Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Reflections for 8/31/10

"The values that we thought were roundly accepted are now roundly denied: racism is chic, war is a substitute for worship, materialism is the watertight myth, the poor are blamed for their condition, and religion, largely, is unimportant. Were we wrong, or is this the price that one pays for false innocence? Is there such a thing as social progress? Must we take two steps back for each step forward? As you probably suspect, I now answer each of these with a humble yes. But I am very happy I was formed in the lens-opening 60's, especially when I see the later alternatives. These alternatives threaten to close that lens through cynicism, discouragement, anger and darkness."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 293)

While I was born in the 60's, I would not claim that decade as formative for me. My parent's were certainly progressives, and involved in the causes of the day, heck they still are. But they weren't teenagers or college kids at the time, so maybe they weren't caught up in the rose colored innocence either.

When I was in seminary in the early 90's one of my classmates was part of that formed in the 60's people like Fr. Rohr. I also remember how retro-60's look had started a comeback, and I asked her what she thought of it. She said, "they missed out on the macing and the clubbings too, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone. One of my professors also made an observation that the term "politically correct" was a slam used by people who couldn't deal with the progress of the 60's.

I don't wax nostalgic for that time. But I do see that the negativity of our current era is a backlash to it. I don't have a lot of time for the racism, the xenophobia, and the poor pitiful me nonsense that many folks who look like me put out. I too wonder if the only way to strengthen the fragile psyche's of these folks is to tear down others.

I know that people are believing that is the only way. I however choose to believe that my personal self worth is not tied to someone else being beaten down.

Blessings,
Ed

Monday, August 30, 2010

Reflections for 8/30/10

"There is a difference between change and transformation. Change happens when something old dies and something new begins. I am told that planned change is as troublesome to the psyche as unplanned change, often more so. We feel manipulated, forced and impute it to some evil authorities, the change agents! But change might or might not be accompanied by transformation of soul. I'm afraid it usually is not. If change does not invite personal transformation we lose our souls. Such is the modern malaise. Wee mass-produce neurotics and narcissists because there are so few medicine men and healing women and Spirit guides to walk us through transformation."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 292)

Most people will tell you that they know something within their lives has to change. And simultaneously they fear that very change. Change will always happen, what we do with that change and how we react to it, is where transformation happens or doesn't.

As I watch the current malaise in our country, it seems to be mostly about change. Change that allegedly no one saw coming. It is as if millions of Rip Van Winkle's suddenly woke up and found the world was different and now they're mad about it.

I have certainly not been immune to change, and yet I don't feel as if things have been taken from me, or that I have been violated in some fashion.

The only thing I can attribute this too is the ongoing transformation that happens as a result of my relationship with God. The God who is the same yesterday, today and forever. The guarantee that through out all these changes, the person I am will still have a role, will still be valued. When I can grasp that reality, I'm more likely to avoid power grabs and grasping at at air.

Blessings,
Ed

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Reflections for 8/29/10

"Who is God for you? It's unlike anybody else. You reflect a part of God that no one else will ever reflect. You reflect back to God a part of the mystery that no one else will understand."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p.291)

God for me has always been a constant companion. For lack of a better image, God is like a constant hum in my life. Always been there. I know what it is. And I've come to expect it.

I'm a firm believer in that notion that we are made in the image of God. What part of God I reflect is different from you or anyone else. There may be similarities, since we share a common humanity. But the uniqueness of each of us, is where the image lies.

Sometimes it is very hard to explain that relationship and reflection to others. Often I have to just say, watch. Hopefully what others experience through relating to me, allows them to see a part of God at work in the world. Not the whole, not even a large amount, but at least a glimpse.

Blessings,
Ed

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Reflections for 8/28/10

"Help the words we use not become too many or too confusing. Our faith, Holy One, is in you and not in any words or in any teaching. We just want these words to open us up to you and to your Spirit among us."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 290)

One of the first Bible studies I ever led as a priest, was almost hijacked by a man who wanted to argue that only the King James Version of the Bible was Holy. We went back and forth as I tried to explain to him that while the language of the KJV was certainly poetic and beautiful in many cases it was no more "holy" than any other translation that the other folks had brought to them.
What he couldn't get his mind around was that a Bible becomes "holy" when it reveals God to you, not whether it's in poetic language, seventies slang or even in the original Hebrew or Greek.

