"Herein lies the genius of legalistic religion-making primary matters secondary and secondary matters primary."(Reflections for Ragamuffins January 26)
When I think of what is important to me about my faith, the following come to mind, praying regularly, weekly reception of communion, regular reading and meditating on scripture and seeking opportunities to visit the lonely, clothe the naked, feed the hungry etc.
What is not important to me is focusing in on rules and making sure that others follow. Banging a drum on about rules that have no application to me at all, while ignoring or explaining away the one's that do.
Freedom in Christ, obtained through the cross, allows me to live without that checklist. It is not a do anything you want freedom by any means, but an invitation to live fully without fear of crossing some line.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Reflection for January 25, 2014
"Paradoxically what intrudes between God and human beings is our fastidious morality and pseudopiety."(Reflections for Ragamuffin January 25)
I've never viewed the Bible as a great book rule book, from which I get a gold star sticker at the end of each day when I manage not to violate some aspect of the rules. It certainly wouldn't dawn on me to make a big show of how holy I am.
Morality and ethics for me is not about keeping rules, but it is more by living with in the spirit and the framework which God sets forth. And because I believe that God sees and knows everything I am up to, putting up a holier than thou front, will not fool God. Being who I am, and striving to be better is what I am called to do. To be free to acknowledge when I mess up or fall short, knowing that I will be given another chance to try again.
If I'm to busy keeping score on myself and others, I will never experience the grace of God in my life. And in fact might start to get angry with God, for not helping me understand what foolishness that stance is.
Blessings,
Ed
I've never viewed the Bible as a great book rule book, from which I get a gold star sticker at the end of each day when I manage not to violate some aspect of the rules. It certainly wouldn't dawn on me to make a big show of how holy I am.
Morality and ethics for me is not about keeping rules, but it is more by living with in the spirit and the framework which God sets forth. And because I believe that God sees and knows everything I am up to, putting up a holier than thou front, will not fool God. Being who I am, and striving to be better is what I am called to do. To be free to acknowledge when I mess up or fall short, knowing that I will be given another chance to try again.
If I'm to busy keeping score on myself and others, I will never experience the grace of God in my life. And in fact might start to get angry with God, for not helping me understand what foolishness that stance is.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Reflection for January 24, 2015
"In giving us what John Powell calls the Be-Attitudes, Jesus said that these are the attitudes that will enable you to be like him."(Reflections for Ragamuffin January 24)
Attitude is something we generally notice about other people and occasionally ourselves. People can attitudes that are positive or negative. Perhaps you've said to someone I don't need your attitude.
The Beatitudes are of course from the Sermon on the Mount. They point to those whose mind set or way of living are right with God. They flew in the face of conventional wisdom of who was truly blessed. No real surprise there coming from Jesus, who often turned the wisdom of his age on its head.
It is hard to imagine having a positive attitude given the conditions Jesus points to as being blessed. Frankly I'd find it hard to keep my head up. Yet that is what we are called to do, and with adopt Jesus' attitude towards these conditions we might be able to endure.
Blessings,
Ed
Attitude is something we generally notice about other people and occasionally ourselves. People can attitudes that are positive or negative. Perhaps you've said to someone I don't need your attitude.
The Beatitudes are of course from the Sermon on the Mount. They point to those whose mind set or way of living are right with God. They flew in the face of conventional wisdom of who was truly blessed. No real surprise there coming from Jesus, who often turned the wisdom of his age on its head.
It is hard to imagine having a positive attitude given the conditions Jesus points to as being blessed. Frankly I'd find it hard to keep my head up. Yet that is what we are called to do, and with adopt Jesus' attitude towards these conditions we might be able to endure.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, January 23, 2015
Reflection for January 23, 2015
"The wisdom to discern when it is appropriate to turn the other cheek and when it is time to raise the umbrella comes only from listening to the heartbeat of the Great Rabbi."(Reflections for Ragamuffins January 23)
We all have heard Jesus say to turn the other cheek. We call him the prince of peace, here's his words to love others. And all of those are good words to heed in their proper moment. We sometimes will miss other words of Jesus, which are also ways to interact with others in their appropriate moment. "The devil is your father and you prefer to do what your father wants."(John 8:44) How much longer must I put up with you?" (Matthew 17:17) "Get behind me Satan!"(Matthew 16:23) "Stop turning my Father's house into a marketplace."(John 2:16)
Discernment of response is critical to living well in this world. What does the circumstance call for if you're going to do what Jesus would do? To constantly turn the other cheek, can lead one to be victimized or at least taken advantage of. But there are moments when letting it go is also the right response. To constantly giving the same reaction back, eye for eye mentality, usually steeped in anger is also just as unhealthy, there may be a momentary glimpse of winning, but ultimately that default position will wind up turning in on you. But there are moments when a less peaceful response is called for.
The real problem is that sometimes it isn't clear what response is called for at that moment, and you have to take a moment, breathe and pray.
Blessings,
Ed
We all have heard Jesus say to turn the other cheek. We call him the prince of peace, here's his words to love others. And all of those are good words to heed in their proper moment. We sometimes will miss other words of Jesus, which are also ways to interact with others in their appropriate moment. "The devil is your father and you prefer to do what your father wants."(John 8:44) How much longer must I put up with you?" (Matthew 17:17) "Get behind me Satan!"(Matthew 16:23) "Stop turning my Father's house into a marketplace."(John 2:16)
Discernment of response is critical to living well in this world. What does the circumstance call for if you're going to do what Jesus would do? To constantly turn the other cheek, can lead one to be victimized or at least taken advantage of. But there are moments when letting it go is also the right response. To constantly giving the same reaction back, eye for eye mentality, usually steeped in anger is also just as unhealthy, there may be a momentary glimpse of winning, but ultimately that default position will wind up turning in on you. But there are moments when a less peaceful response is called for.
