This Lenten season, I am focusing on forgiving others as I have been forgiven.To be honest, this task has been more challenging than I'd anticipated.
A lot has happened in the past 12 months, and although I am grateful for where I am and with whom I associate with now, I've discovered that my heart still harbors some bitterness and anger towards certain people who have hurt me. This bothers me for two reasons:
1. Christ calls us to forgive, as He has forgiven all of us.
2. I want to be free of the bonds laid upon me by my unwillingness to forgive certain people. My anger towards these individuals has my stomach literally tied in knots every time I recall them in any capacity. Anger holds ME down, not those at whom my anger is directed.
How can I walk towards forgiveness when all I think about when their face shows up in my mind's eye is anger at their lies and innuendos? Does forgiveness mean that I have to " make nice" with these people.
Best Dude says " everyone is different" and that I should learn to accept that some people do not have the same mores as I do. But just because some people think lying about, gossiping and ostracizing others who are different from their little clique is acceptable doesn't mean I do. Or does it?
I do not accept mean people. Sorry, I just do not and shall not .
But does forgiveness need to encompass condoning someone's bad behavior?
Only God knows.
Showing posts with label Christology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christology. Show all posts
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Monday, February 9, 2015
My #Lent15 discipline
I want to let you all know of my discipline for this Lenten season.
This season, I plan to re-read, chapter by chapter, bishop Katharine Jefforts-Schori's book " The Heartbeat of God' AND I also shall make daily entries in my pen-and-paper journal regarding my reflections on the daily readings. The parish I used to attend does their own Lenten meditations booklet and I would be lying if I said that I do not miss that discipline this season. so I created my own Lenten study and reflection discipline, using the wise words of one of my favorite Christian author and scholar.
SEM
This season, I plan to re-read, chapter by chapter, bishop Katharine Jefforts-Schori's book " The Heartbeat of God' AND I also shall make daily entries in my pen-and-paper journal regarding my reflections on the daily readings. The parish I used to attend does their own Lenten meditations booklet and I would be lying if I said that I do not miss that discipline this season. so I created my own Lenten study and reflection discipline, using the wise words of one of my favorite Christian author and scholar.
SEM
Sunday, September 7, 2014
#Sermonlesson Conflict resolution according to Jesus
Matt 18:15-20
This is a very familiar passage of the Gospel of Matthew that every Christian should know. Jesus is telling His Disciples how they are to deal with strife and disagreements within their community. Jesus says:
"If another member of the church{ or community} sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church {or community}, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. "
This is how we Christians are to deal with small sins against each other. At first we are instructed to talk with the person whom we feel has offended us. If that does not resolve the issue, the next step { according to Jesus}is to take one or two other community members with you and talks with the person AGAIN. And if this approach fails, then we are to bring the community into the conflict resolution. And if THAT fails, then Scripture says that we are to treat the offender as one would a 'Gentile or tax collector'. That is, we are to figuratively or literally " cast him or her out".
How many communities of any kind follow this model of conflict resolution? how many even TRY to follow this model? In my opinion, far too few human communities Too often we humans would rather gossip behind our friends, family members and work associate's backs than respectfully approach him or her with our complaint. Admit it---all of us are guilty of this sin. Those of us who are Christians know better yet still we persist in backhanded " conflict resolution" that too often creates bigger and more numerous conflicts.
Why? Why can we not live honestly together and be open to authenticity? What good does backhanded, gossipy "conflict resolution do in the long run? Are we REALLY in such pain that we seek to hurt our sister & fellow community members just because we do not agree with them?
It is not popular to tell the truth in this society. When one is living or working in a community, decision-makers especially rarely take well to being called out on their misdeeds. Bosses do not wish to be told by their subordinates that their business practices are unethical. Teachers do not wish students to tell them that they are teaching according to a particular political agenda. The list can go on & on....
Yet in order to live authentic lives as members of communities, we must be open to practicing Jesus' model of conflict resolution.
Amen.
This is a very familiar passage of the Gospel of Matthew that every Christian should know. Jesus is telling His Disciples how they are to deal with strife and disagreements within their community. Jesus says:
"If another member of the church{ or community} sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church {or community}, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. "
This is how we Christians are to deal with small sins against each other. At first we are instructed to talk with the person whom we feel has offended us. If that does not resolve the issue, the next step { according to Jesus}is to take one or two other community members with you and talks with the person AGAIN. And if this approach fails, then we are to bring the community into the conflict resolution. And if THAT fails, then Scripture says that we are to treat the offender as one would a 'Gentile or tax collector'. That is, we are to figuratively or literally " cast him or her out".
