Healthy relationships and our connection to others are important to our lives. Whether in the context of the larger community, or with a special person, relationships are absolutely vital for our psychological and emotional needs; as well as for our spiritual growth and nurture. Humanity was not meant to live as individuals, in isolation. Even the Desert Fathers of the early church who lived as hermits in their cells, gathered together in communal worship on occasion. The very nature of God is community, for God is Trinity. The mystery of God is three diverse “persons” yet one complete and holy substance. We are made in the image of God and therefore have the same need to be in community with each other, as well as one substance (in the theological sense of the word) with those we love. Connection to others is an essential and core need that we all have and desire. However, we often find sharing our lives in community or in communion with one another difficult and a double edged sword.
We exist in a broken and imperfect world. The nature of sin is to divide and cut us off from God, our inner selves and each other. All too often while we find ourselves desperately craving communion and relationship with others, we also find ourselves struggling with the demands of what it means to live in those relationships. Since we are not God and will never be able to live a life in perfect communal harmony in this world, nor achieve the ability to completely give of ourselves wholly and unconditionally, the struggle with relationships is an ongoing and constant tension; we deeply desire communion with each other, yet at the same time struggle with the preservation of the self, and our own needs and identity. The constant human struggle to find the perfect balance between the self and the other is a continuous and ongoing challenge. This is the exact reason why personal relationships and life in community should be built on the sure and solid foundation - Christ Jesus.
Jesus was God’s outreach mission to this divisive and struggling creation; a creation that experienced the “Great Fall” in the Garden of Eden. What was once a perfect communion between humanity and God, and humanity within its own context, became a split and self-centered need for individuality. Here lies the real crux and root of our struggle with relationships. We were innately created to live in perfect harmony with one another, yet because of the divisive nature of sin we long to grow as selfish individuals with the sole desire to have our own needs met.
God longs for us to live in perfect communion with him and each other. Jesus’ mission was a sacrifice that brought to each of us the opportunity for reconciliation, renewal and forgiveness. In Christ there is a new creation which means there is a new hope and a renewed opportunity for communion. When we place Jesus at the center of our lives and build our relationships on him we find that we have a strong foundation to live and exist in community. With Christ as our sure foundation our relationships in this lifetime and world, while still far from perfect, are continuously renewed and reconciled. The miracle that we experience is the ongoing ability to live in a healthy, meaningful and nurturing relationship with each other, despite the constant struggle with our self- centered tendencies. The key here is Christ Jesus. The key is centering ourselves in him so that we are better able to center our thoughts and actions on others. The key is losing ourselves in Christ, so that we may find ourselves living a life of unconditional love for others. The death of the individual self brings on the resurrected self. A new identity is born and expressed in selfless love and a desire to sacrifice ourselves for not only the other, but the greater community as well. If we all live our lives in this unselfish manner then we find our own needs met in ways that go beyond our superficial desires. We also find ourselves living a life in community that is modeling the community of God.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christ is...
In the dark stillness of the morning we encounter the Risen Christ.
In the stillness of the heart we feel Christ's presence.
In the stillness of the mind our souls transcend the brokenness of the world.
Christ is my governor;
my sure defense.
Christ is my hope and source of all strength.
Christ is my master and beloved guide.
Christ is my redeemer and transformer;
my font of joy.
Christ is my source of true humility and sincere kindness;
yet powerful and fearful.
Christ is the sword;
the living Word of God that cuts through all evil.
Jesus is my redeemer and source of hope.
Jesus is my recompense and all that is made whole.
Jesus is my peace and source of healing.
Jesus is my comforter in times of turmoil;
my beloved companion in times of fear and doubt.
Jesus is my source of reassurance and standard for truth.
In the mirror I must look deeply into the eyes of the person who stares back.
There is Christ who searches my heart.
There is Christ who shows me my faults.
There is Christ who brings my secrets to light.
There is Christ who exposes my broken dreams and crushed heart.
Come mighty Savior and bring healing and hope.
Come mighty Savior and wash away the tears of despair.
Come most Holy One of God and liberate my soul.
Come most Beloved Redeemer and renew me from within.
Christ is the holy light of God that transcends all darkness.
May the joy of this Christmas season fill your hearts with the passion;
the blessed passion that comes from living in the presence of the Incarnate God.
When he, the Spirit of truth, comes,
he will guide you into all truth.
He will not speak on his own;
he will speak only what he hears,
and he will guide you into all truth.
John 16:13
In the stillness of the heart we feel Christ's presence.
In the stillness of the mind our souls transcend the brokenness of the world.
Christ is my governor;
my sure defense.
Christ is my hope and source of all strength.
Christ is my master and beloved guide.
Christ is my redeemer and transformer;
my font of joy.
Christ is my source of true humility and sincere kindness;
yet powerful and fearful.
Christ is the sword;
the living Word of God that cuts through all evil.
Jesus is my redeemer and source of hope.
Jesus is my recompense and all that is made whole.
Jesus is my peace and source of healing.
Jesus is my comforter in times of turmoil;
my beloved companion in times of fear and doubt.
Jesus is my source of reassurance and standard for truth.
In the mirror I must look deeply into the eyes of the person who stares back.
There is Christ who searches my heart.
There is Christ who shows me my faults.
There is Christ who brings my secrets to light.
There is Christ who exposes my broken dreams and crushed heart.
Come mighty Savior and bring healing and hope.
Come mighty Savior and wash away the tears of despair.
Come most Holy One of God and liberate my soul.
Come most Beloved Redeemer and renew me from within.
Christ is the holy light of God that transcends all darkness.
