TRANSFIGURATION Readings
The subject of the readings this week are an encounter with the holiness of God and how it changes everything for those who see it. Twice per year we have this lesson in the church cycle of readings. It is hard for the preacher to think of anything new to say about it. I move around from church to church because I am an Interim Priest (being the priest for a church while they are searching for a Rector) or doing supply (Sunday services only). It means that most people have not heard what I have said before or the stories that go along with those sermons. But nevertheless I try to find some new life for myself if nothing else. I am interested in what Joan Chittister has to say on this text. Jesus leads Peter, James, and John to the mountaintop where they have a mystical experience and then struggle with whether to stay and build shrines or descend into the valleys of hard work and daily life. But God says This is my Beloved . . . Listen to him. Jesus leads them down the mountain into the work of healing the world. telling them not to discuss what they have seen. He does not want shrines or religious piety - he wants us to take the sense of mystery we have experienced and use it as fuel to energize our ministries.
Our online EFM group uses pictures and paintings to reflect on scripture. Often the artist evokes some deeper meaning than the words can convey. La Transfiguration is the one for this week. In this painting Elijah and Moses are holding Jesus in embraces. Usually I think of an image where Jesus is standing in the middle and Elijah and Moses are standing on either side representing the Prophets and the Law - all that has come before standing side by side with Jesus. But here they are so intertwined it is hard to separate the figures. Peter, James, and John stand off to one side - staring. To me it reflects that there is no separation in God. There is not an "old" testament (as in over and done with) and a "new" testament (the fresh and different). They are intertwined and speak the same mesage of justice and compassion.
Here is a transfiguration story from BBC. Young reporter keeps an online diary of his dying of cancer to keep the terror from overwhelming him. He died last week. His story tells of his personal transfiguration and how he lived his life to the full.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Sunday, January 23, 2005
3 Epiphany thoughts Bible Readings
I am not preaching today so this is a collection of random ideas to go with the readings and other bits that washed up on my shore this week.
The psalm is a song to the delight that the creator takes in human creatures and how far from our ability to understand are the ways of creation. Reading Harvard Magazine I happened upon an article on nanotechnology. It seems that the more we discover the deeper the mysteries.
Paul's letter to the Corinthians comments on the divisions in the church. Seems like the church has never been free from controversy and division. I think we need to learn how to live with difference since this is a permanent state. The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry of North Carolina preached to this topic in his annual address to the Diocese of NC. A bishop from Africa said he did not want to visit the House of Bishops after the election of Gene Robinson in New Hampshire but the demand of the Gospel that makes Christians brothers and sisters called him to move beyond his enmity to come to listen. He still does not agree with the US church but he understands more and hopes that he is more understood. The call to sit in one another's presence, listen to one another and walk the journey together is a difficult call but essential to our ministry in the world.
The Gospel is from Matthew and tells of Jesus following the arrest of John. Jesus has just come out from the wilderness after being baptized. He thinks he has a clarity about what he is supposed to be doing but John's arrest seems to shake him to the core. He withdraws to take up residence in Capernaum. Is this an interlude that refers to his abandoning the mission and making a home far from the action of Jerusalem? Does he think he can just settle down like all his friends? It is only one paragraph but it tantalizes the imagination. But the text moves briskly from that moment - he calls disciples from their fishing to follow him and learn how to catch bigger fish - people. I always wonder what did their father think - when they dropped their nets and left him with the family business to run? Did he have other sons who could help? How do we balance the need to support and care for our personal families and the need to follow a call?
Other bits of my week were spent thinking about Judas. I played that part in a "tableau" of the Passion (judgment, crucifixion and death of Jesus). I wonder if he was chosen or volunteerd for this role rather than being the epitome of an evil person? I discovered I am not the only person to think abou this and found an article The Mystery of Judas where the author discusses other interpretations of Judas' actions. Finally, thinking about Judas - here is my favorite poem about him by Robert Buchanan. The Ballad of Judas Iscariot.
'Twas the body of Judas Iscariot
Lay in the Field of Blood;
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot
Beside the body stood.
Black was the earth by night,
And black was the sky;
Black, black were the broken clouds,
Tho' the red Moon went by.
'Twas the body of Judas Iscariot
Strangled and dead lay there;
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot
Look'd on it in despair.
The breath of the World came and went
Like a sick man's in rest;
Drop by drop on the World's eyes
The dews fell cool and blest.
Then the soul of Judas Iscariot
Did make a gentle moan --
'I will bury underneath the ground
My flesh and blood and bone.
'I will bury deep beneath the soil,
Lest mortals look thereon,
And when the wolf and raven come
The body will be gone!
'The stones of the field are sharp as steel,
And hard and cold, God wot;
And I must bear my body hence
Until I find a spot!'
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot,
So grim, and gaunt, and gray,
Raised the body of Judas Iscariot,
And carried it away.
And as he bare it from the field
Its touch was cold as ice,
And the ivory teeth within the jaw
Rattled aloud, like dice.
As the soul of Judas Iscariot
Carried its load with pain,
The Eye of Heaven, like a lanthorn's eye,
Open'd and shut again.
Half he walk'd, and half he seemed
Lifted on the cold wind;
He did not turn, for chilly hands
Were pushing from behind.
The first place that he came unto
It was the open wold,
And underneath were prickly whins,
And a wind that blew so cold.
The next place that he came unto
It was a stagnant pool,
And when he threw the body in
It floated light as wool.
He drew the body on his back,
And it was dripping chill,
And the next place be came unto
Was a Cross upon a hill.
A Cross upon the windy hill,
And a Cross on either side,
Three skeletons that swing thereon,
Who had been crucified.
And on the middle cross-bar sat
A white Dove slumbering;
Dim it sat in the dim light,
With its head beneath its wing.
And underneath the middle Cross
A grave yawn'd wide and vast,
But the soul of Judas Iscariot
Shiver'd, and glided past.
The fourth place that he came unto
It was the Brig of Dread,
And the great torrents rushing down
Were deep, and swift, and red.
He dared not fling the body in
For fear of faces dim
And arms were waved in the wild water
To thrust it back to him.
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot
Turned from the Brig of Dread,
And the dreadful foam of the wild water
Had splashed the body red.
For days and nights he wandered on
Upon an open plain,
And the days went by like blinding mist,
And the nights like rushing rain.
For days and nights he wandered on,
All thro' the Wood of Woe;
And the nights went by like moaning wind,
And the days like drifting snow.
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot
Came with a weary face --
Alone, alone, and all alone,
Alone in a lonely place!
He wandered east, he wandered west,
And heard no human sound;
For months and years, in grief and tears,
He wandered round and round,
For months and years, in grief and tears,
He walked the silent night;
Then the soul of Judas Iscariot
Perceived a far-off light.
A far-off light across the waste,
As dim as dim might be,
That came and went like the lighthouse gleam
On a black night at sea.
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot
Crawl'd to the distant gleam;
And the rain came down, and the rain was blown
Against him with a scream.
For days and nights he wandered on,
Push'd on by hands behind;
And the days went by like black, black rain,
And the nights like rushing wind.
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot,
Strange, and sad, and tall,
Stood all alone at dead of night
Before a lighted hall.
And the wold was white with snow,
And his foot-marks black and damp,
And the ghost of the silvern Moon arose,
Holding her yellow lamp.
And the icicles were on the eaves,
And the walls were deep with white,
And the shadows of the guests within
Pass'd on the window light.
The shadows of the wedding guests
Did strangely come and go,
And the body of Judas Iscariot
Lay stretch'd along the snow.
The body of Judas Iscariot
Lay stretched along the snow;
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot
Ran swiftly to and fro.
To and fro, and up and down,
He ran so swiftly there,
As round and round the frozen Pole
Glideth the lean white bear.
'Twas the Bridegroom sat at the table-head,
And the lights burnt bright and clear --
'Oh, who is that,' the Bridegroom said,
'Whose weary feet I hear?'
'Twas one look'd from the lighted hall,
And answered soft and slow,
'It is a wolf runs up and down
With a black track in the snow.'
The Bridegroom in his robe of white
Sat at the table-head --
'Oh, who is that who moans without?'
The blessed Bridegroom said.
'Twas one looked from the lighted hall,
And answered fierce and low,
''Tis the soul of Judas Iscariot
Gliding to and fro.'
