"Our Western tradition has given us an individualistic private salvation, without a support system for us to believe in it, or for us finally to see the resurrected power that comes from it."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 355)
There are times that I feel very torn between my need for community and my need to go it alone. Actually it is not all that complex. I happen to love being with people. I yearn to fit in. I'm not really very good at being alone. Yet at the same time I have had more than one experience of being in a crowded room and feeling like I was invisible.
I know the power of being in community. I've had definite experiences of it. Being part of the wrestling team in high school felt that way. Though High School was also a very lonely time interior for me. I felt it in college, yet some of what I needed could not be filled do to a choice I'd made. I've felt it at other times as well.
I know that scripture says I'm to work out my own salvation with fear and trembling, but that for me does not mean that I do it in isolation from others. How that salvation is worked out is unique, what makes it work is a community within which to test it.
I think this is true of most self-actualization. If the only person we have to reflect on who we are is ourselves, we will in fact be deceived. In true community where we are free to express our feelings and thoughts and be heard in love by others and have constructive criticism come our way, the true person hood and the real image of God emerges.
Blessings,
Ed
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Reflections for 10/30/10
"We rail against that and fight it every day becasue there's a very large part of us that wants the the world to be right and wants the world to be perfect in a way it will never be. Andy maybe it doesn't need to be."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 354)
When I think of the things that frustrate me, most tie into a lack of perfection and a lack of things being the way I would want them to be.
That frustration is for the most part a judgement on myself. I do not like the feeling that I can't make everything right, or that very little in life is ever perfect. Yes I have experienced periods of great joy and contentment. I have also experienced the opposite and the two sometimes feel like they cancel each other out.
There are of course other reasons that all is not right with the world and why things aren't perfect. Most of those are totally out of my control. A feeling of contentment though can be attained by understanding that it is beyond my control, and perhaps it is better off that way It can also be said that those things are also a reminder that things could be better and to get motivated to change my self and to use my gifts in ways to influence that change.
True there is not perfect place. And nothing can ever make everything right. I am called to enjoy those times that seem close to the ideal as possible, to change the things that I can, and let go of things that I can nothing about.
Blessings,
Ed
When I think of the things that frustrate me, most tie into a lack of perfection and a lack of things being the way I would want them to be.
That frustration is for the most part a judgement on myself. I do not like the feeling that I can't make everything right, or that very little in life is ever perfect. Yes I have experienced periods of great joy and contentment. I have also experienced the opposite and the two sometimes feel like they cancel each other out.
There are of course other reasons that all is not right with the world and why things aren't perfect. Most of those are totally out of my control. A feeling of contentment though can be attained by understanding that it is beyond my control, and perhaps it is better off that way It can also be said that those things are also a reminder that things could be better and to get motivated to change my self and to use my gifts in ways to influence that change.
True there is not perfect place. And nothing can ever make everything right. I am called to enjoy those times that seem close to the ideal as possible, to change the things that I can, and let go of things that I can nothing about.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflections for 10/29/10
"Why is it that we surround ourselves with other white, middle-class American Catholics? Why do all the others threaten us?"(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.353)
While Fr. Rohr is asking a question of himself, all that any of us need to do is change the description to our own demographic and it won't be that far off.
I suppose that as much as I like diversity in my life, it is certainly easier to be around people for whom I believe I know how the game is played. It may even feel safer, I don't conclude that I won't have to watch what I say, or how I hold my fork, or anything else for which my insecure side worries about.
The sad part is that even if on the outside I believe I've found my "peer demographic" there is inevitably something that we don't have in common, some value etc. I also know that when I only surround myself, with my demographic I do not get a true vision of how the world really is. A far more complex place than I might think.
The threat that I may feel of course is completely concocted within myself. And probably the person I fear the most, might actually be the real me.
Blessings,
Ed
While Fr. Rohr is asking a question of himself, all that any of us need to do is change the description to our own demographic and it won't be that far off.
I suppose that as much as I like diversity in my life, it is certainly easier to be around people for whom I believe I know how the game is played. It may even feel safer, I don't conclude that I won't have to watch what I say, or how I hold my fork, or anything else for which my insecure side worries about.
The sad part is that even if on the outside I believe I've found my "peer demographic" there is inevitably something that we don't have in common, some value etc. I also know that when I only surround myself, with my demographic I do not get a true vision of how the world really is. A far more complex place than I might think.
The threat that I may feel of course is completely concocted within myself. And probably the person I fear the most, might actually be the real me.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Reflections for 10/28/10
"Now, we folks who were loved as little children, who were beleived in and given good news, we can do it. We have inner ego-strength. We know we can influence, we know we can change, we know we can rise above it. But brothers and sisters, uch of the world doesn't know that. They don't know their power. No one gave them any good news. It often seems like this is the large majority of the earth's population."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 352)
I certainly know that I was loved as a child. Not in the way that I was constantly told how wonderful I was, or that I could not do anything wrong. I've heard that song sung too much lately by some parents. I also wasn't told how horrible I was, that I wouldn't amount too much, what a dissapointment etc.
To be overly praised I believe will raise a false self, just as easily as constant beratement will destroy. Somewhere between those to extremes lies the key to a healthy development.
I try my best to impart a message of hope and present a can do attitude. I try to believe in other people's inherent talents and goodness. I'm not beyond correcting or challenging, but that's not the first thing to come out of my mouth.
The parts of scripture that feed me the most are the one's where the compassion and mercy of God come forth. I know the judgement side is also there, but I don't make that my focus. Maybe it's because I've been loved by my earthly parents as well.
Blessings,
Ed
I certainly know that I was loved as a child. Not in the way that I was constantly told how wonderful I was, or that I could not do anything wrong. I've heard that song sung too much lately by some parents. I also wasn't told how horrible I was, that I wouldn't amount too much, what a dissapointment etc.
To be overly praised I believe will raise a false self, just as easily as constant beratement will destroy. Somewhere between those to extremes lies the key to a healthy development.
I try my best to impart a message of hope and present a can do attitude. I try to believe in other people's inherent talents and goodness. I'm not beyond correcting or challenging, but that's not the first thing to come out of my mouth.
The parts of scripture that feed me the most are the one's where the compassion and mercy of God come forth. I know the judgement side is also there, but I don't make that my focus. Maybe it's because I've been loved by my earthly parents as well.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Reflections for 10/27/10
"Middle-class Americans are, by the standards of the world, very rich people."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.351)
A friend of mine who is very active in the "Millenium Development Goals," recently posted on Facebook a link to site where you could plug in your income and see where you sat financially in relationship to the rest of the world.
Needless to say I came out very rich. And while I understand that compared to the majority of the people in the 2/3 world, in my context I don't feel very rich.
I suppose that's part of being middle-class in America. We can see the uber wealthy. We are bombarded by messages that tell us we can have more, even though we really can't, nor do we need it. We also can see poorer people around us and realize that it wouldn't take much to put us there either. Though realistically the odds aren't that great.
Part of the middle-class dilemma, at least as I've lived it, is learning to be satisfied with what I have. It really is more than "my daily bread." My self worth won't improve by having more stuff. It certainly will improve by believing I have everything I really need.
Blessings,
Ed
A friend of mine who is very active in the "Millenium Development Goals," recently posted on Facebook a link to site where you could plug in your income and see where you sat financially in relationship to the rest of the world.
Needless to say I came out very rich. And while I understand that compared to the majority of the people in the 2/3 world, in my context I don't feel very rich.
I suppose that's part of being middle-class in America. We can see the uber wealthy. We are bombarded by messages that tell us we can have more, even though we really can't, nor do we need it. We also can see poorer people around us and realize that it wouldn't take much to put us there either. Though realistically the odds aren't that great.