The real problem is that sometimes it isn't clear what response is called for at that moment, and you have to take a moment, breathe and pray.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Reflection for January 22, 2015
"To live peacefully without clarity or assurance, to stop grandstanding and trying to get attention."(Reflections for Ragamuffins January 22)
I tend to spend a lot of my life, in the grays. Those places in life that are not always clear. Certainty and immediate answers are rarely my companion. I deep desire to no more clearly I have, but I realize that in order to get to that place you have live non anxiously in that gray area.
It can be a lonely place because you tend to not notice that others are there as well. I think this may be because we are often surrounded by the noise of grandstanding, of folks who proclaim things with such absolute certainty and rail against those of us who aren't as convinced.
There are things that I do feel certain of, love from God, my wife, my parents and my children. And it is those things that keep me centered when I'm in that gray area. I don't need to make bold statements nor do I need attention to get me through those times. But acknowledging my fellow gray area dwellers and encouraging them as well, helps to maintain my peace.
Blessings,
Ed
I tend to spend a lot of my life, in the grays. Those places in life that are not always clear. Certainty and immediate answers are rarely my companion. I deep desire to no more clearly I have, but I realize that in order to get to that place you have live non anxiously in that gray area.
It can be a lonely place because you tend to not notice that others are there as well. I think this may be because we are often surrounded by the noise of grandstanding, of folks who proclaim things with such absolute certainty and rail against those of us who aren't as convinced.
There are things that I do feel certain of, love from God, my wife, my parents and my children. And it is those things that keep me centered when I'm in that gray area. I don't need to make bold statements nor do I need attention to get me through those times. But acknowledging my fellow gray area dwellers and encouraging them as well, helps to maintain my peace.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Reflection for January 21, 2015
"But only Jesus revealed that God is a Father of incomparable tenderness, that if we take all the goodness, wisdom, and compassion of the best mothers and fathers who have ever lived, they would only be a faint shadow of the love and mercy in the heart of the redeeming God."(Reflections for Ragamuffins January 21)
I can say the Our Father with the best of them. But I've never really viewed God as some divine parent. That would be way to narrow a view of God. I also know that constantly referring to God as Father, can be problematic because sometimes our earthly father's were not so great, loving etc. I realize that all that is doing is projecting our earthly experience out onto God, but we do this unintentionally and can't ignore the fact.
I will also say that it doesn't help to change it to Mother. Same problem really. The naming of God is always going to be problematic. We can actually only name our experiences of God which is not going to be the same for everyone.
For me the limiting parental language will not have the final word.
Blessings,
Ed
I can say the Our Father with the best of them. But I've never really viewed God as some divine parent. That would be way to narrow a view of God. I also know that constantly referring to God as Father, can be problematic because sometimes our earthly father's were not so great, loving etc. I realize that all that is doing is projecting our earthly experience out onto God, but we do this unintentionally and can't ignore the fact.
I will also say that it doesn't help to change it to Mother. Same problem really. The naming of God is always going to be problematic. We can actually only name our experiences of God which is not going to be the same for everyone.
For me the limiting parental language will not have the final word.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Reflection for January 20, 2015
"Physical fasting from food is the joining of the body to the spirit's hunger for God."(Reflection for Ragamuffins January 20)
When it comes to spiritual disciplines or practices that are available to religious folks, it almost feels like a buffet. You can certainly sample different types. Some may come specifically from your tradition, others may have been taken from others traditions and adapted to your faith. I certainly have tried them all.
Fasting however is one that has never worked for me. A good part of this is that I am a food addict. I confess that. I have tried it and all I got was a splitting headache, which reminded me that I was hungry. I did not feel closer to God at all. So I have chosen not to fast, but to find other ways to encounter God and to draw nearer to him.
I can admire those who do know how to fast and find a deep spiritual connection while doing so. I would never tell someone not to fast. It just doesn't work for me. But like that buffet line image, we should try things out and find out what works for us and what we gain satisfaction from. The beauty of a buffet is you can go back to what you liked.
Blessings,
Ed
When it comes to spiritual disciplines or practices that are available to religious folks, it almost feels like a buffet. You can certainly sample different types. Some may come specifically from your tradition, others may have been taken from others traditions and adapted to your faith. I certainly have tried them all.
Fasting however is one that has never worked for me. A good part of this is that I am a food addict. I confess that. I have tried it and all I got was a splitting headache, which reminded me that I was hungry. I did not feel closer to God at all. So I have chosen not to fast, but to find other ways to encounter God and to draw nearer to him.
I can admire those who do know how to fast and find a deep spiritual connection while doing so. I would never tell someone not to fast. It just doesn't work for me. But like that buffet line image, we should try things out and find out what works for us and what we gain satisfaction from. The beauty of a buffet is you can go back to what you liked.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for January 19, 2015
"The axis of the Christian moral revolution is love, and it is the only sign given by Jesus by which the disciple would be recognized."(Reflection for Ragamuffins January 19)
There is a youth gathering song that I recall where the chorus went something like "they will know we are Christians by our love, by our love." And certainly when I'm surrounded by other Christians, especially those of my own part of the body of Christ, I sense that kind of knowledge. I can respect differences of opinion and am willing to walk a mile with that brother and sister to try and understand them.
I have noticed that it is not the easiest thing to live into with every Christian I meet. I find it hard to do with those who not only disagree with me, but have decided I need to be treated in a way that is anything but loving. Harsh words, finger pointing, questioning my faith, I get a little weary of it. I also know that those outside of the body of Christ when they see us treating each other that way, can hardly feel drawn to want to be a part of it.