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot
Did hush itself and stand,
And saw the Bridegroom at the door
With a light in his hand.
The Bridegroom stood in the open door,
And he was clad in white,
And far within the Lord's Supper
Was spread so broad and bright.
The Bridegroom shaded his eyes and look'd,
And his face was bright to see --
'What dost thou here at the Lord's Supper
With thy body's sins?' said he.
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot
Stood black, and sad, and bare --
'I have wandered many nights and days;
There is no light elsewhere.'
'Twas the wedding guests cried out within,
And their eyes were fierce and bright --
'Scourge the soul of Judas Iscariot
Away into the night!'
The Bridegroom stood in the open door,
And he waved hands still and slow,
And the third time that he waved his hands
The air was thick with snow.
And of every flake of falling snow,
Before it touched the ground,
There came a dove, and a thousand doves
Made sweet sound.
'Twas the body of Judas Iscariot
Floated away full fleet,
And the wings of the doves that bare it off
Were like its winding-sheet.
'Twas the Bridegroom stood at the open door,
And beckon'd, smiling sweet;
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot
Stole in, and fell at his feet.
'The Holy Supper is spread within,
And the many candles shine,
And I have waited long for thee
Before I poured the wine!'
The supper wine is poured at last,
The lights burn bright and fair,
Iscariot washes the Bridegroom's feet,
And dries them with his hair.
I am not preaching today so this is a collection of random ideas to go with the readings and other bits that washed up on my shore this week.
The psalm is a song to the delight that the creator takes in human creatures and how far from our ability to understand are the ways of creation. Reading Harvard Magazine I happened upon an article on nanotechnology. It seems that the more we discover the deeper the mysteries.
Paul's letter to the Corinthians comments on the divisions in the church. Seems like the church has never been free from controversy and division. I think we need to learn how to live with difference since this is a permanent state. The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry of North Carolina preached to this topic in his annual address to the Diocese of NC. A bishop from Africa said he did not want to visit the House of Bishops after the election of Gene Robinson in New Hampshire but the demand of the Gospel that makes Christians brothers and sisters called him to move beyond his enmity to come to listen. He still does not agree with the US church but he understands more and hopes that he is more understood. The call to sit in one another's presence, listen to one another and walk the journey together is a difficult call but essential to our ministry in the world.
The Gospel is from Matthew and tells of Jesus following the arrest of John. Jesus has just come out from the wilderness after being baptized. He thinks he has a clarity about what he is supposed to be doing but John's arrest seems to shake him to the core. He withdraws to take up residence in Capernaum. Is this an interlude that refers to his abandoning the mission and making a home far from the action of Jerusalem? Does he think he can just settle down like all his friends? It is only one paragraph but it tantalizes the imagination. But the text moves briskly from that moment - he calls disciples from their fishing to follow him and learn how to catch bigger fish - people. I always wonder what did their father think - when they dropped their nets and left him with the family business to run? Did he have other sons who could help? How do we balance the need to support and care for our personal families and the need to follow a call?
Other bits of my week were spent thinking about Judas. I played that part in a "tableau" of the Passion (judgment, crucifixion and death of Jesus). I wonder if he was chosen or volunteerd for this role rather than being the epitome of an evil person? I discovered I am not the only person to think abou this and found an article The Mystery of Judas where the author discusses other interpretations of Judas' actions. Finally, thinking about Judas - here is my favorite poem about him by Robert Buchanan. The Ballad of Judas Iscariot.
'Twas the body of Judas Iscariot
Lay in the Field of Blood;
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot
Beside the body stood.
Black was the earth by night,
And black was the sky;
Black, black were the broken clouds,
Tho' the red Moon went by.
'Twas the body of Judas Iscariot
Strangled and dead lay there;
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot
Look'd on it in despair.
The breath of the World came and went
Like a sick man's in rest;
Drop by drop on the World's eyes
The dews fell cool and blest.
Then the soul of Judas Iscariot
Did make a gentle moan --
'I will bury underneath the ground
My flesh and blood and bone.
'I will bury deep beneath the soil,
Lest mortals look thereon,
And when the wolf and raven come
The body will be gone!
'The stones of the field are sharp as steel,
And hard and cold, God wot;
And I must bear my body hence
Until I find a spot!'
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot,
So grim, and gaunt, and gray,
Raised the body of Judas Iscariot,
And carried it away.
And as he bare it from the field
Its touch was cold as ice,
And the ivory teeth within the jaw
Rattled aloud, like dice.
As the soul of Judas Iscariot
Carried its load with pain,
The Eye of Heaven, like a lanthorn's eye,
Open'd and shut again.
Half he walk'd, and half he seemed
Lifted on the cold wind;
He did not turn, for chilly hands
Were pushing from behind.
The first place that he came unto
It was the open wold,
And underneath were prickly whins,
And a wind that blew so cold.
The next place that he came unto
It was a stagnant pool,
And when he threw the body in
It floated light as wool.
He drew the body on his back,
And it was dripping chill,
And the next place be came unto
Was a Cross upon a hill.
A Cross upon the windy hill,
And a Cross on either side,
Three skeletons that swing thereon,
Who had been crucified.
And on the middle cross-bar sat
A white Dove slumbering;
Dim it sat in the dim light,
With its head beneath its wing.
And underneath the middle Cross
A grave yawn'd wide and vast,
But the soul of Judas Iscariot
Shiver'd, and glided past.
The fourth place that he came unto
It was the Brig of Dread,
And the great torrents rushing down
Were deep, and swift, and red.
He dared not fling the body in
For fear of faces dim
And arms were waved in the wild water
To thrust it back to him.
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot
Turned from the Brig of Dread,
And the dreadful foam of the wild water
Had splashed the body red.
For days and nights he wandered on
Upon an open plain,
And the days went by like blinding mist,
And the nights like rushing rain.
For days and nights he wandered on,
All thro' the Wood of Woe;
And the nights went by like moaning wind,
And the days like drifting snow.
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot
Came with a weary face --
Alone, alone, and all alone,
Alone in a lonely place!
He wandered east, he wandered west,
And heard no human sound;
For months and years, in grief and tears,
He wandered round and round,
For months and years, in grief and tears,
He walked the silent night;
Then the soul of Judas Iscariot
Perceived a far-off light.
A far-off light across the waste,
As dim as dim might be,
That came and went like the lighthouse gleam
On a black night at sea.
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot
Crawl'd to the distant gleam;
And the rain came down, and the rain was blown
Against him with a scream.
For days and nights he wandered on,
Push'd on by hands behind;
And the days went by like black, black rain,
And the nights like rushing wind.
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot,
Strange, and sad, and tall,
Stood all alone at dead of night
Before a lighted hall.
And the wold was white with snow,
And his foot-marks black and damp,
And the ghost of the silvern Moon arose,
Holding her yellow lamp.
And the icicles were on the eaves,
And the walls were deep with white,
And the shadows of the guests within
Pass'd on the window light.
The shadows of the wedding guests
Did strangely come and go,
And the body of Judas Iscariot
Lay stretch'd along the snow.
The body of Judas Iscariot
Lay stretched along the snow;
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot
Ran swiftly to and fro.
To and fro, and up and down,
He ran so swiftly there,
As round and round the frozen Pole
Glideth the lean white bear.
'Twas the Bridegroom sat at the table-head,
And the lights burnt bright and clear --
'Oh, who is that,' the Bridegroom said,
'Whose weary feet I hear?'
'Twas one look'd from the lighted hall,
And answered soft and slow,
'It is a wolf runs up and down
With a black track in the snow.'
The Bridegroom in his robe of white
Sat at the table-head --
'Oh, who is that who moans without?'
The blessed Bridegroom said.
'Twas one looked from the lighted hall,
And answered fierce and low,
''Tis the soul of Judas Iscariot
Gliding to and fro.'
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot
Did hush itself and stand,
And saw the Bridegroom at the door
With a light in his hand.
The Bridegroom stood in the open door,
And he was clad in white,
And far within the Lord's Supper
Was spread so broad and bright.
The Bridegroom shaded his eyes and look'd,
And his face was bright to see --
'What dost thou here at the Lord's Supper
With thy body's sins?' said he.
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot
Stood black, and sad, and bare --
'I have wandered many nights and days;
There is no light elsewhere.'
