The Solemnity of Pentecost
Today's Word:
Acts 2:1-11 (The Holy Spirit descends upon the Apostles; the gift of speaking in tongues is conferred)
Psalm 104:1, 24-34 (When you send forth your Spirit...you renew the face of the earth)
1 Corinthians 12:3-13 (In one Spirit the many parts have been baptized into one body, the Church)
or Galatians 5:16-25 (If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit)
John 20:19-23 ("Receive the Holy Spirit"; the institution of the Sacrament of Reconciliation)
or John 15:26-27; 16:12-15 ("The Spirit of Truth will guide you")
Happy Birthday, Christian Church!
For it is with the descent of the Holy Spirit that the Apostles, having prayed and reflected for nine days following Jesus' ascension, are at last motivated to speak boldly on behalf of their Master and all that he taught.
Happy Birthday, Cornerstone!
It was on this very date eleven years ago that the community was established. I was there, at the invitation of my friend Mike. They've come a long way on an even longer road in these eleven years. Then, as now, it was Pentecost Sunday - and the significance is not lost on me.
Today, the Sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated (in the Methodist tradition) for fourteen young adults. Like it's Catholic counterpart which I observed five weeks earlier, it is filled with joy, hope and promise as the youth professed with their own voice and in their own words their beliefs.
I was reminded of my own confirmation. I remember the date: March 20, 1965. Then, at the age of ten (and in the fifth grade), the theology centered around becoming "soldiers of Christ;" and Onward, Christian Soldiers isn't even recognized as a hymn in the Catholic tradition! Since that time, the underlying theology has thankfully evolved into preparing for lives dedicated at least in part for service in the name of the Lord to the community at large.
It is fitting that Confirmation be celebrated on this day or during the Easter Season; but it has little to do with other rites of passage that take place and are associated with this time of year. It is most certainly a time when the congregation should gather and help the young take their place along with the old in the roles of service and servanthood. It is not, as may have been taught at some point in time, a passage into adult life. For many of the youth, it is on the cusp of leaving home to continue their education at college. This can serve as a reaffirmation of the community to pray for these young people as they grow in maturity and prepare in a more personal way for the challenges they will face as adults.
The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me.
He sent me to preach good news to the poor,
heal the heartbroken,
Announce freedom to all captives,
pardon all prisoners.
God sent me to announce the year of his grace—
and to comfort all who mourn,
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,
give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of news of doom,
a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.
Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness"
planted by God to display his glory. (Isaiah 61:1-4, "The Message" by Eugene H. Peterson)
And He has sent me to do all this for and through my son.
In many, many ways and for many, many reasons (some good and others not so good), I did not consider how to do this. Ultimately, all I have learned and experienced - both the joys and the sorrows - I am meant to share with him, to help him understand in some way that there is someone who loves him, someone larger than life itself who wants the best for him. While that role is largely filled by my dear wife and I, in the end we will find other caring people who will help him along on his journey.
With the passing of Pentecost, we return to the ordinary cycle of the year, which we last left in the thick of winter nearly 100 days ago. Now, spring is in full bloom and beyond; the earth has awakened from her hibernation. By God's grace, with much help and reflection, so have I.
As I have cause or am prompted to reflect further, I intend to do so here. I may ask more questions than I answer. But it's more important than ever that they be asked as fast as they come to mind. While the day-to-day reflections will stop for now, the journey is far from over. It is resuming anew. I continue to pray for opportunities, especially for us both, that will build on where we have been and where we hope to go.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Beginnings and Endings
The Vigil of Pentecost
Today's Word:
Genesis 11:1-9 (The Tower of Babel, which prefigured the Apostles' speaking in tongues)
or Exodus 19:3-20 (Moses and the Israelites reach Mount Sinai)
or Ezekiel 37:1-14 ("I will put my Spirit in you, that you may live")
or Joel 3:1-5 ("I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh")
Psalm 104:1-2, 24-30 (When you send forth your Spirit...you renew the face of the earth)
Romans 8:22-27 (The Spirit intercedes for us in inexpressible groanings, for we do not know how to pray as we ought)
John 7:37-39 -
On the final and climactic day of the Feast, Jesus cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the Scripture says." (He said this in regard to the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were about to receive. The Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified.)
("The Message" paraphrase by Eugene H. Peterson)
Since Easter Sunday, seven weeks ago, both my wife and I have been led in a new direction in discovering the root of my son's affliction with autism. I should clarify that by saying that my wife has uncovered a series of information that connects many dots and provides an opportunity to help effectively manage, if not eliminate someday, that which can take an innocent, intelligent child and turn him into an apparent lunatic or worse.
