Our final lesson from the "Choosing Pilgrimage" book has us focusing on the second part of St. Paul's passage. In the words from The Message, Eugene Peterson uses the phrase "Cultivating Thanks" to describe our mission. How do we cultivate thanks?
We cultivate thanks by keeping God (the reason we're doing whatever we're doing - our pilgrimage) in front of us. Our author points out that sometimes we can get so wrapped up in serving, that we neglect our quiet time with God. When that happens, we loose the ability to tap into God's energy (a source of our strength) which we need so badly to allow us to serve well.
This has been true in my life as well. Sometimes the pressures of being a good chemist, a youth leader, and all the work that goes with those missions - reading scientific journals, international conference calls, planning lock-ins or 30 hour famines, and all the rest - sometimes they edge out my quiet time with God. I usually notice this when I find myself getting cranky (OK, crankier) and I discover I have not sat in quiet with a Bible in my hand for a few days. You can see why I really work hard to protect that 5:00 appointment with God every morning and do my best to not let anything get in the way of this time.
In that quiet time this morning, we are to finish by giving thanks for some quality of each of the people in our group... no I won't embarrass each of you by listing your qualities. But I am thankful to God for placing each of you - Mike, Brian, Liz, Stephanie, Alex, Chloe, Maggie, Krista, Brandon, Danielle S., Chimma, Preston, Danielle H., Olivia and Jon - into my life and for all the wonderful thoughts and actions every one of you bring to our group.
I hope that each of you are finding some spiritual practice (body prayer, journal writing, meditation, silence, etc.) that you can use each day to connect with God's source of grace and strength.
Thanks for coming along on the journey!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Blessings Part 2 - Videos from Talent Show
Editor's note: You may have noticed this, but while we want you to include your thoughts from the curriculum into your journals, the journals can be used to record your thoughts about anything relating to your relationship with God.
A friend sent me a DVD of our performances at the talent show so I could share it with Kristen who had to be down in VA caring for her mother. I thought I'd share them with you, since it's a nice safe web locations that's not too public.
Thanks for the video Marty...
...and thanks John, Becca, Mike, Brian and Craig for playing with me!
Finally, my apologies to Stephanie, I didn't think to ask for a video of your performance...
A friend sent me a DVD of our performances at the talent show so I could share it with Kristen who had to be down in VA caring for her mother. I thought I'd share them with you, since it's a nice safe web locations that's not too public.
Thanks for the video Marty...
...and thanks John, Becca, Mike, Brian and Craig for playing with me!
Finally, my apologies to Stephanie, I didn't think to ask for a video of your performance...
CP W6 D4 The Garment of Compassion (Col 3:12-17)
Our readings today talk about how our compassionate acts can be a form - active or passive - of worship to God. That's true in some respects of all our work if we focus our attention on Christ as we carry out our tasks. But the work/worship boundary can be crossed even if we are not actively singing praises (as our author did while cleaning her toilets).
For example, yesterday I worshiped for about 11 hours straight. After the death of Kristen's mother on Monday, we stayed an extra day to help get her father settled before heading back to NJ for a while before heading back down for the memorial service later. We had two cars down there since Kristen went early to help with her mother's care. So having 2 cars and 3 drivers and 9 hours of driving time, and being a dad, I dutifully worked out a driving schedule that fairly divided up the drive.
Now Kristen doesn't like to drive in heavy traffic or cross big bridges (which means she usually just backs the cars around in our driveway) so my schedule had her starting the trip in the one vehicle while we were still in relatively "rural" VA. But as we were loading up, I realized she wasn't ready to drive and so I just started out driving. It turned out that I drove the whole way in one car and John took the other - his first time driving such a long distance.
It seems like such a simple act - driving a car - but Colossians 17 tells us to "... do whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God..."
And that's basically what happened. The entire 11 hour trip became one continuous communion with God. To start, the whole time I was praying that the little Miata would stay safe and in sight behind me. But throughout the trip, Kristen and I talked... we processed what was a difficult week for her (and me)... we spoke a lot about our faith and the nature of God. From time to time hymns and praise songs entered my head, and while she slept, I spent a lot of time reflecting on the nature of God's love shown to me through the example of her parents.
It was a wonderful worship service... even if I didn't realize it at the time.
For example, yesterday I worshiped for about 11 hours straight. After the death of Kristen's mother on Monday, we stayed an extra day to help get her father settled before heading back to NJ for a while before heading back down for the memorial service later. We had two cars down there since Kristen went early to help with her mother's care. So having 2 cars and 3 drivers and 9 hours of driving time, and being a dad, I dutifully worked out a driving schedule that fairly divided up the drive.
Now Kristen doesn't like to drive in heavy traffic or cross big bridges (which means she usually just backs the cars around in our driveway) so my schedule had her starting the trip in the one vehicle while we were still in relatively "rural" VA. But as we were loading up, I realized she wasn't ready to drive and so I just started out driving. It turned out that I drove the whole way in one car and John took the other - his first time driving such a long distance.
It seems like such a simple act - driving a car - but Colossians 17 tells us to "... do whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God..."
And that's basically what happened. The entire 11 hour trip became one continuous communion with God. To start, the whole time I was praying that the little Miata would stay safe and in sight behind me. But throughout the trip, Kristen and I talked... we processed what was a difficult week for her (and me)... we spoke a lot about our faith and the nature of God. From time to time hymns and praise songs entered my head, and while she slept, I spent a lot of time reflecting on the nature of God's love shown to me through the example of her parents.
It was a wonderful worship service... even if I didn't realize it at the time.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
CP W6 D3 The Garment of Patience (Col 3:12-14)
I'll admit it... I have zero patience.
There I said it... I guess we're done.
OK, I can say that I'm impatient with myself as much as I am with others, so at least I'm equal-opportunity in my impatience. I'm also guilty of being frequently impatient with God. (You know, if He has the power to end war, poverty, suffering, etc., let's just get on with it.)
So why should we even consider putting on a garment of patience? In some ways, my impatience is my best asset, and I'm happy with it. It's a key source of my drive and energy, and leads me to accomplish a lot of things. But it does get in my way sometimes.
My impatience gets in the way of some of my close relationships. (Have you noticed a slight difference in the natural operating pace that Kristen and I have?) Sometimes my lack of patience has me expending lots of energy to bring about something that God naturally brings about - my effort didn't seem to make a difference. And I guess that's it... my lack of patience gets in the way of my relationship with God, because in some respects, my lack of patience is really an issue of lack of trust in God's plan.
That's why we're reminded to put on our garment of patience for our journey with God. It's all about trusting God to act... to act in me, and to act in my companions on this journey.
There I said it... I guess we're done.
OK, I can say that I'm impatient with myself as much as I am with others, so at least I'm equal-opportunity in my impatience. I'm also guilty of being frequently impatient with God. (You know, if He has the power to end war, poverty, suffering, etc., let's just get on with it.)
So why should we even consider putting on a garment of patience? In some ways, my impatience is my best asset, and I'm happy with it. It's a key source of my drive and energy, and leads me to accomplish a lot of things. But it does get in my way sometimes.
My impatience gets in the way of some of my close relationships. (Have you noticed a slight difference in the natural operating pace that Kristen and I have?) Sometimes my lack of patience has me expending lots of energy to bring about something that God naturally brings about - my effort didn't seem to make a difference. And I guess that's it... my lack of patience gets in the way of my relationship with God, because in some respects, my lack of patience is really an issue of lack of trust in God's plan.
That's why we're reminded to put on our garment of patience for our journey with God. It's all about trusting God to act... to act in me, and to act in my companions on this journey.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
CP W6 D2 The Garment of Humility (Col 3:12-14)
Today we are to consider the part of our life with which we are most proud. Then we should ask if we wear this aspect of our life with arrogance or with humility?
When I think about it, I guess I'm most proud of my Independence, or self-sufficiency. I can use my knowledge and skills to provide a good life for my family, and beyond that, I have the means to do pretty much whatever I want to do (sometimes good, sometimes not so good). Of course I can only do what I want within reason (have to stay legal, etc.).
As with everything in life, this Independence can be a huge asset, but it comes with a huge responsibility. The Bible passage today points that responsibility out to me... I must use these skills and knowledge in a humble manner, not in an arrogant one. Of course I try to do this (and some may disagree that I do), but it is easier said than done. One way to help is to use my gifts (both financial and my various skills) to serve others. I do this of course, but it can never be "enough", and I sometimes find myself "bragging" (perhaps in subtle ways... sometimes not so subtle) about how I serve. That's not what God intends.
But in the end, I don't know if I'm humble about these gifts... and the thought that pride and humility are not necessarily opposites is a new one. This really is a hard one to figure out.