'Twas the wedding guests cried out within,
And their eyes were fierce and bright --
'Scourge the soul of Judas Iscariot
Away into the night!'
The Bridegroom stood in the open door,
And he waved hands still and slow,
And the third time that he waved his hands
The air was thick with snow.
And of every flake of falling snow,
Before it touched the ground,
There came a dove, and a thousand doves
Made sweet sound.
'Twas the body of Judas Iscariot
Floated away full fleet,
And the wings of the doves that bare it off
Were like its winding-sheet.
'Twas the Bridegroom stood at the open door,
And beckon'd, smiling sweet;
'Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot
Stole in, and fell at his feet.
'The Holy Supper is spread within,
And the many candles shine,
And I have waited long for thee
Before I poured the wine!'
The supper wine is poured at last,
The lights burn bright and fair,
Iscariot washes the Bridegroom's feet,
And dries them with his hair.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
2 EpiphanyReadings
Imagine yourself on the beach beside the sea - you are longing for something in your life - something you cannot even name - a hunger that cannot be fed with food or drink or drugs, by work, by other people, a hunger of the heart. You have come to hear what John has to say about repentance but still you are restless for more. All at once you see John suddenly jump up and start towards a man walking your way. Behold! John cries out - behold, weakly translated into “Look”or “Here is” in our text today. Behold is a much more meaningful and loaded word in the Greek. It is a comprehension of something not previously recognized - a “taking in” into one’s heart as well as mind and soul.
"Julian of Norwich understands the importance the word 'behold.' “For her the word 'behold' is profoundly theological. It describes a reciprocal holding in being. God the creator of all, God who is beyond being, in humility allows us mere creatures, through Christ indwelling to hold God in being in time and spce, even as god is holding us in being in eternity.
Behold! he is coming with clouds and everyone shall see him. Behold! The Lamb of God. . . Behold! thou shalt conceive: it is in the beholding itself that Mary conceives and we also; it is in this self -forgetful beholding - this eternity of love gazing on Love, of love holding Love in being - that all salvation history occurs. The words that come after 'behold' in these texts are irrelevant for those who (truly) do behold, and explanation for those who do not, for those still chained by the noise of time and syntax. The Word yearns towards them with the promises of God, if only they will turn and behold, and in that beholding, be healed."*1
Healed - this is the root meaning of salvation - like in the word salve - same root. It is not about someplace after life, although there is where we find perfect healing. It is about now and here - being healed and whole in this life. Pie on the table not pie in sky.
When we truly Behold Jesus - we see a person who embodies that perfection of salvation - the truly whole person. A person we want to be with so we too may receive that healing and wholeness in our lives.
On the beach that day - Andrew and his friend follow after Jesus - drawn by his very presence - Jesus turns and says “What are you looking for?”
And they ask “Teacher, where are you staying?” On one level they want to know where he is staying so they can spend more time with him, but on another level they want to live in the place where Jesus lives - not real estate but a state of being. Not a house or inn but a place of centeredness in life. Andrew and his friend have the yearnings of all people. Yearnings - to belong, to love and be loved, to make a difference, for meaning, to endure, to continue beyond our lifetime.*2
Once we have begun to Behold the satisfaction of these yearnings in following Christ and working with him to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth (as we pray each week in the Lord’s prayer - thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven), we want to share this Good News.
That is our call from God - as we heard today from Isaiah, “I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” We participate in this salvation, healing when we give to assist our sisters and brothers suffering from the tsunami, when we send goats to people who are trying to support their families. when we buy mosquito netting for people in Africa to prevent the spread of malaria. We participate by our many ministries right here in Rock Springs - making the community a better place for all peoples. Where are you called to do - visit those who are shut-in? Help in a shelter for abused spouses? Help teach people how to read? There are so many places - one cannot do it all but as the Daughters of the King motto says - “I am but one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something.”
A person who beheld God and experienced being held by God is a man whose day we celebrate this week - Martin Luther King, Jr. From his autobiography at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Papers Project at Stanford Univerisity:
“One night toward the end of January I settled into bed late, after a strenuous day. Coretta had already fallen asleep and just as I was about to doze off the telephone rang. An angry voice said, "Listen, nigger, we've taken all we want from you; before next week you'll be sorry you ever came to Montgomery." I hung up, but I couldn't sleep. It seemed that all of my fears had come down on me at once. I had reached the saturation point.
I got out of bed and began to walk the floor. I had heard these things before, but for some reason that night it got to me. I turned over and I tried to go to sleep, but I couldn't sleep. I was frustrated, bewildered, and then I got up. Finally I went to the kitchen and heated a pot of coffee. I was ready to give up. With my cup of coffee sitting untouched before me I tried to think of a way to move out of the picture without appearing a coward. I sat there and thought about a beautiful little daughter who had just been born. I'd come in night after night and see that little gentle smile. I started thinking about a dedicated and loyal wife, who was over there asleep. And she could be taken from me, or I could be taken from her. And I got to the point that I couldn't take it any longer. I was weak. Something said to me, "You can't call on Daddy now, you can't even call on Mama. You've got to call on that something in that person that your Daddy used to tell you about, that power that can make a way out of no way." With my head in my hands, I bowed over the kitchen table and prayed aloud. The words I spoke to God that midnight are still vivid in my memory: "Lord, I'm down here trying to do what's right. I think I'm right. I am here taking a stand for what I believe is right. But Lord, I must confess that I'm weak now, I'm faltering. I'm losing my courage. Now, I am afraid. And I can't let the people see me like this because if they see me weak and losing my courage, they will begin to get weak. The people are looking to me for leadership, and if I stand before them without strength and courage, they too will falter. I am at the end of my powers. I have nothing left. I've come to the point where I can't face it alone."
It seemed as though I could hear the quiet assurance of an inner voice saying: "Martin Luther, stand up for righteousness. Stand up for justice. Stand up for truth. And lo, I will be with you. Even until the end of the world."
I tell you I've seen the lightning flash. I've heard the thunder roar. I've felt sin breakers dashing trying to conquer my soul. But I heard the voice of Jesus saying still to fight on. He promised never to leave me alone. At that moment I experienced the presence of the Divine as I had never experienced Him before. Almost at once my fears began to go. My uncertainty disappeared. I was ready to face anything.”*3
Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians that we heard today says, “you are not lacking in any spiritual gifts” and “He will also strengthen you to the end” - he writes this to the community at Corinth - but he could be writng this to Holy Communion, Rock Springs. It is our call as a church to believe that if God has called us to be a church in this time and this place - God will provide all we need - leaders, musicians, teachers, pastoral care givers - all we need to become a witness to God in this place. It is not dependent on a priest - it is God at work in your midst.
The psalmist says -
Great things are they that you have done, O LORD my God!
Howgreat are your wonders and plans for us!
Oh, that I could make them known and tell them!
We can do this - we can tell of all the wonders of God, of how God in Christ offers a place for each of us to satisfy our yearnings. A place of belonging, a place to make a difference, a place where we are known and loved, a place to find meaning for our lives and the life of our community and world. Behold! Come and see!
*1 - Sister Martha Reeves in O Ye Frost and Cold
*2 - The Rev. Richard (Rick) Brewer, EFM
*3 - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Imagine yourself on the beach beside the sea - you are longing for something in your life - something you cannot even name - a hunger that cannot be fed with food or drink or drugs, by work, by other people, a hunger of the heart. You have come to hear what John has to say about repentance but still you are restless for more. All at once you see John suddenly jump up and start towards a man walking your way. Behold! John cries out - behold, weakly translated into “Look”or “Here is” in our text today. Behold is a much more meaningful and loaded word in the Greek. It is a comprehension of something not previously recognized - a “taking in” into one’s heart as well as mind and soul.
"Julian of Norwich understands the importance the word 'behold.' “For her the word 'behold' is profoundly theological. It describes a reciprocal holding in being. God the creator of all, God who is beyond being, in humility allows us mere creatures, through Christ indwelling to hold God in being in time and spce, even as god is holding us in being in eternity.
