Everyone is blogging about General Convention - so I will too. If you go to our Diocesan list serve archive you can read my daily messages during the 11 days in Columbus. However, I thought I would expand on my final message on this site. Part of what I wrote:
"We made up today for all we did not do on other days. Whipping through resolutions at the speed of light - one reason for preparing and studying the resolutions before one gets to GC. The "big news" that went to the press is that after defeating one resolution after another on any moratorium on consecration of gay or lesbian bishops and/or same sex blessings - a full court press by the PB and PB elect and the need to say something to the Windsor Report (I suppose) resulted in a resolution that says we will exercise restraint in confirming a bishop whose manner of life presents a challenge to the World Wide Anglican Communion. We did not pass a moratorium and we did not address rites for same sex blessings. I did not vote for it as I felt it was one of those things that offered others as the sacrifice - I am willing to sacrifice but could not come home saying - I was called to the cross but I pick you to go instead. I did not see Jesus asking anyone else to his work for him. (oh hey Peter or Mary - why don't you go to Golgotha today). Others (a big majority) had other ideas - so in my mind it was a step away after many steps forward - it remains to be seen what will happen."
And now after reading Rowan's tepid response (although one could read it as a comment on reality) - I am sure I voted the right way. Many were crying as they voted, regardless of whether yes or no. I don't judge others votes - I just judge my own.
The long flight home to Wyoming gave me time to think about the long view. I started coming to GC when we were in New Orleans (1982 I think) - Integrity held "secret" Eucharists so the gay clergy would not be outed. Now it is the most popular service of GC and there are so many out gay and lesbian clergy that they cannot all serve at the altar. Then we would lose every vote on full inclusion -- can't remember how many times we circled up after a particularly painful losing battle and sang "We are a gentle angry people and we are singing, singing for our lives" --- Now a great majority of GC supports full inclusion. The vote on Tuesday - strongly turning down the Special Committee's resolution with its extreme caution on bishops and no development of blessing rites but with a sop of apology to any gays and lesbians who might be hurt!! Over and over we said NO. We overwhelmingly passed the resolution condemning the criminalization of homosexuality and calling for civil rights around the world.
But on Wednesday, in the end, we faltered. Our worship featured the PB elect'ssermon which included:
"That bloody cross brings new life into this world. Colossians calls Jesus the firstborn of all creation, the firstborn from the dead. That sweaty, bloody, tear-stained labor of the cross bears new life. Our mother Jesus gives birth to a new creation -- and you and I are His children. If we're going to keep on growing into Christ-images for the world around us, we're going to have to give up fear.
What do the godly messengers say when they turn up in the Bible? "Fear not." "Don't be afraid." "God is with you." "You are God's beloved, and God is well-pleased with you."
Fear not - but in the end we gave into fear. Fear that the Anglican Communion would not allow our new PB a seat at the table. Perhaps that is true but it was not our finest hour. And I think we knew it at the time. We made our choice and live in hope despite our fears.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Saturday, June 03, 2006
PENTECOST -- Click here for the Bible readings.
Today we celebrate how a small group of frightened people received the ability to overcome their fears and go out into the world proclaiming the message of Christ in a way that could be understood by all sorts of people. They did not know and we don't know exactly how it happened so we speak of it in metaphors of tongues of fire sweeping through the community, of many languages being heard, of a seeming drunkeness of the
Spirit. Ezekiel prophecied that the "dry bones" would take on new life - and this is what happened on that Pentecost Day with the followers of Christ.
This week a valiant warrior among the disciples of Jesus died. Canon Joyce Hogg was the Director of Networks and Special Projects for Episcopal Relief and Development. The way I got to know her was as my "boss" for my work as a Diocesan Coordinator for ER-D. She asked for and received quarterly reports of our work for ER-D, made sure we were prompt with our thank you notes to our generous donors, and tenderly ministered to us even in the midst of her own struggle with cancer. Just two weeks ago she led our annual convention of coordinators. I last saw her in the Jacksonville airport as she and her beloved husband, Bill, awaited their flight home. I knew things were not good with her health but she wanted to talke about the future of the Episcopal Church, the upcoming General Convention and election of the Presiding Bishop. Her last words were "see you in Columbus." Yes, I will see you, dear friend, in Columbus - not quite in the way I had hoped but in the thousand touches of your hands in helping Episcopal Relief and Development flourish and grow, in the wonderful energetic staff whom you loved fiercely, and in our hearts as we go on without your physical presence.