Sharing this information with me has been both a joy and a painful pill to swallow. Painful, because what causes things like this are largely preventable in hindsight but can't always be determined at the time - and, when discussing concerns with a pedigreed professional, the diagnosis often casts either or both parents as unknowing, untrusting, and way too concerned to rationally deal with the situation. There's often a acute level of guilt felt, because God gave you the ability in love to bring this new life into the world; and yet, only hours after birth, actions are taken that can alter permanently the development of that life.
Yet there is still joy, and great hope.
Unlocking the prison gates is possible; tearing down the walls can happen. This has been proven time and time again on so many different levels. It may not happen with the force of a destructive explosion. It may be likened more to a child's learning to walk; one step at a time, and not without some pain. Often it requires time, patience, perseverance - the qualities found as a life formed and cultivated in faith.
God promised that he would instill His Spirit on His people. In doing so, those who recognized this presence, this Spirit, in their lives would be able to withstand trials, and overcome serious obstacles that all of us face in some way or other. Jesus promised the sending of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, who would work in our lives to continue to offer hope and strength in times of trial.
Researchers have (perhaps begrudgingly) acknowledged that a strong sense of faith, a belief that sustaining help is present, plays a very important part in the healing process, regardless of the affliction. It is in this hope that God is present in the Holy Spirit that 'renews the face of the earth.'
Come, Holy Spirit! Fill our hearts! Engulf us in the fire of Divine Love and hope! Renew us in strength and perseverance! Enlighten the path before us!!
Ultimately, may this help allow us to rebuild and renew life in others, and move another step closer to making the world a better place than we found it.
I rejoice in the progress we are making, and have a better understanding of how to continue. And continue we shall. That is ultimately what we're called to do; as individuals; as families; as community: to move one step closer each day on the road that we're on, the road that leads to a place where one day will be no more sorrow or suffering.
Today's Word:
Genesis 11:1-9 (The Tower of Babel, which prefigured the Apostles' speaking in tongues)
or Exodus 19:3-20 (Moses and the Israelites reach Mount Sinai)
or Ezekiel 37:1-14 ("I will put my Spirit in you, that you may live")
or Joel 3:1-5 ("I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh")
Psalm 104:1-2, 24-30 (When you send forth your Spirit...you renew the face of the earth)
Romans 8:22-27 (The Spirit intercedes for us in inexpressible groanings, for we do not know how to pray as we ought)
John 7:37-39 -
On the final and climactic day of the Feast, Jesus cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the Scripture says." (He said this in regard to the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were about to receive. The Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified.)
("The Message" paraphrase by Eugene H. Peterson)
Since Easter Sunday, seven weeks ago, both my wife and I have been led in a new direction in discovering the root of my son's affliction with autism. I should clarify that by saying that my wife has uncovered a series of information that connects many dots and provides an opportunity to help effectively manage, if not eliminate someday, that which can take an innocent, intelligent child and turn him into an apparent lunatic or worse.
Sharing this information with me has been both a joy and a painful pill to swallow. Painful, because what causes things like this are largely preventable in hindsight but can't always be determined at the time - and, when discussing concerns with a pedigreed professional, the diagnosis often casts either or both parents as unknowing, untrusting, and way too concerned to rationally deal with the situation. There's often a acute level of guilt felt, because God gave you the ability in love to bring this new life into the world; and yet, only hours after birth, actions are taken that can alter permanently the development of that life.
Yet there is still joy, and great hope.
Unlocking the prison gates is possible; tearing down the walls can happen. This has been proven time and time again on so many different levels. It may not happen with the force of a destructive explosion. It may be likened more to a child's learning to walk; one step at a time, and not without some pain. Often it requires time, patience, perseverance - the qualities found as a life formed and cultivated in faith.
God promised that he would instill His Spirit on His people. In doing so, those who recognized this presence, this Spirit, in their lives would be able to withstand trials, and overcome serious obstacles that all of us face in some way or other. Jesus promised the sending of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, who would work in our lives to continue to offer hope and strength in times of trial.
Researchers have (perhaps begrudgingly) acknowledged that a strong sense of faith, a belief that sustaining help is present, plays a very important part in the healing process, regardless of the affliction. It is in this hope that God is present in the Holy Spirit that 'renews the face of the earth.'
Come, Holy Spirit! Fill our hearts! Engulf us in the fire of Divine Love and hope! Renew us in strength and perseverance! Enlighten the path before us!!
Ultimately, may this help allow us to rebuild and renew life in others, and move another step closer to making the world a better place than we found it.
I rejoice in the progress we are making, and have a better understanding of how to continue. And continue we shall. That is ultimately what we're called to do; as individuals; as families; as community: to move one step closer each day on the road that we're on, the road that leads to a place where one day will be no more sorrow or suffering.