Any thoughts out there?
When I think about it, I guess I'm most proud of my Independence, or self-sufficiency. I can use my knowledge and skills to provide a good life for my family, and beyond that, I have the means to do pretty much whatever I want to do (sometimes good, sometimes not so good). Of course I can only do what I want within reason (have to stay legal, etc.).
As with everything in life, this Independence can be a huge asset, but it comes with a huge responsibility. The Bible passage today points that responsibility out to me... I must use these skills and knowledge in a humble manner, not in an arrogant one. Of course I try to do this (and some may disagree that I do), but it is easier said than done. One way to help is to use my gifts (both financial and my various skills) to serve others. I do this of course, but it can never be "enough", and I sometimes find myself "bragging" (perhaps in subtle ways... sometimes not so subtle) about how I serve. That's not what God intends.
But in the end, I don't know if I'm humble about these gifts... and the thought that pride and humility are not necessarily opposites is a new one. This really is a hard one to figure out.
Any thoughts out there?
CP W6 D1 The Garment of Love (Col 3:12-14)
This passage uses the metaphor of clothing to have us look at ourselves and our attitudes. What garments do we need for our pilgrimage journey? The passage talks of love, compassion, kindness, humility, strength, discipline - things like this. So reading this, we are reminded that we have the opportunity to examine ourselves and consider which of these garments we need to work on? Which need to come off?Today, I'm focusing on love - the basic garment of faith. I wrote yesterday about the vigil for Diana and today I find myself reflecting on the incredible love story of Jack and Diana, and the model of how faith and love play out during troubling times. It was around the time of Kristen's birth - a decade or so after they were married - that they first saw signs of what would become MS. Diana would end up in a wheelchair a few years later.
The faith journey resulting from such a blow was complex, but both of them were accomplished authors, and their sharing through the written word has been inspirational. The twists and turns they've been through would be fit for a Hollywood movie. Just last year, it looked like Jack was dying of cancer and Diana insisted on being brought home from nursing care so that she could personally oversee his care. Suddenly, the tables were turned and we quickly discovered Diana had ALS resulting in an extremely rapid decline and her death yesterday.
I realize today that my pilgrimage with God is really a product of two beginnings. The first is my start in faith provided by my family and church experience while growing up. This was followed by my interaction with this incredible family of faith provided by my marriage to Kristen. John in turn takes aspects of both of these as his starting point and will add to it over his lifetime.
It's no wonder that the labyrinth example is provided. A labyrinth is a circuitous route inside a circle. (I wrote about my labyrinth experience while at the monastery in my other blog http://www.georgevisitsholycross.blogspot.com/) Our pilgrimage paths do twist and turn as we approach God, just as our paths intersect each other's (we're all companions for the journey in some form), and from each other we learn about the garments of humility, strength, discipline and love that we are to wear for the pilgrimage.
Monday, October 26, 2009
A Sacred Vigil at the End of a Pilgrimage
I dreaded this trip... there's no other way to put it... but yesterday John and I crammed as much stuff as would fit into my Miata an started the nine-hour journey south. It was a beautiful Autumn day and as we drove, we had essential time to talk, think, and sleep.
We arrived just as Diana was having another choking episode (with ALS, she doesn't have the strength in her diaphragm to clear her throat). They were able to settle her a few minutes later and we went in to say our hellos. Ever since I've known her, Diana has been a master at conversation and last night was no different. Through extremely labored breaths, she somehow managed to ask about my mother and how she was adjusting to her nursing home. (She even commented on how different Mom's and her experiences were - explaining that different people adjust differently.)
I left her with John and they were able to exchange their love and have a brief conversation as well before she tired. It turned out he was unusually skilled at interpreting what she was trying to say - something that frequently frustrates her caregivers. It's funny, but his whole life, John as been unusually skilled at helping people in bad times. Shortly afterward, she pretty much lost the ability to talk so we arrived just in time. And now we wait...
I wish everyone could experience the typical Hollywood death where we are surrounded by friends and family and just peacefully drift off over a period of a few minutes. My experience is usually the opposite - the body seems to fight death and it's very hard to watch - even more so in Diana's case as ALS is unusually cruel and we have some indications she is still aware but trapped inside a body that can't do anything. So since last night, all we can do is listen to the pace of her breathing, try our best to keep her comfortable, and trust that God will be merciful.
My role here is clearly "companion" on several pilgrimages. I can't really help with Diana's care. So I pretty much talk with Jack, and hold Kristen. I won't share what we talk about but the topic of "yelling at God" has come up several times (something I have a lot of experience with). We wonder why it has to be so cruel that a woman who suffered with MS for decades as to fight ALS in her final days. John comes in and sits with us, then retreats to the internet or guitar. (Have you ever heard "Sweet Child of Mine" in a minor key?) I get to sit, nod in agreement, commiserate, and wait.
Yes, this post sounds a bit morose, but in some ways it is an honor to be present at this part of someone's journey. Diana's life of faith has been incredible, and by keeping this vigil we testify to the value of this child of God in our lives.
The vigil ended around 3:00 this afternoon as Diana entered into the next phase of her pilgrimage with God.
We arrived just as Diana was having another choking episode (with ALS, she doesn't have the strength in her diaphragm to clear her throat). They were able to settle her a few minutes later and we went in to say our hellos. Ever since I've known her, Diana has been a master at conversation and last night was no different. Through extremely labored breaths, she somehow managed to ask about my mother and how she was adjusting to her nursing home. (She even commented on how different Mom's and her experiences were - explaining that different people adjust differently.)
I left her with John and they were able to exchange their love and have a brief conversation as well before she tired. It turned out he was unusually skilled at interpreting what she was trying to say - something that frequently frustrates her caregivers. It's funny, but his whole life, John as been unusually skilled at helping people in bad times. Shortly afterward, she pretty much lost the ability to talk so we arrived just in time. And now we wait...
I wish everyone could experience the typical Hollywood death where we are surrounded by friends and family and just peacefully drift off over a period of a few minutes. My experience is usually the opposite - the body seems to fight death and it's very hard to watch - even more so in Diana's case as ALS is unusually cruel and we have some indications she is still aware but trapped inside a body that can't do anything. So since last night, all we can do is listen to the pace of her breathing, try our best to keep her comfortable, and trust that God will be merciful.
My role here is clearly "companion" on several pilgrimages. I can't really help with Diana's care. So I pretty much talk with Jack, and hold Kristen. I won't share what we talk about but the topic of "yelling at God" has come up several times (something I have a lot of experience with). We wonder why it has to be so cruel that a woman who suffered with MS for decades as to fight ALS in her final days. John comes in and sits with us, then retreats to the internet or guitar. (Have you ever heard "Sweet Child of Mine" in a minor key?) I get to sit, nod in agreement, commiserate, and wait.
Yes, this post sounds a bit morose, but in some ways it is an honor to be present at this part of someone's journey. Diana's life of faith has been incredible, and by keeping this vigil we testify to the value of this child of God in our lives.
The vigil ended around 3:00 this afternoon as Diana entered into the next phase of her pilgrimage with God.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Reflections on Our Blessings
In the Prayer Book on page 836 is the General Thanksgiving, one of the most beautiful expressions of thanks. One of the passages in this is "We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side."
I'm sitting here this morning, enjoying my coffee and reflecting on that very blessing. We had our church fundraiser and talent show last night, and I realized how truly fortunate we all are in this parish to be literally surrounded by such loving care. The undercroft and church were packed with supportive people. Every time I turned there was a friendly face ready to chat about various aspects of life. I know everyone else experienced the same feeling while there.
Speaking personally, I was astounded to see so much hidden talent in the parish. I was able to reconnect with Becca, a friend's daughter, who we only get to see a couple of times a year. I was able to spend some serious quality time with John. I was able to watch first hand as some very brave youth took those crucial first steps in offering their musical gifts to God. And finally, I capped the night off by having a new friend save me a piece of her apple pie which was a godsend after an intense day of practicing, playing and (at the time) packing up.
Looking ahead for the rest of the weekend, I get to reconnect with Kristen's side of the family as we gather to be with her mother as she completes her lifetime pilgrimage on earth and thank God for her life.
Yes, it's a big weekend and is taking us from the extremes of joy to the lows of sorrow, but it's also a bit of a snapshot of life as a Christian pilgrim. We journey, moving from times of joy to times of sorrow, always surrounded by our companions on the journey.
Thank you God for this incredible journey!
I'm sitting here this morning, enjoying my coffee and reflecting on that very blessing. We had our church fundraiser and talent show last night, and I realized how truly fortunate we all are in this parish to be literally surrounded by such loving care. The undercroft and church were packed with supportive people. Every time I turned there was a friendly face ready to chat about various aspects of life. I know everyone else experienced the same feeling while there.
