"Most people I've known in my lifetime react, they do not act. They spend their whole life reacting to circumstances and always consider themselves the victim of circumstances. Seldom do you see anybody choosing: This is what I want my life to be, and this is the ten-year plan to where the family is going."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 264-265)
I used to be a planner, a list maker. At some point I lost that. I began to just float down the river of life and enjoy the scenery. Paddle a little harder when the rapids came. But for the most part, just seeing where the river went. I wait for other churches to find and indicate a desire to talk to me. It's a long wait. Not that I'm complaining because I'm in a good place. Even in that good place, I've avoided indicating goals oriented living.
The problem is that I really should have a vision for what life looks like down the road. What do I really want to be and do. Once that answer comes, then I need to see how it fits with what God wants for Ed. When the two are in sync life really is enjoyable and fulfilling.
Eventually I will need to take bigger steps towards picturing life post the current situation. When does that journey begin? Whenever I choose to stop waiting for something to react to.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Reflections for 7/30/10
"If we don't have a lot of truth-speakers in our country, or in our Church, I think it can in part be explained by the lack of masculine energy-this lack of determination to go with what you have got to go with, pay the price for it and let the cards fall where they may. Many more women than men have this energy, especially in the Church."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p.264)
We certainly have a lot of self-proclaimed truth speakers in our country. Talk radio, blogs, and cable news networks couldn't exist without these people. But are they truth tellers? That's always the hard part. Remember Pilate asking Jesus what is truth?
The answer should be the truth is what actually happens. We've changed that to whatever it is that I already believed.
Being able to not care what anyone thinks or what the reaction will be is another potential litmus test. However that also allows for people with just another opinion to have their day in the sun.
Telling others what they may not want to hear is never easy. Saying something that might bring about radical change is also risky. And yet if we no one does it, we stay stuck. No new life ever emerges.
It is rarely pleasant when we are confronted by a truth speaker. The task becomes to know when you've seen a real one, as compared to a wannabe.
Blessings,
Ed
We certainly have a lot of self-proclaimed truth speakers in our country. Talk radio, blogs, and cable news networks couldn't exist without these people. But are they truth tellers? That's always the hard part. Remember Pilate asking Jesus what is truth?
The answer should be the truth is what actually happens. We've changed that to whatever it is that I already believed.
Being able to not care what anyone thinks or what the reaction will be is another potential litmus test. However that also allows for people with just another opinion to have their day in the sun.
Telling others what they may not want to hear is never easy. Saying something that might bring about radical change is also risky. And yet if we no one does it, we stay stuck. No new life ever emerges.
It is rarely pleasant when we are confronted by a truth speaker. The task becomes to know when you've seen a real one, as compared to a wannabe.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Reflections for 7/29/10
"I hope you have met a man who has become one of those mellow seventy-year-olds. I've met a few, not enough really. It's a shame we expect people in their seventies to be crotchety and set in their ways; it should be just the opposite. When you have met him, you know you have met a great person. He's the real image of the grandfather or wise man, who can sit on the edge of the family and offer it security and caution. He doesn't stifle others with closedness and rigidity, dogmatic political opinions, or an Archie Bunker worldview. Rather, he offers a worldview in which we feel both safe and adventurous."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 263)
I've been lucky to have actually met some people like that. One's who defy the stereotype, and whose company I enjoy. Their stories are worth hearing, their advice worth heeding. I of course have met the other kind as well. Being somewhat tolerant, I can even give those folks the time of day.
While I have 25 more years before I turn 70, I hope I'll be the type of seventy year old who people want to be around, not just tolerate. I suppose one way to put the odds in my favor, would be to remain open and flexible. While having opinions not being dogmatic and arrogant.
I hope to continue to be surprised by all that life has to offer and to find joy in those surprises.
While there are things about the future I cannot control. How I choose to live my life and interact with other people, I have complete control over.
Blessings,
Ed
I've been lucky to have actually met some people like that. One's who defy the stereotype, and whose company I enjoy. Their stories are worth hearing, their advice worth heeding. I of course have met the other kind as well. Being somewhat tolerant, I can even give those folks the time of day.
While I have 25 more years before I turn 70, I hope I'll be the type of seventy year old who people want to be around, not just tolerate. I suppose one way to put the odds in my favor, would be to remain open and flexible. While having opinions not being dogmatic and arrogant.
I hope to continue to be surprised by all that life has to offer and to find joy in those surprises.
While there are things about the future I cannot control. How I choose to live my life and interact with other people, I have complete control over.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflections for 7/28/10
"The question for most Americans today is, Who is going to get me a job next week? Who can keep the economy going next month? That's how farsighted we are, that's how big of a global consciousness we have. We're not connected to the rest of the world; we're not connected to anything except next week. It's hedonistic, it's a-historical, it's spiritually blind, and it keeps all of us from the fourth stage: the wise man, who puts the inner life together with the outer life, the small family together with the big family. Mahatma Gandhi personified this male journey. The sage, or wise man, thinks globally but lives and acts locally."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 262)
There's a part of me that wants to tell Fr. Rohr, hey, you don't have a wife and kids. You have never had those responsibilities. How dare you point me past what I have to do today?
And yet there is a part of me that says yes, I get it. When the only thing I care about is wife, kids and I, I lose connection to the rest of the world. If while I am in "stage 2" of life, part of my responsibility is to let my kids see and understand that they live and move in a world that is bigger than Wenonah, NJ. To understand and value what it means to take action that might have no direct benefit to you, except that you made a difference to someone else.
It can be very hard to expand our horizons when it feels like the walls are caving in. Except that when we bunker down, we may miss the very hands and people that are interested in helping us too.
Blessings,
Ed
There's a part of me that wants to tell Fr. Rohr, hey, you don't have a wife and kids. You have never had those responsibilities. How dare you point me past what I have to do today?
And yet there is a part of me that says yes, I get it. When the only thing I care about is wife, kids and I, I lose connection to the rest of the world. If while I am in "stage 2" of life, part of my responsibility is to let my kids see and understand that they live and move in a world that is bigger than Wenonah, NJ. To understand and value what it means to take action that might have no direct benefit to you, except that you made a difference to someone else.
It can be very hard to expand our horizons when it feels like the walls are caving in. Except that when we bunker down, we may miss the very hands and people that are interested in helping us too.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Reflections for 7/27/10
"The life of prayer is the primary school of the Spirit. What we're doing in prayer is not creating successes, we're waiting upon the Lord. We're tuning into the stream of life and waiting to let that stream unburden itself of distractions and baggage. If you don't keep jumping on those ships that cross our minds during prayer, if you don't over identify with the flotsam bobbing down the stream, they stop returning.
Try it. If you've identified all your life with your feelings and your opinions, that flotsam will keep coming by and expect you to jump on it. Stop doing that for awhile. It'll come by a second time and say, 'Maybe you didn't see me the first time. Here I am. I am the relationship you always get angry about. I want you to get angry again so you can waste the rest of your morning.' And this time you look at it and say, 'I don't need you. Float on by.'"(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 261)
One of the habits of prayer that I try to reinforce is the need to set aside time for it. There isn't a specific time during the day when prayer is better or worse. All religious traditions have set moments for prayer, and if you can't find your own, they're usually a good place to start. In our harried over-scheduled lives, prayer time has to be worked at.
Often I find that when I have a break in the business, is a good time. However, I also find that it can be pushed aside by those other feelings and opinions that I think are important. Fr. Rohr's image speaks to me. That notion of past injustices that suck up so much time and mental energy and can just mess up the rest of the day need to be confronted and told to move on.
And it may be that when we begin to try and get into a prayer routine that at first a good part of it will be spent dealing with the baggage that weighs us down. When it finally stops controlling us, it is then that we may really hear the voice of God, telling us who we are, and where we really need to be.
Blessings,
Ed
Try it. If you've identified all your life with your feelings and your opinions, that flotsam will keep coming by and expect you to jump on it. Stop doing that for awhile. It'll come by a second time and say, 'Maybe you didn't see me the first time. Here I am. I am the relationship you always get angry about. I want you to get angry again so you can waste the rest of your morning.' And this time you look at it and say, 'I don't need you. Float on by.'"(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 261)
One of the habits of prayer that I try to reinforce is the need to set aside time for it. There isn't a specific time during the day when prayer is better or worse. All religious traditions have set moments for prayer, and if you can't find your own, they're usually a good place to start. In our harried over-scheduled lives, prayer time has to be worked at.