Because I take my faith seriously I will continue to strive to be loving towards my neighbor. I will try to turn the other cheek even when the injury is coming from someone who is supposed to be loving to me as well.
Is it easy no. Is it the best way to be true to the mind of Christ, absolutely.
Blessings,
Ed
There is a youth gathering song that I recall where the chorus went something like "they will know we are Christians by our love, by our love." And certainly when I'm surrounded by other Christians, especially those of my own part of the body of Christ, I sense that kind of knowledge. I can respect differences of opinion and am willing to walk a mile with that brother and sister to try and understand them.
I have noticed that it is not the easiest thing to live into with every Christian I meet. I find it hard to do with those who not only disagree with me, but have decided I need to be treated in a way that is anything but loving. Harsh words, finger pointing, questioning my faith, I get a little weary of it. I also know that those outside of the body of Christ when they see us treating each other that way, can hardly feel drawn to want to be a part of it.
Because I take my faith seriously I will continue to strive to be loving towards my neighbor. I will try to turn the other cheek even when the injury is coming from someone who is supposed to be loving to me as well.
Is it easy no. Is it the best way to be true to the mind of Christ, absolutely.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, January 19, 2015
Reflection for January 18, 2015
"So the dawn of trust requires the abandonment of our craving for material and spiritual reassurances."(Reflections for Ragamuffins January 18)
So what gives you the confidence to move forward in life? For many it may be feeling you have enough in the bank or investments that you could weather any storm. Maybe it is having stuff, the more stuff you're surrounded by the more secure you feel. Except the problem is you almost begin to worry that something might happen to all your stuff and then where would you be?
While material assurances and why they aren't the best things to base one's ability to get through life with is obvious I do wonder what spiritual assurances are? Partially I suppose there is those Bible verses that we've memorized to get us through tough times. There is the promise of Jesus found in scriptures which again can often sustain the believer. There of course is also that seeking of the presence of God in our lives through prayer and hopefully hearing that still small voice.
But ultimately all of these things will only work if we've begun from a place of trust. Trust in things that cannot be held, seen, or heard. And that takes a lot of courage. But without that first trust, the rest of the journey is very hard.
Blessings,
Ed
So what gives you the confidence to move forward in life? For many it may be feeling you have enough in the bank or investments that you could weather any storm. Maybe it is having stuff, the more stuff you're surrounded by the more secure you feel. Except the problem is you almost begin to worry that something might happen to all your stuff and then where would you be?
While material assurances and why they aren't the best things to base one's ability to get through life with is obvious I do wonder what spiritual assurances are? Partially I suppose there is those Bible verses that we've memorized to get us through tough times. There is the promise of Jesus found in scriptures which again can often sustain the believer. There of course is also that seeking of the presence of God in our lives through prayer and hopefully hearing that still small voice.
But ultimately all of these things will only work if we've begun from a place of trust. Trust in things that cannot be held, seen, or heard. And that takes a lot of courage. But without that first trust, the rest of the journey is very hard.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for January 17, 2015
"We rationalize and minimize our terrifying capacity to make peace with evil and thereby reject all that is not nice about us."(Reflections for Ragamuffins January 17)
There's a line in the confession of sin that always gets me when I say it, "things left undone." I don't think I ignore those parts of me that are not nice, but I also don't sit in that stew and sulk. Yes I should not rationalize those not so great aspects of me, the inability to speak up all the time when something is truly evil. The fear of alienating a friend. The anger and frustration I experience with myself and others.
The Ash Wednesday liturgy has a Litany of Penitence which names a good chunk of it.
We have not loved you with our whole heart, and mind, and
strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We
have not forgiven others, as we have been forgiven.
.
We have been deaf to your call to serve, as Christ served us.
We have not been true to the mind of Christ. We have grieved
your Holy Spirit.
.
We confess to you, Lord, all our past unfaithfulness: the
pride, hypocrisy, and impatience of our lives,
Our self-indulgent appetites and ways, and our exploitation
of other people,
.
Our anger at our own frustration, and our envy of those
more fortunate than ourselves,
Our intemperate love of worldly goods and comforts, and
our dishonesty in daily life and work,
Our negligence in prayer and worship, and our failure to
commend the faith that is in us,
Accept our repentance, Lord, for the wrongs we have done:
for our blindness to human need and suffering, and our
indifference to injustice and cruelty,
For all false judgments, for uncharitable thoughts toward our
neighbors, and for our prejudice and contempt toward those
who differ from us,
For our waste and pollution of your creation, and our lack of
concern for those who come after us,
Sadly this probably leaves some stuff out. The challenge is to look deeply and work hard to stop doing these things. Yes there are things I do really well, and I need to remember them but not at the expense of ignoring the places where I still have some if not a lot of work to do.
Blessings,
Ed
There's a line in the confession of sin that always gets me when I say it, "things left undone." I don't think I ignore those parts of me that are not nice, but I also don't sit in that stew and sulk. Yes I should not rationalize those not so great aspects of me, the inability to speak up all the time when something is truly evil. The fear of alienating a friend. The anger and frustration I experience with myself and others.
The Ash Wednesday liturgy has a Litany of Penitence which names a good chunk of it.
We have not loved you with our whole heart, and mind, and
strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We
have not forgiven others, as we have been forgiven.
.
We have been deaf to your call to serve, as Christ served us.
We have not been true to the mind of Christ. We have grieved
your Holy Spirit.
.
We confess to you, Lord, all our past unfaithfulness: the
pride, hypocrisy, and impatience of our lives,
Our self-indulgent appetites and ways, and our exploitation
of other people,
.