How many communities of any kind follow this model of conflict resolution? how many even TRY to follow this model? In my opinion, far too few human communities Too often we humans would rather gossip behind our friends, family members and work associate's backs than respectfully approach him or her with our complaint. Admit it---all of us are guilty of this sin. Those of us who are Christians know better yet still we persist in backhanded " conflict resolution" that too often creates bigger and more numerous conflicts.
Why? Why can we not live honestly together and be open to authenticity? What good does backhanded, gossipy "conflict resolution do in the long run? Are we REALLY in such pain that we seek to hurt our sister & fellow community members just because we do not agree with them?
It is not popular to tell the truth in this society. When one is living or working in a community, decision-makers especially rarely take well to being called out on their misdeeds. Bosses do not wish to be told by their subordinates that their business practices are unethical. Teachers do not wish students to tell them that they are teaching according to a particular political agenda. The list can go on & on....
Yet in order to live authentic lives as members of communities, we must be open to practicing Jesus' model of conflict resolution.
Amen.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Review: _Dead Man Walking_
Last evening I started to watch the movie _Dead Man Walking_ on Netflix { thank goodness for Netflix, correct?} I'll finish the movie this evening, but wanted to offer a review while the plot is still fresh in my head.
Anyhow, if you are unfamiliar with the movie's plot, it concerns a nun { played excellently by Susan Sarandon} who is contacted by a Louisiana death row inmate { played by Sean Penn} for some last-chance help in preparing himself for a meeting with his clemency board. She agrees , and travels to Louisiana State Prison in Angola { one of the most notoriously violent prisons in the USA} to meet him.
Without giving away too much of the plot, I can say that this movie makes me think deeply about the death penalty. Normally I like to think that I am against capital punishment, but the inmate in the movie is so deplorable that part of me seeks vengeance against him & others in real life who commit crimes of unabashed senseless violence .
The nun in the movie struggles with these same issues: she seeks to reconcile the life & teachings of Jesus Christ with the everyday world in which she lives. She struggles to understand the inmate & what might have made him commit these crimes yet faces reproach from the media regarding her choice to help this violent criminal.
She asks herself : What would Jesus do? What should SHE do in order to follow Him, to Whom she has given her entire earthly life. Like myself, the character is town between sympathy for the families of the inmate's victims and seeking to see dignity in EVERY human . She maintains a balance in the movie that many people in her life do not understand.
Is it human nature to seek retribution ? Is it ok for any government to routinely & systematically put to death people? Is the " justice system" in this nation truly fair to everyone? I do not know the answers to any of these questions. But I do know that all of we Christ-followers must prayerfully seek what it means for each of us to follow Him.
Amen.
Anyhow, if you are unfamiliar with the movie's plot, it concerns a nun { played excellently by Susan Sarandon} who is contacted by a Louisiana death row inmate { played by Sean Penn} for some last-chance help in preparing himself for a meeting with his clemency board. She agrees , and travels to Louisiana State Prison in Angola { one of the most notoriously violent prisons in the USA} to meet him.
Without giving away too much of the plot, I can say that this movie makes me think deeply about the death penalty. Normally I like to think that I am against capital punishment, but the inmate in the movie is so deplorable that part of me seeks vengeance against him & others in real life who commit crimes of unabashed senseless violence .
The nun in the movie struggles with these same issues: she seeks to reconcile the life & teachings of Jesus Christ with the everyday world in which she lives. She struggles to understand the inmate & what might have made him commit these crimes yet faces reproach from the media regarding her choice to help this violent criminal.
She asks herself : What would Jesus do? What should SHE do in order to follow Him, to Whom she has given her entire earthly life. Like myself, the character is town between sympathy for the families of the inmate's victims and seeking to see dignity in EVERY human . She maintains a balance in the movie that many people in her life do not understand.
Is it human nature to seek retribution ? Is it ok for any government to routinely & systematically put to death people? Is the " justice system" in this nation truly fair to everyone? I do not know the answers to any of these questions. But I do know that all of we Christ-followers must prayerfully seek what it means for each of us to follow Him.