Often I find that when I have a break in the business, is a good time. However, I also find that it can be pushed aside by those other feelings and opinions that I think are important. Fr. Rohr's image speaks to me. That notion of past injustices that suck up so much time and mental energy and can just mess up the rest of the day need to be confronted and told to move on.
And it may be that when we begin to try and get into a prayer routine that at first a good part of it will be spent dealing with the baggage that weighs us down. When it finally stops controlling us, it is then that we may really hear the voice of God, telling us who we are, and where we really need to be.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, July 26, 2010
Reflections for 7/26/10
Right behavior does not necessarily lead to true to identity, but true identity will eventually produce right behavior. The first looks like holiness; the second is."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 260)
Who am I really? That's the never ending question for me and probably for many others as well. Will the real Ed please stand up.
When I think of the times in my past when I've acted out it has never been the real me. It was either a defense mechanism or an attention getter.
My sense is that the real Ed is somewhat shy and doesn't want the limelight. The clown prince Ed though gets the laughs. But sometimes takes things a bit too far.
It is also true that there are folks who put on an equally good mask of right behavior. They'll talk it up, but a closer examination and a deeper look will show something radically different. You can act appropriately but if underneath the surface something entirely different is boiling, you're not presenting the real you.
I do believe in a theology of God saw that it was good, call it Genesis 1. That when we are truly being the people made in the image of God, right behavior is natural and not an act.
I don't believe that our true selves want to be bad, but when we become so self-conscious of our actions, I wonder if we're really being good because it's all we know how to do, or because we fear something else.
Blessings,
Ed
Who am I really? That's the never ending question for me and probably for many others as well. Will the real Ed please stand up.
When I think of the times in my past when I've acted out it has never been the real me. It was either a defense mechanism or an attention getter.
My sense is that the real Ed is somewhat shy and doesn't want the limelight. The clown prince Ed though gets the laughs. But sometimes takes things a bit too far.
It is also true that there are folks who put on an equally good mask of right behavior. They'll talk it up, but a closer examination and a deeper look will show something radically different. You can act appropriately but if underneath the surface something entirely different is boiling, you're not presenting the real you.
I do believe in a theology of God saw that it was good, call it Genesis 1. That when we are truly being the people made in the image of God, right behavior is natural and not an act.
I don't believe that our true selves want to be bad, but when we become so self-conscious of our actions, I wonder if we're really being good because it's all we know how to do, or because we fear something else.
Blessings,
Ed
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Reflections for 7/25/10
"A relationship between two people , a true giving and receiving becomes something that almost stands apart from the person's themselves. The can talk about their relationship. They can let other people in on their relationship and give their relationship to other people. That's precisely what a mother and father should do for their child. Children who receive that gift are the healthiest and most secure children."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 259)
A few times in my ministry I've been invited to renew people's wedding vows, usually at 50 years or more. While I'm approaching 20 years of marriage, 50 seems like a really long time. It's in some ways quite impressive given the statistics on divorce.
People will often asks these couples "what's made it work." I'm not sure I've ever actually hear the answer to that question. My sense is that they've known all along how to be a couple to each other. There aren't separate lives that occasionally meet for dinner. But truly decent quality time spent together. The children actually saw how people who love and respect each other behave. The wider community knows them and isn't gossipping about them.
I also think that these folks have perhaps embodied the prayers that are said at wedding ceremonies in my church. They are too each other "a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy." They have "grown in peace with [God] and one another." They know how "to recognize and acknowledge their fault, and [how] to seek each other's forgiveness." "They are testimony "that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness heal guilt and joy conquer despair." They have fulfillment of their mutual affection, that they reach out in love and concern for others."
Maybe you've been privy to witness or know couples like that. Maybe you're fortunate enough to be in one right now. My hope will be that if you aren't, that the next relationship you choose to enter in, will be one that others look up to.
Blessings,
Ed
A few times in my ministry I've been invited to renew people's wedding vows, usually at 50 years or more. While I'm approaching 20 years of marriage, 50 seems like a really long time. It's in some ways quite impressive given the statistics on divorce.
People will often asks these couples "what's made it work." I'm not sure I've ever actually hear the answer to that question. My sense is that they've known all along how to be a couple to each other. There aren't separate lives that occasionally meet for dinner. But truly decent quality time spent together. The children actually saw how people who love and respect each other behave. The wider community knows them and isn't gossipping about them.
I also think that these folks have perhaps embodied the prayers that are said at wedding ceremonies in my church. They are too each other "a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy." They have "grown in peace with [God] and one another." They know how "to recognize and acknowledge their fault, and [how] to seek each other's forgiveness." "They are testimony "that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness heal guilt and joy conquer despair." They have fulfillment of their mutual affection, that they reach out in love and concern for others."
Maybe you've been privy to witness or know couples like that. Maybe you're fortunate enough to be in one right now. My hope will be that if you aren't, that the next relationship you choose to enter in, will be one that others look up to.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Reflections for 7/24/10
"That's the position we're in today. I call it the naked position of the gospel: where you don't please the liberals or conservatives, you simply are faithful to the gospel. It is asking more of our minds and our hearts than any of us are prepared for."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 258)
In my continued quest to figure out who I really am, I've noticed that I have had the pattern of being able to relate to all sorts and conditions of people. That's not to say that I don't have an opinion or lean politically or theologically one way. I'm not rigidly in the middle, but I hope I'm closer to than some who I may agree with more often than not.
The challenge that I see being offered in the above quote, is can you actually stand for something, without worrying about who will praise or damn you? My hunch is that in our overly dualistic world, we're more interested in coming down in a place that pleases at least some people.
The evidence I see of this is that both conservative and liberal causes when spoken on by people of faith, always believe they are being true to the gospel. Which seems hard to believe when they say things that are totally opposite of each other.
The real problem is that true to the gospel is really only valid in the ears and opinions of those who hear it. If it already is part of my worldview, then it seems natural that it must be faithful to the gospel. Anything that challenges my world view must be contrary to the gospel, and then let me see how many folks I can get to say "that's right."
Probably the best test for gospel faithfulness, is when you're being criticized and chided by liberal and conservative ideologues at the same time. Then you know you've truly arrived.
Blessings,
Ed
In my continued quest to figure out who I really am, I've noticed that I have had the pattern of being able to relate to all sorts and conditions of people. That's not to say that I don't have an opinion or lean politically or theologically one way. I'm not rigidly in the middle, but I hope I'm closer to than some who I may agree with more often than not.
The challenge that I see being offered in the above quote, is can you actually stand for something, without worrying about who will praise or damn you? My hunch is that in our overly dualistic world, we're more interested in coming down in a place that pleases at least some people.
The evidence I see of this is that both conservative and liberal causes when spoken on by people of faith, always believe they are being true to the gospel. Which seems hard to believe when they say things that are totally opposite of each other.
The real problem is that true to the gospel is really only valid in the ears and opinions of those who hear it. If it already is part of my worldview, then it seems natural that it must be faithful to the gospel. Anything that challenges my world view must be contrary to the gospel, and then let me see how many folks I can get to say "that's right."
Probably the best test for gospel faithfulness, is when you're being criticized and chided by liberal and conservative ideologues at the same time. Then you know you've truly arrived.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, July 23, 2010
Reflections for 7/23/10
"We don't think ourselves into a new way of living, we live ourselves into a new way of thinking. The journeys around the edges of sin lead us to long for a deeper life at the center of ourselves."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p.257)
It is amazing to me the market that has been created in the self-help sections of bookstores. There are authors who create a series, and just change the title enough to make you think they're on to something new.
I'm somewhat guilty of falling for these things. And yet I haven't found a book in that genre that has ever radically changed my life permanently. It may have gotten me to try something or to think about it, but ultimately no deep lasting change.
Perhaps I do too much thinking and not enough living. Yet I have found that in those places where I have allowed life to be lived, trial and error if you will, that I find who the real me is. What do I truly enjoy. What isn't just a momentary fad. What isn't just a masking.
