When do you know God is involved? At times God can seem like a whisp. At time's at least, this faithful misfit wonders where God is and when that happens along come the undercurrents: have I just imagined this God thing? Was it any more than a gas bubble? Have I surrounded myself with other wishful thinkers... we're all just confirming the illusion one to another...like lemmings in a dark room hoping for a light that will never come? Doubt, faith's ugly sister, comes a courting at times.
Yet at the same time there are moments in life that seem to be so infused with God's presence. He appears like a line of Gold thread in a blue sweater or the way cream mixes with coffee. In an instant there is change... evidence. The problem is that while God is fleetingly found in the moment the evidence seems more real looking behind. I am better at seeing God's handiwork in the way the myriad of past events seem to flow so smoothly than in the trials and tribulations of today.
My bible tells me that the story of Joshua is both historical and a theological reflection. Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, blazes into the promiseland. He is recounted, much like Moses, uplifting the law, challenging the Israelites to covenant , and even in one stunning event in chapter 5, Joshua has a vision. "Once when Joshua was by Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing before him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went to him and said to him, "Are you one of us, or one of our adversaries?" He replied, "Neither; but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and he said to him, " What do you command of your servant, my lord?" The commander of the army of the Lord said to Joshua, "Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy." (5:13-15) Echos, no scratch that, almost duplication of Moses. The book seems to pass on the torch. As my editors note reveal, "the promises made to Moses and the ancestors are now becoming fulfilled und Joshua." God has not been silent.
Yet even the editorial notes reveal that this book of the bible was probably written some time after the events. It makes one suspicious, as Obama spoke of Biden, of it making editorial flourishes. It may be but what about this post event understanding. Was it written trying to shore up a marginal leader or to make theological sense of the Israelites entry into the promiseland? For the writer (s) they saw that God had been true to his promise... the challenge as it is repeated through out the book of Joshua is either God or Joshua exhorting the people to remain faithful. As it seems to appear in cycles the people are told to be faithful, the people swear obedience (as they have done in the selection for the 9th) and through out the book it is not the people, but their faithfulness that determines their success. God does not want their power... it is not enough... God wants to be their power... and like the 4th man in a baton race he demonstrates his power but only when it has been handed off to Him.
As in this weeks reading the vision shows God's wearing of peoples like a loose blanket. Joshua throws back in the peoples face their half measure commitment... the angel in the vision is neither one of Joshua's people or one of his adversaries. The angel's fealty is only to God and as an agent he calls Joshua and the Israelites to that same fealty. It appears that God is not intersted in luke warm (no pun intended about the gospel) Israelites. God seems to want them completely... maybe even with jealosy. So like the angel who is the agent of none it could be possible in this weeks reading that God stands in the middle of the paint waiting to see what the peoples descision will be. If his people bring half heartedness God swats it out of play... If the choose to turn it over to him he turns and dunks it home.
Now some might have difficulty with the OT. Certainly there are some in our culture and this time that seek to dismiss the OT. I mean after all through out the story of Joshua we have a people at war. There is conflict, difficutly, and one people being led by God to overcome another people. This kind of event conflicts with persons understanding... at least as it has presented by some in Christianity, in a God of love. Bloodshed, war, does not fit in easily with the Gospel of Love. We're not the first to struggle with the OT at times. In fact this difficulty with the OT has led some to challenge the canon or even the inclusion of the OT as part of what we should hold as Christians. In the second century there was a son of a Bishop.. and that is kind of fun to say from the pulpit... son of a Bishop Marcion who himself became a bishop. He came to the conclusion in the second century that as a church we should jettison the OT as not neccesary to our salvation because it contained the worship of a lesser God Yahweh. Marcion held that in Jesus we are introduced to the God of love so we really only need to focus on the Gospels... and for Marcion it was the Gospel of Luke. Eventually the church disagreed with the truth that Marcion was offering and he was excommunicated. His teaching was understood as a Heresy or theological error. The church held that the OT was neccesary... even if at times we may scratch our head about it. Our own church certainly holds it in high regard... at the consecration of a Bishop, the ordination of a priest, and the ordination of a deacon, they all "solemnly declare that the bishop, or priest, or deacon do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God and to contain all things necessary to salvation." So if we believe that God has helped form and maintain this church we least have to wrestle with the claim that the Old Testament contains God's word...ie we need to hear it to become attuned to Gods call on our lives. Now I don't think we should just take the OT claims because the church says we should. After all what Joshua reveals is that God, as a God of Love, is understood to be very active in what appears to be retributive events. Can this God be found as well in the NT? Do we have any evidence that this God who appears to knock weak game out of the court in the gospels? Does God as evidenced in Jesus Christ show up?
I think to a certain extent this rough and tumble God shows up. Jesus is not placid. I imagine at times he was quite serene. I also believe he had a wonderful sense of humor .I also believe he had the ability to love his creation in ways that surpass even our best. I also note that I would not want to be in his way, if he saw difficulty or falsity. In those situations Jesus is rough like the angel appearing with a drawn sword. His actions reveal he was not afraid to show he was not with one or another but only with those as they were seeking the kingdom of God. Certainly, Jesus knocked the rich mans weak game out of the court. Certainly when the pharisees and lawyers kept coming at him with their understanding of law over salvation or righteous behavior over mercy they experienced a defense that itself was merciless. At one point Jesus response was so sound the gospels reveal... No one asked him questions anymore. And before we think that Jesus defense was only directed at Jesus opponents we can not forget the moment when Peter almost laughs off Jesus statement about having to die before being raised, you can almost see Jesus rise to 8 feet tall and devore Peter telling him "Get behind me satan" Swat! Not in my house, Peter.
God wants us to offer ourselves to him but he wants all of us. He wants us to grow/develop/ see beyond the shackles of our foolish beliefs or ways of living which lead not to life but death.
Next time- The power of intervention as evidence of God's duel role in the paint
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
My House!
"You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD, to serve him."
Joshua is no pansy. He is not weak. He is not afraid of upsetting people's applecart. He has a passion to serve God and is intent on calling others not only to the reward but also the challenge of doing so. If nothing else he certainly is not worried that they might become upset and walk out. Church's should pay heed...not that we want people to leave but that we should not hold the power of God hostage (even if that were possible) for fear that some might find it too daunting.
Obviously I am wrestling with something here. I know what it is like to waffle. I know what it is like to wonder if a message will be received if not by the church than my colleagues. The truth be told I am envious of Joshua's passion and conviction. Here he his in the midst of his people. He is speaking to them as adults. He, without apology, offers them a crossroads. He is not pleading with them telling them "no, no don't go down that path of idolatry or chasing false God's." He is not trying to convince them "See our Lord is good... follow him" He simply and passionately makes a crossroad apparent... whom will you serve? Followed by that oft quoted line that hangs in so many Christian houses, "Me and my house serve the Lord."
And then the people ponder... HMMMMMMMMM... and they even reply well "yes we must respect the Lord. After all he has saved us/ lead us out of slavery/did great signs/went out before us etc, etc" "yes," they say "we will serve the Lord." And then it gets interesting.
Joshua then lays it out. Although he does not say it, Joshua tells the crowd that God will not be mocked. Joshua lets them know that God plays for keeps. It is as if the crowd there is playing basketball. They think they are driving the lane on some gauky and gangly seventh grader who would rather be anywhere else than the basketball court. The crowd may even think that God is on there side... did He not deliver them from all their distress? They think that God is driving the lane with them... then Joshua reverses the scene...
They are not playing against some mambee pambee pimply 7th grader but Kevin Garnett, Marcus Camby or Dwayne Wade. God stands there in the middle of the lane and asks "Don't bring your weak game to me because if you do, I'm going to swat it out of here."
What makes the scene interested is that Joshua... in caring for the people... challanges them to A.) realize that God has stayed true to His Covenant and B.) understand that to choose God is a commitment.