Amen.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
What IS the Church? WE ARE!
Anyone who knows me at all knows that I am fulfilled and recharged weekly by going to Mass at Beach Parish. I do not go to church for entertainment or to fill a social need or obligation { as someone with autism, I have fewer needs for social contacts than does the average person} The main reason I go to church in general and Beach Parish in particular is to worship our LORD Jesus Christ among others who proclaim Him as our Savior.
Jesus Christ is our Lord & Savior. In reality, that is all that we as Christians need to agree upon in order to get along. Jesus is LORD, and the rest is secondary. Today's Gospel lesson REALLY honed that point back to me. it matters not if we Christians label ourselves as progressive , conservative, liturgical, evangelical, ect. It only matters that we recognize WHOM we worship on Sunday mornings & Whose life we should try to emulate daily.
I grew up with parents who did not adhere to any one faith path. My younger brother and I were taught to basically " treat others the way you want others to treat you". Our Mom, Jewish-in-name-only and our fallen-away-Roman Catholic Dad agreed before I was born to let their children choose our own paths { or to continue in their tradition of no organized faith path}
Although I remember attending Roman Catholic Mass with my paternal grandmother as a wee child, my cognizant walk with God started out in the youth choir of a small rural Presbyterian Church in Appalachian Ohio. We were required to sing at the Sunday service monthly during the school year. I suppose I can say that I first learned about Jesus through the medium of song.
It was here that I was formally introduced to the Gospels. At that point I was old enough to be curious about this person Jesus of Nazareth and wanted to know more of what He taught. It was here that the Body Of Christ mobilized to help me and my family during a time of need. At age 12 I underwent two drastic surgeries on my spine to correct severe scoliosis. These procedures required me to stay for 21 days in Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Of course my parents spent almost nightly vigils with me throughout the three long weeks, but I remember people from church visiting me and sending gifts { BOOKS!!} food and flowers. They BECAME the Body of Christ and with their help { and God, of course! } My family and I got through one of the toughest parts of my childhood. My Christian community cared about me and showed the love of Christ in a tangible way during my 12th summer.
We gather at church on Sundays for spiritual nourishment that should carry us out into the world to BE Christ's hands and feet. We should not be afraid to Be Christ's helping hands in the world. Now, with so many people hurting in so many way throughout our local areas, it is a perfect time to live out what we say every Sunday in the Creeds. We, 21st century coastal pilgrims, are Church.
Alleluia. Amen.
Jesus Christ is our Lord & Savior. In reality, that is all that we as Christians need to agree upon in order to get along. Jesus is LORD, and the rest is secondary. Today's Gospel lesson REALLY honed that point back to me. it matters not if we Christians label ourselves as progressive , conservative, liturgical, evangelical, ect. It only matters that we recognize WHOM we worship on Sunday mornings & Whose life we should try to emulate daily.
I grew up with parents who did not adhere to any one faith path. My younger brother and I were taught to basically " treat others the way you want others to treat you". Our Mom, Jewish-in-name-only and our fallen-away-Roman Catholic Dad agreed before I was born to let their children choose our own paths { or to continue in their tradition of no organized faith path}
Although I remember attending Roman Catholic Mass with my paternal grandmother as a wee child, my cognizant walk with God started out in the youth choir of a small rural Presbyterian Church in Appalachian Ohio. We were required to sing at the Sunday service monthly during the school year. I suppose I can say that I first learned about Jesus through the medium of song.
It was here that I was formally introduced to the Gospels. At that point I was old enough to be curious about this person Jesus of Nazareth and wanted to know more of what He taught. It was here that the Body Of Christ mobilized to help me and my family during a time of need. At age 12 I underwent two drastic surgeries on my spine to correct severe scoliosis. These procedures required me to stay for 21 days in Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Of course my parents spent almost nightly vigils with me throughout the three long weeks, but I remember people from church visiting me and sending gifts { BOOKS!!} food and flowers. They BECAME the Body of Christ and with their help { and God, of course! } My family and I got through one of the toughest parts of my childhood. My Christian community cared about me and showed the love of Christ in a tangible way during my 12th summer.