May the joy of this Christmas season fill your hearts with the passion;
the blessed passion that comes from living in the presence of the Incarnate God.
When he, the Spirit of truth, comes,
he will guide you into all truth.
He will not speak on his own;
he will speak only what he hears,
and he will guide you into all truth.
John 16:13
To us a Savior is Born! On the Wrong side of the Tracks?
As a young child growing up in Augusta, GA my family and I had a nice home and a good life. There was just one problem – we lived on the wrong side of the railroad tracks. We lived on the more impoverished and lower class side of the city, and believe me -those railroad tracks were a very real and invincible barrier or (invisible wall). My father’s job, our schools and church were all located on the other side of the tracks (the politically and socially right side). Everyday we crossed over those railroad tracks as we went about our daily routine. When we told folks where we lived I remember (vividly) the slight pause followed by a drawled out southern – “Oh, I see. Over there.” That invisible barrier was something that haunted me, and at times even caused shame. It was hurtful to be looked at as “one of those people who lived over there.”
Walls and barriers are hurtful and they are a complete contradiction to the divine nature of God. Many of you may have read about, or be familiar with the Israeli construction of a 25’ concrete wall around the city of Bethlehem. Because of very real fear and threat of suicide bombers, the Israeli government has taken extreme measures to protect itself and her people. While I certainly understand the need to protect and preserve our safety, unfortunately there are many innocent people who now suffer due to this wall.
Can you imagine the hardship that this wall has created for the people who live in Bethlehem – on the wrong side of the wall? They have to go through intense screening in order to pass through to the other side just to get to work or visit family. This wall has virtually sealed off the people of Bethlehem, and destroyed the cities economy. (Yet) that’s what walls tend to do that don’t they? That is their nature; they cut us off; they confine us and narrow our views; they separate us from the world, and all too often cast some kind of negative label on those who happen to live on the wrong side.
Walls are not a part of God’s nature; instead they are part of the nature of sin. The very nature of sin is to divide, and cut us off from God. This is why God decided that enough was enough. God decided that he had been cut off from his people long enough. God didn’t build these walls, we (humanity) built them, and whether we realized it or not – suddenly found ourselves trapped on the wrong side. Rather than allow a barrier to separate us, God sent his only son to be born into this world; and guess what? He was born on the wrong side of the tracks (or wall).
In Jesus’ day, Bethlehem was still a small, out of the way and forgotten town. It certainly wasn’t as magnificent as the city of Rome, nor did it have the appeal and attention of the city of Jerusalem. Bethlehem was an impoverished area that was basically on the wrong side of the tracks. But note, God doesn’t allow barriers to interfere with his judgment and desire for community. Why? Well just look at this evenings Gospel reading from Luke - Who did God send the angels to visit? It wasn’t the powerful and rich; it wasn’t to the mighty and powerful Rome; nor was it to the thriving towns and villages surrounding Jerusalem. Instead, God sent his angels to Bethlehem – in other words - “Over there.” They then proclaimed their good news and tidings of joy to the poorest of the poor – the shepherds. Shepherds – these were the despised people of the night. They were virtually unknown to the world that slept during the darkness. By the light of day the shepherds went unnoticed, and ignored – seen as nothing but despised beggars or unclean pests.
The shepherds are important to God’s Incarnation; they are important because they represent all of the lowly who live in this world. They represent all those who are despised, unnoticed and living on the wrong side of the tracks or wall. But the shepherds remind us that we are all (every single one of us, no matter where we find ourselves in life) under God’s heavenly protection and divine love.
(You see) Christ came into this world to smash the walls that separate us from God, and to pull up the divisive tracks that sin has laid down. This is the whole purpose of the Incarnation – God became flesh and humbly dwelt among us to liberate you and me from the walls, chains and tracks created by sin.
In the Nativity story in Luke's Gospel (a story that I have read a million times- at least!) I discovered something new; a word seen in a new light. The Gospel doesn’t simply say that “Christ was born;” Luke writes. “But to you he is born.” The Angel of the Lord doesn’t simply tell the lowly shepherds tending their field under the shroud of darkness, “ I bring glad tidings.” The Angel of the Lord proclaims to the shepherds, “But to you I bring glad tidings of great joy!” The key word is “you.” Luke is telling us that Christ came into this world for the sake of - “you” (and of course me too). This joy would spread outward from Christ across all barriers (invisible or not) to be for all people. Christ in the manger levels the playing field. Christ in the nativity transcends the walls erected by humanity; Christ in his simple yet glorious birth strikes a spear of brilliant light and hope into a dark, dismal and broken world. And when the tip of that spear penetrates sin's barriers and prejudices, a transcendent love of great magnitude is born; a penetrating light that is of God; a radical and healing light that transforms every single life it touches!
Tonight is a night of Good News for "you!" For tonight Christ doesn’t just become an icon of hope; Christ becomes our actual living hope; a hope that is personal to you; a living hope that abolishes all worldly barriers that separates you and me from the love of God. Tonight the angels bring us great news and joyful tidings of God’s redeeming and reconciling love. So rejoice! The birth of Christ crumbled the spiritual walls that cut us off from God. The birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior has renewed our connection to God and absolutely nothing (not even the divisive tracks) can ever separate us again.
Walls and barriers are hurtful and they are a complete contradiction to the divine nature of God. Many of you may have read about, or be familiar with the Israeli construction of a 25’ concrete wall around the city of Bethlehem. Because of very real fear and threat of suicide bombers, the Israeli government has taken extreme measures to protect itself and her people. While I certainly understand the need to protect and preserve our safety, unfortunately there are many innocent people who now suffer due to this wall.