Joshua is no pansy. He is not weak. He is not afraid of upsetting people's applecart. He has a passion to serve God and is intent on calling others not only to the reward but also the challenge of doing so. If nothing else he certainly is not worried that they might become upset and walk out. Church's should pay heed...not that we want people to leave but that we should not hold the power of God hostage (even if that were possible) for fear that some might find it too daunting.
Obviously I am wrestling with something here. I know what it is like to waffle. I know what it is like to wonder if a message will be received if not by the church than my colleagues. The truth be told I am envious of Joshua's passion and conviction. Here he his in the midst of his people. He is speaking to them as adults. He, without apology, offers them a crossroads. He is not pleading with them telling them "no, no don't go down that path of idolatry or chasing false God's." He is not trying to convince them "See our Lord is good... follow him" He simply and passionately makes a crossroad apparent... whom will you serve? Followed by that oft quoted line that hangs in so many Christian houses, "Me and my house serve the Lord."
And then the people ponder... HMMMMMMMMM... and they even reply well "yes we must respect the Lord. After all he has saved us/ lead us out of slavery/did great signs/went out before us etc, etc" "yes," they say "we will serve the Lord." And then it gets interesting.
Joshua then lays it out. Although he does not say it, Joshua tells the crowd that God will not be mocked. Joshua lets them know that God plays for keeps. It is as if the crowd there is playing basketball. They think they are driving the lane on some gauky and gangly seventh grader who would rather be anywhere else than the basketball court. The crowd may even think that God is on there side... did He not deliver them from all their distress? They think that God is driving the lane with them... then Joshua reverses the scene...
They are not playing against some mambee pambee pimply 7th grader but Kevin Garnett, Marcus Camby or Dwayne Wade. God stands there in the middle of the lane and asks "Don't bring your weak game to me because if you do, I'm going to swat it out of here."
What makes the scene interested is that Joshua... in caring for the people... challanges them to A.) realize that God has stayed true to His Covenant and B.) understand that to choose God is a commitment.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Locked in and Locked out
On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely.When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, `Give this person your place,' and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place.
I heard the phrase this morning. It came from a gentleman who works as a computer technician. He spoke with some elequence about the term, "Locked in and Locked out." The phrase refers to developing software. In his line of work he talked about getting involved in trying to figure out or debug software. The struggle is that by becoming so involved it is possible to become to fixated on solving the issue that he stops seeing possible solutions. In effect the phrase refers to being too close to the problem or being "locked in." The solution is not further investigation of the issue at hand but to back away and invite others, who may or may not have the same technical ability, to examine the problem with fresh eyes. He spoke of seeking advice and that in doing so a solution may appear. The idea is that we can limit ourselves by only believing that we have all our solutions. Our fixation on solving the problem actually locks us out of solving the very same problem we are attempting to fix.
And thus we get to the gospel. We come to a gospel reading that is so incredibly filled with irony. The pharisee's are watching Jesus closely. They have yet to really figure out who this man is. He speaks with a familiarity about God that they find troubling. He speaks with authority to them. They who are the authority themselves.
The irony of course is that in Jesus parable he talks of the place of honor and of hosts. They sit eating dinner with Jesus. They are convinced that they know the way to God and God incarnate sits among them...and they are unable to see it. They are Locked in and Locked out. God is doing something else and they are too close to see it. God has taken the lowest seat and will be invited to a higher seat. They have taken the highest seat and will be asked (and shamed) to sit lower still.
The implication for persons of faith are many. We can be too tight in our estimation of truth. We can believe we sit at the right hand of God and God might invite someone else to the seat that we believe is ours. As a priest and as a laborer of the church I can let the "business" of the day and my own willful plans interefere with what God is calling me to. I too can be a pharisee, with God at my feet, and fail to even see him. I too can be locked in and locked out.
I heard the phrase this morning. It came from a gentleman who works as a computer technician. He spoke with some elequence about the term, "Locked in and Locked out." The phrase refers to developing software. In his line of work he talked about getting involved in trying to figure out or debug software. The struggle is that by becoming so involved it is possible to become to fixated on solving the issue that he stops seeing possible solutions. In effect the phrase refers to being too close to the problem or being "locked in." The solution is not further investigation of the issue at hand but to back away and invite others, who may or may not have the same technical ability, to examine the problem with fresh eyes. He spoke of seeking advice and that in doing so a solution may appear. The idea is that we can limit ourselves by only believing that we have all our solutions. Our fixation on solving the problem actually locks us out of solving the very same problem we are attempting to fix.
And thus we get to the gospel. We come to a gospel reading that is so incredibly filled with irony. The pharisee's are watching Jesus closely. They have yet to really figure out who this man is. He speaks with a familiarity about God that they find troubling. He speaks with authority to them. They who are the authority themselves.
The irony of course is that in Jesus parable he talks of the place of honor and of hosts. They sit eating dinner with Jesus. They are convinced that they know the way to God and God incarnate sits among them...and they are unable to see it. They are Locked in and Locked out. God is doing something else and they are too close to see it. God has taken the lowest seat and will be invited to a higher seat. They have taken the highest seat and will be asked (and shamed) to sit lower still.
The implication for persons of faith are many. We can be too tight in our estimation of truth. We can believe we sit at the right hand of God and God might invite someone else to the seat that we believe is ours. As a priest and as a laborer of the church I can let the "business" of the day and my own willful plans interefere with what God is calling me to. I too can be a pharisee, with God at my feet, and fail to even see him. I too can be locked in and locked out.
Monday, August 20, 2007
The irony of the statement
But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, `Friend, move up higher'; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Luke 14
This field is rich. The Gospel reading for Sept 2nd is one which is so incredibly rich. It leaves me a bit speachless in thinking of the possibilities for preaching. There is the virtue of humility...Jesus has joined the priests of his day. They are living a life in service of God and at their feet is God incarnate. The parable itself is indicative of their situation. The groom is at hand. The one who will be invited to sit higher up is literally sitting in the lowest place and they can not see it. The Gospel also contains the injunction to serve the "least of these." I know it pinches my feet as I begin to enter deeply into the world of church. It pinches because church and the least of these can be two different worlds. How often am I among those who can not repay? There is the fact that we tend to remember through history those who lifted up their fellows rather than the tyrants who exalt themselves. Our hero's both religious and secular tend to be those who did not seek out power and position for themselves but those who sought to increase the lives of those around them.
There is the fact that there is no guarantee that when you sit in the lowest place that the host will even invite you to some higher place. This passage says "may." There is no immediate gratification in seeking the lowest place. When we choose to sit there we should expect to stay there for it will be false humility to sit in a position of service only to expect to sit somewhere higher. Either we will be found out or we will resent the Host. Neither reveals a willingness to follow God's will. Both reveals a type of pride. The man or woman serving God so he or she will get later riches or honor has not chosen the lowest seat.
There in this particular passage is the metaphorical "all" who sit with you. There are many who are at the table. They to have been invited. They have not come to honor us but the host of the party. Our own ego can not diminish their invitation or their very sitting by expecting that the Host will somehow favor us over others. How often have I heard snide remarks about "those" Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, or Baptist? How often has it been I who has snubbed?
Rich, rich indeed.
This field is rich. The Gospel reading for Sept 2nd is one which is so incredibly rich. It leaves me a bit speachless in thinking of the possibilities for preaching. There is the virtue of humility...Jesus has joined the priests of his day. They are living a life in service of God and at their feet is God incarnate. The parable itself is indicative of their situation. The groom is at hand. The one who will be invited to sit higher up is literally sitting in the lowest place and they can not see it. The Gospel also contains the injunction to serve the "least of these." I know it pinches my feet as I begin to enter deeply into the world of church. It pinches because church and the least of these can be two different worlds. How often am I among those who can not repay? There is the fact that we tend to remember through history those who lifted up their fellows rather than the tyrants who exalt themselves. Our hero's both religious and secular tend to be those who did not seek out power and position for themselves but those who sought to increase the lives of those around them.