Speaking personally, I was astounded to see so much hidden talent in the parish. I was able to reconnect with Becca, a friend's daughter, who we only get to see a couple of times a year. I was able to spend some serious quality time with John. I was able to watch first hand as some very brave youth took those crucial first steps in offering their musical gifts to God. And finally, I capped the night off by having a new friend save me a piece of her apple pie which was a godsend after an intense day of practicing, playing and (at the time) packing up.
Looking ahead for the rest of the weekend, I get to reconnect with Kristen's side of the family as we gather to be with her mother as she completes her lifetime pilgrimage on earth and thank God for her life.
Yes, it's a big weekend and is taking us from the extremes of joy to the lows of sorrow, but it's also a bit of a snapshot of life as a Christian pilgrim. We journey, moving from times of joy to times of sorrow, always surrounded by our companions on the journey.
Thank you God for this incredible journey!
Friday, October 23, 2009
CP W5 D5 Sermon on the Mount - Judging Others (Matt 7:1-5)
We don't practice Christianity as a competitive sport - at least not officially. (Could you imagine everyone from the parish up on the bleachers cheering "We're more humble, yes we ARE!..." OK, maybe not.) But even in our Christian pilgrimage, we have a tendency to have to measure our progress, and we do this by comparisons. We go about our lives thinking "I'm glad I don't do things the way he does", or "I like this church better than that church", or even "Episcopalians are MUCH better than Lutherans in this way". It almost seems like it's human nature and we can't help ourselves.
Yet in this passage, Jesus warns us against doing exactly this. Whatever measure we use in establishing another pilgrim's deficiency, Jesus will use against us, with the implications that He expects us to come up lacking in the very same way. Jesus has a point. We see this all the time. Think of a number of public figures who are very vocal against wrongdoing while doing some very wrong things at the same time. And if we're honest with ourselves, we find that we do the same thing. I yell at my son for not cleaning up after himself, just as I leave a trail of debris for Kristen in my wake. Why are we like this?
You see, I don't think Jesus is asking us to ignore our companions on the journey who might be heading down the wrong path. Companions are important for that very reason - to help each other find the way. I don't think Jesus is asking us to ignore the plight of other pilgrims, He is simply warning us to examine ourselves and make sure we are heading in the right direction first. When we do, we will realize the vastness of God's forgiveness and love in our lives and we will approach our companions in a spirit of love as we travel together, rather than competing with each other to see who "wins".
Yet in this passage, Jesus warns us against doing exactly this. Whatever measure we use in establishing another pilgrim's deficiency, Jesus will use against us, with the implications that He expects us to come up lacking in the very same way. Jesus has a point. We see this all the time. Think of a number of public figures who are very vocal against wrongdoing while doing some very wrong things at the same time. And if we're honest with ourselves, we find that we do the same thing. I yell at my son for not cleaning up after himself, just as I leave a trail of debris for Kristen in my wake. Why are we like this?
You see, I don't think Jesus is asking us to ignore our companions on the journey who might be heading down the wrong path. Companions are important for that very reason - to help each other find the way. I don't think Jesus is asking us to ignore the plight of other pilgrims, He is simply warning us to examine ourselves and make sure we are heading in the right direction first. When we do, we will realize the vastness of God's forgiveness and love in our lives and we will approach our companions in a spirit of love as we travel together, rather than competing with each other to see who "wins".
Thursday, October 22, 2009
CP W5 D4 Sermon on the Mount - Don't Worry (Matt 6:25-34)
So after warning us yesterday to focus on God rather than things, Jesus advises us today that we can do that by not worrying... we should trust God to provide what we need.
Where have you heard that before?
Basically everywhere... the world has a huge industry which aims at trying to get us to follow this particular teaching of Jesus (even if they don't acknowledge His idea). Just now while thinking about this concept, suddenly Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy" song popped into my head (it's from way back in the 80s). Walk through the self help aisle at the bookstore and see if you can't find several books aimed at getting us to "live in the moment". Examples are everywhere.
Here we have two teachings of Jesus... focus on God and not on things, and don't worry because God knows your needs and will provide everything you need - just like he does for the birds and flowers.
How are these two related? I find that sometimes my worry about my things (all the "guitars" in my life) becomes a sort of substitute for God. I end up "worshiping" my ability to provide for my family (both the food/clothing/shelter, and all the toys) and all the things I buy are mini "celebrations" of that god. This worship of a god other than God is no different than the ancient people grabbing a nice looking hunk of stone and calling it "god" and worshiping before it. Both practices rob God of his power in our lives and separate us from Him.
How do we get out of this cycle? I like the thoughts of Anthony deMello. He was a Jesuit Priest who died about 20 years ago (most of the guys in our Men's group like his works). Anthony advises that we first need to think of all our things and realize that they are the causes of our ups and downs, our thrills, disappointments, anxieties and eventually our boredom (which causes us to go out and get more). Our second step is to realize that all these things really cheat us out of the freedom to live and love in the moment - which is a huge loss to us. The third and final part is to realize that it is our history and internal programming that causes us to value these things with a value that they simply don't have. When we see this and meditate on it, we become aware of our false attachment to our things and can begin letting go and trusting God to provide for all our needs - just like He does for the birds and the flowers.
Where have you heard that before?
Basically everywhere... the world has a huge industry which aims at trying to get us to follow this particular teaching of Jesus (even if they don't acknowledge His idea). Just now while thinking about this concept, suddenly Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy" song popped into my head (it's from way back in the 80s). Walk through the self help aisle at the bookstore and see if you can't find several books aimed at getting us to "live in the moment". Examples are everywhere.
Here we have two teachings of Jesus... focus on God and not on things, and don't worry because God knows your needs and will provide everything you need - just like he does for the birds and flowers.
How are these two related? I find that sometimes my worry about my things (all the "guitars" in my life) becomes a sort of substitute for God. I end up "worshiping" my ability to provide for my family (both the food/clothing/shelter, and all the toys) and all the things I buy are mini "celebrations" of that god. This worship of a god other than God is no different than the ancient people grabbing a nice looking hunk of stone and calling it "god" and worshiping before it. Both practices rob God of his power in our lives and separate us from Him.
How do we get out of this cycle? I like the thoughts of Anthony deMello. He was a Jesuit Priest who died about 20 years ago (most of the guys in our Men's group like his works). Anthony advises that we first need to think of all our things and realize that they are the causes of our ups and downs, our thrills, disappointments, anxieties and eventually our boredom (which causes us to go out and get more). Our second step is to realize that all these things really cheat us out of the freedom to live and love in the moment - which is a huge loss to us. The third and final part is to realize that it is our history and internal programming that causes us to value these things with a value that they simply don't have. When we see this and meditate on it, we become aware of our false attachment to our things and can begin letting go and trusting God to provide for all our needs - just like He does for the birds and the flowers.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
CP W5 D3 Sermon on the Mount - Treasures in Heaven (Matt 6:19-24)
Today in our reading Jesus cautions us against focusing too much on our material things. He does this because when we are focused on material abundance - our things and our wealth - we greatly risk loosing sight of the spiritual blessings in life.
Personally, I have a love-hate relationship with these verses in the Bible. They tend to be overused in many churches during stewardship season (weird timing considering we are starting our own stewardship campaign) as a means to encourage people to give more. But as a grieving father, I have big problems with the concept of "laying up treasures in heaven" because my treasure is already there. So I cringe (I hope inwardly, but probably outwardly as well) every time this verse is used during stewardship talks.
But the verse has great meaning for me as well because it is true. Each thing (little or big) consumes our mental effort - not only in acquiring the thing, but also in maintaining and worrying about it. So as an example, if I buy a new guitar, I spend time (sometimes considerable time) focusing on exactly which guitar I should purchase. This might get in the way of the time I could spend with God. But then once I have it, I must spend time dusting it (sorry, I meant playing it), changing strings, polishing it, learning new music, and the like. This too is time away from focusing on God. Now perhaps that's an OK trade, because now I have a skill and I can use that skill to bring God's joy to others, or to help them worship.
Now consider what happens if I get somewhat good and decide to get a second (OK, being honest... fifth) guitar. Now I multiply all the care and feeding the instruments require. But I must now find places for them, and maybe I have to move them around in my den to do different things - even to get to my Bible for morning quiet time. Perhaps one of the guitars is a really expensive one, so I have to be careful to return it to the velvet lined case each time I finish playing it and maybe I need to get special insurance for it. You can see how simply owning them requires extra mental energy.