This, to me, is the message of Pentecost - that our hearts are afire with the passion to change the world into what God would have and that we light a spark in others that they might catch the same fire and carry on beyond our imaging. Thanks Joyce for your passion, in the power of the Holy Spirit, that we pray will continue in us as we follow the command to love God and our neighbor as ourselves.
Click below to add your gift for Emergency Relief and Long term development for Health and Food Security
Today we celebrate how a small group of frightened people received the ability to overcome their fears and go out into the world proclaiming the message of Christ in a way that could be understood by all sorts of people. They did not know and we don't know exactly how it happened so we speak of it in metaphors of tongues of fire sweeping through the community, of many languages being heard, of a seeming drunkeness of the
Spirit. Ezekiel prophecied that the "dry bones" would take on new life - and this is what happened on that Pentecost Day with the followers of Christ.
This week a valiant warrior among the disciples of Jesus died. Canon Joyce Hogg was the Director of Networks and Special Projects for Episcopal Relief and Development. The way I got to know her was as my "boss" for my work as a Diocesan Coordinator for ER-D. She asked for and received quarterly reports of our work for ER-D, made sure we were prompt with our thank you notes to our generous donors, and tenderly ministered to us even in the midst of her own struggle with cancer. Just two weeks ago she led our annual convention of coordinators. I last saw her in the Jacksonville airport as she and her beloved husband, Bill, awaited their flight home. I knew things were not good with her health but she wanted to talke about the future of the Episcopal Church, the upcoming General Convention and election of the Presiding Bishop. Her last words were "see you in Columbus." Yes, I will see you, dear friend, in Columbus - not quite in the way I had hoped but in the thousand touches of your hands in helping Episcopal Relief and Development flourish and grow, in the wonderful energetic staff whom you loved fiercely, and in our hearts as we go on without your physical presence.
This, to me, is the message of Pentecost - that our hearts are afire with the passion to change the world into what God would have and that we light a spark in others that they might catch the same fire and carry on beyond our imaging. Thanks Joyce for your passion, in the power of the Holy Spirit, that we pray will continue in us as we follow the command to love God and our neighbor as ourselves.
Click below to add your gift for Emergency Relief and Long term development for Health and Food Security
Sunday, May 28, 2006
SUNDAY afternoon nap ahead --
home from Jackson Hole and 2 church services. This is Memorial Day weekend when JH has its Old West Parade or as some call it Old Wet Parade. The weather on Saturday In Jackson was rainy and cold. When I left Lander it was sunny and hot - good thing I remembered to put a jacket in the car. Driving from Jackson out to Wilson (a suburb LOL) I saw the white suburbans of VP Dick Cheney's Secret Service (well not so secret when they sit at all the intersections with flashing police lights) - so I assume he is spending the weekend at his home in the Valley. This morning it was foggy and cold as I made my way to church. No VP or spouse at church - always makes for an interesting morning when he does come - the Secret Service rings the outside of the building and sits mixed in with the congregation trying to look like parishioners. But they have that scanning look on their faces and hearing aid like devices and are extremely fit. Luckily they call ahead to let us know.
Today I expected fewer people due to the holiday, and the weather, plus it is the annual "Spring Fling" - a fundraiser for the hospital at Jackson Lake Lodge that is a big social event. People often rent rooms so they don't have to drive home after partying late. But we had a good crowd and it was fun to see old friends and new members. I was the interim assistant there for 2+ years. The web site for St. John's Episcopal Church has the sermons from Sunday every week - usually takes a few days for the latest one to appear.
After a stop to see a 90+year old friend who is now in the Living Center, I grabbed a turkey, avocado, and muenster cheese sandwich from Bagel Jax for the road. No moose or buffalo on my drive through the park - just fog and mixed rain and snow. By the time I got to Togwotee Pass - there was quite a bit of snow on the roadsides but none on the road. Tourists were out throwing snowballs at each other - enjoying the taste of winter. As I came down the mountain towards Dubois - a mountain bluebird perched on the barbwire fence post. Lifted my spirits as otherwise that part of the trip is hard with all the trees being cut down on either side and the new road cuts for the re-construction of the highway. The road needs repair and some resetting of dangerous turns but it is still heartwrenching to see. The rest of the trip across the Wind River Reservation I listened to AIROS Native Radio Network and the traditional songs and drumming woven into new creations of blues, world beat, and country tunes.
