I've taken a different path on Palm/Passion Sunday this year--the manner in which it developed is the leading of the Holy Spirit, because I have been led to Christ.
Several months ago, an expanding group of ministers/volunteers at First Lutheran Community Church formed an outreach that would meet people in their vocation with the grace of God. We spend so much of our lives in our work, that God's presence should be proclaimed in the midst of that work. I wanted to proclaim God's presence and offer encouragement of gifts present in vocation. We've called this ministry "Celebrating Faces in the Community," offering thanks for a particular line of work in worship the last Sunday of each month. January offered thanks for health care workers, February offered thanks for people in education. Our March service is in recognition of "First Responders," emergency personnel, law enforcement, firefighters, EMT's and others like them. The group serving in this ministry considered changing the date because of Palm/Passion Sunday and working around the sermon series related to challenging texts of the Old Testament. I had an idea about how these strands of worship, proclamation and service could be woven together, but I lacked confidence.
After the recent violent events near my home in Federal Way, reading the Passion stories, and studying the Old Testament book of Judges, I realized I didn't need to weave as much of the aforementioned themes as I thought.
"First Responders" as we know them are not mentioned in the Bible, but First Responders are established to provide the grace of God in the midst of violent and chaotic situations. What is the source of violence in the book of Judges? Jephtha's lack of trust in the presence of God with him, the sacrifice/child abuse/murder of his daughter, and the ensuing civil war in the land of Israel. What happens in the midst of this civil war? Judges 17:6 and 21:25 provide bookends for the actions of the people when they do not trust God: "all the people did what was right in their own eyes."
In between these bookends in Judges we see some of the most despicable and egregious acts of violence in all of scripture. One can read of rape, complete and violent disregard for the human body, and murder. This takes us back to the question "why is there so much violence in the Bible? Why would we even bother reading these Bible passages?" This takes us back to a key discussion point early in the sermon series from Professor Jacobson. A key interpretive question about Bible passages is "is this passage prescriptive or descriptive?" Is this passage telling us what to do, or is this passage describing a situation? If we look at this passage as prescriptive--telling us what to do, then we legitimize violence in the name of God for our own purposes. This is the exact point of the passage. The reason we have violence in Judges in the first place is that "all the people did what was right in their own eyes." The people of Bible times are not any more violent than we are--Judges is telling a story about ourselves and the consequences of when we do what is right in our own eyes.
"...all the people did what was right in their own eyes" is the human drama of Holy Week.
+ Jesus is brought up on charges because "all the people did what was right in their own eyes."
+ Jesus is mocked by leaders of all stripes in because "all the people did what was right in their own eyes."
+ Jesus is abandoned by his followers because "all the people did what was right in their own eyes."
+ Jesus is executed because "all the people did what was right in their own eyes."
First Responders are not our source of our salvation, but they do provide the grace of God in the midst of a world where "all the people did what was right in their own eyes." This is not to say that First Responders are perfect, but they are the grace and compassion in some of the worst possible situations. For a people and society that does what is right in their own eyes, the grace of God is our only hope for transformation. The grace of God is made perfect and real in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus who conquers death in the hoards of people who "do what is right in their own eyes." Thanks to all the First Responders in our midst who provide the grace of God in unspeakable violence and chaos, thanks be to God in Jesus Christ, who withstood our violent, chaotic behavior so that we may know that there is nothing that will separate us from the love of God.
Showing posts with label Lent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lent. Show all posts
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
40 day Journey with Martin Luther (Augsburg Books) Day 13: My Favorite Commandment To Break
"We are to fear and love God, so that we do not tell lies about our neighbors, betray or slander them, or destroy their reputations. Instead we are to come to their defense, speak well of them, and interpret everything they do in the best possible light." --Martin Luther
A colleague of mine loves to say, "The Eighth Commandment is my favorite one to break." I'm not sure if it's my favorite commandment to break, but there is a certain satisfaction in breaking it. There's a certain kind of remorse I experience when I have another god in place of God. I eventually come to a realization regarding God's identity. Killing and stealing? Though I may be able to eek out a justification of the behavior that Luther says is the spirit of those commandments, I nod my head and acknowledge that these are good for not only a just and orderly society, but for a society that thrives.
There are times when I get energy from righteous indignation against another human being. I am right, after all. Not only am I right in my thinking, but how dare someone infringe upon my rightness in the world? That kind of rightness enables me to spew all kinds of vitriol to slash and burn everyone in my path. Luther's teaching is hard to swallow, because in the midst of my confidence in the rightness of my thinking and action is a call to interpret everything my neighbor does in the best possible light. This positive interpretation is hard because it is so fun to be right. Although it is not as fun when I see the impact on my neighbor of righteous indignation. Which means it is important to see my neighbor. Which also means that it's not as fun to be right as I originally thought it was. If breaking the Eighth Commandment was ever my most favorite to break, it's not anymore.