Our anger at our own frustration, and our envy of those
more fortunate than ourselves,
Our intemperate love of worldly goods and comforts, and
our dishonesty in daily life and work,
Our negligence in prayer and worship, and our failure to
commend the faith that is in us,
Accept our repentance, Lord, for the wrongs we have done:
for our blindness to human need and suffering, and our
indifference to injustice and cruelty,
For all false judgments, for uncharitable thoughts toward our
neighbors, and for our prejudice and contempt toward those
who differ from us,
For our waste and pollution of your creation, and our lack of
concern for those who come after us,
Sadly this probably leaves some stuff out. The challenge is to look deeply and work hard to stop doing these things. Yes there are things I do really well, and I need to remember them but not at the expense of ignoring the places where I still have some if not a lot of work to do.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, January 16, 2015
Reflection for January 16, 2015
"There could be no bargaining with God, in a petty poker table atmosphere; 'I have done this; therefore, you owe me that.' Jesus utterly destroys the juridic notion that our works demand payment in return."(Reflections for Ragamuffins January 16)
In our world we expect payment for services rendered. Unless of course we volunteered to do something. Yet even there, we might expect perhaps a thank you.
We can also get into emotional manipulation, "think of all I've done for you!"
We don't do things on behalf of Christ to earn our salvation of course. We do them as a loving response to that gift. We aren't required, otherwise it wouldn't be free. But it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me not to. It just seems natural.
So I think I'll keep on seeking opportunities to serve. If I get thanked that's fine. But if I don't get any recognition from others that is also fine. The only recognition I really need is my own and God's.
Blessings,
Ed
In our world we expect payment for services rendered. Unless of course we volunteered to do something. Yet even there, we might expect perhaps a thank you.
We can also get into emotional manipulation, "think of all I've done for you!"
We don't do things on behalf of Christ to earn our salvation of course. We do them as a loving response to that gift. We aren't required, otherwise it wouldn't be free. But it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me not to. It just seems natural.
So I think I'll keep on seeking opportunities to serve. If I get thanked that's fine. But if I don't get any recognition from others that is also fine. The only recognition I really need is my own and God's.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Reflection for January 15, 2015
"The way of compassionate caring for others brings healing to ourselves, and compassionate caring for ourselves brings healing to others."(Reflection for Ragamuffins January 15)
When do I sense the most wholeness? Probably when I'm doing something for someone else. If I know that what I've done made a positive difference in that person's life, the occassional pity party gets avoided and certainly never takes root. I know there was a moment recently when I was really down on myself, felt useless and unwanted (not by anyone that actually mattered) when I spent the night as a host for Interfaith Hospitality Network. So I get and understand the first part.
But how does compassionate caring of myself bring healing to others? Well first off, if I'm not allowing myself to go down the rabbit hole, others do not have to bear with me and risk being brought down themselves. Two negatives rarely make a positive. If I can model good self care perhaps someone watching might follow the example and also begin to care about themselves too.
The other part of compassionate care is that gives 100% of itself. There's no half baked attempts.
So perhaps the next time you're feeling lousy in a non medical way, try doing something for someone else. And let that moment be the first steps in remembering that we are called by Christ to love God, neighbor and self. And if you ignore one of those three the others will suffer.
Blessings,
Ed
When do I sense the most wholeness? Probably when I'm doing something for someone else. If I know that what I've done made a positive difference in that person's life, the occassional pity party gets avoided and certainly never takes root. I know there was a moment recently when I was really down on myself, felt useless and unwanted (not by anyone that actually mattered) when I spent the night as a host for Interfaith Hospitality Network. So I get and understand the first part.
But how does compassionate caring of myself bring healing to others? Well first off, if I'm not allowing myself to go down the rabbit hole, others do not have to bear with me and risk being brought down themselves. Two negatives rarely make a positive. If I can model good self care perhaps someone watching might follow the example and also begin to care about themselves too.
The other part of compassionate care is that gives 100% of itself. There's no half baked attempts.
So perhaps the next time you're feeling lousy in a non medical way, try doing something for someone else. And let that moment be the first steps in remembering that we are called by Christ to love God, neighbor and self. And if you ignore one of those three the others will suffer.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflection for January 14, 2015
"Our human experience tells us that Jesus could not have done that if he always wore the solemn face of a mourner or the stern mask of a judge, if his face did not often crease into a smile and his whole body erupt in merry laughter."(Reflections for Ragamuffins January 14)
The this that Manning refers to is people being drawn to Jesus. True we don't get a 24/7 view of Jesus, but the truly human Jesus had to have laughed if for no other reason than he hung out with people who did funny things. The overly enthusiastic Peter, how many times do you suppose caused a chuckle?
I can only imagine how many times I have made Christ laugh. Sometimes at, but not in a mocking way, sometimes with.
As humans we will be drawn to others who know how to laugh, smile and we can possibly hear from them when they aren't so merry or have something hard to say to us.
I try to be more of a laughing with others and at myself kind of guy. If you catch me being more of a downer or very stern for a long period of time, please worry about me, because something will be really wrong.
Blessings,
Ed
The this that Manning refers to is people being drawn to Jesus. True we don't get a 24/7 view of Jesus, but the truly human Jesus had to have laughed if for no other reason than he hung out with people who did funny things. The overly enthusiastic Peter, how many times do you suppose caused a chuckle?
I can only imagine how many times I have made Christ laugh. Sometimes at, but not in a mocking way, sometimes with.
As humans we will be drawn to others who know how to laugh, smile and we can possibly hear from them when they aren't so merry or have something hard to say to us.