Behold! he is coming with clouds and everyone shall see him. Behold! The Lamb of God. . . Behold! thou shalt conceive: it is in the beholding itself that Mary conceives and we also; it is in this self -forgetful beholding - this eternity of love gazing on Love, of love holding Love in being - that all salvation history occurs. The words that come after 'behold' in these texts are irrelevant for those who (truly) do behold, and explanation for those who do not, for those still chained by the noise of time and syntax. The Word yearns towards them with the promises of God, if only they will turn and behold, and in that beholding, be healed."*1
Healed - this is the root meaning of salvation - like in the word salve - same root. It is not about someplace after life, although there is where we find perfect healing. It is about now and here - being healed and whole in this life. Pie on the table not pie in sky.
When we truly Behold Jesus - we see a person who embodies that perfection of salvation - the truly whole person. A person we want to be with so we too may receive that healing and wholeness in our lives.
On the beach that day - Andrew and his friend follow after Jesus - drawn by his very presence - Jesus turns and says “What are you looking for?”
And they ask “Teacher, where are you staying?” On one level they want to know where he is staying so they can spend more time with him, but on another level they want to live in the place where Jesus lives - not real estate but a state of being. Not a house or inn but a place of centeredness in life. Andrew and his friend have the yearnings of all people. Yearnings - to belong, to love and be loved, to make a difference, for meaning, to endure, to continue beyond our lifetime.*2
Once we have begun to Behold the satisfaction of these yearnings in following Christ and working with him to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth (as we pray each week in the Lord’s prayer - thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven), we want to share this Good News.
That is our call from God - as we heard today from Isaiah, “I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” We participate in this salvation, healing when we give to assist our sisters and brothers suffering from the tsunami, when we send goats to people who are trying to support their families. when we buy mosquito netting for people in Africa to prevent the spread of malaria. We participate by our many ministries right here in Rock Springs - making the community a better place for all peoples. Where are you called to do - visit those who are shut-in? Help in a shelter for abused spouses? Help teach people how to read? There are so many places - one cannot do it all but as the Daughters of the King motto says - “I am but one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something.”
A person who beheld God and experienced being held by God is a man whose day we celebrate this week - Martin Luther King, Jr. From his autobiography at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Papers Project at Stanford Univerisity:
“One night toward the end of January I settled into bed late, after a strenuous day. Coretta had already fallen asleep and just as I was about to doze off the telephone rang. An angry voice said, "Listen, nigger, we've taken all we want from you; before next week you'll be sorry you ever came to Montgomery." I hung up, but I couldn't sleep. It seemed that all of my fears had come down on me at once. I had reached the saturation point.
I got out of bed and began to walk the floor. I had heard these things before, but for some reason that night it got to me. I turned over and I tried to go to sleep, but I couldn't sleep. I was frustrated, bewildered, and then I got up. Finally I went to the kitchen and heated a pot of coffee. I was ready to give up. With my cup of coffee sitting untouched before me I tried to think of a way to move out of the picture without appearing a coward. I sat there and thought about a beautiful little daughter who had just been born. I'd come in night after night and see that little gentle smile. I started thinking about a dedicated and loyal wife, who was over there asleep. And she could be taken from me, or I could be taken from her. And I got to the point that I couldn't take it any longer. I was weak. Something said to me, "You can't call on Daddy now, you can't even call on Mama. You've got to call on that something in that person that your Daddy used to tell you about, that power that can make a way out of no way." With my head in my hands, I bowed over the kitchen table and prayed aloud. The words I spoke to God that midnight are still vivid in my memory: "Lord, I'm down here trying to do what's right. I think I'm right. I am here taking a stand for what I believe is right. But Lord, I must confess that I'm weak now, I'm faltering. I'm losing my courage. Now, I am afraid. And I can't let the people see me like this because if they see me weak and losing my courage, they will begin to get weak. The people are looking to me for leadership, and if I stand before them without strength and courage, they too will falter. I am at the end of my powers. I have nothing left. I've come to the point where I can't face it alone."
It seemed as though I could hear the quiet assurance of an inner voice saying: "Martin Luther, stand up for righteousness. Stand up for justice. Stand up for truth. And lo, I will be with you. Even until the end of the world."
I tell you I've seen the lightning flash. I've heard the thunder roar. I've felt sin breakers dashing trying to conquer my soul. But I heard the voice of Jesus saying still to fight on. He promised never to leave me alone. At that moment I experienced the presence of the Divine as I had never experienced Him before. Almost at once my fears began to go. My uncertainty disappeared. I was ready to face anything.”*3
Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians that we heard today says, “you are not lacking in any spiritual gifts” and “He will also strengthen you to the end” - he writes this to the community at Corinth - but he could be writng this to Holy Communion, Rock Springs. It is our call as a church to believe that if God has called us to be a church in this time and this place - God will provide all we need - leaders, musicians, teachers, pastoral care givers - all we need to become a witness to God in this place. It is not dependent on a priest - it is God at work in your midst.
The psalmist says -
Great things are they that you have done, O LORD my God!
Howgreat are your wonders and plans for us!
Oh, that I could make them known and tell them!
We can do this - we can tell of all the wonders of God, of how God in Christ offers a place for each of us to satisfy our yearnings. A place of belonging, a place to make a difference, a place where we are known and loved, a place to find meaning for our lives and the life of our community and world. Behold! Come and see!
*1 - Sister Martha Reeves in O Ye Frost and Cold
*2 - The Rev. Richard (Rick) Brewer, EFM
*3 - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Earthquakes, Tsunami, and God
God IS in the tsunami - the power that created the universe made tsunamis. The tectonic plates move so that the land masses can float above the earth's core. The earth will not tear itself apart, which it would do if it had a rigid cover over the molten magma. The resulting earthquakes and tsunamis are inevitable. They are not punishment for sin. They are not intended by the creator for anything other than the balance and well being of the earth.
Building on the beach, cutting down banyan trees to build shrimp farms, forgetting the teaching of those who have been through this before, lack of sharing of resources from the rich to the poor. This is where the sin lies. The tsunami is not a punishment - but there are consequences of not paying attention to the creation. Natural disasters are in the eye of the beholder and the sufferer. The suffering and loss are great and terrible and a part of living on this fragile earth, our island home (BCP p. 370).
I grew up on the Oregon coast by the Pacific Ocean. I know this fearsome side of the creation. The creator God is not tame. God does not intervene in the natural order of the universe. That really would cause chaos. But, like the Israelites in the wilderness, we prefer a golden calf to this wild God.
God is also in the suffering and in the assistance. We know the divine in Jesus is the one who comes among us and lives and dies with us, God who enters into life and shows us how to live here on the earth. We are the hands and arms and bodies of this manifestation of God.
God is in and through all, where we live and move and have our being as it says in the Book of Acts. The Hindu Rig-Veda envisions this as Indra’s Net. The net stretches between heaven and earth and all things are held in it. Each being is a jewel in the net. When one feels joy - all feel joy. When one suffers - all suffer. Christians know this connection as the Spirit which is present in the spaces between us - the web that connects us all as one. We have the job of tending the net - the web of creation.
Is there any lesson in this disaster? I believe the lesson of the tsunami and all natural disasters is we are a part of creation, we are NOT special. We can make a big mess of creation, even destroy it, but I don’t think that is the answer.
God IS in the tsunami - the power that created the universe made tsunamis. The tectonic plates move so that the land masses can float above the earth's core. The earth will not tear itself apart, which it would do if it had a rigid cover over the molten magma. The resulting earthquakes and tsunamis are inevitable. They are not punishment for sin. They are not intended by the creator for anything other than the balance and well being of the earth.
Building on the beach, cutting down banyan trees to build shrimp farms, forgetting the teaching of those who have been through this before, lack of sharing of resources from the rich to the poor. This is where the sin lies. The tsunami is not a punishment - but there are consequences of not paying attention to the creation. Natural disasters are in the eye of the beholder and the sufferer. The suffering and loss are great and terrible and a part of living on this fragile earth, our island home (BCP p. 370).
I grew up on the Oregon coast by the Pacific Ocean. I know this fearsome side of the creation. The creator God is not tame. God does not intervene in the natural order of the universe. That really would cause chaos. But, like the Israelites in the wilderness, we prefer a golden calf to this wild God.
God is also in the suffering and in the assistance. We know the divine in Jesus is the one who comes among us and lives and dies with us, God who enters into life and shows us how to live here on the earth. We are the hands and arms and bodies of this manifestation of God.
