity again
This morning all three readings assigned for today had been part of the two Bible studies I did on Wednesday and Thursday. On Wednesday we are studying Ezra and Nehemiah, having just finished the Second Book of Kings. We looked at two prophets who worked in the time period of the exile, Isaiah 40-55 and Ezekiel. Thursday, studying 2 Esdras, we turned to Revelation 21 to shed insight on the text we were wrestling with. I will limit myself to Isaiah today.
The first reading Isaiah 49, was one of the chapters we looked at while a quote from Isaiah was found in Matthew 12. I have shared before how often this happens. It seems to be the Hand of God at work, to me. Yet, I am also aware that there is no way to prove such a thing. At any rate, the message of Isaiah 49 is pretty amazing. The prophet is living in exile with a conquered people. He is preaching a message of hope, reminding them that God made everything, that God alone is God and that He intends to redeem and rebuild His people. Such sentiments are understandable and, in fact, a few years after this the people did leave exile and return home. Yet tucked away in all of this is a most unexpected verse: "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." What stands out to me is how (humanly) inappropriate such sentiments would be in this setting. Only God could be thinking along those lines!
That this people, crushed and insignificant, are to play a key role in the salvation of the entire world seems unfathomable. Yet, that is what they are told. Jesus picks up on this same theme (perhaps originally in a sermon on this text?) and His words, found in Matthew ("you are the light of the world"), remind His Jewish listeners (and by extension, Christian readers) of this vocation.
Epiphany is the season of Light and revelation. Jesus is revealed to the world. He is manifest among us. After many years of obscurity, He comes forth to begin His ministry. The church members of today's congregations are to be an Epiphany people. We are to manifest Jesus in word and deed (and deed tends to be more effective). If the world can be a dark place at times, we do have His light to share. Perhaps some of the darkness is a function of our failure to do just that.
The first reading Isaiah 49, was one of the chapters we looked at while a quote from Isaiah was found in Matthew 12. I have shared before how often this happens. It seems to be the Hand of God at work, to me. Yet, I am also aware that there is no way to prove such a thing. At any rate, the message of Isaiah 49 is pretty amazing. The prophet is living in exile with a conquered people. He is preaching a message of hope, reminding them that God made everything, that God alone is God and that He intends to redeem and rebuild His people. Such sentiments are understandable and, in fact, a few years after this the people did leave exile and return home. Yet tucked away in all of this is a most unexpected verse: "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." What stands out to me is how (humanly) inappropriate such sentiments would be in this setting. Only God could be thinking along those lines!
That this people, crushed and insignificant, are to play a key role in the salvation of the entire world seems unfathomable. Yet, that is what they are told. Jesus picks up on this same theme (perhaps originally in a sermon on this text?) and His words, found in Matthew ("you are the light of the world"), remind His Jewish listeners (and by extension, Christian readers) of this vocation.
Epiphany is the season of Light and revelation. Jesus is revealed to the world. He is manifest among us. After many years of obscurity, He comes forth to begin His ministry. The church members of today's congregations are to be an Epiphany people. We are to manifest Jesus in word and deed (and deed tends to be more effective). If the world can be a dark place at times, we do have His light to share. Perhaps some of the darkness is a function of our failure to do just that.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Peter's second letter, read at morning prayer today, really expresses most wonderfully the spirituality of 'advent people' which we have looked at this week. As I read and prayed over these words today I was keenly aware that this text has probably been the basis of my own thoughts and beliefs about which I have written lately.
Peter begins by saying the day will come like a thief in the night. The obvious reference to Jesus' own words are a reminder that there is an unknown quality to the end. In every age the (evil) behaviors and the (stressful) conditions are present which make it a possibility that "this is it." However, even if possible, the actual event will come quickly and at a time we do not expect.
The judgment will be consumptive. Peter uses the image of destructive fire which will lay all things bare. God's piercing glance will see all and know all. The use of fire reminds one of the concept of purging purification/judgment after death embraced by some Christians.
Peter then provides a rhetorical question which very much demands an answer: Since everything is going to be burned up and destroyed, how then should we live? In our own times the word "perspective" is used to summarize this question. Keeping things in perspective means to measure the value of things. Peter asks us if we are using all our energies to pursue things which are destined to pass away. One hears echoes of Isaiah's lament, "Why work for food that does not satisfy? for drink which does not quench thirst?"
He then provides his answer in the form of an exhortation: you ought to live godly and holy lives. That is the advent spirituality. The holy and godly life puts us at odds with the natural inclinations which dictate most of our values and behaviors. To be shaped by God values is to be transformed.
Peter says such a way of life directs our attention to "that day" when God establishes His reign. More interesting, to me, is Peter says it will also speed its coming. The Greek word means to long for and to speed. Translations made by experts translate it either way. One choice is the word 'hasten' which can contain both senses. I often say (because I believe) that the Lord is waiting until the earth reaches critical mass in its desire for the Kingdom. This may be wrong. Many would say I am an idiot to claim such a thing. Yet, I do think there is a theme of God drawing near to those who long for Him and withdrawing from those who do not. Is it not possible that the church's role in the world is to cry out "Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!"? That word, maranatha, is Aramaic and is found in the first language of the church. The words were probably the initial prayer of the first believers. They longed for Jesus (friend, teacher, rabbi, Master, Lord) from a position of intimacy. We are numbered among those second generation Christians who (somewhere in the Bible) are told, "though you do not know Him, you love Him." We have a "faith like" theirs, without the initial enfleshed companionship which they enjoyed.
The Advent spirituality is a church, united in hunger for the Lord, aware of the limits of this world and its destiny, aware of the kind of people that they need to be. It is a holy church and godly. It cries out for the Kingdom and in its prayer and its actions it not only longs for, but actually motivates the coming of the Kingdom. Such a church is needed in dark times. It is the perfect church for today!
Peter begins by saying the day will come like a thief in the night. The obvious reference to Jesus' own words are a reminder that there is an unknown quality to the end. In every age the (evil) behaviors and the (stressful) conditions are present which make it a possibility that "this is it." However, even if possible, the actual event will come quickly and at a time we do not expect.
The judgment will be consumptive. Peter uses the image of destructive fire which will lay all things bare. God's piercing glance will see all and know all. The use of fire reminds one of the concept of purging purification/judgment after death embraced by some Christians.
Peter then provides a rhetorical question which very much demands an answer: Since everything is going to be burned up and destroyed, how then should we live? In our own times the word "perspective" is used to summarize this question. Keeping things in perspective means to measure the value of things. Peter asks us if we are using all our energies to pursue things which are destined to pass away. One hears echoes of Isaiah's lament, "Why work for food that does not satisfy? for drink which does not quench thirst?"
He then provides his answer in the form of an exhortation: you ought to live godly and holy lives. That is the advent spirituality. The holy and godly life puts us at odds with the natural inclinations which dictate most of our values and behaviors. To be shaped by God values is to be transformed.
Peter says such a way of life directs our attention to "that day" when God establishes His reign. More interesting, to me, is Peter says it will also speed its coming. The Greek word means to long for and to speed. Translations made by experts translate it either way. One choice is the word 'hasten' which can contain both senses. I often say (because I believe) that the Lord is waiting until the earth reaches critical mass in its desire for the Kingdom. This may be wrong. Many would say I am an idiot to claim such a thing. Yet, I do think there is a theme of God drawing near to those who long for Him and withdrawing from those who do not. Is it not possible that the church's role in the world is to cry out "Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!"? That word, maranatha, is Aramaic and is found in the first language of the church. The words were probably the initial prayer of the first believers. They longed for Jesus (friend, teacher, rabbi, Master, Lord) from a position of intimacy. We are numbered among those second generation Christians who (somewhere in the Bible) are told, "though you do not know Him, you love Him." We have a "faith like" theirs, without the initial enfleshed companionship which they enjoyed.
The Advent spirituality is a church, united in hunger for the Lord, aware of the limits of this world and its destiny, aware of the kind of people that they need to be. It is a holy church and godly. It cries out for the Kingdom and in its prayer and its actions it not only longs for, but actually motivates the coming of the Kingdom. Such a church is needed in dark times. It is the perfect church for today!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Facing Reality on Church Debates
I was invited to join an Anglican Forum on Facebook. I receive e-mails on postings which I can read without going to the acutal site. Truth is I do not have time to visit the site. Recently I noticed several comments to the effect that the "tone was combative" and some people have left the forum. This led me to actually go there and look at it a bit. [Our church (Anglican) is torn between warring factions in the social wars. The Episcopal Church is dominated by Liberals. The break away Anglican churches (in America) are Conservative.]
I have plenty of experience with the debates, I served as one of the (minority) voices for the Conservative views on a discussion forum for the Episcopal Church in 2002-2003. The 'debates' are usually useless. Most people have made up their minds so it often times becomes a screaming contest. Many of the issues include a great deal of personal emotional baggage (as one guy wrote me "you are saying that I am...") so it is hard to make rational discussion happen. The culture wars in politics are reflected in much of the arguments and there is the same level of anger and disdain as we see in the culture wars. The only thing I try to remember is vitriol has long been a major component of all debate for all time. There has never been a golden age of respectful discussion and disagreement.
While I continue to hold the traditional Christian faith, I generally do not engage the Liberals in our wider church. They have the power and they are not in a discussing mood much of the time. I have, from time to time, engaged youunger clergy which has been fruitful. Being one of the only guys left, I am less intimidating. There is value in having a dissenting voice. I try to be reasoned and open in listening. I try to be respectful. I do not compromise on those things which are beyond compromise. I assume others will act on their principles as well.
Another thing with which I deal is the issue of 'where to draw the line'? I wrote several blogs on other issues (Bible, sacraments, etc.) which mean more to me than some of the current debate topics. There are lots of things about which we cannot agree, yet have to live together. Some Conservatives call me a sell out. I have some snappy responses, but in the end, but why waste breath arguing? God will judge me. I am worried enough about Him, why bother with fallible human judgments?
Personally, I have concerns about my baby. I pray for him alot. First off, that he will be holy, next, for his health. I worry about my other kids, too. It is a reminder that most people are also tied up in their own lives. Professionally, I counsel people dealing with death, divorce, job loss, illness. I try to pastor them in their here and now. Few of them really care about the "big issues" pulling the church apart on an ongoing, day-to-day basis. I am focused on leading my parish into the heart of God and caring for their needs. I am focused on prayer, worship, study, evangelism, and service. I am trying to be a good dad in the hours that remain each day. Not much left for debating about gay marriage or whatever the next big issue is. Not much energy left to defend my "outdated beliefs" or serve as "orthodoxy sheriff." I am not saying I won't engage if asked. I certainly write about things which are controversial. I just do not go out looking for trouble.
I would rather teach people to pray and read the Bible, involve themselves in the local parish to preach Jesus' Kingdom and serve others. I would rather help people to form loving community. If someone rejects my leadership because I am not politically correct or engaged in the latest Liberal action plan, so be it. It hurts, lots of people with whom I thought I had a close relationship have gotten mad and left, but I will survive. They do not like me and they can find peace elsewhere. God, in the end, is The Judge. It is better that way.