There is the fact that there is no guarantee that when you sit in the lowest place that the host will even invite you to some higher place. This passage says "may." There is no immediate gratification in seeking the lowest place. When we choose to sit there we should expect to stay there for it will be false humility to sit in a position of service only to expect to sit somewhere higher. Either we will be found out or we will resent the Host. Neither reveals a willingness to follow God's will. Both reveals a type of pride. The man or woman serving God so he or she will get later riches or honor has not chosen the lowest seat.
There in this particular passage is the metaphorical "all" who sit with you. There are many who are at the table. They to have been invited. They have not come to honor us but the host of the party. Our own ego can not diminish their invitation or their very sitting by expecting that the Host will somehow favor us over others. How often have I heard snide remarks about "those" Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, or Baptist? How often has it been I who has snubbed?
Rich, rich indeed.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Luke 12:49 -
Many of my friends are preaching tomorrow on Luke 12:49, if you are unfamiliar with this text, read it below ... a challenging text to say the least!
I am not preaching, but I am reading the Gospel as the deacon of the service, and I have not done a full job of reflecting on and wrestling with, and exegeting this text. That said, my reaction to this text is that: Jesus means business! Jesus did not come in a trifling way, and his mission on earth was not one that was unimportant, or without challenge. Many of us desire "peace" and "unity" rather than division, and we desire some semblance of love and companionship between sons and fathers and mothers and daughters. However, these gaps and divisions between generations are real ones, and Jesus' coming is a New Thing, the Gospel, the Good News - but it may not initially look so peaceful, or unifying or perhaps even 'good.' Jesus came into the world and he meant business, he came with power and might, and Jesus also comes into the world today, and means business, he comes into the world in power and might. Do we trust God enough to see that Jesus is calling us to interpret the present times? Will we live in a way that embraces the eschatological framework that God is going to come and judge us, and that Jesus does not come in a trifling way, but comes in a real way, to deal with real injustice; that Jesus does not come into the world powerless, but transforms and explodes the power systems of our world - even the relationships between family members of different generations?
This text is a challenging one, and even a scary one. The image of Jesus here does not seem to be an image of a 'good shepherd,' but rather a terrible taskmaster. Perhaps we need to see that God cares about the world enough to send someone who loves us, but also who will ask us to account for those things we have done, those things we have left undone, for those things that have been done in our name, and for all the ways that our lives intersect with sin and evil that is done in the world. God cares about the world enough to send His Son who loves us, and loves us enough to judge us, and to empower us to live up to that judgment.
May we hear these difficult and challenging words, and heed them as a wake up call!
I am not preaching, but I am reading the Gospel as the deacon of the service, and I have not done a full job of reflecting on and wrestling with, and exegeting this text. That said, my reaction to this text is that: Jesus means business! Jesus did not come in a trifling way, and his mission on earth was not one that was unimportant, or without challenge. Many of us desire "peace" and "unity" rather than division, and we desire some semblance of love and companionship between sons and fathers and mothers and daughters. However, these gaps and divisions between generations are real ones, and Jesus' coming is a New Thing, the Gospel, the Good News - but it may not initially look so peaceful, or unifying or perhaps even 'good.' Jesus came into the world and he meant business, he came with power and might, and Jesus also comes into the world today, and means business, he comes into the world in power and might. Do we trust God enough to see that Jesus is calling us to interpret the present times? Will we live in a way that embraces the eschatological framework that God is going to come and judge us, and that Jesus does not come in a trifling way, but comes in a real way, to deal with real injustice; that Jesus does not come into the world powerless, but transforms and explodes the power systems of our world - even the relationships between family members of different generations?
This text is a challenging one, and even a scary one. The image of Jesus here does not seem to be an image of a 'good shepherd,' but rather a terrible taskmaster. Perhaps we need to see that God cares about the world enough to send someone who loves us, but also who will ask us to account for those things we have done, those things we have left undone, for those things that have been done in our name, and for all the ways that our lives intersect with sin and evil that is done in the world. God cares about the world enough to send His Son who loves us, and loves us enough to judge us, and to empower us to live up to that judgment.
May we hear these difficult and challenging words, and heed them as a wake up call!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
discipline, practice, endurance
If no one minds, I'll return to posting only on my blog this week. Here's my thoughts for today, thanks for reading.
This is not a fun week in the lectionary. God's anger is clear in the words of Jeremiah; the people have turned away from the uncomfortable word of God and instead are listening to what is easy to hear from the mouths of liars. The author of the letter to the Hebrews is clear that following the gospel, living a kingdom life, isn't easy. It is like running a long race, it is a struggle, it is a life of discipline, being set straight by the Lord. And finally, we have Jesus, God's self, making clear that with the immanence of the kingdom of God comes division, pain, and a fire that refines away our sinful desires.
These lessons are hard for us to hear. We like our gospel to come as one of love. We like the idea of "loving God and loving neighbor" as long as it doesn't mean doing too much. We like being lazy in our faith, assured of our salvation, whenever judgment day comes (according to science we're safe for quite a while, if we reverse global warming that is). And so it'd be really easy to just skip over this week. Preach on the collect, or do an instructed Eucharist and preach on why the altar is green, but to be true to our faith, we know we can't. We have to struggle with what looks like the ugly side of following God. We have to accept that discipline "always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later is yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
In short, it seems this Sunday we will have to deal with sin. We will have to accept that we, personally, are sinners in need of judgment. We will have to accept that we exist within a culture of sin and are complicit in systemic sin. We will have to come to terms with the fact that sin is against the will of God, and the only way to return to the LORD is a painful process of giving up our own way, being thrown in the fire for a while, to be purified and made clean for God.
This won't be fun. It won't be a happy, clappy, mountain top experience. It might pit "father against son... mother against daughter... mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law...", but it will be for the good of all Creation. It will mean a change of heart, that, done right, turns from fatalistic thinking (I'm just a sinner who can do no right) to kingdom thinking (I have been washed clean so that I can work with God).
Dear God, give me the wisdom and strength to preach your word of judgment that allows us to rejoice in your grace, Amen.
This is not a fun week in the lectionary. God's anger is clear in the words of Jeremiah; the people have turned away from the uncomfortable word of God and instead are listening to what is easy to hear from the mouths of liars. The author of the letter to the Hebrews is clear that following the gospel, living a kingdom life, isn't easy. It is like running a long race, it is a struggle, it is a life of discipline, being set straight by the Lord. And finally, we have Jesus, God's self, making clear that with the immanence of the kingdom of God comes division, pain, and a fire that refines away our sinful desires.
These lessons are hard for us to hear. We like our gospel to come as one of love. We like the idea of "loving God and loving neighbor" as long as it doesn't mean doing too much. We like being lazy in our faith, assured of our salvation, whenever judgment day comes (according to science we're safe for quite a while, if we reverse global warming that is). And so it'd be really easy to just skip over this week. Preach on the collect, or do an instructed Eucharist and preach on why the altar is green, but to be true to our faith, we know we can't. We have to struggle with what looks like the ugly side of following God. We have to accept that discipline "always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later is yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
In short, it seems this Sunday we will have to deal with sin. We will have to accept that we, personally, are sinners in need of judgment. We will have to accept that we exist within a culture of sin and are complicit in systemic sin. We will have to come to terms with the fact that sin is against the will of God, and the only way to return to the LORD is a painful process of giving up our own way, being thrown in the fire for a while, to be purified and made clean for God.
This won't be fun. It won't be a happy, clappy, mountain top experience. It might pit "father against son... mother against daughter... mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law...", but it will be for the good of all Creation. It will mean a change of heart, that, done right, turns from fatalistic thinking (I'm just a sinner who can do no right) to kingdom thinking (I have been washed clean so that I can work with God).