Carrying this to the extreme, what happens when I get my 30th guitar (Kristen's not reading this, right)? Now I need to build a guitar room addition to the house just to hold them all. This requires me to get a higher pressure job to pay for it all, and in turn that makes me want to go out and buy something just to escape all the pressure... then I see a telescope. You can see how carrying out this over a lifetime builds the mental energy we consume just to attend to our things.
It really does... right now my living room is filled with camping equipment that we rarely use, don't have a nice place to store, yet the three of us can't quite agree on getting rid of any one item. (I'm leaving it there until we can come to consensus and the right answer is NOT to build more storage.)
You can also see how gathering treasures here on earth gets in the way of God's plan for us to live simply while relying on Him. I think we'll read more about this tomorrow....
Personally, I have a love-hate relationship with these verses in the Bible. They tend to be overused in many churches during stewardship season (weird timing considering we are starting our own stewardship campaign) as a means to encourage people to give more. But as a grieving father, I have big problems with the concept of "laying up treasures in heaven" because my treasure is already there. So I cringe (I hope inwardly, but probably outwardly as well) every time this verse is used during stewardship talks.
But the verse has great meaning for me as well because it is true. Each thing (little or big) consumes our mental effort - not only in acquiring the thing, but also in maintaining and worrying about it. So as an example, if I buy a new guitar, I spend time (sometimes considerable time) focusing on exactly which guitar I should purchase. This might get in the way of the time I could spend with God. But then once I have it, I must spend time dusting it (sorry, I meant playing it), changing strings, polishing it, learning new music, and the like. This too is time away from focusing on God. Now perhaps that's an OK trade, because now I have a skill and I can use that skill to bring God's joy to others, or to help them worship.
Now consider what happens if I get somewhat good and decide to get a second (OK, being honest... fifth) guitar. Now I multiply all the care and feeding the instruments require. But I must now find places for them, and maybe I have to move them around in my den to do different things - even to get to my Bible for morning quiet time. Perhaps one of the guitars is a really expensive one, so I have to be careful to return it to the velvet lined case each time I finish playing it and maybe I need to get special insurance for it. You can see how simply owning them requires extra mental energy.
Carrying this to the extreme, what happens when I get my 30th guitar (Kristen's not reading this, right)? Now I need to build a guitar room addition to the house just to hold them all. This requires me to get a higher pressure job to pay for it all, and in turn that makes me want to go out and buy something just to escape all the pressure... then I see a telescope. You can see how carrying out this over a lifetime builds the mental energy we consume just to attend to our things.
It really does... right now my living room is filled with camping equipment that we rarely use, don't have a nice place to store, yet the three of us can't quite agree on getting rid of any one item. (I'm leaving it there until we can come to consensus and the right answer is NOT to build more storage.)
You can also see how gathering treasures here on earth gets in the way of God's plan for us to live simply while relying on Him. I think we'll read more about this tomorrow....
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
CP W5 D2 Sermon on the Mount - Spiritual Practices (Matt 6:1-18)
The Sermon on the Mount is famous (can a section of the Bible be considered "famous"?) for presenting us The Beatitudes (the "blessed is..." section from yesterday's extra credit reading) and the Lord's prayer. Today Jesus gives us His prayer as one of three tools - prayer, almsgiving, and fasting. He also guides us in how to use them.
Did you ever wonder where the Lord's prayer came from? It's here in Matthew 6 in a short form. The version we use is somewhere else in the Gospels (the first person to post it in the comments "wins"). Here, Jesus gives us a simple model of how to pray and what we should pray about. Do you remember the word ACTS from our Rite13 lessons - Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication - it's all in the Lord's prayer somewhere. How is this a "tool" for our pilgrimage up our faith mountain? Prayer is how we focus our thoughts on God and ask God for help on our journey.
Almsgiving - giving to the poor - is another tool. We can't really grow as well by just sitting in a room and reading about God and praying. We must also use what we learn by acting and helping God bring His kingdom into being. Giving both time and money to the poor is what we can do to help. The action of giving also cements our learning and strengthens our faith.
The last tool is fasting. Because of our 30 hour famine, we tend to think of fasting as giving up food for a day or so. But it's really about giving up and letting go of things to better focus on God. Maybe we give up purchasing junk for a while, or maybe we give up watching TV. I could give up connecting to the Internet for a while...
OK, I can't, but you get the idea. When we "go without" we make room in our lives for God.
Finally, Jesus gives us a "safety warning" for using our tools properly. Remember all those stickers that cover tools today like "WARNING: Pounding your thumb with this hammer may cause pain, broken bones, tissue damage and lots of swearing"? Well, Jesus warns us to use these tools only to focus on our relationship with God. Specifically, we are NOT to use them to impress others with how "good" we are. So we are to pray simply without using lots of big words; we are to fast without bragging to others about how hard it is; and we should give to the poor without seeking publicity about our actions. Why? Because when we focus on how others see us, we get a reward in their approval, but then loose our focus on God. Our goal is not to use these tools to impress others with our craftsmanship, but rather to use these tools in our pilgrimage up our faith mountain.
Did you ever wonder where the Lord's prayer came from? It's here in Matthew 6 in a short form. The version we use is somewhere else in the Gospels (the first person to post it in the comments "wins"). Here, Jesus gives us a simple model of how to pray and what we should pray about. Do you remember the word ACTS from our Rite13 lessons - Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication - it's all in the Lord's prayer somewhere. How is this a "tool" for our pilgrimage up our faith mountain? Prayer is how we focus our thoughts on God and ask God for help on our journey.
Almsgiving - giving to the poor - is another tool. We can't really grow as well by just sitting in a room and reading about God and praying. We must also use what we learn by acting and helping God bring His kingdom into being. Giving both time and money to the poor is what we can do to help. The action of giving also cements our learning and strengthens our faith.
The last tool is fasting. Because of our 30 hour famine, we tend to think of fasting as giving up food for a day or so. But it's really about giving up and letting go of things to better focus on God. Maybe we give up purchasing junk for a while, or maybe we give up watching TV. I could give up connecting to the Internet for a while...
OK, I can't, but you get the idea. When we "go without" we make room in our lives for God.
Finally, Jesus gives us a "safety warning" for using our tools properly. Remember all those stickers that cover tools today like "WARNING: Pounding your thumb with this hammer may cause pain, broken bones, tissue damage and lots of swearing"? Well, Jesus warns us to use these tools only to focus on our relationship with God. Specifically, we are NOT to use them to impress others with how "good" we are. So we are to pray simply without using lots of big words; we are to fast without bragging to others about how hard it is; and we should give to the poor without seeking publicity about our actions. Why? Because when we focus on how others see us, we get a reward in their approval, but then loose our focus on God. Our goal is not to use these tools to impress others with our craftsmanship, but rather to use these tools in our pilgrimage up our faith mountain.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Krista's Poem
Here is the poem Krista shared on Sunday...
Every step I take
Every move I make
Every smile
Every single tear
I always know God is near
Baking cookies for church
Helping mom at home
A quiet moment by myself
With every breath
I always know God is near
Movie night with family
or sitting all alone
Thoughts in my head
about life and home
No matter where I go
I always know God is near
Every step I take
Every move I make
Every smile
Every single tear
I always know God is near
Baking cookies for church
Helping mom at home
A quiet moment by myself
With every breath
I always know God is near
Movie night with family
or sitting all alone
Thoughts in my head
about life and home
No matter where I go
I always know God is near
CP W5 D1 Sermon on the Mount - Love Your Enemies (Matt 5:43-48)
Today we start exploring the "Sermon on the Mount" which contains some of my favorite wisdom from Jesus. For extra credit, read Matt 5:1-42 as well.We are asked to draw our "Mountains of Love" and think about how we love those people at the various levels. The foothills represent loving the people who love us, the middle slopes represent loving those who don't love (or know) us, and the highest peaks represent loving our enemies or those who persecute us. The higher we are on the mountain, the harder it is to love those people. However, for me, sometimes I find myself "upside down". Let me explain.
Starting at the top of the mountain, the snow-capped peaks of loving your enemies. I have people who I sometimes consider enemies such as adversaries or competitors at work, but when I think about it, I realize that they truly don't mean me harm. Yes, I could think about terrorists who do want to harm me simply because of who I am, but I think they are truly few in number and rather insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Certainly, the people of Iraq where we are currently "at war" don't mean me any harm. So I'm not sure I have "Enemies" in the true sense of the word. At any rate, in theory, I accept the need to pray for them, and we do regularly - in church and in my private meditation.
I make a good attempt at the slopes of loving those who don't know me... the poor, the sick, and the hungry. In theory this is hard to do, but I find that it's really an issue of inertia. Once you get started, it gets easier - just like yesterday's CROP walk. (It was a cold and rainy day... I really didn't want to go, but once there and walking, I had a really pleasant time chatting with the 5 girls from J2A that came along. It's funny how having "companions for the journey" really makes a difference.) I know I could do more in this area, and I imagine that regardless of how much I do, I can never do "enough". But overall, I feel that I'm doing OK in this regard.