I have plenty of experience with the debates, I served as one of the (minority) voices for the Conservative views on a discussion forum for the Episcopal Church in 2002-2003. The 'debates' are usually useless. Most people have made up their minds so it often times becomes a screaming contest. Many of the issues include a great deal of personal emotional baggage (as one guy wrote me "you are saying that I am...") so it is hard to make rational discussion happen. The culture wars in politics are reflected in much of the arguments and there is the same level of anger and disdain as we see in the culture wars. The only thing I try to remember is vitriol has long been a major component of all debate for all time. There has never been a golden age of respectful discussion and disagreement.
While I continue to hold the traditional Christian faith, I generally do not engage the Liberals in our wider church. They have the power and they are not in a discussing mood much of the time. I have, from time to time, engaged youunger clergy which has been fruitful. Being one of the only guys left, I am less intimidating. There is value in having a dissenting voice. I try to be reasoned and open in listening. I try to be respectful. I do not compromise on those things which are beyond compromise. I assume others will act on their principles as well.
Another thing with which I deal is the issue of 'where to draw the line'? I wrote several blogs on other issues (Bible, sacraments, etc.) which mean more to me than some of the current debate topics. There are lots of things about which we cannot agree, yet have to live together. Some Conservatives call me a sell out. I have some snappy responses, but in the end, but why waste breath arguing? God will judge me. I am worried enough about Him, why bother with fallible human judgments?
Personally, I have concerns about my baby. I pray for him alot. First off, that he will be holy, next, for his health. I worry about my other kids, too. It is a reminder that most people are also tied up in their own lives. Professionally, I counsel people dealing with death, divorce, job loss, illness. I try to pastor them in their here and now. Few of them really care about the "big issues" pulling the church apart on an ongoing, day-to-day basis. I am focused on leading my parish into the heart of God and caring for their needs. I am focused on prayer, worship, study, evangelism, and service. I am trying to be a good dad in the hours that remain each day. Not much left for debating about gay marriage or whatever the next big issue is. Not much energy left to defend my "outdated beliefs" or serve as "orthodoxy sheriff." I am not saying I won't engage if asked. I certainly write about things which are controversial. I just do not go out looking for trouble.
I would rather teach people to pray and read the Bible, involve themselves in the local parish to preach Jesus' Kingdom and serve others. I would rather help people to form loving community. If someone rejects my leadership because I am not politically correct or engaged in the latest Liberal action plan, so be it. It hurts, lots of people with whom I thought I had a close relationship have gotten mad and left, but I will survive. They do not like me and they can find peace elsewhere. God, in the end, is The Judge. It is better that way.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
words and actions
I saw an interesting political debate which reflects well the Christian challenge. A group of rich people were advocating higher taxes on the rich. A reporter asks them to donate to a fund for the government, which the same people refused to do. The stark contrast was stunning. People unwilling to freely give of their own volition were committed to taking from others.
The tax system is set up in a way that we can take deductions. People who feel taxes are too low or that they make too much money are free to not take the deductions to which they are entitled. That would be an act of integrity. Yet, those people seem to be more than happy to take their deductions. Seems that this is inconsistent.
When I was in Europe, I met a German priest who explained that the government taxed people and then distributed those tax dollars to churches which the people identified. It produced a strained relationship between people and church. It also meant that the "collection" was nothing of the sort. In my parish, we have two collections in many times of the year. One is the normal collection for parish operations. The other is a special collection for 'outreach' (during Lent/Easter and Advent/Christmas). Each person decides to give as they choose. Every cent we receive is a gift to God. We get enough to run our parish and spend the other half of our money on the needs of others. Generosity can be manifest in freedom!
I do not know what the fair rate for taxes is. The discussion on that needs to take place. What I do know, is people who do not do something cheerfuly of their own free will ought not clamor for others to do the same. I say let the tax advocates lead by example. Let them inspire others by their remarkable generosity. Let them do the very thing which is in their power to do. Talk is cheep.
In the church, we face the same challenge. The parish must be a place of radical service to the poor and needy. It must proclaim the Gospel, bringing the light of Jesus into a dark world. We must embrace His Way (the cross). We ought not spend a great deal of time telling other people what they should do. Instead, we must let our example speak for us. The great divides in America are based on abuse of power. The Left is every bit as much at fault as the Right. I know that when someone does not lead by example, it irritates me. That is important to remember as I seek to preach Jesus and lead others in faith to His Father.
The tax system is set up in a way that we can take deductions. People who feel taxes are too low or that they make too much money are free to not take the deductions to which they are entitled. That would be an act of integrity. Yet, those people seem to be more than happy to take their deductions. Seems that this is inconsistent.
When I was in Europe, I met a German priest who explained that the government taxed people and then distributed those tax dollars to churches which the people identified. It produced a strained relationship between people and church. It also meant that the "collection" was nothing of the sort. In my parish, we have two collections in many times of the year. One is the normal collection for parish operations. The other is a special collection for 'outreach' (during Lent/Easter and Advent/Christmas). Each person decides to give as they choose. Every cent we receive is a gift to God. We get enough to run our parish and spend the other half of our money on the needs of others. Generosity can be manifest in freedom!
I do not know what the fair rate for taxes is. The discussion on that needs to take place. What I do know, is people who do not do something cheerfuly of their own free will ought not clamor for others to do the same. I say let the tax advocates lead by example. Let them inspire others by their remarkable generosity. Let them do the very thing which is in their power to do. Talk is cheep.
In the church, we face the same challenge. The parish must be a place of radical service to the poor and needy. It must proclaim the Gospel, bringing the light of Jesus into a dark world. We must embrace His Way (the cross). We ought not spend a great deal of time telling other people what they should do. Instead, we must let our example speak for us. The great divides in America are based on abuse of power. The Left is every bit as much at fault as the Right. I know that when someone does not lead by example, it irritates me. That is important to remember as I seek to preach Jesus and lead others in faith to His Father.
Friday, September 30, 2011
False Prophets
Something I used to hear as a young priest was the following: "Things are really pretty simple, we are the ones who make it complex and mess it up." This was generally in reference to faith life. Then they would share with me the simple thing, "just trust" or "love one another." And, of course, "just read the Bible and do what it says."
It may be pious sounding to say "it is all pretty simple" but I do not think it is true. I think it is complex and the complexity has increased dramatically in the last few decades as technology makes the world more connected and we are confronted with a vast array of viewpoints (including many within the Body of Christ). Reading the Bible can sometimes add to the confusion.
Yesterday I shared some thoughts on Jesus' command to not judge. The command is pretty simple and there is a very concrete practice which can come from it. Hold myself to a higher standard. Criticize my own position with the same intensity I do others. Work extra hard to understand others, and have a merciful heart in doing it. But reading more makes things more complex!
Today, I want to look at what Jesus said a few verses later. "Beware of false prophets." So much for not judging, right? Obviously, false prophets don't wear a tee shirt with the words "FALSE!" on the front. How, exactly, does one know a false prophet unless one makes a judgment of some sort? Obviously, not to judge needs to be understood in a complex way.
Apparently, in Matthew's time, there were people who claimed to be Spirit-led. They advocated all manner of "freedom" (or license). We see this tension in the early church in other writings as well. Paul makes mention of those who misunderstand the true meaning of freedom and have twisted his words. In Revelation, there is mention of the Nicolatians and the followers of Balaam. In fact, as much as grace, there is a prevalence of moral demands and ethical exhortations. The NT follows the OT in saying God places behavioral expectations upon us.
Jesus says we must produce fruits (righteousness) and that we should beware of those who preach a message which negates morality (or redefines it). Matthew's church must have had people who were doing that. It should come as no surprise that in our own day such things continue to happen. Fortunately, we do have a criteria: fruits.
False prophets, claiming the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, seem much in vogue in TEC and other churches. [The "conservative" version of false prophets also exist. They generally do not populate the halls of power in my denomination. We have the left wing in super abundance.] Discipleship focuses on Jesus and what He calls us to. It defines love by His defintion, not some contemporary one. It walks on "the narrow way." Jesus is clear, the path is narrow and the way is hard and there are darn few who make it. The 'tolerance' crowd, proclaiming a wide path with diverse ways, is, based on the words of Jesus, acting like false prophets. The spirit within us which hungers for an easier way is not the Holy Spirit. The spirit guiding our bishops and our general convention has not been the Spirit of God. The fruits are not there. The righteousness of Jesus is not there. The errors being expounded as something new are not new at all. It is the same old false teaching.
Yet, in every age, God gathers those who are His faithful ones. The key is being faithful. The challenge is to not be so focused on the errors of others that we lose sight of our own errors. One can stray too far left and fall off the narrow path, but it is equally true on the right. The Sermon on the Mount is neither simple nor easy. The way of discipleship can be confusing. But Jesus promises to be with those who seek Him and submit to His word. We have hope, even if we mess up. It is a complex world and discipleship can be complex. Reading large sections of Scripture and balancing one section with another, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in communion with the Saints (attending to their interpretations) is not easy. It is a narrow way. It is, however, the way of life in Jesus!
It may be pious sounding to say "it is all pretty simple" but I do not think it is true. I think it is complex and the complexity has increased dramatically in the last few decades as technology makes the world more connected and we are confronted with a vast array of viewpoints (including many within the Body of Christ). Reading the Bible can sometimes add to the confusion.
Yesterday I shared some thoughts on Jesus' command to not judge. The command is pretty simple and there is a very concrete practice which can come from it. Hold myself to a higher standard. Criticize my own position with the same intensity I do others. Work extra hard to understand others, and have a merciful heart in doing it. But reading more makes things more complex!
Today, I want to look at what Jesus said a few verses later. "Beware of false prophets." So much for not judging, right? Obviously, false prophets don't wear a tee shirt with the words "FALSE!" on the front. How, exactly, does one know a false prophet unless one makes a judgment of some sort? Obviously, not to judge needs to be understood in a complex way.
Apparently, in Matthew's time, there were people who claimed to be Spirit-led. They advocated all manner of "freedom" (or license). We see this tension in the early church in other writings as well. Paul makes mention of those who misunderstand the true meaning of freedom and have twisted his words. In Revelation, there is mention of the Nicolatians and the followers of Balaam. In fact, as much as grace, there is a prevalence of moral demands and ethical exhortations. The NT follows the OT in saying God places behavioral expectations upon us.
Jesus says we must produce fruits (righteousness) and that we should beware of those who preach a message which negates morality (or redefines it). Matthew's church must have had people who were doing that. It should come as no surprise that in our own day such things continue to happen. Fortunately, we do have a criteria: fruits.
False prophets, claiming the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, seem much in vogue in TEC and other churches. [The "conservative" version of false prophets also exist. They generally do not populate the halls of power in my denomination. We have the left wing in super abundance.] Discipleship focuses on Jesus and what He calls us to. It defines love by His defintion, not some contemporary one. It walks on "the narrow way." Jesus is clear, the path is narrow and the way is hard and there are darn few who make it. The 'tolerance' crowd, proclaiming a wide path with diverse ways, is, based on the words of Jesus, acting like false prophets. The spirit within us which hungers for an easier way is not the Holy Spirit. The spirit guiding our bishops and our general convention has not been the Spirit of God. The fruits are not there. The righteousness of Jesus is not there. The errors being expounded as something new are not new at all. It is the same old false teaching.