The Bible for me is the medium by which I can understand how the God that I believe in has acted in the past, is alive to me in the present, and can continue to lead me and guide me into the future.

For me, I believed in God before I read the Bible. Now that is not true for everyone. I have read the Bible and it has deepened my understanding and my relationship with God, but it was not the first door.

Sometimes we can get lost in our pious platitudes, our long winded prayers, and are too large for scrabble theological words. And if those become a barrier for others to encounter the presence of God in their life, then we need to rethink.

Words are very powerful and can bring great meaning to our lives. They can also be something to hide behind when we're actually afraid of what we're talking about.

Blessings,
Ed

Friday, August 27, 2010

Reflections for 8/27/10

"You have continued to create us and love us even though we have not always loved ourselves, our brothers and sisters, the many animals you have asked us to share this planet with, the plants, the water, the air. We ask your forgiveness, patient God., for our abuse of your many gifts. We ask that you give us eyes of love again for all living things, eyes of reverence for that which we did not create, eyes of healing for that which we have destroyed and overlooked."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 289)

I'm not the greenest of people out there. Yet I do have an appreciation for the beauty of creation. I love the outdoors. I enjoy walking in the woods. The hymn How Great Thou art speaks to me. And I truly love Genesis 1.

In the 7 day creation story we are told that humans are given dominion over creation. Unfortunately we have turned that into domination of creation. Dominion to implies a caring for and a good stewardship of the resources that we have. It is not a call to radical behavior, but to careful use of all that stuff that is not man made.

While I do believe that our planet exists through natural cycles, we do exasperate them with our non caring of the environment. With all the God given brain power that exists in our world, why we constantly go for the cheapest way out is a mystery to me.

Blessings,
Ed

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Reflections for 8/26/10

"You have made us something out of nothing. Free us so we no longer complain about what is not given. We know God, what is given and we can no longer deny it. Make us signs of hope, Jesus, for this world, so that the world will not destroy itself. Give us faith to believe, Father, not in just some new, happy life, not in some good fortune in the future, but give us faith in the now that seems so empty."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 288)

There are people in this world who are not happy unless they have something to complain about. The government, their job, their spouse, their kids, how unlucky they feel. If the world were perfect they'd be miserable.

I can look at others and feel that I've been short changed, but I have also seen others and the other side of the folks who seem to have everything, and feel incredibly blessed. I'd much rather be a sign of hope, than the constant complainer masquerading as a realist.

The more we push to attain what we don't have and probably don't need, the closer we push the environment and our society to the edge of a cliff.

Faith is more than just wishful thinking for a better future. It is also the ability to get through the mundane days and even the complete wipe outs. Do I hope each morning for a great day. Absolutely. Do I also hope for the strength, to deal with whatever comes my way, even more so.

Blessings,
Ed

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Reflections for 8/25/10

"Give us Lord, through the experiences of human life, the hearts to understand."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p.288)

There was a song by Everlast called What it's like. It told of various situations where folks might be inclined to judge another person and then inviting them to walk in those shoes and find out What its really like.

There are many experiences of others that are not mine. I have not lived below the poverty line. I have rarely experienced exclusion based on my race or gender. There have been times of listening to the stories of those who have that have given me a heart to understand.

The more I experience life, the good and the bad, the more I am able to understand with a compassionate heart, what others are going through. I can't usually fix it, but I can offer to walk with them through those journeys. Perhaps gaining a little experience and a greater understanding.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflections for 8/24/10

"Help us not to get in the way of this always-bigger thing that you are doing."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 287)

One of the greatest debates in religious circles, is when is something of God and of man. Scripture tells us that if it is of God there is nothing you can do to stop it. Sometimes its better to wait and see what develops.

Of course that is not always the case. Waiting and seeing what happens when genocides are occurring would be an example.

I do find that often when we worry about what is of God or not, when the issues are not life and death, it is often our own biases that we push, shouting that we are only standing up for God.

I also know that the greatest barrier to things getting done, that I know should get done is actually me. I believe that God actually would prefer a little more cooperation and a lot less futile attempts at blocking on my part. In the end I will lose that battle every time. It would be better to get out of the way or at least keep pace.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflections for 8/23/10

"Free us from our fears. Put your arms around us and call us each by name."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 286)

I don't have any particular phobias. There are of course anxiety producing moments in my life. I don't live in a box after all.