I've learned through my mistakes, first the amazing mercy of God. That rather than just pound me into dust, I am turned around and asked to see something deep within. That true center of my being, that image of God.
The more I live into that image, the more my thinking changes. I don't need to be as defensive. I don't need to justify myself. I don't need to make someone else rich, by following the latest trend. I can instead listen and live out the consistent presence in my life, the one that cares deeply for me.
Blessings,
Ed
It is amazing to me the market that has been created in the self-help sections of bookstores. There are authors who create a series, and just change the title enough to make you think they're on to something new.
I'm somewhat guilty of falling for these things. And yet I haven't found a book in that genre that has ever radically changed my life permanently. It may have gotten me to try something or to think about it, but ultimately no deep lasting change.
Perhaps I do too much thinking and not enough living. Yet I have found that in those places where I have allowed life to be lived, trial and error if you will, that I find who the real me is. What do I truly enjoy. What isn't just a momentary fad. What isn't just a masking.
I've learned through my mistakes, first the amazing mercy of God. That rather than just pound me into dust, I am turned around and asked to see something deep within. That true center of my being, that image of God.
The more I live into that image, the more my thinking changes. I don't need to be as defensive. I don't need to justify myself. I don't need to make someone else rich, by following the latest trend. I can instead listen and live out the consistent presence in my life, the one that cares deeply for me.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Reflections for 7/22/10
"It's a gift to joyfully recognize and accept our own smallness. That's my best definition of Christian maturity. It's very hard for an affluent culture to accept a limited world, and that's why Jesus said the rich person cannot easily enter into the Kingdom of God."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 256)
There is no limit to what we can achieve seems to be a mantra I hear often. It's the power of positive thinking. It is the vision of our nation really.
While I don't wish to be a wet blanket, I know that for myself, I'm beginning to acknowledge my own limitations, or at least to understand what keeps me from fulfilling the Army motto of being all I can be.
Perhaps it comes down to seeking what I really want to be. To understand fully where my breaking points are, where the actual boundaries exist. To see that "smallness" not as a curse or a hurdle to overcome, but a reality that I have been given only what I can actually handle to be in charge of. That I will have what I need to live in this world, and that I really don't have to fulfill every want.
To proclaim the "smallness" is not to be used as a put down of others or myself. But rather an acknowledgement of my real equality with everyone else.
Blessings,
Ed
There is no limit to what we can achieve seems to be a mantra I hear often. It's the power of positive thinking. It is the vision of our nation really.
While I don't wish to be a wet blanket, I know that for myself, I'm beginning to acknowledge my own limitations, or at least to understand what keeps me from fulfilling the Army motto of being all I can be.
Perhaps it comes down to seeking what I really want to be. To understand fully where my breaking points are, where the actual boundaries exist. To see that "smallness" not as a curse or a hurdle to overcome, but a reality that I have been given only what I can actually handle to be in charge of. That I will have what I need to live in this world, and that I really don't have to fulfill every want.
To proclaim the "smallness" is not to be used as a put down of others or myself. But rather an acknowledgement of my real equality with everyone else.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Reflections for 7/21/10
"Few things are needed or desired by the one who lives simply because life is centered on another level of value. And maybe it isn't always specifically religious; maybe it's music , art, nature, or even work for a great ideal. St. Theresa of Avila put it, 'When they serve me partridge, I'll eat partridge; when they serve me porridge, I'll eat porridge.' So when the nice dress comes along, you're not going to sneer at it in the name of simplicity. No, it's a nice dress, it's pretty, and you'd probably feel great wearing it. But you don't need it. That's the difference, and the simple person knows the difference."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 255)
While I certainly resonate with the idea of living simply, having only what I really need, I can't claim I'm all that successful. Whatever I have it is not by some altruistic choice, but more financial necessity. I know this is regrettably true because I still find my self wanting things, that I don't need.
I also know that there are three other people living on my "little island" their wants and needs also trying to stake a claim.
I try very hard to enjoy what I have and to be thankful for it. I also try to receive graciously things offered to me that I might myself not buy.
I wonder of the things that I have, what could I truly live without? TV possibly. Car, not living where I do. This computer? Possibly. The rest of my life seems void of luxury items and "toys." I may be getting frugal in my old age, now if I can couple that with gratefulness, then it would truly be golden.
Blessings,
Ed
While I certainly resonate with the idea of living simply, having only what I really need, I can't claim I'm all that successful. Whatever I have it is not by some altruistic choice, but more financial necessity. I know this is regrettably true because I still find my self wanting things, that I don't need.
I also know that there are three other people living on my "little island" their wants and needs also trying to stake a claim.
I try very hard to enjoy what I have and to be thankful for it. I also try to receive graciously things offered to me that I might myself not buy.
I wonder of the things that I have, what could I truly live without? TV possibly. Car, not living where I do. This computer? Possibly. The rest of my life seems void of luxury items and "toys." I may be getting frugal in my old age, now if I can couple that with gratefulness, then it would truly be golden.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Reflections for 7/20/10
"We really need the wisdom of God to know how to break in to some of the subcultures of affluent countries. In great part, I think many of these brothers and sisters are gong to have to do it themselves because that's the only way they're ever going to experience their own empowerment and God's presence and life within them. The best we can do, perhaps, is to stand there with them and not hold them down, not give them any more negative voices that they've already been given by society. Our evangelization is perhaps to believe in them, support them from the side and at least not give them bad news. That's our poverty; that we can't do more."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p.254)
My church has two primary hands on outreach efforts. Once a month we partner with a church in Camden, NJ, one of the poorest and often winner of the most violent cities in the country. We help that church provide bagged food for residents in the surrounding neighborhood.
While the food is certainly important, what I really believe is the grace filled aspect is when we engage these folks in conversation and treat them with dignity and respect. There is no judgement, no blaming them. No telling them about pulling themselves up by their bootstraps.
There are much larger systems in place that make it very hard for people to break out of cycles of poverty and violence. We get excited when a few break out, and trumpet them as clear examples of how it can be done. And while I certainly want to celebrate and give thanks for those folks, they are generally the exception not the rule.
The heart of being a person of faith, is not to look down my middle class nose at those who are poor. It is not to breath a sigh of relief that I'm not in that position. It is to see those folks as people also made in the image of God, deserving of my love and respect.
If I'm truly going to be an evangelist, the good news I profess, needs to be lived out in action.
Blessings,
Ed
My church has two primary hands on outreach efforts. Once a month we partner with a church in Camden, NJ, one of the poorest and often winner of the most violent cities in the country. We help that church provide bagged food for residents in the surrounding neighborhood.
While the food is certainly important, what I really believe is the grace filled aspect is when we engage these folks in conversation and treat them with dignity and respect. There is no judgement, no blaming them. No telling them about pulling themselves up by their bootstraps.
There are much larger systems in place that make it very hard for people to break out of cycles of poverty and violence. We get excited when a few break out, and trumpet them as clear examples of how it can be done. And while I certainly want to celebrate and give thanks for those folks, they are generally the exception not the rule.
The heart of being a person of faith, is not to look down my middle class nose at those who are poor. It is not to breath a sigh of relief that I'm not in that position. It is to see those folks as people also made in the image of God, deserving of my love and respect.
If I'm truly going to be an evangelist, the good news I profess, needs to be lived out in action.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, July 19, 2010
Reflections for 7/19/10
"I think all of us have to confront ourselves as poor people in that way. And that's why many of our greatest moments of grace follow upon, sometimes, or greatest sins. We are hard-hearted and closed-minded for years. Then comes the moment of vulnerability and mercy. We break down and break through."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.252)
One of the hardest things in life is to look honestly at one's self. To be able to see beyond the public facade that we put out there. There are folks walking and living among us, who seem to have everything, the world at their feet, and yet are totally dead inside. Their sole purpose is to continue to perpetuate the myth that is them. To continue to behave as if they are the only people on the planet. That there's is the only opinion that truly matters.
The problem of course is that beyond the blow hards that we can all point to there is a part of many of us that is similar, we just aren't as adept at self promotion. But when the breakdown occurs, when we no longer have the energy to keep up with the Jones, that is when grace breaks through.