If there was ever a commandment that could be followed in the spirit of Luther's interpretation, I think following this one would really change the world. Fox News and MSNBC would go out of business or completely change format. Media outlets would be turned on their head. Congregations and places of work would change. In breaking this commandment, killing, stealing, coveting, dishonoring father and mother are born from the transgression of this commandment. Interpreting our neighbor's action in the best possible light is a reflection of Christ's mercy.
A colleague of mine loves to say, "The Eighth Commandment is my favorite one to break." I'm not sure if it's my favorite commandment to break, but there is a certain satisfaction in breaking it. There's a certain kind of remorse I experience when I have another god in place of God. I eventually come to a realization regarding God's identity. Killing and stealing? Though I may be able to eek out a justification of the behavior that Luther says is the spirit of those commandments, I nod my head and acknowledge that these are good for not only a just and orderly society, but for a society that thrives.
There are times when I get energy from righteous indignation against another human being. I am right, after all. Not only am I right in my thinking, but how dare someone infringe upon my rightness in the world? That kind of rightness enables me to spew all kinds of vitriol to slash and burn everyone in my path. Luther's teaching is hard to swallow, because in the midst of my confidence in the rightness of my thinking and action is a call to interpret everything my neighbor does in the best possible light. This positive interpretation is hard because it is so fun to be right. Although it is not as fun when I see the impact on my neighbor of righteous indignation. Which means it is important to see my neighbor. Which also means that it's not as fun to be right as I originally thought it was. If breaking the Eighth Commandment was ever my most favorite to break, it's not anymore.
If there was ever a commandment that could be followed in the spirit of Luther's interpretation, I think following this one would really change the world. Fox News and MSNBC would go out of business or completely change format. Media outlets would be turned on their head. Congregations and places of work would change. In breaking this commandment, killing, stealing, coveting, dishonoring father and mother are born from the transgression of this commandment. Interpreting our neighbor's action in the best possible light is a reflection of Christ's mercy.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
40 day journey with Martin Luther: Day 5 "True" Prayer
"God...wants you to lament and express your needs and concerns...in order that you may kindle your heart to stronger and greater desires and open and spread your apron wide to receive many things." --Martin Luther
I am culturally conditioned regarding the word "true." Often it is used to set someone over and above someone else, such as someone is a "true fan" if they do such and such a thing. Or a "true Christian" is someone who ascribes to particular doctrine or dogma. Luther appears to depict true prayer as someone who prays in earnest and with discipline. Earnest seems helpful on this occasion because method is left open and therefore examining self before prayer for intent becomes important.
Journal reflection:
"When do you feel closest to God?"
I feel closest to God in movement. It can be running, walking, driving. More of my senses are engaged--the beauty of surroundings, the sound of my breath and possibly music, the sound of animal life, human life and wind. Sometimes I smell something baking, the evergreens or the damp air. In a moving car I feel peace as the rubber rolls along the pavement. The car movement is calming and engages my brain in a powerful way. In these movements my brain engages in keeping balance, but after awhile my prayer directs me toward the important things of the day. Giving thanks helps me keep focused on the important things.
"Describe a time when your "whole heart" was at prayer. What feelings were evoked in you?"
My prayers for "whole heart" prayer don't seem all that focused. It usually comes in a time of distress. When things aren't right with my wife or daughters--illness or danger. My attention toward them and to God are in deep earnestness. If I'm thinking and praying about them, does that make it a whole heart prayer? Is prayer about focus, or earnestness? I don't know. But there is a feeling of total dependence. Maybe that is whole heart prayer.
I am culturally conditioned regarding the word "true." Often it is used to set someone over and above someone else, such as someone is a "true fan" if they do such and such a thing. Or a "true Christian" is someone who ascribes to particular doctrine or dogma. Luther appears to depict true prayer as someone who prays in earnest and with discipline. Earnest seems helpful on this occasion because method is left open and therefore examining self before prayer for intent becomes important.
Journal reflection:
"When do you feel closest to God?"
I feel closest to God in movement. It can be running, walking, driving. More of my senses are engaged--the beauty of surroundings, the sound of my breath and possibly music, the sound of animal life, human life and wind. Sometimes I smell something baking, the evergreens or the damp air. In a moving car I feel peace as the rubber rolls along the pavement. The car movement is calming and engages my brain in a powerful way. In these movements my brain engages in keeping balance, but after awhile my prayer directs me toward the important things of the day. Giving thanks helps me keep focused on the important things.