I try to be more of a laughing with others and at myself kind of guy. If you catch me being more of a downer or very stern for a long period of time, please worry about me, because something will be really wrong.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Reflection for January 13, 2015
"The inner life of Jesus Christ took expression in a special, vital quality of presence in the world in the most active situations."(Reflections for Ragamuffins January 13)
So what's going on inside of you? It's a question we might ask ourselves regularly. Do we pay enough attention to our inner life, our spiritual and emotional health if you will? I try to be attentive to that part of me, in order to be able to do and maintain the level of activity I enjoy.
If I'm constantly doing, but rarely reflecting, I wonder if I'm not coming to close to resembling one of my favorite Loony Toons characters, the Tazmanian Devil. Spinning out of control only stopping momentarily to catch my breath.
But if all I do is pay attention to the inner life, and never get out side of myself and my own comfort zone, I'm not very useful or productive.
That relationship with Christ compels and nourishes me to do the work I've been created to do. I enjoy being present in my world, actively engaged with others. But I'm spirtually mature enough to know to recharge the batteries regularly.
Blessings,
Ed
So what's going on inside of you? It's a question we might ask ourselves regularly. Do we pay enough attention to our inner life, our spiritual and emotional health if you will? I try to be attentive to that part of me, in order to be able to do and maintain the level of activity I enjoy.
If I'm constantly doing, but rarely reflecting, I wonder if I'm not coming to close to resembling one of my favorite Loony Toons characters, the Tazmanian Devil. Spinning out of control only stopping momentarily to catch my breath.
But if all I do is pay attention to the inner life, and never get out side of myself and my own comfort zone, I'm not very useful or productive.
That relationship with Christ compels and nourishes me to do the work I've been created to do. I enjoy being present in my world, actively engaged with others. But I'm spirtually mature enough to know to recharge the batteries regularly.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, January 12, 2015
Reflection for January 12, 2015
"Procrastination only prolongs self-hatred."(Reflection for Ragamuffins January 12)
I don't hate myself. Heck I don't hate much of anything. I certainly get frustrated and angry with myself from time to time no doubt.
One of the greatest personal frustrations does arise when I put things off until it is almost too late. Or I miss opportunities by waiting. When I take charge and accept the challenges of my day and do what I need to do, I'm generally more productive and a lot less frustrated. I even deal better with failure when I know I gave it my best shot.
If I were in a self-hating mode I suppose that putting off doing something about it really would only prolong it. Hoping that it would work itself out with no effort on my part is delusional. Yes as a Christian I am called to hear Christ's words "neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more." I can use that quote because sin is not only the things we do, but the things left undone, the things put off or avoided. And it is those times that I need to hear those words of invitation and get back on track.
Blessings,
Ed
I don't hate myself. Heck I don't hate much of anything. I certainly get frustrated and angry with myself from time to time no doubt.
One of the greatest personal frustrations does arise when I put things off until it is almost too late. Or I miss opportunities by waiting. When I take charge and accept the challenges of my day and do what I need to do, I'm generally more productive and a lot less frustrated. I even deal better with failure when I know I gave it my best shot.
If I were in a self-hating mode I suppose that putting off doing something about it really would only prolong it. Hoping that it would work itself out with no effort on my part is delusional. Yes as a Christian I am called to hear Christ's words "neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more." I can use that quote because sin is not only the things we do, but the things left undone, the things put off or avoided. And it is those times that I need to hear those words of invitation and get back on track.
Blessings,
Ed
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Reflection for January 11, 2015
"If our faith is going to be criticized let it be for the right reasons."(Reflections for Ragamuffin January 11)
I'm not really a big fan of having my faith criticized. I don't mean the Christian faith, but how I practice and live out my faith. I certainly can listen to and engage criticism of Faith, because I might have an answer to that. And I can engage it when I'm not feeling dismissed.
But when my personal faith is under critique my defenses do go up. It may be because the criticism is usually coming from a fellow believer who doesn't talk about or practice their faith in the same way I do. And comes to the conclusion that I'm not a Christian. The weird thing is I'm probably being criticized for the right things. The belief that Christ calls us to service of others. That worship can be joyful, heartfelt and traditional. That my belief in Christ is not threatened by others not believing. That my faith is big enough to allow for all sorts and conditions of people to share it.
If I get lethargic in my faith, I hope a fellow pilgrim will give me a jolt and get me moving again. And I hope that I can stay true to my relationship with Christ as I have come to live it, whether others see it that way or not.
Blessings,
Ed
I'm not really a big fan of having my faith criticized. I don't mean the Christian faith, but how I practice and live out my faith. I certainly can listen to and engage criticism of Faith, because I might have an answer to that. And I can engage it when I'm not feeling dismissed.
But when my personal faith is under critique my defenses do go up. It may be because the criticism is usually coming from a fellow believer who doesn't talk about or practice their faith in the same way I do. And comes to the conclusion that I'm not a Christian. The weird thing is I'm probably being criticized for the right things. The belief that Christ calls us to service of others. That worship can be joyful, heartfelt and traditional. That my belief in Christ is not threatened by others not believing. That my faith is big enough to allow for all sorts and conditions of people to share it.
If I get lethargic in my faith, I hope a fellow pilgrim will give me a jolt and get me moving again. And I hope that I can stay true to my relationship with Christ as I have come to live it, whether others see it that way or not.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Reflection for January 10, 2015
"We first experience beauty usually in the things that surround us. Sometimes in sensible things, other times in the transparncye of a look or a glance that reveals a soul full of light.(Reflections for Ragamuffin January 10)
I have in my life seen some very beautiful things. I lucked out in getting to travel around this country as a child on summer vacations. We live in an amazing part of the world. I hope to as grow older see some more of the beauty of this planet of ours.