Yet, in every age, God gathers those who are His faithful ones. The key is being faithful. The challenge is to not be so focused on the errors of others that we lose sight of our own errors. One can stray too far left and fall off the narrow path, but it is equally true on the right. The Sermon on the Mount is neither simple nor easy. The way of discipleship can be confusing. But Jesus promises to be with those who seek Him and submit to His word. We have hope, even if we mess up. It is a complex world and discipleship can be complex. Reading large sections of Scripture and balancing one section with another, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in communion with the Saints (attending to their interpretations) is not easy. It is a narrow way. It is, however, the way of life in Jesus!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wrestling with Not Judging
This week we have been reading from the Gospel of Matthew at Morning Prayer. The sections are found in the Sermon on the Mount. The words of Jesus are both comforting and frightening. One really jumped out at me in my prayer and meditation.
"Do not judge and you will not be judged," Jesus said. And it is something which He repeats. In the Lord's prayer we ask God to forgive us as we forgive others. Jesus tells parables about a man forgiven an unpayable debt who fails to show mercy to someone who owes him a far smaller amount. He warns us that unless we forgive, we place our souls at risk. God deals with us, He says, in the same manner that we deal with others.
Then Jesus asks, "why do you see the speck in your brother's eye and not see the log in your own?" That is a great question. Every day I see it lived out. We are good at pointing out what "they" are doing and better at portraying ourselves in the best light. For example, I briefly heard part of an NBA player inverview concerning the lock out. In the snippet, he was saying that the players desperately want to play but they have to stick to their principles, and the owners refuse to listen. Because I am not a big fan I really do not care. I do know that based on the amounts of money everyone is making in that game, greed, not principles, is the primary motivation. O my, I just judged, didn't I? I intended to give some illustrations of people being unable to hear the other side and I ended up making a snarky comment about rich ball players.
Well, the good news is that judgment can be the beginning of a moment of grace. I can now look inward and ask, "how am I motivated by greed?" "When am I in disagreement/discussions with another and I assume they are wrong and I am right?" "When do I 'dialogue' in a way that is closed and not listening?"
Jesus' point is not that we can never confront another. His point is look at yourself first. As He basically says, Take the log out of your own eye, then, once you can see clearly, you can worry about improving your brother.
However, the willingness to do this will be difficult. Being self critical will alienate friends. trying to understand the other side will be manipulated by foes. It makes winning an argument less likely (although can you ever win an argument?). It is, however, what Jesus wants.
I believe we must be our own harshest critics. We must hold ourselves to the highest standards. Once we do that, it becomes more difficult to condem and demonize those with whom we disagree. For example, I have a long life full of moral errors. I have, many times, made a decision to do something which I knew the Lord demanded that I not do. I have a half a century of sin and an equal amount of remorse. As I carry that remembrance of my own infidelity and weakness, I can encounter those who are engaged in sin (or the promotion of sin) with some sympathy. There are many times when I have convinced myself that something wrong was not wrong. There are many other times when I did not have the strength to fight temptation, even hating myself for doing the things I was doing (appetites and impulse control figure heavily here). All error is a sin of will, but it is still true that people can be confused and misled. Lord knows I have been.
I have more compassion for those with whom I am engaged in endless disagreement. It is probably why I am able to stay put in this church (TEC) which seems so intent to embrace the way of error. I know it is often depressing and painful, but maybe the conflict is a way to grow. Maybe I am so adept at seeing their logs and specks because of my sin. Maybe looking at their obvious errors will help me to look at myself and find equally obvious errors in me. Perhaps God is perfecting me through this process. Perhaps He is also drawing them to some soul searching. Maybe they need an authentic Christian witness and maybe God is making me authentically Christian through this unpleasant and difficult time. (I hope He hurries up!)
I am not optimistic, but I am hopeful. There is danger being active in a church which has gone so wrong in so many ways. I understand the impulse which has pushed so many to disengage and move on. Staying is certainly not the way for everyone, but it does seem to be the path the Lord has set me on. How about you?
"Do not judge and you will not be judged," Jesus said. And it is something which He repeats. In the Lord's prayer we ask God to forgive us as we forgive others. Jesus tells parables about a man forgiven an unpayable debt who fails to show mercy to someone who owes him a far smaller amount. He warns us that unless we forgive, we place our souls at risk. God deals with us, He says, in the same manner that we deal with others.
Then Jesus asks, "why do you see the speck in your brother's eye and not see the log in your own?" That is a great question. Every day I see it lived out. We are good at pointing out what "they" are doing and better at portraying ourselves in the best light. For example, I briefly heard part of an NBA player inverview concerning the lock out. In the snippet, he was saying that the players desperately want to play but they have to stick to their principles, and the owners refuse to listen. Because I am not a big fan I really do not care. I do know that based on the amounts of money everyone is making in that game, greed, not principles, is the primary motivation. O my, I just judged, didn't I? I intended to give some illustrations of people being unable to hear the other side and I ended up making a snarky comment about rich ball players.
Well, the good news is that judgment can be the beginning of a moment of grace. I can now look inward and ask, "how am I motivated by greed?" "When am I in disagreement/discussions with another and I assume they are wrong and I am right?" "When do I 'dialogue' in a way that is closed and not listening?"
Jesus' point is not that we can never confront another. His point is look at yourself first. As He basically says, Take the log out of your own eye, then, once you can see clearly, you can worry about improving your brother.
However, the willingness to do this will be difficult. Being self critical will alienate friends. trying to understand the other side will be manipulated by foes. It makes winning an argument less likely (although can you ever win an argument?). It is, however, what Jesus wants.
I believe we must be our own harshest critics. We must hold ourselves to the highest standards. Once we do that, it becomes more difficult to condem and demonize those with whom we disagree. For example, I have a long life full of moral errors. I have, many times, made a decision to do something which I knew the Lord demanded that I not do. I have a half a century of sin and an equal amount of remorse. As I carry that remembrance of my own infidelity and weakness, I can encounter those who are engaged in sin (or the promotion of sin) with some sympathy. There are many times when I have convinced myself that something wrong was not wrong. There are many other times when I did not have the strength to fight temptation, even hating myself for doing the things I was doing (appetites and impulse control figure heavily here). All error is a sin of will, but it is still true that people can be confused and misled. Lord knows I have been.
I have more compassion for those with whom I am engaged in endless disagreement. It is probably why I am able to stay put in this church (TEC) which seems so intent to embrace the way of error. I know it is often depressing and painful, but maybe the conflict is a way to grow. Maybe I am so adept at seeing their logs and specks because of my sin. Maybe looking at their obvious errors will help me to look at myself and find equally obvious errors in me. Perhaps God is perfecting me through this process. Perhaps He is also drawing them to some soul searching. Maybe they need an authentic Christian witness and maybe God is making me authentically Christian through this unpleasant and difficult time. (I hope He hurries up!)
I am not optimistic, but I am hopeful. There is danger being active in a church which has gone so wrong in so many ways. I understand the impulse which has pushed so many to disengage and move on. Staying is certainly not the way for everyone, but it does seem to be the path the Lord has set me on. How about you?
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
All Tied Up
My son is a Cardinal fan. Last night, the Cardinals' back was against the wall. They had lost the previous night to the worst team in the league, and early in the game they were losing 5-0. A game behind with two to play meant there was no room for error. A couple of big innings and some solid relief pitching helped them to a 13-6 win. They are now tied for the last playoff spot with one game to go. Ironically, in the AL two other teams are also knotted up. On the last day of the season there are four teams fighting it out, each with a chance to play into the Fall.
What is most interesting about this exciting finish is how unexpected it is. In the beginning of September there was a wide division between these teams. It appeared that the season was over for the Cardinals (and Rays) as they were so far behind. Then two inexplicable things happened. The Cardinals and Rays began to win at a very high rate while Atlanta and Boston fell apart. I do not know how it will end, but I do know there is a chance we will see two one game play-offs. Amazing.
So what does this have to do with the Journey of Faith? Well, the last couple of days I have blogged on issues in the Epsicopal Church. I have shared my thoughts about the ongoing errors which I think this church has embraced. The question that I have been asked repeatedly (by friend and foe) for many years is, "Why are you still in the Episcopal Church?" Many people have made it clear that things are not going to get better, they will only get worse. Now church life is not a baseball game, but the unexpected is part of both. [Lest I be labeled a blithering optimist (which would be very funny to anyone who knows me) I am keenly aware that my favorite team, which was closer to being in the race than the Cardinals a month ago is buried a dozen games out of it. I know that the 'unusual' does not usually occur! I experience the pain of losing on a regular basis.]
As I look on the ecclessial landscape, I am aware that things look bleak. As I survey my church and my place in it, it looks bleaker. The people in power in our church do not embrace me or what I teach. Though things are quieter now, I have little doubt that the next steps are being taken to reshape the church and its teaching. Yet I also know that one cannot project the future and predict how things will turn out. Sometimes the unexpected happens. Just when the star strikes out and all hope seems lost, a bench player smashes a two run homer and the game is back in reach. It happens.
So in the face of many challenges and a dozen reasons to give up hope, I cling to faith in God. Will it all turn out well for me and mine? Based on the current 'standings' it does not look that way. There are many indicators that losses will pile up and we will go down in defeat. But there is always the possibility of the amazing, the unexpected, the wonderful surprise. I am not sure how God works in all this. I am sure that God does work in all this. Stranger things have happened. Hearts and Minds have been converted. The Holy Spirit has snatched up a remnant and done a mighty work. People get healed and saved. Attendance booms and missionary zeal explodes. The hungry get fed and the poor hear Good News. Maybe today the turn around will start. The thing is, one only knows it as the turnaround much later. So I commit to one more day: praying, studying, teaching, counseling. One more day. With eyes on the Lord to await His deliverance and salvation!
What is most interesting about this exciting finish is how unexpected it is. In the beginning of September there was a wide division between these teams. It appeared that the season was over for the Cardinals (and Rays) as they were so far behind. Then two inexplicable things happened. The Cardinals and Rays began to win at a very high rate while Atlanta and Boston fell apart. I do not know how it will end, but I do know there is a chance we will see two one game play-offs. Amazing.
So what does this have to do with the Journey of Faith? Well, the last couple of days I have blogged on issues in the Epsicopal Church. I have shared my thoughts about the ongoing errors which I think this church has embraced. The question that I have been asked repeatedly (by friend and foe) for many years is, "Why are you still in the Episcopal Church?" Many people have made it clear that things are not going to get better, they will only get worse. Now church life is not a baseball game, but the unexpected is part of both. [Lest I be labeled a blithering optimist (which would be very funny to anyone who knows me) I am keenly aware that my favorite team, which was closer to being in the race than the Cardinals a month ago is buried a dozen games out of it. I know that the 'unusual' does not usually occur! I experience the pain of losing on a regular basis.]