Sermon today was on the Ascension. I think it is a difficult Holy Day around which to wrap our modern minds. In the earliest days it was believed that one "ascended" through caves, then the portrayal of Jesus going up through the clouds became popular, but now we have seen the earth from outer space and we don't know quite what to do with merging the idea of an ascension and what we have seen. Perhaps that is why one does not see big celebrations of The Ascension as often. Regardless of how Jesus left us for the next stage of our life in Christ - we are called to be God's hands and heart here and now.
home from Jackson Hole and 2 church services. This is Memorial Day weekend when JH has its Old West Parade or as some call it Old Wet Parade. The weather on Saturday In Jackson was rainy and cold. When I left Lander it was sunny and hot - good thing I remembered to put a jacket in the car. Driving from Jackson out to Wilson (a suburb LOL) I saw the white suburbans of VP Dick Cheney's Secret Service (well not so secret when they sit at all the intersections with flashing police lights) - so I assume he is spending the weekend at his home in the Valley. This morning it was foggy and cold as I made my way to church. No VP or spouse at church - always makes for an interesting morning when he does come - the Secret Service rings the outside of the building and sits mixed in with the congregation trying to look like parishioners. But they have that scanning look on their faces and hearing aid like devices and are extremely fit. Luckily they call ahead to let us know.
Today I expected fewer people due to the holiday, and the weather, plus it is the annual "Spring Fling" - a fundraiser for the hospital at Jackson Lake Lodge that is a big social event. People often rent rooms so they don't have to drive home after partying late. But we had a good crowd and it was fun to see old friends and new members. I was the interim assistant there for 2+ years. The web site for St. John's Episcopal Church has the sermons from Sunday every week - usually takes a few days for the latest one to appear.
After a stop to see a 90+year old friend who is now in the Living Center, I grabbed a turkey, avocado, and muenster cheese sandwich from Bagel Jax for the road. No moose or buffalo on my drive through the park - just fog and mixed rain and snow. By the time I got to Togwotee Pass - there was quite a bit of snow on the roadsides but none on the road. Tourists were out throwing snowballs at each other - enjoying the taste of winter. As I came down the mountain towards Dubois - a mountain bluebird perched on the barbwire fence post. Lifted my spirits as otherwise that part of the trip is hard with all the trees being cut down on either side and the new road cuts for the re-construction of the highway. The road needs repair and some resetting of dangerous turns but it is still heartwrenching to see. The rest of the trip across the Wind River Reservation I listened to AIROS Native Radio Network and the traditional songs and drumming woven into new creations of blues, world beat, and country tunes.
Sermon today was on the Ascension. I think it is a difficult Holy Day around which to wrap our modern minds. In the earliest days it was believed that one "ascended" through caves, then the portrayal of Jesus going up through the clouds became popular, but now we have seen the earth from outer space and we don't know quite what to do with merging the idea of an ascension and what we have seen. Perhaps that is why one does not see big celebrations of The Ascension as often. Regardless of how Jesus left us for the next stage of our life in Christ - we are called to be God's hands and heart here and now.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Driving to Rock Springs on a Sunday morning:
Sun is still behind the hill as I leave Lander
Rising above the rim it catches the red
of a sweater worn by a woman going out to feed her horse
Dry Lake is sparkling with water and bright white of pelicans
Bald eagle surrounded by ravens feast on the night's road kill
They fly up disturbed by my passing car.
The new road by the mine leaps up to the horizon
that leads to the South Pass and the Continental Divide
Not so high here - my great grandmother and her family
traveled the Oregon trail on their way to better days
I wonder where my car crosses her path
Now down towards Farson where one used to be able to get huge ice cream cones
but no longer - the ancient stone building empty.
Turning towards Eden I pass the church where I will soon hold
communion for a Biblical quorum of 2 or 3 gathered
But for now I race past on my way to Rock Springs
where we sing out bravely acapella as the 3 organists
are traveling on a different journey this morning
The wide open spaces beckon me to return
home again
In the shadows of the Wind River Range.
Sun is still behind the hill as I leave Lander
Rising above the rim it catches the red
of a sweater worn by a woman going out to feed her horse
Dry Lake is sparkling with water and bright white of pelicans
Bald eagle surrounded by ravens feast on the night's road kill
They fly up disturbed by my passing car.
The new road by the mine leaps up to the horizon
that leads to the South Pass and the Continental Divide
Not so high here - my great grandmother and her family
traveled the Oregon trail on their way to better days
I wonder where my car crosses her path
Now down towards Farson where one used to be able to get huge ice cream cones
but no longer - the ancient stone building empty.