Monday, May 25, 2009
At the Intersection of Liberty Street and Freedom Way
Memorial Day (US)
May 25, 2009
Today's Word:
Acts 19:1-8 (Paul baptizes in the name of Jesus at Ephesus)
Psalm 68:2-7 (God arises; his enemies are scattered)
John 16:29-33 ("In the world you will have trouble; but take courage, for I have conquered the world")
Or - selected readings from the Order of Funerals:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (To everything there is a season)
Psalm 23 (Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants...)
1 Corinthians 15:20-32, 40-58 ("Where, O death, is your victory? Where is your sting?")
John 17:6-17 ("I pray not that these chosen be taken from the world, but that they be delivered from evil")
Sometimes, to be delivered from evil (real or perceived), a person has to put his life on the line, as if stakes in a game of chance. The ultimate stakes are determined to be so high, that which is being protected so great, that the risk-taking is deemed necessary.
Today is about those who put their lives on the line, especially those who died doing so; but to me, also for the living who have or are presently risking their lives to protect others. The men and women of our military services, definitely; but also for those in the careers of public safety: firefighters, and those in law enforcement.
There is a fine line between the ideals of Liberty and Freedom, and it is constantly juxtaposed and blurred. This nation declared its independence on the uncompromising rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and it's interesting to note this particular order.
While America was NOT (repeat: NOT) founded as a Christian nation (it didn't want to identify itself with the 'papists' in Rome or the ongoing religious persecutions of the time which brought many to the shores of the Western Hemisphere), our founders were innately aware of the sanctity of life in general. They understood that true liberty is not the same as true freedom (anarchy). To establish true liberty would bear a cost of freedom. As Benjamin Franklin put it: "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
In our endeavors to enjoy Life, often on a day like this we are more engaged in the pursuit of happiness than it might seem reasonable. To be fair, by late May the nation has finally thrown off the yoke of winter and all are basking in relatively fair weather; our bodies are clamoring for Vitamin D from the Sun, and what better way to get it than spend the day outdoors sacrificing a piece of meat on the barbecue grill? Maybe so, maybe so - but just remember that somebody died in a trench somewhere long ago; somebody fought persistently for the highest of ideals; people are keeping watch even as I write, just so you can enjoy that overcooked piece of steak. Is it any wonder that God finally said that it was love that He seeks, and not sacrifices?
Today I am honored to be able to lead singing at a Mass at one of the many cemeteries that dot the Chicago landscape. I will watch as my elders potentially look foolish attempting to honor their fallen companions. But it will bring a tear to my eye as I remember why it's such an important thing to them. It will remind me of how important it is to honor not only those who died, most of whom are names I don't know and have never met, but also the living who even now put themselves constantly in harm's way for our benefit. I will do my best to remember never to take them for granted.
In the midst of the American Civil War, Julia Ward Howe visited a Union Army camp on the Potomac River near Washington, DC. She heard the soldiers singing the song “John Brown’s Body,” and was taken with the strong marching beat. She wrote these words the next day:
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword;
His truth is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
I have seen Him in the watch fires of a hundred circling camps
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps;
His day is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His day is marching on.
I have read a fiery Gospel writ in burnished rows of steel;
“As ye deal with My contemners, so with you My grace shall deal”;
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with His heel,
Since God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Since God is marching on.
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat;
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet;
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free;
[originally …let us die to make men free]
While God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! While God is marching on.
He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,
He is wisdom to the mighty, He is honor to the brave;
So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of wrong His slave,
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.
--Battle Hymn of the Republic (1861)
Julia Ward Howe
May 25, 2009
Today's Word:
Acts 19:1-8 (Paul baptizes in the name of Jesus at Ephesus)
Psalm 68:2-7 (God arises; his enemies are scattered)
John 16:29-33 ("In the world you will have trouble; but take courage, for I have conquered the world")
Or - selected readings from the Order of Funerals:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (To everything there is a season)
Psalm 23 (Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants...)
1 Corinthians 15:20-32, 40-58 ("Where, O death, is your victory? Where is your sting?")
John 17:6-17 ("I pray not that these chosen be taken from the world, but that they be delivered from evil")
Sometimes, to be delivered from evil (real or perceived), a person has to put his life on the line, as if stakes in a game of chance. The ultimate stakes are determined to be so high, that which is being protected so great, that the risk-taking is deemed necessary.
Today is about those who put their lives on the line, especially those who died doing so; but to me, also for the living who have or are presently risking their lives to protect others. The men and women of our military services, definitely; but also for those in the careers of public safety: firefighters, and those in law enforcement.
There is a fine line between the ideals of Liberty and Freedom, and it is constantly juxtaposed and blurred. This nation declared its independence on the uncompromising rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and it's interesting to note this particular order.