Part of the middle-class dilemma, at least as I've lived it, is learning to be satisfied with what I have. It really is more than "my daily bread." My self worth won't improve by having more stuff. It certainly will improve by believing I have everything I really need.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Reflections for 10/26/10
"How much do I have to protect? How much public image, self-image, possessions, security, comforts, future? These tell me how rich and how poor I am."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 350)
I don't think I have very much to protect. Certainly not in material things. When I look at Fr. Rohr's list I'm not even sure those things need to be protected. I believe I have a decent public image. Certainly in my one square mile town, I am well known and thought well of. I don't know what most folks think of me outside of my little sphere of influence.
My self-image fluctuates, though I try to keep positive, I am certainly my own worst critic.
Possessions I've already covered. Nothing worth stealing here.
Comforts. I eat regularly and have a roof over my head. I'd say I'm rich there.
Future, seems positive. My career is not dead. My health is good, though could be better. I generally feel optimistic.
I suppose in many ways I am rich, but it may be that in fact I'm securely middle class, just like my income level would indicate. I don't have too much, but I have enough.
Blessings,
Ed
I don't think I have very much to protect. Certainly not in material things. When I look at Fr. Rohr's list I'm not even sure those things need to be protected. I believe I have a decent public image. Certainly in my one square mile town, I am well known and thought well of. I don't know what most folks think of me outside of my little sphere of influence.
My self-image fluctuates, though I try to keep positive, I am certainly my own worst critic.
Possessions I've already covered. Nothing worth stealing here.
Comforts. I eat regularly and have a roof over my head. I'd say I'm rich there.
Future, seems positive. My career is not dead. My health is good, though could be better. I generally feel optimistic.
I suppose in many ways I am rich, but it may be that in fact I'm securely middle class, just like my income level would indicate. I don't have too much, but I have enough.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, October 25, 2010
Reflections for 10/25/10
"The greatest enemy of faith is not doubt; the greatest enemy of faith is fear. Most of the world is controlled by fear, petty and big. Petty fears control people; great fears control nations."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 349)
I'd like to believe that I've never been a fraidy cat, but I'm afraid that's just not true. When I'm at my worst, when I am feeling overwhelmed, fear becomes a great factor. I wish I could say it was a motivator, but I find it is more of a paralyzer.
I notice that much of our world runs on the commodity of fear. Every political ad these days seems to be about being afraid of some candidate because they'll do {fill in the blank}. We are definetely afraid of others and regretably this has always been the case.
The biblical message in both Hebrew and Christian Scripture's constantly says do not be afraid. When we are afraid we have decided that God can do nothing.
I'd like to believe that I do not fear things and most of the time, I do try to live by a do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. When I operate out of a true sense of courage, not a false bravado, I get much more done.
Blessings,
Ed
I'd like to believe that I've never been a fraidy cat, but I'm afraid that's just not true. When I'm at my worst, when I am feeling overwhelmed, fear becomes a great factor. I wish I could say it was a motivator, but I find it is more of a paralyzer.
I notice that much of our world runs on the commodity of fear. Every political ad these days seems to be about being afraid of some candidate because they'll do {fill in the blank}. We are definetely afraid of others and regretably this has always been the case.
The biblical message in both Hebrew and Christian Scripture's constantly says do not be afraid. When we are afraid we have decided that God can do nothing.
I'd like to believe that I do not fear things and most of the time, I do try to live by a do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. When I operate out of a true sense of courage, not a false bravado, I get much more done.
Blessings,
Ed
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Reflections for 10/24/10
"I am content to build bridges that the next generation might possibly walk on. I am happy and even freed to be part of a emrely transitional generation."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 348)
I am a card carrying member of what is called by some as Generation X, people born beginning somewhere in the mid 1960's until early 80's. There aren't many of us. And we are stuck between what are known as the Boomers and the Millenials. By the way two very large groups.
One of the things that many of my generation realized a long time ago is that we would probably be a bridge group. There just aren't enough of us to leave and impact. I know that we have tried to be kinder and more empowering to the millenials than many of us felt that the Boomers were to us.
As a bridge however the Boomers have done great connecting with the Millenials. And there are times that it is hard to be a bridge that people are driving across.
My hunch is that every generation is probably a bridge builder. A probably even bigger reality is that it's more like building a bridge to nowhere. It just keeps going and once each generation ends the other starts the building.
The other reality is that each of our generations will probably leave some mark on the world we inhabited. When we are freed from having to out do or are able to let go of the generational squabbles, much more for the greater good can occur.
Blessings,
Ed
I am a card carrying member of what is called by some as Generation X, people born beginning somewhere in the mid 1960's until early 80's. There aren't many of us. And we are stuck between what are known as the Boomers and the Millenials. By the way two very large groups.
One of the things that many of my generation realized a long time ago is that we would probably be a bridge group. There just aren't enough of us to leave and impact. I know that we have tried to be kinder and more empowering to the millenials than many of us felt that the Boomers were to us.
As a bridge however the Boomers have done great connecting with the Millenials. And there are times that it is hard to be a bridge that people are driving across.
My hunch is that every generation is probably a bridge builder. A probably even bigger reality is that it's more like building a bridge to nowhere. It just keeps going and once each generation ends the other starts the building.
The other reality is that each of our generations will probably leave some mark on the world we inhabited. When we are freed from having to out do or are able to let go of the generational squabbles, much more for the greater good can occur.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Reflections for 10/23/10
"Faithful friendship and true partnership teach us more than a shallow sexual encounter."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.347)
I have had over my lifetime many friends of the opposite sex. I enjoy the talking, joking around and working together. Some of them of course turned into "girl friends" but most are friends that are girls. You know the difference when there's no physical contact or sexual tension involved.
The only time this has not been true is in my marriage, where friendship, partnership and physical intimacy do occur. But what isn't present is a shallow encounter.
If it weren't for those "faithful friends" and "true partners" outside of marriage, I do not think I would be able to actually understand the opposite sex.
I don't know if the same holds true for women. But I hope there are women out there who consider me a "faithful friend", a "true partner" and one that doesn't need or want physical intimacy to be a part of it.
Blessings,
Ed
I have had over my lifetime many friends of the opposite sex. I enjoy the talking, joking around and working together. Some of them of course turned into "girl friends" but most are friends that are girls. You know the difference when there's no physical contact or sexual tension involved.
The only time this has not been true is in my marriage, where friendship, partnership and physical intimacy do occur. But what isn't present is a shallow encounter.
If it weren't for those "faithful friends" and "true partners" outside of marriage, I do not think I would be able to actually understand the opposite sex.
I don't know if the same holds true for women. But I hope there are women out there who consider me a "faithful friend", a "true partner" and one that doesn't need or want physical intimacy to be a part of it.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, October 22, 2010
Reflections for 10/22/10
"It's not all bad. It's just not enough. As many have said, 'Faith is caught much more than it is taught."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.347)
When I reflect on my faith journey, I realize that it really was something that was caught first. Actually more born into. I haven't known a period of time where faith was not a part of me. My journey has been one much more guided by experience than intellectual assent.
That is not to say that I dumb down my faith, or will not ask questions of it. I do not dismiss scientific discovery, nor do I find questions from folks who do not share my belief as a threat.
I have found that as I've grown older, I've wanted to know more. I like to read the Bible over and over again, finding something new each time even in very familiar words. I also love to read theology both classical and modern. All of that more mind oriented journeying does not create my faith, it enhances it.
What strengthens my faith and refuels it, is the daily interaction with other pilgrims, and this wonderfully created world that we inhabit.