Dear God, give me the wisdom and strength to preach your word of judgment that allows us to rejoice in your grace, Amen.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
prosperity gospel
"O God, whose blessed Son became poor that we through his poverty might be rich..." Being back in God's country (though 1,000 miles further south) has brought with it the joy that is EWTN (Catholic TV) and TBN (Evangelical TV). I love me some televangelists, and EWTN's coverage of the Knights of Columbus convention was riveting. Anyway, though I am a subscriber to the Wittenburg Door and a prayerful supporter of the Trinity Foundation, it had been a while since I had felt the shock and awe of a good TV preacher offering me the financial blessing of God for a "small love offering".
I got that same icky feeling as I read the first clause of the collect for the feast of St. Clare in the context of MPII this AM. In the light of the sermon I'm working on, it was scary to think about how easy it would be to believe fully that it is theologically sound to preach a prosperity gospel. I was reminded of how important context is in our study of Scriptures, Church history, theology, and liturgy. Without the context of a texts historical setting AND setting within a larger work (Bible, BCP, Church Dogmatics, Council of Nicea, etc.) it is very easy to fall into the trap modern day "news organizations" have brought us to with their use of statistics. Proof texting is so easy. It is so tempting. It must be avoided.
"O God, whose blessed Son became poor that we through is poverty might be rich: Deliver us from an inordiante love of this world, that we, inspired by the devotion of your servant Clare, may serve you with singleness of heart, and attain to the riches of the age to come..." Ahhh... context, what a wonderful thing. As Jesus became poor so that we might be made rich is more easily read, in today's context as "as Jesus gave all so that we might be made whole." That'll preach my friends. On TBN, on EWTN, or in your church, that'll preach.
I got that same icky feeling as I read the first clause of the collect for the feast of St. Clare in the context of MPII this AM. In the light of the sermon I'm working on, it was scary to think about how easy it would be to believe fully that it is theologically sound to preach a prosperity gospel. I was reminded of how important context is in our study of Scriptures, Church history, theology, and liturgy. Without the context of a texts historical setting AND setting within a larger work (Bible, BCP, Church Dogmatics, Council of Nicea, etc.) it is very easy to fall into the trap modern day "news organizations" have brought us to with their use of statistics. Proof texting is so easy. It is so tempting. It must be avoided.
"O God, whose blessed Son became poor that we through is poverty might be rich: Deliver us from an inordiante love of this world, that we, inspired by the devotion of your servant Clare, may serve you with singleness of heart, and attain to the riches of the age to come..." Ahhh... context, what a wonderful thing. As Jesus became poor so that we might be made rich is more easily read, in today's context as "as Jesus gave all so that we might be made whole." That'll preach my friends. On TBN, on EWTN, or in your church, that'll preach.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
all glory, laud and honor
Today we celebrate the feast of John Mason Neale, a preist in the CofE, warden of Sackville College, and co-founder of the Sisterhood of St. Margaret. He was a sickly man, never being well enough to be a parish priest, who served the faith well. He is perhaps best known for his work of translation (the Eastern Liturgies and many ancient and medieval hymns). On of the old standbys in my collection of favorites is All Glory, Laud, and Honor. It struck me as appropriate today that we would celebrate the life and ministry of Father Neale as I reflected on verse 3 of Psalm 34, "Proclaim with me the greatness of the LORD; *let us exalt his Name together."
While it is nice to be able to listen to midi versions of some of my favorite hymns online, nothing can compare to the joy of worshiping the Lord in a community. The Psalmist is wise to seek help in proclaiming the greatness of the Lord. He may have had the direct experience about which he is writing, but without others to share his joy, it is empty.
So too it is on Palm Sunday, as we recall the joyous parade, the songs of praise, the shouts of acclamation as the one who was to be a Savior, one of much larger magnitude than the crowd could even imagine, rode in to Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. Children, the company of angels, and all the people of the Hebrews, proclaimed the greatness of the LORD that day. The whole cloud of witnesses are recorded in Theodulp of Orelans' ancient hymn, translated by Father Neale.
Proclaim with me the greatness of the LORD. Be it a random Tuesday in August or the beginning of Passiontide, to praise the Lord in community is key, it is necessary, it is a pleasure. Let us exalt his Name together. Hosanna in the Highest!
While it is nice to be able to listen to midi versions of some of my favorite hymns online, nothing can compare to the joy of worshiping the Lord in a community. The Psalmist is wise to seek help in proclaiming the greatness of the Lord. He may have had the direct experience about which he is writing, but without others to share his joy, it is empty.
So too it is on Palm Sunday, as we recall the joyous parade, the songs of praise, the shouts of acclamation as the one who was to be a Savior, one of much larger magnitude than the crowd could even imagine, rode in to Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. Children, the company of angels, and all the people of the Hebrews, proclaimed the greatness of the LORD that day. The whole cloud of witnesses are recorded in Theodulp of Orelans' ancient hymn, translated by Father Neale.
Proclaim with me the greatness of the LORD. Be it a random Tuesday in August or the beginning of Passiontide, to praise the Lord in community is key, it is necessary, it is a pleasure. Let us exalt his Name together. Hosanna in the Highest!
Monday, August 06, 2007
role reversal
"The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve." I am drawn to this verse of Scripture. I remember that Dr. Yieh said it was the crux of one of the Gospels, but I can't remember which one. I know that for at least one early faith community the servant nature of Christ was of utmost importance.
I don't think it was the Lukan community (I think it was Mark), but still, the mindbogglingly radical nature of Christ's service is clear in the Gospel for Clare's feast. With a simple beatitude, Jesus turns the idea of master and slave upside-down. In so doing, being true to the allegory of Jewish stories of master and slave, he turns the idea of God and human upside-down as well. "Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them."
It seems beyond comprehension to think of a master who, upon finding his slaves doing nothing more than what they were supposed to be doing, would have them sit down and proceed to serve them. It makes no sense. As the Psalmist wrote (49)
Just as the master serving his slaves is seemingly without cause, so too is God's ransom of us. We, of our own, cannot accomplish it. When a job is 24/7 and you call in sick, that day can never be made up (thanks Bishop Dyer). But God wants to fix it. God wants to reward us for doing what we are supposed to be doing. God wants to turn the relationship upside-down and offer us not only his service, but his kingdom. What a role reversal that is. I only hope I can wrap my mind around it, and accept this amazing gift from God.
I don't think it was the Lukan community (I think it was Mark), but still, the mindbogglingly radical nature of Christ's service is clear in the Gospel for Clare's feast. With a simple beatitude, Jesus turns the idea of master and slave upside-down. In so doing, being true to the allegory of Jewish stories of master and slave, he turns the idea of God and human upside-down as well. "Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them."
It seems beyond comprehension to think of a master who, upon finding his slaves doing nothing more than what they were supposed to be doing, would have them sit down and proceed to serve them. It makes no sense. As the Psalmist wrote (49)
- 6
- We can never ransom ourselves, *
or deliver to God the price of our life; - 7
- For the ransom of our life is so great, *
that we should never have enough to pay it, - 8
- In order to live for ever and ever, *
and never see the grave.
Just as the master serving his slaves is seemingly without cause, so too is God's ransom of us. We, of our own, cannot accomplish it. When a job is 24/7 and you call in sick, that day can never be made up (thanks Bishop Dyer). But God wants to fix it. God wants to reward us for doing what we are supposed to be doing. God wants to turn the relationship upside-down and offer us not only his service, but his kingdom. What a role reversal that is. I only hope I can wrap my mind around it, and accept this amazing gift from God.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
I sought the LORD, and he answered me * and delivered me out of all my terror.5Look upon him and be radiant, * and let not your faces be ashamed.6I called in my affliction and the LORD heard me * and saved me from all my troubles. ...from the psalm
If i were to consider the above psalm from a purly experiential perspective I would be forced to admit that God showed up in my life most clearly when I was not looking for the Lord. Seeking has been such a small part of the life of faith...for me. It is not that I have not sought. I have. I have always been a little wired for the religious life. I've always had big questions and even the inclination to wonder, "what, if anything, is behind all this?" I never played "priest" as a child or anything like that, just that I have found myself attracted to religious people even through I have not always been able to identify with them. I guess that makes me a bit of a religious nerd. And the reality of that is that I am ok with that. I like the saints. I am comforted in their walk to faith and challenged by their witness. I like big church buildings with quiet dark corners. I like the mystery, smells and bells, and chanting. It does not of course make me any more faithful just more nerdy.