When that aha moment arrives and you begin to realize, I don't have to be that person. That a larger vision of how the world works might actually open me up to the grace and mercy I secretly need. But in my need to not seem needy I suppress.
One hopes that we don't have to have to many aha moments, that the first one really opens us up completely. Regrettably those moments don't always have the complete effect needed, and we wind up repeating the same mistakes, and shutting down and shutting out. And then grace has to break through again.
Blessings,
Ed
One of the hardest things in life is to look honestly at one's self. To be able to see beyond the public facade that we put out there. There are folks walking and living among us, who seem to have everything, the world at their feet, and yet are totally dead inside. Their sole purpose is to continue to perpetuate the myth that is them. To continue to behave as if they are the only people on the planet. That there's is the only opinion that truly matters.
The problem of course is that beyond the blow hards that we can all point to there is a part of many of us that is similar, we just aren't as adept at self promotion. But when the breakdown occurs, when we no longer have the energy to keep up with the Jones, that is when grace breaks through.
When that aha moment arrives and you begin to realize, I don't have to be that person. That a larger vision of how the world works might actually open me up to the grace and mercy I secretly need. But in my need to not seem needy I suppress.
One hopes that we don't have to have to many aha moments, that the first one really opens us up completely. Regrettably those moments don't always have the complete effect needed, and we wind up repeating the same mistakes, and shutting down and shutting out. And then grace has to break through again.
Blessings,
Ed
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Reflections for 7/18/10
"There is a given-ness to God. God is not withheld; God is the one who is handed over. That's what we mean when we say that God is love. But it's not like our love. When we love, we wait and we see something good out there. If it's attractive enough, if it's good enough, we give ourselves to it. God simply gives. We find that kind of love very hard to understand because we're not able to love that way."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 252)
Most people I know at some point or another have fallen in love. Whether that be with a spouse or partner, job, some activity, something or someone that brings them joy. When that happens we become incredibly enthusiastic, giving are all to it. The problem is that occasionally the initial wow wears off and then you have to ask do I really love this person or this whatever it may be.
I think it would be hard to love the way that God loves. It's pretty much hard to do anything the way God does really. And yet that's the call. To throw ourselves into each day from a loving perspective. Not one where we constantly ask what's in it for me. Called to give of ourselves to whatever situation we find ourselves in. Again incredibly hard and I find usually not all that successful. There are just as many times that I'll do something out of duty rather than love, and I there is definitely a difference.
I am thankful that God doesn't operate like that. That God can look at us in all our sometimes ugly and undeserving ways and yet still love us. With nothing in it for God, except to be who God is.
Blessings,
Ed
Most people I know at some point or another have fallen in love. Whether that be with a spouse or partner, job, some activity, something or someone that brings them joy. When that happens we become incredibly enthusiastic, giving are all to it. The problem is that occasionally the initial wow wears off and then you have to ask do I really love this person or this whatever it may be.
I think it would be hard to love the way that God loves. It's pretty much hard to do anything the way God does really. And yet that's the call. To throw ourselves into each day from a loving perspective. Not one where we constantly ask what's in it for me. Called to give of ourselves to whatever situation we find ourselves in. Again incredibly hard and I find usually not all that successful. There are just as many times that I'll do something out of duty rather than love, and I there is definitely a difference.
I am thankful that God doesn't operate like that. That God can look at us in all our sometimes ugly and undeserving ways and yet still love us. With nothing in it for God, except to be who God is.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Reflections for 7/17/10
"Salvation comes from the word salus, which means healing. It is not dependent on feeling or any person's response to me. It is not a theory believed, a theology proclaimed or a group that gives one identity. It is an inner clarity that forever allows one to recognize bogus authority and pseudo-surrender. This salvation cannot be acquired by a simple process of self-examination or new insight or ego possession. It is a gift received when the will has given up control and we are standing in that threshold place which allows us to see anew. Suffering, failure, rejection and loss can lead to this same threshold."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 251)
Occasionally I'll hear an ad that claims something is free. And then under the person's breath somewhat you hear just pay shipping and handling. At that point of course it is no longer free. Sometimes the string attached is a return after a certain date, again that is not free.
But the word free is very tempting. I know people that will say "if it's free it's for me." Okay I get that, sort of. But what about salvation. We are told in Isaiah that salvation is freely offered. God wants you and me to have it. All I have to do is accept it.
I'll have to admit that every time I've ever been asked if I've been saved, I usually wait to hear the equivalent of just pay shipping and handling. Am I saved? I believe I am. I don't feel it. I just know it. I don't worry about whether someone else thinks I am, they're not the one that gets to decide.
I like that inner clarity idea. I can usually spot the bogus and the pseudo. Someone who talks a good game, but walks somewhat lame. That having things go wrong is a way to experience salvation is true. I haven't hit rock bottom, and hope I never do. But those times when I've been disappointed or hurt, the fact that I've not been utterly destroyed is an example of the salvation I've accepted and claimed as my own.
Blessings,
Ed
Occasionally I'll hear an ad that claims something is free. And then under the person's breath somewhat you hear just pay shipping and handling. At that point of course it is no longer free. Sometimes the string attached is a return after a certain date, again that is not free.
But the word free is very tempting. I know people that will say "if it's free it's for me." Okay I get that, sort of. But what about salvation. We are told in Isaiah that salvation is freely offered. God wants you and me to have it. All I have to do is accept it.
I'll have to admit that every time I've ever been asked if I've been saved, I usually wait to hear the equivalent of just pay shipping and handling. Am I saved? I believe I am. I don't feel it. I just know it. I don't worry about whether someone else thinks I am, they're not the one that gets to decide.
I like that inner clarity idea. I can usually spot the bogus and the pseudo. Someone who talks a good game, but walks somewhat lame. That having things go wrong is a way to experience salvation is true. I haven't hit rock bottom, and hope I never do. But those times when I've been disappointed or hurt, the fact that I've not been utterly destroyed is an example of the salvation I've accepted and claimed as my own.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, July 16, 2010
Reflections for 7/16/10
"Call it grace, enlightenment, peak experience, baptism in the Spirit, revelation, consciousness, growth or surrender, but until such a threshold is walked through, people are never helped in any true lasting sense."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 250)
My vocation falls into the category of "helping profession." As a pastor, I'm supposed to offer some level of counseling and to be someone who can point people in the right direction. I don't have any advanced degrees in counseling, so I'm more like a first responder, who hopefully knows where to send the person next to get the next level of care.
Of course as a religious leader one direction I do point to is prayer, that conversation with God. I can't make anyone believe anything. And this is true no matter what one's faith tradition is. I also cannot do the work for others. I can show the threshold, I can't make anyone but me cross it. After that choice is made I'm out of the picture, and that's probably a good thing.
People may tell me how much I helped them. But much like a guide on a tour, only what they truly notice is what lasts.
Blessings,
Ed
My vocation falls into the category of "helping profession." As a pastor, I'm supposed to offer some level of counseling and to be someone who can point people in the right direction. I don't have any advanced degrees in counseling, so I'm more like a first responder, who hopefully knows where to send the person next to get the next level of care.
Of course as a religious leader one direction I do point to is prayer, that conversation with God. I can't make anyone believe anything. And this is true no matter what one's faith tradition is. I also cannot do the work for others. I can show the threshold, I can't make anyone but me cross it. After that choice is made I'm out of the picture, and that's probably a good thing.
People may tell me how much I helped them. But much like a guide on a tour, only what they truly notice is what lasts.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Reflections for 7/15/10
"Obedience means listening. Don't be afraid to be silent and alone, to guard the quality of your speech, to write a spiritual journal. Watch your judgments and your cynicisms. Keep a childlike, simple heart. The wonder of children is they see new things and beautiful things and take them in. The Lord wants you to take as much in as you can, but to take it in a way that it's going to be there a year from now, not just for the moment."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 249)
There are many experiences in my lifetime that have left a lasting impression. Certainly not every moment, but a lot of things. I'm sometimes surprised by what I remember. I don't know that I'm deeper than anyone else, but I do remember people and places and events. I'm not so good with exact dates.