God is in and through all, where we live and move and have our being as it says in the Book of Acts. The Hindu Rig-Veda envisions this as Indra’s Net. The net stretches between heaven and earth and all things are held in it. Each being is a jewel in the net. When one feels joy - all feel joy. When one suffers - all suffer. Christians know this connection as the Spirit which is present in the spaces between us - the web that connects us all as one. We have the job of tending the net - the web of creation.
Is there any lesson in this disaster? I believe the lesson of the tsunami and all natural disasters is we are a part of creation, we are NOT special. We can make a big mess of creation, even destroy it, but I don’t think that is the answer.
Friday, January 07, 2005
Walking to the Post Office on a Winter Afternoon
I think I should have put on my long underwear
as the cold air surrounds my Levi-ed legs
but I am already around the corner of the road
and warming in my down parka with its fake fur trim.
I reach the city (if you can call a town of 6500 a city) limits
where a crazy checkerboard
of sidewalks wait in frozen invitation,
with and without parking strips
some shoveled clear of snow
some trampled by other walkers
one who stamped UGG with every step
My shadow stretches out ahead
as the sun warms my back
maybe it is good that I do not have another layer
The post office is jammed with others who have
letters to mail or P.O. boxes to check before
they hop back in one of the idling pickups
in the parking lot and head home for dinner.
Now I turn towards home having mailed my
excuse for a walk letter
I retrace my waffle steps as my shadow
lingers further and further behind
Deer prints criss cross my path
and a few prints of cross country ski boots.
The sun is quickly disappearing over the mountain
so I stay on the high road instead
of taking the river walk with its ouzels and otters.
Quickly now I pass the golf course with its
single skier skating across the fairway
and turn towards our road.
The sun is gone to the other side of the world
and soon the stars and maybe comet Maccholz
will appear in the East
Our home greets me with a blast of warmth
that is not just the wood stove with its load
of Russian Olive and Cottonwood
I think I should have put on my long underwear
as the cold air surrounds my Levi-ed legs
but I am already around the corner of the road
and warming in my down parka with its fake fur trim.
I reach the city (if you can call a town of 6500 a city) limits
where a crazy checkerboard
of sidewalks wait in frozen invitation,
with and without parking strips
some shoveled clear of snow
some trampled by other walkers
one who stamped UGG with every step
My shadow stretches out ahead
as the sun warms my back
maybe it is good that I do not have another layer
The post office is jammed with others who have
letters to mail or P.O. boxes to check before
they hop back in one of the idling pickups
in the parking lot and head home for dinner.
Now I turn towards home having mailed my
excuse for a walk letter
I retrace my waffle steps as my shadow
lingers further and further behind
Deer prints criss cross my path
and a few prints of cross country ski boots.
The sun is quickly disappearing over the mountain
so I stay on the high road instead
of taking the river walk with its ouzels and otters.
Quickly now I pass the golf course with its
single skier skating across the fairway
and turn towards our road.
The sun is gone to the other side of the world
and soon the stars and maybe comet Maccholz
will appear in the East
Our home greets me with a blast of warmth
that is not just the wood stove with its load
of Russian Olive and Cottonwood
Thursday, January 06, 2005
1 EPIPHANY
“Then Peter began to speak to them: 'I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ-he is Lord of all.” Acts 10:34-36
The background for this speech is the early Christians are having a dispute. This one is about whether gentiles have to be circumcised before they can be baptized. To us this may not seem like it would be problem but for Jewish Christians it was as a horrible thing if males were not circumcised. They would literally feel sick to be associating with such people. The gentiles could not be insiders in the church because they were such outsiders in the early Christian's minds. Peter felt this way and Paul had been trying to convince him that it was not important. The story that comes before Peter’s speech is his journey to changing his mind.(Acts 10:1-36)
All who stand in awe of the mystery beyond our knowing and do what is right are acceptable in that mystery. And the odd thing about God, even those who don’t stand in awe and don’t do what is right are accepted. Peter had it right - God shows no partiality.
The church has been having disputes and debates and even wars over who is right about who is in and who is out and what God thinks. In the end of each fight what becomes clear is that wherever there is justice, mercy, and a willingness to walk in the path of Love we will find the Holy One. The current debate in the church is about whether our day’s outsiders, gay, lesbian and transgender persons will be accepted without having to conform to someone else’s ideas. Like the gentiles of the early church - will they be accepted as full members with all the rights and rites of everyone else? This story of Peter and the Centurion gives us the answer.
In an old poem by Edwin Markham, he puts it this way
He drew a circle that shut me out
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout
But Love and I had wit to win
We drew a circle that took him in.
God’s circle is Love, or as we call its embodiment, Jesus Christ. No one is out - all are in. We can relax into knowing that we are always loved - no matter what we have done or are doing, no matter where we are in our life journey, no matter what other's opinions are of us. We are free to share that love and witness it to others. We can stand up for how God wants the world to be - a place where all are cared for. We can share our resources with others. We can be a place where all are welcome. We can stand up for those who are on the margins, those who suffer from prejudice or injustice.We can be a place where those who are imprisoned by their life history or addictions or abuse can find freedom. We can let go of fear and step out in Love. We can reflect the way that God would have us live because we know that we are beloved of the one who created the universe and that we are supposed to be here in this time and this place.
This Sunday we celebrate the baptism of Jesus. Matthew tells us the story of how Jesus went down into Egypt and has now returned. Like Moses and the chosen people emerging from the waters of the Red Sea - Jesus emerges from the waters of baptism about to enter the wilderness. The voice from the heavens proclaims him Son, Beloved, in whom God is well pleased. God is delighted with him - he is the one who will lead the people into freedom - out of bondage from injustice, out of bondage to all things that keep people from becoming who God has created them to be. Jesus can lead us because he is the one who lives fully into who God created him to be - not any threat nor even death will cause him to change how he lives his life. He hangs out with all sorts of people, not just the “good” people but also tax collectors, prostitutes, the religious and the non-religious, rich and poor, whoever comes to him. He invites all to share with him in God's way of life. In fact, the early church was called that - the Way. He does not call us to worship him - he calls us to follow him and as the psalmist says “Your love, O LORD, for ever will I sing” Psalm 89:1a.
“Then Peter began to speak to them: 'I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ-he is Lord of all.” Acts 10:34-36
The background for this speech is the early Christians are having a dispute. This one is about whether gentiles have to be circumcised before they can be baptized. To us this may not seem like it would be problem but for Jewish Christians it was as a horrible thing if males were not circumcised. They would literally feel sick to be associating with such people. The gentiles could not be insiders in the church because they were such outsiders in the early Christian's minds. Peter felt this way and Paul had been trying to convince him that it was not important. The story that comes before Peter’s speech is his journey to changing his mind.(Acts 10:1-36)
All who stand in awe of the mystery beyond our knowing and do what is right are acceptable in that mystery. And the odd thing about God, even those who don’t stand in awe and don’t do what is right are accepted. Peter had it right - God shows no partiality.
The church has been having disputes and debates and even wars over who is right about who is in and who is out and what God thinks. In the end of each fight what becomes clear is that wherever there is justice, mercy, and a willingness to walk in the path of Love we will find the Holy One. The current debate in the church is about whether our day’s outsiders, gay, lesbian and transgender persons will be accepted without having to conform to someone else’s ideas. Like the gentiles of the early church - will they be accepted as full members with all the rights and rites of everyone else? This story of Peter and the Centurion gives us the answer.
In an old poem by Edwin Markham, he puts it this way
He drew a circle that shut me out
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout
But Love and I had wit to win
We drew a circle that took him in.
God’s circle is Love, or as we call its embodiment, Jesus Christ. No one is out - all are in. We can relax into knowing that we are always loved - no matter what we have done or are doing, no matter where we are in our life journey, no matter what other's opinions are of us. We are free to share that love and witness it to others. We can stand up for how God wants the world to be - a place where all are cared for. We can share our resources with others. We can be a place where all are welcome. We can stand up for those who are on the margins, those who suffer from prejudice or injustice.We can be a place where those who are imprisoned by their life history or addictions or abuse can find freedom. We can let go of fear and step out in Love. We can reflect the way that God would have us live because we know that we are beloved of the one who created the universe and that we are supposed to be here in this time and this place.