Yet the reality is that even though I like religious things my path has been more a fleeing from God then actively seeking. I identify with "I fled him down the laberynth of years" the wonderful poem that describes a man running away from God only to have God loping behind him like a sheepdog...slow and steady at his heels. I definitely feel that God has shown up most times when I wasn't looking.
And yet, it was in those times of difficulty and stress. It was in those times of lonliness and question. It was in those times of loss that God showed up most clearly. He has saved me time and time again. It is not always easy to say yes to God. It has meant that often I have had to shed old skins for ones I wasn't so crazy about in the beginning. Invariably His will works so much better than I would have expected.
I pray I remain willing. If I should continue to flee that which he has called me to, I pray that God will continually lope behind and offer his kingdom. Give me the grace to take it.
If i were to consider the above psalm from a purly experiential perspective I would be forced to admit that God showed up in my life most clearly when I was not looking for the Lord. Seeking has been such a small part of the life of faith...for me. It is not that I have not sought. I have. I have always been a little wired for the religious life. I've always had big questions and even the inclination to wonder, "what, if anything, is behind all this?" I never played "priest" as a child or anything like that, just that I have found myself attracted to religious people even through I have not always been able to identify with them. I guess that makes me a bit of a religious nerd. And the reality of that is that I am ok with that. I like the saints. I am comforted in their walk to faith and challenged by their witness. I like big church buildings with quiet dark corners. I like the mystery, smells and bells, and chanting. It does not of course make me any more faithful just more nerdy.
Yet the reality is that even though I like religious things my path has been more a fleeing from God then actively seeking. I identify with "I fled him down the laberynth of years" the wonderful poem that describes a man running away from God only to have God loping behind him like a sheepdog...slow and steady at his heels. I definitely feel that God has shown up most times when I wasn't looking.
And yet, it was in those times of difficulty and stress. It was in those times of lonliness and question. It was in those times of loss that God showed up most clearly. He has saved me time and time again. It is not always easy to say yes to God. It has meant that often I have had to shed old skins for ones I wasn't so crazy about in the beginning. Invariably His will works so much better than I would have expected.
I pray I remain willing. If I should continue to flee that which he has called me to, I pray that God will continually lope behind and offer his kingdom. Give me the grace to take it.
Friday, August 03, 2007
a psalm that is hard to keep
"I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall ever be in my mouth."
What an interesting text to use at an ordination service. It is clear that this is appropriate for the feast of most of our saints, Claire certainly among them. But it seems to me there is a reason why we have a rather short roster of saints in the Episcopal Church. Most of us aren't capable of making such a bold claim. Even saints like Phillips Brooks weren't able to live up to such a bold statement (that man could complain). Anyway, I was struck this morning by this psalm.
I'm not really at a point of complaining about my ministry or about God right now, but I have to think, at some point over the next who-knows-how-many years I will have something to complain about. I won't live up to the expectation that Scott is setting up for himself by having this Psalm at his his ordination service. Granted, I'd love to be able to bless the LORD at all times, but I know that there are times when life sucks. There are times, even in my own past, when the only way to communicate with God is by yelling and screaming. There are times when God's will is so opposite your own that you will be pissed off at God.
So what to do with this Psalm? I can't just throw it out. I can't not use it. I have to strive for it. Trusting in the LORD means that when his will and mine don't match, I don't get angry, but I surrender mine for his. Jesus himself had to lay down his will so that the will of the Father, a will that meant an agonizing death and separation from God that brought about salvation for countless numbers, might be accomplished. So I guess I use this Psalm as my touchstone. Coming back to it in times of struggle to remind myself to "taste and see that the LORD is good." Otherwise, I could easily get caught up in my own desires, losing all perspective, and being angry more often than not.
""I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall ever be in my mouth."
What an interesting text to use at an ordination service. It is clear that this is appropriate for the feast of most of our saints, Claire certainly among them. But it seems to me there is a reason why we have a rather short roster of saints in the Episcopal Church. Most of us aren't capable of making such a bold claim. Even saints like Phillips Brooks weren't able to live up to such a bold statement (that man could complain). Anyway, I was struck this morning by this psalm.
I'm not really at a point of complaining about my ministry or about God right now, but I have to think, at some point over the next who-knows-how-many years I will have something to complain about. I won't live up to the expectation that Scott is setting up for himself by having this Psalm at his his ordination service. Granted, I'd love to be able to bless the LORD at all times, but I know that there are times when life sucks. There are times, even in my own past, when the only way to communicate with God is by yelling and screaming. There are times when God's will is so opposite your own that you will be pissed off at God.
So what to do with this Psalm? I can't just throw it out. I can't not use it. I have to strive for it. Trusting in the LORD means that when his will and mine don't match, I don't get angry, but I surrender mine for his. Jesus himself had to lay down his will so that the will of the Father, a will that meant an agonizing death and separation from God that brought about salvation for countless numbers, might be accomplished. So I guess I use this Psalm as my touchstone. Coming back to it in times of struggle to remind myself to "taste and see that the LORD is good." Otherwise, I could easily get caught up in my own desires, losing all perspective, and being angry more often than not.
""I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall ever be in my mouth."
Thursday, August 02, 2007
The least of these
O God, whose blessed Son became poor that we through his poverty might be rich:...from the collect
I was captured right away by the collect. That is an awesome statement...not the "cool" or "hip" kind of awesome but fear and awe kind of awesome. I am aways amazed at the connection of poor and God. There is poor in spirit, humility, the anawim, the dictates through out the whole cannon to heal the sick and take care of the poor, the bungling disciples, Paul's blindness, David's meekness, and Abrahm's age. Even after the resurrection of Christ there are those figures in Christian History who have left there mark in imitation of Christ. Yet it always seems that those who leave the biggest mark are they who prior to a change in life , prior to getting caught up in God, prior to seeking a new way, are incapable of living with any success.
I am always struck that it is not poverty that is to be held high but poverty which allows God to be seen so clearly. It is our poverty, our destitution, our failure and at times the phenomenal changes of state and mind which point to God. It is poverty that witnesses the Divine most clearly because it testifies that it can only be that which provides the power. He gives all and we gain. We become rich because he first gave all.
Lord, I am powerless.
I was captured right away by the collect. That is an awesome statement...not the "cool" or "hip" kind of awesome but fear and awe kind of awesome. I am aways amazed at the connection of poor and God. There is poor in spirit, humility, the anawim, the dictates through out the whole cannon to heal the sick and take care of the poor, the bungling disciples, Paul's blindness, David's meekness, and Abrahm's age. Even after the resurrection of Christ there are those figures in Christian History who have left there mark in imitation of Christ. Yet it always seems that those who leave the biggest mark are they who prior to a change in life , prior to getting caught up in God, prior to seeking a new way, are incapable of living with any success.
I am always struck that it is not poverty that is to be held high but poverty which allows God to be seen so clearly. It is our poverty, our destitution, our failure and at times the phenomenal changes of state and mind which point to God. It is poverty that witnesses the Divine most clearly because it testifies that it can only be that which provides the power. He gives all and we gain. We become rich because he first gave all.
Lord, I am powerless.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
The Father's Good Pleasure
"Jesus said to his disciples, 'Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.'"