I'm aware that when those anxieties start to paralyze me that fear is just around the corner. And I know that fear is what will often keep me from taking risks, trying something new. But in those times when I take those first steps it is because I can hear that still small voice saying, "come on Ed, time to move, time to trust, don't be afraid."

I don't whistle happy tunes to mask my fears. But I get a good song in my heart and head because of the loving embrace of God that is far superior a feeling than the stranglehold of fear.

Blessings,
Ed

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Reflections for 8/22/10

"In order to discover the right rhythm of prayer for us, the prayer that works with our temperament, we must listen to the ways that God speaks to us. How do you best slow down and enter into the dialogue of revelation and response? It's different for each of us."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 285)

When I'm asked about what prayer practice is the right one, I'll often say the one that you'll actually do. It's the same type of answer I give when someone asks what translation of the Bible should I get? My answer, the one that you'll actually read.

Prayer like any exercise takes a commitment of time. There is no one size fits all model. Our personality types plays a huge role. What is also true is that it is sometimes worth trying different ways until you fine the one that works. Prayer is relationships you need to keep working at them until you find one that clicks.

Blessings,
Ed

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Reflections for 8/21/10

"The image of the weeds and the wheat has had almost no effect on the development of our moral theology, our self-understanding, or our patience with all institutions and with one another...The field contains both weeds and wheat, and we must let them grow together. How , much time I have wasted in trying to pull out my weeds! You cannot really pull them out, but don't ever doubt they are there!"(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 285)

We do spend a lot of time pointing out the weeds in other people's yards. I certainly have enough of them literally and figuratively. I'm trying to allow the weeds to just be, acknowledge their presence but not allow them to take over.

One of the other aspects of constant weeding is that we never have a chance to enjoy the wheat in our lives.

If you're not sure about the wheat-weeds metaphor the relevant biblical passage is Matthew 13:28-30) As Fr. Rohr noted it hasn't had much of an impact on how some Christian's view the world. Really too bad I think.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflections for 8/20/10

"You can never bring about the Kingdom of God by means of fear. It is not the Kingdom of god if it is brought about by fear or coercion."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace 283)

Fear is the commodity of the moment when it comes to public discourse in my opinion. I'm growing a little weary of hearing "I'm afraid of....." and then fill in your favorite strawman.

Religions are not free from fear baiting tactics. Christians have used the threat of hell for years. Of course as we lose our credibility in the world the desire to hold onto control will often be more about coercion than it will be anything that Jesus valued.

Christianity is of course not the only faith tradition to use fear and coercion. And atheists are no better.

Using fear and coercion regrettably still works, but for me most of the time, it is pretty much a cop out for those who refuse to think.

Blessings,
Ed

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Reflections for 8/19/10

"I go ahead with my Christian life. I hope I'm free to say yes and give them a due hearing. However, I also have my own prayer life. I have my conscience; I have my own study of Scripture that I've done together with my Franciscan community, scholars and lay community. I have to trust these hearings. I have to trust my inner authority as a complement to that outer authority."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p.283)

To a certain extent I'm an institutional guy. Hard to be a priest in a hierarchical church and not be. I am actually accountable to someone other than myself. At the same time I'm a stereotypical Gen-xer who doesn't like to be micromanaged. I've had to learn to balance those two realities.

There are times when the larger church does things, makes decisions etc, that I scratch my head over. It gets worse for me outside of the Episcopal Church. So I've come to rely a lot on my gut and my brains working together. So far I've kept out of trouble.

Most of us are not fortunate enough to be truly independent contractors in our own lives. We usually have to report to someone. And that is incredibly frustrating. Most of us have had to learn how to live in a world where we are not in charge, and yet have been blessed with brains and skills that sometimes are more than we need to get the job done.

We need ways to feed our minds and our souls as well as put food on our tables. Finding that balance seems to me to be one of life's biggest and hardest tasks.