Can you imagine the hardship that this wall has created for the people who live in Bethlehem – on the wrong side of the wall? They have to go through intense screening in order to pass through to the other side just to get to work or visit family. This wall has virtually sealed off the people of Bethlehem, and destroyed the cities economy. (Yet) that’s what walls tend to do that don’t they? That is their nature; they cut us off; they confine us and narrow our views; they separate us from the world, and all too often cast some kind of negative label on those who happen to live on the wrong side.
Walls are not a part of God’s nature; instead they are part of the nature of sin. The very nature of sin is to divide, and cut us off from God. This is why God decided that enough was enough. God decided that he had been cut off from his people long enough. God didn’t build these walls, we (humanity) built them, and whether we realized it or not – suddenly found ourselves trapped on the wrong side. Rather than allow a barrier to separate us, God sent his only son to be born into this world; and guess what? He was born on the wrong side of the tracks (or wall).
In Jesus’ day, Bethlehem was still a small, out of the way and forgotten town. It certainly wasn’t as magnificent as the city of Rome, nor did it have the appeal and attention of the city of Jerusalem. Bethlehem was an impoverished area that was basically on the wrong side of the tracks. But note, God doesn’t allow barriers to interfere with his judgment and desire for community. Why? Well just look at this evenings Gospel reading from Luke - Who did God send the angels to visit? It wasn’t the powerful and rich; it wasn’t to the mighty and powerful Rome; nor was it to the thriving towns and villages surrounding Jerusalem. Instead, God sent his angels to Bethlehem – in other words - “Over there.” They then proclaimed their good news and tidings of joy to the poorest of the poor – the shepherds. Shepherds – these were the despised people of the night. They were virtually unknown to the world that slept during the darkness. By the light of day the shepherds went unnoticed, and ignored – seen as nothing but despised beggars or unclean pests.
The shepherds are important to God’s Incarnation; they are important because they represent all of the lowly who live in this world. They represent all those who are despised, unnoticed and living on the wrong side of the tracks or wall. But the shepherds remind us that we are all (every single one of us, no matter where we find ourselves in life) under God’s heavenly protection and divine love.
(You see) Christ came into this world to smash the walls that separate us from God, and to pull up the divisive tracks that sin has laid down. This is the whole purpose of the Incarnation – God became flesh and humbly dwelt among us to liberate you and me from the walls, chains and tracks created by sin.
In the Nativity story in Luke's Gospel (a story that I have read a million times- at least!) I discovered something new; a word seen in a new light. The Gospel doesn’t simply say that “Christ was born;” Luke writes. “But to you he is born.” The Angel of the Lord doesn’t simply tell the lowly shepherds tending their field under the shroud of darkness, “ I bring glad tidings.” The Angel of the Lord proclaims to the shepherds, “But to you I bring glad tidings of great joy!” The key word is “you.” Luke is telling us that Christ came into this world for the sake of - “you” (and of course me too). This joy would spread outward from Christ across all barriers (invisible or not) to be for all people. Christ in the manger levels the playing field. Christ in the nativity transcends the walls erected by humanity; Christ in his simple yet glorious birth strikes a spear of brilliant light and hope into a dark, dismal and broken world. And when the tip of that spear penetrates sin's barriers and prejudices, a transcendent love of great magnitude is born; a penetrating light that is of God; a radical and healing light that transforms every single life it touches!
Tonight is a night of Good News for "you!" For tonight Christ doesn’t just become an icon of hope; Christ becomes our actual living hope; a hope that is personal to you; a living hope that abolishes all worldly barriers that separates you and me from the love of God. Tonight the angels bring us great news and joyful tidings of God’s redeeming and reconciling love. So rejoice! The birth of Christ crumbled the spiritual walls that cut us off from God. The birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior has renewed our connection to God and absolutely nothing (not even the divisive tracks) can ever separate us again.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
God's Light in the Innocent Eyes of Hope
God's transcendent grace and benevolent hope never ceases to amaze me. Just when everything looks bleakest, God suddenly moves and works at the most unexpected times, and often in the most expected places. This morning I experienced one of those incredible moments and divine encounters.
Today I had the privilege of leading the weekly chapel service at my children's school. It was an awesome experience! St. Andrew's is a wonderful Episcopal Church school located in Richmond, Virginia. The schools original and primary mission is to elementary age children of low income families. St. Andrew's is rich in diversity, and a place in which God's love is truly at work.
Because I had to work late last night, I was tired and didn't feel as prepared as I would have liked this morning. I walked into chapel all worried and stressed out about 'my' message to the children; worried about what 'I' was going to say to them; hoping 'I' would be able to preach a few profound words of faith. As usual my hope was to assist the children in their faith development by planting a few good seeds. Well, what ended up happening was - they assisted me in my faith. Where as I though I was the one with the message to deliver, it turned out to be the other way around. It was the children who had the actual message for me.
While leading the service, I looked into the bright and radiant eyes of innocence, and suddenly witnessed God's profound revelation of hope to this broken world. These young children whose ages range from 5 years old to 10 years old are our future. Their beautiful voices lifted up in song and praise to God, while at the same time the piano rang out with its wonderful melody. It was in this instance that a peaceful sense of clarity overcame my spirit. While we adults continue to struggle with the poor economy and worry over the pressures of life, I was reminded by these little children that love and joy are an innate and important part of our lives. When we approach Jesus as a child, God draws out that beautiful and untainted innocence that exists within each one of us. As his children, no matter what this world thows at us, in Jesus we are made innocent and pure, untouched by the shadows of decay.
