Lent 4 - Year A
Ephesians 5:8-14
Once you were darkness - not seen. Being blind is not just not seeing, it is also a not being seen. Shepherding in daylight is still invisible work.
Be careful in finding out what is pleasing to “the Lord” for it is likely to engage you with invisible people - those who have the potential of witness to change in the most unlikely of situations (from blind from birth to sighted engagement or from lowly shepherd to ruler of a nation). If such can happen, the status quo is in danger and so these shifts are dangerous. Workers will arise and the wealthy shake; rising leaders scare present leaders. If you get caught between, your allegience one way or the other is at risk - and so are you.
To find out what is pleasing to “the Lord” will change your life. You may be hardened against trying that again or you may get deeper and deeper into significant change of a particular social reality or culture. Nonetheless, it is well worth it. Blessings on being pleased when you find out what will be pleasing to “the Lord”. That mutual pleasure may be all that is available in the midst of grinding change.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Psalm 23
Lent 4 - Year A
Psalm 23
This psalm is usually intoned, schmaltzed, cadenced, slowed. There are easily recognizable connections with water and sheep to parallel the water used to wash muddy spit off and to honor the scut job of shepherding, given to the least powerful.
It is in considering these other passages that raises the possibility of other reading styles. Would being blind from birth and now seeing turn into a dirge-like unison reading? Trying to figure out what all this new visual data means would be similar to the uncomprehending stare of a new-born. A querulous waver in one’s voice might well be appropriate. Yes, these verses are statements, but huge stories lie behind each one. It is appropriate to wonder not only at this present moment, but be a bit confused about interpreting the past and anticipating the future.
Presuming sighted privilege we might want to try reading this while skipping. “I can see, I can see” rhythms with periodic bursts of laughter, might be another presentation.
Were you Samuel, you might start off with Eliab’s stature and triumphantly blast this psalm. As Samuel went through each of presented sons, with less and less assurance, would he just hold onto the psalm with a hope against hope as each rejected prospect comes and goes. What happens to this psalm when it is repeated five or six times in a discouraging situation? When shepherd David comes along where does this psalm go? for surely it does not simply circle back to its triumphant beginning.
Blessings on finding an appropriate tone for your own life as well as that of a congregation, nation, world.
Psalm 23
This psalm is usually intoned, schmaltzed, cadenced, slowed. There are easily recognizable connections with water and sheep to parallel the water used to wash muddy spit off and to honor the scut job of shepherding, given to the least powerful.
It is in considering these other passages that raises the possibility of other reading styles. Would being blind from birth and now seeing turn into a dirge-like unison reading? Trying to figure out what all this new visual data means would be similar to the uncomprehending stare of a new-born. A querulous waver in one’s voice might well be appropriate. Yes, these verses are statements, but huge stories lie behind each one. It is appropriate to wonder not only at this present moment, but be a bit confused about interpreting the past and anticipating the future.
Presuming sighted privilege we might want to try reading this while skipping. “I can see, I can see” rhythms with periodic bursts of laughter, might be another presentation.
Were you Samuel, you might start off with Eliab’s stature and triumphantly blast this psalm. As Samuel went through each of presented sons, with less and less assurance, would he just hold onto the psalm with a hope against hope as each rejected prospect comes and goes. What happens to this psalm when it is repeated five or six times in a discouraging situation? When shepherd David comes along where does this psalm go? for surely it does not simply circle back to its triumphant beginning.
Blessings on finding an appropriate tone for your own life as well as that of a congregation, nation, world.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Lent 4 - Year A
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Blindness can have many a cause. One of the usually overlooked causes is that of grief. It blinds us to many an opportunity and keeps us repeating the same pattern over and over as though that would change something. At some point grief of a loss ends and a revolution begins.
Samuel is not sent to a pool to wash off muddy spit, but to a household to bloodily sacrifice a heifer. Healing and leadership are effected through many routes and processes, not all pleasant or understandable.
Little by little questions come to Samuel. “Eliab is tall, is he the one?” Likewise the noticeable qualities of Abinadab, Shammah, etc. bring their questions. Finally the merest twinkle in an eye stopped the questions and said, “Let’s not judge externals.” There’s more than a bit of humor in this story that needs to be played out and enjoyed.
Bottom-line, what do you know and when did you know it? Well, not till it happened. Be prepared to be present when the next happening happens.
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Blindness can have many a cause. One of the usually overlooked causes is that of grief. It blinds us to many an opportunity and keeps us repeating the same pattern over and over as though that would change something. At some point grief of a loss ends and a revolution begins.
Samuel is not sent to a pool to wash off muddy spit, but to a household to bloodily sacrifice a heifer. Healing and leadership are effected through many routes and processes, not all pleasant or understandable.