We gather at church on Sundays for spiritual nourishment that should carry us out into the world to BE Christ's hands and feet. We should not be afraid to Be Christ's helping hands in the world. Now, with so many people hurting in so many way throughout our local areas, it is a perfect time to live out what we say every Sunday in the Creeds. We, 21st century coastal pilgrims, are Church.
Alleluia. Amen.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Welcome, " Come Well"
We say "Welcome" in greeting whenever someone comes to our home or place of worship. But have you ever thought about how the world " welcome" is really two words? When we welcome someone { be it to our home or our church} we invite them to "come and be well"
Being authentically welcoming, as Christ commands of we His followers, is risky business. To be truly welcoming, we are { or should be{} at our most vulnerable. We invite others to com be with us, and the radical hospitality that Jesus commands we modern-day apostles to practice includes accepting other for who they ARE, not whom we wish them to be. radical hospitality to we Christ-followers demands that we put aside our prejudices, expectations and other preconceived notions of what we wish people to be when we meet them.
Manners are important, especially for meeting and/or entertaining someone for the first time. Social conventions dictate that we strive to follow a set of " norms" in order to be hospitable. But Jesus commands us to follow an entirely different hospitality. We are to love each other as He loves us. Radical hospitality is more than putting the correct number of forks on the supper table settings.
Love is costly, and the love described by an emulated by Jesus includes putting another's needs first, regardless of one's own idea of what is " normal & " acceptable".
In other words: Do not judge, and try to understand someone else's point of view when it comes to confronting differences of opinion. We humans need not always agree on eveyrthing in order to be kind to one another. We Christians, especially, need to accept each other as we are . After all, Christ accepts us without questions or reservations, so should we not follow His Example?
Amen.
Being authentically welcoming, as Christ commands of we His followers, is risky business. To be truly welcoming, we are { or should be{} at our most vulnerable. We invite others to com be with us, and the radical hospitality that Jesus commands we modern-day apostles to practice includes accepting other for who they ARE, not whom we wish them to be. radical hospitality to we Christ-followers demands that we put aside our prejudices, expectations and other preconceived notions of what we wish people to be when we meet them.
Manners are important, especially for meeting and/or entertaining someone for the first time. Social conventions dictate that we strive to follow a set of " norms" in order to be hospitable. But Jesus commands us to follow an entirely different hospitality. We are to love each other as He loves us. Radical hospitality is more than putting the correct number of forks on the supper table settings.
Love is costly, and the love described by an emulated by Jesus includes putting another's needs first, regardless of one's own idea of what is " normal & " acceptable".
In other words: Do not judge, and try to understand someone else's point of view when it comes to confronting differences of opinion. We humans need not always agree on eveyrthing in order to be kind to one another. We Christians, especially, need to accept each other as we are . After all, Christ accepts us without questions or reservations, so should we not follow His Example?
Amen.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Death & ressurection
I know, we are totally done with the Easter Season for yet another liturgical year. But recent events in my life & in my walk with Our LORD have got me pondering { Best Dude would say OBSESSING, Ha ha} about the concept of death & resurrection.
Death & resurrection are all around us. Some may say that it is " the circle of life" or " the plan of the Universe" but nothing is constant.
Beginnings will eventually yield endings.
Each winter will be followed by a Spring, then summer and finally autumn. Babies are born every day and elderly people pass on from this Earthly life. Where I grew up, certain trees in the woods hear my home have leaves that dry out, change color and eventually fall to the ground. The stark bare Winter landscape of the Appalachia where I am from eventually leads to a lush, green Springtime.
Of course , many of we Christians follow our LORD Jesus Christ from the garden where He was betrayed , too the Cross, and to the Grave and FINALLY to His glorious resurrection & ascension. Thanks be to God! I know that going through the " death" part of this cycle can be painful. When I feel alone, depressed, angry, ect-- I ponder the actions of Christ's closest comrades, His disciples. Although He tried to explain to them that His earthly ministry will end, they did not want to face
I try hard to remember during this time in my life that Christ, the risen Christ, is everywhere. Even when I find myself facing a metaphorical " death" {meaning the end of a relationship or relationships} I know that often we must " die" to something on order to be " resurrected" into something or somewhere better. It is painful, but endings lead to beginnings often the beginnings of better, healthier, more grace-filled life.
Amen.
Death & resurrection are all around us. Some may say that it is " the circle of life" or " the plan of the Universe" but nothing is constant.