"Thy kingdom come, they will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
Brian McLaren has an interesting assessment of present-day American Christianity. To paraphrase, he see the faith that most Christians are carrying around as that of Paul, Jesus is coming back tonight, I need to be ready. "What if," he asks, "what if Jesus isn't coming back tonight? How will you live with that as your assumption?"
I think this is what Jesus has in mind in Luke 12.32-37. It is another kingdom lesson. Another clue into how we are to live life as Christians on earth each and every day. Sure, he mentions the reward, and even warns us to be ready for that day when all we be called to account, but inherent in it is the assumption that it won't be tonight. It is one of those both/ands I hated so much in seminary.
Be prepared for Jesus to come (or your life to end) tonight
Live as though it isn't going to happen. Live a life of Christian discipline that assumes that even if you were to die tonight, the world will still go on. The poor will still be poor. The hungry will still be hungry. Children will still need protection.
It is a tough balance to find. And I know I haven't helped much here. But at least I'm thinking about it today. I'm thinking about how to balance a life that is ready for the kingdom to come to earth and expectant of the riches to come. Seems to me that's the balance of a priest as well. The deacon ordination, which comes first, is a call to a life focused here on earth; on making it a better place for all. The priest part, which ultimately is secondary (though we don't think of it that way), with its sacramental components is focused on the daily nourishment required should we be called to judgment tonight.
It is the Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Live as to bring it to earth today, cuz it might not come tonight.
"Thy kingdom come, they will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
Brian McLaren has an interesting assessment of present-day American Christianity. To paraphrase, he see the faith that most Christians are carrying around as that of Paul, Jesus is coming back tonight, I need to be ready. "What if," he asks, "what if Jesus isn't coming back tonight? How will you live with that as your assumption?"
I think this is what Jesus has in mind in Luke 12.32-37. It is another kingdom lesson. Another clue into how we are to live life as Christians on earth each and every day. Sure, he mentions the reward, and even warns us to be ready for that day when all we be called to account, but inherent in it is the assumption that it won't be tonight. It is one of those both/ands I hated so much in seminary.
Be prepared for Jesus to come (or your life to end) tonight
Live as though it isn't going to happen. Live a life of Christian discipline that assumes that even if you were to die tonight, the world will still go on. The poor will still be poor. The hungry will still be hungry. Children will still need protection.
It is a tough balance to find. And I know I haven't helped much here. But at least I'm thinking about it today. I'm thinking about how to balance a life that is ready for the kingdom to come to earth and expectant of the riches to come. Seems to me that's the balance of a priest as well. The deacon ordination, which comes first, is a call to a life focused here on earth; on making it a better place for all. The priest part, which ultimately is secondary (though we don't think of it that way), with its sacramental components is focused on the daily nourishment required should we be called to judgment tonight.
It is the Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Live as to bring it to earth today, cuz it might not come tonight.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Where your treasure is
Investment is an interesting concept. It wasn't until relatively recently (1545 in England) that making some money with your money was an accepted practice. Sure the blacksmith could "invest" in iron and make money selling horseshoes, but it wasn't that the local blacksmith was giving his money to the local farmer to buy seed in hopes of a return on his investment come harvest.
Reading Jesus' famous words on the value of money struck me today. "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." I wonder if it really has to do with money the way we, consumerist as we are, read it to be. Did Jesus really equate wealth with treasure? I'm guessing no. I'm thinking that perhaps Jesus' sense of treasure had more to do with the whole of one's being.
As I invest the money I set aside to pay quarterlies in a high-yield interest account, I don't think of it as placing my treasure in ING's hands. I think of my treasure as my time, my relational energy, my love and affection. These things I place in important places. I give my time to my God, my wife, and my Church. I give my relational energy to the same. I give my love and affection right there too. That is where my treasure is, and by default (love, time, relational energy) my heart is there also.
I know I'll be preaching on the Feast of St. Claire. I know that her vow of poverty, along with that of St. Francis, is world renowned. I understand that Jesus did have something to say with how we use are money, but I have to imagine that he had a lot more in mind by treasure than an economic system.
Still, the lesson remains the same, doesn't it. I may not be giving ING my treasure and my heart, but I give it to a lot of things that are not needful of it. I give my time to the remote control as I channel-surf for a show I know isn't on. I give my love to thinks undeserving; material goods that in no way bring me closer to the man Jesus would have me be. I waste a lot of my treasure on things which are unnecessary thereby stretching my heart awfully thin. "Where your treasure is, there you heart will be also." Maybe it doesn't mean just money, but I still have a lot of work to do getting my treasures in the right places.
Reading Jesus' famous words on the value of money struck me today. "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." I wonder if it really has to do with money the way we, consumerist as we are, read it to be. Did Jesus really equate wealth with treasure? I'm guessing no. I'm thinking that perhaps Jesus' sense of treasure had more to do with the whole of one's being.
As I invest the money I set aside to pay quarterlies in a high-yield interest account, I don't think of it as placing my treasure in ING's hands. I think of my treasure as my time, my relational energy, my love and affection. These things I place in important places. I give my time to my God, my wife, and my Church. I give my relational energy to the same. I give my love and affection right there too. That is where my treasure is, and by default (love, time, relational energy) my heart is there also.
I know I'll be preaching on the Feast of St. Claire. I know that her vow of poverty, along with that of St. Francis, is world renowned. I understand that Jesus did have something to say with how we use are money, but I have to imagine that he had a lot more in mind by treasure than an economic system.
Still, the lesson remains the same, doesn't it. I may not be giving ING my treasure and my heart, but I give it to a lot of things that are not needful of it. I give my time to the remote control as I channel-surf for a show I know isn't on. I give my love to thinks undeserving; material goods that in no way bring me closer to the man Jesus would have me be. I waste a lot of my treasure on things which are unnecessary thereby stretching my heart awfully thin. "Where your treasure is, there you heart will be also." Maybe it doesn't mean just money, but I still have a lot of work to do getting my treasures in the right places.
From the riches of his grace
My supervisor here likes to bring this line up over and over to me in our supervisory sessions. Everything about one's priestly ministry should be centered on this. "In everything you do, you are to feed God's people from the riches of his grace". My first inclination is to run screaming from this. If everything I do is to help feed others, how do I keep myself fed? If I am having trouble seeing the riches of his grace, how I am to feed others by it? Aaaa!! run for the hills!!!
When I first thought about an ordination using the Clare readings and not the BCP appointed ones, I thought it was weird. But how nice it was to see some of my misgivings put at ease. In the Gospel there is the reminder to be ready, to be prepared. I can only feed others if I first take care of myself. My preparation is paramount, or how else can I welcome Jesus into the door he has left me to watch?
And then there is the Song of Solomon, the love poem. It is a loving God that pulls our downcast eyes up to look at the growing things. See the flower opening, God says. Here are the riches of his grace, that life continues. Flowers, both tangible and metaphorical, continue to bloom. Spring comes, life grows eternal. Come my love, he says, and see creation. It may be the verbena flowers on my porch (which didn't die under my spouse's watch while I was away), or it could be a new ministry being attempted, or a baptism being planned. Even greater than these, it is Christ offered up Sunday morning. Yep, that's the food God offers, to sustain and inspire. Creation reborn and renewed.
When I first thought about an ordination using the Clare readings and not the BCP appointed ones, I thought it was weird. But how nice it was to see some of my misgivings put at ease. In the Gospel there is the reminder to be ready, to be prepared. I can only feed others if I first take care of myself. My preparation is paramount, or how else can I welcome Jesus into the door he has left me to watch?
And then there is the Song of Solomon, the love poem. It is a loving God that pulls our downcast eyes up to look at the growing things. See the flower opening, God says. Here are the riches of his grace, that life continues. Flowers, both tangible and metaphorical, continue to bloom. Spring comes, life grows eternal. Come my love, he says, and see creation. It may be the verbena flowers on my porch (which didn't die under my spouse's watch while I was away), or it could be a new ministry being attempted, or a baptism being planned. Even greater than these, it is Christ offered up Sunday morning. Yep, that's the food God offers, to sustain and inspire. Creation reborn and renewed.