While America was NOT (repeat: NOT) founded as a Christian nation (it didn't want to identify itself with the 'papists' in Rome or the ongoing religious persecutions of the time which brought many to the shores of the Western Hemisphere), our founders were innately aware of the sanctity of life in general. They understood that true liberty is not the same as true freedom (anarchy). To establish true liberty would bear a cost of freedom. As Benjamin Franklin put it: "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
In our endeavors to enjoy Life, often on a day like this we are more engaged in the pursuit of happiness than it might seem reasonable. To be fair, by late May the nation has finally thrown off the yoke of winter and all are basking in relatively fair weather; our bodies are clamoring for Vitamin D from the Sun, and what better way to get it than spend the day outdoors sacrificing a piece of meat on the barbecue grill? Maybe so, maybe so - but just remember that somebody died in a trench somewhere long ago; somebody fought persistently for the highest of ideals; people are keeping watch even as I write, just so you can enjoy that overcooked piece of steak. Is it any wonder that God finally said that it was love that He seeks, and not sacrifices?
Today I am honored to be able to lead singing at a Mass at one of the many cemeteries that dot the Chicago landscape. I will watch as my elders potentially look foolish attempting to honor their fallen companions. But it will bring a tear to my eye as I remember why it's such an important thing to them. It will remind me of how important it is to honor not only those who died, most of whom are names I don't know and have never met, but also the living who even now put themselves constantly in harm's way for our benefit. I will do my best to remember never to take them for granted.
In the midst of the American Civil War, Julia Ward Howe visited a Union Army camp on the Potomac River near Washington, DC. She heard the soldiers singing the song “John Brown’s Body,” and was taken with the strong marching beat. She wrote these words the next day:
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword;
His truth is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
I have seen Him in the watch fires of a hundred circling camps
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps;
His day is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His day is marching on.
I have read a fiery Gospel writ in burnished rows of steel;
“As ye deal with My contemners, so with you My grace shall deal”;
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with His heel,
Since God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Since God is marching on.
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat;
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet;
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free;
[originally …let us die to make men free]
While God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! While God is marching on.
He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,
He is wisdom to the mighty, He is honor to the brave;
So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of wrong His slave,
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.
--Battle Hymn of the Republic (1861)
Julia Ward Howe
Saturday, May 23, 2009
I'll Be Loving You Always
May 24, 2009
The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord on Sunday
The Seventh Sunday of Easter (in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Nebraska; where the Ascension of the Lord was observed last Thursday)
Today's Word:
Acts 1:1-11 (Jesus' Ascension - the prelude to the sending of the Holy Spirit and the promise of His return)
Psalm 47:2-9 (God mounts his throne to shouts of joy)
Ephesians 1:17-23 (Christ has all things under his dominion; he is head of the Church, which is his body)
or Ephesians 4:1-13 (Unity in diversity: One Lord, one faith, one baptism - One body, many parts)
Mark 16:15-20 (The Great Commission; Jesus returns to the Father in Heaven)
(Sunday VII of Easter:)
Acts 1:15-26 (Matthias is chosen to fill Judas' vacancy after prayer and discernment)
Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20 (The Lord has set his throne in heaven)
1 John 4:11-16 (As God is love, he who abides in love abides in God; and God abides in him)
John 17:11-19 ("Consecrate them in the truth; your word is truth")
And: Philippians 3:8-21 (The believer's citizenship is in heaven)
In order for Christians to fully realize the depth of their relationship with God, and especially with God in the person of Jesus Christ, he had to leave the earth behind - as we all do. While he could leave it bodily - a privilege he had as God but was also imparted to a select few - he died and left his physical body, as we one day will.
If Jesus had remained, everyone would continue to seek his direct intervention. We would not have been given his legacy, nor his Spirit from which the gifts of divine wisdom, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and respect all flow freely. Without these gifts, it would be much more difficult to join together as the family of man and move forward. It's already difficult enough - how many more would be lost in despair without this great hope and promise? Paul would not have been able to say that "our citizenship is in heaven" without such inspiration; it is unlikely that he ever saw Jesus in the flesh apart from that fateful day on the road to Damascus.
As on the night before his death, Jesus would have divine memory to take with him. But what he left behind was nothing short of a pure legacy of love, a love which would never end.