Little by little questions come to Samuel. “Eliab is tall, is he the one?” Likewise the noticeable qualities of Abinadab, Shammah, etc. bring their questions. Finally the merest twinkle in an eye stopped the questions and said, “Let’s not judge externals.” There’s more than a bit of humor in this story that needs to be played out and enjoyed.
Bottom-line, what do you know and when did you know it? Well, not till it happened. Be prepared to be present when the next happening happens.
Monday, March 28, 2011
John 9:1-41
Lent 4 - Year A
John 9:1-41
Lent is one of those times when we are tempted to peer behind a larger screen and take a break from our own engagement with spirit, personal and institutional.
Like the disciples of old we are tempted by big questions and big answers. How does misfortune happen? Whose fault is it (other than G*D’s or no one’s, of course)?
Jesus doesn’t answer but responds, “Still trying to get out of your responsibility to do your work of honoring a revelation as is?”
Jesus goes on, “Your evasion of your own coming to grips with life’s persistent temptation to set blame rather than do what you know needs to be done, just isn’t going to cut it. You’ve got a bit of light left, use it.”
Then Jesus deepens the response (note: still not an answer). “You ask about sin,” says Jesus, “I’ll see your question and raise it with this ball of muddy spit right to the eye.”
I’ve always laughed at the sight of a blind many toodling off to a pool, at a location he may or may not have known, and coming back to find a bunch more questioners instead of Jesus. Here we go again with the temptation to know more than can be known at a given time. This formerly blind man’s only response is what he knows, without speculation or attribution.
The Pharisees pick up the disciples queries, “Who’s at fault?”
While its a nice coda to have Jesus talk about belief in some Son of Man and a nice moralism to condemn questioners, it’s probably better just to stick with the facts. They are amazing enough to let sufficient light shine through without turning this story into a sunday school lesson that nicely lets you know Jesus is the answer that ends all answers and stops all next questions.
John 9:1-41
Lent is one of those times when we are tempted to peer behind a larger screen and take a break from our own engagement with spirit, personal and institutional.
Like the disciples of old we are tempted by big questions and big answers. How does misfortune happen? Whose fault is it (other than G*D’s or no one’s, of course)?
Jesus doesn’t answer but responds, “Still trying to get out of your responsibility to do your work of honoring a revelation as is?”
Jesus goes on, “Your evasion of your own coming to grips with life’s persistent temptation to set blame rather than do what you know needs to be done, just isn’t going to cut it. You’ve got a bit of light left, use it.”
Then Jesus deepens the response (note: still not an answer). “You ask about sin,” says Jesus, “I’ll see your question and raise it with this ball of muddy spit right to the eye.”
I’ve always laughed at the sight of a blind many toodling off to a pool, at a location he may or may not have known, and coming back to find a bunch more questioners instead of Jesus. Here we go again with the temptation to know more than can be known at a given time. This formerly blind man’s only response is what he knows, without speculation or attribution.
The Pharisees pick up the disciples queries, “Who’s at fault?”
While its a nice coda to have Jesus talk about belief in some Son of Man and a nice moralism to condemn questioners, it’s probably better just to stick with the facts. They are amazing enough to let sufficient light shine through without turning this story into a sunday school lesson that nicely lets you know Jesus is the answer that ends all answers and stops all next questions.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
coming arrived
Lent 3 - Year A
coming arrived
tired and thirsty
a deadly combination
water in a well
but not a drop to drink
these depths are plumbed
by outcasts
outcasts
beneath one’s station
money won’t make it
past achievements won’t either
neither will happy talk
or righteous faithful actions
this calls for a new way
beyond discipleship
here we need to know
one another
understand the depths
in another
reconciliation takes two
to make a new way
this new way
binds together
a never being the same
and moving on
coming arrived
tired and thirsty
a deadly combination
water in a well
but not a drop to drink
these depths are plumbed
by outcasts
outcasts
beneath one’s station
money won’t make it
past achievements won’t either
neither will happy talk
or righteous faithful actions
this calls for a new way
beyond discipleship
here we need to know
one another
understand the depths
in another
reconciliation takes two
to make a new way
this new way
binds together
a never being the same
and moving on
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Romans 5:1-11
Lent 3 - Year A
Romans 5:1-11
Any other ways to have “peace with God” than through Christian “justification by faith”? There are, of course, many who would affirm other journeys.
Since this is our journey we note that “sharing the glory of G*D” is Paul’s description of an end game with which we are involved. Such can happen right here, right now. We can love G*D with all that we have, from suffering to loving hearts.
Some might want to focus on the details of justification and expressions of faith. In the light of reconciliation and revelation of the Image of G*D within even ourselves, a works righteousness of Jesus’ death fades as quickly as attempts at works righteousness by ourselves.
Keep your eye on your hope and reality of sharing glory with One Another, your Neighbor (and any you can’t yet abide as Neighbor) and G*D. Justification will take care of itself.