Sell your possessions and give alms
All Baptized people are called to make Christ known as Savior and Lord, and to share in the renewing of his world. Now you are called to work as a pastor, priest, and teacher, together with your bishop and fellow presbyters, and to take your share in the councils of the Church... from the examination
laboring together with them and with your fellow ministers to build up the family of God?... from the examination
Sell your possessions, and give alms. from the Gospel
I feel like the rich man with this word from the Gospel. I find these words particularly challenging. Sell your possessions and give alms...where your treasure is, there also is your heart. The implication of this statement can either enrich or condemn. I find myself at this time hearing both.
I suppose I could moan and complain that those who originally heard these words did not have the troubles that I have. I could go on about taxation, Social Security, and the needs of my family. Easy for Jesus to do because he was a wandering, itinerant preacher (Beyond of course the incarnate Lord!) He did not have children to feed (in the temporal sense of course!) I can easily think of Scripture that challenges this "holy poverty." "The laborers deserve to be paid." comes to mind. I could even become a bit indignant as a clergyman. Has not countless congregations kept a man or woman in poverty by citing this scripture as an excuse for not paying him or her for valuable labor. Yet even amidst a pocketful of justification, the text is not calling for poverty. It calls for trust.
I believe that money in this context is a crutch. It gives the illusion of self control. If I put my trust in money, I am putting my faith in the proposition that I can control the universe. Maybe not the whole universe but my universe. I have fed into the facade that I am the prime mover. Like the shattering of glass, my faith becomes null in void in any crisis of note. In instants, this self dependence can come tumbling down in the face of famine, disease, unrest, and sickness. My treasure will be no treasure at all... only the hollow keepsake that it always was... an idol feeding my quest to control my universe.
Christ calls into dependence on him. God is to be our primary support. Our dependence is to be on him alone. He alone can remove us from the specter of death. He alone mediates us into communion with God. God from God, Light from Light. True God from true God. Begotten not made. Of one being with the Father. Through Him all things were made. The ramification of the preceding is that if it is true, there is no other thing needed. A candle by the light of the sun is dark. Why would I depend on self to trust if the very creator of the Universe invites me into fellowship?
I pray I never lose sight of that. I pray I never lose sight of the fact that as I have trusted God, that entity that I barely see, know, and understand, the greater my awareness of His mercy and love becomes. Taste and see that the Lord is good indeed.
I believe that money in this context is a crutch. It gives the illusion of self control. If I put my trust in money, I am putting my faith in the proposition that I can control the universe. Maybe not the whole universe but my universe. I have fed into the facade that I am the prime mover. Like the shattering of glass, my faith becomes null in void in any crisis of note. In instants, this self dependence can come tumbling down in the face of famine, disease, unrest, and sickness. My treasure will be no treasure at all... only the hollow keepsake that it always was... an idol feeding my quest to control my universe.
Christ calls into dependence on him. God is to be our primary support. Our dependence is to be on him alone. He alone can remove us from the specter of death. He alone mediates us into communion with God. God from God, Light from Light. True God from true God. Begotten not made. Of one being with the Father. Through Him all things were made. The ramification of the preceding is that if it is true, there is no other thing needed. A candle by the light of the sun is dark. Why would I depend on self to trust if the very creator of the Universe invites me into fellowship?
I pray I never lose sight of that. I pray I never lose sight of the fact that as I have trusted God, that entity that I barely see, know, and understand, the greater my awareness of His mercy and love becomes. Taste and see that the Lord is good indeed.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Arise, my love, my fair one,and come away;for now the winter is past... From Song of Solomon
I called in my affliction and the LORD heard me * and saved me from all my troubles.7The angel of the LORD encompasses those who fear him, * and he will deliver them.8Taste and see that the LORD is good; * happy are they who trust in him! ... from the Psalm
May the Lord who has given you the will to do these things give you the grace and power to perform them.... from the Examination
For winter is past....
Seminary was a desert time for me. I know this was party due to myself and my expectations. I expected Seminary to be a place where I might really engage with fellow Christians. And I did. What I didn't expect was that the institution and many of my classmates were so guarded. I found it stifling. I don't feel called to church that lifts up the structure over the mandates of Christ. I feel called to serve Christ and find myself amongst those also called to serve the living God.
For winter is past...
I have entered a new community. It is sort of a post hippy, left leaning, but fun loving community. I have entered a community which relishes laughter. It has been like a balm for me. Laughter, the kind that so readily admits our sinfulness without the distain of conceptions of piety. Lord save me from the uptight church.
Lessons in the desert...
The desert however is neccesary. The Israelites are tried in the desert. Jesus is tempted in the desert. John the Baptist is brought to the desert and preaches to Israel from the wastes. The irony of course is that those called to live more deeply in God were called first to the desert in order to find the "living water" of Baptism. My expectation had been that seminary was going to be the promise land. It was its dryness for me that led me out of my expectation to trust in the living God. In spite of me God continued to call...taste and see that the lord is good. It was not the grand that I could put my trust in... it was the small relationships, the re-emphasis on my family obligations, and assisting people where I could with mission. It was the little things... the still small voice of God which led through a time of dryness.
For winter is past...
I have gained tremendous amounts in the desert. In time some of the difficulties will heal over and I will begin to appreciate it for what it was. It was a time of testing. It was a time of learning. It was a time to recognize that the church is much like how it always has been, a collection of sinful, groping, wonderful people like me. The great reality being that the church has never saved. We only can point to the living God entrusting the results to him. And now the winter is past. I have entered a new place and due to the desert I have not set it to far up on the hill. Thus far we laugh. For now it is wonderful.
I called in my affliction and the LORD heard me * and saved me from all my troubles.7The angel of the LORD encompasses those who fear him, * and he will deliver them.8Taste and see that the LORD is good; * happy are they who trust in him! ... from the Psalm
May the Lord who has given you the will to do these things give you the grace and power to perform them.... from the Examination
For winter is past....
Seminary was a desert time for me. I know this was party due to myself and my expectations. I expected Seminary to be a place where I might really engage with fellow Christians. And I did. What I didn't expect was that the institution and many of my classmates were so guarded. I found it stifling. I don't feel called to church that lifts up the structure over the mandates of Christ. I feel called to serve Christ and find myself amongst those also called to serve the living God.
For winter is past...
I have entered a new community. It is sort of a post hippy, left leaning, but fun loving community. I have entered a community which relishes laughter. It has been like a balm for me. Laughter, the kind that so readily admits our sinfulness without the distain of conceptions of piety. Lord save me from the uptight church.
Lessons in the desert...
The desert however is neccesary. The Israelites are tried in the desert. Jesus is tempted in the desert. John the Baptist is brought to the desert and preaches to Israel from the wastes. The irony of course is that those called to live more deeply in God were called first to the desert in order to find the "living water" of Baptism. My expectation had been that seminary was going to be the promise land. It was its dryness for me that led me out of my expectation to trust in the living God. In spite of me God continued to call...taste and see that the lord is good. It was not the grand that I could put my trust in... it was the small relationships, the re-emphasis on my family obligations, and assisting people where I could with mission. It was the little things... the still small voice of God which led through a time of dryness.
For winter is past...
