Monday, January 21, 2013
Thursday, January 03, 2013
Epiphany
Epiphany is one of my favorite liturgical seasons -- its message is hope that all can find the Holy if they only follow the star. The Magi (3? or more as I like to think) were not of the "chosen" but they were seekers. The story touches something deep within us. The attempt of artists to include diversity in their depictions seems to be a response to that sense that all who seek will find.
I have recently re-heard T.S. Eliot reading his poem "Journey of the Magi" and was struck by the line that indicates they could never really return to their home. They returned geographically but the home of their hearts was always elsewhere.
For me the Magi represent all who wander this world seeking that which draws them to the very heart of all being bringing treasure beyond measure.
And reminds me of the saying -- "Not all those who wander are lost." JRR Tolkien.
It is the 17th anniversary of my ordination as a priest. The figure was made from a photo of the day I was ordained.
And here is Janet McKenzie's Epiphany --
Monday, December 31, 2012
Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!
First Coming
He did not wait till the world was ready,
till men and nations were at peace.
He came when the Heavens were unsteady,
and prisoners cried out for release.
He did not wait for the perfect time.
He came when the need was deep and great.
He dined with sinners in all their grime,
turned water into wine. He did not wait
till hearts were pure. In joy he came
to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours, of anguished shame
he came, and his Light would not go out.
He came to a world which did not mesh,
to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh
the Maker of the stars was born.
We cannot wait till the world is sane
to raise our songs with joyful voice,
for to share our grief, to touch our pain,
He came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!
Madeleine L’Engle, from The Ordering of Love: The New and Collected Poems of Madeleine L’Engle.
He did not wait till the world was ready,
till men and nations were at peace.
He came when the Heavens were unsteady,
and prisoners cried out for release.
He did not wait for the perfect time.
He came when the need was deep and great.
He dined with sinners in all their grime,
turned water into wine. He did not wait
till hearts were pure. In joy he came
to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours, of anguished shame
he came, and his Light would not go out.
He came to a world which did not mesh,
to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh
the Maker of the stars was born.
We cannot wait till the world is sane
to raise our songs with joyful voice,
for to share our grief, to touch our pain,
He came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!
Madeleine L’Engle, from The Ordering of Love: The New and Collected Poems of Madeleine L’Engle.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
What shall we do with the Christmas presents?
We stare and stare through the tears
at the presents hidden away for children
who will never open their gifts again
Only silence responds
the terrible silence
There are no words
to ease the pain
that will burn
every time
we set the table
for 5 where only 4 will sit
How will we live now?
Will our center hold?
Or shall we all fly off
into our own corners
of unanswerable grief?
at the presents hidden away for children
who will never open their gifts again
Only silence responds
the terrible silence
There are no words
to ease the pain
that will burn
every time
we set the table
for 5 where only 4 will sit
How will we live now?
Will our center hold?
Or shall we all fly off
into our own corners
of unanswerable grief?
Are we a brood of vipers?
John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.
Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?"
In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise." Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you." Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages."
As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people. -Luke 3:7-18
"You brood of vipers" - John says this to all present and yet to come, to me. I may claim in my own way that "I have Abraham as my ancestor" - that is, I could never do the worst imaginable crimes. I say - I am not kin to the violent murderers of this world. But John calls me out on that and I know in my heart that I do participate in the killing. Wherever people die before attaining the fullness of life - I am complicit. I would not go into a classroom and kill children but what do I do about war, greed, hunger, poverty, lack of health care? All kill every day. It is impossible not to be complicit.
Still I go out to the desert to ask where is the hope? John gives me a simple answer. Turn away from the path of violence by receiving a message of "enough" - I do not need to have more than enough. Be satisfied with having just enough. That is his message of hope.
The Holy One IS coming with burn away the chaff that overloads us. We will be tossed about by life and in the process winnowed down to what we hope is good grain. Join the One who suffers and dies and comes again with the eternal hope of God in humankind's ability to make this a world of life for all.
And some realism from Digby
And more from Anne Lamott
Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?"