I have also known some truly beautiful people and still know some. Folks who are beautiful on the inside and outside. There are folks of course who are beautiful in one and not the other, and it is a greater pleasure to encounter the people who are beautiful on the inside.
There are times even when almost all of us are able to even exhibit moments of beauty. If we're blessed we can do it more than once.
I think it is just as important to be able to see the beauty. When I choose to look for that rather than focus on the ugly, the wrong, I have a greater chance of being more beautiful myself.
God created us in God's image. That image should be beautiful! And since it is that image we share with others we are called to see their beauty as well.
Blessings,
Ed
I have in my life seen some very beautiful things. I lucked out in getting to travel around this country as a child on summer vacations. We live in an amazing part of the world. I hope to as grow older see some more of the beauty of this planet of ours.
I have also known some truly beautiful people and still know some. Folks who are beautiful on the inside and outside. There are folks of course who are beautiful in one and not the other, and it is a greater pleasure to encounter the people who are beautiful on the inside.
There are times even when almost all of us are able to even exhibit moments of beauty. If we're blessed we can do it more than once.
I think it is just as important to be able to see the beauty. When I choose to look for that rather than focus on the ugly, the wrong, I have a greater chance of being more beautiful myself.
God created us in God's image. That image should be beautiful! And since it is that image we share with others we are called to see their beauty as well.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, January 9, 2015
Reflection for January 9, 2015
"What would God say? What is the feedback from your creator?"(Reflections for Ragamuffins January 9)
I'm a regular practitioner of prayer. I tend to be consistent with saying Morning Prayer. I note that my prayers in the morning tend to be about things that I anticipate happening during the day, and always a prayer for personal motivation and focus.
I wonder though what praying at the end of the day would look like. Would it be more confessional. Here's the things I've done (good or bad), here's the things left undone (good or bad). I know that in the end the final prayer would be give me the strength to do better tomorrow or to keep it going.
I have a hunch that the feedback for me from God would be much like the parts of Revelation when the different churches get addressed. There would be some "well done good and faithful servant," moments, but there also would be some you are "a white washed tomb."
The feedback I would also know will never be, as long as I'm on my earthly pilgrimage, the final answer. It will be an invitation to try again, to keep going, and to be always honest in the self assessment of how this faith journey is playing itself out.
Blessings,
Ed
I'm a regular practitioner of prayer. I tend to be consistent with saying Morning Prayer. I note that my prayers in the morning tend to be about things that I anticipate happening during the day, and always a prayer for personal motivation and focus.
I wonder though what praying at the end of the day would look like. Would it be more confessional. Here's the things I've done (good or bad), here's the things left undone (good or bad). I know that in the end the final prayer would be give me the strength to do better tomorrow or to keep it going.
I have a hunch that the feedback for me from God would be much like the parts of Revelation when the different churches get addressed. There would be some "well done good and faithful servant," moments, but there also would be some you are "a white washed tomb."
The feedback I would also know will never be, as long as I'm on my earthly pilgrimage, the final answer. It will be an invitation to try again, to keep going, and to be always honest in the self assessment of how this faith journey is playing itself out.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Reflection for January 8, 2015
"Authentic prayer calls us to rigorous honesty, to come out of hiding, to quit trying to seem impressive, to acknowledge our total dependence on God and the reality of our sinful situation."(Reflections for Ragamuffins January 8)
Prayer has been defined as a conversation with God. When I think of the best conversations I've had with others including God, they are those where I could truly be me. Where I could bare my soul, the hurts, the let downs, and hear back a reality check.
Rigorous honesty involves a very deep self examination I would think. It doesn't allow for excuses or pity parties. The trust that I have in the person listening allows me to not have to hide. Here's who I really am, help me to accept it and to amend or improve it. I do think an honest self examination can include seeing where we get it right. But we don't need to get to self congratulatory but at least know of the good things that we do.
My dependence on God is that I trust that I will be listened to and encouraged to be honest in my self assessment. And to seek further strength and guidance as I strive to be all that God wants me to be.
Blessings,
Ed
Prayer has been defined as a conversation with God. When I think of the best conversations I've had with others including God, they are those where I could truly be me. Where I could bare my soul, the hurts, the let downs, and hear back a reality check.
Rigorous honesty involves a very deep self examination I would think. It doesn't allow for excuses or pity parties. The trust that I have in the person listening allows me to not have to hide. Here's who I really am, help me to accept it and to amend or improve it. I do think an honest self examination can include seeing where we get it right. But we don't need to get to self congratulatory but at least know of the good things that we do.
My dependence on God is that I trust that I will be listened to and encouraged to be honest in my self assessment. And to seek further strength and guidance as I strive to be all that God wants me to be.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Reflection for January 7, 2014
"Peace and joy go a -begging when the heart of a Christian pants for one sign after another of God's merciful love. Nothing is taken for granted, and nothing is received with gratitude. The troubled eyes and furrowed brow of the anxious believer are the symptoms of a heart where trust has not found a home."(Reflections for Ragamuffins January 7)
When I reflect on my own spiritual and emotional state, I would say that for the most part I am usually in a good place. I experience peace and joy. I generally believe good things will happen for me and am happy with what I have. I am rarely anxious.
But there are times when none of the above is true. And interestingly enough I find that they all go at once. When I'm conflicted I feel sad. I begin to doubt that anything will go right and I start to notice what others have that I don't. And I begin to get anxious about whether any of it will turn around.
What I find keeps me from having those moments take total control for ever is that nagging little voice that keeps saying trust me, I'm here even in this valley period. Don't look for flashy signs for this. You'll know it to be true when you see the end result. You won't see very clearly with troubled eyes, a furrowed brow will only mar your outward appearance. Find room within yourself to trust.