As I look on the ecclessial landscape, I am aware that things look bleak. As I survey my church and my place in it, it looks bleaker. The people in power in our church do not embrace me or what I teach. Though things are quieter now, I have little doubt that the next steps are being taken to reshape the church and its teaching. Yet I also know that one cannot project the future and predict how things will turn out. Sometimes the unexpected happens. Just when the star strikes out and all hope seems lost, a bench player smashes a two run homer and the game is back in reach. It happens.
So in the face of many challenges and a dozen reasons to give up hope, I cling to faith in God. Will it all turn out well for me and mine? Based on the current 'standings' it does not look that way. There are many indicators that losses will pile up and we will go down in defeat. But there is always the possibility of the amazing, the unexpected, the wonderful surprise. I am not sure how God works in all this. I am sure that God does work in all this. Stranger things have happened. Hearts and Minds have been converted. The Holy Spirit has snatched up a remnant and done a mighty work. People get healed and saved. Attendance booms and missionary zeal explodes. The hungry get fed and the poor hear Good News. Maybe today the turn around will start. The thing is, one only knows it as the turnaround much later. So I commit to one more day: praying, studying, teaching, counseling. One more day. With eyes on the Lord to await His deliverance and salvation!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
TEC's New Religion
On Friday I got an e-mail, forwarding me the Episcopal Bishop's Pastoral letter on the Environment. My initial reaction was negative. So I wanted to give it some time and reread it later. I gave it time, I reread it, and my second reaction was negative.
Let me be clear, I am in agreement that pollution is bad and consumerism and over-consumption are wrong. I also confess that I have been shaped by my culture in such a way that I engage in practices which are consumeristic and consumptive. My house is too big and we have too much stuff. I have never been at peace at how I ended up. But my models for spirituality, classical Christian faith, were what motivated me. As a seminarian and young priest I preached on this alot. St. Francis was my hero. Over and over again, I was told I was too idealistic and at some point I simply stopped fighting and enculturated. Now I am 'middle class man,' living the American "dream." So I am still, at some level, hungry for an answer to the question, "how does a Christian live in this land today?"
But the bishops have simply dressed up Al Gore's environmental message with numerous Biblical quotes and references to Christ. The message they sent was not profoundly Christian nor was it inspirational. The danger is, of course, that environmentalism, which is one of the leading secular religions, is replacing Christianity. The greater danger is these bishops have no clue that that is what is going on. I have seen the last year or two that "green" has replaced "gay marriage" as the primary concern of this church.
The first cheap shot I can take at the bishops is pulling the hypocrisy card. How can a group of people who regularly fly jets to gather in meetings (of questionable value) several times a year (and usually at some prime hotel) have the temerity to talk to anyone about consumption? How can bishops who oversee dioceses' with large builidngs and expansive facilities (generally inhabited by small numbers of parishioners) fail to address their own business first before they pontificate on what "we" should do? Like Al Gore, who consumes incredible amounts of energy and whose carbon footprint is the size of several third world villages, these "prophetic" words ring hollow.
The bigger issue for me is that the bishops, who seem to delight in rejecting classical Christianity as they "struggle" to "reshape" "Gospel preaching" for a new age, have simply embraced one of the party planks of the Left Wing of our nation's political debates. That is fine, Lord knows Christians must engage the world and politics is the venue in which we humans hammer out the policies and procedures of life together. The problem is the church leaders, who have long criticized (sometimes fairly) the right wing equating Jesus with their politics, cannot paint up the "leftist" politics with Christ without the same criticism being levelled at them. But then, in political power, hubris is a predominant factor...
I am not a scientist. I do not know by if driving to work each day I have put the world in peril. It makes sense that I am having an impact. But I also know that there was a period of extreme cold, called the mini ice age, as recently as the middle ages. I know the impact of weather on crops was horrible and in the colder climates people starved and were weakened. I have read that some think this added to the killing power of the bubonic plague which wiped out a large percentage of the population. I also know that climate change is the normal state of things. When I was a child I remember my terror while reading that the earth was on its way to freezing again. I prepared for a future of winter coats years round and eating seal blubber.
Whatever else may be true, it is simply not true that the bishops offer anyone a comprehensive solution to the issue. Have any of these "teachers" given any thought to what the western world should look like if we adopted a program of "green" living? Would everyone walk? What kind of construction would we embrace for work and living? What of farming? What of transportation? What about advances in science? Would it be nuclear, solar, wind? (which apparently are not able to do the job) And if so, why has the church not invested in these technologies? or explained how they will be implemented. And what about everything which currently exists? What can we reasonably expect to do? (besides those new light bulbs, which unfortunately can kill people if not properly disposed?)
The environment matters. Our actions matter. However, the Gospel is that GOD is the ONE Who we turn to in our brokeness and need. The empty platitudes of left wing politics do not ring true to me. Replacing Christian faith with Environmental activism leaves me angry. In their letter, the bishops display little in the way of serious answers. It seems to me that this new religion will not save, it cannot save because it depends on me and you. It is a call to "do something" but the sum total of what that something is, is precious little. Sorry, bishops, I am sure you are remarkably sincere and heartfelt in your exhortation, but I do not think you have given me much to work with here. No, we will not focus on climate change in this parish beyond what we already do. The focus will remain the spiritual climate of our relationship with the Triune God. Sins against the earth matter, but they are secondary. No sense confusing people about Who the Messiah is and What our main concern should be. The people hear enough of that already outside the church....
Let me be clear, I am in agreement that pollution is bad and consumerism and over-consumption are wrong. I also confess that I have been shaped by my culture in such a way that I engage in practices which are consumeristic and consumptive. My house is too big and we have too much stuff. I have never been at peace at how I ended up. But my models for spirituality, classical Christian faith, were what motivated me. As a seminarian and young priest I preached on this alot. St. Francis was my hero. Over and over again, I was told I was too idealistic and at some point I simply stopped fighting and enculturated. Now I am 'middle class man,' living the American "dream." So I am still, at some level, hungry for an answer to the question, "how does a Christian live in this land today?"
But the bishops have simply dressed up Al Gore's environmental message with numerous Biblical quotes and references to Christ. The message they sent was not profoundly Christian nor was it inspirational. The danger is, of course, that environmentalism, which is one of the leading secular religions, is replacing Christianity. The greater danger is these bishops have no clue that that is what is going on. I have seen the last year or two that "green" has replaced "gay marriage" as the primary concern of this church.
The first cheap shot I can take at the bishops is pulling the hypocrisy card. How can a group of people who regularly fly jets to gather in meetings (of questionable value) several times a year (and usually at some prime hotel) have the temerity to talk to anyone about consumption? How can bishops who oversee dioceses' with large builidngs and expansive facilities (generally inhabited by small numbers of parishioners) fail to address their own business first before they pontificate on what "we" should do? Like Al Gore, who consumes incredible amounts of energy and whose carbon footprint is the size of several third world villages, these "prophetic" words ring hollow.
The bigger issue for me is that the bishops, who seem to delight in rejecting classical Christianity as they "struggle" to "reshape" "Gospel preaching" for a new age, have simply embraced one of the party planks of the Left Wing of our nation's political debates. That is fine, Lord knows Christians must engage the world and politics is the venue in which we humans hammer out the policies and procedures of life together. The problem is the church leaders, who have long criticized (sometimes fairly) the right wing equating Jesus with their politics, cannot paint up the "leftist" politics with Christ without the same criticism being levelled at them. But then, in political power, hubris is a predominant factor...
I am not a scientist. I do not know by if driving to work each day I have put the world in peril. It makes sense that I am having an impact. But I also know that there was a period of extreme cold, called the mini ice age, as recently as the middle ages. I know the impact of weather on crops was horrible and in the colder climates people starved and were weakened. I have read that some think this added to the killing power of the bubonic plague which wiped out a large percentage of the population. I also know that climate change is the normal state of things. When I was a child I remember my terror while reading that the earth was on its way to freezing again. I prepared for a future of winter coats years round and eating seal blubber.
Whatever else may be true, it is simply not true that the bishops offer anyone a comprehensive solution to the issue. Have any of these "teachers" given any thought to what the western world should look like if we adopted a program of "green" living? Would everyone walk? What kind of construction would we embrace for work and living? What of farming? What of transportation? What about advances in science? Would it be nuclear, solar, wind? (which apparently are not able to do the job) And if so, why has the church not invested in these technologies? or explained how they will be implemented. And what about everything which currently exists? What can we reasonably expect to do? (besides those new light bulbs, which unfortunately can kill people if not properly disposed?)
The environment matters. Our actions matter. However, the Gospel is that GOD is the ONE Who we turn to in our brokeness and need. The empty platitudes of left wing politics do not ring true to me. Replacing Christian faith with Environmental activism leaves me angry. In their letter, the bishops display little in the way of serious answers. It seems to me that this new religion will not save, it cannot save because it depends on me and you. It is a call to "do something" but the sum total of what that something is, is precious little. Sorry, bishops, I am sure you are remarkably sincere and heartfelt in your exhortation, but I do not think you have given me much to work with here. No, we will not focus on climate change in this parish beyond what we already do. The focus will remain the spiritual climate of our relationship with the Triune God. Sins against the earth matter, but they are secondary. No sense confusing people about Who the Messiah is and What our main concern should be. The people hear enough of that already outside the church....
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
"Churchy" baby
Last Thursday I took our baby to the healing service. He has some issues with his eyes. Prior to the time of healing prayer there is a communal celebration of Evening Prayer. Although we were late, we managed to be there for most of it. Afterward I handed him over to the prayer group and they prayed over him. I did not join them instead I knelt in prayer. When it was over I sort of reflected on it all. As I sat there pondering the mysteries of life, it occurred to me that my son, at three months old, had already attended Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer and Holy Eucharist. It made me wonder, how many people in this parish have done that in the ten years I have been here. The answer is very few.
Our normal Morning Prayer attendance is between four and seven. There are sometimes a few more and rarely less. Evening Prayer is about the same. The total group who actually attend would be about twenty folks. The normal parishioner has never attended either. What does that mean? Clearly, we are busy folks and the "village church" is many miles away from most of our homes. I travel 3.1 miles to get here. I live closer than most. But I do not think that "time" is the sole issue. I also think that most people do not really think going to morning and evening prayer is important.
It does raise a question in my mind. Does God care if we go to church? Am I doing my son a service or disservice by raising him in an environment where faith is connected to church? I am very sure that it is a good thing. I have no doubt that the Bible assumes communal faith. But that has not translated into regular daily worship around here. And it is not reflected in our Sunday gathering either.
Baby son is definitely being born and raised in a different time. This time of year, it is common to see e-mails telling us that "today's college freshmen grew up in a world..." They then inform us of all the things that we older folks remember that happened more than 18 years ago. I recall when I read one years ago and it was about telephones not having a dial. Well, I wonder what 18 years from now we will say about the church. I do not doubt God will continue to be at work among us. Nor do I fear that believers will not be able to pray together. But I hear that no prayers will be allowed at the 9-11 memorial. I hear how the Christian faith is being marginalized and pushed out in subtle ways every day. I just think it is going to be more counter cultural to be a person of faith. Whether that is better or worse I dare not say. I do know it will be more similar to the situation in the New Testament.