Beginnings will eventually yield endings.
Each winter will be followed by a Spring, then summer and finally autumn. Babies are born every day and elderly people pass on from this Earthly life. Where I grew up, certain trees in the woods hear my home have leaves that dry out, change color and eventually fall to the ground. The stark bare Winter landscape of the Appalachia where I am from eventually leads to a lush, green Springtime.
Of course , many of we Christians follow our LORD Jesus Christ from the garden where He was betrayed , too the Cross, and to the Grave and FINALLY to His glorious resurrection & ascension. Thanks be to God! I know that going through the " death" part of this cycle can be painful. When I feel alone, depressed, angry, ect-- I ponder the actions of Christ's closest comrades, His disciples. Although He tried to explain to them that His earthly ministry will end, they did not want to face
I try hard to remember during this time in my life that Christ, the risen Christ, is everywhere. Even when I find myself facing a metaphorical " death" {meaning the end of a relationship or relationships} I know that often we must " die" to something on order to be " resurrected" into something or somewhere better. It is painful, but endings lead to beginnings often the beginnings of better, healthier, more grace-filled life.
Amen.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
the cost of dicipleship...and apostleship. And are you ready to pay?
Today Best Dude went with me to Beach Town Parish for Mass this morning.
On this second Sunday in Ordinary Time the priest talked about how discipleship & apostleship are not easy.
In today's Gospel lesson from St Matthew, Jesus tells his disciples what it will mean to proclaim Him as their risen LORD. This is a part of the discourse in Matthew's Gospel that is unsettling to we 21st-century Christians. Look closely at the text for today:
Jesus says" ...and whoever does not take up the cross and follow Me is not worthy of me. "
Ouch.
Jesus is letting His disciples , and also we Christians in today's modern era, that discipleship & apostleship is not for the weak or faint-of-heart. Taking our Crosses and doing Jesus' work here on earth is hard. In order to BE Christ's hands & feet in the here & now, I've come to the conclusion that I must be of good spiritual & emotional health. In order to give my best in the service of God, I must first BE my best.
As hard as it can be, sometimes service to God requires that we alter our earthly relationships with some people who might hold us back from giving our all in the Service of the Creator/Redeemer/Sustainer Godhead .Jesus was obediently even to a very physical death, and His disciples were left bereft of His physical Self. he sends the first apostles to do His work, and He warns them very explicitly that the cost of being a disciple & apostle is heavy
Humans are created to be in relationship with each other, but this passage of Matthew's Gospel reminds me that we are also called into a relationship with God, and unhealthy relationships with other humans can metaphorically bleed into out spiritual lives.
Following Jesus is not easy. Yet , as Marines are fond of saying" I never promised you a rose garden."
Amen.
SEM
2 Pentacost 2014
On this second Sunday in Ordinary Time the priest talked about how discipleship & apostleship are not easy.
In today's Gospel lesson from St Matthew, Jesus tells his disciples what it will mean to proclaim Him as their risen LORD. This is a part of the discourse in Matthew's Gospel that is unsettling to we 21st-century Christians. Look closely at the text for today:
Jesus says" ...and whoever does not take up the cross and follow Me is not worthy of me. "
Ouch.
Jesus is letting His disciples , and also we Christians in today's modern era, that discipleship & apostleship is not for the weak or faint-of-heart. Taking our Crosses and doing Jesus' work here on earth is hard. In order to BE Christ's hands & feet in the here & now, I've come to the conclusion that I must be of good spiritual & emotional health. In order to give my best in the service of God, I must first BE my best.
As hard as it can be, sometimes service to God requires that we alter our earthly relationships with some people who might hold us back from giving our all in the Service of the Creator/Redeemer/Sustainer Godhead .Jesus was obediently even to a very physical death, and His disciples were left bereft of His physical Self. he sends the first apostles to do His work, and He warns them very explicitly that the cost of being a disciple & apostle is heavy
Humans are created to be in relationship with each other, but this passage of Matthew's Gospel reminds me that we are also called into a relationship with God, and unhealthy relationships with other humans can metaphorically bleed into out spiritual lives.
Following Jesus is not easy. Yet , as Marines are fond of saying" I never promised you a rose garden."
Amen.