It was easier to hold onto that which I caught, perhaps because I never felt that I was being forced into it. There's was always room for questions, doubts etc. Maybe I've just been fortunate. I know there are others who did not have as open an experience to faith as I did.
I really should thank God, for the women and men who helped me catch and catch again, the faith that kept coming at me.
Blessings,
Ed
When I reflect on my faith journey, I realize that it really was something that was caught first. Actually more born into. I haven't known a period of time where faith was not a part of me. My journey has been one much more guided by experience than intellectual assent.
That is not to say that I dumb down my faith, or will not ask questions of it. I do not dismiss scientific discovery, nor do I find questions from folks who do not share my belief as a threat.
I have found that as I've grown older, I've wanted to know more. I like to read the Bible over and over again, finding something new each time even in very familiar words. I also love to read theology both classical and modern. All of that more mind oriented journeying does not create my faith, it enhances it.
What strengthens my faith and refuels it, is the daily interaction with other pilgrims, and this wonderfully created world that we inhabit.
It was easier to hold onto that which I caught, perhaps because I never felt that I was being forced into it. There's was always room for questions, doubts etc. Maybe I've just been fortunate. I know there are others who did not have as open an experience to faith as I did.
I really should thank God, for the women and men who helped me catch and catch again, the faith that kept coming at me.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Reflections for 10/21/10
"If our Church is to be properly political and apolitical (and it must know how and when), then it must be mystical-again and always seeking the contemplative center. That is the only Church we can trust, the only Church worth waiting for, the only Church that has a future created by God."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.345)
Discernment is a key piece to operating in our world. The knowing when to act and even better whether to act.
It is true for individuals and it is true for larger bodies such as the church. I like being a part of a church that is on the move. That is taking stands on poverty, hunger, challenging the "isms" of society. But I also know that a church that does not ebb and flow between action a prayer, is a church that has lost its center. It is also a church that moves at such a frantic pace that eventually it burns out.
I also will trust a church that has prayerfully considered which issues it will claim as their response to scripture.
I'm all for social justice. I'm even more for social justice that knows how to recharge by some quiet time with the Lord.
Blessings,
Ed
Discernment is a key piece to operating in our world. The knowing when to act and even better whether to act.
It is true for individuals and it is true for larger bodies such as the church. I like being a part of a church that is on the move. That is taking stands on poverty, hunger, challenging the "isms" of society. But I also know that a church that does not ebb and flow between action a prayer, is a church that has lost its center. It is also a church that moves at such a frantic pace that eventually it burns out.
I also will trust a church that has prayerfully considered which issues it will claim as their response to scripture.
I'm all for social justice. I'm even more for social justice that knows how to recharge by some quiet time with the Lord.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Reflections for 10/20/10
"So it's very hard to love and accept ourselves when we are imperfect, messy, broken, angry or sad. Sometimes it's hard to accept one another."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.344)
I just returned from a three day conference with other clergy from around the country. In many ways it was quite affirming. I found that I actually have some inherent leadership skills, that I just don't bother naming and or trumpet. I'm actually doing a reasonably good job leading my current congregation. And being around for a long time in one place can be a gift.
Yet when I went to bed last night, I almost cried myself to sleep. Because I felt like the kid standing outside the window looking in at a party he was never going to get invited to. Inspite of what I said in the first paragraph, I went to bed feeling inferior to these other priests. That I was not in their league. It continues to be an achilles heal for me, that inability to see the strengths that I have, inspite of clearly seeing them in others.
I'm not saying I'm perfect and that there still isn't room for growth. When I stop growing will be the time my heart stops beating.
When I woke up this morning, the melancholy of the previous night was gone. But I still thought about the feeling. What I came to realize is that the only way to get past this will be to go back next year and the year after that. I cannot walk away from this community to which I really do belong. I need to be with them in ways that are authentic to me. Realizing that I too bring something to the table.
Blessings,
Ed
I just returned from a three day conference with other clergy from around the country. In many ways it was quite affirming. I found that I actually have some inherent leadership skills, that I just don't bother naming and or trumpet. I'm actually doing a reasonably good job leading my current congregation. And being around for a long time in one place can be a gift.
Yet when I went to bed last night, I almost cried myself to sleep. Because I felt like the kid standing outside the window looking in at a party he was never going to get invited to. Inspite of what I said in the first paragraph, I went to bed feeling inferior to these other priests. That I was not in their league. It continues to be an achilles heal for me, that inability to see the strengths that I have, inspite of clearly seeing them in others.
I'm not saying I'm perfect and that there still isn't room for growth. When I stop growing will be the time my heart stops beating.
When I woke up this morning, the melancholy of the previous night was gone. But I still thought about the feeling. What I came to realize is that the only way to get past this will be to go back next year and the year after that. I cannot walk away from this community to which I really do belong. I need to be with them in ways that are authentic to me. Realizing that I too bring something to the table.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Reflections for 10/19/10Th
"A true spirituality necessarily is going to be involved with the issues of the world, with the issues of society, of the poor, of politics. When you cut off the human issues, the issues of suffering and society, in fact, you have cut off the soul. Human issues hold the key to your own shadow, what you are afraid of, what you deny and what you hate. The mraginalized, those of other races, religions, ideolgies and gender usually hold a gift for us. That's why homosexuality is so threatening to people. In many ways it is the last taboo."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.344)
As an American one of the great constitutional protections I enjoy is the seperation of a Church and state. I personally understand that constitional amendment not to outlaw religion, but to allow me to practice my faith, in this case Christian-Episcopalian, and others to do likewise. I really don't want the government deciding which religion is the officially recognized one.
That is not to say that I do not want people's faith to affect how they vote, how theey make decisions etc. What I believe cannot be seperated from how I interact with the world. There are no issues confronting us that my faith cannot inform.
What of course makes this hard is that there are others also using their faith in this way, and coming to very different conclusions. So who is right?
The other problem is that there are issues that people want faith to be the final word, and those same people wanting faith to be silent on other issues. Again I don't think that is possible for me.
I won't quote Bible verses when taking my stands, those verses are the foundation on which I build my argument. They are a part of my life blood.
Whatever your faith may be, ask yourself, how is it informing my interaction with the world. If it is for building up, then keep going. If it is for tearing down, I'd advise you to keep praying.
Blessings,
Ed
As an American one of the great constitutional protections I enjoy is the seperation of a Church and state. I personally understand that constitional amendment not to outlaw religion, but to allow me to practice my faith, in this case Christian-Episcopalian, and others to do likewise. I really don't want the government deciding which religion is the officially recognized one.
That is not to say that I do not want people's faith to affect how they vote, how theey make decisions etc. What I believe cannot be seperated from how I interact with the world. There are no issues confronting us that my faith cannot inform.
What of course makes this hard is that there are others also using their faith in this way, and coming to very different conclusions. So who is right?
The other problem is that there are issues that people want faith to be the final word, and those same people wanting faith to be silent on other issues. Again I don't think that is possible for me.
I won't quote Bible verses when taking my stands, those verses are the foundation on which I build my argument. They are a part of my life blood.
Whatever your faith may be, ask yourself, how is it informing my interaction with the world. If it is for building up, then keep going. If it is for tearing down, I'd advise you to keep praying.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, October 18, 2010
Reflections for 10/18/10
"It is as important to give forgiveness as it is to receive it. On both sides of the equation, you know you are enjoying a life and power not your own. Forgiveness given(unearned) and forgiveness received (also unearned) are always the pure work of uncreated grace."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p.343)
I was the most struck in this quote by the parenthesised word unearned. Most of the time we know about earned forgiveness. Someone asks me to forgive them, suddenly ball is in my court, will I or won't I. If I ask for forgiveness, I may or may not get it, and there may be strings attached.