As around the sun the earth knows she's revolving
And the rosebuds know to bloom in early May
Just as hate knows love's the cure
You can rest your mind assure
That I'll be loving you always
As now can't reveal the mystery of tomorrow
But in passing will grow older every day
Just as all that's born is new
You know what I say is true
That I'll be loving you always
(Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky)
Always (Until the ocean covers every mountain high)
Always (Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea)
Always (Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream)
Did you know that true love asks for nothing
Her acceptance is the way we pay
Did you know that life has given love a guarantee
To last through forever and another day
Just as time knew to move on since the beginning
And the seasons know exactly when to change
Just as kindness knows no shame
Know through all your joy and pain
That I'll be loving you always
As today I know I'm living, but tomorrow
Could make me the past, but that I mustn't fear
For I'll know deep in my mind
The love of me I've left behind
'Cause I'll be loving you always
(Until the day is night and night becomes the day)
Always (Until the trees and seas just up and fly away)
Always (Until the day that eight times eight times eight is four)
Always (Until the day that is the day that are no more)
Did you know you're loved by somebody (Until the day the earth starts turnin' right to left)
Always (Until the earth just for the sun denies itself)
I'll be lovin' you forever (Until dear mother nature says her work is through)
Always (Until the day that you are me and I am you)
Always (Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky)
Yeah Until the ocean covers every mountain high)
Always
(Instrumental)
Bridge:
We all know sometimes life hates and troubles
Can make you wish you were born in another time and space
But you can bet your life times that and twice it's double
That God knew exactly where he wanted you to be placed
So make sure when you say you're in it, but not of it
You're not helpin' to make this earth a place sometimes called hell
Change your words into truths and then change that truth into love
And maybe our children's grandchildren and their great grandchildren will tell
I'll be loving you Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky
Loving you Until the ocean covers every mountain high
Loving you Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea
Loving you Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream
Be loving you Until the day is night and night becomes the day
Loving you Until the trees and seas up, up and fly away
Loving you Until the day that eight times eight times eight is four
Loving you Until the day that is the day that are no more
Loving you Until the day the earth starts turning right to left
Be loving you Until the earth just for the sun denies itself
Loving you Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through
Loving you Until the day that you are me and I am you
Now ain't that loving you (Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky)
Ain't that loving you (Until the ocean covers every mountain high)
And I've got to say always (Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea)
Always (Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream)
Always (Until the day is night and night becomes the day)
Always (Until the trees and sea just up and fly away)
Always (Until the day that eight times eight times eight is four)
Always (Until the day that is the day that are no more)
Always (Until the day the earth starts turning right to left)
Always (Until the earth just for the sun denies itself)
Always (Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through)
Always (Until the day that you are me and I am you)
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky
Until the ocean covers every mountain high
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream
Until the day is night and night becomes the day
Until the trees and sea just up and fly away
Until the day that eight times eight times eight is four
Until the day that is the day that are no more
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through
Until the day that you are me and I am you
--As (I'll Be Loving You Always) (1976)
Stevie Wonder
The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord on Sunday
The Seventh Sunday of Easter (in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Nebraska; where the Ascension of the Lord was observed last Thursday)
Today's Word:
Acts 1:1-11 (Jesus' Ascension - the prelude to the sending of the Holy Spirit and the promise of His return)
Psalm 47:2-9 (God mounts his throne to shouts of joy)
Ephesians 1:17-23 (Christ has all things under his dominion; he is head of the Church, which is his body)
or Ephesians 4:1-13 (Unity in diversity: One Lord, one faith, one baptism - One body, many parts)
Mark 16:15-20 (The Great Commission; Jesus returns to the Father in Heaven)
(Sunday VII of Easter:)
Acts 1:15-26 (Matthias is chosen to fill Judas' vacancy after prayer and discernment)
Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20 (The Lord has set his throne in heaven)
1 John 4:11-16 (As God is love, he who abides in love abides in God; and God abides in him)
John 17:11-19 ("Consecrate them in the truth; your word is truth")
And: Philippians 3:8-21 (The believer's citizenship is in heaven)
In order for Christians to fully realize the depth of their relationship with God, and especially with God in the person of Jesus Christ, he had to leave the earth behind - as we all do. While he could leave it bodily - a privilege he had as God but was also imparted to a select few - he died and left his physical body, as we one day will.
If Jesus had remained, everyone would continue to seek his direct intervention. We would not have been given his legacy, nor his Spirit from which the gifts of divine wisdom, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and respect all flow freely. Without these gifts, it would be much more difficult to join together as the family of man and move forward. It's already difficult enough - how many more would be lost in despair without this great hope and promise? Paul would not have been able to say that "our citizenship is in heaven" without such inspiration; it is unlikely that he ever saw Jesus in the flesh apart from that fateful day on the road to Damascus.
As on the night before his death, Jesus would have divine memory to take with him. But what he left behind was nothing short of a pure legacy of love, a love which would never end.