SEM
2 Pentacost 2014
Monday, June 9, 2014
I am {NOT} a rock. I am {NOT} an island
"I Am A Rock" By Simon & Garfunkel
As I continue on this journey , I learn who my true " community" is , and I am learning that my community need not be confined to the municipality where I live. My community is where I am loved with an agape love that asks for nothing in return. I freely give that same love to others in my community. There should not be restricted giving of love, but all too often I am guilty of freely loving people who are easy to love. I am guilty of the sin of pride & self-righteousness. Let's be honest---we all lack enough humility to love as Christ commands us to love. We are called to love one another, especially those in our fragile human communities.
Love each other always, but love each other more during times of weakness.
Amen. Alleluia.
Pentecost 2014
A winter's day
In a deep and dark December;
I am alone,
Gazing from my window to the streets below
On a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow.
I am a rock,
I am an island.
I've built walls,
A fortress deep and mighty,
That none may penetrate.
I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain.
It's laughter and it's loving I disdain.
I am a rock,
I am an island.
Don't talk of love,
But I've heard the words before;
It's sleeping in my memory.
I won't disturb the slumber of feelings that have died.
If I never loved I never would have cried.
I am a rock,
I am an island.
I have my books
And my poetry to protect me;
I am shielded in my armor,
Hiding in my room, safe within my womb.
I touch no one and no one touches me.
I am a rock,
I am an island.
And a rock feels no pain;
And an island never cries.
In a deep and dark December;
I am alone,
Gazing from my window to the streets below
On a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow.
I am a rock,
I am an island.
I've built walls,
A fortress deep and mighty,
That none may penetrate.
I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain.
It's laughter and it's loving I disdain.
I am a rock,
I am an island.
Don't talk of love,
But I've heard the words before;
It's sleeping in my memory.
I won't disturb the slumber of feelings that have died.
If I never loved I never would have cried.
I am a rock,
I am an island.
I have my books
And my poetry to protect me;
I am shielded in my armor,
Hiding in my room, safe within my womb.
I touch no one and no one touches me.
I am a rock,
I am an island.
And a rock feels no pain;
And an island never cries.
This is one of my all-time favorite songs. As a matter of fact, to me it is the ultimate introvert's anthem.
People scare me. Relationships can be messy. I took sociology as part of my general education requirements in college, and { still} can only see human foibles through the "lens" of social science.
People baffle & disappoint me .
Groups of people under then influence of a manipulative and/or charismatic leader can turn toxic quickly.
I do not trust easily.
My sensitivity does not allow for me to display my vulnerability.
However, in these past few years, I have discovered that I am NOT a rock NOR an island. People are created to live together in communities & groups. Even we introverts with autism need some degree of social interaction. I've needed to become vulnerable in order to grow. I hate feeling helpless and vulnerable but growth occurs sometimes during our weakest moments.
Yesterday was Pentecost. The Christian church celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit to the disciples.. Note the plural of the last word in the previous sentence. All people are communal by nature, but we Christians are even more communal { or " tribal" as it may be} than some other people.
As I continue on this journey , I learn who my true " community" is , and I am learning that my community need not be confined to the municipality where I live. My community is where I am loved with an agape love that asks for nothing in return. I freely give that same love to others in my community. There should not be restricted giving of love, but all too often I am guilty of freely loving people who are easy to love. I am guilty of the sin of pride & self-righteousness. Let's be honest---we all lack enough humility to love as Christ commands us to love. We are called to love one another, especially those in our fragile human communities.
Love each other always, but love each other more during times of weakness.
Amen. Alleluia.
Pentecost 2014
Monday, May 19, 2014
Change is scary....even the disciples knew it.
I heard an excellent sermon on Sunday when I visited Beach Parish with friends.
The Gospel lesson for this week comes from a portion of the John's Gospel. {14:1-14} has Christ reassuring His disciples that His mission will continue, even though He will no longer be with them " in the flesh
" Jesus opens today's lesson with " Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places....that's where I am , there you may be also." The priest mentioned that this is part of Jesus' ' farewell discourse' with His disciples & friends. Until recently, I had not give much thought to the importance of farewell discourses in everyday life.
Lately I've been feeling " lost" and " at a loss" due to some circumstances that I cannot change. I'm struggling seeing the face of Christ amidst all the chaos. I am struggling to find my own sense of " community" within my community. I feel directionless.