Nevertheless, as I sit here at my computer I still have all of the same worries and concerns that I awoke with this morning; I still let out a few bad words that I shouldn't say; and I still sigh and fret over things that I really don't want to do. But despite my broken human nature I have a child like hope and joy for life that no darkness can dispel.
Perhaps today we can all approach Jesus in prayer as a child, opening our hearts and minds up to his presence, experiencing that inner peace and joyful innocence. As for me, well in this very moment, I'm going to do exactly what the song we sang this morning suggested we do - With this Little Light of Mine, I'm going to let it shine; let it shine; let it shine; let it shine!
Today I had the privilege of leading the weekly chapel service at my children's school. It was an awesome experience! St. Andrew's is a wonderful Episcopal Church school located in Richmond, Virginia. The schools original and primary mission is to elementary age children of low income families. St. Andrew's is rich in diversity, and a place in which God's love is truly at work.
Because I had to work late last night, I was tired and didn't feel as prepared as I would have liked this morning. I walked into chapel all worried and stressed out about 'my' message to the children; worried about what 'I' was going to say to them; hoping 'I' would be able to preach a few profound words of faith. As usual my hope was to assist the children in their faith development by planting a few good seeds. Well, what ended up happening was - they assisted me in my faith. Where as I though I was the one with the message to deliver, it turned out to be the other way around. It was the children who had the actual message for me.
While leading the service, I looked into the bright and radiant eyes of innocence, and suddenly witnessed God's profound revelation of hope to this broken world. These young children whose ages range from 5 years old to 10 years old are our future. Their beautiful voices lifted up in song and praise to God, while at the same time the piano rang out with its wonderful melody. It was in this instance that a peaceful sense of clarity overcame my spirit. While we adults continue to struggle with the poor economy and worry over the pressures of life, I was reminded by these little children that love and joy are an innate and important part of our lives. When we approach Jesus as a child, God draws out that beautiful and untainted innocence that exists within each one of us. As his children, no matter what this world thows at us, in Jesus we are made innocent and pure, untouched by the shadows of decay.
Nevertheless, as I sit here at my computer I still have all of the same worries and concerns that I awoke with this morning; I still let out a few bad words that I shouldn't say; and I still sigh and fret over things that I really don't want to do. But despite my broken human nature I have a child like hope and joy for life that no darkness can dispel.
Perhaps today we can all approach Jesus in prayer as a child, opening our hearts and minds up to his presence, experiencing that inner peace and joyful innocence. As for me, well in this very moment, I'm going to do exactly what the song we sang this morning suggested we do - With this Little Light of Mine, I'm going to let it shine; let it shine; let it shine; let it shine!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Holy Rollers...Pass Me Another Amen!
This past Thanksgiving my family and I traveled from our home in Richmond, Virginia to visit and stay with our famlies who live in Augusta, Georgia. We all loaded up - Sallie, Jack, Annabel and even Mandy the dog and headed south. The week was nice despite a few family arguements (usually over the same old silly things!) The only real soar spot of the whole trip (besides the fact that my mother didn't like my sisters new hair color) was that my beloved Georgia Bulldogs got beat in football by our much loathed arch rivals, Georgia Tech.
One of the highlights of my Thanksgiving week in Augusta was a most unexpected opportunity to co-celebrate the Eucharist with one of my dear friends who is an Episcopal priest in the Diocese of Georgia, and lives in Augusta. Joe is a wonderful and fine gentleman. He and his wife Cissy are dear friends and the god-parents of my two little children, Jack and Annabel. Joe is not only a priest but a surgeon and teacher at the Medical College of Georgia. I often tease him by saying that he is the only person I know that can diagonse a medical problem, operate, and if everything goes south (as in death) give his patient last rites!
Now, one might quickly assume that Joe and I were celebrateing the Eucharist at his parish, Holy Comforter, Episcopal Church; but that was not the case. Joe got invited to celebrate the Episcopal Eucharist at the Penticostal Worship Center in a very impoverished area of Augusta. The minister at the church was admrally teaching his non-denominational Penicostal church about the broader church and her diverse liturgical traditions. I was so impressed with their pastor. He genuinely wanted his congregation to experience other Christan faith denominations so that they would not become narrow-minded in their faith.
Well, what a night! I have to tell you that it was much livelier than most traditional Episcopal services. The music was awesome, using a diverse set of intruments such as the keyboard, drums and guitar. Everyone sang from their heart like there was no tomorrow. It was an incredible and moving experience.
There is one tradition that these fine folks have that really stood out that evening - they enthusiastically say Amen anytime they are moved by the Holy Spirit. Man, they were moved by the Holy Spirit! After every sentence in Joe's sermon he was met with a round of Aaaaaamens! They Amened everything in the Book of Common Prayer. They even Amened me when Joe introduced me to the congregation!
We Episcopal priests don't often get many Amens when we preach, teach or celebrate (unless it says to do so in the Book of Common Prayer). Joe told that beautiful congregation that he and I were going to load up on all the Amens we could possibly get, since we rarely receive that kind of spontaneous congregational affirmation.
So my dear sisters and brothers - here's to you - and have a Aaaaamen kind of day! As for me and Joe, we decided that we will take as many Amens as we can possible stand.
One of the highlights of my Thanksgiving week in Augusta was a most unexpected opportunity to co-celebrate the Eucharist with one of my dear friends who is an Episcopal priest in the Diocese of Georgia, and lives in Augusta. Joe is a wonderful and fine gentleman. He and his wife Cissy are dear friends and the god-parents of my two little children, Jack and Annabel. Joe is not only a priest but a surgeon and teacher at the Medical College of Georgia. I often tease him by saying that he is the only person I know that can diagonse a medical problem, operate, and if everything goes south (as in death) give his patient last rites!