As I said, my problem is in the foothills of loving those who love me. Yes, I love Kristen and John, my extended family and friends like those of you in J2A. But there's this dark side of me that sometimes has trouble accepting love from these people. (Maybe it's actually believing that they can love me.)
And so I'm left with the realization that maybe my climb up this mountain really starts in the valley - supposedly the easiest part - of loving myself, and accepting God's love for me. That may indeed be the first step in climbing my mountain.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Stephanie's Poem
We were asked to think about how to tell the story of our sacred pilgrimage so far. Here is Stephanie's contribution from this morning.
How are we supposed to know our sacred story
at such a young age?
Feel God's divine presence and glory,
His love, malice, and praise?
I have followed and loved God
since the time I was young,
listened to his words and
observed the beauty He has brought
This planet on which we live
is so vulnerable and yet so strong
I am inspired by God's creation daily,
which serves as a balance between right and wrong
My family loves me unconditionally, as God does in his own way
A love so deep that at times it can hurt
they feel my love flowing back as if to say
I appreciate it for every feeling that it is worth
While at times I feel melancholy or confusion in this world
God will surround me with his grace
and remind me that I am a blessed little girl
and a feeling of euphoria sweeps down and takes sorrow's place
I feel God's presence when He grants me moments where I feel extremely glad,
whether it be with a song or trees blowing in the wind or spending time with those close to my heart,
I know that God does not wish for me to feel sad,
but to start to enjoy the experiences of His creation of life.
How are we supposed to know our sacred story
at such a young age?
Feel God's divine presence and glory,
His love, malice, and praise?
I have followed and loved God
since the time I was young,
listened to his words and
observed the beauty He has brought
This planet on which we live
is so vulnerable and yet so strong
I am inspired by God's creation daily,
which serves as a balance between right and wrong
My family loves me unconditionally, as God does in his own way
A love so deep that at times it can hurt
they feel my love flowing back as if to say
I appreciate it for every feeling that it is worth
While at times I feel melancholy or confusion in this world
God will surround me with his grace
and remind me that I am a blessed little girl
and a feeling of euphoria sweeps down and takes sorrow's place
I feel God's presence when He grants me moments where I feel extremely glad,
whether it be with a song or trees blowing in the wind or spending time with those close to my heart,
I know that God does not wish for me to feel sad,
but to start to enjoy the experiences of His creation of life.
Friday, October 16, 2009
CP W4 D5 Jesus Calls the Disciples - Our Sacred Story (Mark 1:17)
Today we learn that it's the weaving of our life with God's that brings the sacred presence to our lives, and we are encouraged to find (over the next 2 days) some way to share that sacred story with our group on Sunday morning.
I think I found my way in this blog, and in some of my other writings. As I look back through this blog and my journal, I realize again that my faith story is one of peaks and valleys. Yes, it's a sort of slow growth from where I began to where I am today, but one with lots of twists and turns along my pilgrimage pathway.
One religious experience that I lack, and one that permeates the Christian experience is a specific moment of "conversion" - a time when I can point to the beginning of my experience with God in my life. I'm sure it happened... I'm just certain that for me it happened at my baptism roughly 45 years ago (well, 45 years ago next month). You see, I'm not a Christian pilgrim today because of any huge experience from my past. I'm a Christian today because long ago my mother decided I would be one.
I remember her saying that she was slightly disappointed that I was born on a Friday, because back then mothers spent 5 days in the hospital after giving birth, and that meant I wouldn't get to church on the first Sunday I was alive. (Evidently, I had perfect attendance every Sunday while I was a fetus growing inside her.) One big religious event in my childhood was that our family moved from 7th Street Lutheran Church (which had changed it's name to Messiah and moved to a growing part of town) to Holy Trinity Lutheran just after my 2nd grade year. This was because our family only had one car, and with dad's crazy work schedule, I had missed 10 Sunday's that year when I was only sick on two of them.
In fact, from the time I can remember until I went to college, going to church on a Sunday morning just wasn't something that was ever discussed... we just did it. That "habit of worship" early childhood formation was a huge part of who I am today. Even when I went to college and started "experimenting" with not attending church (I have done this several times during the peaks and valleys of my pilgrimage), my life during these times seemed to lack something. I miss not connecting with God regularly.
I guess Mom's training took hold...
I think I found my way in this blog, and in some of my other writings. As I look back through this blog and my journal, I realize again that my faith story is one of peaks and valleys. Yes, it's a sort of slow growth from where I began to where I am today, but one with lots of twists and turns along my pilgrimage pathway.
One religious experience that I lack, and one that permeates the Christian experience is a specific moment of "conversion" - a time when I can point to the beginning of my experience with God in my life. I'm sure it happened... I'm just certain that for me it happened at my baptism roughly 45 years ago (well, 45 years ago next month). You see, I'm not a Christian pilgrim today because of any huge experience from my past. I'm a Christian today because long ago my mother decided I would be one.
I remember her saying that she was slightly disappointed that I was born on a Friday, because back then mothers spent 5 days in the hospital after giving birth, and that meant I wouldn't get to church on the first Sunday I was alive. (Evidently, I had perfect attendance every Sunday while I was a fetus growing inside her.) One big religious event in my childhood was that our family moved from 7th Street Lutheran Church (which had changed it's name to Messiah and moved to a growing part of town) to Holy Trinity Lutheran just after my 2nd grade year. This was because our family only had one car, and with dad's crazy work schedule, I had missed 10 Sunday's that year when I was only sick on two of them.
In fact, from the time I can remember until I went to college, going to church on a Sunday morning just wasn't something that was ever discussed... we just did it. That "habit of worship" early childhood formation was a huge part of who I am today. Even when I went to college and started "experimenting" with not attending church (I have done this several times during the peaks and valleys of my pilgrimage), my life during these times seemed to lack something. I miss not connecting with God regularly.
I guess Mom's training took hold...
Thursday, October 15, 2009
CP W4 D4 Jesus Calls the Disciples - Sacred Times (Mark 1:16, 20)
Today we take a further look at how Jesus regarded each moment as a chance for a sacred encounter with God's presence, and we are asked to consider the sacred moments of our lives using a timeline. What did your timeline look like?
I can't draw my timeline, but the sacred moments included my birth, and growing up going to Sunday School at 7th Street Lutheran and Holy Trinity Lutheran churches. A sacred time for me in college was DTC Devotions, where a group of us got together every evening after supper and sat on the floor of the college chapel for 30 minutes to sing and share. My wedding day was sacred for me (don't "awwww" yet, because it was the time I spent with Dad joking downstairs before the ceremony that I'm referring to). I still remember the first time I worked with kids as an acolyte master at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Blacksburg VA, and John's baptism there. Bill's baptism at Spruce Run Lutheran in Glen Gardner, NJ... learning at High Bridge Reformed Church... Bill's funeral at that church all were sacred. There was a several-year period of searching that followed Bill's death which I now recognize as sacred though I wouldn't describe it so at the time. And of course, all the blessings here at Christ Church... my first experience in the Old Church... all the events with Rite13 and J2A, etc.
Our books use the metaphor of the "cigar box" (I'm guessing these are not as popular as they once were) as a place to keep mementos of all our sacred times. I had one of these growing up... a place where I kept movie tickets, programs from school plays (I was into stage lighting), and the like. I remember that after a while it was full and each time I wanted to add something, I'd have to "let go" of something else. Mom kept a larger version of this with all my school pictures, report cards, and the like which still exists somewhere. I still keep mementos of special "sacred" moments in my life. On my desk right now is the green frog bubble pen from the first Rite13 retreat, the flashlight from the "Early Christian Manhunt" lock-in, bandannas from the 30 hour famines, etc.
Yes, sacred moments abound in our lives. Our reading talks about how they happen when we are in the company of holy people, which in some respect is everyone, but for me it especially means younger folks who are seeking God. When I get the privilege to share in this unscripted no-bullshit seeking which it seems like only kids can do, it is always a blessing.
I can't draw my timeline, but the sacred moments included my birth, and growing up going to Sunday School at 7th Street Lutheran and Holy Trinity Lutheran churches. A sacred time for me in college was DTC Devotions, where a group of us got together every evening after supper and sat on the floor of the college chapel for 30 minutes to sing and share. My wedding day was sacred for me (don't "awwww" yet, because it was the time I spent with Dad joking downstairs before the ceremony that I'm referring to). I still remember the first time I worked with kids as an acolyte master at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Blacksburg VA, and John's baptism there. Bill's baptism at Spruce Run Lutheran in Glen Gardner, NJ... learning at High Bridge Reformed Church... Bill's funeral at that church all were sacred. There was a several-year period of searching that followed Bill's death which I now recognize as sacred though I wouldn't describe it so at the time. And of course, all the blessings here at Christ Church... my first experience in the Old Church... all the events with Rite13 and J2A, etc.