Blessings,
Ed

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Reflections for 8/18/10

"Loss is one of the greatest occasions of passionate feeling, and it's one that is socially acceptable. When we lose a beloved friend, wife, husband, child, parent, or maybe a possession or a job, we feel OK to be passionate. But we must broaden that. We've got to get to a passion that is also experienced when we have it, not just when we're losing it. And we have it all the time: Don't wait for loss to feel, suffer, enjoy deeply."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 282)

Today is my wedding anniversary. I fully intend to enjoy the company of my wife. I hope that I do not take her for granted. As she points out I've been a part of her life for 1/2 of it. When I celebrate my next birthday, I will have spent a 1/3 of my life at this church. Again I hope we don't take each other for granted and continue to enjoy our time and ministry together.

It isn't that hard to fall into complacency in our relationships with others, our jobs and even our "things." Each day we should attempt to enjoy their presence in our lives fully. To be passionate about how much we love them. To give to them our all.

There will come a time, when I leave my current position, I have no idea when that day will be, I just know that when it comes there will be passionate feelings around that. I just hope to have had more great days than not with them. I know that in the marriage vows I said til death do us part. At some point one of us will more than likely die before the other. The hope is to not only mourn, but to have had such a good time together each day.

Blessings,
Ed

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Reflections for 8/17/10

"There are two types of passivity. First, there's laziness. That is largely avoidance, an aimless kind of moving around and saying, 'I gotta rest.' Why is it that so much recreation we take is not really re-creation? It does not really renew our spirit. A lot that people call a vacation is simply diversion, or distraction from a life that is already one big distraction. It's finding another kind of stimulation than the usual stimulation we have. We say, I'm not gonna do anything, I'm on vacation. But that isn't the true recreation that re-creates, the true vacation that vacates the overstuffed apartment."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 281)

In three weeks my sons go back to school. In different parts of the country the same thing will happen at different times over those weeks. While the season of summer doesn't end until late September, the "vacation" season is almost over for those of us with school age children.

I've had my "vacation" already. And Fr. Rohr is correct, it was not relaxing or re-creating. Don't get me wrong, I had a great time. But it was a lot of go, go, go. There was very little quiet time. It is often true that I come back from vacation just as tired as I was before I left.

While a change of scenery is a good thing, I know that to truly clear out the "overstuffed apartment" I would need to go away by myself. I would need to leave my "Julie the cruise director hat" at home. Those rare times that I've been able to go on a true retreat have been very renewing, re-creating, etc. I even have a favorite place to go.

I hope to have some opportunities this fall to go on retreat. And perhaps I might even be able to get to a place where my "sabbath" day, (Friday) is really a sabbath, not just a day when I don't do church work.

Blessings,
Ed

Monday, August 16, 2010

Reflections for 8/16/10

"We all are deeply hurt people, and we've all been infected. People are not whole and yet they constantly long for holiness, for wholeness. That's why Jesus' call to holiness is paralleled by the healing ministry. In fact, you could say that's almost all Jesus does: preach and heal, preach and heal, preach and heal. For the mature ones, the preaching is already healing and the healing is its own sermon."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 280)

It is certainly true for me that at various times in my life I have been hurt. I don't know that I have any deep wounds that are holding me back. I have some major dings for sure.

What I also know is that I am certainly not perfect. Every aspect of my life is not as I would like it to be. It is also true that there is nothing that I've thrown in the towel on and given up any hope.

Do I long to have everything feel right. Absolutely. Am I trying as hard as I can to adjust to different circumstances in my life and learning how to not get bogged down in my past problems. I hope so.

I do find that my relationship with God is a significant part of that. I love making the connections between scripture and my own life. And of course it is also true, that most of us preachers need to take our own sermons to heart. Sometimes we do this intentionally, sometimes we're not even aware.

Blessings,
Ed

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Reflections for 8/15/10

"Could this be the time? It is always the time! The world is tired of Pentagons and pyramids, empires and corporations that only abort God's child. this women-stuff is very important, and it's always been important: more than this white male priest ever imagined or desired! My God was too small and too male. Much that the feminists are saying is very prophetic and necessary for the Church and the world. It is time for the woman to come out of her desert refuge and for the men to welcome her."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 279)

When some people here the world feminist alarm bells go off. Having attended a seminary where women outnumber men, I don't feel threatened by that word. I've come to appreciate what the world looks like through those lenses. I don't need to wear them all the time, but my horizons are definitely broader than they were 20 years ago.

God being too small is an interesting concept. I've often thought that folks who want to play the who's in who's out game have a very small vision of God. If I make the gate very narrow and make sure none of me is on the not in list, then I can feel a false sense of security.