Our normal Morning Prayer attendance is between four and seven. There are sometimes a few more and rarely less. Evening Prayer is about the same. The total group who actually attend would be about twenty folks. The normal parishioner has never attended either. What does that mean? Clearly, we are busy folks and the "village church" is many miles away from most of our homes. I travel 3.1 miles to get here. I live closer than most. But I do not think that "time" is the sole issue. I also think that most people do not really think going to morning and evening prayer is important.
It does raise a question in my mind. Does God care if we go to church? Am I doing my son a service or disservice by raising him in an environment where faith is connected to church? I am very sure that it is a good thing. I have no doubt that the Bible assumes communal faith. But that has not translated into regular daily worship around here. And it is not reflected in our Sunday gathering either.
Baby son is definitely being born and raised in a different time. This time of year, it is common to see e-mails telling us that "today's college freshmen grew up in a world..." They then inform us of all the things that we older folks remember that happened more than 18 years ago. I recall when I read one years ago and it was about telephones not having a dial. Well, I wonder what 18 years from now we will say about the church. I do not doubt God will continue to be at work among us. Nor do I fear that believers will not be able to pray together. But I hear that no prayers will be allowed at the 9-11 memorial. I hear how the Christian faith is being marginalized and pushed out in subtle ways every day. I just think it is going to be more counter cultural to be a person of faith. Whether that is better or worse I dare not say. I do know it will be more similar to the situation in the New Testament.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Konerko and Reflections on Achievement Anxiety
[I wrote this a couple of days ago. Apparently I did not publish this as I found it in "drafts". Last night Konerko got #2,000 in a losing cause....]
Yesterday the Chicago White Sox won 10-0. They beat a superior team for the second straight day. It has given a bit of hope to their fans, who have watched this team flounder all season. Everytime we reach .500 (which means win as many as you lose) they seem to drop four straight. One of the highlights of this otherwise disappointing year, has been the play of Paul Konerko. Last year, at age 34, he had his best statistical season, an anomaly for a power hitting first baseman. This year one expected some regression. Instead, he has followed up with a year only slightly less magical. The last month he has been lights out great as a hitter.
A few years back, having suffered through a sub-par year, he made a comment that he needed to work out harder in the off-season. Reaching his early thirties (at that time) he suddenly experienced a loss of skill. I assume he did work out and I think it clearly has produced results. His next hit will be his 2,000th and in late September he is on schedule to hit his 400th home run. Both of those are acheivements of note in baseball history. I have enjoyed his success.
Achievement. Most of us, unlike baseball players, do not have extensive statistics to measure our success. That is not all bad. Sometimes statistics are not as telling as we would like. In the church world, one measure of a pastor's success is the Sunday attendance. If lots of people go to your church, then you must be good. If there are fewer people, then you have done something wrong. From occassional articles on the subject, apparently I work in a field where lots of men are very distressed in their work.
When a minister is anxious or depressed, it is a double problem. First of all, their are the issues which produce the emotional reaction. Secondly, there is the response of others to the minister's distress. Ministers, after all, are not supposed to be distressed. They are supposed to be happy. And upbeat. And full of faith, hope and joy.
In general, though, the "church business" is not good. The media loves stories about wayward ministers, especially scandals. It is rare that one hears about the hard work of a faithful minister. But misbehavior, especially of a sexual nature, has lots of air time. This is not a gripe. I do not think ministers should escape scrutiny. But it has produced some issues. The role is diminished. The collar is viewed with suspicion by many. When I smile at a young child I sometimes worry that I am considered a predator. That is not just paranoia, people have made comments indicating that they consider priests a threat.
As the church in the USA continues to decrease, more and more church leaders are saddled with a growing sense of failure. In general, many of these leaders are men of a certain age, their 50's and 60's. As much as we would like to focus on loving God and following Jesus, there is still a nagging concern that diminishing attendance (or financial losses) are a proof that we are "not very good." We understand grace, but we also fear judgment. 'Fear of the Lord' and 'judgment' after all, are also resurring themes of the Good Book.
Lay people, by and large, are no less free of achievement anxiety. People who think and ponder such things recognize the gap between who we are and what we are called to be. Some claim that they rest in faith with no anxiety. They trust in the mercy and rely on grace. Such claims would be a source of great consolation IF those same people understood grace to be extended on the same terms to everyone. But even "only grace" Christians are able to identify individuals, even entire populations, which will be visited with judgment for sins unforgiven.
Jesus says, "Fear Him who can throw you into hell." Jesus says we are accountable for every word we utter. The New Testament has lots of mention of wrath, judgment and accountability. I do not think we should live in misery. I think we should trust that God desires that all be saved. But I think we need to be more focused. We will all be held accountable. And there is no statistical almanac where we can look up and see where we stand. And there is danger in turning a relationship with Christ into statistics, even stats like church attendance or financial giving.
It is good to take serious things seriously. It is also important not to sit around counting hours spent in prayer, chapters of the Bible read, or even the number of people we have witnessed to...
Yesterday the Chicago White Sox won 10-0. They beat a superior team for the second straight day. It has given a bit of hope to their fans, who have watched this team flounder all season. Everytime we reach .500 (which means win as many as you lose) they seem to drop four straight. One of the highlights of this otherwise disappointing year, has been the play of Paul Konerko. Last year, at age 34, he had his best statistical season, an anomaly for a power hitting first baseman. This year one expected some regression. Instead, he has followed up with a year only slightly less magical. The last month he has been lights out great as a hitter.
A few years back, having suffered through a sub-par year, he made a comment that he needed to work out harder in the off-season. Reaching his early thirties (at that time) he suddenly experienced a loss of skill. I assume he did work out and I think it clearly has produced results. His next hit will be his 2,000th and in late September he is on schedule to hit his 400th home run. Both of those are acheivements of note in baseball history. I have enjoyed his success.
Achievement. Most of us, unlike baseball players, do not have extensive statistics to measure our success. That is not all bad. Sometimes statistics are not as telling as we would like. In the church world, one measure of a pastor's success is the Sunday attendance. If lots of people go to your church, then you must be good. If there are fewer people, then you have done something wrong. From occassional articles on the subject, apparently I work in a field where lots of men are very distressed in their work.
When a minister is anxious or depressed, it is a double problem. First of all, their are the issues which produce the emotional reaction. Secondly, there is the response of others to the minister's distress. Ministers, after all, are not supposed to be distressed. They are supposed to be happy. And upbeat. And full of faith, hope and joy.
In general, though, the "church business" is not good. The media loves stories about wayward ministers, especially scandals. It is rare that one hears about the hard work of a faithful minister. But misbehavior, especially of a sexual nature, has lots of air time. This is not a gripe. I do not think ministers should escape scrutiny. But it has produced some issues. The role is diminished. The collar is viewed with suspicion by many. When I smile at a young child I sometimes worry that I am considered a predator. That is not just paranoia, people have made comments indicating that they consider priests a threat.
As the church in the USA continues to decrease, more and more church leaders are saddled with a growing sense of failure. In general, many of these leaders are men of a certain age, their 50's and 60's. As much as we would like to focus on loving God and following Jesus, there is still a nagging concern that diminishing attendance (or financial losses) are a proof that we are "not very good." We understand grace, but we also fear judgment. 'Fear of the Lord' and 'judgment' after all, are also resurring themes of the Good Book.
Lay people, by and large, are no less free of achievement anxiety. People who think and ponder such things recognize the gap between who we are and what we are called to be. Some claim that they rest in faith with no anxiety. They trust in the mercy and rely on grace. Such claims would be a source of great consolation IF those same people understood grace to be extended on the same terms to everyone. But even "only grace" Christians are able to identify individuals, even entire populations, which will be visited with judgment for sins unforgiven.
Jesus says, "Fear Him who can throw you into hell." Jesus says we are accountable for every word we utter. The New Testament has lots of mention of wrath, judgment and accountability. I do not think we should live in misery. I think we should trust that God desires that all be saved. But I think we need to be more focused. We will all be held accountable. And there is no statistical almanac where we can look up and see where we stand. And there is danger in turning a relationship with Christ into statistics, even stats like church attendance or financial giving.
It is good to take serious things seriously. It is also important not to sit around counting hours spent in prayer, chapters of the Bible read, or even the number of people we have witnessed to...
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Marathon Man
I am not a Greek scholar. I am not especially adept with languages. But the New Testament is written in Greek and it is impossible to know the Bible without dealing with Greek and Hebrew. Most of us (including me) will therefore always deal with translations. However, I have studied Greek and so I am familiar with the vocabulary.
The word hypomenos is a composite. It consists of hypo which means "under" (like hypodermic means under the dermis or skin) and menos which means abide, stand. The word hypomenos means patience, perseverance or endurance. It used to be translated as longsuffering, though that terminology is not part of most contemporary lexicons. It is used frequently in the New Testament. It is a foreign concept to the American culture in which I live.
I thought about this word as we gathered to celebrate the eucharist to end our vigil of prayer last night. For twelve hours various people had been in our church to pray. We do this each year to kick off the Fall. The first time we did it was 2001. As I looked at the gathered crowd I found myself remembering the many people who have come and gone over the last decade. I recalled the energy and exhuberance of those first three years I was here. Each year we saw increased attendance. People seemed excited about church. In 2003 we took a major hit with the Epsicopo-wars. Conflict, for a while, seemed to energize us more. Many people were willing to take a stand. There was continued growth and a strong sense of 'us.'
Eight years later, we are smaller. There may be less excitement and energy. It is hard sometimes to know. What I do know is the race is long. I am not 'a runner' but I do run. I completed a half marathon. I recall the first mile where there are people everywhere and the way it felt standing ready to start. It is hard to hold yourself back as you want to race to the front. Most people cannot run very fast for a long time. You have to pace yourself. That is why one trains for a half marathon.
Church is a marathon. It is not a one or two year commitment. It is a lifelong commitment. We are one with Jesus forever. Over time, the newness wears off. We pass different mile markers, 4, 5, 6. Our bodies (and souls) begin to tire. We look at our watches and think "I have been at this a long time and still I have so far to go..." We notice people starting to disappear. They no longer run with us. They have other pressing things to do. They weaken and wonder what is the point?
This is no stunning insight. Everyone knows the race is long. It takes endurance. It takes the ability to stand up under the weight of life's disappointments. It takes strength to keep placing one foot in front of the other and follow Jesus.
When I ran the half marathon, there was a hil at about mile 8. All along that hill people were lined up. I did not know any of them. But they screamed and yelled at me (and the others) "Keep going! You can make it!" And I did. There was a sense of awe that people would do that. The hill was easier to climb because of them. It is my hope that church would be like that. People calling out "Keep your eye on Jesus. Don't quit, keep going!" Vigils of prayer serve that purpose. So does Bible study, helping others and community.