Right now I wonder where my own role within said community should be & I'm struggling with finding trustworthy mentors. Jesus prepared his disciples for life with Him on Earth, but how often do we have ANY preparation for major changes in life? Usually we are left in the storms of life to basically " sink or swim'. And I feel like I am sinking. I need to feel safe to let go...and for me the process of healing includes communication regarding the changes with those whom I love. I need some " farewell discourse" in times of transition. When this discourse does not happen, I feel a literal pain that will not go away.
Am I the only one who requires some sort of closure in transitions?
The Gospel lesson for this week comes from a portion of the John's Gospel. {14:1-14} has Christ reassuring His disciples that His mission will continue, even though He will no longer be with them " in the flesh
" Jesus opens today's lesson with " Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places....that's where I am , there you may be also." The priest mentioned that this is part of Jesus' ' farewell discourse' with His disciples & friends. Until recently, I had not give much thought to the importance of farewell discourses in everyday life.
Lately I've been feeling " lost" and " at a loss" due to some circumstances that I cannot change. I'm struggling seeing the face of Christ amidst all the chaos. I am struggling to find my own sense of " community" within my community. I feel directionless.
Right now I wonder where my own role within said community should be & I'm struggling with finding trustworthy mentors. Jesus prepared his disciples for life with Him on Earth, but how often do we have ANY preparation for major changes in life? Usually we are left in the storms of life to basically " sink or swim'. And I feel like I am sinking. I need to feel safe to let go...and for me the process of healing includes communication regarding the changes with those whom I love. I need some " farewell discourse" in times of transition. When this discourse does not happen, I feel a literal pain that will not go away.
Am I the only one who requires some sort of closure in transitions?
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Elevator pitch...Why I am an Episcopalian
Recently there has been a Facebook trend among some Episcopalians I know on Facebook. the challenge is to write one paragraph stating why you are an Episcopalian. Apparently this type of exercise is called an " elevator pitch".
At any rate: here is mine.
SARAH BETH'S "ELEVATOR PITCH"
I believe in the Jesus, as the Son & Second Person of the Triune God. I also believe that He teaches humanity what it means to be a good person. In the Episcopal Church I've found meaningful worship and a worldwide community of Christians who strive hard to discern what it means to follow our First-Century Jewish Carpenter Lord and Savior into the twenty-first century. Although we are not a perfect people, we are a people that tries , with integrity, to follow Our Lord's way. CS Lewis said" I don't go to religion to make me happy, I always knew a bottle of port would do that." I am not an Episcopalian because it is 'trendy' or that the Church always makes me 'happy. I belong in this branch of the One Holy and Catholic Church because we are an imperfect people trying our best to follow our perfect Lord.
Amen
Feast of the Annunciation , 2014
At any rate: here is mine.
SARAH BETH'S "ELEVATOR PITCH"
I believe in the Jesus, as the Son & Second Person of the Triune God. I also believe that He teaches humanity what it means to be a good person. In the Episcopal Church I've found meaningful worship and a worldwide community of Christians who strive hard to discern what it means to follow our First-Century Jewish Carpenter Lord and Savior into the twenty-first century. Although we are not a perfect people, we are a people that tries , with integrity, to follow Our Lord's way. CS Lewis said" I don't go to religion to make me happy, I always knew a bottle of port would do that." I am not an Episcopalian because it is 'trendy' or that the Church always makes me 'happy. I belong in this branch of the One Holy and Catholic Church because we are an imperfect people trying our best to follow our perfect Lord.
Amen
Feast of the Annunciation , 2014
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
#Lent14 begings tomorrow
Happy Mardi Gras!
Be sure to go to your local Episcopal or Roman Catholic church this evening and get your fill of a delicious pancake supper.
Lent is the traditional penitential season of the Church Year. For the past three years, rather than " giving up " something this season, I've challenged myself to " take on" some sort of discipline. I've found this to be a more spiritually-fulfilling practice than one of fasting from something. Each person has his or her own Lenten disciplines & all that bring us closer to Our Lord are worthwhile.
This year, I am taking on making time for more " study" time. I've been lax in my study of Scripture and other spiritual-type works. I asked a friend of mine who attends another parish in the diocese for her recommendations
Although I am naturally curious, circumstances, financial or otherwise, have been used as an excuse to focus less and less time in study. Our Church is built on the " three-legged stool": Scripture, Tradition & Reason and more Reason can be gleaned by study.