Turning towards Eden I pass the church where I will soon hold
communion for a Biblical quorum of 2 or 3 gathered
But for now I race past on my way to Rock Springs
where we sing out bravely acapella as the 3 organists
are traveling on a different journey this morning
The wide open spaces beckon me to return
home again
In the shadows of the Wind River Range.
An example of "mothering" as noted in the previous post.
This was circulated on the list at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco to a group known as Gays at Grace
Comments:
I have recently moved to Bowling Green, KY after spending most all my life in Alabama. I came to the Episcopal church in 2003 and learned of Marc Andrus. When I first visited an Episcopal church I had just been released from prison in Alabama. I had been incarcerated for 7 years. I wanted to change my life and knew that it was important to do so. I didn't know where to begin or what to do. I literally stumbled into a small parish in Sheffield Alabama, Grace Church.
I was overwhelmed by love and compassion. I wasn't open to it at first and didn't really know what to do with it all. The people at Grace were (and are) incredible to me. They accepted me and didn't worry about my past. I was confirmed in April 2004. It was then I had met Bishop Andrus. A lady in our parish had dinner for the four confirmands, their sponsors and Bishop Andrus in her home. At first meeting I knew that this man was a man of God. He emanated spirituality and humility. He began to talk to me and he asked me what I did for a living. I told him that I was a waiter. I have received mixed responses from this answer. He looked at me stopped and said, "I always wanted to bartend." The conversation grew from there. After people began to take their plates and sit, it was apparent that the bishop didn't have a seat to sit in (it was an informal dinner and people were sitting in different rooms within the home). Everyone began to get up to offer their seats to the Bishop. He refused and said "I prefer the floor, actually" and the Bishop Suffragan of Alabama sat on the floor, gladly and ate his dinner!!! I was completely blown away.
I next saw Bishop Andrus at my Cursillo six months later. As he gave me communion he said, "How are you Perry?" I had not seen this man in six months yet he remembered my name!!! Six months later I decided to visit his office in Birmingham. By this time I had become active in the church choir, the cursillo movement and in Kairos, an ecumenical prison ministry. I began to tell Bishop Andrus about my past...all of it. We talked at great length. When I told him I was gay his only concern was why I was waiting to find a partner...
There are moments of grace like these all over our diocese. I cannot explain to you how blessed you are to have this man as your bishop. I have an idea you already know. The story goes that when Bishop Parsley called him to inform him he had been elected Bishop Suffragan of Alabama Marc was cleaning a toilet in his parish. We are saddened by our loss, but we are also excited about his new ministry. I am thankful that I had an opportunity to know this man. He has made an impact on my life and my walk. He is a personal bishop and he will always be my
bishop...
God's Peace,
This was circulated on the list at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco to a group known as Gays at Grace
Comments:
I have recently moved to Bowling Green, KY after spending most all my life in Alabama. I came to the Episcopal church in 2003 and learned of Marc Andrus. When I first visited an Episcopal church I had just been released from prison in Alabama. I had been incarcerated for 7 years. I wanted to change my life and knew that it was important to do so. I didn't know where to begin or what to do. I literally stumbled into a small parish in Sheffield Alabama, Grace Church.
I was overwhelmed by love and compassion. I wasn't open to it at first and didn't really know what to do with it all. The people at Grace were (and are) incredible to me. They accepted me and didn't worry about my past. I was confirmed in April 2004. It was then I had met Bishop Andrus. A lady in our parish had dinner for the four confirmands, their sponsors and Bishop Andrus in her home. At first meeting I knew that this man was a man of God. He emanated spirituality and humility. He began to talk to me and he asked me what I did for a living. I told him that I was a waiter. I have received mixed responses from this answer. He looked at me stopped and said, "I always wanted to bartend." The conversation grew from there. After people began to take their plates and sit, it was apparent that the bishop didn't have a seat to sit in (it was an informal dinner and people were sitting in different rooms within the home). Everyone began to get up to offer their seats to the Bishop. He refused and said "I prefer the floor, actually" and the Bishop Suffragan of Alabama sat on the floor, gladly and ate his dinner!!! I was completely blown away.
I next saw Bishop Andrus at my Cursillo six months later. As he gave me communion he said, "How are you Perry?" I had not seen this man in six months yet he remembered my name!!! Six months later I decided to visit his office in Birmingham. By this time I had become active in the church choir, the cursillo movement and in Kairos, an ecumenical prison ministry. I began to tell Bishop Andrus about my past...all of it. We talked at great length. When I told him I was gay his only concern was why I was waiting to find a partner...