I get tired more easily now, it seems. Always prone to disillusionment, I find it more of a challenge at this point in life. There are, according to research, fewer and fewer of us doing this church/discipleship thing. It is easier for people to quit and walk away. Yet there are many who keep at it. Sons and Daughters of the True King. We run, sometimes slowly, hobbled and hurting, but we run. Praying. Loving. Believing. Studying. Serving.
God sees. It is worth the effort. So I yell to you, dear reader, "Keep GOING! Jesus is with us. For Him. With Him! Keep going!"
The word hypomenos is a composite. It consists of hypo which means "under" (like hypodermic means under the dermis or skin) and menos which means abide, stand. The word hypomenos means patience, perseverance or endurance. It used to be translated as longsuffering, though that terminology is not part of most contemporary lexicons. It is used frequently in the New Testament. It is a foreign concept to the American culture in which I live.
I thought about this word as we gathered to celebrate the eucharist to end our vigil of prayer last night. For twelve hours various people had been in our church to pray. We do this each year to kick off the Fall. The first time we did it was 2001. As I looked at the gathered crowd I found myself remembering the many people who have come and gone over the last decade. I recalled the energy and exhuberance of those first three years I was here. Each year we saw increased attendance. People seemed excited about church. In 2003 we took a major hit with the Epsicopo-wars. Conflict, for a while, seemed to energize us more. Many people were willing to take a stand. There was continued growth and a strong sense of 'us.'
Eight years later, we are smaller. There may be less excitement and energy. It is hard sometimes to know. What I do know is the race is long. I am not 'a runner' but I do run. I completed a half marathon. I recall the first mile where there are people everywhere and the way it felt standing ready to start. It is hard to hold yourself back as you want to race to the front. Most people cannot run very fast for a long time. You have to pace yourself. That is why one trains for a half marathon.
Church is a marathon. It is not a one or two year commitment. It is a lifelong commitment. We are one with Jesus forever. Over time, the newness wears off. We pass different mile markers, 4, 5, 6. Our bodies (and souls) begin to tire. We look at our watches and think "I have been at this a long time and still I have so far to go..." We notice people starting to disappear. They no longer run with us. They have other pressing things to do. They weaken and wonder what is the point?
This is no stunning insight. Everyone knows the race is long. It takes endurance. It takes the ability to stand up under the weight of life's disappointments. It takes strength to keep placing one foot in front of the other and follow Jesus.
When I ran the half marathon, there was a hil at about mile 8. All along that hill people were lined up. I did not know any of them. But they screamed and yelled at me (and the others) "Keep going! You can make it!" And I did. There was a sense of awe that people would do that. The hill was easier to climb because of them. It is my hope that church would be like that. People calling out "Keep your eye on Jesus. Don't quit, keep going!" Vigils of prayer serve that purpose. So does Bible study, helping others and community.
I get tired more easily now, it seems. Always prone to disillusionment, I find it more of a challenge at this point in life. There are, according to research, fewer and fewer of us doing this church/discipleship thing. It is easier for people to quit and walk away. Yet there are many who keep at it. Sons and Daughters of the True King. We run, sometimes slowly, hobbled and hurting, but we run. Praying. Loving. Believing. Studying. Serving.
God sees. It is worth the effort. So I yell to you, dear reader, "Keep GOING! Jesus is with us. For Him. With Him! Keep going!"
Sunday, July 24, 2011
A Tale of Two Youth Groups
I am getting ready for vacation. This weekend has been a fitting send-off. I have had a chance to see God at work in the church. Friday we hosted a one day VBS for an inner city youth group. Their leader and I have had a long partnership. He is an adult victim of much abuse and an adult survivor of a decadent life. Jesus never gave up on him, and through the intervention of a priest and some other Christians, Jesus has transformed this man into a worker of salvation. He lives and works in a very poor area. He is God's life-line to many children in awful distress. We help fund his ministry and also make human-to-human connections with his work.
The day was a mixture of various activities including a visit to the Biblical Museum here in Collierville. They were able to see and hold a lamp from the first century. It was from Jerusalem. It is literally possible that Jesus or a disciple used the lamp. I thought that it was a grand opportunity for an inner city Memphian to touch a 2,000 year old lamp and hear the story of the ten virgins and be reminded that Jesus said we are the light of the world. After the museum, we did a pretty serious Bible study, discussing the difference between "fulfillment" of Scripture and "predictions." We tied the story of Jesus in Matthew to various stories in Genesis. Some of the children were enthused, while others probably wondered if it would ever end. We played games, made tie-dyed tee shirts, and they did a wood work project and made a little box. Throughout the kids were well behaved and seemed to enjoy themselves. We fed them three times, which most of them seemed to like. We gave them a goody bag with school supplies, hygiene items and some peanut butter.The day ended at the local YMCA's pool. Before they went swimming, we did a healing service.
We gathered in church and I had them spread out. A reflective reading on the paralytic, my favorite healing meditation, was used to illustrate the theme of hope. Kids in the inner city of Memphis often encounter a hope-free environment. There is no lack of despair. Following the meditation, I invited all the adults to go sit with a young person and pray with them over their hurts and needs. It was a pretty powerful moment. Most of these kids do not have adults asking them about themselves that way. Few people have someone pray over them. It was powerful and many tears were shed.
My little girl, aged 16, is a mother of a two year old. She said, "My momma is on the streets, my brother is on the streets, my other brother is in a facility and I am raising my little brothers." Pretty overwhelming to hear. Pretty sad to think she is one of thousands of Memphians in that situation....
Her dream is to go to college so she can get a job and not be poor. She goes to school now, even if some of her family tells her she will "never be nothing." She had tears streaming down her face as she told me, "I don't cry." She admits that there are times when she is confused and sad about her family situation. She also expresses a determination to have a better life. So I listened and I prayed. And I prayed.
My daughter is also sixteen. Her life is quite different from my little prayer partner. Saturday at 4:15a.m. my daughter woke me up. She had not been asleep because she was preparing to go out of town. I got up, woke her brother and by 4:45 we were at church. The vans were to leave at 5:00. At five thirty they pulled out (thirty minnutes late, right on schedule!). Last night they spent the night in Iowa. This morning at 4:45 she texted us,they were on their way for the last five hours of the trip. They are on a mission trip to northern Minnesota. For a week they will do work, worship and community building. The kids always come back exhausted and exhilarated. As my son says, "dad, it is more fun than fun stuff." Service, it turns out, can be meaningful and enjoyable.
Our youth group is the best behaved group of kids I have ever had. Whevever they go people commment on how well they act. They are mostly eighth to tenth graders. They are small, often quiet kids. But they give up a week of their life to improve the life of others. They do this because their parents can afford $300 each to help fund it. They can do it because our parish has money and a commitment to outreach.
The situations of these two youth groups are very different. Both live in Shelby County in southwest Tennessee. But in many ways they are a million miles apart. Yet all the kids have dreams and fears. All the kids harbor grudges and wounds. All the kids have a desire to be happy and whole. All the kids are precious to Jesus.
Mine, yours, theirs. All precious to Jesus. This weekend we acted like we believed it. And I was glad to be the priest serving at St. Andrews.
The day was a mixture of various activities including a visit to the Biblical Museum here in Collierville. They were able to see and hold a lamp from the first century. It was from Jerusalem. It is literally possible that Jesus or a disciple used the lamp. I thought that it was a grand opportunity for an inner city Memphian to touch a 2,000 year old lamp and hear the story of the ten virgins and be reminded that Jesus said we are the light of the world. After the museum, we did a pretty serious Bible study, discussing the difference between "fulfillment" of Scripture and "predictions." We tied the story of Jesus in Matthew to various stories in Genesis. Some of the children were enthused, while others probably wondered if it would ever end. We played games, made tie-dyed tee shirts, and they did a wood work project and made a little box. Throughout the kids were well behaved and seemed to enjoy themselves. We fed them three times, which most of them seemed to like. We gave them a goody bag with school supplies, hygiene items and some peanut butter.The day ended at the local YMCA's pool. Before they went swimming, we did a healing service.
We gathered in church and I had them spread out. A reflective reading on the paralytic, my favorite healing meditation, was used to illustrate the theme of hope. Kids in the inner city of Memphis often encounter a hope-free environment. There is no lack of despair. Following the meditation, I invited all the adults to go sit with a young person and pray with them over their hurts and needs. It was a pretty powerful moment. Most of these kids do not have adults asking them about themselves that way. Few people have someone pray over them. It was powerful and many tears were shed.
My little girl, aged 16, is a mother of a two year old. She said, "My momma is on the streets, my brother is on the streets, my other brother is in a facility and I am raising my little brothers." Pretty overwhelming to hear. Pretty sad to think she is one of thousands of Memphians in that situation....
Her dream is to go to college so she can get a job and not be poor. She goes to school now, even if some of her family tells her she will "never be nothing." She had tears streaming down her face as she told me, "I don't cry." She admits that there are times when she is confused and sad about her family situation. She also expresses a determination to have a better life. So I listened and I prayed. And I prayed.
My daughter is also sixteen. Her life is quite different from my little prayer partner. Saturday at 4:15a.m. my daughter woke me up. She had not been asleep because she was preparing to go out of town. I got up, woke her brother and by 4:45 we were at church. The vans were to leave at 5:00. At five thirty they pulled out (thirty minnutes late, right on schedule!). Last night they spent the night in Iowa. This morning at 4:45 she texted us,they were on their way for the last five hours of the trip. They are on a mission trip to northern Minnesota. For a week they will do work, worship and community building. The kids always come back exhausted and exhilarated. As my son says, "dad, it is more fun than fun stuff." Service, it turns out, can be meaningful and enjoyable.
Our youth group is the best behaved group of kids I have ever had. Whevever they go people commment on how well they act. They are mostly eighth to tenth graders. They are small, often quiet kids. But they give up a week of their life to improve the life of others. They do this because their parents can afford $300 each to help fund it. They can do it because our parish has money and a commitment to outreach.
The situations of these two youth groups are very different. Both live in Shelby County in southwest Tennessee. But in many ways they are a million miles apart. Yet all the kids have dreams and fears. All the kids harbor grudges and wounds. All the kids have a desire to be happy and whole. All the kids are precious to Jesus.
Mine, yours, theirs. All precious to Jesus. This weekend we acted like we believed it. And I was glad to be the priest serving at St. Andrews.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
David and Jonathan Gay?!
We have been reading I Samuel this week in Evening Prayer. Because I have done Bible studies on the OT books the last couple of years I am much more familiar with these texts. So when we read these sections now I have some context for thinking about them. Jonathan, to me, is one of the finest characters in the Bible. While David is involved in any number of offensive activities, Jonathan shines as a man of incredible courage and integrity.
Which is why I am going on a rant. Memories can work on their own. Sometimes we have to work hard to recall data. Other times there are associations made which come of their own volition. They are called triggers. (For example, the word trigger makes me think of Roy Rogers' horse. Just popped in my head, no effort)
Because human minds (&brains) work that way it is important to take care in how we form memories. Pure things are easily polluted and ruined. Take a single tooth out of a smile and it is suddenly ridiculous. A black smudge on a white dress gains all the attention, even if 99% of the dress is pristine.