Romans 5:1-11
Any other ways to have “peace with God” than through Christian “justification by faith”? There are, of course, many who would affirm other journeys.
Since this is our journey we note that “sharing the glory of G*D” is Paul’s description of an end game with which we are involved. Such can happen right here, right now. We can love G*D with all that we have, from suffering to loving hearts.
Some might want to focus on the details of justification and expressions of faith. In the light of reconciliation and revelation of the Image of G*D within even ourselves, a works righteousness of Jesus’ death fades as quickly as attempts at works righteousness by ourselves.
Keep your eye on your hope and reality of sharing glory with One Another, your Neighbor (and any you can’t yet abide as Neighbor) and G*D. Justification will take care of itself.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Psalm 95
Lent 3 - Year A
Psalm 95
Good ol’ G*D wants to be proved once for all. Don’t test G*D or you’ll get it in the neck or somewhere. One test in the desert will keep you out of a land of milk and honey. See, don’t test G*D. And we want to yell, “I’ll stop testing you when you stop testing me!”
Or, more moderately, we might say, “Relationships are always being tested for how else could there be growth of each part and the whole.” We wonder why the mood swings of G*D. Is there not enough lithium in usable form for G*D? How much can we keep new creations from crossing our mind and being followed even should we be threatened with destruction? There is something about our being in the image of G*D that keeps us pushing the boundaries. Or perhaps it is just the kid in us learning as we go.
Mystery I can abide. Rules without reason are not helpful. Rules that run contrary to experience are hurtful. A rule of not testing G*D is unconscionable, it is not part of our original job description. How else would one know if G*D has grown past a past response? How else do we find what image is our image?
Blessings upon your testings (both those your receive and those you make).
Psalm 95
Good ol’ G*D wants to be proved once for all. Don’t test G*D or you’ll get it in the neck or somewhere. One test in the desert will keep you out of a land of milk and honey. See, don’t test G*D. And we want to yell, “I’ll stop testing you when you stop testing me!”
Or, more moderately, we might say, “Relationships are always being tested for how else could there be growth of each part and the whole.” We wonder why the mood swings of G*D. Is there not enough lithium in usable form for G*D? How much can we keep new creations from crossing our mind and being followed even should we be threatened with destruction? There is something about our being in the image of G*D that keeps us pushing the boundaries. Or perhaps it is just the kid in us learning as we go.
Mystery I can abide. Rules without reason are not helpful. Rules that run contrary to experience are hurtful. A rule of not testing G*D is unconscionable, it is not part of our original job description. How else would one know if G*D has grown past a past response? How else do we find what image is our image?
Blessings upon your testings (both those your receive and those you make).
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Exodus 17:1-7
Lent 3 - Year A
Exodus 17:1-7
For a G*D famous for showing his backside, here G*D volunteers to play Whack-A-G*D. Imagine a very thirsty people, including leader Moses who has water running in his veins as a sign of deliverance from his time upon the water as a babe and a striking of a Reed Sea. A really thirsty people.
This previously reticent to be seen G*D stands on a rock and invites Moses, in full view of the elders, to whack away. I do wonder whether one of Moses’ whacks caught G*D’s metaphoric toe. At any rate, we hear the question, “Is G*D among us?”. In this case the scope of the question is much narrower, “Is water among us?”. The question continues on among folks who have had other oppressions and ask the same question, “Is G*D among us?” - “Is restoration to community among us?” - “Is equality among us?” - “Is health care among us?” - Is a job among us?” - Is . . . among us?”
May you find water flowing through your life and moving you from thirsty quarrelsomeness to fulfillment.
Said another way, may the thirst of others not happen to you and may your thirst not happen to them.
Exodus 17:1-7
For a G*D famous for showing his backside, here G*D volunteers to play Whack-A-G*D. Imagine a very thirsty people, including leader Moses who has water running in his veins as a sign of deliverance from his time upon the water as a babe and a striking of a Reed Sea. A really thirsty people.
This previously reticent to be seen G*D stands on a rock and invites Moses, in full view of the elders, to whack away. I do wonder whether one of Moses’ whacks caught G*D’s metaphoric toe. At any rate, we hear the question, “Is G*D among us?”. In this case the scope of the question is much narrower, “Is water among us?”. The question continues on among folks who have had other oppressions and ask the same question, “Is G*D among us?” - “Is restoration to community among us?” - “Is equality among us?” - “Is health care among us?” - Is a job among us?” - Is . . . among us?”
May you find water flowing through your life and moving you from thirsty quarrelsomeness to fulfillment.
Said another way, may the thirst of others not happen to you and may your thirst not happen to them.
Monday, March 21, 2011
John 4:5-42
Lent 3 - Year A
John 4:5-42
Imagine a worn out Jesus, tired from his journey. No, really, imagine a thirsty Jesus without even a little water to turn to wine.