As around the sun the earth knows she's revolving
And the rosebuds know to bloom in early May
Just as hate knows love's the cure
You can rest your mind assure
That I'll be loving you always
As now can't reveal the mystery of tomorrow
But in passing will grow older every day
Just as all that's born is new
You know what I say is true
That I'll be loving you always
(Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky)
Always (Until the ocean covers every mountain high)
Always (Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea)
Always (Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream)
Did you know that true love asks for nothing
Her acceptance is the way we pay
Did you know that life has given love a guarantee
To last through forever and another day
Just as time knew to move on since the beginning
And the seasons know exactly when to change
Just as kindness knows no shame
Know through all your joy and pain
That I'll be loving you always
As today I know I'm living, but tomorrow
Could make me the past, but that I mustn't fear
For I'll know deep in my mind
The love of me I've left behind
'Cause I'll be loving you always
(Until the day is night and night becomes the day)
Always (Until the trees and seas just up and fly away)
Always (Until the day that eight times eight times eight is four)
Always (Until the day that is the day that are no more)
Did you know you're loved by somebody (Until the day the earth starts turnin' right to left)
Always (Until the earth just for the sun denies itself)
I'll be lovin' you forever (Until dear mother nature says her work is through)
Always (Until the day that you are me and I am you)
Always (Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky)
Yeah Until the ocean covers every mountain high)
Always
(Instrumental)
Bridge:
We all know sometimes life hates and troubles
Can make you wish you were born in another time and space
But you can bet your life times that and twice it's double
That God knew exactly where he wanted you to be placed
So make sure when you say you're in it, but not of it
You're not helpin' to make this earth a place sometimes called hell
Change your words into truths and then change that truth into love
And maybe our children's grandchildren and their great grandchildren will tell
I'll be loving you Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky
Loving you Until the ocean covers every mountain high
Loving you Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea
Loving you Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream
Be loving you Until the day is night and night becomes the day
Loving you Until the trees and seas up, up and fly away
Loving you Until the day that eight times eight times eight is four
Loving you Until the day that is the day that are no more
Loving you Until the day the earth starts turning right to left
Be loving you Until the earth just for the sun denies itself
Loving you Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through
Loving you Until the day that you are me and I am you
Now ain't that loving you (Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky)
Ain't that loving you (Until the ocean covers every mountain high)
And I've got to say always (Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea)
Always (Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream)
Always (Until the day is night and night becomes the day)
Always (Until the trees and sea just up and fly away)
Always (Until the day that eight times eight times eight is four)
Always (Until the day that is the day that are no more)
Always (Until the day the earth starts turning right to left)
Always (Until the earth just for the sun denies itself)
Always (Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through)
Always (Until the day that you are me and I am you)
Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky
Until the ocean covers every mountain high
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream
Until the day is night and night becomes the day
Until the trees and sea just up and fly away
Until the day that eight times eight times eight is four
Until the day that is the day that are no more
Until the day the earth starts turning right to left
Until the earth just for the sun denies itself
Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through
Until the day that you are me and I am you
--As (I'll Be Loving You Always) (1976)
Stevie Wonder
To the Author of Life
Today's Word:
Acts 18:23-28 (Paul in Galatia; Priscilla and Aquila set Apollos straight in Ephesus)
Psalm 47:2-10 (The Most High God is King over all the earth)
John 16:23-28 ("Whatever you ask the Father in my name He will give you")
Business has picked up and the general lack of movement in the daily readings has held me back from posting. I am just about at the end of the season and the series, so this is not surprising.
I am not through yet. A spiritual journey is a life-long one, so I know I'm far from done with this. It will become less of a daily thing and more of a weekly one or whenever the Spirit motivates me.
I have noted that the daily passages have been following the advance of the early Church in the book of Acts; and that the gospel readings have been exclusively from John; a semi-continuous reading of chapter 15 two weeks ago, chapter 16 this week, and chapter 17 next week.
This may not be new to anyone, but through this semi-continuous reading I made the following connections:
After the visualization of the Vine and the branches, Chapter 15 is devoted to a treatise on divine, or agape love, and the commandment to love one another as brothers (phileos); not just among the disciples but extending to all. Chapter 16 brings up the subject of the ultimate cost of discipleship - as well as the cost incurred should one decide against it. Chapter 17 is Jesus' prayer of consecration of the apostles, as well as his personal benediction before his passion and death. All of it is as powerful as it is verbose. What I mean to say is, once one gets past John's well used ability to turn a phrase, and can listen while reading, the deeper message is found and sinks in.
I am very thankful for all that has come about this season. Not all I received has been easy to hear or accept. I know it was better received, accepted, and understood than it's ever been. For this to continue, to make this work for the benefit of as many as possible, it is mine to continue to express thoughts, probe, clarify, and discern; and ultimately, to love; to act and to 'do the right thing.' This is what we were created for!