I do think it is easier to accept forgiveness than it is to give it. And how much harder when it hasn't been earned, not even by something seemingly so simple as saying "I'm sorry."
Most of us have probably been hurt substantially by someone at some point in our lives. They may not even be aware of how deeply they hurt us. Yet the only real healing will come from forgiving them, whether they've asked or not.
It is also true that it is very hard to move past one's own mistakes without being forgiven. It is doubly hard when we've said how sorry we are, and are still spurned.
I wonder if there are people that I still have yet to forgive, even if I think I've moved on. I wonder even more if there are folks I need to be forgiven by. All I can do I suppose is be ready to give or receive when the moment presents itself.
Blessings,
Ed
I was the most struck in this quote by the parenthesised word unearned. Most of the time we know about earned forgiveness. Someone asks me to forgive them, suddenly ball is in my court, will I or won't I. If I ask for forgiveness, I may or may not get it, and there may be strings attached.
I do think it is easier to accept forgiveness than it is to give it. And how much harder when it hasn't been earned, not even by something seemingly so simple as saying "I'm sorry."
Most of us have probably been hurt substantially by someone at some point in our lives. They may not even be aware of how deeply they hurt us. Yet the only real healing will come from forgiving them, whether they've asked or not.
It is also true that it is very hard to move past one's own mistakes without being forgiven. It is doubly hard when we've said how sorry we are, and are still spurned.
I wonder if there are people that I still have yet to forgive, even if I think I've moved on. I wonder even more if there are folks I need to be forgiven by. All I can do I suppose is be ready to give or receive when the moment presents itself.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflections for 10/17/10
"The Sabbath is God creating space. It forces the great distinction between being and having, whether we live for things or for people. God asks whether we're be-er or do-ers. The Sbbath calls the Jewish people to be, first of all, be-ers: people who know how to listen, wait, hope, depend, trust."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.342)
Sabbath is a concept that is long gone from our psyches. This isn't about how you can now shop on Sunday or a rant about how Youth sports have taken control of our lives. My "sabbath" is not actually Sunday, it is supposed to be Friday.
Sabbath is supposed to be a day of rest and prayer. That seems to be what the original intent was. Following the pattern of God's creative activity in the beginning, God took a day off.
Most people do not work for money 7 days a week, but I haven't met anyone who does nothing on the days that they aren't working. Whether it's that "to do list" of household projects, or keeping the kids perpetually busy, we do not know how to stop and just be.
And I'd say we're also paying a heavy price for living this manic life. Adults and kids are less healthy physically and mentally and then wind up needing medication just to get through the work week.
I do believe that God knew this would happen, and that's why the sabbath was introduced. Left completely to our own devices we will go until something gives out. When our things give out we throw them away. What do we do when we give out?
Blessings,
Ed
Sabbath is a concept that is long gone from our psyches. This isn't about how you can now shop on Sunday or a rant about how Youth sports have taken control of our lives. My "sabbath" is not actually Sunday, it is supposed to be Friday.
Sabbath is supposed to be a day of rest and prayer. That seems to be what the original intent was. Following the pattern of God's creative activity in the beginning, God took a day off.
Most people do not work for money 7 days a week, but I haven't met anyone who does nothing on the days that they aren't working. Whether it's that "to do list" of household projects, or keeping the kids perpetually busy, we do not know how to stop and just be.
And I'd say we're also paying a heavy price for living this manic life. Adults and kids are less healthy physically and mentally and then wind up needing medication just to get through the work week.
I do believe that God knew this would happen, and that's why the sabbath was introduced. Left completely to our own devices we will go until something gives out. When our things give out we throw them away. What do we do when we give out?
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Reflections for 10/16/10
"Both/and is for some reson much more demanding than either/or. It is an easy litmus test to distinugish the beginners from the more mature Christians."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.341)
There are times when I'm overwhelmed by the level of options available to me. Most of the options I have to choose from are generally positive. Life often feels like a diner, everything looks good and it becomes harder to make a choice.
When my choice comes down to just two options, it is easier, I suppose. In fact the either/or choices are usually not better of two goods. Sometimes it's the lesser of two evils, and more often than not either/or is not actually a choice unless one is looking for trouble or pain.
Both/and approach actually is harder not because it complicates the choices but because it calls on us to do more. Both/and does not eliminate things. And maybe that's why it isn't the path chosen by folks. Much easier to be told which way to go, how to think, what to believe. Let some authority figure make all the decisions. Just hand over your own ability to reason and think.
The invitation was always to enter threw the narrow gate. Amazingly that narrow gate would seem to allow for a lot more stuff to get through.
Blessings,
Ed
There are times when I'm overwhelmed by the level of options available to me. Most of the options I have to choose from are generally positive. Life often feels like a diner, everything looks good and it becomes harder to make a choice.
When my choice comes down to just two options, it is easier, I suppose. In fact the either/or choices are usually not better of two goods. Sometimes it's the lesser of two evils, and more often than not either/or is not actually a choice unless one is looking for trouble or pain.
Both/and approach actually is harder not because it complicates the choices but because it calls on us to do more. Both/and does not eliminate things. And maybe that's why it isn't the path chosen by folks. Much easier to be told which way to go, how to think, what to believe. Let some authority figure make all the decisions. Just hand over your own ability to reason and think.
The invitation was always to enter threw the narrow gate. Amazingly that narrow gate would seem to allow for a lot more stuff to get through.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, October 15, 2010
Reflections for 10/15/10
"Notice in the twentieth chapter of John: Peter (the Church) gets to the tomb late (after the lover, John) and finally believes. It's always been that way, I guess. Simple love sees and believes even before the Church. But at least we finally get there and back it up!"(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 340)
Most of us have probably known someone or at least witnessed someone who was "ahead of their time." The ideas they had, they causes they advocated, may not have been popular at that moment, but eventually everyone else caught up.
I don't know if I'm an ahead of my time person or not. I'm oftne fascinated by how sometimes something that I do, or say, becomes fashionable after I've done it. And then I go into Eeyore mode and wonder why I didn't get the credit. Then I move onto the next thing.
I love when the light bulb goes on for the Church. It's fun to see us scramble as we continuosly rediscover, what are core Gospel issues, that the secular world is addressing, and then embrace them and put our resources behind it.
It does make me wonder why we don't see these things at the beginning though. Perhaps it is better to catch up, than it is to stand still and miss the race completely.
Blessings,
Ed
Most of us have probably known someone or at least witnessed someone who was "ahead of their time." The ideas they had, they causes they advocated, may not have been popular at that moment, but eventually everyone else caught up.
I don't know if I'm an ahead of my time person or not. I'm oftne fascinated by how sometimes something that I do, or say, becomes fashionable after I've done it. And then I go into Eeyore mode and wonder why I didn't get the credit. Then I move onto the next thing.
I love when the light bulb goes on for the Church. It's fun to see us scramble as we continuosly rediscover, what are core Gospel issues, that the secular world is addressing, and then embrace them and put our resources behind it.
It does make me wonder why we don't see these things at the beginning though. Perhaps it is better to catch up, than it is to stand still and miss the race completely.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Reflections for 10/14/10
"I want to look at the experiences in your lives of people who've deeply touched you, who deeply changed you. They're people who are not afraid to be personal. Ideas really don't change people. People change people. Those who are truly bringing good news are people who know how to be in relationship, who know how to waste time with you."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.339)
I once was reading a book that had 52 excercises one could do to improve. One of them was to think about the important people in your lives. Folks who'd influenced you. It even invited you to consider writing to them. I actually did this.
Probably at every major chapter in my life there have been incredibly influential people. I now actually know the criteria for getting into that exclusive club, you actually had to have cared about me as an individual. There are teacher's that I've had who fit that bill. There have been other clergy colleagues also, who have influenced me that way. Family of course.
