ski trip!!!!
packing!!!!!
Ahhhh!!!
Where are my gloves!!!!!
I hope I find some silence to find God
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Six Days later?
So, I checked, and Jesus has just gotten done rebuking Peter at Ceseara Philipi (yeah, I know the spelling is not perfect). Jesus has just taught about his future suffering, and that all must give there life in order to earn it. And "Six Days Later" (NRSV) is the next detail. Then he is transfigured before a few choice witnesses.
Is Mark reflecting back on creation? Is this the final day of the creation retold as the final day of Jesus taking on the mantle of sacrifice? Mark's central motion of earthly ministry leading to the revelation of Jesus's true calling to the cross takes the full six days to become complete. And in the completeness of this new (well, newly revealed) calling, Jesus is transfigured, made clean for his purpose. These are big images that need more working out, but I think it is workable.
I know, where do you get the message for the people out of this. But I just wanted to think about why in the sparcely writting gospel of Mark (It is the shortest) we are given this interesting detail. More OT connections to dwell on as we bring the transfiguration story to the people.
Is Mark reflecting back on creation? Is this the final day of the creation retold as the final day of Jesus taking on the mantle of sacrifice? Mark's central motion of earthly ministry leading to the revelation of Jesus's true calling to the cross takes the full six days to become complete. And in the completeness of this new (well, newly revealed) calling, Jesus is transfigured, made clean for his purpose. These are big images that need more working out, but I think it is workable.
I know, where do you get the message for the people out of this. But I just wanted to think about why in the sparcely writting gospel of Mark (It is the shortest) we are given this interesting detail. More OT connections to dwell on as we bring the transfiguration story to the people.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Never Ready for God - BCP
I have realized for the first time today that Mark’s account of the Transfiguration has no mention as to why Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him up the mountain. Two weeks ago we read about the first time Peter, James, and John (along with Andrew) went about their business together. The three guys must have known as they began their climb up the Mount of the Transfiguration that something was about to happen. Jesus climbed mountains to be alone with the Father. Jesus climbed a mountain alone to offer himself as a once-for-all sacrifice. Here Jesus climbs a mountain with his inner group. Jesus, as far as we know, gives them no indication as to why they are heading up the mountain. Peter, James, and John as now seasoned followers of Jesus know something is going to happen, but even they, even at this stage of their ministry together, cannot know the God himself will speak to them on this day.
I'm about to present "The Hope that is in me" in homiletics (preaching class). I'm focusing on the hope that by grace I can follow the will of God. Even now, even after nearly a decade of searching for God's will, I am no more ready when God speaks to me directly. When God revels himself with his 2x4 in hand I never expect it. I, like Peter, James and John am left to respond with awe and with words that in no way reflect the event which has just happened. Fortunately for me, and for them, we have time. God allows us, through the Holy Spirit the time and space to discern what it is he says. My gut reaction will eventually be replaced by a better understanding of God's will, just as it was for Peter, James, and John.
BCP- God in wine rows and on mountain tops
I heard a speaker a few years back. He was relating a tough time in his life and he began to question if this "god thing" had any merit. It wasn't bleak but it was time of question when one wonders if faith is simply a mental construct- a way to deal with the complexity of living a life that leads to death. The man had been driving in California and at the peak of his distress he was driving through wine country. As he recounted he was looking out the window watching the apparent randomness of the vines out his window. From his perspective the plants seemed random.
He then recounted that as he drove he glanced again at the vines and instead of seeing a jumbled bush he saw instead the depth of a long row of plants. He saw deep into the field a manicured row that showed order, maintenance, and intention. In the next instance that vision disappeared. He recounted having been given an image of God. A moment of clarity when like the disciples receive on the mountain top, the true nature of the creation become blindingly apparent and then as quick as it comes, it disappears from view.
He then recounted that as he drove he glanced again at the vines and instead of seeing a jumbled bush he saw instead the depth of a long row of plants. He saw deep into the field a manicured row that showed order, maintenance, and intention. In the next instance that vision disappeared. He recounted having been given an image of God. A moment of clarity when like the disciples receive on the mountain top, the true nature of the creation become blindingly apparent and then as quick as it comes, it disappears from view.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Where is God? (BCP)
A question that I've asked myself a lot since coming to seminary. Is God in the chapel? Not often!
Is God in the classroom? Occasionally.
Is God in the refectory? NO!
Where is God?