Empty Hands held high
Such Small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight
May the word I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to you
Chorus:
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign your name
To the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
Lord, I give my life
A living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be your hands and feet
So may the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to you
(Chorus)
Hallelujah, Hallelujah,
Let my lifesong sing to You
(Chorus)
--Lifesong (2005)
Mark Hall, Casting Crowns
Acts 18:23-28 (Paul in Galatia; Priscilla and Aquila set Apollos straight in Ephesus)
Psalm 47:2-10 (The Most High God is King over all the earth)
John 16:23-28 ("Whatever you ask the Father in my name He will give you")
Business has picked up and the general lack of movement in the daily readings has held me back from posting. I am just about at the end of the season and the series, so this is not surprising.
I am not through yet. A spiritual journey is a life-long one, so I know I'm far from done with this. It will become less of a daily thing and more of a weekly one or whenever the Spirit motivates me.
I have noted that the daily passages have been following the advance of the early Church in the book of Acts; and that the gospel readings have been exclusively from John; a semi-continuous reading of chapter 15 two weeks ago, chapter 16 this week, and chapter 17 next week.
This may not be new to anyone, but through this semi-continuous reading I made the following connections:
After the visualization of the Vine and the branches, Chapter 15 is devoted to a treatise on divine, or agape love, and the commandment to love one another as brothers (phileos); not just among the disciples but extending to all. Chapter 16 brings up the subject of the ultimate cost of discipleship - as well as the cost incurred should one decide against it. Chapter 17 is Jesus' prayer of consecration of the apostles, as well as his personal benediction before his passion and death. All of it is as powerful as it is verbose. What I mean to say is, once one gets past John's well used ability to turn a phrase, and can listen while reading, the deeper message is found and sinks in.
I am very thankful for all that has come about this season. Not all I received has been easy to hear or accept. I know it was better received, accepted, and understood than it's ever been. For this to continue, to make this work for the benefit of as many as possible, it is mine to continue to express thoughts, probe, clarify, and discern; and ultimately, to love; to act and to 'do the right thing.' This is what we were created for!
Empty Hands held high
Such Small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight
May the word I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to you
Chorus:
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign your name
To the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
Lord, I give my life
A living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be your hands and feet
So may the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to you
(Chorus)
Hallelujah, Hallelujah,
Let my lifesong sing to You
(Chorus)
--Lifesong (2005)
Mark Hall, Casting Crowns
Monday, May 18, 2009
"I Told You So"
Today's Word:
Acts 16:11-15 (Paul reaches Philippi, converts Lydia)
Psalm 149:1-6, 9 (The Lord takes delight in his people)
John 15:26 - 16:4 ("The hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God")
Hmm...
I beg your pardon...
I never promised you a rose garden...
Well, not here, anyway.
Accepting the creation story in Genesis, humanity was given a garden, and in the evolution of man, somehow managed to give it away. When God discovers Adam and Eve hiding in their shame, the stage is set for the rest of the intrigue and unrest that permeates the Bible.
Not so long ago I wrote in my personal journal (upon a suggestion and after some discernment) that one of the undercurrents running throughout the Bible is the theme of dissatisfaction. Adam and Eve are suddenly unsatisfied with what God has given them when the serpent tempts them, saying that they would become gods themselves. The Israelites led by Moses are constantly complaining during their sojourn in the desert. Later, they want a king. And when a True King shows up in the person of Jesus, they're not satisfied with him.
Then there's Jesus himself. In the Gospel of Mark Jesus is portrayed consistently bringing up his disciples' lack of faith. In various places in the Gospels he challenges the perceived ideal. He says he's come not to unite, but to divide. And here, as he prepares to consummate the mission for which he came, he reminds his disciples that when they suffer similar trials and fates in the years to come: "Well, I told you so!"
They said this path that leads to heaven
Will not be the easy way...
And it's not. There are days when the road is as much under construction and as seemingly intraversable as it will be getting across the Fox River this summer from my part of suburbia. It's inconvenient, time consuming, and unstimulating. It draws us away from the capacity we have for love. Maybe that's part of why so many just give up.
Along the spiritual path, some of the most frustrating things come about that have all the appearances of bearing God's approval. What's worse is when these work for some and not for others. Could this, though, be an indicator of the depth of personal relationship God wants to have with us? I can't be sure, but I hope so. Temptations can be rejected.
True, Jesus did not promise us a rose garden. He said we'd always have to deal with the poor and marginalized. He wondered if he would find any faith on earth when he returned. And he said we'd have to bear up our crosses and challenges to follow him. But he also promised eternal life. He promised his presence would remain long after his physical body was gone. And he promised an Advocate, the Spirit of Truth whose work would not end until the time appointed by God.
So far, there's nothing to suggest that any of Jesus' promises hasn't been kept.