And then there's an even deeper group, the friends that I could just waste time with, as the young folks would say, "just chillin." Where I can be me, no role to play, just enjoying a shared interest, baseball, heavy metal music, a book. Again through out my life I've had folks like that. I'm blessed to have some even today.
It is also enjoyable to remember those folks who may no longer play that role in my life, but are still an important piece of the history of Ed.
How about you? Who are those influential people in your life? If they are still alive, would you consider just sending a note to say, you may not know this, but you were really influential in my life. Do you today, have "friends" that you can just waste time with?
And if you are a person of faith, when was the last time you wasted time with God?
Blessings,
Ed
I once was reading a book that had 52 excercises one could do to improve. One of them was to think about the important people in your lives. Folks who'd influenced you. It even invited you to consider writing to them. I actually did this.
Probably at every major chapter in my life there have been incredibly influential people. I now actually know the criteria for getting into that exclusive club, you actually had to have cared about me as an individual. There are teacher's that I've had who fit that bill. There have been other clergy colleagues also, who have influenced me that way. Family of course.
And then there's an even deeper group, the friends that I could just waste time with, as the young folks would say, "just chillin." Where I can be me, no role to play, just enjoying a shared interest, baseball, heavy metal music, a book. Again through out my life I've had folks like that. I'm blessed to have some even today.
It is also enjoyable to remember those folks who may no longer play that role in my life, but are still an important piece of the history of Ed.
How about you? Who are those influential people in your life? If they are still alive, would you consider just sending a note to say, you may not know this, but you were really influential in my life. Do you today, have "friends" that you can just waste time with?
And if you are a person of faith, when was the last time you wasted time with God?
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Reflections for 10/13/10
"Jesus knew that happiness is an inside job, to borrow a phrase. And then he points up to these trees and these birds that you hear chirping above you and he says, be like them. They're not worried, so 'Stop all your worrying. Tomorrow will take care of itself.'(Matthew 6:34) It sounds a lot like the advice for happiness from the recovery movement. 'One day at a time.'"(R. Rohr "Radical Grace p.338)
Living one day at a time is certainly sound advice. Though I'd have to admit that it is incredibly hard. The huge day dreamer, and night worrier contemplates things so far down the road, that it's hard to not get overwhelmed.
I also find it very hard to let go of the past. Again the day dreamer and the night worrier, keeps trying to fix things that are already over, unfixable and unchangeable.
Today I could say I spent most of the day feeling happy. Yesterday was completely the opposite. Yet when yesterday began there was no way of knowing how it would turn out. Today when I awoke it was a new day. One that I could choose to start off receptive to being happy, or still miffed over the previous days nonsense. Fortunately I chose the more optistic approach.
I have no idea what tomorrow has in store for me. I hope to wake up ready to be happy. There are things on the schedule to do. There will no doubt be surprises that occur. How I handle those things will have a lot to do with the happiness meter.
Blessings,
Ed
Living one day at a time is certainly sound advice. Though I'd have to admit that it is incredibly hard. The huge day dreamer, and night worrier contemplates things so far down the road, that it's hard to not get overwhelmed.
I also find it very hard to let go of the past. Again the day dreamer and the night worrier, keeps trying to fix things that are already over, unfixable and unchangeable.
Today I could say I spent most of the day feeling happy. Yesterday was completely the opposite. Yet when yesterday began there was no way of knowing how it would turn out. Today when I awoke it was a new day. One that I could choose to start off receptive to being happy, or still miffed over the previous days nonsense. Fortunately I chose the more optistic approach.
I have no idea what tomorrow has in store for me. I hope to wake up ready to be happy. There are things on the schedule to do. There will no doubt be surprises that occur. How I handle those things will have a lot to do with the happiness meter.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Reflections for 10/12/10
"Humanity tends to project its inner wolrd onot the outer world. If yo're always seeing people out there, let's say, as two-faced, then very likely you're two-faced. If you're always seeing people as hard and demanding, I bet you're hard and demanding on yourself and you believe God is hard and demanding on you. We see out there what's already in our minds. Yet the healing ministyr of Jesus was to give us new eyes so we could begin to live in the truth and see the real. With the eyes of Christ we accept and forgive our real self instead of hating it in others."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.337)
Projection. A term made popular by Jung, but been around for a lot longer than that. Jesus often points to getting stuff out of your own eyes before you come poking at others.
Another phrase that comes to mind is that "me thinks he protesteth too much." The more somebody screams about those people and spends all their waking moments obsessing about them, one wonders if in fact they might be "one of them." Whatever them is.
I try not to project my self-depricating thoughts out onto others. I'm usually to busy poking fun at myself, which for the record is probably not normal or healthy either.
I do believe that there is still alot of interior work that I need to do. It's probably what keeps me from worrying about what might be wrong about someone else.
I'm happy to help someone who asks for a critique, but will not just throw it out there.
St. Paul was right when he wrote in Romans "how dare you judge a brother or sister when you yourself are doing the very same thing."
Blessings,
Ed
Projection. A term made popular by Jung, but been around for a lot longer than that. Jesus often points to getting stuff out of your own eyes before you come poking at others.
Another phrase that comes to mind is that "me thinks he protesteth too much." The more somebody screams about those people and spends all their waking moments obsessing about them, one wonders if in fact they might be "one of them." Whatever them is.
I try not to project my self-depricating thoughts out onto others. I'm usually to busy poking fun at myself, which for the record is probably not normal or healthy either.
I do believe that there is still alot of interior work that I need to do. It's probably what keeps me from worrying about what might be wrong about someone else.
I'm happy to help someone who asks for a critique, but will not just throw it out there.
St. Paul was right when he wrote in Romans "how dare you judge a brother or sister when you yourself are doing the very same thing."
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, October 11, 2010
Reflections for 10/11/10
"Affection, intellect and will: All three of these must be open to God. god can speak to us through our affections, through our emotions, through our experience of our bodiliness. We've allowed ourselves continuously to name our bodily functions, our passions, as humanity's 'fallen' part. Yet our emotions are no more fallen than intellect or will! Maybe we good Christians don't sleep around, but a lot of us-priests and lay-go to bed with power, greed and superiority. That keeps us just as far from God as any sin of the flesh."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.336)
A few reflections ago, I talked about death as a topic that our generation has a hard time talking about and dealing with. Sex on the other hand is something that we talk about adnaseum. Sex sells products. Sex and how we educate our children on the topic is a huge debate. Human sexuality is the most volatile issue within the church today.
This dualistic existence of sex in our society is because we have yet to truly have a healthy attitude towards it. On the one hand we find it quite a tantalizing topic. At the same time, there is that whole "fallen, sinful" language that still exists, often singing in harmony with the first.
Until we actually begin to see sexual intimacy as a gift from God, and not just some animal lust that can lead to procreation, we will continue to fight that false dualism.
I happen to love sex. I'm not so keen on exploitive sex. And one that lacks true feelings for the other involved. I'm quite convinced that our current hang ups on homosexuality are just as tied into our own misgivings about our own sexual nature.
Until we can stop seeing ourselves as lepers for having sexual desires, we will continue to bicker and fight unnecessarily on this topic. There are really two types of sex eduction out there. There's the basic biology, which I'm happy to let the health classes tackle. And then there's the moral aspect which comes from good parent-child communication. It talks about a healthy respect for one's own body as well as respect for others. It neither glories in nor denegrates sex. It allows space for that gift from God to be empowered at the right time in someone's life.
Blessings,
Ed
A few reflections ago, I talked about death as a topic that our generation has a hard time talking about and dealing with. Sex on the other hand is something that we talk about adnaseum. Sex sells products. Sex and how we educate our children on the topic is a huge debate. Human sexuality is the most volatile issue within the church today.