What I've found that is in broadening my own vision of God, there's room for more people, including me. That just because God's saving embrace and love goes beyond those who look and think like me does not kick me out of the room. Once we get past that fear, then I find it is amazing how great the world seems.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflections for 8/14/10

"Humanity's capacity to disguise its own darkness seems endless. Patriarchal logic is only logic in favor of the system and the status quo-which is proudly called the 'real world.' Believe me, because I always hear it quoted to me after my sermons, usually by polite men in three-piece suits: 'That was an interesting talk there 'Father,' but you know in the real world....' the fathers of the system hate nothing more than another father who refuses the rules of the game. That is precisely our role in proclaiming the new system that Jesus called the Reign of God."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 278)

Sometimes I feel like a walking contradiction. I sometimes even enjoy it. When I get told that's not at all what I pictured etc. I remember one teenager at my first parish helping us move in and seeing me carrying in my Bible and my Metallica Box set, it blew up his stereotype of what a priest was. Recently someone while flipping through my facebook pictures, said I didn't look at all like what he pictured. He knew I was a priest and a "liberal" instead he saw some "rugged outdoor type." Love blowing up people's stereotypes.

Of course it also goes deeper than that, as a white straight male I'm supposed to enjoy all that privilege, yet I don't. I'm not supposed to challenge that power structure, yet I do. I get a chuckle out of the machismo that feels so threatened by the changes going on. Yet I feel ready to enjoy my part in a world where I'm rewarded for things I can control not for things I can't and participate with others in changing it for the better. I like reality even if it means I may have to work a little harder.

Blessings,
Ed

Reflections for 8/13/10

"That will come up in every attempt at union and every attempt at community. We begin to see the parts of one another, those parts that we do not like. The way we learn to love is by walking through those: not around by avoidance, not underneath by spiritualizing, not over by denial- but through by incarnation."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 277)

I certainly know that my wife loves me. I also know that my parish loves me, not of course in the same way. I'm also pretty certain that if you were to ask Gail, or any random member of my parish they would tell you that I'm not perfect. That there are aspects of who I am or how I do things that do not please them.

I certainly have been confronted by people who love me. No one has tried to pretend they don't exist, or prayed em away. In the cases where love is evident, we walk with them because its incarnational, because that is where God is. In the midst of things we'd like to change but can't. In the midst of loving someone or some group, but not finding it to be perfect.

Sometimes we quit on things to early. And there are of course times when the bad outnumbers the good so significantly that we have to move on. But how much more blessed when we learn to live with the imperfections of others, and how stronger we are when we choose to work on our own imperfections.

Blessings,
Ed

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Reflections for 8/12/10

"It is on the inside that lepers and wolves are first to be found. If we haven't been able to kiss many lepers, if we haven't been able to tame many wolves, it's probably because we haven't made friends with our leper and wolf within. Name your poor leper within, today. Nurse and tend her wounds. Name your inner wolf. Tame him by gentle forgiveness."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 276)

I have often found that when I am not feeling particularly beloved or lovable. When I catch myself behaving in ways that don't make sense, that I need to stop for a moment and take a look at what's going on with me. As someone who believes fully that we are all beloved children of God, why am I behaving like some out of control animal? Why do I view myself at that moment as that unclean leper that no one wants to have near them.

Jesus has some of his greatest healings with lepers. Those are the folks who if you read Leviticus have more than just the huge disease that we think of, there's actually some fairly common stuff that could get you labeled leprous. And I think today we also have lepers of a different sort. The people we shun, ostracize and feel are not worthy of our love and attention. Interesting how often the more lepers we point to, the deeper our own leprosy probably is.

And even that inner wolf is often projected outward. Jesus again often points to the hypocrisy of those who claim some huge moral superiority while being just as sinful on the inside.

When we have actually allowed God to help us to work on the problems of the "heart," we are then better equipped to help others see how God can do the same for them.

Blessings,
Ed

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Reflections for 8/11/10

"We Americans stand for the upper class on this earth. Let us ask for ourselves and for our country the gift of poverty, the freedom to be poor. If we have not hear that, we have not heard Francis. All the rest is sentimentality-"birdbath Franciscanism." (R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.275)

Probably the most prickly subject in churches is money. Most of the people that I know, including myself are hardly poor. Middle class possibly, but not poor. We sometimes mistake not having as much as the upper classes as being poor.

