"With so many time-saving devices, it doesn't make sense that people are so rushed. People seem to have so little time to do what they want. We've crated tremendous accessibility to one another through the telephone, the car, mass transit, telegrams, postal service."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 300)
I wonder when Fr. Rohr actually wrote this, considering what he cites as time saving devices that have made more accessible. I believe we may actually be in worse shape now. Add cell phones, internet chat, and now skype. How further along before teleportation is the norm?
While I certainly have most of the gadgets that are in style now, I do get what his point is. All of these things that are supposed to free up time, only create more time to be productive, they don't actually create quiet time, fun time, or anything other than more work. I have colleagues that give their cell phone number out to any and everyone. I grant that privilege to very few outside of my immediate family. And even then, I was for a long time prone to forgetting to take it with me. Perhaps deliberately on some subconscious level.
While we trumpet our connectivity, we really do live more isolated lives and our relationships are not all that deep. If I can chat with you on some social network cite, (which I am guilty of) then I don't actually have to have a face to face with you. And people wonder why they feel so alone.
I'm not saying we shouldn't have all these gadgets. They undoubtedly serve a purpose. But when they become a substitute for real friendships and connectivity, they become another device for dehumanization.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Reflections for 9/6/10
"What is the American experience? What is our experience of life, for good and for ill? It's the only experience you and I have. I would list the essentially good values of American culture as : personalism, freedom and self-determination, pluralism, up-front honesty, democratic self-criticism, a not-so-bad emphasis on productivity and practical effect, and a natural egalitarianism that disdains caste systems in any form. These are all potentially gospel and part of the cosmic mystery of the Body of Christ."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 299)
Today is one of those federal holidays, that has lost its original intent, but does try to remind us of what a great country we live in. Granted I don't know much about life outside of the USA. I've only been to two other countries, so I can only speak of what I know about the country I live in.
So what do I love about this country. First, I love the beauty and diversity of the landscape. I've been privileged to see 48 of the 50 states and each one has something unique to offer. I love that I can worship anytime, any place and anywhere I choose. The police will not be kicking down my door for being an Episcopalian. I love that I have a small say in who my elected leaders are. I'm not always pleased with who wins, but I know that in a certain amount of time, usually 4 years, I can try again. I actually love that we can freely express ourselves without worrying about thought police. That as long as I'm not threatening harm on another human being, or outright lying in a way that brings harm to them, I can run my mouth all day long.
Outside of the landscape, all of the things that I value are a result of sacrifice of others and the risk taken two hundred plus years ago to create a different type of country.
Sometimes as I listen to what is said, I wonder what others love about the good ole USA. I regrettably hear a lot of negativity. Perhaps what most of us need is a month or two living in a different country which does not value our freedoms. On the return we may find that while this may not be a perfect place, it really is great.
What would you say you love and value about our country? Can we get past patriotic platitudes that defy definition? Can we say here's something specific I really love and would miss if it were taken away?
Blessings,
Ed
Today is one of those federal holidays, that has lost its original intent, but does try to remind us of what a great country we live in. Granted I don't know much about life outside of the USA. I've only been to two other countries, so I can only speak of what I know about the country I live in.
So what do I love about this country. First, I love the beauty and diversity of the landscape. I've been privileged to see 48 of the 50 states and each one has something unique to offer. I love that I can worship anytime, any place and anywhere I choose. The police will not be kicking down my door for being an Episcopalian. I love that I have a small say in who my elected leaders are. I'm not always pleased with who wins, but I know that in a certain amount of time, usually 4 years, I can try again. I actually love that we can freely express ourselves without worrying about thought police. That as long as I'm not threatening harm on another human being, or outright lying in a way that brings harm to them, I can run my mouth all day long.
Outside of the landscape, all of the things that I value are a result of sacrifice of others and the risk taken two hundred plus years ago to create a different type of country.
Sometimes as I listen to what is said, I wonder what others love about the good ole USA. I regrettably hear a lot of negativity. Perhaps what most of us need is a month or two living in a different country which does not value our freedoms. On the return we may find that while this may not be a perfect place, it really is great.
What would you say you love and value about our country? Can we get past patriotic platitudes that defy definition? Can we say here's something specific I really love and would miss if it were taken away?
Blessings,
Ed
Reflections for 9/5/10
"Being lowered into the baths at Lourdes an act of humiliation and trust, an act of faith. Your mind wants to say, Why do this? What does this mean? What is this going to do? It seems everything in our life has to have an immediate visible effect, or it hasn't 'worked.'
That attitude is a terrible enemy of faith because faith is not in the realm of the practical; faith means entering into the world of mystery, where deeper energies are at work, where transformation takes place even though nothing appears to change."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p.298)
I have never been to Lourdes, perhaps one day but I certainly have heard of it. There are other "healing shrines" throughout the world some right here in the good old USA. A place where people go because nothing else has worked or makes sense. There are obviously people who literally get healed at these places, or no one would show up. I suspect that more people have a healing or strengthening that is different from what they originally went to the site for.