Perhaps I'm not as into quick thrills as I am larger experiences. I love that I've seen so much of this country. There are certainly teachers throughout my life that I still remember their names, and yet there are some who left little to no impression on me.
I'm sure I haven't even come close to experiencing everything that God has in store for me. I hopefully haven't missed too much that was intended for me, but was to distracted to notice.
I find it enjoyable to reflect on the people, places and things in my past. I also love the anticipation that each new day has the potential to show me something I've never seen before.
Blessings,
Ed
There are many experiences in my lifetime that have left a lasting impression. Certainly not every moment, but a lot of things. I'm sometimes surprised by what I remember. I don't know that I'm deeper than anyone else, but I do remember people and places and events. I'm not so good with exact dates.
Perhaps I'm not as into quick thrills as I am larger experiences. I love that I've seen so much of this country. There are certainly teachers throughout my life that I still remember their names, and yet there are some who left little to no impression on me.
I'm sure I haven't even come close to experiencing everything that God has in store for me. I hopefully haven't missed too much that was intended for me, but was to distracted to notice.
I find it enjoyable to reflect on the people, places and things in my past. I also love the anticipation that each new day has the potential to show me something I've never seen before.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Reflections for 7/14/10
"We are forced to ask the question after the blessing with the sick, after the dipping in the water, Well, why aren't they healed? And if you and I are asking that, imagine how they are asking that. And yet, can you believe the joy, although it must be tinged with disappointment, that we see on so many of their faces? The miracle of Lourdes is a miracle of faith. It's a miracle that is not immediately visible: People are not always healed. And yet we have to believe something deeply life-giving is happening here, and that's God's work. God is creating life on earth Just hold on to that. It happens in a thousand different ways, and the most important ways are in the heart."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 248)
Why wasn't my prayer answered? Why do seemingly miraculous things occur for some and not others? Those are some of the hardest questions that a priest or really any person of faith gets asked. They come not only from people who have little to know faith, but even from those who have great faith. Disappointment is very hard to deal with.
I know that there are times when we want a quick answer to those questions and usually they turn out to be the worst kind. You didn't pray hard enough. Your faith is weak. God sometimes says no. I try to avoid those little pithy, dismissive answers and try to look harder for what might not be obvious.
Those are the thousand different ways. I sometimes get prayer answered in ways that I don't expect. When it is only my vision of how things should play out that disappointment often follows. When I get past that, then I usually discover the answer that was given. The gift, the healing etc. When I finally see that I'm rarely disappointed.
That doesn't mean that I won't pray for specific things for myself or others. But that the follow up will be more of listening for or seeing the surprise, that is often more obvious than I realize at the time.
Blessings,
Ed
Why wasn't my prayer answered? Why do seemingly miraculous things occur for some and not others? Those are some of the hardest questions that a priest or really any person of faith gets asked. They come not only from people who have little to know faith, but even from those who have great faith. Disappointment is very hard to deal with.
I know that there are times when we want a quick answer to those questions and usually they turn out to be the worst kind. You didn't pray hard enough. Your faith is weak. God sometimes says no. I try to avoid those little pithy, dismissive answers and try to look harder for what might not be obvious.
Those are the thousand different ways. I sometimes get prayer answered in ways that I don't expect. When it is only my vision of how things should play out that disappointment often follows. When I get past that, then I usually discover the answer that was given. The gift, the healing etc. When I finally see that I'm rarely disappointed.
That doesn't mean that I won't pray for specific things for myself or others. But that the follow up will be more of listening for or seeing the surprise, that is often more obvious than I realize at the time.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflections for 7/13/10
"A pilgrim must be a child who can approach everything with an attitude of wonder, awe and faith. Pray for wonder, awe, desire. Ask God to take away your sophistication and cynicism. Ask God to away the restless, anxious heart of the tourist, which always needs to find the new, the more, the curious. Recognize yourself as a pilgrim, as one who has already been found by God."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 247)
A literal pilgrimage would need to suspend disbelief I think. I've never been on a pilgrimage but my sense is that in order to fully appreciate "holy" spaces, one has to let go of the need for proof.
Now what if I were to approach all of life as a pilgrimage? That would take real courage. To approach each day, each moment with that attitude of wonder, awe and faith. I understand fully what he means by the anxious heart of the tourist. Worrying about what's next. Planning everything out, and always feeling tired. Maybe I spend too much time living life like a tourist, moving on quickly to the next experience without taking the time to fully appreciate all that the current one has to offer.
A tourist may see many things, or at least what the tour guide wants you to see. A pilgrim will experience things more deeply and see what God wants us to see.
I think I'll try a little more living life as pilgrimage rather than Trafalgar tour.
Blessings,
Ed
A literal pilgrimage would need to suspend disbelief I think. I've never been on a pilgrimage but my sense is that in order to fully appreciate "holy" spaces, one has to let go of the need for proof.
Now what if I were to approach all of life as a pilgrimage? That would take real courage. To approach each day, each moment with that attitude of wonder, awe and faith. I understand fully what he means by the anxious heart of the tourist. Worrying about what's next. Planning everything out, and always feeling tired. Maybe I spend too much time living life like a tourist, moving on quickly to the next experience without taking the time to fully appreciate all that the current one has to offer.
A tourist may see many things, or at least what the tour guide wants you to see. A pilgrim will experience things more deeply and see what God wants us to see.
I think I'll try a little more living life as pilgrimage rather than Trafalgar tour.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, July 12, 2010
Reflections for 7/11/10
"As long as we think happiness is around the corner, we have not grasped happiness. Happiness is given in this moment. Everything is right here, right now, the total mystery of Christ; totally hidden and yet perfectly revealed. Though pilgrimages are good for the spirit, if you can't find Jesus in your hometown, you probably aren't going to find him in Jerusalem. If you haven't already entered into a relationship with Mary before, you probably won't find her at Lourdes. E go on pilgrimage so we can go back home and know that we never need to go on pilgrimage again. Pilgrimage has achieved its purpose when we can see God in our everyday and ordinary lives."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace p. 246)
I've never been on an actual pilgrimage. I suppose there will come a time when I will. I do like to travel and enjoyed my vacation very much. The best part though was still coming home. Yesterday being back at my parish felt good and right. Time away gave me a great appreciation for what I have here.
One of the traps I set for myself is to dream the what if dream. Is there something better out there. It's a little like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, thinking about somewhere over the rainbow, and in the end clicking her heels together saying "there's no place like home."
I am sure that there are moments when we truly perceive the presence of God more powerfully than in the day to day. The key for me is to continually sense the presence of God, in the mundane and ordinary day to day stuff. And while there's nothing wrong with an occasional day dream, it's even more satisfying to fully enjoy the here and now.
Blessings,
Ed
I've never been on an actual pilgrimage. I suppose there will come a time when I will. I do like to travel and enjoyed my vacation very much. The best part though was still coming home. Yesterday being back at my parish felt good and right. Time away gave me a great appreciation for what I have here.
One of the traps I set for myself is to dream the what if dream. Is there something better out there. It's a little like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, thinking about somewhere over the rainbow, and in the end clicking her heels together saying "there's no place like home."
I am sure that there are moments when we truly perceive the presence of God more powerfully than in the day to day. The key for me is to continually sense the presence of God, in the mundane and ordinary day to day stuff. And while there's nothing wrong with an occasional day dream, it's even more satisfying to fully enjoy the here and now.
Blessings,
Ed
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Reflections for 7/11/10
"And I think that's the purpose of all of our prayer: not to prove ourselves to God or bend the arm of God but, quite simply, to be able to listen anew. The only way we can listen to the truth is to get ourselves out of the way our feelings, needs, compulsions, responses and everything else. God needs nothing, God asks and demands nothing. We pray only so that we may know God."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace p.245)
Back in November I led a workshop on spiritual practices. We walked a labyrinth, we did centering prayer, we made "Anglican Prayer Beads" and then used them. We did some lectio divina. All good.
What I began to realize about all of them, was the shared part of getting ourselves out of the way. This was not praying a long list of the things I wanted God to do, or the people I wanted God to do something for. It was just way of emptying the mind of its own clutter to begin to listen more attentively to what God wanted me to hear.