Is that easy to do when everything seems to be caving in. Certainly not. But what keeps it all from collapsing is that trust.
Blessings,
Ed
When I reflect on my own spiritual and emotional state, I would say that for the most part I am usually in a good place. I experience peace and joy. I generally believe good things will happen for me and am happy with what I have. I am rarely anxious.
But there are times when none of the above is true. And interestingly enough I find that they all go at once. When I'm conflicted I feel sad. I begin to doubt that anything will go right and I start to notice what others have that I don't. And I begin to get anxious about whether any of it will turn around.
What I find keeps me from having those moments take total control for ever is that nagging little voice that keeps saying trust me, I'm here even in this valley period. Don't look for flashy signs for this. You'll know it to be true when you see the end result. You won't see very clearly with troubled eyes, a furrowed brow will only mar your outward appearance. Find room within yourself to trust.
Is that easy to do when everything seems to be caving in. Certainly not. But what keeps it all from collapsing is that trust.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Reflection for January 6, 2014
"Fringe people stay on the fringe, marginal men remain on the periphery."(Reflections for Ragamuffins January 6)
Today is the Feast of the Epiphany, you know the 3 Kings, wise men, magi whatever you wish to call them. Today is there big moment. In the grand scheme of the life of Jesus, not really all that huge. Only Matthew mentions them and only tradition names them. Fun hymns mention them. But for the most part they are about as fringe and marginal as you can get. But their appearance is important in laying out some deep theological statements about Jesus.
In our own lives we have significant people who have impacted who we are no doubt. But there are also folks who really weren't major players in our lives but even the brief period of time that they were a part of our lives has an impact. I can think of several people who are fringe folks in my life. And yet they left a mark, sometimes positively sometimes negatively.
It is probably true that we also have been a person remaining on the periphery of others lives. Maybe not making a huge difference or impact, but the encounter is still there.
The challenge in growing as a person is to perhaps not just stay on the fringes but to engage the world fully. Not to remain out on the margins looking in but to enter and take our place on the stage of life.
Blessings,
Ed
Today is the Feast of the Epiphany, you know the 3 Kings, wise men, magi whatever you wish to call them. Today is there big moment. In the grand scheme of the life of Jesus, not really all that huge. Only Matthew mentions them and only tradition names them. Fun hymns mention them. But for the most part they are about as fringe and marginal as you can get. But their appearance is important in laying out some deep theological statements about Jesus.
In our own lives we have significant people who have impacted who we are no doubt. But there are also folks who really weren't major players in our lives but even the brief period of time that they were a part of our lives has an impact. I can think of several people who are fringe folks in my life. And yet they left a mark, sometimes positively sometimes negatively.
It is probably true that we also have been a person remaining on the periphery of others lives. Maybe not making a huge difference or impact, but the encounter is still there.
The challenge in growing as a person is to perhaps not just stay on the fringes but to engage the world fully. Not to remain out on the margins looking in but to enter and take our place on the stage of life.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, January 5, 2015
Reflection for January 5, 2015
"In times of opposition, rejection, hatred, and danger he retreated to that hiding place where he was loved."(Reflections for Ragamuffins January 5)
One of the things I don't have at the moment is a place to retreat to. A part of me envies folks who have an escape pod, a place to go when they just need to recharge, or renew. When I'm feeling overwhelmed I try to reach out and at least find a friend to confide in. I may take a walk. I often retreat to a place of prayer.
I also know that in those times when I feel like singing the worm song, "nobody likes me, everybody hates me, I guess I'll go eat worms." I remind myself that this isn't entirely true. I have a wife who loves me, children who love me, and God who loves me. That doesn't mean that I might not face opposition, rejection, hatred or danger in my life. But it does mean that they don't have the last say.
Blessings,
Ed
One of the things I don't have at the moment is a place to retreat to. A part of me envies folks who have an escape pod, a place to go when they just need to recharge, or renew. When I'm feeling overwhelmed I try to reach out and at least find a friend to confide in. I may take a walk. I often retreat to a place of prayer.
I also know that in those times when I feel like singing the worm song, "nobody likes me, everybody hates me, I guess I'll go eat worms." I remind myself that this isn't entirely true. I have a wife who loves me, children who love me, and God who loves me. That doesn't mean that I might not face opposition, rejection, hatred or danger in my life. But it does mean that they don't have the last say.
Blessings,
Ed
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Reflection for January 4, 2014
""If the question were put to you, 'Do you honestly believe that God likes you?'-not loves you because theologically he must-how would you answer?"(Reflections for Ragamuffins January 4)
I've always been convinced that there is a huge difference between like and love. I know that I will always love my sons. I can't guarantee that I will always like everything about them. I'm sure this is true for anyone we say we love. There will be times when we or they disappoint, and we may not like the action they have taken.
While I firmly believe that God loves me unconditionally, it is a much harder proposition to live into being liked all the time. I am sure that I have fallen short more than once. But it is that loving part that allows for the second chances. It is the loving part that invites me to try harder to have God like me.
And this is true of my relationships as well. It is my love for others that gets me passed when I don't like what is happening. That helps me to confront and deal with the person in a loving way that invites the reconciliation. It is perhaps knowing that I am loved that allows me to hear when I've disappointed someone.
Love doesn't overlook it helps us overcome.
Blessings,
Ed
I've always been convinced that there is a huge difference between like and love. I know that I will always love my sons. I can't guarantee that I will always like everything about them. I'm sure this is true for anyone we say we love. There will be times when we or they disappoint, and we may not like the action they have taken.