Now remember that wells are traditional places where intimate and covenanted relationships begin. Dan Brown may have gotten it wrong in his speculations about Jesus and Magdalena Mary. Perhaps Jesus so honored his traditions that he had multiple beloved disciples and modeled G*D’s expansive love with at least two - Mary, well-described in the Gospel of Phillip as able to see spiritual realities, and Photina of the Well (initially playing Nicodemus and quickly moving beyond).
Imagining and remembering help us clarify what is it that we experience for ourselves. So, imagine well and remember well. We engage best when holding an imagined future and a remembered past together and also respect their limits.
This scene translates into the unknown just around the corner. Who would have expected the lack of evangelistic results by the disciples and such great ones through Photina. Being born from above is surprisingly simple - see people as people - a woman seen as a person, not as woman, sinner, half-breed, etc. becomes the first evangelist in the fourth gospel.
John 4:5-42
Imagine a worn out Jesus, tired from his journey. No, really, imagine a thirsty Jesus without even a little water to turn to wine.
Now remember that wells are traditional places where intimate and covenanted relationships begin. Dan Brown may have gotten it wrong in his speculations about Jesus and Magdalena Mary. Perhaps Jesus so honored his traditions that he had multiple beloved disciples and modeled G*D’s expansive love with at least two - Mary, well-described in the Gospel of Phillip as able to see spiritual realities, and Photina of the Well (initially playing Nicodemus and quickly moving beyond).
Imagining and remembering help us clarify what is it that we experience for ourselves. So, imagine well and remember well. We engage best when holding an imagined future and a remembered past together and also respect their limits.
This scene translates into the unknown just around the corner. Who would have expected the lack of evangelistic results by the disciples and such great ones through Photina. Being born from above is surprisingly simple - see people as people - a woman seen as a person, not as woman, sinner, half-breed, etc. becomes the first evangelist in the fourth gospel.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
released
Lent 2 - Year A
know
every healthy path
moves us onward
into danger
or change
understand
uncertainty's gift
also move us on
into danger
or change
journey
in a wobbly world
does move us on
into danger
and change
elseways
utopian certainties
keep us oblivious
of tectonics
and fate
remember
prior living-earth quakes
brought light shine
through cracked
blessings
dream
arriving blessings
shake us forward
loosening
fears
release
your testimony
of present life
in this valley
of delight
receive
your going out
your coming in
released
relieved
know
every healthy path
moves us onward
into danger
or change
understand
uncertainty's gift
also move us on
into danger
or change
journey
in a wobbly world
does move us on
into danger
and change
elseways
utopian certainties
keep us oblivious
of tectonics
and fate
remember
prior living-earth quakes
brought light shine
through cracked
blessings
dream
arriving blessings
shake us forward
loosening
fears
release
your testimony
of present life
in this valley
of delight
receive
your going out
your coming in
released
relieved
Friday, March 18, 2011
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
Lent 2 - Year A
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
In today's Wisconsin and other struggles to make sense of an economy, a key is a definition of work. We have separated the benefit of personal physical work from cultural financial work. In so doing real work has become making private capital work for you rather than you working for communal capital. Making money becomes the end game, not developing care for self and neighbor.
Try substituting "money" for "works" in this passage and see how this works in today's world.
Now to one who has money, their return is not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to the one who, without money, trusts forces pulling us toward a new community....
Theories of job creation by money (tax and other benefits to the already rich and removal of organizing and other benefits to the present poor) is a promise as weak as that of "inheriting the world".
This passage reminds us to look for a light beyond the present and that journeying is not just a private matter. If we are about the business of calling into existence that which does not yet exist there are some important questions to be asked without being blinded by money in a money culture. We must be born from above the money fray. So, where are you putting your faith? - in a larger grace than profit and intended benefit to our (beyond my) descendents?
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
In today's Wisconsin and other struggles to make sense of an economy, a key is a definition of work. We have separated the benefit of personal physical work from cultural financial work. In so doing real work has become making private capital work for you rather than you working for communal capital. Making money becomes the end game, not developing care for self and neighbor.
Try substituting "money" for "works" in this passage and see how this works in today's world.
Now to one who has money, their return is not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to the one who, without money, trusts forces pulling us toward a new community....
Theories of job creation by money (tax and other benefits to the already rich and removal of organizing and other benefits to the present poor) is a promise as weak as that of "inheriting the world".
This passage reminds us to look for a light beyond the present and that journeying is not just a private matter. If we are about the business of calling into existence that which does not yet exist there are some important questions to be asked without being blinded by money in a money culture. We must be born from above the money fray. So, where are you putting your faith? - in a larger grace than profit and intended benefit to our (beyond my) descendents?