One of the biggest problems in our world is a lack of patience. Because we expect immediate gratification if it doesn't happen we move on to the next quick fix. Usually to be disappointed by that. This may be why faith is so hard to understand or often gets rejected outright. No instant gratification, no major zap for the most part. Occasional glimmers of something bigger, but unless you go deeper than your immediate senses, faith won't make much sense. That may also be why I have a very hard time explaining why I believe, I just know that it has worked for me all my life, sometimes in ways I didn't originally expect.
Blessings,
Ed
That attitude is a terrible enemy of faith because faith is not in the realm of the practical; faith means entering into the world of mystery, where deeper energies are at work, where transformation takes place even though nothing appears to change."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p.298)
I have never been to Lourdes, perhaps one day but I certainly have heard of it. There are other "healing shrines" throughout the world some right here in the good old USA. A place where people go because nothing else has worked or makes sense. There are obviously people who literally get healed at these places, or no one would show up. I suspect that more people have a healing or strengthening that is different from what they originally went to the site for.
One of the biggest problems in our world is a lack of patience. Because we expect immediate gratification if it doesn't happen we move on to the next quick fix. Usually to be disappointed by that. This may be why faith is so hard to understand or often gets rejected outright. No instant gratification, no major zap for the most part. Occasional glimmers of something bigger, but unless you go deeper than your immediate senses, faith won't make much sense. That may also be why I have a very hard time explaining why I believe, I just know that it has worked for me all my life, sometimes in ways I didn't originally expect.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Reflections for 9/4/10
"Simply put, the third temptation is the need to be in control, to be aligned with power and money. The three temptations that Jesus faces, in a certain sense, all become one: the addictive system, the great lie, the untouchable mythology, 'the sin of the world'(John 1:29)that must be unmasked and dethroned. And I know nothing strong enough to break the mythology-not ideology, not liberalism, not conservatism-except the upside down gospel of Jesus. You must refound your life on a new foundation, the foundation of you experienced union with God."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 297)
Most of us at some point in our lives have to have a restart, or a refounding. I know that when I try hard to have total control over things, some unpleasant experience usually follows. The more I try to impress people with power, or worry about money, the less happy I actually am.
When I only try to control those parts of my life that I have been given authority over, I get more done, and I actually enjoy it. When I live life fully within my means, I enjoy it a lot more.
When I base my self worth solely on my faith in my God-image bearing, and my experience of the presence of God in my life, the blessings I have and the way I have never totally bottomed out, even when I could see the bottom coming, are where I've found the best foundation on which to build my life.
Blessings,
Ed
Most of us at some point in our lives have to have a restart, or a refounding. I know that when I try hard to have total control over things, some unpleasant experience usually follows. The more I try to impress people with power, or worry about money, the less happy I actually am.
When I only try to control those parts of my life that I have been given authority over, I get more done, and I actually enjoy it. When I live life fully within my means, I enjoy it a lot more.
When I base my self worth solely on my faith in my God-image bearing, and my experience of the presence of God in my life, the blessings I have and the way I have never totally bottomed out, even when I could see the bottom coming, are where I've found the best foundation on which to build my life.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, September 3, 2010
Reflections for 9/3/10
"The second temptation of Jesus: Satan takes him up to the pinnacle of the Temple, symbolizing the religious world, and tells him to play righteousness games with God. 'Throw yourself off and he'll catch you.'(Matthew 4:6) It's the only time when the devil quotes Scripture. The second temptation is the need to be right and to think of the self as saved, superior, the moral elite standing on God and religion , and quoting arguable Scriptures for your own purpose.
More evil has come into the world by people of righteous ignorance than by people who've intentionally sinned. Being convinced that one has the whole truth and has God wrapped up in my denomination, my dogmas and my right response (I am baptized, I made a personal decision for Jesus, I go to Church).
It's not wrong to be 'right.' Once in a while if something works out, that's sure nice. The spiritual problem is the need to be right. we are called to do the truth and then let go of the consequences. One stops asking the question of spiritual success, which is the egocentrism of the rich young man: 'What must I do to inherit eternal life?'(Mark 10:17). Jesus refused to answer him because it is the wrong question. It is again 'the devil' quoting Scripture and not really wanting an answer, only affirmation."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.294-295)
I've noticed recently in our country that there's a lot of verbiage flying around. Sometimes its random quotes from Scripture, sometimes a pious platitude, and even some nationalist jingo, all for the appearance of being right. Most of it hollow and none of it ready for a follow up question.
It often happens that the only way we can ever feel right is if we can find someone to paint as wrong. And then attack, attack attack. I try hard to get below the surface of this nonsense, but the water was pretty dense and hard to break through.
As a person for whom a good part of my vocation involves words, I know there power. I also know that some words are loaded and can be misapplied with disastrous results. A well thought out and articulated sentence is a good thing. Shooting off at the mouth to justify my existence, not so much.
Blessings,
Ed
More evil has come into the world by people of righteous ignorance than by people who've intentionally sinned. Being convinced that one has the whole truth and has God wrapped up in my denomination, my dogmas and my right response (I am baptized, I made a personal decision for Jesus, I go to Church).