This Sunday we celebrate the baptism of Jesus. Matthew tells us the story of how Jesus went down into Egypt and has now returned. Like Moses and the chosen people emerging from the waters of the Red Sea - Jesus emerges from the waters of baptism about to enter the wilderness. The voice from the heavens proclaims him Son, Beloved, in whom God is well pleased. God is delighted with him - he is the one who will lead the people into freedom - out of bondage from injustice, out of bondage to all things that keep people from becoming who God has created them to be. Jesus can lead us because he is the one who lives fully into who God created him to be - not any threat nor even death will cause him to change how he lives his life. He hangs out with all sorts of people, not just the “good” people but also tax collectors, prostitutes, the religious and the non-religious, rich and poor, whoever comes to him. He invites all to share with him in God's way of life. In fact, the early church was called that - the Way. He does not call us to worship him - he calls us to follow him and as the psalmist says “Your love, O LORD, for ever will I sing” Psalm 89:1a.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
CHRISTMAS 2 - random thoughts.
In the cycle of readings for the Episcopal Church this Sunday is the story of the Flight to Egypt except the lectionary leaves out verses 16-18, Herod's slaughter of all boys under age 2. This is a particularly glaring omission to me this week. During the week the world witnessed one of the greatest natural disasters of history, 120,000 people died (as of today) and damage to property and livelihoods beyond counting. A great percentage of the dead are children - a modern day slaughter of innocents. The earth is constructed to shift the underlying plates to maintain balance so in a way you could say that the creator caused the earthquake and tsunami but the theology of the Incarnation - God born,living and dying as Jesus the Christ - tells of God who enters into human life and suffers with us. Even in the earliest days of Jesus' life he lives in times of danger and suffering. To me the slaughter of the tsunami is partly due to a natural catastrophe but there is an element of Herod too. Many of the areas that were destroyed ignored the posssibility of tsunami and built on the shoreline to attract tourists. Many areas cut down the natural flora and destroyed reefs, that could have slowed the waves, to build shrimp farms so we can have inexpensive shrimp for our parties. Many places forgot the stories of the elders that say when there is an earthquake the waves will follow - go to higher ground. There is one island where most all survived because they remembered the wisdom of their foremothers and forefathers - when they felt the earthquake they all went to the hills. There could have been warning systems set up but money was not found for that. One hotel had its own warning system and all there were saved.
So where is God in all of this? Some are saying it is God's punishment on those who were partying and having a holiday at the beach during Christmas, or because it is a place where gays and lesbians are free to be together and have fun. (see Fred Phelps site for this particular bit of Herod-like thinking). That is NOT my Christianity, that is not the message of Jesus, God with us. To me, God is present in the woman who lived inland and cooked up all she had in her house, put it on a cart and wheeled it down to the shore and began feeding whoever showed up. God is in the tourists who sprang into action using their skills as EMTs or doctors or whatever, and their resources to begin immediate aid. God is in the columnists who shamed the US government into committing more aid than the paltrey $15 million drop in the bucket first offered. A country that spends $30 billion on diet products each year, a country that spends $30 million every 4 hours in a war in Iraq - can do better. Countries around the world contributed to aid and individual generosity is even more impressive. Already money is flowing through religious and private organizations into programs that are in place and organized to assist people The Episcopal Relief and Development program is set up through the Anglican Communion and its local churches throughtout the area of the Indian Ocean. $250,000 went out immediately and more to follow as donations are made.
The tragedy is beyond my ability to take in and yet I have hope that it will bring us together as humans on this planet - our island Earth. It will still be terrible for all who are suffering but we will not be left on the side of Herod - a king who sees only threats to his power and reacts creating more suffering and loss. Hopefully, we will be on the side of the One who calls us to see each other as family, sisters and brothers, the One born in the midst of times of terror. Nathan Nettleton in Australia says it better than any in A Christmas Tsunami.
So many questions in this journey of faith, what are our answers and what is God's answer?
In the cycle of readings for the Episcopal Church this Sunday is the story of the Flight to Egypt except the lectionary leaves out verses 16-18, Herod's slaughter of all boys under age 2. This is a particularly glaring omission to me this week. During the week the world witnessed one of the greatest natural disasters of history, 120,000 people died (as of today) and damage to property and livelihoods beyond counting. A great percentage of the dead are children - a modern day slaughter of innocents. The earth is constructed to shift the underlying plates to maintain balance so in a way you could say that the creator caused the earthquake and tsunami but the theology of the Incarnation - God born,living and dying as Jesus the Christ - tells of God who enters into human life and suffers with us. Even in the earliest days of Jesus' life he lives in times of danger and suffering. To me the slaughter of the tsunami is partly due to a natural catastrophe but there is an element of Herod too. Many of the areas that were destroyed ignored the posssibility of tsunami and built on the shoreline to attract tourists. Many areas cut down the natural flora and destroyed reefs, that could have slowed the waves, to build shrimp farms so we can have inexpensive shrimp for our parties. Many places forgot the stories of the elders that say when there is an earthquake the waves will follow - go to higher ground. There is one island where most all survived because they remembered the wisdom of their foremothers and forefathers - when they felt the earthquake they all went to the hills. There could have been warning systems set up but money was not found for that. One hotel had its own warning system and all there were saved.
So where is God in all of this? Some are saying it is God's punishment on those who were partying and having a holiday at the beach during Christmas, or because it is a place where gays and lesbians are free to be together and have fun. (see Fred Phelps site for this particular bit of Herod-like thinking). That is NOT my Christianity, that is not the message of Jesus, God with us. To me, God is present in the woman who lived inland and cooked up all she had in her house, put it on a cart and wheeled it down to the shore and began feeding whoever showed up. God is in the tourists who sprang into action using their skills as EMTs or doctors or whatever, and their resources to begin immediate aid. God is in the columnists who shamed the US government into committing more aid than the paltrey $15 million drop in the bucket first offered. A country that spends $30 billion on diet products each year, a country that spends $30 million every 4 hours in a war in Iraq - can do better. Countries around the world contributed to aid and individual generosity is even more impressive. Already money is flowing through religious and private organizations into programs that are in place and organized to assist people The Episcopal Relief and Development program is set up through the Anglican Communion and its local churches throughtout the area of the Indian Ocean. $250,000 went out immediately and more to follow as donations are made.
The tragedy is beyond my ability to take in and yet I have hope that it will bring us together as humans on this planet - our island Earth. It will still be terrible for all who are suffering but we will not be left on the side of Herod - a king who sees only threats to his power and reacts creating more suffering and loss. Hopefully, we will be on the side of the One who calls us to see each other as family, sisters and brothers, the One born in the midst of times of terror. Nathan Nettleton in Australia says it better than any in A Christmas Tsunami.
So many questions in this journey of faith, what are our answers and what is God's answer?
Friday, December 24, 2004
CHRISTMAS 2004
Some years I am brimming over with Christmas cheer - the friends, the family, the presents, the love - overflowing. This year for some reason - there is a tinge of sadness and melancholy in the midst of it all. Maybe I have been listening to the news too much or hearing of too many events that I cannot do anything about. Maybe it is because a good friend died on St. Nicholas Day. Maybe is it the mess in Iraq.
I don’t feel ready for Christmas even though all the presents are purchased and some are even opened (Jim and I had a bit of early Christmas today). But ready or not - here it is! Tonight we gather to hear the story and live again the miracle of God being born in our midst. God who loves us and joins us in our human journey - birth, life, death. All the wonder and suffering that it is to be human. Emmanuel - God with us. With us and for us. The beginning of our journey, the journey itself and the end of our journey - in whom we live and move and have our being. As St. Patrick says, “Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of friend and stranger.”
(Hymnal #370)
John Shea says the signs of Christmas remind us that regardless of the state of our lives and the world - the promise of hope is always there. The star - stars are the most amazing things - I love to go out on a winter night and see the universe - I feel like I could almost fall off the world into the brightness. Yesterday I went out before dawn and saw a man made star tracking across the sky - for 4 minutes I watched (in my down robe and a blanket wrapped around me) as the Space Station trekked its way from NW to NE - two astronauts - one from Russian and one from the US - an amazing sign for someone who grew up when Russia was our enemy and fear ruled in our country. Now we journey through the universe together - who would have thought it could happen? At Jesus birth - the star marked the place where love could bring strangers together - Magi - scientists of their day, from another religious tradition, beautifully dressed with lovely gifts, shepherds - looked down upon by “nice” people - scruffy and somewhat scary, living in the fields with their sheep, a rough crowd, Angels - messengers from another realm of creation, singing with the songs of the universe, dancing in from the stars. Joseph - following his dreams, Mary - young girl whose heart was open to the will of God. All these people who would never be found together except by a miracle and the star shows us the way in the darkest of nights.