While I'm not saying that we shouldn't pray for others and ourselves, that part is not for God. God is already well aware of the situation. I've always seen it as a way to remind ourselves of what's going on within ourselves and with our neighbors.
God doesn't need anything Fr. Rohr wrote. Perhaps, but I believe God wants us, wouldn't be a jealous God otherwise. God may not demand, but I do believe there are expectations of the children of God. We do pray that we may know God and hear that still small voice. Fortunately God already knows us.
Blessings,
Ed
Back in November I led a workshop on spiritual practices. We walked a labyrinth, we did centering prayer, we made "Anglican Prayer Beads" and then used them. We did some lectio divina. All good.
What I began to realize about all of them, was the shared part of getting ourselves out of the way. This was not praying a long list of the things I wanted God to do, or the people I wanted God to do something for. It was just way of emptying the mind of its own clutter to begin to listen more attentively to what God wanted me to hear.
While I'm not saying that we shouldn't pray for others and ourselves, that part is not for God. God is already well aware of the situation. I've always seen it as a way to remind ourselves of what's going on within ourselves and with our neighbors.
God doesn't need anything Fr. Rohr wrote. Perhaps, but I believe God wants us, wouldn't be a jealous God otherwise. God may not demand, but I do believe there are expectations of the children of God. We do pray that we may know God and hear that still small voice. Fortunately God already knows us.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Reflections for 7/10/10
"Often I feel like a juggler in this Church, trying to hold many truths together. I can't make the great issues of the Reformation key in my life. Especially when I see that so many of the questions were asked entirely by comfortable, white male clerics (on both sides) and, usually, were question of power and righteousness! If we had to divide, why couldn't we divide over who was doing a better joy of feeding widows and orphans."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p.244)
Open the Yellow pages anywhere and you'll find a veritable shmorgasborg of churches to choose from. Some with denominational labels, some without. All wanting you the consumer to believe that God is more present there than anywhere else.
That, like most marketing ploys is misleading. God is just as present in my church as in any other. What differs is in this day and age mostly about personal style of worship. There was of course a time when each of these denominations and even non-denominations had some deeper theological reason for being created. And of course the more you splinter the quicker you become fast burning kindling.
I'd love to see churches compete as to who was outdoing who in doing good. Who really had the compassionate care of Christ going strong. Of course what I'd really love to see is the churches cooperating with each other to follow the Matthew mandate of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, drink to the thirsty, visiting the sick and the those in prison. Boy wouldn't Jesus be really impressed by that, rather than the whose more orthodox nonsense that still goes on today.
Blessings,
Ed
Open the Yellow pages anywhere and you'll find a veritable shmorgasborg of churches to choose from. Some with denominational labels, some without. All wanting you the consumer to believe that God is more present there than anywhere else.
That, like most marketing ploys is misleading. God is just as present in my church as in any other. What differs is in this day and age mostly about personal style of worship. There was of course a time when each of these denominations and even non-denominations had some deeper theological reason for being created. And of course the more you splinter the quicker you become fast burning kindling.
I'd love to see churches compete as to who was outdoing who in doing good. Who really had the compassionate care of Christ going strong. Of course what I'd really love to see is the churches cooperating with each other to follow the Matthew mandate of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, drink to the thirsty, visiting the sick and the those in prison. Boy wouldn't Jesus be really impressed by that, rather than the whose more orthodox nonsense that still goes on today.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflections for 7/9/10
"There is a great Tradition that we must listen to and Scriptures that need to study. Without good theological teaching, faith becomes passing on feel-good idea. Intellect is not to be rejected."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 243)
In spite of my silly side, I actually do like to think. I majored in history so I have a healthy respect for the past. I do not believe the past is to be the end of the discussion, but needs to be included in any dialogue, religious or otherwise. You cannot know where you are going, if you don't know where you've been.
I also love to read and wrestle with Scripture. I don't have a whole lot of time for folks who just read and memorize it and then hurl it back as a weapon of mass destruction. But instead enjoy finding the continuing applications to my time and experience. It is excellent to know what scripture says, it is even deeper to know the why and to find the underlying spirit that permeates throughout it.
I hope I don't pass on a faith that's nothing more than a warm fuzzy kumbaya moment. But one where people are encouraged to use that God given resource between their ears. Never in isolation from Tradition and Scripture, but in an ongoing symphony of thought, word and deed.
Blessings,
Ed
In spite of my silly side, I actually do like to think. I majored in history so I have a healthy respect for the past. I do not believe the past is to be the end of the discussion, but needs to be included in any dialogue, religious or otherwise. You cannot know where you are going, if you don't know where you've been.
I also love to read and wrestle with Scripture. I don't have a whole lot of time for folks who just read and memorize it and then hurl it back as a weapon of mass destruction. But instead enjoy finding the continuing applications to my time and experience. It is excellent to know what scripture says, it is even deeper to know the why and to find the underlying spirit that permeates throughout it.
I hope I don't pass on a faith that's nothing more than a warm fuzzy kumbaya moment. But one where people are encouraged to use that God given resource between their ears. Never in isolation from Tradition and Scripture, but in an ongoing symphony of thought, word and deed.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Reflections for 7/8/10
"A pastor is one who feeds and guides the people. I guess if I had to associate one word with pastor, it would be growth. A pastor is one who understands how to grow people. A pastor must understand human relationships, family, communication-in short, what makes people tick and how they tick well together."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p.242)
The first thing a priest at their ordination is told the are called to is "to work as a pastor." I find this interesting, that the most important work I do as a priest is the pastoral work, not the priestly stuff, not the teaching, but the caring for other people.
I hope I've done this pretty well. I consider it one of my favorite parts of my vocation. Of course the only judges of it are those for whom I've pastored.
I hope in someways that even outside of my job as a priest, I've been someone who understands people and relationships. Who knows how to see and bring out the best in others. Again, I'm a lousy self judge.
I will say that I think the church does not value the pastoral component of the priesthood very much anymore, but they sure scream when it doesn't happen. Maybe it's assumed that all priests and ministers are pastoral by nature and that is their strongest gift. I know enough clergy to tell you it's not always the case.
Today faith communities talk about wanting administrators, and program developers, and there are people with great gifts in those areas. But for a church to really grow or at least to be healthy and living fully into being the compassionate body of Christ, if the pastoral function isn't working, the body is in big trouble.
And it is also true that even outside of the church, if we have not been blessed enough to ever have someone in our lives who understands how we tick and how to bring out the best in us, we too will wither on the vine.
Blessings,
Ed
The first thing a priest at their ordination is told the are called to is "to work as a pastor." I find this interesting, that the most important work I do as a priest is the pastoral work, not the priestly stuff, not the teaching, but the caring for other people.
I hope I've done this pretty well. I consider it one of my favorite parts of my vocation. Of course the only judges of it are those for whom I've pastored.
I hope in someways that even outside of my job as a priest, I've been someone who understands people and relationships. Who knows how to see and bring out the best in others. Again, I'm a lousy self judge.
I will say that I think the church does not value the pastoral component of the priesthood very much anymore, but they sure scream when it doesn't happen. Maybe it's assumed that all priests and ministers are pastoral by nature and that is their strongest gift. I know enough clergy to tell you it's not always the case.
Today faith communities talk about wanting administrators, and program developers, and there are people with great gifts in those areas. But for a church to really grow or at least to be healthy and living fully into being the compassionate body of Christ, if the pastoral function isn't working, the body is in big trouble.
And it is also true that even outside of the church, if we have not been blessed enough to ever have someone in our lives who understands how we tick and how to bring out the best in us, we too will wither on the vine.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Reflections for 7/7/10
"Yet the Church desperately needs a new evangelism. And many of us need to be re-evangelized-or perhaps hear the Good News for the first time."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p.241)
Evangelism has always been a tricky word for me. When I hear the word my first impression is of some loud mouth huckster in a white suite attempting to fleece the unsuspecting, offering Jesus as a snake oil.
That is an incredibly superficial stereotyping on my part, and not entirely fair. There are in fact very good evangelists who through their actions speak volumes of how much the Good News has impacted their lives.
As someone whose journey with Christ began at a very young age, one month to be precise, I don't have an ah ha moment, when I truly found, knew etc. the Lord. That's not my faith language.