It's not wrong to be 'right.' Once in a while if something works out, that's sure nice. The spiritual problem is the need to be right. we are called to do the truth and then let go of the consequences. One stops asking the question of spiritual success, which is the egocentrism of the rich young man: 'What must I do to inherit eternal life?'(Mark 10:17). Jesus refused to answer him because it is the wrong question. It is again 'the devil' quoting Scripture and not really wanting an answer, only affirmation."(R.Rohr "Radical Grace" p.294-295)
I've noticed recently in our country that there's a lot of verbiage flying around. Sometimes its random quotes from Scripture, sometimes a pious platitude, and even some nationalist jingo, all for the appearance of being right. Most of it hollow and none of it ready for a follow up question.
It often happens that the only way we can ever feel right is if we can find someone to paint as wrong. And then attack, attack attack. I try hard to get below the surface of this nonsense, but the water was pretty dense and hard to break through.
As a person for whom a good part of my vocation involves words, I know there power. I also know that some words are loaded and can be misapplied with disastrous results. A well thought out and articulated sentence is a good thing. Shooting off at the mouth to justify my existence, not so much.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Reflections for 9/2/10
"I believe that all would-be ministers must face the same three temptations as Jesus before they really can minister. The first temptation of Christ, to turn stones into bread (Matthew 4:3), is the need to be effective, successful, relevant, to make things happen. You've done something and people say, 'Wow!' Good job! You did it right. You're OK.' When the crowds approve, it's hard not to believe that we have done a good thing, and probably God's will.
Usually when you buy into that too quickly, you're feeding the false self and the system, which tells you what it immediately wants and seldom knows what it really needs. You can be a very popular minister operating at that level."
I certainly know that temptation well. As a clergy person, we often get told how great we are. Of course I also know clergy who get told how awful etc they are. Most of us, even those that aren't clergy want to be effective, successful, relevant etc. no matter what are vocations. The more applause we get, the more positive and affirming any review of our work is the better.
I suppose the warning is to not always buy everything that's being said. One of my problems is often that I don't believe anything that's said about me. I've had plenty of people tell me that too.
I try to take the time to process any feedback and not go with my first reaction to it. Positive feedback, to much elation, negative to much depression. Somewhere in between those two extremes lies the reality of how we're doing. We're called to do our best, it might not always be what everybody wants.
Blessings,
Ed
Usually when you buy into that too quickly, you're feeding the false self and the system, which tells you what it immediately wants and seldom knows what it really needs. You can be a very popular minister operating at that level."
I certainly know that temptation well. As a clergy person, we often get told how great we are. Of course I also know clergy who get told how awful etc they are. Most of us, even those that aren't clergy want to be effective, successful, relevant etc. no matter what are vocations. The more applause we get, the more positive and affirming any review of our work is the better.
I suppose the warning is to not always buy everything that's being said. One of my problems is often that I don't believe anything that's said about me. I've had plenty of people tell me that too.
I try to take the time to process any feedback and not go with my first reaction to it. Positive feedback, to much elation, negative to much depression. Somewhere in between those two extremes lies the reality of how we're doing. We're called to do our best, it might not always be what everybody wants.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Reflections for 9/1/10
"What do you think happens when God forgives your sin? Is it God changing suddenly, reassessing you? Is it God deciding to waive some eternal and required punishment? No! Nothing happens in God. God is a perfect given-ness, toatlly and always given, literally fore-given: ahead of time, before our act of faith."(R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p.294)
Most of us understand how forgiveness works when it comes to human relationships. Someone says they're sorry and the other person chooses to forgive or not. Sometimes forgiveness comes before its even asked for. Sometimes its even given and you didn't know you did anything to be forgiven for.
But with God the feeling is different, probably because it isn't a direct transaction. It just happens. Does it mean that we shouldn't ask for forgiveness, no confession necessary? I suppose from God's perspective probably not. But the need to confess, seek absolution etc, is more for me. Do I have enough self awareness to know when I went too far? Am I humble enough to be able to admit when I am in the wrong?
I'm glad I don't believe in God keeping track of everything I've done wrong just waiting to zap me with it. Yet I don't feel compelled to take that given forgiveness for granted. I don't view it as a divine get out of jail free card.
Blessings,
Ed
Most of us understand how forgiveness works when it comes to human relationships. Someone says they're sorry and the other person chooses to forgive or not. Sometimes forgiveness comes before its even asked for. Sometimes its even given and you didn't know you did anything to be forgiven for.
But with God the feeling is different, probably because it isn't a direct transaction. It just happens. Does it mean that we shouldn't ask for forgiveness, no confession necessary? I suppose from God's perspective probably not. But the need to confess, seek absolution etc, is more for me. Do I have enough self awareness to know when I went too far? Am I humble enough to be able to admit when I am in the wrong?
I'm glad I don't believe in God keeping track of everything I've done wrong just waiting to zap me with it. Yet I don't feel compelled to take that given forgiveness for granted. I don't view it as a divine get out of jail free card.
Blessings,
Ed
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