Now, one might quickly assume that Joe and I were celebrateing the Eucharist at his parish, Holy Comforter, Episcopal Church; but that was not the case. Joe got invited to celebrate the Episcopal Eucharist at the Penticostal Worship Center in a very impoverished area of Augusta. The minister at the church was admrally teaching his non-denominational Penicostal church about the broader church and her diverse liturgical traditions. I was so impressed with their pastor. He genuinely wanted his congregation to experience other Christan faith denominations so that they would not become narrow-minded in their faith.
Well, what a night! I have to tell you that it was much livelier than most traditional Episcopal services. The music was awesome, using a diverse set of intruments such as the keyboard, drums and guitar. Everyone sang from their heart like there was no tomorrow. It was an incredible and moving experience.
There is one tradition that these fine folks have that really stood out that evening - they enthusiastically say Amen anytime they are moved by the Holy Spirit. Man, they were moved by the Holy Spirit! After every sentence in Joe's sermon he was met with a round of Aaaaaamens! They Amened everything in the Book of Common Prayer. They even Amened me when Joe introduced me to the congregation!
We Episcopal priests don't often get many Amens when we preach, teach or celebrate (unless it says to do so in the Book of Common Prayer). Joe told that beautiful congregation that he and I were going to load up on all the Amens we could possibly get, since we rarely receive that kind of spontaneous congregational affirmation.
So my dear sisters and brothers - here's to you - and have a Aaaaamen kind of day! As for me and Joe, we decided that we will take as many Amens as we can possible stand.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Prayer: Listening for God's voice in Blessed Silence
The Catholic priest, author and theologian, the late Henri Nouwen wrote the following regarding prayer: "The real 'work' of prayer is to become silent and listen to the voice that says good things about me." Silence! How often do we simply sit still enough to allow our hearts and minds to quietly embrace the silence. If you're like me, probably - Never! Why is it that we are so against embracing silence as an effective means for prayer?
Sitting in silence doesn't come easy for many of us. It is uncomfortable, and even a Little unnatural, especially for an off the chart extrovert like me! We are used to a world that is full of constant noise, and relentless audio visual stimulation. To actually take a brief moment out of each day to quietly reflect on God's presence, while remaining still is almost a cardinal sin in a world that grades our accomplishments by how much stuff we can get done in a specific time frame. Believe me, the church is really no different in this regard. We often like to imagine ourselves as a contemplative haven providing a spiritual respite for those who are weary, burdened and in search of a deeper relationship with God. While we do indeed work to make the church a spiritual haven (at least at Emmanuel) the parish is quite a busy place, often abuzz with a flurry of work, and noise (mostly pleasant sounds). Even in our Sunday liturgy we tend to fill every single moment of worship with words, music or some form of announcements.
As rector, I'm as guitly as anyone else when it comes to remaining still and embracing the silence. I often find myself pushing aside those important reflective moments in order to complete the many administrative tasks I encounter daily. Even at this very moment I am reminded of how subtle is the need to fill our life with noise; as I am writing an article on silent prayer I just realized that I am listening to music! (It is church music if I must justify my need for sound).
Silence in prayer is vital if we are to listen to God and hear his voice. I will never forget many years ago while driving down the road in my old beat up Chevy Blazer, just a praying to God about something I considered most important, and certainly deserving of being placed first on God's priority list. Suddenly I stopped talking and simply shut my mouth (I like to pray out loud that way I am assured God hears what I say - Yea, right!). I will never forget that beautiful moment of clarity, an epiphany. In my hearts ear I heard God's voice say, "John, would you please hush for one moment so that I can get a word in this conversation?" Well, what a powerful and profound revelation. You mean if I shut up, quiet my heart and mind and allow God to speak then I just might experience God working in and around me? Simply put - Yes!
One of my seminary professors used to always say, "Silence is the language of God; anything else is a bad translation." Silence is an important and an integral part of our prayer life. I encourage all of us to take 30 minutes out of our day (15 minutes if that is all you can do) and sit silently (with no TV, radio or computer running). As Nouwen goes on to tell us, "We will gradually discover that something is happening which we were not even conscious." How will we know something is happening one might ask? Nouwen goes on to say, "The movement of God's Spirit is very gentle, very soft - and hidden. It does not seek attention. But that movement is also very persistent, strong and deep. It changes hearts radically." Silent prayer is the "faithful discipline that reveals to each one of us that we are truly blessed by God, and that God gives us the power to bless others." Trust me, we will hear and know in our hearts when God speaks to us.
The day I had my profound revelation while driving my truck down some south Georgia road was a true blessing; one that has remained with me for the past 15 years. I hope that you too may find this reminder to quietly listen for God in prayer a blessing. When practiced on a regular basis silent prayer truly does strengthen the spirit, and draws us into a deeper relationship with God.
Sitting in silence doesn't come easy for many of us. It is uncomfortable, and even a Little unnatural, especially for an off the chart extrovert like me! We are used to a world that is full of constant noise, and relentless audio visual stimulation. To actually take a brief moment out of each day to quietly reflect on God's presence, while remaining still is almost a cardinal sin in a world that grades our accomplishments by how much stuff we can get done in a specific time frame. Believe me, the church is really no different in this regard. We often like to imagine ourselves as a contemplative haven providing a spiritual respite for those who are weary, burdened and in search of a deeper relationship with God. While we do indeed work to make the church a spiritual haven (at least at Emmanuel) the parish is quite a busy place, often abuzz with a flurry of work, and noise (mostly pleasant sounds). Even in our Sunday liturgy we tend to fill every single moment of worship with words, music or some form of announcements.