Our books use the metaphor of the "cigar box" (I'm guessing these are not as popular as they once were) as a place to keep mementos of all our sacred times. I had one of these growing up... a place where I kept movie tickets, programs from school plays (I was into stage lighting), and the like. I remember that after a while it was full and each time I wanted to add something, I'd have to "let go" of something else. Mom kept a larger version of this with all my school pictures, report cards, and the like which still exists somewhere. I still keep mementos of special "sacred" moments in my life. On my desk right now is the green frog bubble pen from the first Rite13 retreat, the flashlight from the "Early Christian Manhunt" lock-in, bandannas from the 30 hour famines, etc.
Yes, sacred moments abound in our lives. Our reading talks about how they happen when we are in the company of holy people, which in some respect is everyone, but for me it especially means younger folks who are seeking God. When I get the privilege to share in this unscripted no-bullshit seeking which it seems like only kids can do, it is always a blessing.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
CP W4 D3 Jesus Calls the Disciples - Community (Mark 1:17-18)
Jesus simply said "follow me" and Simon and Andrew immediately left their nets and followed him. Why? I guess it was because they sensed and accepted Jesus as their spiritual mentor. That's an interesting term, and the book asks us to ponder it. What or who is a spiritual mentor? I usually think of a spiritual mentor as a priest or monk or some other "holy person", but as I reflect back over my life, I realize I've received much more spiritual guidance from just normal people in my churches over the years than from any "guru". In reality we are all spiritual mentors to each other.
THIS is what we mean by COMMUNITY, and community is what we are frequently seeking. It's that place where we are all accepted and nurtured - yes in our families, but we also seek it in many other ways. The writer of our book shares their huge experience of the church as a community of support after their father's death, and we've experienced essentially the same thing when Billy died 10 years ago. I remember being shocked at how much our church community grieved with us, and how essential they were to getting through those first few months.
It's funny how so much of what we seek in this world is related to that feeling of community - and how often the ways we seek it come up short. Pretty much everything that we see in advertisements (from soap bars to automobiles) promises us love and acceptance if we only buy their product or service. They almost always fail to deliver.
Yet, that safe nurturing place that we seek does exist. For me, our J2A group is a great nurturing community. I hope most of you feel safe when we're together and that we can accept and support each other in our journey together. This community extends to the broader parish as well. (Seriously, where else would we feel safe enough to try sharing our talents in a talent show? We know we'll be accepted even if we screw up.)
So think about it... we are all "spiritual mentors" to each other. Take a moment and pray for a few people from our class. They might need our prayers today - even if we don't know it.
THIS is what we mean by COMMUNITY, and community is what we are frequently seeking. It's that place where we are all accepted and nurtured - yes in our families, but we also seek it in many other ways. The writer of our book shares their huge experience of the church as a community of support after their father's death, and we've experienced essentially the same thing when Billy died 10 years ago. I remember being shocked at how much our church community grieved with us, and how essential they were to getting through those first few months.
It's funny how so much of what we seek in this world is related to that feeling of community - and how often the ways we seek it come up short. Pretty much everything that we see in advertisements (from soap bars to automobiles) promises us love and acceptance if we only buy their product or service. They almost always fail to deliver.
Yet, that safe nurturing place that we seek does exist. For me, our J2A group is a great nurturing community. I hope most of you feel safe when we're together and that we can accept and support each other in our journey together. This community extends to the broader parish as well. (Seriously, where else would we feel safe enough to try sharing our talents in a talent show? We know we'll be accepted even if we screw up.)
So think about it... we are all "spiritual mentors" to each other. Take a moment and pray for a few people from our class. They might need our prayers today - even if we don't know it.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
CP W4 D2 Jesus Calls the Disciples - Sacred Spaces (Mark 1:14-20)
Today we learned that Jesus came to Simon (soon to be called Peter) and Andrew while they were sitting on a boat, a very normal and everyday place for them. This normal place became a sacred space once Jesus was present as He reached out and called them. We are urged to consider which spaces are sacred for us, and how does a space become sacred.
A space becomes sacred for us once we encounter God there. For me, some spaces are obviously sacred - Church interiors for example. The Old Church is especially sacred for me... there's just something about that place (maybe it's history) that exudes God's presence. Don't tell anybody, but I still have a key to the Old Church from the days when I played guitar for the Saturday services... I've once or twice let myself in to just sit in the abundant natural light and feel God's presence.
Another general type of sacred space for me is all of "God's natural cathedrals" - those spaces you encounter while out in nature that just seem infused with God's presence. Many times on a hike, I come across different little opening in the trees where the sunlight streams in and I naturally think of God's presence and beauty.
I also have sacred spaces in my home. One is my spot at the dining room table where I sometimes do my Bible reading. The other (and main place for me) is my desk in my den. Here I have a candle, my Bible collection, my Car Talk calendar (God does have a sense of humor), and various other study aids and this is where I come to encounter God at 5:00 most mornings. The den is a room that John helped me put together and also where I practice my guitar, so its a special room for me.
It's sort of interesting that this is also the place where some of my "least sacred" activities happen. It's where I balance my checkbook so it's naturally where most of my fussing with Kristen about family finances happens. It's also where I surf the Internet and interact with old friends through Facebook (sometimes not the most sacred activities in my day).
But even this dual nature of the space serves to remind me that God is indeed present in all aspects of my life and his presence makes me holy as well - even the parts that we don't completely give over to him... yet.
A space becomes sacred for us once we encounter God there. For me, some spaces are obviously sacred - Church interiors for example. The Old Church is especially sacred for me... there's just something about that place (maybe it's history) that exudes God's presence. Don't tell anybody, but I still have a key to the Old Church from the days when I played guitar for the Saturday services... I've once or twice let myself in to just sit in the abundant natural light and feel God's presence.
Another general type of sacred space for me is all of "God's natural cathedrals" - those spaces you encounter while out in nature that just seem infused with God's presence. Many times on a hike, I come across different little opening in the trees where the sunlight streams in and I naturally think of God's presence and beauty.
I also have sacred spaces in my home. One is my spot at the dining room table where I sometimes do my Bible reading. The other (and main place for me) is my desk in my den. Here I have a candle, my Bible collection, my Car Talk calendar (God does have a sense of humor), and various other study aids and this is where I come to encounter God at 5:00 most mornings. The den is a room that John helped me put together and also where I practice my guitar, so its a special room for me.
It's sort of interesting that this is also the place where some of my "least sacred" activities happen. It's where I balance my checkbook so it's naturally where most of my fussing with Kristen about family finances happens. It's also where I surf the Internet and interact with old friends through Facebook (sometimes not the most sacred activities in my day).
But even this dual nature of the space serves to remind me that God is indeed present in all aspects of my life and his presence makes me holy as well - even the parts that we don't completely give over to him... yet.
Monday, October 12, 2009
CP W4 D1 Jesus Calls the Disciples (Mark 1:14-20)
Today's Bible reading is about Jesus calling the Disciples. You're all familiar with the story... Jesus basically takes a walk through a bunch of fishermen. He looks at a few and merely says "follow me" and they actually drop what they're doing and follow Him (for the rest of their lives). We are asked to reflect on when we have felt God's presence in such a direct way.
I usually experience God's presence - yes, the feeling that God is here with me right now - in two differently ways. The first is usually associated with momentous events in my life. I remember one Saturday afternoon back when we lived in Virginia a few weeks after John was born. I was sitting, holding him in my lap on the rocking chair and he was being quiet for a change. We were just staring into each other's eyes... for what seemed like a long time. I remember feeling a fleeting moment of panic about how huge a task it was being responsible for another life. But that was immediately replaced by a stillness of my mind accompanied by the sensation of God telling me (through my thoughts) that He would see me through this. I had a similar moment a few months after Billy died (as well as others throughout my life).
The second way in which I experience God's actual presence with me is very different. This is also a sensation of communing with God, but one that I can sometimes reach during my quiet time. It takes great effort... I really have to work at quieting my brain. Meditation aids like prayer beads, music, candles, etc. help me in this, but I'm not always successful. (In fact, I can't do it every day... more like a couple times a month.) This second type of sensation of God's presence (where I feel Him with me, but not telling me anything) also can come to me when I'm out in nature like today's reading.
There is a final way of feeling the diving presence. It's more cognitive and less of a sensation. It's really just keeping the thought in my head that God IS with me. He always is.