This dualistic existence of sex in our society is because we have yet to truly have a healthy attitude towards it. On the one hand we find it quite a tantalizing topic. At the same time, there is that whole "fallen, sinful" language that still exists, often singing in harmony with the first.
Until we actually begin to see sexual intimacy as a gift from God, and not just some animal lust that can lead to procreation, we will continue to fight that false dualism.
I happen to love sex. I'm not so keen on exploitive sex. And one that lacks true feelings for the other involved. I'm quite convinced that our current hang ups on homosexuality are just as tied into our own misgivings about our own sexual nature.
Until we can stop seeing ourselves as lepers for having sexual desires, we will continue to bicker and fight unnecessarily on this topic. There are really two types of sex eduction out there. There's the basic biology, which I'm happy to let the health classes tackle. And then there's the moral aspect which comes from good parent-child communication. It talks about a healthy respect for one's own body as well as respect for others. It neither glories in nor denegrates sex. It allows space for that gift from God to be empowered at the right time in someone's life.
Blessings,
Ed
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Reflections for 10/10/10
"Why did we never see this? Partly bcause we didn't understand how wemen were oppressed in Jesus' time and partly because males have been doing most of the Bible interpretation, I suppose. You never read the gospel very well from the high road."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p.335)
As a person who reads scripture with some degree of frequency, I'm always surprised by how I see something new, even in very familiar passages. What I've come to understand about this is that what is going on in my life at any given moment affects how I interpret the words in front of me. Part of my world view of course will not change. I will always be a straight, white male. That lens will impact how a passage speaks to me. The honest thing to do is at least admit that those filters exist. Not only when it comes to reading the Bible but also how I view the world.
I feel fortunate that I have been shown other views of scriptural interpretation. Reading commmentaries from women, non white folk, and even from GLBT community, gives me a glimpse into how passages are seen from their perspective. My job is not to dispute their finding, but to at least have an appreciation that there may be more than one way to experience the living word. If the only viewpoint that ever gets heard is mine, I'm poorer for it.
Blessings,
Ed
As a person who reads scripture with some degree of frequency, I'm always surprised by how I see something new, even in very familiar passages. What I've come to understand about this is that what is going on in my life at any given moment affects how I interpret the words in front of me. Part of my world view of course will not change. I will always be a straight, white male. That lens will impact how a passage speaks to me. The honest thing to do is at least admit that those filters exist. Not only when it comes to reading the Bible but also how I view the world.
I feel fortunate that I have been shown other views of scriptural interpretation. Reading commmentaries from women, non white folk, and even from GLBT community, gives me a glimpse into how passages are seen from their perspective. My job is not to dispute their finding, but to at least have an appreciation that there may be more than one way to experience the living word. If the only viewpoint that ever gets heard is mine, I'm poorer for it.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Reflections for 10/9/10
"Real holiness doesn't feel like holiness; it just feels like you're dying. It feels like you're losing it. And yet, you're losing it from the center, from a place where all things are One, where you can joyously, graciously let go of it. You know God's ding it when you can smile, when you can trust the letting go."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.334)
Those times in my life where I have had to let go of things that have sustained me, have been some of the toughest I can recall. There have been heart breaking ends to relationships where I was sure, there was permanence. There have been moves away from whole communities where the friendships really mattered.
In each of those times, the healing of the hurt and the loss of a close knit community have come as a result of being able to finally let go. To understand fully that it was the close of a chapter in my life, not the end of life itself. Much better to give thanks for the time shared than to wallow in the pity of what could no longer be.
I have also had to let go of some level of vocational dream. Have learned to put other considerations ahead of those. That too is a letting go. It may be forever, it may be for a season. Which ever way, I have certainly felt more at peace with it, than I thought possible.
Blessings,
Ed
Those times in my life where I have had to let go of things that have sustained me, have been some of the toughest I can recall. There have been heart breaking ends to relationships where I was sure, there was permanence. There have been moves away from whole communities where the friendships really mattered.
In each of those times, the healing of the hurt and the loss of a close knit community have come as a result of being able to finally let go. To understand fully that it was the close of a chapter in my life, not the end of life itself. Much better to give thanks for the time shared than to wallow in the pity of what could no longer be.
I have also had to let go of some level of vocational dream. Have learned to put other considerations ahead of those. That too is a letting go. It may be forever, it may be for a season. Which ever way, I have certainly felt more at peace with it, than I thought possible.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, October 8, 2010
Reflections for 10/8/10
"We fear nothingness, of course. That's why we fear death, too. I suspect that death is the shocking realization that everything I though was me, everything I held onto so desperately, was precisely nothing. the nothingness we fear so much is, in fact, the treasure that we long for. We long for the space where there is nothing to prove and nothing to protect; where I am who I am, and it's enough. Spirituality teaches us how to get naked ahead of time, so God can make love to us as we really are."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 333)
I remember the first time I heard that "we live in a culture of death." I thought, well that's actually not true. We live in a culture that denies death. We do everything humanly possible to put it off, to pretend that it won't happen. We actually deny death. We can talk about sex until we're blue in the face, but not death. It hurts too much.
Please don't ask someone to plan for their funeral, that would mean they may be facing reality. Walk around a cemetery sometime you'll be able to figure out who wants you to remember just how important they were when they were alive.
There's also that phrase you can't take it with you. That all the money, material goods etc. that one might accumulate here on earth, are meaningless in heaven or if you are not a believer in such a place, while your body decomposes in the ground. And more than likely your descendants and beneficiaries won't do much to remember you either.
From a faith perspective I've always viewed death as the greatest mid-life crisis. Yet that next stage in one's faith journey, the one that no one else will ever get to watch you doing is probably the one where you will get to be truly you.
But what if one's spirituality allowed for an experience of heaven here on earth. That maybe one's greatest joy and definition of self is not tied up in accumulating goods and praise, but is instead about being comfortable in one's own skin and happy with who you are.
Blessings,
Ed
I remember the first time I heard that "we live in a culture of death." I thought, well that's actually not true. We live in a culture that denies death. We do everything humanly possible to put it off, to pretend that it won't happen. We actually deny death. We can talk about sex until we're blue in the face, but not death. It hurts too much.
Please don't ask someone to plan for their funeral, that would mean they may be facing reality. Walk around a cemetery sometime you'll be able to figure out who wants you to remember just how important they were when they were alive.
There's also that phrase you can't take it with you. That all the money, material goods etc. that one might accumulate here on earth, are meaningless in heaven or if you are not a believer in such a place, while your body decomposes in the ground. And more than likely your descendants and beneficiaries won't do much to remember you either.
From a faith perspective I've always viewed death as the greatest mid-life crisis. Yet that next stage in one's faith journey, the one that no one else will ever get to watch you doing is probably the one where you will get to be truly you.
But what if one's spirituality allowed for an experience of heaven here on earth. That maybe one's greatest joy and definition of self is not tied up in accumulating goods and praise, but is instead about being comfortable in one's own skin and happy with who you are.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Reflections for 10/7/10
"It seems to me the people who have the best sense of self, who don't constanty need to have it affirmed or stroked, are people with self-respecting boundaries. They are always people who, in some way or another, know how to set limits to their lives and know, quite simply, ho to say no to themselves. They have an appropriate sense of boundaries and an instinctive sense of their own center."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 332)
Personal space. We all know about it. We may even talking about how we need to protect it. When someone gets to close you tell them you are in my space, especially if it is physical.
The tragic suicide of the Rutgers student last week is an example of what can happen when others boundaries are violated. What another person's inability to say no to something, in this case live streaming another person's intimate moments, is really the clearest example of someone who had no idea how to say no to themselves.