The story of Jonathan's faithfulness in I Samuel 19&20 is heart rending. King Saul, enraged with jealousy, shares with his son and inner group that he wants them to kill David. Saul recognizes David is a threat to his throne. Saul already knows God has rejected him as king, Samuel made that clear. Now he further complicates his situation by standing against God and clinging to his power.
I can imagine the knot in Jonathan's gut as he heard the words. I can also imagine the terror. Saul has been very unpredictable. One moment at peace with David, then suddenly he decides he must die. Even for warriors, such events must be unnerving. Jonathan is making a decision which could cost him his life. Nothing is said of his feelings toward his father. Having read the book through I know that he will stand by his father's side to his death. Jonathan must have struggled mightily.
Jonathan speaks out for his friend, defending him to Saul's face. Logic is useless in the face of passion. So Jonathan successfully convinces his father to relent, but Saul's decision that David 'shall not die' is short lived. After another successful battle against Israel's enemies, David returns (the people's favorite) and Saul attempts to kill him with a spear. David flees for his life.
Jonathan and David conspire together to determine the next course of action. As David hides in Ramah, Jonathan comes to him. They work out a plan so that Jonathan can secretly inform David of the situation. Jonathan will shoot arrows at a target near David's hiding place. What he says to the boy who is his "arrow-fetcher" will be a code for whether David should stay or flee.
Two sentences from the Sacred Writ stand out to me:
Two reasons. Love and faith. He believed God had chosen David. He loved David. That is what people who love and serve God do. They submit. That is what friends do. They take joy in the success of a friend rather than seek their own self interest.
So here is the rant. Why ruin a story of faith and love by turning it into an issue of same sex attraction? Why reframe this story as a gay love affair? Why make it into something else than what the text says?
Ever since 2003, this story has been changed for me. At that time I heard gay marriage justified and one of the arguments raised was Jonathan and David. My initial reaction of shock and disbelief have been worn away. The unthinkable has been thought. Something that had never crossed my mind was now an association. Time and again I have heard this "proof" until the story of Jonathan's self sacrificial love has become the (failed) argument to justify for gay sex.
Is it really necessary to make everything into gay sex? EVERYTHING? Does friendship have to be reduced to sexual attraction? Is it possible to imagine a world where stimulation and pleasure are not the only thing that matter? Can we think it possible that sometimes people have their minds on something else?
Our consumer, individualistic culture has made a comodity of most everything. The Episcopal Church has made a commitment to embrace the culture (in the name of "incarnational"). The effort to embrace has had other consequences. The culture has changed the church more than the church has changed the culture. The Epsicopal has been secularized. The sacred texts are de-sacralized and reduced to "stories of believing people from another era." The goal, preach Jesus to the world, has been reshaped into "promote tolerance, especially advocating for all things related to homosexuality." The list goes on, but anyone half paying attention already knows these things and more.
What frustrates me is the fog in my own mind. I think the challenge Jonathan could be has been dulled. The idea that 'love is self gift' is replaced with pondering other things, things which are not edifying. The effort to combat these alternative interpretations is itself a frustration. Do I really want to spend so much time and energy around issues of gay marriage? Even if the intent is noble and faithful, it still leads one away from the text and its message, back into the world of church politics and conflicts. In the end, whatever one says, if it is not the TEC party-line, is rejected as hate speech.
So, my rant. They have taken a sad story, yet an inspirational story, of faith, friendship, sacrifice and reduced it to a (faux) prop for their obsession with sex, especially homo-sex. They have done it enough that now the text is associated, to some extent, with that issue in my mind. How unfortunate. So I blog on it, which may end up leading other people to do the same thing. Perhaps I have aided their cause?
Yet Jonathan is a model. A model of purity and love. Someone who seeks God's will and way. I can stand with Jonathan and model his behavior (even if a poor imitation). I can decide to stand against those who advocate for that which God has rejected, whatever it is. I can do battle with the forces aligned against his kingdom. And I can love, purely and selflessly. I can love men and women without reducing love to impulses related to my own sexual pleasure. I can reject a cultural (dis)value which is ruining people by sexualizing everything. I can try to be innocent and pure and holy.
I hope, someday, that this Biblical text will be, once again, about our response to Messiah. I hope Jonathan is, again, the metaphor for selfless, loving commitment to God's annointed king (David, a metaphor for Jesus). I hope that some day we can read the story and hear the voice of Jesus ("anyone who does not love Me more than father, or mother....is not worthy of Me"). I hope that the story will inspire us to heroic acts of faithful virtue. I hope it will be pristine. Pure. A noble story about noble discipleship whatever the cost. I hope it will be a powerful narrative about obeying God and loving your friends, even when it is painful. I hope that this reflection is a step in that direction.
Which is why I am going on a rant. Memories can work on their own. Sometimes we have to work hard to recall data. Other times there are associations made which come of their own volition. They are called triggers. (For example, the word trigger makes me think of Roy Rogers' horse. Just popped in my head, no effort)
Because human minds (&brains) work that way it is important to take care in how we form memories. Pure things are easily polluted and ruined. Take a single tooth out of a smile and it is suddenly ridiculous. A black smudge on a white dress gains all the attention, even if 99% of the dress is pristine.
The story of Jonathan's faithfulness in I Samuel 19&20 is heart rending. King Saul, enraged with jealousy, shares with his son and inner group that he wants them to kill David. Saul recognizes David is a threat to his throne. Saul already knows God has rejected him as king, Samuel made that clear. Now he further complicates his situation by standing against God and clinging to his power.
I can imagine the knot in Jonathan's gut as he heard the words. I can also imagine the terror. Saul has been very unpredictable. One moment at peace with David, then suddenly he decides he must die. Even for warriors, such events must be unnerving. Jonathan is making a decision which could cost him his life. Nothing is said of his feelings toward his father. Having read the book through I know that he will stand by his father's side to his death. Jonathan must have struggled mightily.
Jonathan speaks out for his friend, defending him to Saul's face. Logic is useless in the face of passion. So Jonathan successfully convinces his father to relent, but Saul's decision that David 'shall not die' is short lived. After another successful battle against Israel's enemies, David returns (the people's favorite) and Saul attempts to kill him with a spear. David flees for his life.
Jonathan and David conspire together to determine the next course of action. As David hides in Ramah, Jonathan comes to him. They work out a plan so that Jonathan can secretly inform David of the situation. Jonathan will shoot arrows at a target near David's hiding place. What he says to the boy who is his "arrow-fetcher" will be a code for whether David should stay or flee.
Two sentences from the Sacred Writ stand out to me:
- And Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
- behold, the Lord is between you and me forever
Two reasons. Love and faith. He believed God had chosen David. He loved David. That is what people who love and serve God do. They submit. That is what friends do. They take joy in the success of a friend rather than seek their own self interest.
So here is the rant. Why ruin a story of faith and love by turning it into an issue of same sex attraction? Why reframe this story as a gay love affair? Why make it into something else than what the text says?
Ever since 2003, this story has been changed for me. At that time I heard gay marriage justified and one of the arguments raised was Jonathan and David. My initial reaction of shock and disbelief have been worn away. The unthinkable has been thought. Something that had never crossed my mind was now an association. Time and again I have heard this "proof" until the story of Jonathan's self sacrificial love has become the (failed) argument to justify for gay sex.
Is it really necessary to make everything into gay sex? EVERYTHING? Does friendship have to be reduced to sexual attraction? Is it possible to imagine a world where stimulation and pleasure are not the only thing that matter? Can we think it possible that sometimes people have their minds on something else?
Our consumer, individualistic culture has made a comodity of most everything. The Episcopal Church has made a commitment to embrace the culture (in the name of "incarnational"). The effort to embrace has had other consequences. The culture has changed the church more than the church has changed the culture. The Epsicopal has been secularized. The sacred texts are de-sacralized and reduced to "stories of believing people from another era." The goal, preach Jesus to the world, has been reshaped into "promote tolerance, especially advocating for all things related to homosexuality." The list goes on, but anyone half paying attention already knows these things and more.
What frustrates me is the fog in my own mind. I think the challenge Jonathan could be has been dulled. The idea that 'love is self gift' is replaced with pondering other things, things which are not edifying. The effort to combat these alternative interpretations is itself a frustration. Do I really want to spend so much time and energy around issues of gay marriage? Even if the intent is noble and faithful, it still leads one away from the text and its message, back into the world of church politics and conflicts. In the end, whatever one says, if it is not the TEC party-line, is rejected as hate speech.
So, my rant. They have taken a sad story, yet an inspirational story, of faith, friendship, sacrifice and reduced it to a (faux) prop for their obsession with sex, especially homo-sex. They have done it enough that now the text is associated, to some extent, with that issue in my mind. How unfortunate. So I blog on it, which may end up leading other people to do the same thing. Perhaps I have aided their cause?
Yet Jonathan is a model. A model of purity and love. Someone who seeks God's will and way. I can stand with Jonathan and model his behavior (even if a poor imitation). I can decide to stand against those who advocate for that which God has rejected, whatever it is. I can do battle with the forces aligned against his kingdom. And I can love, purely and selflessly. I can love men and women without reducing love to impulses related to my own sexual pleasure. I can reject a cultural (dis)value which is ruining people by sexualizing everything. I can try to be innocent and pure and holy.
I hope, someday, that this Biblical text will be, once again, about our response to Messiah. I hope Jonathan is, again, the metaphor for selfless, loving commitment to God's annointed king (David, a metaphor for Jesus). I hope that some day we can read the story and hear the voice of Jesus ("anyone who does not love Me more than father, or mother....is not worthy of Me"). I hope that the story will inspire us to heroic acts of faithful virtue. I hope it will be pristine. Pure. A noble story about noble discipleship whatever the cost. I hope it will be a powerful narrative about obeying God and loving your friends, even when it is painful. I hope that this reflection is a step in that direction.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Where is my vision?
After a two day trip I planned to blog yesterday. The computers at work were down and I was thwarted. This technology makes it easy to do so many things, but a blip can make it impossible to do anything.
I wanted to reflect on visions. In the Gospel, Luke shares the story of two people going to Emmaus, who encounter the Risen Lord. Jesus explains to the pair all the Scripture related to Him. Their hearts burned with fire as they listened. It is the one place and time recorded in the Bible that I most wish I could be present. I would love to be with Jesus, recently raised from the dead, explaining how the OT is fulfilled in His life and death. The couple returns to the apostles, who declare Jesus is alive. They also say some women had "a vision of angels."
A vision of angels; that sounds glorious!
Luke's Acts yesterday also contained stories of Cornelius and Peter, each of whom had a vision. God, speaking to the faithful Gentile soldier (who, by the way, was not asked to renounce his military vocation), makes the next step in opening the Gentile world to the Good News. Peter's vision (a vast array of animals, including 'unclean' animals: slaughter! eat!) is cryptic. He is told, "What God declares clean, do not call unclean!" (three times) Later, Peter connects this to Gentiles, and Conrnelius and his whole family will receive the Holy Spirit and be baptized.