The tree - evergreen. No matter how cold the winter - its branches hold the promise of new life and green springtime. Wildlife gathers for shelter under its branches, cones provide food, and we bring them into our homes and churches to remember that even in the coldest of times - life continues.
The baby - born in less than ideal surroundings - typical of the birth of many children around the world. Babies come regardless of circumstance - rich or poor, in a hospital or in a manger, always with the same message - that God has not yet given up on us. And this particular birth makes all births holy - filled with the promise that love can overcome everything else and that the arc of justice bends towards earth - this child who will live into the fullness of who he was created to be - who shows us the way to live into the fullness of who we are created to be - who reminds of the fact that angels sang at our birth too - with our own special song. Can we hear it? In moments of despair and moments of joy - listen. Listen to the Angels singing sweetly over the earth - you are my beloved child and with you I am well pleased.
My favorite Christmas story is of a man who was having a terrible time in his life - he was probably going to lose his job, he had just had a big fight with his spouse, his daughter was in Iraq. It was not a good time for him. He decided to go out for a walk. As he walked through the falling snow - damp cold sifting down the back of his neck - head down, trudging along. The stores were alight with Christmas - bright icicles of tiny white lights, multi-colored strands of fat bulbs, gifts displayed in tinsel and a riot of red, green, blue, and silver. He saw none of it - so immersed was he in his troubles and the bad news of the world. Out of the corner of his downcast eyes he saw a manger scene, something about it made him stop. It was a big full-sized one - the figures gathered around - a fearsome angel, scruffy shepherds, Magi in all their royal garb, cattle, sheep, camels, and of course Joseph and Mary. Suddenly he became aware that there was no Christ Child in this scene - instead all the figures were gazing out with that sappy look adults reserve for babies - that aaahhh - isn’t that a wonderful child look. But instead of looking at a baby they were all looking at him. He was the beloved child - he is the one for which the whole world is waiting. He was filled with the love of that moment. His life had not changed but his world had.
In the words of another hymn by Christina Rossetti (Hymnal #84)
Love came down at Christmas, love all lovely, love divine;
love was born at Christmas: star and angels gave the sign.
Love shall be our token; love be yours and love be mine
love to God and neighbor, love for plea and gift and sign.
Look around for the signs of hope and have a Merry Christmas!!!
Some years I am brimming over with Christmas cheer - the friends, the family, the presents, the love - overflowing. This year for some reason - there is a tinge of sadness and melancholy in the midst of it all. Maybe I have been listening to the news too much or hearing of too many events that I cannot do anything about. Maybe it is because a good friend died on St. Nicholas Day. Maybe is it the mess in Iraq.
I don’t feel ready for Christmas even though all the presents are purchased and some are even opened (Jim and I had a bit of early Christmas today). But ready or not - here it is! Tonight we gather to hear the story and live again the miracle of God being born in our midst. God who loves us and joins us in our human journey - birth, life, death. All the wonder and suffering that it is to be human. Emmanuel - God with us. With us and for us. The beginning of our journey, the journey itself and the end of our journey - in whom we live and move and have our being. As St. Patrick says, “Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of friend and stranger.”
(Hymnal #370)
John Shea says the signs of Christmas remind us that regardless of the state of our lives and the world - the promise of hope is always there. The star - stars are the most amazing things - I love to go out on a winter night and see the universe - I feel like I could almost fall off the world into the brightness. Yesterday I went out before dawn and saw a man made star tracking across the sky - for 4 minutes I watched (in my down robe and a blanket wrapped around me) as the Space Station trekked its way from NW to NE - two astronauts - one from Russian and one from the US - an amazing sign for someone who grew up when Russia was our enemy and fear ruled in our country. Now we journey through the universe together - who would have thought it could happen? At Jesus birth - the star marked the place where love could bring strangers together - Magi - scientists of their day, from another religious tradition, beautifully dressed with lovely gifts, shepherds - looked down upon by “nice” people - scruffy and somewhat scary, living in the fields with their sheep, a rough crowd, Angels - messengers from another realm of creation, singing with the songs of the universe, dancing in from the stars. Joseph - following his dreams, Mary - young girl whose heart was open to the will of God. All these people who would never be found together except by a miracle and the star shows us the way in the darkest of nights.
The tree - evergreen. No matter how cold the winter - its branches hold the promise of new life and green springtime. Wildlife gathers for shelter under its branches, cones provide food, and we bring them into our homes and churches to remember that even in the coldest of times - life continues.
The baby - born in less than ideal surroundings - typical of the birth of many children around the world. Babies come regardless of circumstance - rich or poor, in a hospital or in a manger, always with the same message - that God has not yet given up on us. And this particular birth makes all births holy - filled with the promise that love can overcome everything else and that the arc of justice bends towards earth - this child who will live into the fullness of who he was created to be - who shows us the way to live into the fullness of who we are created to be - who reminds of the fact that angels sang at our birth too - with our own special song. Can we hear it? In moments of despair and moments of joy - listen. Listen to the Angels singing sweetly over the earth - you are my beloved child and with you I am well pleased.
My favorite Christmas story is of a man who was having a terrible time in his life - he was probably going to lose his job, he had just had a big fight with his spouse, his daughter was in Iraq. It was not a good time for him. He decided to go out for a walk. As he walked through the falling snow - damp cold sifting down the back of his neck - head down, trudging along. The stores were alight with Christmas - bright icicles of tiny white lights, multi-colored strands of fat bulbs, gifts displayed in tinsel and a riot of red, green, blue, and silver. He saw none of it - so immersed was he in his troubles and the bad news of the world. Out of the corner of his downcast eyes he saw a manger scene, something about it made him stop. It was a big full-sized one - the figures gathered around - a fearsome angel, scruffy shepherds, Magi in all their royal garb, cattle, sheep, camels, and of course Joseph and Mary. Suddenly he became aware that there was no Christ Child in this scene - instead all the figures were gazing out with that sappy look adults reserve for babies - that aaahhh - isn’t that a wonderful child look. But instead of looking at a baby they were all looking at him. He was the beloved child - he is the one for which the whole world is waiting. He was filled with the love of that moment. His life had not changed but his world had.
In the words of another hymn by Christina Rossetti (Hymnal #84)
Love came down at Christmas, love all lovely, love divine;
love was born at Christmas: star and angels gave the sign.
Love shall be our token; love be yours and love be mine
love to God and neighbor, love for plea and gift and sign.
Look around for the signs of hope and have a Merry Christmas!!!
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
"Are you ready for Christmas?" This question seems to have replaced the "How are you?" as the question for this time of year. It seems to require just a simple "yes" or "no" but for me it is a dilemma. As a Christian, an Episcopal priest, a mother, grandmother, wife, etc. it causes me to review all the various layers of Christmas and often paralyzes my response. Yes, I am ready - presents are purchased and mailed (online shopping and shipping makes this easy if I can just get an idea of what people want) and my Christmas letter is written even if it is not printed and mailed yet and may not be even with 12 days of Christmas. Yes and No as a priest - the service bulletins are typed and being printed (I hope) but I do not have more than a few glimmerings of what will be in my sermon. No - as a Christian - I am never ready for the amazing gift of the incarnation - God being born in our midst. Were Mary and Joseph ready? Mary - a young woman (almost a girl, perhaps) - on the road, hoping to find shelter before the baby is born, pregnant - God knows how - and with a promise but not much else. Joseph - old? young? - a wife, pregnant not by him, taking her on a trip because the Emperor does worry about the lives of his subjects or the inconvenience he is causing. Totally not ready for what is to be the first Christmas. Am I ready - ready to have God born in me this night - as we sing in O Little Town of Bethlehem? Is there space in my life for God who is going to be as demanding as a newborn? who reminds me that all people are created in the image of God? (even "those" people), who will call me to seek justice for all people? to live in the world with compassion towards all (interesting that word compassion - in the Hebrew the root is womb of God), to love my neighbor as myself? Am I ready for the outpouring of Love into my life - a love that is not bribed or purchased, but surrounds us and dwells in the spaces between us - in whom we live and move and have our being? No - not ready - but God like some wild child playing tag with us says "ready or not - here I come" and when we are caught we know we are "IT" -- captured by LOVE.