As rector, I'm as guitly as anyone else when it comes to remaining still and embracing the silence. I often find myself pushing aside those important reflective moments in order to complete the many administrative tasks I encounter daily. Even at this very moment I am reminded of how subtle is the need to fill our life with noise; as I am writing an article on silent prayer I just realized that I am listening to music! (It is church music if I must justify my need for sound).
Silence in prayer is vital if we are to listen to God and hear his voice. I will never forget many years ago while driving down the road in my old beat up Chevy Blazer, just a praying to God about something I considered most important, and certainly deserving of being placed first on God's priority list. Suddenly I stopped talking and simply shut my mouth (I like to pray out loud that way I am assured God hears what I say - Yea, right!). I will never forget that beautiful moment of clarity, an epiphany. In my hearts ear I heard God's voice say, "John, would you please hush for one moment so that I can get a word in this conversation?" Well, what a powerful and profound revelation. You mean if I shut up, quiet my heart and mind and allow God to speak then I just might experience God working in and around me? Simply put - Yes!
One of my seminary professors used to always say, "Silence is the language of God; anything else is a bad translation." Silence is an important and an integral part of our prayer life. I encourage all of us to take 30 minutes out of our day (15 minutes if that is all you can do) and sit silently (with no TV, radio or computer running). As Nouwen goes on to tell us, "We will gradually discover that something is happening which we were not even conscious." How will we know something is happening one might ask? Nouwen goes on to say, "The movement of God's Spirit is very gentle, very soft - and hidden. It does not seek attention. But that movement is also very persistent, strong and deep. It changes hearts radically." Silent prayer is the "faithful discipline that reveals to each one of us that we are truly blessed by God, and that God gives us the power to bless others." Trust me, we will hear and know in our hearts when God speaks to us.
The day I had my profound revelation while driving my truck down some south Georgia road was a true blessing; one that has remained with me for the past 15 years. I hope that you too may find this reminder to quietly listen for God in prayer a blessing. When practiced on a regular basis silent prayer truly does strengthen the spirit, and draws us into a deeper relationship with God.
Monday, December 8, 2008
When We Say Yes To God
As we rapidly approach the birth of Christ, I can't help but think about Mary and her unselfish willingness to accept and bear God's child. Mary said to the angel Gabriel, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be according to your word." In that one moment she risked everything in her life that she considered significant, or of value.
Let's take one moment and think about the burden Mary took on when she said 'yes' to God. She risked losing and humiliating Joseph; she risked being cast out of her community for infidelity; she risked disgracing herself and family; she risked her dignity, honor and integrity; all because she responded to God by saying, "Yes, let it be with me according to your will."
Are we willing to take such risks in our lives in the name of Christ? Are we willing to put God first and trust God's divine will and actions? Or do we timidly hide behind the cloak of fear and doubt, afraid to risk failure and the cruel ridicule of others? These are not easy questions to answer, especially if we take a sincere look deep inside ourselves. Doubt seems to always lurk in the dark recesses of our hearts. There is often a cloud of anxiety that shrouds our spirits when we are called by God to step outside of our comfort zones.
Maybe we find ourselves called to work with the poor, the homeless and destitute - people that we may not normally associate with in our daily existence. Perhaps our relationship with Christ is one that becomes evangelical, inviting people to church who may come from a different social-economic or racial background. When we say 'yes' to God we may risk losing friends who feel threatened by that relationship. Maybe we get shunned by family members who don't understand or approve of our relationship with God. Perhaps we are called to mission and have to leave behind our life as we know it, and make the required sacrifices it takes to serve Jesus Christ. Maybe the 'yes' is something as simple as daily prayer, or going to Alcoholics Anonymous in order to overcome harmful behavior. A 'yes' to God always involves the revelation that we must learn to be more giving and less selfish. Saying 'yes' to God as Mary discovered is a revolutionary act. That one word ( a simple 'yes')has a life altering and transforming affect on lives and spirits. Why? Because once we respond to God by saying 'yes' to God's will for us, it is difficult to go back to the life we led before. It is similar to a person who works hard to become sober through AA, and then decides to begin drinking alcohol again - "A belly full of AA really messes up your drinking" it is never the same after that encounter. The same is true with God. Once we experience a heart full of God it messes up our justification to live a life without God. Our lives have experienced a 'revolutionary' message of love and acceptance that transcends this world and its emphasis on instant gratification.
As I travel this long spiritual journey of faith, I have found that my relationship with Christ becomes more and more important each day. This ongoing and ever maturing relationship allows me to more easily and willingly surrender my life to Christ. After all if we don't surrender our will and life to God, how can God initiate conversation and build a relationship with us? What I find through this sweet surrender is nothing less than total victory in life. You see, the more I become willing to step out in faith, taking the necessary risks, the less I worry about myself and the judgment of others.
Mary gives us such a beautiful example of what it means to say 'yes' to God. We know that we have grown in a deeper more fulfilling relationship with Christ when self-denial supersedes self-preservation. The journey begins with the words of radical revolution and revelation: "Yes God, let it be with me according to your will."
Let's take one moment and think about the burden Mary took on when she said 'yes' to God. She risked losing and humiliating Joseph; she risked being cast out of her community for infidelity; she risked disgracing herself and family; she risked her dignity, honor and integrity; all because she responded to God by saying, "Yes, let it be with me according to your will."
Are we willing to take such risks in our lives in the name of Christ? Are we willing to put God first and trust God's divine will and actions? Or do we timidly hide behind the cloak of fear and doubt, afraid to risk failure and the cruel ridicule of others? These are not easy questions to answer, especially if we take a sincere look deep inside ourselves. Doubt seems to always lurk in the dark recesses of our hearts. There is often a cloud of anxiety that shrouds our spirits when we are called by God to step outside of our comfort zones.