I think the visions indicate God intervening. He acts from the outside to change the flow of events. Rather than control the process from within (He could simply have Peter go baptize Cornelius), He provides a vision to each man, indicating that He desires them to do His bidding. One gets the impression that Peter receives a very clear vision, but not an immediate indication of what it means. That is important, too. Sometimes God works slowly with us. Everything is not crystal clear and it takes time to know and understand. Even in visions, God works slowly.
All these visisons lead many of us to ask, "Hey Lord! Where is my vision?" In an age where unbelief is rampant. In a time when the church is in decline. In an historical period when so much paganization is taking place and so many battles are being lost, it does seems like many of us could use a booster of grace. A vision of angels here, a divine direction there, just some amazing moments with God to recharge the "faith batteries" and keep us going. In fact, some people drift from the faith because they have received none of the amazing things they read about in the Bible. "Where is my vision?" they ask, as they slowly walk away from God, faith and church.
As a young man I often prayed for such things. I longed to have that deep connection with God that the saints seemed to enjoy. The last ten years I have grown more at peace with the ordinary and mundane life I live. I do sense God at work. I think that is the norm. Perhaps we read of the visions because even then such things were rare and worthy of note. Maybe Luke wrote it down because he wanted to remember what happened. Maybe even Luke himself wondered, "where is my vision?" as he wrote Acts and the Gospel!
What I have come to believe is that there is no vision which could add to what we already believe. We have seen the OT references to Jesus and studied them. We know the Lord is risen. We understand the mission of the church, to Jew and Gentile. We have the Bible and multiple tools to read and understand. We have two thousand years of "acts of the apostles" to reflect upon.
Sure it would be nice if all of us had that special, mind blowing moment where God gave us some special vision, but those visison always seemed to occur for a specific reason. It changes the flow of history. You and I are not called to such a task. Perhaps we seek clarity about what God wants us to do. Even so, our mission and ministry is not of that level. We are not changing the course of church history (like Peter or Paul). God is satisfied with our long, slow struggle to do our task. Even if it takes us a while to translate the message into our own concrete lifes, God is subtly guiding.
God does not give visions (in the Bible) for the personal enjoyment or benefit of the recipient. The vision is for the benefit of others. It is to steer the ship (church) ever slowly in a new direction. Visions provide the 'chosen one' (visisonary) with the information they need so that God can continue to save His Chosen People and creation.
Even if we have never had a vision, we still have a vision, our vision is in the Bible, interpreted for us through Chruch Tradition. Sometimes it is not totally clear to us. Sometimes we move in the wrong direction. Sometimes we do not get it right at all. Yet, God is among us [Emmanuel] and if we pray, read, study, listen, watch we will have our vision, a peak at God's vision. It may be in a mundane, ordinary way, but that is okay. God has given the vision. God gave it in the way God chose is best. For the rest of us, ours is a 'secondary vision'. We are the beneficiaries of the visions of received by others.
But we need not despair. There will be a day. Some day, we will all have our visison. We will see Him face to face. We will see and know and understand on that day.
Some day...
I wanted to reflect on visions. In the Gospel, Luke shares the story of two people going to Emmaus, who encounter the Risen Lord. Jesus explains to the pair all the Scripture related to Him. Their hearts burned with fire as they listened. It is the one place and time recorded in the Bible that I most wish I could be present. I would love to be with Jesus, recently raised from the dead, explaining how the OT is fulfilled in His life and death. The couple returns to the apostles, who declare Jesus is alive. They also say some women had "a vision of angels."
A vision of angels; that sounds glorious!
Luke's Acts yesterday also contained stories of Cornelius and Peter, each of whom had a vision. God, speaking to the faithful Gentile soldier (who, by the way, was not asked to renounce his military vocation), makes the next step in opening the Gentile world to the Good News. Peter's vision (a vast array of animals, including 'unclean' animals: slaughter! eat!) is cryptic. He is told, "What God declares clean, do not call unclean!" (three times) Later, Peter connects this to Gentiles, and Conrnelius and his whole family will receive the Holy Spirit and be baptized.
I think the visions indicate God intervening. He acts from the outside to change the flow of events. Rather than control the process from within (He could simply have Peter go baptize Cornelius), He provides a vision to each man, indicating that He desires them to do His bidding. One gets the impression that Peter receives a very clear vision, but not an immediate indication of what it means. That is important, too. Sometimes God works slowly with us. Everything is not crystal clear and it takes time to know and understand. Even in visions, God works slowly.
All these visisons lead many of us to ask, "Hey Lord! Where is my vision?" In an age where unbelief is rampant. In a time when the church is in decline. In an historical period when so much paganization is taking place and so many battles are being lost, it does seems like many of us could use a booster of grace. A vision of angels here, a divine direction there, just some amazing moments with God to recharge the "faith batteries" and keep us going. In fact, some people drift from the faith because they have received none of the amazing things they read about in the Bible. "Where is my vision?" they ask, as they slowly walk away from God, faith and church.
As a young man I often prayed for such things. I longed to have that deep connection with God that the saints seemed to enjoy. The last ten years I have grown more at peace with the ordinary and mundane life I live. I do sense God at work. I think that is the norm. Perhaps we read of the visions because even then such things were rare and worthy of note. Maybe Luke wrote it down because he wanted to remember what happened. Maybe even Luke himself wondered, "where is my vision?" as he wrote Acts and the Gospel!
What I have come to believe is that there is no vision which could add to what we already believe. We have seen the OT references to Jesus and studied them. We know the Lord is risen. We understand the mission of the church, to Jew and Gentile. We have the Bible and multiple tools to read and understand. We have two thousand years of "acts of the apostles" to reflect upon.
Sure it would be nice if all of us had that special, mind blowing moment where God gave us some special vision, but those visison always seemed to occur for a specific reason. It changes the flow of history. You and I are not called to such a task. Perhaps we seek clarity about what God wants us to do. Even so, our mission and ministry is not of that level. We are not changing the course of church history (like Peter or Paul). God is satisfied with our long, slow struggle to do our task. Even if it takes us a while to translate the message into our own concrete lifes, God is subtly guiding.
God does not give visions (in the Bible) for the personal enjoyment or benefit of the recipient. The vision is for the benefit of others. It is to steer the ship (church) ever slowly in a new direction. Visions provide the 'chosen one' (visisonary) with the information they need so that God can continue to save His Chosen People and creation.
Even if we have never had a vision, we still have a vision, our vision is in the Bible, interpreted for us through Chruch Tradition. Sometimes it is not totally clear to us. Sometimes we move in the wrong direction. Sometimes we do not get it right at all. Yet, God is among us [Emmanuel] and if we pray, read, study, listen, watch we will have our vision, a peak at God's vision. It may be in a mundane, ordinary way, but that is okay. God has given the vision. God gave it in the way God chose is best. For the rest of us, ours is a 'secondary vision'. We are the beneficiaries of the visions of received by others.
But we need not despair. There will be a day. Some day, we will all have our visison. We will see Him face to face. We will see and know and understand on that day.
Some day...
Friday, July 1, 2011
God and Numbers Game
All three readings today provide fertile ground for meditation. I want to write about 1 Sam 13:19-14:15 because the story is about Jonathan. In my studies of the Old Testament the last three years there has been no character as appealing to me as Jonathan. He seems much more noble and honorable than either Saul or David, the two kings. He works against his father's interests by supporting David, yet in the end, as the successor, it is really his own interests against which he works. He does it all because he believes that David is God's choice and he loves David. That is a good man!
To see such humility in a man of such violent courage is a rare thing. No where is his faith and courage more manifest than in today's reading. While the army of Israel is "hiding in their caves" Jonathan approaches an enemy encampment. He says to his armor bearer, "if they call us up to meet them, then we know God has delivered them into our hands." That was the 'sign' in his mind. [It sounds ilke an invitation to a massacre to me.]
At stories end, Jonathan has mowed through about twenty men (the sort of thing usually reserved to movie heroes) and fear sweeps through the Philistine camp. Here, however, is the verse which caught my eye:
Churches, in every denomination, seem to be shrinking and in decline. And the members are older. Those in the church are frequently less than zealous. It is probably the case that the majority of Christians do not read the Bible in a normal week. Prayer does take place, but it seems much prayer is of the request variety, rather than thanks, praise or seeking God's will. By many measures it looks, if not bleak, at least not good.
One theme of the OT is the idea that God can do great things with small groups. The David and Goliath story is the gold standard for that, but Gideon is another example. Jonathan, today, is certainly another. And there are endless other examples. God can do great things with small groups and little people. Often times, churches can get so caught up in the latest marketing craze that they give up the mission and ministry to achieve "success." I am certainly affected by that temptation. Weekly attendance can become a measure of a minister's self worth. Certainly it is a measure of something, but the focus needs to remain, first and foremost, on loving, serving, worshipping God. We cannot quit because we think our resources are insufficient. We can and must listen to God (through Scripture. prayer, and the shared wisdom of the communion of saints) in our community, even if it is only two or three.
These are words of a faithful man: For nothing can hinder God from saving by many or few. It is God who makes it happen. So whether in the majority or the minority, if we are right with God we are right. Whether in paucity or abundance, if we are used by God we have enough. The numbers are secondary. God is primary. I hope that hope rules your day.
To see such humility in a man of such violent courage is a rare thing. No where is his faith and courage more manifest than in today's reading. While the army of Israel is "hiding in their caves" Jonathan approaches an enemy encampment. He says to his armor bearer, "if they call us up to meet them, then we know God has delivered them into our hands." That was the 'sign' in his mind. [It sounds ilke an invitation to a massacre to me.]
At stories end, Jonathan has mowed through about twenty men (the sort of thing usually reserved to movie heroes) and fear sweeps through the Philistine camp. Here, however, is the verse which caught my eye:
- For nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.
Churches, in every denomination, seem to be shrinking and in decline. And the members are older. Those in the church are frequently less than zealous. It is probably the case that the majority of Christians do not read the Bible in a normal week. Prayer does take place, but it seems much prayer is of the request variety, rather than thanks, praise or seeking God's will. By many measures it looks, if not bleak, at least not good.
One theme of the OT is the idea that God can do great things with small groups. The David and Goliath story is the gold standard for that, but Gideon is another example. Jonathan, today, is certainly another. And there are endless other examples. God can do great things with small groups and little people. Often times, churches can get so caught up in the latest marketing craze that they give up the mission and ministry to achieve "success." I am certainly affected by that temptation. Weekly attendance can become a measure of a minister's self worth. Certainly it is a measure of something, but the focus needs to remain, first and foremost, on loving, serving, worshipping God. We cannot quit because we think our resources are insufficient. We can and must listen to God (through Scripture. prayer, and the shared wisdom of the communion of saints) in our community, even if it is only two or three.
These are words of a faithful man: For nothing can hinder God from saving by many or few. It is God who makes it happen. So whether in the majority or the minority, if we are right with God we are right. Whether in paucity or abundance, if we are used by God we have enough. The numbers are secondary. God is primary. I hope that hope rules your day.
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