But I do believe that regardless of whether one sees themselves as "born again" or has always been there, we need continually to hear and reflect on the Good News and how it impacts our lives.
I do this through reading, attending seminars, getting to hear other preachers, but most especially with my daily encounters with others. Seeing the gospel lived out and faith bringing people through crisis moments tell me more of the Good News than any roving evangelist ever could.
There was once a Corn Flakes commercial that said "taste them again for the first time." And to me the same would apply to faith. I need to keep hearing the story again and again. And because each day is a new one, it should feel like the first time.
Blessings,
Ed
Evangelism has always been a tricky word for me. When I hear the word my first impression is of some loud mouth huckster in a white suite attempting to fleece the unsuspecting, offering Jesus as a snake oil.
That is an incredibly superficial stereotyping on my part, and not entirely fair. There are in fact very good evangelists who through their actions speak volumes of how much the Good News has impacted their lives.
As someone whose journey with Christ began at a very young age, one month to be precise, I don't have an ah ha moment, when I truly found, knew etc. the Lord. That's not my faith language.
But I do believe that regardless of whether one sees themselves as "born again" or has always been there, we need continually to hear and reflect on the Good News and how it impacts our lives.
I do this through reading, attending seminars, getting to hear other preachers, but most especially with my daily encounters with others. Seeing the gospel lived out and faith bringing people through crisis moments tell me more of the Good News than any roving evangelist ever could.
There was once a Corn Flakes commercial that said "taste them again for the first time." And to me the same would apply to faith. I need to keep hearing the story again and again. And because each day is a new one, it should feel like the first time.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Reflections for 7/6/10
"The prophet could be compared to the court jester who keeps the king honest and on course. The prophet is the passion, the justice, the truth-speaker of God, especially to all forms of institutional idolatry. They are set up for conflict and rejection."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 240-241)
It is always a great argument as to when something is truly a prophetic voice. I often hear something called prophetic when the person claiming it agrees with what is being said.
The only thing that I am sure of is that a prophet can only be taken seriously who is engaged in the life of the community in which they are prophesying. Prophetic utterances from without are critiques, and while having a role, should not have too big an influence.
As I stated in the opening I have heard and read claims of prophesy from both sides of the aisles. As long as they are still engaged with the group, I'll give them their due.
Blessings,
Ed
It is always a great argument as to when something is truly a prophetic voice. I often hear something called prophetic when the person claiming it agrees with what is being said.
The only thing that I am sure of is that a prophet can only be taken seriously who is engaged in the life of the community in which they are prophesying. Prophetic utterances from without are critiques, and while having a role, should not have too big an influence.
As I stated in the opening I have heard and read claims of prophesy from both sides of the aisles. As long as they are still engaged with the group, I'll give them their due.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflections for 7/5/10
"We have today a lot of roving evangelists and prophets who are in no way accountable. They're not being sent from any spot. The private self decides everything. No community sends them, they just 'go.' But an apostle is always sent. Apostles are free to go because they are not their own center, the gospel is."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 240)
One of the blessings/curses of being part of a denomination is the fact that I am accountable. I have to answer to the Bishop should I mess something up. There are limits to what I can say on behalf of the church. I have a certain amount of freedom, but I do need to remember the difference between "IMHO" and the truth.
In our world we have a similar problem with secular "apostles and prophets." They can spout off whatever they want, and hide behind "freedom of speech." Or claim to be victims when challenged.
When I hear or read something I want to know who is supporting them. What are the lenses they're viewing the world through.
It then becomes my responsibility to decide who is a true apostle, and one who marches to their own orders.
Blessings,
Ed
One of the blessings/curses of being part of a denomination is the fact that I am accountable. I have to answer to the Bishop should I mess something up. There are limits to what I can say on behalf of the church. I have a certain amount of freedom, but I do need to remember the difference between "IMHO" and the truth.
In our world we have a similar problem with secular "apostles and prophets." They can spout off whatever they want, and hide behind "freedom of speech." Or claim to be victims when challenged.
When I hear or read something I want to know who is supporting them. What are the lenses they're viewing the world through.
It then becomes my responsibility to decide who is a true apostle, and one who marches to their own orders.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflections for 7/4/10
"Westerner's have a mania for experience. Descartes said 'I think, therefore I am.' For us, it is 'I experience, therefore I am.' But I'm pretty much convinced experiences don't change people, realization does. I think of all the powerful experiences that I've had. But only when I taste my experiences enough so they become realizations, do I change. That takes time and space. Put time and space together and you have a new definition of silence." (R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 238-230)
On the 4th we headed home after 8 days of vacation. It was one filled with experiences. Niagra Falls, zip lining, baseball games, the Rock'n Roll Hall of fame. All will hopefully be cherished memories. But I also found the days with no planned activities, to be just as nourishing.
Most of our lives are constantly go, go. We program our children to be busy. What we create I believe are over stimulated, sleep deprived junkies. And most of us are the same way. It is almost as if we are convinced that the only time we shouldn't be doing is when we are asleep.
Maybe that's why we feel so shallow. Why we often are not sure who we are or what we want to be or do. So we fill every waking moment with some stimuli, hoping something will connect.
Perhaps a better way might be some time for reflection after the experience, did we truly learn anything, did we grow in some way? But many see and use experiences like a drug to get through life. Each one, no better than a sugar rush, often with nothing more than a crash a few moments later.
Blessings,
Ed
On the 4th we headed home after 8 days of vacation. It was one filled with experiences. Niagra Falls, zip lining, baseball games, the Rock'n Roll Hall of fame. All will hopefully be cherished memories. But I also found the days with no planned activities, to be just as nourishing.
Most of our lives are constantly go, go. We program our children to be busy. What we create I believe are over stimulated, sleep deprived junkies. And most of us are the same way. It is almost as if we are convinced that the only time we shouldn't be doing is when we are asleep.
Maybe that's why we feel so shallow. Why we often are not sure who we are or what we want to be or do. So we fill every waking moment with some stimuli, hoping something will connect.
Perhaps a better way might be some time for reflection after the experience, did we truly learn anything, did we grow in some way? But many see and use experiences like a drug to get through life. Each one, no better than a sugar rush, often with nothing more than a crash a few moments later.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflections for 7/3/10
"Unfortunately we in the Church are trying to teach a morality apart from the experience of the risen Jesus freeing his people. Yet the most compelling moral responses come from the ambiguities of real life-not from textbook answers that are prefabricated and so-called pure."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 238)
I tend to live in ambiguity. I find it very hard to work with either or choices. Often the world seems to offer many one size fits all options, and attempts to make them work. Usually with disastrous results.
It has been my experience that life is not so neat to have these cure-alls actually work. That is not to say that there shouldn't be some framework within which to work out our moral questions and our responses to the ups and downs of life.
For me that is in my relationship with God through Christ. The experiences of the risen life. It is not in a recitation of out of context bible verses. Not in the thou shalt nots of the latest preachers and teachers, but in the shared living and working with my fellow human beings, working it out in the context of my faith.
Blessings,
Ed
I tend to live in ambiguity. I find it very hard to work with either or choices. Often the world seems to offer many one size fits all options, and attempts to make them work. Usually with disastrous results.
It has been my experience that life is not so neat to have these cure-alls actually work. That is not to say that there shouldn't be some framework within which to work out our moral questions and our responses to the ups and downs of life.
For me that is in my relationship with God through Christ. The experiences of the risen life. It is not in a recitation of out of context bible verses. Not in the thou shalt nots of the latest preachers and teachers, but in the shared living and working with my fellow human beings, working it out in the context of my faith.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflections for 7/2/10
"The best way to understand the word submission, because it has such a negative connotation for us Americans, is simply the word support. To submit in Latin is to be sent under, to stand under-to under-stand. To submit to another is to understand another."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 236)
Having spent some "quality time" in the quasi-macho world of the high school locker room, I understand where the negative connotation of submission comes from. It implies weakness. It implies crying "uncle in a game of mercy." It implies quitting, losing, etc. There can be no chest thumping in submission.
But support is something most of us can resonate with. We know how to support our friends and family. We're told to support our government and the troops. We know how to support the organizations that we choose to belong to.