In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise." Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you." Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages."
As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people. -Luke 3:7-18
"You brood of vipers" - John says this to all present and yet to come, to me. I may claim in my own way that "I have Abraham as my ancestor" - that is, I could never do the worst imaginable crimes. I say - I am not kin to the violent murderers of this world. But John calls me out on that and I know in my heart that I do participate in the killing. Wherever people die before attaining the fullness of life - I am complicit. I would not go into a classroom and kill children but what do I do about war, greed, hunger, poverty, lack of health care? All kill every day. It is impossible not to be complicit.
Still I go out to the desert to ask where is the hope? John gives me a simple answer. Turn away from the path of violence by receiving a message of "enough" - I do not need to have more than enough. Be satisfied with having just enough. That is his message of hope.
The Holy One IS coming with burn away the chaff that overloads us. We will be tossed about by life and in the process winnowed down to what we hope is good grain. Join the One who suffers and dies and comes again with the eternal hope of God in humankind's ability to make this a world of life for all.
And some realism from Digby
And more from Anne Lamott
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Women as priests in early Christianity and now
Evidence of women as priests and bishops is strong in archeology and writings of the early days of Christianity. Victoria Rue's story of becoming a priest in our day.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Man in the moon
Neil Armstrong 1930-2012
From his family:
For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
From stardust we come and to stardust we shall return
Sally was a physicist, the first American woman to fly in space, a science writer, and the president and CEO of Sally Ride Science. She had the rare ability to understand the essence of things and to inspire those around her to join her pursuits.
Sally’s historic flight into space captured the nation’s imagination and made her a household name. She became a symbol of the ability of women to break barriers and a hero to generations of adventurous young girls. After retiring from NASA, Sally used her high profile to champion a cause she believed in passionately—inspiring young people, especially girls, to stick with their interest in science, to become scientifically literate, and to consider pursuing careers in science and engineering.
In addition to Tam O’Shaughnessy, her partner of 27 years, Sally is survived by her mother, Joyce; her sister, Bear; her niece, Caitlin, and nephew, Whitney; her staff of 40 at Sally Ride Science; and many friends and colleagues around the country.
Ride on in glory - Sally Ride - you inspired us all to become seekers.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
VII Pentecost
Readings are here.
Prospective Immigrants Please Note
Either you will go through this door
Or you will not go through.
If you go through
There is always the risk
Of remembering your name.
Things look at you doubly
And you must look back
And let them happen.
If you do not go through
It is possible to live worthily,
To maintain your attitudes,
To hold your position,
To die bravely.
But much will blind you,
Much will evade you,
At what cost who knows?
The door itself makes no promises.
It is only a door.
-Adrienne Rich 1929-2012
from Suzanne Guthrie's Edge of Enclosure
Blessing by Jan Richardson
Prospective Immigrants Please Note
Either you will go through this door
Or you will not go through.
If you go through
There is always the risk
Of remembering your name.
Things look at you doubly
And you must look back
And let them happen.
If you do not go through
It is possible to live worthily,
To maintain your attitudes,
To hold your position,
To die bravely.
But much will blind you,
Much will evade you,
At what cost who knows?
The door itself makes no promises.
It is only a door.
-Adrienne Rich 1929-2012
from Suzanne Guthrie's Edge of Enclosure
Blessing by Jan Richardson
May your life be a river.
May you flow with the purpose
of the One who created
and called you,
who directs your course
and turns you ever
toward home.
May your way shimmer
with the light of Christ
who goes with you
who bears you up
who calls you by name.
May you move
with the grace of the Spirit
who brooded over
the face of the waters
at the beginning
and who will gather you in
at the end.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
5 Pentecost
Readings are here.
A reflection I wrote on the Gospel:
From Edge of Enclosure.
Image from the catacombs.
A reflection I wrote on the Gospel:
Isolated and alone
Woman of blood
pours herself towards
the fabric of life.
Dewdrop of hope
slips down the thread
to the woman
with outstretched hands
From Edge of Enclosure.