If I were Elijah I'd be smart enough to know that God is not in the loud noises of the chapel, the earthshattering revelations of the classroom, or the firey heartburn of the refectory. God is in the silence. God is in the library as person after person comes to a deeper knowledge of him. God is in my walk to Aspinwall as I'm reminding of the A&M flag flying after Adam's death. God is in the artifical silence of our Morning Prayer service as I long that he might send his Son back to earth. God is here at seminary, just not where I expect him to be.
Is God in the classroom? Occasionally.
Is God in the refectory? NO!
Where is God?
If I were Elijah I'd be smart enough to know that God is not in the loud noises of the chapel, the earthshattering revelations of the classroom, or the firey heartburn of the refectory. God is in the silence. God is in the library as person after person comes to a deeper knowledge of him. God is in my walk to Aspinwall as I'm reminding of the A&M flag flying after Adam's death. God is in the artifical silence of our Morning Prayer service as I long that he might send his Son back to earth. God is here at seminary, just not where I expect him to be.
BCP- sheer silence
Silence
In both the OT reading and the Gospel silence is given weight. The OT states and in the Gospel it has to be imagined. Each has the incredible tense moment of quest, question, silence, and then revelation. With Elijah he finds God in the silence. For the disciples there is blinding white robes, the prophets which lead into God's proclamation.
Silence
In both the OT reading and the Gospel silence is given weight. The OT states and in the Gospel it has to be imagined. Each has the incredible tense moment of quest, question, silence, and then revelation. With Elijah he finds God in the silence. For the disciples there is blinding white robes, the prophets which lead into God's proclamation.
Silence
Monday, February 13, 2006
BCP - Keep it like a Secret...
"As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead."
Two weeks ago we read all about the leper who couldn't keep his mouth shut. Jesus told him sternly to say nothing, go wash, and show the Priests. The leper did not obey.
Cf. Mark's version of the Transfiguration. Mark is all about the secret. Jesus is again ordering (telling sternly) those who have seen great things, to keep it quiet. This time, it seems, Peter, James, and John obey the command (good for them since God himself said, "listen to him!"). But even for Mark, who loves this Messianic Secret, there is a time and a place to share to amazing works of Jesus Christ. Wait until after the Son of Man has risen from the dead, Jesus commands them. As if seeing Moses and Elijah chilling with Jesus on a mountain weren't enough. As if hearing the voice of God come from the clouds wasn't enough. Jesus caps off this event by again setting forth the premise of his resurrection.
Go build those tents Peter, cuz this is just the tip of the iceberg. Over the 2nd half of Jesus ministry things are going to get even wierder. You are going to leave the Jesus you saw Transfigured to die on a cross. You are going to see him risen from the dead (Mat 28). You are going to see him ascend into heaven (Luk 24). You are going to be the Rock upon which the Body of Christ remains incarnate on earth (Mat 16). But until you see the Son of Man risen from the dead, please keep what you have seen quiet.
Peter, the do-gooder that he is, keeps the secret. It is not until after Jesus is risen that the story of the Transfiguration makes into Mark or the 2nd letter of Peter. Peter knows the power of Jesus of Nazareth. Peter knows that he is the Messiah. Peter knows, but Peter listens and obeys. Today I know. I may not have experienced the jaw-dropping events that Peter has, but I've experienced the power of God in Jesus Christ. Now I must be willing to listen and obey. Now that the Son of Man has risen, I must be willing to shout it out "like a lamp shining in a dark place." For Jesus Christ is the Star of the Morning. He has fulfilled that which was begun in people like Moses and Elijah. No go, tell it out!
Two weeks ago we read all about the leper who couldn't keep his mouth shut. Jesus told him sternly to say nothing, go wash, and show the Priests. The leper did not obey.
Cf. Mark's version of the Transfiguration. Mark is all about the secret. Jesus is again ordering (telling sternly) those who have seen great things, to keep it quiet. This time, it seems, Peter, James, and John obey the command (good for them since God himself said, "listen to him!"). But even for Mark, who loves this Messianic Secret, there is a time and a place to share to amazing works of Jesus Christ. Wait until after the Son of Man has risen from the dead, Jesus commands them. As if seeing Moses and Elijah chilling with Jesus on a mountain weren't enough. As if hearing the voice of God come from the clouds wasn't enough. Jesus caps off this event by again setting forth the premise of his resurrection.