I do not particularly wish to be poor. I'd like to get to the place where I have the freedom from the wants. A freedom to live without having to have everything that gets advertised. The freedom from paying for things that brought fleeting satisfaction.

While I do not believe I could be called to the radical self imposed poverty of St. Francis, I do understand what Fr. Rohr means by birdbath Franciscanism. We like his love for animals, we may not be as keen on his embracing of poverty.

It is also possible to fall into the same trap with Christ, loving the aspects of his teaching that are warm and fuzzy while ignoring or explaining away the parts that point at us. Sometimes wearing or displaying our crosses in the hopes that we don't actually have to follow his example.

Blessings,
Ed

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Reflections for 8/10/10

"St. Francis, at the end of his life, said if he had to do one thing over, he would treat Brother Ass, which is what he called his body, a little better."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 274)

Since May I have been going regularly to LA fitness to exercise. I still walk in the morning but came to the realization that I need more if I was ever to hope to be a healthy weight again.

I remember that the last time I went to a doctor, he said you didn't get here overnight, it will take time. I do know when the downward spiral began, college. The time when I kept eating like I was still physically active, while not being nearly as active. I also found that beer didn't taste that bad.

While I do not drink very much and certainly not like I did in college, the damage was done, and only got worse because of the food.

While people like Francis in depriving themselves did some nasty things to their bodies, folks like me do the same amount with our overindulgence.

Somewhere we have to put the brakes on and regroup. I think I've done that. I still have a way to go, but hopefully the body God gave me to walk through this earthly pilgrimage is one that can rebound enough to carry me the rest of what I hope will be a long journey.

Blessings,
Ed

Monday, August 9, 2010

Reflections for 8/9/10

"If they could believe, perhaps we can believe in our very ordinary-looking lives that God could somehow be taking flesh in us."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 273)

Believing in the presence of God when things are going incredibly well and things feel new and fresh seems pretty easy. When going through a rough patch, a valley period, a time of real testing, it is often believing in God that can pull us through. But how about those days that look the same. They are not filled with highs or lows, just ares. In the plainness of being me, the parts that aren't all that exciting, the parts that just get done the things that need to get done, can I still hold onto the belief that God is working in and through me?

I haven't gotten into such a rut, where I don't sense God's presence. While my life doesn't always feel extraordinary, I know that I really appreciate the unique even more so because of getting through the same old same old. And actually find that in some ways that daily routine is exactly where I best incarnate the image of God.

So I'll celebrate the highs, persevere through the lows, but each day even if it doesn't look that exciting on paper, try to approach it as if it should be the best day of my life.

Blessings,
Ed

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Reflections for 8/8/10

"To be biblical is not simply to quote the Bible. We need to tell this to the fundamentalists. To be biblical is not to quote Moses, it's to do what Moses did. To be biblical is to do what Abraham did, it's not to quote the Abraham story. It's to do what Jesus did, it's not simply to quote Jesus. Christians are to be in touch withe the same God Jesus was in touch with, the same wisdom tradition Jesus drew insight from. We are to be building that same unity and creating the same life that Jesus was creating and building. That's what it means to be biblical."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 272)

I'd like to think that I live a life based on biblical principles. That is not to say that you couldn't find some biblical principle that I have failed to incorporate into my being. Of course I also don't go around boasting about my biblical principles either.

I'm not all that impressed by folks who can lob biblical verses as if they were moral grenades. I'm incredibly impressed when I meet someone who's life reveals just how much of scripture has become part of the fabric of who they are. It's even more impressive when they don't even have to tell you that's what has occurred.

One of the hardest parts of trying to be biblical is that there are verses that are not convenient. That we are challenged by, and generally choose to ignore. For those of us in America it's usually the one's about money, though we do love the one's about sex.

One of the great scenes in the Gospel is the temptation of Jesus. There we see Satan and Jesus having a biblical point counter point. Jesus wins the battle not because he knows more scripture, but because of what scripture was for him. The devil knows the words but could never actually walk the walk.