Image from the catacombs.
Monday, June 25, 2012
4 Pentecost
Readings are here.
Mark 4:35-41
When evening had come, Jesus said to his disciples, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"
Jesus asks, "Have you no faith?" -- maybe it is faith in ourselves that makes us afraid? The disciples were mostly fishermen - they knew the sea, they knew storms. Jesus trusts them to sail the boat and he rests in the peace of their skill and trust that God is with us through storm and calm. Below is my painting of the scene:
Mark 4:35-41
When evening had come, Jesus said to his disciples, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"
Jesus asks, "Have you no faith?" -- maybe it is faith in ourselves that makes us afraid? The disciples were mostly fishermen - they knew the sea, they knew storms. Jesus trusts them to sail the boat and he rests in the peace of their skill and trust that God is with us through storm and calm. Below is my painting of the scene:
Friday, June 08, 2012
2 Pentecost
Readings are here.
The readings today seem very appropriate to this stage in our journey of faith here at St. Catherine's. After the end of this month I will no longer be your Interim Vicar. The new vicar, Laurie McKim, will come into our circle as priest among us. Next week is my last sermon as your vicar though I may supply if needed. Following that service I will catch a plane in Portland at 3 p.m. to go to the University of the South, Sewanee, TN for continuing education as a Trainer for the Education for Ministry program offered from the School of Theology. Then if all goes according to plan I will fly to Wyoming to help Jim close on the house. (a big "if" as we won't know for sure until the ink is on the contract).
In our lesson from Samuel, the people of Israel are facing changes. Samuel warns them to be careful what they wish for. In 2 Corinthians Paul tells the people not to lose heart when things look bad and in our Gospel Jesus preaches on the nature of this new community of faith.
In times of changes in leadership we often hope that this new person will save us from ourselves - will make everything work to our satisfaction. I see it over and over in elections. The latest winner is going to fix everything - we will be happy - we will have it all. In churches - the hope is that we will grow, we will have a new future, we will attract new members, we will all grow and deepen our faith and more.
One time I was consulting with a church and I asked - tell me about a time when you thought to yourself - YES! this is why I love being a member of St. Swithin's in the Swamp! A specific time. What were the circumstances? Who was there? What did you do to make it happen? What are the core values you se in this incident? Maybe you might like to think about those questions about your history at St Catherine's for a few moments, right now.
...
For St. Swithin's most of the incidents occurred when they did not have a priest in residence. Times when they pulled together to start something or carry on. Their core values were around the community's own strength and the power of God in their midst. What it told me was that while the priest is an important member of the circle of community-- nothing will happen unless the community wishes it to happen. Oh - I have seen churches swell temporarily with a very charismatic preacher -but when that person goes away or fails in some way - the church goes back to it's norm. Building on the foundation of our communal gifts is the way that churches have solid long lasting communities.
I went to Clergy Conference a couple of weeks ago - the speaker is the rector of a church in Seattle that had fallen on hard times. Her presence in their midst has shown them their own strengths of worship, community and vision. She has not "done it for them" - but was a person who could support and nurture what was already there. She said the key was that they had a kindliness of spirit toward one another. When they had disagreements they remained friends and cared for one another. They built worship on being the best of who they are. This church is a "high church" - Anglo-catholic - smells, bells, chanting - so they worked on doing the best of this style of liturgy. Other churches have different styles on which to become the best of whatever is the ethos of the congregation. It does not matter what style - what matters is doing it well and helping those who visit to relax into whatever is happening. Their vision included having a Sunday School and though they had no children in the church - some members became trained in Godly play and for a year - waited for children every Sunday no matter that no one showed up - they were ready. And now they have 30 kids most Sundays.
What I see in the Scriptures are these same lessons. A new "king" or "queen" will not save us from ourselves. The new vicar will join us and see things in us and help us to see those things for ourselves. If we are divided - a new vicar will listen but will not be able to force us to learn to live with our differences and become reconciled. Only we can do that for ourselves. If we lose heart we need to remember that God is with us and wants this church to be here in this time and this place doing the ministry that God wishes done. Only we can discern what that is - and carry it out - -one vicar cannot do this alone. Jesus asks who are his brothers and sisters and mothers?