There are moments of grace like these all over our diocese. I cannot explain to you how blessed you are to have this man as your bishop. I have an idea you already know. The story goes that when Bishop Parsley called him to inform him he had been elected Bishop Suffragan of Alabama Marc was cleaning a toilet in his parish. We are saddened by our loss, but we are also excited about his new ministry. I am thankful that I had an opportunity to know this man. He has made an impact on my life and my walk. He is a personal bishop and he will always be my
bishop...
God's Peace,
Saturday, May 13, 2006
MOTHER'S DAY:
This Sunday is that holiest of holy days of the Hallmark calendar. All children with living mothers are running around wondering what to do or will wake up tomorrow realizing that they have not even bought a card. Guilt will pile on guilt. Oh my. Those of us whose mothers have died will wonder about the "secret life of parents" - did we really know them? Their tapes are still running in our minds, they sit on our should occasionally and remind us of things like Thank You notes. And those of us who have or had problematic relationships or no relationship will wonder if we are the only ones who have these mixed feelings or even terrible feelings.
Sunday in the church we read about the Ethiopian Eunuch. Click here to read story. as well as the wonderful words from the First Letter of John that God is Love.
Philip hears the Ethiopian reading from Isaiah. A couple of things stand out for the hearer of Philip's day. The Ethiopian can read, not something most were able to do. Reading out loud was the way people read - reading silently to oneself was rare in those days. He was a high official of a foreign queen (The Candace - not her name but a title). He was a eunuch - we don't know if he was made that way to serve the queen, or if it was an accident of birth - but he was "damaged goods" in the eyes of the religious people of the day. He would not have been able to become a full member of the Temple (only perfect men were allowed).
The section of Isaiah that is quoted in the story is from Isaiah 53. He is puzzling over the meaning of it. Philip runs along side and asks him if he knows what he is reading. The Eunuch says he needs some help. I like to think that Philip led him further into Isaiah to Chapter 56:1-8 where the eunuch would read about freedom and welcome in the realm of God. Going on from there he would share how Jesus invited all to the table and asked those who would come to serve and love one another as full brothers and sisters. The Ethiopian has such joy in this good news or as Christians call it Good News, that he immediately wants to become a part of this Way of Life and asks what he should do. Philip says "be baptized" and the Eunuch says "let's do it."
As he is immersed in the waters of baptism he is washed clean of all those hateful messages about himself and dies to the old life constructed by others. He emerges freed from his old life that was constrained by religious burdens and society's judgments. He had been powerful and rich in the world - now he had something even more important - the wealth of soul and mind and connection to the Holy. He was always connected but the connection was blocked by what he had been taught.
To me this is a story of true motherhood - Philip brings the Ethiopian to birth in new life. Our mothers are those who gave us life in this world, each had her own life experience that we know nothing about (the secret life of parents I call it) that influenced her to be however she was as a mother to us. We give thanks for the gifts that our mothers were able to give us, we let go of the parts that were difficult. Hopefully each of us has also had other mothers, men and women, who brought us to life in other ways, our teachers, our spiritual leaders, our role models, our heroes, a neighbor, anyone who gave of themselves that we might become who we are today and who showed us the unconditional love of God. Who would be surprised to receive a Mother's Day card from you? Or a phone call or note of thanks?
This Sunday is that holiest of holy days of the Hallmark calendar. All children with living mothers are running around wondering what to do or will wake up tomorrow realizing that they have not even bought a card. Guilt will pile on guilt. Oh my. Those of us whose mothers have died will wonder about the "secret life of parents" - did we really know them? Their tapes are still running in our minds, they sit on our should occasionally and remind us of things like Thank You notes. And those of us who have or had problematic relationships or no relationship will wonder if we are the only ones who have these mixed feelings or even terrible feelings.
Sunday in the church we read about the Ethiopian Eunuch. Click here to read story. as well as the wonderful words from the First Letter of John that God is Love.
Philip hears the Ethiopian reading from Isaiah. A couple of things stand out for the hearer of Philip's day. The Ethiopian can read, not something most were able to do. Reading out loud was the way people read - reading silently to oneself was rare in those days. He was a high official of a foreign queen (The Candace - not her name but a title). He was a eunuch - we don't know if he was made that way to serve the queen, or if it was an accident of birth - but he was "damaged goods" in the eyes of the religious people of the day. He would not have been able to become a full member of the Temple (only perfect men were allowed).