"Describe a time when your "whole heart" was at prayer. What feelings were evoked in you?"
My prayers for "whole heart" prayer don't seem all that focused. It usually comes in a time of distress. When things aren't right with my wife or daughters--illness or danger. My attention toward them and to God are in deep earnestness. If I'm thinking and praying about them, does that make it a whole heart prayer? Is prayer about focus, or earnestness? I don't know. But there is a feeling of total dependence. Maybe that is whole heart prayer.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
40 day journey with Martin Luther: Day 4 The Garland of Prayer
"[on prayer with the commandments, using the image of a 4-strand garland "The Garland of Prayer"]I think of each commandment as, first, instruction...and consider what the Lord God demands of me so earnestly. Second, I turn it into a thanksgiving; third, a confession; and fourth, a prayer." --Martin Luther
Journal Reflection:
Why not try the garland of prayer?
I must admit, I am resistant to trying a prayer "technique." It feels a bit contrived, sort of like the Father Weejus prayers. However, any prayer can be contrived if it's not from the heart. For Luther, it seems that praying the commandments helped him recognize that the contrivance was his, and not God's. That prayer, instruction and confession and joy are worthy pursuits. For being a great theologian, Luther was also one who made prayer not merely a discipline for discipline's sake, but a dynamic discipline that reflected his own desire to connect with a merciful God. I think my resistance to praying in this way may have more to do with the daunting nature of this prayer. Praying all of the Ten Commandments with a garland of prayer? My patience, my work ethic, and the exposing nature of confession is painful. Today I did a garland of prayer with one commandment. We'll see where this goes. But it was definitely thought-provoking.
I have had other "techniques" of prayer with longevity, but they were all in partnership with colleagues and friends: lectio divina and the Lambeth Bible study. I suppose it could take root in a small group. I know a pastor who makes something like this part of every worship service.
Journal Reflection:
Why not try the garland of prayer?
I must admit, I am resistant to trying a prayer "technique." It feels a bit contrived, sort of like the Father Weejus prayers. However, any prayer can be contrived if it's not from the heart. For Luther, it seems that praying the commandments helped him recognize that the contrivance was his, and not God's. That prayer, instruction and confession and joy are worthy pursuits. For being a great theologian, Luther was also one who made prayer not merely a discipline for discipline's sake, but a dynamic discipline that reflected his own desire to connect with a merciful God. I think my resistance to praying in this way may have more to do with the daunting nature of this prayer. Praying all of the Ten Commandments with a garland of prayer? My patience, my work ethic, and the exposing nature of confession is painful. Today I did a garland of prayer with one commandment. We'll see where this goes. But it was definitely thought-provoking.
I have had other "techniques" of prayer with longevity, but they were all in partnership with colleagues and friends: lectio divina and the Lambeth Bible study. I suppose it could take root in a small group. I know a pastor who makes something like this part of every worship service.
Friday, February 19, 2010
40 day Journey with Martin Luther (Augsburg Books) Day 3: Listening in Prayer
"If such an abundance of good thoughts comes to us we ought to disregard the other petitions, make room for such thoughts, listen in silence, and under no circumstances obstruct them. The Holy Spirit himself preaches here, and one word of his sermon is far better than a thousand of our prayers." -Martin Luther
"...they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts..." from Acts 2. How often do I eat a meal with a glad and generous heart? I think my food is only nutritious when I eat with others (especially at home) and eat it with a glad and generous heart. This is a good piece of scripture for me today.
Question for reflection:
Reflect on times when you have simply been silent during your devotions?
A time of simple silence is a devotional rarity to me. I suppose I should create that space more often--but the fact that I am even in a space for prayer is an accomplishment. Now that I have kept up a discipline for several days (both morning prayer and devotions) I have grown. The point when I have space for true silence and listening in prayer will be another growth step--but not right now. The only place I have ever encountered long silence and prayer is on a long drive or walking a labyrinth for a ministry retreat. This prayer is bountiful, and it takes at least 30 minutes to get in a space of true listening. I define true listening as an emptying out of my thoughts--thinking through all of the things that I think are important at that given time. Thirty minutes is the minimum, but it can take several hours. This is why a long drive, a change in perspective, and the emptying of my thoughts becomes a time when the Holy Spirit enters in and the Holy Spirit preaches to me. This can take place as many as 4 separate occurrences on a solo drive from 12-48 hours of driving. The labyrinth is also a good way to empty thoughts and focus on the preaching of the Spirit--I'm not sure why this kind of walking works, but it does--the weaving path, full of surprises and guidance leading to a center of prayer and listening.