Blessings,
Ed

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Reflections for 8/7/10

"The peace of God is not the comfortable avoidance of all stress. True peace has room enough for all kinds of difficulties."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 271)

What would a stress free life actually look like. I have a hunch it would actually be something closer to being dead. You would have nothing going on in your life and no one in it. Stress has always been and always will be a part of being alive. A reality we must manage, but not resolve.

When people complain of being stressed out, it has more to do with not knowing what to do. When everything feels like it is collapsing on you at one time. When 24 hours is not enough in one day. What I have found to be most helpful in those moments is to tap into my faith. It is a place that creates some storage space for the stress.

The peace of God, the knowledge of his presence in my life does not create a barrier to stress, but a much better container for it. A place to hold it for a moment and evaluate its importance. Is this stress something I can just let go of or is it something I really need to deal with. What is the possible personal growth that might come with it? When those questions have a strong container to be processed in, the right answer has a chance to surface. And when I know the difference and am managing the stress, then I have a real peace in my life.

Blessings,
Ed

Friday, August 6, 2010

Reflections for 8/6/10

"She realized so many of the men were in prison because they had never been told who they were, they had never been believed in by a man. So they moved into a violent and false masculinity, the destructive masculinity that occurs when one's manhood is not affirmed by other men. I wonder if the jails and prisons of the world would not be much emptier if young boys had true mentors, guides and fathers to bless them and initiate them into manhood."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 270)

Yesterday at the Leadership Summit I attended, one of the speakers was Tony Dungy, the former head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. He has a new book called the Mentor Leader and that coupled with his willingness to speak about his faith probably made him a good choice. He spoke of the need all of us have for a mentor, positive role models etc. And also for leader's to be mentors as well.

Most people have had a mentor of some kind. Whether that be in your occupation or just in living life. And usually that has good results. There are of course exceptions to every rule and there are people who have been blessed with good parents and positive role models, who still make bad choices.

There are also of course men who grow up without fathers who don't wind up in prison. Nothing is 100% guaranteed.

I hope that I have been a good mentor to my two primary responsibilities. I hope that perhaps I've mentored a few people in faith and affirmed them in their journey with Christ. I know that in the trying I have found much fulfillment and certainly hope to keep passing it on, and I give thanks for the mentors I've had and now have who keep me focused and affirmed as well.

Blessings,
Ed

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Reflections for 8/5/10

"The foundation of fundamentalism is fear. When people feel distance from the Father, they may feel they can't trust him because he is hard and out to get them. When they believe they can't please the Father, they get into what the Church has so often gotten into, in almost every denomination, the merit/demerit system. They need to make sure they are right with the distant Father...Fundamentalism creates a system of words, bible quotes and techniques for salvation that are supposedly certain, so you can always know the ground on which you stand and keep the feared Father on your side. It's very popular today n America, and wherever else the family system is collapsing and fathers are absent or abusive."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 269)

Fear is definitely a factor in many people's lives. When our fears take control of our thinking and being, we slip not only into fundamentalism in a religious sense, but also into political and economic ones as well. It also leads into a retreat deep to within oneself.

FDR was right that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Yet the Bible does say we are to fear God. However I do not see that as being afraid of. It is much more to me having a sense of respect and awe. I did not grow up in a household where there were merit/demerit systems in place.

I personally do not get much out of easy answers and pious platitudes. Yet I will always draw some level of strength from scripture. But I will incorporate it into my life, by reading, marking and inwardly digesting. I'll allow it not only to comfort but to challenge.

But most especially I'll allow it to help me understand the God who is not distant and out to watch my every move waiting for me to mess up. But instead to help me understand the God who is very near and wants to see me have life and have it abundantly.

Blessings,
Ed

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Reflections for 8/4/10

"Our shadow is somehow the other side of our gift. If Mercury is our gift-image, I guess I would have to say that Icarus is our shadow-image. As you may remember, Icarus is the other mythological son with wings, but his inflated self-image leads him to fly too close to the sun, revealing and melting the wax that holds his wings together. His pride, his non-listening, his false self-assurance are shown forth as he crashes into the sea."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 268)

I remember this myth from elementary school, but I probably missed the moral of the story. If I recall the young man didn't heed the warnings of his father not to fly too close to the sun. And because he can fly, the wings do work, he does. But he forgets the boundaries, the limitations of most things and the results are disastrous.