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Psalm 121
Lent 2 - Year A
Psalm 121
Journey is key to life. Nicodemus travels a fair piece from this introduction in John 4 to John 7 to John 17. Abraham journeys by stages to a promised place, has his momentum carry him past it, and needing to return later. How about you?
The psalm also journeys
from a need for help (1a)
to searching everywhere (1b)
to looking beyond everywhere (2)
to assurance of having found (3-6)
to helping (7)
to living (8)
How would you note your own journey to assurance and then out of assurance journeying more energetically in life?
Psalm 121
Journey is key to life. Nicodemus travels a fair piece from this introduction in John 4 to John 7 to John 17. Abraham journeys by stages to a promised place, has his momentum carry him past it, and needing to return later. How about you?
The psalm also journeys
from a need for help (1a)
to searching everywhere (1b)
to looking beyond everywhere (2)
to assurance of having found (3-6)
to helping (7)
to living (8)
How would you note your own journey to assurance and then out of assurance journeying more energetically in life?
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Genesis 12:1-4a
Lent 2 - Year A
Genesis 12:1-4a
Ready, set, move on.
Blessings are anticipatory and unsettling.
Too often we presume blessings are our due, that we are entitled to them. Blessings in this sense are confirmations of the status quo. Blessings, like manna, will spoil if they are contained in the here and now, stored up.
Ready, set, move on.
Blessings are risky propositions only known in retrospect.
Too often we presume blessings are what we are after and they bring safety and security. Blessings in this sense are denials of even more blessings to come. Blessings like to be free and ring false when focused on too closely or turned into sureties. They are part of the background of abundance and fade in the light of day.
Ready, set, move on.
Ur
Ready, set, move on.
Haran
Ready, set, move on.
Moreh
Ready, set, move on.
Bethel/Ai
Ready, set, move on.
Negeb
Ready, set, move on.
Genesis 12:1-4a
Blessings are anticipatory and unsettling.
Too often we presume blessings are our due, that we are entitled to them. Blessings in this sense are confirmations of the status quo. Blessings, like manna, will spoil if they are contained in the here and now, stored up.
Blessings are risky propositions only known in retrospect.
Too often we presume blessings are what we are after and they bring safety and security. Blessings in this sense are denials of even more blessings to come. Blessings like to be free and ring false when focused on too closely or turned into sureties. They are part of the background of abundance and fade in the light of day.
Ur
Ready, set, move on.
Haran
Ready, set, move on.
Moreh
Ready, set, move on.
Bethel/Ai
Ready, set, move on.
Negeb
Ready, set, move on.
Monday, March 14, 2011
John 3:1-17
Lent 2 - Year A
John 3:1-17
While glad to see the pericope widened past a John 3:16 be-wigged sign carrier at sporting events, it would be interesting to continue seeing it go to the end of this particular story - all the way to verse 21.
We then get a fuller picture of the give and take of the conversation with Nicodemus that has been condensed to one voice. Try on this dialogue of J(esus) and N(icodemus) and a fulcrum point of choice in verse 15:
10 - J - You don’t get it?
11 - N - You don’t receive tradition’s witness.
12 - J - If you don’t accept experience, you won’t accept “heaven”.
13 - N - You are not a prophet ascended to heaven.
14 - J - I anticipate healing and wholeness to come.
15 - Those who see signs of tomorrow, see me.
16 - N - God loved us enough to Covenant with us.
17 - J - Not to condemn, but to make whole.
18 - N - It is what it is. Covenanted, good; uncovenanted, evil.
19 - J - Privileged perspective is not light.
20 - N - You will be exposed and exiled.
21 - J - It is what it is. Light is light, exiled or not.
John 3:1-17
While glad to see the pericope widened past a John 3:16 be-wigged sign carrier at sporting events, it would be interesting to continue seeing it go to the end of this particular story - all the way to verse 21.
We then get a fuller picture of the give and take of the conversation with Nicodemus that has been condensed to one voice. Try on this dialogue of J(esus) and N(icodemus) and a fulcrum point of choice in verse 15:
10 - J - You don’t get it?
11 - N - You don’t receive tradition’s witness.
12 - J - If you don’t accept experience, you won’t accept “heaven”.
13 - N - You are not a prophet ascended to heaven.
14 - J - I anticipate healing and wholeness to come.
15 - Those who see signs of tomorrow, see me.
16 - N - God loved us enough to Covenant with us.
17 - J - Not to condemn, but to make whole.
18 - N - It is what it is. Covenanted, good; uncovenanted, evil.
19 - J - Privileged perspective is not light.
20 - N - You will be exposed and exiled.
21 - J - It is what it is. Light is light, exiled or not.