Through this writing I have realized I have not done this kind of prayer in several months. It was actually during last Holy Week when I drove through the Western Dakotas. I must make it a goal to visit a labyrinth or go on a long drive during this Lenten season.
"...they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts..." from Acts 2. How often do I eat a meal with a glad and generous heart? I think my food is only nutritious when I eat with others (especially at home) and eat it with a glad and generous heart. This is a good piece of scripture for me today.
Question for reflection:
Reflect on times when you have simply been silent during your devotions?
A time of simple silence is a devotional rarity to me. I suppose I should create that space more often--but the fact that I am even in a space for prayer is an accomplishment. Now that I have kept up a discipline for several days (both morning prayer and devotions) I have grown. The point when I have space for true silence and listening in prayer will be another growth step--but not right now. The only place I have ever encountered long silence and prayer is on a long drive or walking a labyrinth for a ministry retreat. This prayer is bountiful, and it takes at least 30 minutes to get in a space of true listening. I define true listening as an emptying out of my thoughts--thinking through all of the things that I think are important at that given time. Thirty minutes is the minimum, but it can take several hours. This is why a long drive, a change in perspective, and the emptying of my thoughts becomes a time when the Holy Spirit enters in and the Holy Spirit preaches to me. This can take place as many as 4 separate occurrences on a solo drive from 12-48 hours of driving. The labyrinth is also a good way to empty thoughts and focus on the preaching of the Spirit--I'm not sure why this kind of walking works, but it does--the weaving path, full of surprises and guidance leading to a center of prayer and listening.
Through this writing I have realized I have not done this kind of prayer in several months. It was actually during last Holy Week when I drove through the Western Dakotas. I must make it a goal to visit a labyrinth or go on a long drive during this Lenten season.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
40 day Journey with Martin Luther (Augsburg Books) Day 1: Discipline and the Chrisitan Life
On Sunday, February 7, my own sermon reached me, as I preached on the disciplined Christian life compared to the disciplined life of an athlete in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. It was during my own sermon that had an epiphany about the concept of discipline. I haven't had a bad relationship with discipline in my life, but I have questioned its application. I led a disciplined life as a baseball player for several years and as a student in college (at least most of my last 2 years in college). That discipline reflected choice on my part. I also cringe at the concept of discipline because it is often used as a guise for abusive and controlling behavior by a person of power. I am also in the midst of a learning process about the relationship between discipline and parenting. I am thankful that my parents stuck to their values and gave discipline in a way that inspired growth in me. My parents were not and are not infallible, but they raised me in a way that I am able to respect boundaries and understand those boundaries as a blessing and opportunity for growth.
Discipline is an important concept for a Christian, particularly in the 40 days of Lent. Lent is a time to cultivate the life of faith in Christ so that that life can bear fruit in one's own life and in serving the neighbor. Cultivation takes discipline. What has tormented me about Lent in my 12 years as a pastor is that discipline has been forced on me to the extent that I have taken on the disciplines of a particular congregation. These disciplines are not of my own choosing. Not to mention gearing up for two sets of sermons and worship services in a week is draining and exhausting. I find myself getting cranky and irritable during the time before Easter that was originally designed to prepare and welcome new converts to faith in Christ. I desire for Lent to be an opportunity for people rather than a burden. But then again, discipline is not easy. Forty days is not a random choice of number, but reminiscent of a period of testing and reflection, as with Jesus or Noah. If we move easily toward discipline, that might also be a little dangerous. Discipline has to be related to a goal, and the goal is to live joyously in Jesus Christ. Learning, connecting, praying, and serving.
My discipline for this Lenten season is approached with some trepidation. First, I don't like the word journey. I find it an overused word that has lost its meaning, and even sounds a little flaky. Second, Lent makes me a little cranky. Third, I'm still sorting out my relationship with discipline.
I chose the aforementioned book because I'm always curious about what it means to be a Lutheran Christian in these days when denominational affiliations are so fluid. I don't have the answers about what it means to be Lutheran, and I am highly suspicious of people who proclaim to be resolutely certain about Lutheran Christian identity. I have made vows in the Lutheran Christian tradition in my ordination, and I can also learn from Luther as an influential person in world history, a faithful (but by no means perfect), Christian, and a wise theologian/biblical scholar.
You are invited to join me in reading the Augsburg Books "40-Day Journey With Martin Luther" and joining in the discussion of reflections for journal writing. It is part of my discipline to pray, reflect and learn from and with a great teacher. Discipline is intended to be an opportunity, not a burden. Discipline is challenging, yet applied faithfully can reap a great harvest.