While I firmly believe that God loves me unconditionally, it is a much harder proposition to live into being liked all the time. I am sure that I have fallen short more than once. But it is that loving part that allows for the second chances. It is the loving part that invites me to try harder to have God like me.
And this is true of my relationships as well. It is my love for others that gets me passed when I don't like what is happening. That helps me to confront and deal with the person in a loving way that invites the reconciliation. It is perhaps knowing that I am loved that allows me to hear when I've disappointed someone.
Love doesn't overlook it helps us overcome.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Reflection for January 3, 2015
"Stubbornly to stand still when the Lord is clearly challenging us to growth is hardheartedness, infidelity, and a dangerous lack of trust. But to start trekking across the desert impulsively without the guidance of the cloud and the fire is reckless folly."(Reflections for Ragamuffins January 3)
It seems to me that with each new year there is always the possibility of a radical change or shift in one's life. Sometimes we can plan for it, perhaps we've been working towards it or at least anticipating it. If we're good about our prayer time we may even have a good sense that God might be calling us to that change.
The resistance to and the fear of this change is all of the things mentioned above. It is hardheartedness because it means we're refusing to hear. It is infidelity because we aren't being true to the one calling us. And it shows a lack of trust because we won't move do to fear.
While I fully believe we should be open to where the spirit may be calling, we need to be equally clear that it is the spirit doing the calling and not our own selfishness or boredom. When we mistake the call of God and go full speed ahead, it usually doesn't turn out so well. And we are left sorting through the wreckage trying to figure out how we got it so wrong.
So if you are longing for change or believe it is coming try to do so with an open heart and mind. Being faithful to God and trusting in his presence throughout. We always need to know when to boldly go forth, but we also need to know when to sit tight for a while.
Blessings,
Ed
It seems to me that with each new year there is always the possibility of a radical change or shift in one's life. Sometimes we can plan for it, perhaps we've been working towards it or at least anticipating it. If we're good about our prayer time we may even have a good sense that God might be calling us to that change.
The resistance to and the fear of this change is all of the things mentioned above. It is hardheartedness because it means we're refusing to hear. It is infidelity because we aren't being true to the one calling us. And it shows a lack of trust because we won't move do to fear.
While I fully believe we should be open to where the spirit may be calling, we need to be equally clear that it is the spirit doing the calling and not our own selfishness or boredom. When we mistake the call of God and go full speed ahead, it usually doesn't turn out so well. And we are left sorting through the wreckage trying to figure out how we got it so wrong.
So if you are longing for change or believe it is coming try to do so with an open heart and mind. Being faithful to God and trusting in his presence throughout. We always need to know when to boldly go forth, but we also need to know when to sit tight for a while.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, January 2, 2015
Reflection for January 2, 2015
"Jesus reveals to us a God who is not indifferent to human agony, a God who fully embraces the human condition and plunges into the thick of our human struggle."(Reflections for Ragamuffins January 2.)
Nobody knows what it is like to be someone else. We sometimes don't even know ourselves very well. We may think that we know a lot about another person, but we really only know what they choose to let us know and that may not be completely honest.
One of the most wonderful aspects of following Christ for me is that God really does know what its like to be human. The incarnation makes it easier for me to relate with that God. I am dealt with compassionately because God gets it. I'm given another chance regularly because God wants me to be the best I can be.
God knows how to be present with me on my best days and with me on my worst and everything in between. God doesn't make my life easier, God just eases the burden.
Blessings,
Ed
Nobody knows what it is like to be someone else. We sometimes don't even know ourselves very well. We may think that we know a lot about another person, but we really only know what they choose to let us know and that may not be completely honest.
One of the most wonderful aspects of following Christ for me is that God really does know what its like to be human. The incarnation makes it easier for me to relate with that God. I am dealt with compassionately because God gets it. I'm given another chance regularly because God wants me to be the best I can be.
God knows how to be present with me on my best days and with me on my worst and everything in between. God doesn't make my life easier, God just eases the burden.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Reflection for January 1, 2014
I'm going to use a new source for my reflections in 2015. Reflections for Ragamuffin: Daily Devotions by Brennan Manning. I did something similar a few years ago with a Richard Rohr book.
"Remember Atlas who carries the world? We have Christian Atlases who mistakenly carry the burden of trying to deserve God's love."(Reflections for Ragamuffin January 1)
What an image. A Christian Atlas. Someone who believes the weight of the world is on their shoulders. Every problem out there is somehow theirs to bear. All of us have burdens no doubt. But becoming Atlases should not be one. Yes there are problems out there that I must pay attention to. But I am not called to be a superhero. In some ways being an Atlas is a little narcissistic. Notice me please, I'm the world's beast of burden.
Atlas for a little while put the world down if I recall. And that is something we all should do from time to time. Put the burden down. We don't gain access to God's love by taking on the world's burdens. We address the burdens we can because we've been given God's love unconditionally.
Blessings this year.
Ed
"Remember Atlas who carries the world? We have Christian Atlases who mistakenly carry the burden of trying to deserve God's love."
What an image. A Christian Atlas. Someone who believes the weight of the world is on their shoulders. Every problem out there is somehow theirs to bear. All of us have burdens no doubt. But becoming Atlases should not be one. Yes there are problems out there that I must pay attention to. But I am not called to be a superhero. In some ways being an Atlas is a little narcissistic. Notice me please, I'm the world's beast of burden.
Atlas for a little while put the world down if I recall. And that is something we all should do from time to time. Put the burden down. We don't gain access to God's love by taking on the world's burdens. We address the burdens we can because we've been given God's love unconditionally.
Blessings this year.
Ed
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