Go build those tents Peter, cuz this is just the tip of the iceberg. Over the 2nd half of Jesus ministry things are going to get even wierder. You are going to leave the Jesus you saw Transfigured to die on a cross. You are going to see him risen from the dead (Mat 28). You are going to see him ascend into heaven (Luk 24). You are going to be the Rock upon which the Body of Christ remains incarnate on earth (Mat 16). But until you see the Son of Man risen from the dead, please keep what you have seen quiet.
Peter, the do-gooder that he is, keeps the secret. It is not until after Jesus is risen that the story of the Transfiguration makes into Mark or the 2nd letter of Peter. Peter knows the power of Jesus of Nazareth. Peter knows that he is the Messiah. Peter knows, but Peter listens and obeys. Today I know. I may not have experienced the jaw-dropping events that Peter has, but I've experienced the power of God in Jesus Christ. Now I must be willing to listen and obey. Now that the Son of Man has risen, I must be willing to shout it out "like a lamp shining in a dark place." For Jesus Christ is the Star of the Morning. He has fulfilled that which was begun in people like Moses and Elijah. No go, tell it out!
BCP- Mark 9:2-9
"Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!"
The Lectionary this week is full of incredible images. It was hard to pass up the Elijah image and the silence. The above has me thinking about how I might preach this next week. There are some odd events in the transfiguration (beyond the transfiguration itself.) that will be interesting to follow. The first is the the statement by Peter. Here he is terrified out of his wits. Is the text suggesting the dictum "The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the lord" Fear being closer to Awe rather than terror. Awe being the combination of fear and reverence.
The second is that Peter has been brought here by Jesus and now he's hanging out not just with Jesus but Moses and Elijah. Certainly this is not something that happens every day. So what does Peter say to deal with the event but suggest to make three dwellings. My guess this would be tents and tents may lead us back to Moses and the tabernacle. The tabernacle is the tent of the covenant which contains the law (commandments). The tabernacle could only be entered by the high priest and there within is the Arc of the Covenant which is the very seat of God.
So here we have an interesting image. Is it suggesting that in this image of prophets and Jesus under tents reveals the holy seat of God? Jesus as the Arc of the Covenant and the new law? It fits theologically and would follow the understanding that the new covenant lies not in a place (temple of Jerusalem) but in Jesus. It takes place on a mountain (where Moses receives the law ie Sinai) and happens quietly (Elijah and God in the silence)
The third funky image is the repetition of the words used in Jesus' baptism. God comes in a cloud (again Moses and the leading of the Israelites from slavery to freedom) and speaks (as God speaks He creates- Genesis) that Jesus "Is my son, the beloved. Listen to him." So like Jesus being sent into the desert to be tested after his baptism, he is now sent into Jerusalem to be tried, convicted, killed, and resurrected.
The Lectionary this week is full of incredible images. It was hard to pass up the Elijah image and the silence. The above has me thinking about how I might preach this next week. There are some odd events in the transfiguration (beyond the transfiguration itself.) that will be interesting to follow. The first is the the statement by Peter. Here he is terrified out of his wits. Is the text suggesting the dictum "The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the lord" Fear being closer to Awe rather than terror. Awe being the combination of fear and reverence.
The second is that Peter has been brought here by Jesus and now he's hanging out not just with Jesus but Moses and Elijah. Certainly this is not something that happens every day. So what does Peter say to deal with the event but suggest to make three dwellings. My guess this would be tents and tents may lead us back to Moses and the tabernacle. The tabernacle is the tent of the covenant which contains the law (commandments). The tabernacle could only be entered by the high priest and there within is the Arc of the Covenant which is the very seat of God.
So here we have an interesting image. Is it suggesting that in this image of prophets and Jesus under tents reveals the holy seat of God? Jesus as the Arc of the Covenant and the new law? It fits theologically and would follow the understanding that the new covenant lies not in a place (temple of Jerusalem) but in Jesus. It takes place on a mountain (where Moses receives the law ie Sinai) and happens quietly (Elijah and God in the silence)
The third funky image is the repetition of the words used in Jesus' baptism. God comes in a cloud (again Moses and the leading of the Israelites from slavery to freedom) and speaks (as God speaks He creates- Genesis) that Jesus "Is my son, the beloved. Listen to him." So like Jesus being sent into the desert to be tested after his baptism, he is now sent into Jerusalem to be tried, convicted, killed, and resurrected.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
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