Friday, March 11, 2011
strict daddy v. beauty
Lent 1 - Year A
temptation to power
ancient as the hills
new as Wisconsin gov. walker
one does not live by bread alone
but every extra hefty profit
squeezed from every pebble
with bazillionaire patrons
every risk for them will lift you up
and excuse every behavior
and so the world’s riches
tempt and tempt and tempt
worship Mammon and serve only him
crafty is employed
to bolster temptation
to gain one’s own certainty
knowledge is out, data is in
every spin good for me
is good enough for everyone
knowledge thus construed
keeps one from knowledge
of one’s own nakedness
a confession beyond words
rises up as a last resort
and it satisfies beautifully
power’s temptation
only delays beauty
thus seen, thus chosen against
just as power exercised dominion in death
so beautiful graceful received abundance
leads onward to a paradise of community
temptation to power
ancient as the hills
new as Wisconsin gov. walker
one does not live by bread alone
but every extra hefty profit
squeezed from every pebble
with bazillionaire patrons
every risk for them will lift you up
and excuse every behavior
and so the world’s riches
tempt and tempt and tempt
worship Mammon and serve only him
crafty is employed
to bolster temptation
to gain one’s own certainty
knowledge is out, data is in
every spin good for me
is good enough for everyone
knowledge thus construed
keeps one from knowledge
of one’s own nakedness
a confession beyond words
rises up as a last resort
and it satisfies beautifully
power’s temptation
only delays beauty
thus seen, thus chosen against
just as power exercised dominion in death
so beautiful graceful received abundance
leads onward to a paradise of community
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Romans 5:12-21
Lent 1 - Year A
Romans 5:12-21
A free gift following many temptations and transgressions is simply a free gift. It does not justify anything. It simply makes a next choice toward abundant life easier by showing a step can be taken where only quicksand was perceived to be. (ref verse 16)
Transgression occurred, with the result that the temptations multiplied; but where brokenness increased felt limitations, opportunity to choose living from abundance increased all the more. Just as temptation was followed by transgression, so an experience of abundance grows and grows and leads to participation in paradise right here, right now. (ref verses 20-21)
Romans 5:12-21
A free gift following many temptations and transgressions is simply a free gift. It does not justify anything. It simply makes a next choice toward abundant life easier by showing a step can be taken where only quicksand was perceived to be. (ref verse 16)
Transgression occurred, with the result that the temptations multiplied; but where brokenness increased felt limitations, opportunity to choose living from abundance increased all the more. Just as temptation was followed by transgression, so an experience of abundance grows and grows and leads to participation in paradise right here, right now. (ref verses 20-21)
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Psalm 32
Lent 1 - Year A
Psalm 32
There are times when we need to face our transgression(s). Those are difficult moments. We wonder how we ever fell prey to such behavior.
One response is that we did not confess our temptation(s). Had we done so, a transgression may never have followed. Nothing is certain here and this is not a programmatic fix for transgression, but it does have its place.
To be able to have some temptation language available to us might aid us in better dealing with the temptation before the transgression. This week might be a time of reflecting on the temptations facing those in power, those out of power, those who are victims of power. We might go on to circling that down to ourselves and others as we deal with similar temptations to make things into all-or-nothings. When temptations are clear we can better see the gradations therein and our scheming to find a short-cut out of the temptation without really dealing with it. Having seen we will have a better choice.
Steadfast love clears our tempted eye. Blessings to you as you straighten up your crooked places, your temptation places.
Psalm 32
There are times when we need to face our transgression(s). Those are difficult moments. We wonder how we ever fell prey to such behavior.
One response is that we did not confess our temptation(s). Had we done so, a transgression may never have followed. Nothing is certain here and this is not a programmatic fix for transgression, but it does have its place.
To be able to have some temptation language available to us might aid us in better dealing with the temptation before the transgression. This week might be a time of reflecting on the temptations facing those in power, those out of power, those who are victims of power. We might go on to circling that down to ourselves and others as we deal with similar temptations to make things into all-or-nothings. When temptations are clear we can better see the gradations therein and our scheming to find a short-cut out of the temptation without really dealing with it. Having seen we will have a better choice.
Steadfast love clears our tempted eye. Blessings to you as you straighten up your crooked places, your temptation places.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
Lent 1 - Year A
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
Satan tempts, G*D tempts, creatures tempt, relatives tempt.
You might get the idea that temptation is a baseline part of creation. Could it be any other way and still have a dynamic participation in a movement toward what is sensed as a better future?
Would you want to make a decision that wasn’t in some way related to knowing it was a good decision. Can that be done in any other way than in contrast with other options/temptations chosen against?
If there is not a temptation in a decision, it might be argued that there is no decision being made.
Bless your temptations. Against them you are more human. Being human is a good place to be - in the middle of yesterday’s rules and tomorrow’s wisdom.
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
Satan tempts, G*D tempts, creatures tempt, relatives tempt.