I have gained tremendous amounts in the desert. In time some of the difficulties will heal over and I will begin to appreciate it for what it was. It was a time of testing. It was a time of learning. It was a time to recognize that the church is much like how it always has been, a collection of sinful, groping, wonderful people like me. The great reality being that the church has never saved. We only can point to the living God entrusting the results to him. And now the winter is past. I have entered a new place and due to the desert I have not set it to far up on the hill. Thus far we laugh. For now it is wonderful.
on preparation
On August 11th I am scheduled to preach at the service of Ordination to the Priesthood for a dear friend from Seminary. That is a little less than two weeks from right now. I am nervous. As if preaching in front of a crowd eagerly awaiting an ontological change to happen in someone else isn't difficult enough, I am a deacon, preaching the ordination of a priest. The Bishop of, well whatever diocese it is in, (I should figure that out), has made it clear that this isn't the norm, but he is allowing it. GULP.
Anyway, two weeks of preparation seem like a good idea to me. The readings that are found here are for that day. I will be reading them with much intent and vigor over the next couple of weeks, please read them with me, and pray, pray hard, for me.
The crux of this post, however, isn't about me or my preparation. Instead it is about the call to "be prepared" that is so clear in Luke 12.32-37. God wants to give you the Kingdom, are you ready? Well no, of course I'm not. I've got a sermon to write. I've got a webpage to put together. I've got names to learn. I've got s**t to do, thank you very much. Excuses are not going to make the Kingdom of God. Preparation and action will. When the master, drunk from a wedding banquet that lasted several days, stumbles back home, the servants best be prepared for his arrival. How much more so should we be prepared for the God of all love and power when he comes, Kingdom in hand, ready to give it to us. To be asleep seems as though it would be a bad thing. To be unprepared, not sure whether it is God at the door, that would be unwise. Know the LORD and await his arrival.
All right, I get it. I'll be prepared. I'll start by working on this sermon.
Anyway, two weeks of preparation seem like a good idea to me. The readings that are found here are for that day. I will be reading them with much intent and vigor over the next couple of weeks, please read them with me, and pray, pray hard, for me.
The crux of this post, however, isn't about me or my preparation. Instead it is about the call to "be prepared" that is so clear in Luke 12.32-37. God wants to give you the Kingdom, are you ready? Well no, of course I'm not. I've got a sermon to write. I've got a webpage to put together. I've got names to learn. I've got s**t to do, thank you very much. Excuses are not going to make the Kingdom of God. Preparation and action will. When the master, drunk from a wedding banquet that lasted several days, stumbles back home, the servants best be prepared for his arrival. How much more so should we be prepared for the God of all love and power when he comes, Kingdom in hand, ready to give it to us. To be asleep seems as though it would be a bad thing. To be unprepared, not sure whether it is God at the door, that would be unwise. Know the LORD and await his arrival.
All right, I get it. I'll be prepared. I'll start by working on this sermon.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
I'm kinda sure
"The LORD will make good his purpose for me; *
O LORD, your love endures for ever;
do not abandon the works of your hands."
I haven't noticed the Psalm for Weekly Lection in quite some time. I often run through it in hopes of arriving at an insightful word from Paul. Even though I am now reading the Scripture in the context of Morning Prayer (today done at 1:45 PM) I don't read the Psalm first, I just cram all the readings together. I need to work on that.
I did, however, notice the Psalm today. Verse 9 really spoke to me with its assurance and yet doubt.
"The LORD will make good his purpose for me;" - I know this. Though I am just at the beginning of my ministry, very green, very nervous, and with a lot to learn, I know that God has great things in store. I know that his purpose for me here is without compare, that is why I was called to St. Paul's. God's got some big things planned.
"O LORD, your love endures forever;" - I know this too. I've said it and sung it to God in Canticles too many times to remember since finding Morning Prayer. God's love for me, in fact for all Creation, is never ending. We were created by the overflowing of love from the Trinity. God wanted to love more and more, so He created. He repeatedly called us back from our rebellion, to the point of sending his Son, Himself, to earth to die on our behalf. I know that my God loves me.
"Do not abandon the works of your hands." - And yet. And yet, I still doubt. Your plan is good, don't let it fall through the cracks. Your love is never-ending, don't forget about me. This verse is the definition of faith for most, if not all, believers. I know, but. It is hard to trust in God. So many other things have failed us; parents, education, politicians, the Church, and on and on. We are conditioned to be guarded, to offer a Psalm like this one.
But with God, we can stop 2/3 of the way through. "The LORD will make good his purpose for me; O LORD, your love endures forever, AMEN!" Now, if I can convince myself of it, I'll be golden.
O LORD, your love endures for ever;
do not abandon the works of your hands."
I haven't noticed the Psalm for Weekly Lection in quite some time. I often run through it in hopes of arriving at an insightful word from Paul. Even though I am now reading the Scripture in the context of Morning Prayer (today done at 1:45 PM) I don't read the Psalm first, I just cram all the readings together. I need to work on that.
I did, however, notice the Psalm today. Verse 9 really spoke to me with its assurance and yet doubt.
"The LORD will make good his purpose for me;" - I know this. Though I am just at the beginning of my ministry, very green, very nervous, and with a lot to learn, I know that God has great things in store. I know that his purpose for me here is without compare, that is why I was called to St. Paul's. God's got some big things planned.
"O LORD, your love endures forever;" - I know this too. I've said it and sung it to God in Canticles too many times to remember since finding Morning Prayer. God's love for me, in fact for all Creation, is never ending. We were created by the overflowing of love from the Trinity. God wanted to love more and more, so He created. He repeatedly called us back from our rebellion, to the point of sending his Son, Himself, to earth to die on our behalf. I know that my God loves me.
"Do not abandon the works of your hands." - And yet. And yet, I still doubt. Your plan is good, don't let it fall through the cracks. Your love is never-ending, don't forget about me. This verse is the definition of faith for most, if not all, believers. I know, but. It is hard to trust in God. So many other things have failed us; parents, education, politicians, the Church, and on and on. We are conditioned to be guarded, to offer a Psalm like this one.
But with God, we can stop 2/3 of the way through. "The LORD will make good his purpose for me; O LORD, your love endures forever, AMEN!" Now, if I can convince myself of it, I'll be golden.
Persistence in the Journey of Faith
Genesis 18: 20 - 33 (excerpt below)
32 Then he said, "Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak just once more. Suppose ten are found there." He answered, "For the sake of ten I will not destroy it." 33 And the LORD went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place.
GOSPEL: Luke 11:1- 13 (excerpt below)
9 "So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? 12 Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
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There is a clear connection between the Old Testament lesson from Genesis and the Gospel reading in this coming Sunday's lectionary ... persistence in the Journey of Faith.
First, in Genesis 18, Abraham shows great compassion for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and because of this compassion, Abraham works to haggle with God about how many sinless men need to be there to have God spare the rest of the people. I preached on this two years ago, and one of the parishioners said that for many years he has tried to find some Biblical basis for his chosen profession, that of a lobbyist; in this lesson, he heard Abraham as the lobbyist (or even the defense attorney) for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham is persistent, and keeps haggling and bargaining with God, seemingly (almost) to show greater compassion (at first) than God is showing. In the text, at least, we see God respond to Abraham's pleas, and we see some of the depth of the relationship that exists between God and Abraham. Abraham is known for obeying God, for having faith in God, AND here we see that that obedience and faithfulness includes the quality of reasoning, the quality of persistence, and includes even haggling and communication.
In the Gospel, we hear the assurance from Jesus that the we are told to ask for what we need, to search for the answers, and that doors will be opened to us when we ask, and that the way will be set out for us when we turn to God, 9 "So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
Can we imagine having a deep enough faith in God, and deep enough trust in God's faithfulness, that we would turn to God with all our haggling, with all our concerns, with all our compassion, and all our persistence? Can we imagine that the doors really will be opened to us if we have the courage and the persistence to ask? I know that sometimes I imagine that my prayers and practices need to be sanitized for God, but as I turn to this text I am reminded that God is bigger than all of it and that God can even take my deepest, most relentless concern and compassion when I turn to God. And, when my faith is strong I believe Jesus when he assures us that "everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
May I (and we) have the courage to haggle, to search, and to knock on the door! (and believe that God will respond!)
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