Unfortunately this lack of boundaries and being able to critically ask oneself, "how do I see this turning out well," is not just reserved for immature college freshman. Our society has embraced this cultic voyeurism, and at the same time feels repulsed by it. We really have become somewhat addicted to watching other people's lives.
Of course in many cases people's inability to set personal boundaries and willingly allow themselves to become public spectacles. Of course that was not the case at Rutgers, but is a by product of anything that can be displayed or said, should be attitude.
I do pray that perhaps the words of scripture might gain some hold again on our public psyche, "do unto others as you would have them do to you." Personally, I would not want every moment of my life to be on display for the world to see. Perhaps I need to just turn off the tv when these type of shows come on. Perhaps I need to say to people I love and care about, who lose sight of their own boundaries and fail to respect other people's boundaries, that is not the way to live.
While even one instance of a person taking their life as a result of someone else's callousness, is one too many. My hope will be that many will think twice before setting up that camera, and letting it role. On their selves and most especially on others.
Blessings,
Ed
Personal space. We all know about it. We may even talking about how we need to protect it. When someone gets to close you tell them you are in my space, especially if it is physical.
The tragic suicide of the Rutgers student last week is an example of what can happen when others boundaries are violated. What another person's inability to say no to something, in this case live streaming another person's intimate moments, is really the clearest example of someone who had no idea how to say no to themselves.
Unfortunately this lack of boundaries and being able to critically ask oneself, "how do I see this turning out well," is not just reserved for immature college freshman. Our society has embraced this cultic voyeurism, and at the same time feels repulsed by it. We really have become somewhat addicted to watching other people's lives.
Of course in many cases people's inability to set personal boundaries and willingly allow themselves to become public spectacles. Of course that was not the case at Rutgers, but is a by product of anything that can be displayed or said, should be attitude.
I do pray that perhaps the words of scripture might gain some hold again on our public psyche, "do unto others as you would have them do to you." Personally, I would not want every moment of my life to be on display for the world to see. Perhaps I need to just turn off the tv when these type of shows come on. Perhaps I need to say to people I love and care about, who lose sight of their own boundaries and fail to respect other people's boundaries, that is not the way to live.
While even one instance of a person taking their life as a result of someone else's callousness, is one too many. My hope will be that many will think twice before setting up that camera, and letting it role. On their selves and most especially on others.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Reflections for 10/6/10
"Our judgments separate us, aliente us, and, therefore, condemn us."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.331)
Many of my favorite bible verses are the ones that involve judging. For example judge not and you will not be judged. The judgement you give will be the way you are judged. Who are you to judge a brother or sister.
These examples place judgements in a negative context. Yet where would be if we didn't judge something, weigh its merits, ponder whether it is worth our effort. Whether we really like something or not.
If we truly were free of judging, we'd have to be at a place of accepting the good and the bad that life has to offer. Everything would be about learning from experiences.
What I really here passages like those above saying is that I don't get to be the final word on other people. The more I do that the lesser I become. I stand condemned as someone who took a role for himself that was not his to take. I stand seperated from others because I've created a wall between us. I'm alienated because there it is a hard gap to bridge.
I'd rather stay clear of being judgmental and falling victim to those who feel called to judge.
Blessings,
Ed
Many of my favorite bible verses are the ones that involve judging. For example judge not and you will not be judged. The judgement you give will be the way you are judged. Who are you to judge a brother or sister.
These examples place judgements in a negative context. Yet where would be if we didn't judge something, weigh its merits, ponder whether it is worth our effort. Whether we really like something or not.
If we truly were free of judging, we'd have to be at a place of accepting the good and the bad that life has to offer. Everything would be about learning from experiences.
What I really here passages like those above saying is that I don't get to be the final word on other people. The more I do that the lesser I become. I stand condemned as someone who took a role for himself that was not his to take. I stand seperated from others because I've created a wall between us. I'm alienated because there it is a hard gap to bridge.
I'd rather stay clear of being judgmental and falling victim to those who feel called to judge.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Reflections for 10/5/10
"We've got to realize the world of stone huts is the only world you and I have ever known. We've paid a price for that inheritance. We can't reverse it. We're not going to live in thatch huts, and I'm not here to say we should. But we've got to know what we've given up to the so-called technological advances of this very sophisticated society. It's one reason why we are producing neurotic and psychotic people at such an unbelievable rate. Teen suicides, for example, doubled in the 1980's Crime in general has increased 500 percent since 1960! We've chosen security over solidarity in First World countries, Western Europe and North America. Jesus said you can't serve God and mammon. I'd say you can't see God very well if you spend too much time inside your stone house."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.330)
Certainly my experience has been one of growing up in the 'burbs. I still live in the 'burbs. But even I have noticed a change in the world of the burbs from when I grew up to now.
Very rarely do neighbors know each other. We live in the cocoons of our houses. Central Air Conditioning has made going outside to cool off unnecessary. All the entertainment our children need is provided inside through TVs, the computer, or video games. To go outside and use their brains and create play is a lost art form.
Part of the problem does lie in our fears of what is happening outside the world of our control. Some of those fears may be founded but most are distorted and usually spread through the mediums that keep us locked up in our stone huts.
And while our connectivity makes us feel like we know more people, we've lost any sense of deep connection and respect for boundaries, ours and others.
The recent tragic suicide of the student at Rutgers should be a wake up call for all of us, about how technology is causing us to lose our sense of right and wrong. Where the value and respect for another person, the truly loving one's neighbor as oneself has been thrown out the window. As long as we stay secure in our own little huts, we'll continue to believe that actions do not actually have consequences, you can just hit restart and everything goes back to where it was.
I do think we need to get out more. To interact with other people and learn how to share our lives in ways that make sense for the greater good. Until we leave our stone cocoons, we will never really see the depth of other people or ourselves.
Blessings,
Ed
Certainly my experience has been one of growing up in the 'burbs. I still live in the 'burbs. But even I have noticed a change in the world of the burbs from when I grew up to now.
Very rarely do neighbors know each other. We live in the cocoons of our houses. Central Air Conditioning has made going outside to cool off unnecessary. All the entertainment our children need is provided inside through TVs, the computer, or video games. To go outside and use their brains and create play is a lost art form.
Part of the problem does lie in our fears of what is happening outside the world of our control. Some of those fears may be founded but most are distorted and usually spread through the mediums that keep us locked up in our stone huts.
And while our connectivity makes us feel like we know more people, we've lost any sense of deep connection and respect for boundaries, ours and others.
The recent tragic suicide of the student at Rutgers should be a wake up call for all of us, about how technology is causing us to lose our sense of right and wrong. Where the value and respect for another person, the truly loving one's neighbor as oneself has been thrown out the window. As long as we stay secure in our own little huts, we'll continue to believe that actions do not actually have consequences, you can just hit restart and everything goes back to where it was.
I do think we need to get out more. To interact with other people and learn how to share our lives in ways that make sense for the greater good. Until we leave our stone cocoons, we will never really see the depth of other people or ourselves.
Blessings,
Ed
Reflections for 10/4/10
"Instead, its a world of noise and weak identity, where we need constant reassurance. someone to be holding our hand all the time and telling us, "you're good. God loves you."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 329)
There is a part of me that often needs to be affirmed. To be reassurred. To be told that I matter, that I'm good, that I'm loved. All of those messages are important to hear, but if that's all we ever hear I'm not sure that is such a good thing.
The reality is that none of us is always good, always lovable. But if the only tape we ever hear is that, when we do wind up hurting someone, or disappointing them, we are not equipped to deal with that.