You might get the idea that temptation is a baseline part of creation. Could it be any other way and still have a dynamic participation in a movement toward what is sensed as a better future?
Would you want to make a decision that wasn’t in some way related to knowing it was a good decision. Can that be done in any other way than in contrast with other options/temptations chosen against?
If there is not a temptation in a decision, it might be argued that there is no decision being made.
Bless your temptations. Against them you are more human. Being human is a good place to be - in the middle of yesterday’s rules and tomorrow’s wisdom.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Matthew 4:1-11
Lent 1 - Year A
Matthew 4:1-11
Temptations are always larger when in a compromised situation. Being famished stresses every decision. It heightens small decisions into large ones. Mirages seem more and more real.
There is a similar conflation of time and place and possibility in moments between awake and sleep or sleep and awake when connections between stones and bread are apparent. An appropriate role of the whole of scripture is the same as for tradition, present experience and reason. All four can help clarify again bread from stone.
This same sort of process happens as we see the trees bend and feel the wind and beg the trees to stand still so the wind will stop. Cause and effect can get as confused as anything. We can even begin to make up all manner of details pulled from hither, thither and yon. Remember how all manner of attempts are made in dreams to get us out of danger (and stepping off a high place is a danger)? Again, our engagement with the whole of scripture, tradition, experience, and reason can clarify decisions so we don’t rely on the miraculous but can appreciate it should it come unbidden, rather than calculatedly.
Fantasies of wealth while in a famished condition are to be expected. Again and again, we need to be pulled back to reality and actually invest that dollar we are tempted to spend on a lottery ticket into someone else’s life or our own. It would actually be helpful to do both in ways of sharing the little we have with others in the building of a new community. There is strength in solidarity of the famished. This is particularly true regarding collective bargaining. Here is worship - building community, not getting rich at another’s expense.
Matthew 4:1-11
Temptations are always larger when in a compromised situation. Being famished stresses every decision. It heightens small decisions into large ones. Mirages seem more and more real.
There is a similar conflation of time and place and possibility in moments between awake and sleep or sleep and awake when connections between stones and bread are apparent. An appropriate role of the whole of scripture is the same as for tradition, present experience and reason. All four can help clarify again bread from stone.
This same sort of process happens as we see the trees bend and feel the wind and beg the trees to stand still so the wind will stop. Cause and effect can get as confused as anything. We can even begin to make up all manner of details pulled from hither, thither and yon. Remember how all manner of attempts are made in dreams to get us out of danger (and stepping off a high place is a danger)? Again, our engagement with the whole of scripture, tradition, experience, and reason can clarify decisions so we don’t rely on the miraculous but can appreciate it should it come unbidden, rather than calculatedly.
Fantasies of wealth while in a famished condition are to be expected. Again and again, we need to be pulled back to reality and actually invest that dollar we are tempted to spend on a lottery ticket into someone else’s life or our own. It would actually be helpful to do both in ways of sharing the little we have with others in the building of a new community. There is strength in solidarity of the famished. This is particularly true regarding collective bargaining. Here is worship - building community, not getting rich at another’s expense.
Friday, March 04, 2011
belovedness got them
Epiphany 9 - "Transfiguration" - Year A
Jesus shines on the mountain
a beacon of belovedness
Peter says its good he’s there
he can see that honor is given this place
he and James and John
could handle Moses and Elijah
what got them was belovedness
it knocked them off their feet
just hearing about belovedness
was more than they could bear
to pick them up again
belovedness touched them
get up - be not afraid.
its time to share more
hold your experience of belovedness
close to your heart - away from your mouth
explaining belovedness dilutes it
just live as though it were real
and so it comes to us
brag? faint? model belovedness?
modeling is the middle way
claim it - live it
Jesus shines on the mountain
a beacon of belovedness
Peter says its good he’s there
he can see that honor is given this place
he and James and John
could handle Moses and Elijah
what got them was belovedness
it knocked them off their feet
just hearing about belovedness
was more than they could bear
to pick them up again
belovedness touched them
get up - be not afraid.
its time to share more
hold your experience of belovedness
close to your heart - away from your mouth
explaining belovedness dilutes it
just live as though it were real
and so it comes to us
brag? faint? model belovedness?
modeling is the middle way
claim it - live it
Thursday, March 03, 2011
2 Peter 1:16-21
Epiphany 9 - "Transfiguration" - Year A
2 Peter 1:16-21
Prophecy is not just dreamed up to bolster a particular position of power. Those who do so are called false prophets. Prophecy is not expediency, it seems to always take the more difficult, less travelled road as it is the easier route that ends up in trouble needing a prophet. It is not proof as it can only be confirmed afterward and, hopefully, learned from, remembered a next time around.