Questions for day 1:
Describe your present practice of prayer:
My most present effective method of prayer is setting aside a time during morning exercise. It's about the only time I have where I do not experience an interruption. Movement inspires blood flow, which not only relaxes me, but also gives my brain the blood and oxygen it needs for thought. I give thanks for God's work in the world and in my life. I give thanks for particular people in my life. I ask for guidance for the day and the days ahead. I pray for people who are hurting. I ask for forgiveness. I sometimes listen to music when I do this, most recently, I have Taize music on my iPod. After a time of prayer during running or walking, then I shuffle the music and see what prayerful thoughts arise.
What do I want to learn about the life of faith as I begin these 40 days?
I want to learn more about the faith of the person whose life and work was foundational for the tradition to which I ascribe. I am not looking to duplicate Luther's practices or faith necessarily, but I do want to spend time with him as a teacher of the faith. I hope to have my faith challenged. In all of this discipline activity that I may see the love, mercy and work of God in Christ.
Today, the writing from Luther implicitly speaking of discipline as dodging distractions, for they make us joyless in prayer. The biblical reference has some warrior imagery (Ephesians 6:17), that makes me cringe. However, the point is not to go to war literally, but have perseverance in dodging distractions that take the joy out of a relationship with God.
Discipline is an important concept for a Christian, particularly in the 40 days of Lent. Lent is a time to cultivate the life of faith in Christ so that that life can bear fruit in one's own life and in serving the neighbor. Cultivation takes discipline. What has tormented me about Lent in my 12 years as a pastor is that discipline has been forced on me to the extent that I have taken on the disciplines of a particular congregation. These disciplines are not of my own choosing. Not to mention gearing up for two sets of sermons and worship services in a week is draining and exhausting. I find myself getting cranky and irritable during the time before Easter that was originally designed to prepare and welcome new converts to faith in Christ. I desire for Lent to be an opportunity for people rather than a burden. But then again, discipline is not easy. Forty days is not a random choice of number, but reminiscent of a period of testing and reflection, as with Jesus or Noah. If we move easily toward discipline, that might also be a little dangerous. Discipline has to be related to a goal, and the goal is to live joyously in Jesus Christ. Learning, connecting, praying, and serving.
My discipline for this Lenten season is approached with some trepidation. First, I don't like the word journey. I find it an overused word that has lost its meaning, and even sounds a little flaky. Second, Lent makes me a little cranky. Third, I'm still sorting out my relationship with discipline.
I chose the aforementioned book because I'm always curious about what it means to be a Lutheran Christian in these days when denominational affiliations are so fluid. I don't have the answers about what it means to be Lutheran, and I am highly suspicious of people who proclaim to be resolutely certain about Lutheran Christian identity. I have made vows in the Lutheran Christian tradition in my ordination, and I can also learn from Luther as an influential person in world history, a faithful (but by no means perfect), Christian, and a wise theologian/biblical scholar.
You are invited to join me in reading the Augsburg Books "40-Day Journey With Martin Luther" and joining in the discussion of reflections for journal writing. It is part of my discipline to pray, reflect and learn from and with a great teacher. Discipline is intended to be an opportunity, not a burden. Discipline is challenging, yet applied faithfully can reap a great harvest.
Questions for day 1:
Describe your present practice of prayer:
My most present effective method of prayer is setting aside a time during morning exercise. It's about the only time I have where I do not experience an interruption. Movement inspires blood flow, which not only relaxes me, but also gives my brain the blood and oxygen it needs for thought. I give thanks for God's work in the world and in my life. I give thanks for particular people in my life. I ask for guidance for the day and the days ahead. I pray for people who are hurting. I ask for forgiveness. I sometimes listen to music when I do this, most recently, I have Taize music on my iPod. After a time of prayer during running or walking, then I shuffle the music and see what prayerful thoughts arise.
What do I want to learn about the life of faith as I begin these 40 days?
I want to learn more about the faith of the person whose life and work was foundational for the tradition to which I ascribe. I am not looking to duplicate Luther's practices or faith necessarily, but I do want to spend time with him as a teacher of the faith. I hope to have my faith challenged. In all of this discipline activity that I may see the love, mercy and work of God in Christ.
Today, the writing from Luther implicitly speaking of discipline as dodging distractions, for they make us joyless in prayer. The biblical reference has some warrior imagery (Ephesians 6:17), that makes me cringe. However, the point is not to go to war literally, but have perseverance in dodging distractions that take the joy out of a relationship with God.
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