I'm not advocating for hearing constantly that we're awful, unloveable, etc. either. That is just as damaging. It becomes harder to ever accept praise from others. To believe that we are capable of ever doing anything right. Again not reality and not healthy.
When we have a healthy sense of who we are, we can hear the good and receive it gracefully. We can also hear the legitimate criticisms and use them as learning opportunities.
Perhaps one of the roles we play in any relationship is to help people grow into a healthy understanding of who they are. The good and lovable person, but also the one that doesn't always get it right.
Blessings,
Ed
There is a part of me that often needs to be affirmed. To be reassurred. To be told that I matter, that I'm good, that I'm loved. All of those messages are important to hear, but if that's all we ever hear I'm not sure that is such a good thing.
The reality is that none of us is always good, always lovable. But if the only tape we ever hear is that, when we do wind up hurting someone, or disappointing them, we are not equipped to deal with that.
I'm not advocating for hearing constantly that we're awful, unloveable, etc. either. That is just as damaging. It becomes harder to ever accept praise from others. To believe that we are capable of ever doing anything right. Again not reality and not healthy.
When we have a healthy sense of who we are, we can hear the good and receive it gracefully. We can also hear the legitimate criticisms and use them as learning opportunities.
Perhaps one of the roles we play in any relationship is to help people grow into a healthy understanding of who they are. The good and lovable person, but also the one that doesn't always get it right.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, October 4, 2010
Reflections for 10/3/10
"They ask, What is Jesus saying to us through the Scriptures and our daily lives? There is an opportunity to share faith experiences. It's non-academic; it's non-Male; it's non-clerical. It's much more homey and folksy; it's much more alive, even if it's also harder to control. But that shouldn't be our main concern, should it?"(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 328)
One of the first times I was invited to lead a bible study after being ordained, I tried to lead it in a way that invited them to read and share what the Bible was saying to them. The groups initial response was to balk. This was not what they were used to. They said that the priest had come in and told them what the text meant, defined Greek words, etc. In short, filled their minds with all kinds of academic stuff. I said okay, I could do that, however, did they really want to have left wing liberation theological reading of scripture? I could make them all good ideological liberals if that's what they wanted, or we could try the way I had originally wanted.
After a couple of minutes to ponder what I had just said, they decided that reading the bible together and discussing where it touched their lives and resonated with their experiences might be more interesting.
I do find that it is far more interesting as a teacher and even as just a participant to get to share what the passage says to me. Is it good to know what others have said in the past? Certainly. But for the Bible to be a living document, one that touches hearts and invites growth, it needs to be in conversation with our lived experiences.
I will say that sometimes the conversation goes off onto interesting tangents. That sort of uncontrollable that Rohr speaks of. But I find that just as enjoyable. It's even more fun to find what took us down that train of thought to begin with.
While I still enjoy reading the Bible on my own. I get so much more out of it, when talking about it with others.
Blessings,
Ed
One of the first times I was invited to lead a bible study after being ordained, I tried to lead it in a way that invited them to read and share what the Bible was saying to them. The groups initial response was to balk. This was not what they were used to. They said that the priest had come in and told them what the text meant, defined Greek words, etc. In short, filled their minds with all kinds of academic stuff. I said okay, I could do that, however, did they really want to have left wing liberation theological reading of scripture? I could make them all good ideological liberals if that's what they wanted, or we could try the way I had originally wanted.
After a couple of minutes to ponder what I had just said, they decided that reading the bible together and discussing where it touched their lives and resonated with their experiences might be more interesting.
I do find that it is far more interesting as a teacher and even as just a participant to get to share what the passage says to me. Is it good to know what others have said in the past? Certainly. But for the Bible to be a living document, one that touches hearts and invites growth, it needs to be in conversation with our lived experiences.
I will say that sometimes the conversation goes off onto interesting tangents. That sort of uncontrollable that Rohr speaks of. But I find that just as enjoyable. It's even more fun to find what took us down that train of thought to begin with.
While I still enjoy reading the Bible on my own. I get so much more out of it, when talking about it with others.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Reflections for 10/2/10
"When Christianity loses the doctrine and power of the cross as its central strategy, it becomes a false and impotent religion. When this happens, as it has again and again, Jesus renews his people by calling them back-usually in spite of themselves-to the "way of the cross."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.327)
While the cross is certainly the most identifiable Christian symbol out there, the doctrine is one that still makes Christian's uncomfortable. We may sing "in the cross of Christ I glory," but the reality is more like in the cross of Christ I get squeamish.
The cross is supposed to show us that in losing our life we save it. That's the doctrine in a nutshell. There's more to it than that of course, but ultimately that's what it comes down to.
The cross is no longer an instrument of torture and fear, except when burned by hate groups. But it has become softer in our age. A nice piece of jewelry, a reminder of our faith, but not something that has great power over us.
Sometimes we can become too comfortable. See life as very easy and ignore the suffering and pain of others around us. It is in that moment that the cross renews its power. The power to orient ourselves away from ourselves. The power to remind us that our faith has room on it, for left and right, high and low estate. It is also there to remind us that there are aspects of our life that need to be nailed to the cross. It is also there to remind us that when we put others up there, we are the ones with the problem.
Blessings,
Ed
While the cross is certainly the most identifiable Christian symbol out there, the doctrine is one that still makes Christian's uncomfortable. We may sing "in the cross of Christ I glory," but the reality is more like in the cross of Christ I get squeamish.
The cross is supposed to show us that in losing our life we save it. That's the doctrine in a nutshell. There's more to it than that of course, but ultimately that's what it comes down to.
The cross is no longer an instrument of torture and fear, except when burned by hate groups. But it has become softer in our age. A nice piece of jewelry, a reminder of our faith, but not something that has great power over us.
Sometimes we can become too comfortable. See life as very easy and ignore the suffering and pain of others around us. It is in that moment that the cross renews its power. The power to orient ourselves away from ourselves. The power to remind us that our faith has room on it, for left and right, high and low estate. It is also there to remind us that there are aspects of our life that need to be nailed to the cross. It is also there to remind us that when we put others up there, we are the ones with the problem.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, October 1, 2010
Reflections for 10/1/2010
"As always God seems an expert in beating people at their own game."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 326)
How many times have you said to someone I'm not interested in playing your game. Meaning that the nonsense that they're pulling is not something you are willing to give your emotional energy or one minute of your life over to.
All of us play games to a certain extent. We try to avoid a problem, or an uncomfortable situation. We try to outsmart other people. We lay plans that often fail.
For some reason God seems interested in playing our games, or not using all that omni stuff, to just put us in our place. Perhaps it is those times when we out guess ourselves. When we repeat after Wylie Coyote and see ourselves as super geniouses.
When we are heading off the track, it is just at that last moment, that the final move always seems to be God's. That one decisive moment, when things that were heading in a particularly wrong direction, turn around on a dime, and we can't figure out why.
I suppose it really shouldn't be all that disheartening to be out gamed.
Blessings,
Ed
How many times have you said to someone I'm not interested in playing your game. Meaning that the nonsense that they're pulling is not something you are willing to give your emotional energy or one minute of your life over to.
All of us play games to a certain extent. We try to avoid a problem, or an uncomfortable situation. We try to outsmart other people. We lay plans that often fail.
For some reason God seems interested in playing our games, or not using all that omni stuff, to just put us in our place. Perhaps it is those times when we out guess ourselves. When we repeat after Wylie Coyote and see ourselves as super geniouses.
When we are heading off the track, it is just at that last moment, that the final move always seems to be God's. That one decisive moment, when things that were heading in a particularly wrong direction, turn around on a dime, and we can't figure out why.
I suppose it really shouldn't be all that disheartening to be out gamed.
Blessings,
Ed
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