I do know how to submit to my wife, because I try to support her as she lives out her life. I know how to submit to my kids, because I try to support them, in growing up to be individuals who can live in a world without me doing everything. I can submit to the government, because I can support through my voting, a direction. To submit will never mean to not question, but at least try to stay informed as to why a decision is made whether I agree with it or not.
Submitting should never be losing site of who I am in the bigger picture, it does mean reminding myself that I'm not the only one that matters.
Blessings,
Ed
Having spent some "quality time" in the quasi-macho world of the high school locker room, I understand where the negative connotation of submission comes from. It implies weakness. It implies crying "uncle in a game of mercy." It implies quitting, losing, etc. There can be no chest thumping in submission.
But support is something most of us can resonate with. We know how to support our friends and family. We're told to support our government and the troops. We know how to support the organizations that we choose to belong to.
I do know how to submit to my wife, because I try to support her as she lives out her life. I know how to submit to my kids, because I try to support them, in growing up to be individuals who can live in a world without me doing everything. I can submit to the government, because I can support through my voting, a direction. To submit will never mean to not question, but at least try to stay informed as to why a decision is made whether I agree with it or not.
Submitting should never be losing site of who I am in the bigger picture, it does mean reminding myself that I'm not the only one that matters.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflections for 7/1/10
"Don't tell people to come to our church or to come to hear Father preach. Ask them to come over for supper. That's more real and natural. Talk to them over the back fence. We hope our life is good news. When our neighbors see our unity and our good news, maybe then they'll say, I'd like to come celebrate and worship with you." (R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 236)
This reminded me of my college days. I do not believe I ever once invited someone to come with me to church. I did have people ask if they could come with me.
It wasn't until later that I fully understood the difference. Whatever it was that people saw as positive in me, and I don't recall what it may have been, I believe they may have considered what I did that was different than what they did. And for some, going to church seemed to be it.
Today I still believe that the best evangelizing is how we lead our lives. When I see Christians taking action to make the world a better place. Who spend more time talking about what makes them happy as compared to what's wrong with the world, I feel a natural attraction to them. I'd like to know more.
When we see someone who looks like they've turned things around, for example, lost weight, we often would like to know what they did. How often does someone ask a person who is still healthy and active in their late 80's or 90's what the "secret" is, only to find it's more about attitude than some product.
Do I want people to invite folks to come to church, sure. But I'd really love to see people come to church because they see folks who live life fully because they've found something worth having in their lives.
Blessings,
Ed
This reminded me of my college days. I do not believe I ever once invited someone to come with me to church. I did have people ask if they could come with me.
It wasn't until later that I fully understood the difference. Whatever it was that people saw as positive in me, and I don't recall what it may have been, I believe they may have considered what I did that was different than what they did. And for some, going to church seemed to be it.
Today I still believe that the best evangelizing is how we lead our lives. When I see Christians taking action to make the world a better place. Who spend more time talking about what makes them happy as compared to what's wrong with the world, I feel a natural attraction to them. I'd like to know more.
When we see someone who looks like they've turned things around, for example, lost weight, we often would like to know what they did. How often does someone ask a person who is still healthy and active in their late 80's or 90's what the "secret" is, only to find it's more about attitude than some product.
Do I want people to invite folks to come to church, sure. But I'd really love to see people come to church because they see folks who live life fully because they've found something worth having in their lives.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflections for 6/30/10
"When we have lost our unity, we have just plain lost."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p.235)
One of the greatest confusions of this era I believe is the difference between unity and uniformity. I believe we are at a place where we'll claim to seek unity, but we really mean uniformity. We want complete agreement, especially we want our way of thinking to be what is agreed to. That is not unity that is uniformity.
Uniformity to me is boring, stunted and easily dismissed and changed. Unity is a different matter.
Unity for me is not found in the specifics but in the overarching vision of what is possible. A shared vision of where we want to go. When you get the unity, it is in the diversity that the way to achievement is found.
I'm at my best when engaged in healthy dialogue with those whose way of seeing things is different than mine. It is quite possible that they may be seeing something that I am not.
Within the church, the body of Christ if you will, I cannot say to the "right" hand, I need thee not.
If I can maintain my unity along whatever hat I'm wearing, then I can work through some of the disagreements. But even those that remain at an impasse need not necessarily lead to disunity.
Blessings,
Ed
One of the greatest confusions of this era I believe is the difference between unity and uniformity. I believe we are at a place where we'll claim to seek unity, but we really mean uniformity. We want complete agreement, especially we want our way of thinking to be what is agreed to. That is not unity that is uniformity.
Uniformity to me is boring, stunted and easily dismissed and changed. Unity is a different matter.
Unity for me is not found in the specifics but in the overarching vision of what is possible. A shared vision of where we want to go. When you get the unity, it is in the diversity that the way to achievement is found.
I'm at my best when engaged in healthy dialogue with those whose way of seeing things is different than mine. It is quite possible that they may be seeing something that I am not.
Within the church, the body of Christ if you will, I cannot say to the "right" hand, I need thee not.
If I can maintain my unity along whatever hat I'm wearing, then I can work through some of the disagreements. But even those that remain at an impasse need not necessarily lead to disunity.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflections for 6/29/10
"Romance is that sense of adventure and daring and surrender that comes into our life when we have a vision worth living and dying for."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 233)
Many people when compiling their summer reading lists will joke about looking for something beyond the usual "romance novel." That genre is a pretty easy read and generally escapism, but doesn't call forth in us something greater.
When we look at the great romances of our lives there is a real sense of adventure and daring. Taking that risk of entering into a relationship with another person. When the romance is truly deep then you know that the vision of yourself with that other person is one where you would really be the most alive with them and willing to die for them.
What is the vision of your life that is worth living for? What is that "pearl of great value" that you'd sell everything to have?
If our lives are void of romance, that adventurous, daring and visionary kind. The type that calls us out of our cocoons, we may as well be dead.
I hope you have some romance in your life, even the gushy kind. But especially the kind of relationships that make life worth living.
Blessings,
Ed
Many people when compiling their summer reading lists will joke about looking for something beyond the usual "romance novel." That genre is a pretty easy read and generally escapism, but doesn't call forth in us something greater.
When we look at the great romances of our lives there is a real sense of adventure and daring. Taking that risk of entering into a relationship with another person. When the romance is truly deep then you know that the vision of yourself with that other person is one where you would really be the most alive with them and willing to die for them.
What is the vision of your life that is worth living for? What is that "pearl of great value" that you'd sell everything to have?
If our lives are void of romance, that adventurous, daring and visionary kind. The type that calls us out of our cocoons, we may as well be dead.
I hope you have some romance in your life, even the gushy kind. But especially the kind of relationships that make life worth living.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflections for 6/28/10
"Unless you've made some commitments, unless you understand loyalty, that's the point where you're going to move out."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 232)
I often wonder if it is possible to be loyal to a fault. I believe I'm a fairly loyal person. Second point of the Boy Scout Law as I recall. I have maintained a loyalty to the vows that I've taken, baptismal, marriage and ordination.
I try as hard as possible to live out those vows. There are times when I forget that my loyalty is about me and does not necessarily need to be given back. Thankfully it for the most part has.
Loyalty does not mean finding no fault. For me it means sticking with something and trying to work through the problems and failings that occur in any and all relationships.
Sometimes I have been loyal to my own detriment. Sticking with a some product out of "loyalty" when a much better deal or product could be found.
Beyond the material things though, I have found that loyalty to God, family and friends, has been priceless.
Blessings,
Ed
I often wonder if it is possible to be loyal to a fault. I believe I'm a fairly loyal person. Second point of the Boy Scout Law as I recall. I have maintained a loyalty to the vows that I've taken, baptismal, marriage and ordination.
I try as hard as possible to live out those vows. There are times when I forget that my loyalty is about me and does not necessarily need to be given back. Thankfully it for the most part has.
Loyalty does not mean finding no fault. For me it means sticking with something and trying to work through the problems and failings that occur in any and all relationships.
Sometimes I have been loyal to my own detriment. Sticking with a some product out of "loyalty" when a much better deal or product could be found.
Beyond the material things though, I have found that loyalty to God, family and friends, has been priceless.
Blessings,
Ed
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