The section of Isaiah that is quoted in the story is from Isaiah 53. He is puzzling over the meaning of it. Philip runs along side and asks him if he knows what he is reading. The Eunuch says he needs some help. I like to think that Philip led him further into Isaiah to Chapter 56:1-8 where the eunuch would read about freedom and welcome in the realm of God. Going on from there he would share how Jesus invited all to the table and asked those who would come to serve and love one another as full brothers and sisters. The Ethiopian has such joy in this good news or as Christians call it Good News, that he immediately wants to become a part of this Way of Life and asks what he should do. Philip says "be baptized" and the Eunuch says "let's do it."
As he is immersed in the waters of baptism he is washed clean of all those hateful messages about himself and dies to the old life constructed by others. He emerges freed from his old life that was constrained by religious burdens and society's judgments. He had been powerful and rich in the world - now he had something even more important - the wealth of soul and mind and connection to the Holy. He was always connected but the connection was blocked by what he had been taught.
To me this is a story of true motherhood - Philip brings the Ethiopian to birth in new life. Our mothers are those who gave us life in this world, each had her own life experience that we know nothing about (the secret life of parents I call it) that influenced her to be however she was as a mother to us. We give thanks for the gifts that our mothers were able to give us, we let go of the parts that were difficult. Hopefully each of us has also had other mothers, men and women, who brought us to life in other ways, our teachers, our spiritual leaders, our role models, our heroes, a neighbor, anyone who gave of themselves that we might become who we are today and who showed us the unconditional love of God. Who would be surprised to receive a Mother's Day card from you? Or a phone call or note of thanks?
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
May 10 - random bits:
Monday I preached at a funeral for an 89 year old woman whom I had known, as well as her son and daughter, when I was doing supply priest work in Riverton, WY. She had moved to Fairbanks Alaska to live with her daughter the last several years of her life. The thing that came out about her from the stories of the family is how much she enjoyed each day of being in this life. Whether it was teaching school on the Wind River Indian Reservation, volunteering at the Nursing Home, raising her family or hanging out with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Whatever the day brought, even in her last years of confinement and illness, she was glad to wake up and still be here. What a gift to those around her. It reminded me of prayer in the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer that is a resource for those who are sick. But I think it is a good prayer for all of us - young and old, sick or well, whatever our day brings.
In the Morning
This is another day, O Lord.
I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be.
If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely.
If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly.
If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently.
And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly.
Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.
The Spirit of Jesus for me is being present in the moment - acting when we are called upon to act but remembering that we always have gifts to offer no matter the state of our mind, body, and spirit.
Monday I preached at a funeral for an 89 year old woman whom I had known, as well as her son and daughter, when I was doing supply priest work in Riverton, WY. She had moved to Fairbanks Alaska to live with her daughter the last several years of her life. The thing that came out about her from the stories of the family is how much she enjoyed each day of being in this life. Whether it was teaching school on the Wind River Indian Reservation, volunteering at the Nursing Home, raising her family or hanging out with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Whatever the day brought, even in her last years of confinement and illness, she was glad to wake up and still be here. What a gift to those around her. It reminded me of prayer in the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer that is a resource for those who are sick. But I think it is a good prayer for all of us - young and old, sick or well, whatever our day brings.
In the Morning
This is another day, O Lord.
I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be.
If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely.
If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly.
If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently.
And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly.
Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.
The Spirit of Jesus for me is being present in the moment - acting when we are called upon to act but remembering that we always have gifts to offer no matter the state of our mind, body, and spirit.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
April 22: Easter came and went - lovely time with Holy Communion Church in Rock Springs. We did the Vigil service on Saturday eve -with the few but mighty - great singing, magic fire, chanted exsultet by a woman with a superb voice - enough to make your hair stand on end. Easter Sunday - everyone all dressed up and someplace to go! The Resurrection of Christ - the hope and promise of new life - enough to help us let go of our fears and fully live. As we go through these weeks where the Bible readings are all about the appearances of Jesus to his followers I thought about the disbelief of the 11 (formerly 12) disciples. Pondering why they would not believe what Jesus said would happen - fear? grief? Here is one thought I had:
Now after he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared
first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She
went out and told those who had been with him, while they were
mourning and weeping. But when they heard that he was alive and had
been seen by her, they would not believe it. After this he appeared
in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the
country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not
believe them. Later he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were
sitting at the table; and he upbraided them for their lack of faith
and stubbornness, because they had not believed those who saw him
after he had risen. Mark 16:9-14
Who could believe a crazy woman
or a couple who had gone home
to their everyday life
instead of into hiding?