I usually experience God's presence - yes, the feeling that God is here with me right now - in two differently ways. The first is usually associated with momentous events in my life. I remember one Saturday afternoon back when we lived in Virginia a few weeks after John was born. I was sitting, holding him in my lap on the rocking chair and he was being quiet for a change. We were just staring into each other's eyes... for what seemed like a long time. I remember feeling a fleeting moment of panic about how huge a task it was being responsible for another life. But that was immediately replaced by a stillness of my mind accompanied by the sensation of God telling me (through my thoughts) that He would see me through this. I had a similar moment a few months after Billy died (as well as others throughout my life).
The second way in which I experience God's actual presence with me is very different. This is also a sensation of communing with God, but one that I can sometimes reach during my quiet time. It takes great effort... I really have to work at quieting my brain. Meditation aids like prayer beads, music, candles, etc. help me in this, but I'm not always successful. (In fact, I can't do it every day... more like a couple times a month.) This second type of sensation of God's presence (where I feel Him with me, but not telling me anything) also can come to me when I'm out in nature like today's reading.
There is a final way of feeling the diving presence. It's more cognitive and less of a sensation. It's really just keeping the thought in my head that God IS with me. He always is.
Friday, October 9, 2009
CP W3 D5 The Lost Son - The future (Luke 15:11-32)
We take a final look at the Parable of the Lost Son, focusing on the future. What happens after the father speaks to the second son? What happens the next morning?
I think that out in the field after talking to the second (older) son, the father repeats his invitation a couple of times and then sadly returns to the party. After waiting a while, the father sends out a favorite servant with a plate of food to the older son, providing for his needs and giving another invitation. By doing this he sends the message the the older son is loved too.
The next morning continues as the night before. The father rebuilds the relationship with the first (younger) son, and the older son remains distant. It's a long slow process for the younger son. Yes he is accepted back immediately, and the father loves him. The longer process is for the younger son to accept the father's love, as some of his old ways of wild living remain. But his heart is very open to the father's love and he steadily improves.
The older son holds the grudge. He boxes off "his share" of the father's wealth and never misses an opportunity to remind the younger son that his father's wealth is his. Initially his heart hardens over time. But it is a long slow process for the older son too - much longer. Slowly, the older son starts appreciating the father's love - not just his wealth. It probably helps that there are bumps along the journey, brief times where the tables are turned and the older son breaks away and then is accepted back.
The father's love for both his sons, though is unconditional and constant. Over a very long time span, both sons grow to value it above the father's wealth. In the end, there is reconciliation and the remaining wealth (which has grown over time) is shared by all.
I think that out in the field after talking to the second (older) son, the father repeats his invitation a couple of times and then sadly returns to the party. After waiting a while, the father sends out a favorite servant with a plate of food to the older son, providing for his needs and giving another invitation. By doing this he sends the message the the older son is loved too.
The next morning continues as the night before. The father rebuilds the relationship with the first (younger) son, and the older son remains distant. It's a long slow process for the younger son. Yes he is accepted back immediately, and the father loves him. The longer process is for the younger son to accept the father's love, as some of his old ways of wild living remain. But his heart is very open to the father's love and he steadily improves.
The older son holds the grudge. He boxes off "his share" of the father's wealth and never misses an opportunity to remind the younger son that his father's wealth is his. Initially his heart hardens over time. But it is a long slow process for the older son too - much longer. Slowly, the older son starts appreciating the father's love - not just his wealth. It probably helps that there are bumps along the journey, brief times where the tables are turned and the older son breaks away and then is accepted back.
The father's love for both his sons, though is unconditional and constant. Over a very long time span, both sons grow to value it above the father's wealth. In the end, there is reconciliation and the remaining wealth (which has grown over time) is shared by all.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
CP W3 D4 The Lost Son - Means of Grace (Luke 15:11-32)
We look at The Parable of the Lost Son again, but this time we consider the father. How did he express his love for both sons? Our booklets ask us to list the ways. (I won't list them here because I want you to do your own work, but I've always wondered if giving 1/2 of his wealth was really expressing love - or not?)
We learn about the Means of Grace, outward ways in which we can experience God's love and Grace. In my Lutheran background, there were only three Means of Grace - The Bible, Baptism, and Holy Communion. Our Episcopal church lists a few more and our curriculum acknowledges that God's grace can be revealed to us in many ways.
Considering the father's love and both sons' reaction, we are asked to pray about areas of our lives where we have blocked God's love. We all have these areas - places where we are either embarrassed by our own actions, or embarrassed by God - where we don't want God snooping around. I know I have them as well. By praying about these areas, we can open them up to receiving God's grace in the manner that best helps us. For example, if we are embarrassed to share God with others at work or at school, perhaps God will show us that many of our friends share our beliefs and that will allow us to talk about God more, and we won't have to hide him.
Finally, it turns out that we can be a means of God's grace to others - especially by sharing with them. We are encouraged to act by taking along some small religious trinket (a small cross, etc.) that we can share with someone.
Take it along today... maybe God will lead you to share it.
We learn about the Means of Grace, outward ways in which we can experience God's love and Grace. In my Lutheran background, there were only three Means of Grace - The Bible, Baptism, and Holy Communion. Our Episcopal church lists a few more and our curriculum acknowledges that God's grace can be revealed to us in many ways.
Considering the father's love and both sons' reaction, we are asked to pray about areas of our lives where we have blocked God's love. We all have these areas - places where we are either embarrassed by our own actions, or embarrassed by God - where we don't want God snooping around. I know I have them as well. By praying about these areas, we can open them up to receiving God's grace in the manner that best helps us. For example, if we are embarrassed to share God with others at work or at school, perhaps God will show us that many of our friends share our beliefs and that will allow us to talk about God more, and we won't have to hide him.
Finally, it turns out that we can be a means of God's grace to others - especially by sharing with them. We are encouraged to act by taking along some small religious trinket (a small cross, etc.) that we can share with someone.
Take it along today... maybe God will lead you to share it.
CP W3 D3 The Lost Son - Sanctifying Grace (Luke 15:11-32)
We examine The Parable of the Lost Son again today from the viewpoint of the older brother, wondering why he reacted this way to his younger brother's return. I've had reactions like this in my past... at times where for whatever reason, I refused to join the party. The specifics of each time are different, but the motivation is usually jealously or being judgemental of some form or other. Somebody is getting something I wanted, or someone who I don't think deserves it is getting recognized.
Our reflection points out that despite staying with the father, the older son's heart was very far away from his father's generous and merciful heart. So despite his never leaving home, the older son is really far away from his father. We are asked to think about places in our lives where we are far away from God. Our reading also points out that it is God's Sanctifying (or growing) grace that helps us widen our hearts to others.
In the parable, the older son is angry because because he was never given even a goat to celebrate with his friends. I wonder if he ever asked for one?
I wonder that because many of the time when my narrow heart caused me to refuse to join the party, it was because I was jealous of something given to others but not me. In reality, the same gift or recognition would be mine if I only asked.
The same is true in my pilgrimage with Christ. Years ago, I felt strongly that God's love was only for "the worthy" (however I defined it at the time). This group or that group obviously didn't qualify for God's love and acceptance, and when God opened his doors to one of "them", I cringed inwardly and refused to celebrate. Over the years, however, my view (my heart) has widened and I now realize that God loves us all (perhaps even me), and I've been able to widen my heart because of that love.
That is Sanctifying Grace in action.
Our reflection points out that despite staying with the father, the older son's heart was very far away from his father's generous and merciful heart. So despite his never leaving home, the older son is really far away from his father. We are asked to think about places in our lives where we are far away from God. Our reading also points out that it is God's Sanctifying (or growing) grace that helps us widen our hearts to others.
In the parable, the older son is angry because because he was never given even a goat to celebrate with his friends. I wonder if he ever asked for one?
I wonder that because many of the time when my narrow heart caused me to refuse to join the party, it was because I was jealous of something given to others but not me. In reality, the same gift or recognition would be mine if I only asked.
The same is true in my pilgrimage with Christ. Years ago, I felt strongly that God's love was only for "the worthy" (however I defined it at the time). This group or that group obviously didn't qualify for God's love and acceptance, and when God opened his doors to one of "them", I cringed inwardly and refused to celebrate. Over the years, however, my view (my heart) has widened and I now realize that God loves us all (perhaps even me), and I've been able to widen my heart because of that love.
That is Sanctifying Grace in action.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
CP W3 D2 The Lost Son - Justifying Grace (Luke 15:11-32)
We focus on The Parable of the Lost Son again, but this time we are concentrating on the experience of the first son as he is returning to the father. Here he finds and receives complete love, acceptance and joy at his return. There are no strings attached. This is Justifying Grace, or "saving grace" as it is sometimes called.