Maybe we find ourselves called to work with the poor, the homeless and destitute - people that we may not normally associate with in our daily existence. Perhaps our relationship with Christ is one that becomes evangelical, inviting people to church who may come from a different social-economic or racial background. When we say 'yes' to God we may risk losing friends who feel threatened by that relationship. Maybe we get shunned by family members who don't understand or approve of our relationship with God. Perhaps we are called to mission and have to leave behind our life as we know it, and make the required sacrifices it takes to serve Jesus Christ. Maybe the 'yes' is something as simple as daily prayer, or going to Alcoholics Anonymous in order to overcome harmful behavior. A 'yes' to God always involves the revelation that we must learn to be more giving and less selfish. Saying 'yes' to God as Mary discovered is a revolutionary act. That one word ( a simple 'yes')has a life altering and transforming affect on lives and spirits. Why? Because once we respond to God by saying 'yes' to God's will for us, it is difficult to go back to the life we led before. It is similar to a person who works hard to become sober through AA, and then decides to begin drinking alcohol again - "A belly full of AA really messes up your drinking" it is never the same after that encounter. The same is true with God. Once we experience a heart full of God it messes up our justification to live a life without God. Our lives have experienced a 'revolutionary' message of love and acceptance that transcends this world and its emphasis on instant gratification.
As I travel this long spiritual journey of faith, I have found that my relationship with Christ becomes more and more important each day. This ongoing and ever maturing relationship allows me to more easily and willingly surrender my life to Christ. After all if we don't surrender our will and life to God, how can God initiate conversation and build a relationship with us? What I find through this sweet surrender is nothing less than total victory in life. You see, the more I become willing to step out in faith, taking the necessary risks, the less I worry about myself and the judgment of others.
Mary gives us such a beautiful example of what it means to say 'yes' to God. We know that we have grown in a deeper more fulfilling relationship with Christ when self-denial supersedes self-preservation. The journey begins with the words of radical revolution and revelation: "Yes God, let it be with me according to your will."
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Hope in the Desert
"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6
"If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast."
Psalm 139:9-10
The desert is where we lose ourselves, only to rediscover ourselves. The desert is a frightening place; a place full of danger; mid-day heat; night-time coldness. The desert calls out to us in its barren beauty, while at the same time intimidates us with the loudness of its silence. Massive rocks jut up out of the sandy floor; rocks that are embroidered with cadnium reds, rich grays, and Sapphire wrinkles. These desert rocks have witnessed the history of ages past. These are the same rocks that listened to the Children of Israel cry out against God. They are the same rocks that yielded water to Moses at Merribah. They are the same rocks, stacked as ancient Bedouin toombs long before Father Abraham walked the earth.
The desert is the place where the Ru ah (the breath of God) stirs the timeless space of creation. This is the place where the Shroud of God settled on the mighty crag of Horeb, and his glorious voice thundered down upon the Israelites.
The desert is a place in which we come face to face with those wicked demons that seek to disrupt and bring pain and sorrow to our lives. Yet, the desert is where we learn to face these elusive devils and discover the peace which comes from listening to the still, quiet voice of God.
Listen for that voice! It rides upon the arid winds of the desert. God's voice is found in the often uncomfortable hot and stagnant air, or on the blustery sand storms that arise out of nowhere. God's word is light and unencumbered, while at the same time heart changing and transformative. In the desert times of life God's voice calls out to us and meets us in the solitude and stillness. Be still then, and know God. He will guide us down whatever paths we travel, making them straight, while holding us fast.
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6
"If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast."
Psalm 139:9-10
The desert is where we lose ourselves, only to rediscover ourselves. The desert is a frightening place; a place full of danger; mid-day heat; night-time coldness. The desert calls out to us in its barren beauty, while at the same time intimidates us with the loudness of its silence. Massive rocks jut up out of the sandy floor; rocks that are embroidered with cadnium reds, rich grays, and Sapphire wrinkles. These desert rocks have witnessed the history of ages past. These are the same rocks that listened to the Children of Israel cry out against God. They are the same rocks that yielded water to Moses at Merribah. They are the same rocks, stacked as ancient Bedouin toombs long before Father Abraham walked the earth.
The desert is the place where the Ru ah (the breath of God) stirs the timeless space of creation. This is the place where the Shroud of God settled on the mighty crag of Horeb, and his glorious voice thundered down upon the Israelites.
The desert is a place in which we come face to face with those wicked demons that seek to disrupt and bring pain and sorrow to our lives. Yet, the desert is where we learn to face these elusive devils and discover the peace which comes from listening to the still, quiet voice of God.
Listen for that voice! It rides upon the arid winds of the desert. God's voice is found in the often uncomfortable hot and stagnant air, or on the blustery sand storms that arise out of nowhere. God's word is light and unencumbered, while at the same time heart changing and transformative. In the desert times of life God's voice calls out to us and meets us in the solitude and stillness. Be still then, and know God. He will guide us down whatever paths we travel, making them straight, while holding us fast.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Zimbabwe, A Living Hell
This morning I received an e-mail from a dear friend of mine who lives in Atlanta, GA. She is originally from South Africa and knows all too well the uphill challenges that many of the African nations face. The e-mail she forwarded to me was not only eye opening, it was most distressing and gut wrenching as well.