Love came down at Christmas, love all lovely, love divine;
love was born at Christmas, star and angels gave the sign.
Love shall be our token; love be yours and love be mine,
love to God and neighbor, love for plea and gift and sign. Christina Rosetti (1830-1894)
Love came down at Christmas, love all lovely, love divine;
love was born at Christmas, star and angels gave the sign.
Love shall be our token; love be yours and love be mine,
love to God and neighbor, love for plea and gift and sign. Christina Rosetti (1830-1894)
Saturday, December 18, 2004
How can an obituary capture a life of a friend? Of course it can't. In a few paragraphs a life of over 70 years is sketched in highlights. Each of us has a particular set of memories that only we and the person who has died share. Gail Jones was a fierce fighter for the ability and opportunity of all to carry out the ministry of Christ. She held a vision of all gathered around the table without regard for status in the church or society. And she danced the tango. Of all the stories she and I shared - her dancing most reflects the joy of life that I found in her presence. A well lived life - oh too short for her family and friends. Death is a subject about which a lot has been written. Is there something beyond our time on earth? Or is death the end. Religions and philosophers all have thoughts and beliefs about it. I sort of go with the line of the father in one of Woody Allen's movies - when asked if he worried about "you know, ... after?" the father says -"no, I will be dead!" But if I had to explain where my thinking is at the moment - I would go with "These Dark Materials" by Philip Pullman. (The daemons in his book are an externalized part of the human's spirit embodied in an animal form which changes form until puberty when it becomes fixed in one.)
"When you go out of here, all the particles that make you up will loosen and float apart, just like your daemons did. If you've seen people dying, you know what that looks like. But your daemons aren't just nothing now; they're part of everything. All the atoms that were them, they've gone into the air and the wind and the trees and the earth and all the living things. They'll never vanish. They're just part of everything. And that's exactly what'll happen to you, I swear to you, I promise on my honor. You'll drift apart, it's true, but you'll be out in the open, part of everything alive again." (The Amber Spyglass, page 335)
"The first ghost to leave the world of the dead was Roger. He took a step forward, and turned to look back at Lyra, and laughed in surprise as he found himself turning into the night, the starlight, the air... and then he was gone, leaving behind such a vivid little burst of happiness that Will was reminded of the bubbles in a glass of champagne." (The Amber Spyglass, page 382)
"Even if it means oblivion... I'll welcome it, because it won't be nothing , we'll be alive again in a thousand blades of grass and a million leaves, we'll be falling in the raindrops and blowing in the fresh breeze, we'll be glittering in the dew under the stars and the moon out there in the physical world which is our true home and always was." (The Amber Spyglass, page 336)
"To know that after a spell in the dark we'll come out again to a sweet land like this, to be free of the sky like the birds, well, that's the greatest promise anyone could wish for." (The Amber Spyglass, page 532)
And my favorite poem is When Death Comes by Mary Oliver
When death comes
like the hungry bear in autumn
when death comes and takes all the bright coins from his purse
to buy me, and snaps his purse shut;
when death comes
like the measle pox;
when death comes
like an iceberg between the shoulder blades,
I want to step through the door full of curiosity, wondering;
what is it going to be like, that cottage of darkness?
And therefore I look upon everything
as a brotherhood and a sisterhood,
and I look upon time as no more than an idea,
and I consider eternity as another possibility,
and I think of each life as a flower, as common
as a field daisy, and as singular,
and each name a comfortable music in the mouth
tending as all music does, toward silence,
and each body a lion of courage, and something
precious to the earth.
When it's over, I want to say: all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was a bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.
When it's over, I don't want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and real.
I don't want to find myself sighing and frightened
or full of argument.
I don't want to end up simply having visited this world.
Gail definitely did not just visit - she leapt into life like the tango dancer she is -- flinging herself out onto the dance floor of life and asking us all to join in and learn the steps as we did not know until we met her.
From a country western song
Life is a dance
With steps you don't know
Join the dance
Learn as you go!
"When you go out of here, all the particles that make you up will loosen and float apart, just like your daemons did. If you've seen people dying, you know what that looks like. But your daemons aren't just nothing now; they're part of everything. All the atoms that were them, they've gone into the air and the wind and the trees and the earth and all the living things. They'll never vanish. They're just part of everything. And that's exactly what'll happen to you, I swear to you, I promise on my honor. You'll drift apart, it's true, but you'll be out in the open, part of everything alive again." (The Amber Spyglass, page 335)
"The first ghost to leave the world of the dead was Roger. He took a step forward, and turned to look back at Lyra, and laughed in surprise as he found himself turning into the night, the starlight, the air... and then he was gone, leaving behind such a vivid little burst of happiness that Will was reminded of the bubbles in a glass of champagne." (The Amber Spyglass, page 382)
"Even if it means oblivion... I'll welcome it, because it won't be nothing , we'll be alive again in a thousand blades of grass and a million leaves, we'll be falling in the raindrops and blowing in the fresh breeze, we'll be glittering in the dew under the stars and the moon out there in the physical world which is our true home and always was." (The Amber Spyglass, page 336)
"To know that after a spell in the dark we'll come out again to a sweet land like this, to be free of the sky like the birds, well, that's the greatest promise anyone could wish for." (The Amber Spyglass, page 532)
And my favorite poem is When Death Comes by Mary Oliver
When death comes
like the hungry bear in autumn
when death comes and takes all the bright coins from his purse
to buy me, and snaps his purse shut;
when death comes
like the measle pox;
when death comes
like an iceberg between the shoulder blades,
I want to step through the door full of curiosity, wondering;
what is it going to be like, that cottage of darkness?
And therefore I look upon everything
as a brotherhood and a sisterhood,
and I look upon time as no more than an idea,
and I consider eternity as another possibility,
and I think of each life as a flower, as common
as a field daisy, and as singular,
and each name a comfortable music in the mouth
tending as all music does, toward silence,
and each body a lion of courage, and something
precious to the earth.
When it's over, I want to say: all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was a bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.
When it's over, I don't want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and real.
I don't want to find myself sighing and frightened
or full of argument.
I don't want to end up simply having visited this world.
Gail definitely did not just visit - she leapt into life like the tango dancer she is -- flinging herself out onto the dance floor of life and asking us all to join in and learn the steps as we did not know until we met her.
From a country western song
Life is a dance
With steps you don't know
Join the dance
Learn as you go!
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
A fun quiz to find out which book you are:
Umberto Eco: The Name of the Rose. You are a
mystery novel dealing with theology, especially
with catholic vs liberal issues. You search
wisdom and knowledge endlessly, feeling that
learning is essential in life.
Which literature classic are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Umberto Eco: The Name of the Rose. You are a
mystery novel dealing with theology, especially
with catholic vs liberal issues. You search
wisdom and knowledge endlessly, feeling that
learning is essential in life.
Which literature classic are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
After Election Blues
All over but the scattered challenges - the election has been won by those claiming that they are the most moral and with the electorate agreeing it was one of the strongest motivation for voting. I guess I always thought that being moral had to do with caring for the “least of these” Matthew 25:34-40 not voting narrow self interest. I just don’t get how false piety and lies are moral. When so many are suffering in this country and around the world, we vote on the basis of a definition of moral that leaves children, the planet, those who are poor and hungry, and the marginalized out of the equation. I will play the blues for awhile and then it will be time to go back to the lessons taught by those who have struggled over generations to gain their liberty - support each otherr, organize, study, work, and most important - sing the songs of struggle and hope. I still believe that the arc of justice bends towards the earth and that we can help with every act of our lives.
All over but the scattered challenges - the election has been won by those claiming that they are the most moral and with the electorate agreeing it was one of the strongest motivation for voting. I guess I always thought that being moral had to do with caring for the “least of these” Matthew 25:34-40 not voting narrow self interest. I just don’t get how false piety and lies are moral. When so many are suffering in this country and around the world, we vote on the basis of a definition of moral that leaves children, the planet, those who are poor and hungry, and the marginalized out of the equation. I will play the blues for awhile and then it will be time to go back to the lessons taught by those who have struggled over generations to gain their liberty - support each otherr, organize, study, work, and most important - sing the songs of struggle and hope. I still believe that the arc of justice bends towards the earth and that we can help with every act of our lives.
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