We are asked to reflect on a moment when we have received God's justifying grace. One time that stands out for me was when I joined this parish in Lent of 2006. During this time, I felt God's grace channeled through the complete acceptance of me by people in the parish. Two particular experiences come to mind.
The first was the very first time I set foot in the New Church for worship. As I'm sure all of you experienced, there was this older gentleman, Chip, who was always at that door, and who always made you feel welcome. You couldn't possibly feel unwelcome with him there. God's love and acceptance just radiated through him to everyone who passed through those doors.
The second was the first time I stuck my neck out and did something in the parish other than worship. Dean talked me into having a bagel with the Men's group after the Holy Saturday morning worship, and after getting coffee and a bagel, I sat down next to Dean. Across from me at the table was John, this older guy who just looked at me and said "now that you're a part of us, tell us who you are". That was powerful... even before he knew anything about me (maybe not even my name at that moment), he was telling me I was accepted in a way that radiated God's grace as well.
In our booklets, we are asked to reach out and reconnect with someone whom we are cut off from. I've had many experiences with that lately as I have become more active in Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/george.a.reiner?ref=profile) and have been able through that medium to reconnect with friends of the faith from High School, College, and all the past locations where I've lived. It has been a wonderful tool for reconnecting with the greater body of Christ - our companions on this journey... both past and present.
We are asked to reflect on a moment when we have received God's justifying grace. One time that stands out for me was when I joined this parish in Lent of 2006. During this time, I felt God's grace channeled through the complete acceptance of me by people in the parish. Two particular experiences come to mind.
The first was the very first time I set foot in the New Church for worship. As I'm sure all of you experienced, there was this older gentleman, Chip, who was always at that door, and who always made you feel welcome. You couldn't possibly feel unwelcome with him there. God's love and acceptance just radiated through him to everyone who passed through those doors.
The second was the first time I stuck my neck out and did something in the parish other than worship. Dean talked me into having a bagel with the Men's group after the Holy Saturday morning worship, and after getting coffee and a bagel, I sat down next to Dean. Across from me at the table was John, this older guy who just looked at me and said "now that you're a part of us, tell us who you are". That was powerful... even before he knew anything about me (maybe not even my name at that moment), he was telling me I was accepted in a way that radiated God's grace as well.
In our booklets, we are asked to reach out and reconnect with someone whom we are cut off from. I've had many experiences with that lately as I have become more active in Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/george.a.reiner?ref=profile) and have been able through that medium to reconnect with friends of the faith from High School, College, and all the past locations where I've lived. It has been a wonderful tool for reconnecting with the greater body of Christ - our companions on this journey... both past and present.
Monday, October 5, 2009
CP W3 D1 The Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32)
Today's reading is the "Parable of the Lost Son" with which we're all very familiar. A father has two boys and the one boy asks for his share of dad's wealth and leaves home, spending it on wild living. He goes broke, lives in squalor for while and then realizes he had it better at home. When he returns, Dad is overjoyed and throws a party. But the other son gets upset and refuses to join the celebration, despite Dad's pleas.To me, the story is about sin and how we deal with it. All of us have a part of us represented by the first son - that portion of our lives that we don't share with God. This story gives us hope that no matter what part of our life is in sin, we can come back to God. However, all of us have a portion of the second son in us as well. It's that dark portion of our mind that doesn't like it when someone gets a break with God. Here the story tells us to be more accepting and welcoming.
If you take both sons together, we have a clear road map for our journey together. From time to time, all of us will fail, and no matter what our sin is, we can return to God - always. When someone does return to God, we are reminded we must accept them with open arms as fellow companions on our journey, and rejoice with God when they return.
Don't wait for it to happen. Start today! Somewhere in your life is a person who is on the wrong path and needs help. Start by praying for that person, but then reach out to them. Be the welcoming committee!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Home from retreat
We start Week 3 tomorrow.
It was weird to be at the monastery and realize the class we meeting without me. I know this was a difficult week and I hope you were able to find the space to talk about it. I finished the trip to the monastery and I'm now home.
For my thoughts for today, please visit the monastery blog...
http://georgevisitsholycross.blogspot.com/
It was weird to be at the monastery and realize the class we meeting without me. I know this was a difficult week and I hope you were able to find the space to talk about it. I finished the trip to the monastery and I'm now home.
For my thoughts for today, please visit the monastery blog...
http://georgevisitsholycross.blogspot.com/
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Still on retreat...
I'm still on retreat. If you did all 5 readings for this week, you're done. Feel free to grab your Bible and look around in it. Record your thoughts in your journal.
If you want to see my thoughts for the day, visit http://georgevisitsholycross.blogspot.com/.
If you want to see my thoughts for the day, visit http://georgevisitsholycross.blogspot.com/.
Friday, October 2, 2009
CP W2 D5 Jesus' Baptism, Temtation and Calling the Disciples (Mark 1:1-20)
(Personal note: I'm currently visiting the Holy Cross Monastery in NY. Follow my journey at... http://www.georgevisitsholycross.blogspot.com/ to see what I'm doing.)Today we look at the people who helped prepare our faith and the people who are our companions along the journey. These "companions for our journey" are especially important to us at a time of mourning like this.
We are asked to draw two hands... a left hand representing people who prepared our way (similar to Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist and the people in Jesus' synagogue), and a right hand listing the people who share our journey (like Jesus' disciples). I'll spare you my drawing skills, but the people who prepared my way were my parents, a local storekeeper (back when you had neighborhood grocery stores), my youth group advisers, my pastor and an older cousin. The people sharing my journey are the group of J2A youth and leaders, our Men's group, Dean & Vicki, Kristen & John and various friends from this church and other churches.
Today's reading noted how Jesus relied greatly on His companions - both in His early life, and during His ministry with His disciples. His companions for the journey of his ministry included not only the disciples, but also other friends like Mary, Martha and Nicodemus. The grey section in our reading notes that if we loose the will to keep on our journey, it is usually because we become isolated from those who support us.
This is especially important for our group right now as many of you are struggling with comprehending the death of a teenage friend. While it is a difficult time - and the emotions can be raw and hard to deal with - I hope you all can find the space this Sunday to share your feelings with each other (your companions for the journey). I will be with you in prayer.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
CP W2 D4 Jesus' Birth, Baptism, Testing, and Sending Forth (Lke 1:35, 3:21-22, 4:1, 14-21)
(Personal note: I'm posting this while I'm on a retreat at Holy Cross Monastery. Follow along at http://georgevisitsholycross.blogspot.com/ to see what I'm doing.)
The Bible passages take us on a quick summary of Jesus' early ministry - His birth, baptism, testing in the wilderness, and His acknowledgement of his call to go out into His ministry. This time span (birth to going out) was His formational period.
It's the same with us. After birth and baptism, we're formed in faith by our parents, by people in our church, and by our own trials and temptations. But our formation is incomplete if we stop there. God calls us on to greater work, and we must (after our formation) acknowledge it and act on it.
What is the spirit of the Lord upon you to do?
For me, the spirit of the Lord is upon me to help lead a group of youth on their faith development.
The spirit of the Lord is upon me to guide and provide for my family.
The spirit of the Lord is upon me to find ways to serve Him through others.
The spirit of the Lord is upon me to resist temptations and turn to his forgiveness and grace when I fail.
The spirit of the Lord is upon me to share my faith through actions (and if necessary, words) to others I come into contact with through work and play.
The spirit of the Lord is upon me to continuously learn about him and find ways to carry out this mission.
And finally, the spirit of the Lord is upon me to worship Him through every phase of my life.
The Bible passages take us on a quick summary of Jesus' early ministry - His birth, baptism, testing in the wilderness, and His acknowledgement of his call to go out into His ministry. This time span (birth to going out) was His formational period.
It's the same with us. After birth and baptism, we're formed in faith by our parents, by people in our church, and by our own trials and temptations. But our formation is incomplete if we stop there. God calls us on to greater work, and we must (after our formation) acknowledge it and act on it.
What is the spirit of the Lord upon you to do?
For me, the spirit of the Lord is upon me to help lead a group of youth on their faith development.
The spirit of the Lord is upon me to guide and provide for my family.
The spirit of the Lord is upon me to find ways to serve Him through others.
The spirit of the Lord is upon me to resist temptations and turn to his forgiveness and grace when I fail.
The spirit of the Lord is upon me to share my faith through actions (and if necessary, words) to others I come into contact with through work and play.
The spirit of the Lord is upon me to continuously learn about him and find ways to carry out this mission.
And finally, the spirit of the Lord is upon me to worship Him through every phase of my life.
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