As if draught and famine are not terrible enough, the government of Zimbabwe under the brutal and ruthless control of President Mugabe have brought utter decimation, and intense persecution to a large portion of the Zimbabwean population. The president, along with his close circle of cronies has blatantly ignored the nation's Constitution which was adopted in 1980. A promising country on the continent of Africa, Zimbabwe was once a place where personal freedoms, human rights and democracy thrived and were deeply valued. Today, through selfish greed and personal agenda's Mugabe and his allies are systematically destroying all the opposition to their oppressive regime. The reports of violence against humanity is staggering and woeful. Mugabe and his derelict thugs are apparently willing to use any and all means possible to secure the government, and Zimbabwe's national resources. Awful stories of torture, murder and displacement of the nations inhabitants are slowly leaking out of the country. Naturally the current government views this as a huge threat to its selfish motives, and is doing all it can to stop the hemorrhaging of information. Zimbabwe is now a human rights nightmare, in which literally all hell is breaking loose.
The various militias are rounding up those who oppose Mugabe and his tyrannical rule, and sending them to torture camps, where there is severe and hopeless suffering. Many of the inhabitants have been forced from their property by this greedy and sinister government. Displaced people are now forced to sleep in the streets, starving to death in disease ridden slums, and have no water to drink. Many people have fled the country and are now living the life of refugies. To the distress of many of us, this human suffering includes many little children. Amnesty International is telling us that the government of Zimbabwe is one step away from out right genocide.
Please keep the people of Zimbabwe in your prayers. Many people are suffering under the most horrific and terrible conditions. The main opposition to Mugabe and his government is the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).
I encourage anyone concerned to contact the Rev. Mike Kinman who leads Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation at http://www.e4gr.org/. Other organizations to contact are the Nation Episcopal Church - http://www.ecusa.anglican.org/, or your congress representative.
As if draught and famine are not terrible enough, the government of Zimbabwe under the brutal and ruthless control of President Mugabe have brought utter decimation, and intense persecution to a large portion of the Zimbabwean population. The president, along with his close circle of cronies has blatantly ignored the nation's Constitution which was adopted in 1980. A promising country on the continent of Africa, Zimbabwe was once a place where personal freedoms, human rights and democracy thrived and were deeply valued. Today, through selfish greed and personal agenda's Mugabe and his allies are systematically destroying all the opposition to their oppressive regime. The reports of violence against humanity is staggering and woeful. Mugabe and his derelict thugs are apparently willing to use any and all means possible to secure the government, and Zimbabwe's national resources. Awful stories of torture, murder and displacement of the nations inhabitants are slowly leaking out of the country. Naturally the current government views this as a huge threat to its selfish motives, and is doing all it can to stop the hemorrhaging of information. Zimbabwe is now a human rights nightmare, in which literally all hell is breaking loose.
The various militias are rounding up those who oppose Mugabe and his tyrannical rule, and sending them to torture camps, where there is severe and hopeless suffering. Many of the inhabitants have been forced from their property by this greedy and sinister government. Displaced people are now forced to sleep in the streets, starving to death in disease ridden slums, and have no water to drink. Many people have fled the country and are now living the life of refugies. To the distress of many of us, this human suffering includes many little children. Amnesty International is telling us that the government of Zimbabwe is one step away from out right genocide.
Please keep the people of Zimbabwe in your prayers. Many people are suffering under the most horrific and terrible conditions. The main opposition to Mugabe and his government is the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).
I encourage anyone concerned to contact the Rev. Mike Kinman who leads Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation at http://www.e4gr.org/. Other organizations to contact are the Nation Episcopal Church - http://www.ecusa.anglican.org/, or your congress representative.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Watch, Remain Awake, For You Know Not When the Hour Will Come
My family and I returned to Richmond, VA yesterday (Monday) in hopes of avoiding the heavy Sunday traffic that always occurs with people returning home after Thanksgiving. We made wonderful time; that is until we crossed over the state line into Virginia. Apparently there was a terrible car accident that claimed the life of at least one person. A tractor-trailer truck had wrecked and caught fire shutting down both the north and south lanes of I-95.
As one can imagine, sitting in traffic gave me much time to reflect on all kinds of things going on in my personal life, as well as the world around me. As I sat there moving at a snails pace, I couldn't help but think about this past Sunday's reading from the Gospel of Mark. Jesus said, "Watch, be alert, remain awake, for you know not when the hour will come." That truck driver and anyone else invloved in that accident had no idea what literally lay instore around the next bend; none of us do in this life. Therefore watch, be alert; live life in faithful service to Christ each and every moment. Give unto others, love unconditionally and be quick to forgive. While we often can't control our surroundings and what others do with their lives, Jesus is telling us that spiritual preperation will allow our hearts and souls to be ready for the most unexpected hardships and challenges of life.
I encourage each one of us to use this season of Advent to deepen our spiritual lives and cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ and those we love; "for we know not when the hour will come."
As one can imagine, sitting in traffic gave me much time to reflect on all kinds of things going on in my personal life, as well as the world around me. As I sat there moving at a snails pace, I couldn't help but think about this past Sunday's reading from the Gospel of Mark. Jesus said, "Watch, be alert, remain awake, for you know not when the hour will come." That truck driver and anyone else invloved in that accident had no idea what literally lay instore around the next bend; none of us do in this life. Therefore watch, be alert; live life in faithful service to Christ each and every moment. Give unto others, love unconditionally and be quick to forgive. While we often can't control our surroundings and what others do with their lives, Jesus is telling us that spiritual preperation will allow our hearts and souls to be ready for the most unexpected hardships and challenges of life.
I encourage each one of us to use this season of Advent to deepen our spiritual lives and cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ and those we love; "for we know not when the hour will come."
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