We want to encourage others to spread their wings, achieve great things etc. We may also have heard and responded to such challenges and risen to great things. But what happens when everything always goes right? When there are no parameters set, or when we succeed to soon? That is the time when perhaps our shadow side takes over. Our pride refuses to allow others to give advice, hey I know everything. I can do anything, I have no limits. As soon as this becomes my mantra with no moment to pause and reflect the crash and burn is going to probably be incredible.

But this is not a warning to shrink back. It is not a warning not to believe in yourself. It is an invitation to use a little bit of self-awareness to know when to stop. To know when enough has happened. To enjoy successes without having to prove how much more you can do.

Blessings,
Ed

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Reflections for 8/3/10

"I suggest that we refine and educate our awareness of charism, particularly the charism of leadership."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 267)

Most groups that I'm aware of need leadership. When they are truly blessed they get someone who is genuinely gifted in leadership. They have the ability to find in others the talents needed to get a task done. People respond to them, not as lemmings, but as folks who are secure in their own individuality to be able to respond to authentic leadership.

Then of course there are charismatic leaders. Sometimes these folks are also gifted with true leadership ability. Unfortunately there are also times when they are just ego driven needy people who take advantage of their charming personality rather than any real leadership.

It is hard sometimes to tell the difference, but when you encounter a real leader you know it, and when you encounter a snake charmer hopefully you figure it out before its too late.

I hope that the leadership I exercise is one that brings forth the best in others and isn't a cult of personality. The thought of people worshiping Ed is not one that gives me hope. Leading people towards a common goal for the common good, that makes sense. Developing other leaders alongside and sharing the leadership even better.

Blessings,
Ed

Monday, August 2, 2010

Reflections for 8/2/10

"We cannot trust authority that claims to speak for God but does not achieve spiritual ends: Does it heal, forgive, reconcile, mend, restore, renew, enliven, awaken, integrate and validate the deepest human intuitions? Does it renew marriage relationships, does it reconcile countries, does it fill people with real hope and tangible joy? Is it an authority that is capable of self-criticism and seeking Kingdom values beyond self-congratulation and self-preservation? If not, I see no reason why I should trust it or surrender my only life to it."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.266)

Authority is something I have a love-hate relationship with. My guess is that most people have a similar problem. It seems to me that the sixties spawned an anti-authority mindset. As folks broke out of the norms from the previous decades and a "freedom" had come with it, you were expected to challenge authority.

Speaking only for myself and not my whole generation necessarily, I'm not anti-authority. I'm always seeking the relevance of any claims to authority. I don't generally get it it's face, but I also don't bow to it. To some extent I ignore it, which also isn't the best idea either.

I can respect authority when I sense that it really has my best interests at heart. Part of my angst may be that I long for an authority in human vesture that can truly be counted on. Maybe that's why I put most of my trust in authority only in God. And will watch and listen to what the human authority figures are doing and saying and then decide about them.

Perhaps authority can be reclaimed in a positive way. My sense is that it will happen when those institutions and people recall what they are supposed to be doing and don't mistake authority with power.

Blessings,
Ed

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Reflections for 8/1/10

"People who have learned to live from their center know which boundaries are worth maintaining and which can be surrendered. Both reflect an obedience. If you want a litmus test for truly centered people, that's it: They are always free to obey reality, to respond to what is."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace p. 265)

Boundaries are certainly a lively topic. You can see them in issues of immigration, do we maintain are borders? At what cost and to whom? There are of course personal boundaries. An ability to know when to stop, or what to allow into one's life.

I try to have flexible boundaries, but I still have boundaries. While I fully believe in the "freedom I have in Christ," that does not mean anything goes. What I mean by flexible boundaries are ones that can move and adapt to new situations. Not ones that evaporate immediately in the presence of heat, but ones that can say, what I believed to be important at the age of 5 might not be at the age of almost 45.

I do believe that there are parts of our life worth maintaining. There are ways of being that can sustain us for a lifetime. I also know that we can get so stuck that we no longer can see what is happening and for the sake of our boundaries, orthodoxies, or sense of self, we hold onto them with a vice grip and attempt to seal them in an airtight tomb.

In trying to maintain a center, a place from which to operate, those flexible boundaries have a fighting chance. When I only see one direction it is the equivalent of building a door less, windowless wall to the soul.

Blessings,
Ed