Locked in a room
with our own kind
we know our own truth.
How do we get so locked up in our minds and hearts that we cannot hear what others, not "our sort," have to say?
Now we are in the Washington, DC area seeing our granddaughter and her parents - new life abounds, everything is in bloom here and we are playing baby games. Alleluia!!!
Now after he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared
first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She
went out and told those who had been with him, while they were
mourning and weeping. But when they heard that he was alive and had
been seen by her, they would not believe it. After this he appeared
in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the
country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not
believe them. Later he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were
sitting at the table; and he upbraided them for their lack of faith
and stubbornness, because they had not believed those who saw him
after he had risen. Mark 16:9-14
Who could believe a crazy woman
or a couple who had gone home
to their everyday life
instead of into hiding?
Locked in a room
with our own kind
we know our own truth.
How do we get so locked up in our minds and hearts that we cannot hear what others, not "our sort," have to say?
Now we are in the Washington, DC area seeing our granddaughter and her parents - new life abounds, everything is in bloom here and we are playing baby games. Alleluia!!!
Friday, April 14, 2006
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
SOME FUN in the midst of Holy Week:
I'm a Chevrolet Corvette!
You're a classic - powerful, athletic, and competitive. You're all about winning the race and getting the job done. While you have a practical everyday side, you get wild when anyone pushes your pedal. You hate to lose, but you hardly ever do.
Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
GOSPEL OF JUDAS has been creating quite a stir in the news this week. Click here to read it in PDF. Newly published and hyped by a television program, people are acting like it is the only extra canonical piece ever found. We have lots of these, especially since the discoveries at Nag Hammadi in 1945.
These books did not make it into the Bible but shed light on the diversity of thought surrounding the followers of Jesus after his death. See my previous post for my thoughts on diversity during his life. Many communities were formed and many stories were preserved to show how the followers perceived his importance in their lives. After reading the Gospel of Judas I can see why, IMO, this one did not make it. It portrays a community that believes a very dualistic version of the spiritual life. The body and the soul are separated - the body being a trap for the soul from which true spiritual beings have to be released. This is counter to my belief in the goodness of the body and Jesus revealing that goodness by being born into our midst. It also encourages a belief that Jesus was not really human. The belief that Jesus was truly human (as well as divine) is one of the most important points of Christianity. God who comes into our midst in real human mind, body, and soul - born, lived, suffered, and died - shows me the way to become the person I was created to be and how we are to live together in this world. Resurrection teaches that I have nothing to fear -even death. I don't find this in the Gospel of Judas and many of the other extra-canonical Gospels.
I do like the references to Jesus laughing in the Gospel of Judas - I like to think that Jesus loved to laugh with people and enjoyed a party with whomever would attend. I don't like the passages that lump men who sleep with men with people who kill their children as a sacrifice. I know that it comes from a time when our ideas of mutual loving relationships between persons of the same sex were not current but still hate to think that it could be used to support anti-gay arguments.
Overall it is interesting to read things that were written by people of faith who center around Jesus and to discover the various ideas. It makes me think that there has never been a perfect time of true belief. The journey of faith is one of testing and learning and growing. The best advice is probably Jesus' "by their fruits shall you know them."
What is the outcome of faith - does it build up community and respect the uniqueness of each human being? Or does it tear down community and individuals? The building up of both is the balance and the proof for me.
These books did not make it into the Bible but shed light on the diversity of thought surrounding the followers of Jesus after his death. See my previous post for my thoughts on diversity during his life. Many communities were formed and many stories were preserved to show how the followers perceived his importance in their lives. After reading the Gospel of Judas I can see why, IMO, this one did not make it. It portrays a community that believes a very dualistic version of the spiritual life. The body and the soul are separated - the body being a trap for the soul from which true spiritual beings have to be released. This is counter to my belief in the goodness of the body and Jesus revealing that goodness by being born into our midst. It also encourages a belief that Jesus was not really human. The belief that Jesus was truly human (as well as divine) is one of the most important points of Christianity. God who comes into our midst in real human mind, body, and soul - born, lived, suffered, and died - shows me the way to become the person I was created to be and how we are to live together in this world. Resurrection teaches that I have nothing to fear -even death. I don't find this in the Gospel of Judas and many of the other extra-canonical Gospels.