Prophecy comes from being moved by Holy Spirit. It connects with the deep desires of G*D. It connects widely with neighborly compassion. That which subverts these two are called out by prophets, women and men clear-eyed about the ways in which personal preference and power exempt themselves from accountability to G*D and Neighbor.
This day you have the opportunity to prophesy. It will, of course, put you in harms way. The little you have will be in danger of being completely taken away by those to whom you prophesy. But what else is one to do when a morning star has arisen in your heart?
Prophets in Egypt and Wisconsin, continue to reveal hypocrisy, through the light of belovedness assured.
2 Peter 1:16-21
Prophecy is not just dreamed up to bolster a particular position of power. Those who do so are called false prophets. Prophecy is not expediency, it seems to always take the more difficult, less travelled road as it is the easier route that ends up in trouble needing a prophet. It is not proof as it can only be confirmed afterward and, hopefully, learned from, remembered a next time around.
Prophecy comes from being moved by Holy Spirit. It connects with the deep desires of G*D. It connects widely with neighborly compassion. That which subverts these two are called out by prophets, women and men clear-eyed about the ways in which personal preference and power exempt themselves from accountability to G*D and Neighbor.
This day you have the opportunity to prophesy. It will, of course, put you in harms way. The little you have will be in danger of being completely taken away by those to whom you prophesy. But what else is one to do when a morning star has arisen in your heart?
Prophets in Egypt and Wisconsin, continue to reveal hypocrisy, through the light of belovedness assured.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Psalm 99
Epiphany 9 - "Transfiguration" - Year A
Psalm 99
Why worship?
Why praise?
Why extol?
Because justice has been established.
Because forgiveness is an appropriate response for wrongdoing.
Because equity is engaged.
When we look deeply into the world around us,
we see opportunity after opportunity to speak up for what is fair.
When we raise our face to look far ahead,
there is opportunity after opportunity to speak up for neighbors and strangers.
When we simply reflect on our current experience,
our deeply fatigued compassion finds opportunity after opportunity to be re-energized.
Living in Wisconsin and
having visited Madison twice and
been engaged at the local level regarding
the governor giving away the state
(more tax breaks for the richest,
fewer services for the poorest,
and a smaller buffer between the two)
raises many questions of fairness,
of who is neighbor, and
what is short and long-term compassion.
Psalm 99
Why worship?
Why praise?
Why extol?
Because justice has been established.
Because forgiveness is an appropriate response for wrongdoing.
Because equity is engaged.
When we look deeply into the world around us,
we see opportunity after opportunity to speak up for what is fair.
When we raise our face to look far ahead,
there is opportunity after opportunity to speak up for neighbors and strangers.
When we simply reflect on our current experience,
our deeply fatigued compassion finds opportunity after opportunity to be re-energized.
Living in Wisconsin and
having visited Madison twice and
been engaged at the local level regarding
the governor giving away the state
(more tax breaks for the richest,
fewer services for the poorest,
and a smaller buffer between the two)
raises many questions of fairness,
of who is neighbor, and
what is short and long-term compassion.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Exodus 24:12-18
Epiphany 9 - "Transfiguration" - Year A
Exodus 24:12-18
For what purpose are the tablets of stone to be given to Moses? It is to build community. How might one tell a community has been built? Might it be by the personal sense of belovedness by each member of the community and a shared sense of compassion for one another. Between these two commandments - an experience of being loved and mutual encounters with compassion - will lie the whole of the law and the prophets. Without them stricter and stricter laws will come. Eventually the goal is to live out of assurance and compassion.
As might be expected, it takes awhile for a community to come clear about its internal workings and external relationships. For Moses it was a 40-day slow grinding of the gods to come down a mountain and go to work engaging issues of assurance and compassion.
Other tales have it that it took a second try because the task looked so large while viewing life through the lens of a golden calf. But, first try, second try, or fortieth try, we look beyond the need for a new vision of community and stricter laws to the over-riding issues of personal assurance and communal compassion. Look again, there is no law against these. Let’s nurture them.
Exodus 24:12-18
For what purpose are the tablets of stone to be given to Moses? It is to build community. How might one tell a community has been built? Might it be by the personal sense of belovedness by each member of the community and a shared sense of compassion for one another. Between these two commandments - an experience of being loved and mutual encounters with compassion - will lie the whole of the law and the prophets. Without them stricter and stricter laws will come. Eventually the goal is to live out of assurance and compassion.
As might be expected, it takes awhile for a community to come clear about its internal workings and external relationships. For Moses it was a 40-day slow grinding of the gods to come down a mountain and go to work engaging issues of assurance and compassion.
Other tales have it that it took a second try because the task looked so large while viewing life through the lens of a golden calf. But, first try, second try, or fortieth try, we look beyond the need for a new vision of community and stricter laws to the over-riding issues of personal assurance and communal compassion. Look again, there is no law against these. Let’s nurture them.
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