The answer is whoever does the will of God. Only you know if we are doing the will of God -but I believe if we are - St. Catherine's will flourish and become the place where all feel called to sit at the table as brothers and sisters in Christ and return to the world refreshed and ready to live as God's people.
The readings today seem very appropriate to this stage in our journey of faith here at St. Catherine's. After the end of this month I will no longer be your Interim Vicar. The new vicar, Laurie McKim, will come into our circle as priest among us. Next week is my last sermon as your vicar though I may supply if needed. Following that service I will catch a plane in Portland at 3 p.m. to go to the University of the South, Sewanee, TN for continuing education as a Trainer for the Education for Ministry program offered from the School of Theology. Then if all goes according to plan I will fly to Wyoming to help Jim close on the house. (a big "if" as we won't know for sure until the ink is on the contract).
In our lesson from Samuel, the people of Israel are facing changes. Samuel warns them to be careful what they wish for. In 2 Corinthians Paul tells the people not to lose heart when things look bad and in our Gospel Jesus preaches on the nature of this new community of faith.
In times of changes in leadership we often hope that this new person will save us from ourselves - will make everything work to our satisfaction. I see it over and over in elections. The latest winner is going to fix everything - we will be happy - we will have it all. In churches - the hope is that we will grow, we will have a new future, we will attract new members, we will all grow and deepen our faith and more.
One time I was consulting with a church and I asked - tell me about a time when you thought to yourself - YES! this is why I love being a member of St. Swithin's in the Swamp! A specific time. What were the circumstances? Who was there? What did you do to make it happen? What are the core values you se in this incident? Maybe you might like to think about those questions about your history at St Catherine's for a few moments, right now.
...
For St. Swithin's most of the incidents occurred when they did not have a priest in residence. Times when they pulled together to start something or carry on. Their core values were around the community's own strength and the power of God in their midst. What it told me was that while the priest is an important member of the circle of community-- nothing will happen unless the community wishes it to happen. Oh - I have seen churches swell temporarily with a very charismatic preacher -but when that person goes away or fails in some way - the church goes back to it's norm. Building on the foundation of our communal gifts is the way that churches have solid long lasting communities.
I went to Clergy Conference a couple of weeks ago - the speaker is the rector of a church in Seattle that had fallen on hard times. Her presence in their midst has shown them their own strengths of worship, community and vision. She has not "done it for them" - but was a person who could support and nurture what was already there. She said the key was that they had a kindliness of spirit toward one another. When they had disagreements they remained friends and cared for one another. They built worship on being the best of who they are. This church is a "high church" - Anglo-catholic - smells, bells, chanting - so they worked on doing the best of this style of liturgy. Other churches have different styles on which to become the best of whatever is the ethos of the congregation. It does not matter what style - what matters is doing it well and helping those who visit to relax into whatever is happening. Their vision included having a Sunday School and though they had no children in the church - some members became trained in Godly play and for a year - waited for children every Sunday no matter that no one showed up - they were ready. And now they have 30 kids most Sundays.
What I see in the Scriptures are these same lessons. A new "king" or "queen" will not save us from ourselves. The new vicar will join us and see things in us and help us to see those things for ourselves. If we are divided - a new vicar will listen but will not be able to force us to learn to live with our differences and become reconciled. Only we can do that for ourselves. If we lose heart we need to remember that God is with us and wants this church to be here in this time and this place doing the ministry that God wishes done. Only we can discern what that is - and carry it out - -one vicar cannot do this alone. Jesus asks who are his brothers and sisters and mothers?
The answer is whoever does the will of God. Only you know if we are doing the will of God -but I believe if we are - St. Catherine's will flourish and become the place where all feel called to sit at the table as brothers and sisters in Christ and return to the world refreshed and ready to live as God's people.
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