I do like the references to Jesus laughing in the Gospel of Judas - I like to think that Jesus loved to laugh with people and enjoyed a party with whomever would attend. I don't like the passages that lump men who sleep with men with people who kill their children as a sacrifice. I know that it comes from a time when our ideas of mutual loving relationships between persons of the same sex were not current but still hate to think that it could be used to support anti-gay arguments.
Overall it is interesting to read things that were written by people of faith who center around Jesus and to discover the various ideas. It makes me think that there has never been a perfect time of true belief. The journey of faith is one of testing and learning and growing. The best advice is probably Jesus' "by their fruits shall you know them."
What is the outcome of faith - does it build up community and respect the uniqueness of each human being? Or does it tear down community and individuals? The building up of both is the balance and the proof for me.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
PALM SUNDAY Click Here for the Readings
On this Sunday we mash all of Holy Week -- Palm Sunday to Good Friday into one day. Since many do not attend mid week services it became necessary to add the Good Friday crucifixion reading to the Grand Entry into Jerusalem. I think it causes somewhat of a spiritual whiplash to start with one and move immediately to the other. But am glad as many as possible can hear the entire drama preceding Easter even if there is no time to chew on the meaning of it all bit by bit.
Lent has been a time of reflecting on how far from God we can drift in our distracted non-stop world. Instead of a continual running of rapids we can look more deeply into the waters of life. I hope this is true for me anyway. Palm Sunday is the epitome of how far away we can go - the people of Jesus' days in the flesh had and we have many ideas of the nature of God. Some saw him as nothing - just another crazy prophet who was not grounded in real life under the rule of Rome. Some hoped he would be the liberator - the one who would overthrow the Empire. Some greeted him as the one who would remove them from daily life into a spiritual realm - into a separatist group of like minded persons. What is our hope and belief?
By the end of the week - all our ideas are smashed against the cross. No one thought of God as hanging in weakness and death as a Way. We have a hard time with this concept - that through ultimate vulnerability and identification with those who suffer abuse at the hands of power - can come resurrection and new life. This is the message of the cross. When Elie Weisel writes in Night of the question asked when children were being hung and tortured in the prison camps of Germany during the Holocaust "Where is God?" the answer always comes back "God is hanging there." When we ask "where is God" when we see the stories of Darfur, the answer is "in the camps with the refugees." When the people in the gospel - Matthew 25 - ask, "When did we see you? Feed you? Clothe you? Visit you in prison?" the answer is "When you fed, clothed, visited, cared for the least of these - my brothers and sisters."
God is like the Persistent widow - continually knocking on the doors of our hearts - seeking justice for all God's people.
On this Sunday we mash all of Holy Week -- Palm Sunday to Good Friday into one day. Since many do not attend mid week services it became necessary to add the Good Friday crucifixion reading to the Grand Entry into Jerusalem. I think it causes somewhat of a spiritual whiplash to start with one and move immediately to the other. But am glad as many as possible can hear the entire drama preceding Easter even if there is no time to chew on the meaning of it all bit by bit.
Lent has been a time of reflecting on how far from God we can drift in our distracted non-stop world. Instead of a continual running of rapids we can look more deeply into the waters of life. I hope this is true for me anyway. Palm Sunday is the epitome of how far away we can go - the people of Jesus' days in the flesh had and we have many ideas of the nature of God. Some saw him as nothing - just another crazy prophet who was not grounded in real life under the rule of Rome. Some hoped he would be the liberator - the one who would overthrow the Empire. Some greeted him as the one who would remove them from daily life into a spiritual realm - into a separatist group of like minded persons. What is our hope and belief?
By the end of the week - all our ideas are smashed against the cross. No one thought of God as hanging in weakness and death as a Way. We have a hard time with this concept - that through ultimate vulnerability and identification with those who suffer abuse at the hands of power - can come resurrection and new life. This is the message of the cross. When Elie Weisel writes in Night of the question asked when children were being hung and tortured in the prison camps of Germany during the Holocaust "Where is God?" the answer always comes back "God is hanging there." When we ask "where is God" when we see the stories of Darfur, the answer is "in the camps with the refugees." When the people in the gospel - Matthew 25 - ask, "When did we see you? Feed you? Clothe you? Visit you in prison?" the answer is "When you fed, clothed, visited, cared for the least of these - my brothers and sisters."
God is like the Persistent widow - continually knocking on the doors of our hearts - seeking justice for all God's people.
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