When I was active in the EfM program, " study" was a part of my routine. Since we lack an EfM group at my parish right now , I've found less time to study anything. This is sad, as I am a lifelong learner but when one does not drive & has limited funds it is a challenge to find opportunities to deepen one's faith through study Ive looked at several books {e-book format}online and saw a cornucopia of selections.
Be well, and may we all be blessed with a holy Lent. .
Be sure to go to your local Episcopal or Roman Catholic church this evening and get your fill of a delicious pancake supper.
Lent is the traditional penitential season of the Church Year. For the past three years, rather than " giving up " something this season, I've challenged myself to " take on" some sort of discipline. I've found this to be a more spiritually-fulfilling practice than one of fasting from something. Each person has his or her own Lenten disciplines & all that bring us closer to Our Lord are worthwhile.
This year, I am taking on making time for more " study" time. I've been lax in my study of Scripture and other spiritual-type works. I asked a friend of mine who attends another parish in the diocese for her recommendations
Although I am naturally curious, circumstances, financial or otherwise, have been used as an excuse to focus less and less time in study. Our Church is built on the " three-legged stool": Scripture, Tradition & Reason and more Reason can be gleaned by study.
When I was active in the EfM program, " study" was a part of my routine. Since we lack an EfM group at my parish right now , I've found less time to study anything. This is sad, as I am a lifelong learner but when one does not drive & has limited funds it is a challenge to find opportunities to deepen one's faith through study Ive looked at several books {e-book format}online and saw a cornucopia of selections.
Be well, and may we all be blessed with a holy Lent. .
Friday, December 27, 2013
For some, a " Blue Christmas"
For most of us, it has been a merry Christmastide, filled with family, friendship, worship and food. I am among the blessed this Christmastide. Best Dude & I participated in a lovely Christmas Eve Mass at Small Parish Tuesday night followed by fun, frolicking and FOOD at my parents' house on Christmas Day.
But for some people, this Christmastide ushered in unspeakable sadness.
A family whom I know in Ohio lost their 38 year old son to an illness on Christmas eve.
Closer to home, a 17-year-old student at a neighboring high school stabbed his mother to death in their home. the young man is being charged as an adult for second-degree murder . His late mother was a teacher at one of the local middle schools, so this senseless act of violence affects two local school communities.
I am sad. And I feel guilty because I am among my loved ones this Christmastide and others I know are suffering from a terrible loss.
We need to remember that not everyone is in a celebratory mood this Christmas season. Around the world, people are hurting .
Life isn't fair all of the time and sometimes life just sucks! People get sick and other people commit acts of unspeakable violence against one another. But the world into which Jesus was born was not " a rose garden" either. Yet God loved humanity so much that God sent Jesus to live among us AS A HUMAN. he felt pain. He was sad at times. He was betrayed by a friend before He died.
Emmanuel, " God-as-Human" came to us & is still with us today. he understands that even during the " most wonderful time of the year" that some are hurting.
The baby whose birth we celebrate at this time of year DOES understand that some people are having a Blue Christmas.
Amen.
But for some people, this Christmastide ushered in unspeakable sadness.
A family whom I know in Ohio lost their 38 year old son to an illness on Christmas eve.
Closer to home, a 17-year-old student at a neighboring high school stabbed his mother to death in their home. the young man is being charged as an adult for second-degree murder . His late mother was a teacher at one of the local middle schools, so this senseless act of violence affects two local school communities.
I am sad. And I feel guilty because I am among my loved ones this Christmastide and others I know are suffering from a terrible loss.
We need to remember that not everyone is in a celebratory mood this Christmas season. Around the world, people are hurting .
Life isn't fair all of the time and sometimes life just sucks! People get sick and other people commit acts of unspeakable violence against one another. But the world into which Jesus was born was not " a rose garden" either. Yet God loved humanity so much that God sent Jesus to live among us AS A HUMAN. he felt pain. He was sad at times. He was betrayed by a friend before He died.
Emmanuel, " God-as-Human" came to us & is still with us today. he understands that even during the " most wonderful time of the year" that some are hurting.
The baby whose birth we celebrate at this time of year DOES understand that some people are having a Blue Christmas.
Amen.
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