Acts 16:11-15 (Paul reaches Philippi, converts Lydia)
Psalm 149:1-6, 9 (The Lord takes delight in his people)
John 15:26 - 16:4 ("The hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God")
Hmm...
I beg your pardon...
I never promised you a rose garden...
Well, not here, anyway.
Accepting the creation story in Genesis, humanity was given a garden, and in the evolution of man, somehow managed to give it away. When God discovers Adam and Eve hiding in their shame, the stage is set for the rest of the intrigue and unrest that permeates the Bible.
Not so long ago I wrote in my personal journal (upon a suggestion and after some discernment) that one of the undercurrents running throughout the Bible is the theme of dissatisfaction. Adam and Eve are suddenly unsatisfied with what God has given them when the serpent tempts them, saying that they would become gods themselves. The Israelites led by Moses are constantly complaining during their sojourn in the desert. Later, they want a king. And when a True King shows up in the person of Jesus, they're not satisfied with him.
Then there's Jesus himself. In the Gospel of Mark Jesus is portrayed consistently bringing up his disciples' lack of faith. In various places in the Gospels he challenges the perceived ideal. He says he's come not to unite, but to divide. And here, as he prepares to consummate the mission for which he came, he reminds his disciples that when they suffer similar trials and fates in the years to come: "Well, I told you so!"
They said this path that leads to heaven
Will not be the easy way...
And it's not. There are days when the road is as much under construction and as seemingly intraversable as it will be getting across the Fox River this summer from my part of suburbia. It's inconvenient, time consuming, and unstimulating. It draws us away from the capacity we have for love. Maybe that's part of why so many just give up.
Along the spiritual path, some of the most frustrating things come about that have all the appearances of bearing God's approval. What's worse is when these work for some and not for others. Could this, though, be an indicator of the depth of personal relationship God wants to have with us? I can't be sure, but I hope so. Temptations can be rejected.
True, Jesus did not promise us a rose garden. He said we'd always have to deal with the poor and marginalized. He wondered if he would find any faith on earth when he returned. And he said we'd have to bear up our crosses and challenges to follow him. But he also promised eternal life. He promised his presence would remain long after his physical body was gone. And he promised an Advocate, the Spirit of Truth whose work would not end until the time appointed by God.
So far, there's nothing to suggest that any of Jesus' promises hasn't been kept.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Where to Go from Here?
The Sixth Sunday of Easter
(May 16-17)
Today's Word:
Acts 10:25-48 (Peter and Cornelius: "God shows no partiality...in every nation, whoever fears God and acts in righteousness is acceptable to him")
Psalm 98:1-4 (The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power)
1 John 4:7-10 (Let us love one another, as love is of God)
John 15:9-17 ("As the Father loves me, so I also love you")
(May 16-17)
Today's Word:
Acts 10:25-48 (Peter and Cornelius: "God shows no partiality...in every nation, whoever fears God and acts in righteousness is acceptable to him")
Psalm 98:1-4 (The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power)
1 John 4:7-10 (Let us love one another, as love is of God)
John 15:9-17 ("As the Father loves me, so I also love you")
Also:
Philippians 3:1-11 (Paul of Tarsus: "All the things I once thought were so important are now gone from my life")
Okay, I blew it. I stumbled. I ran out of concepts. I ran out of my past. I was uncertain about what to say about the future, as I am not one given to speculation.
The Catholic lectionary has sputtered a bit; dwelling on John 15 for four days straight. Yes, it's an important one. From it are drawn a couple of great contemporary songs - Michael W. Smith's Friends (Are Friends Forever) and Israel Houghton's I Am A Friend of God. In The Great Adventure, Steven Curtis Chapman writes: The love of God will take us far beyond our wildest dreams. And it does; it really does.
Having said this, though, reality slapped me in the face last week as I recommitted myself to the ideals of the vows I took upon ordination. Of late, I have come to understand the nature of my son's autism; how it is possible he was stricken by it and how all three of us have struggled to understand and overcome it. I asked: If (my son) has trouble dealing with the barrage of stimuli before him, how can he relate to God, whom he cannot see?
Perhaps my son is teaching me here. He's been rather resilient through all of this. His joys continually outweigh his suffering. He may experience God in such a way that exudes his resilience.
I also see in my son an aspect to the depth of God's love. He is a warm and outgoing person, and would hug anyone and everyone if given the opportunity. To attempt to explain to him that not everyone is comfortable anticipates the words of Jesus hitting me through my son's sparkling eyes, saying: And just what is wrong with wanting to share my joy so openly and freely?
The first accomplishment of the early church was to break out of being a subset of Judaism. It took courage for Peter to admit being human and yet yield to a higher authority through guidance by the Holy Spirit. Paul of Tarsus was an orthodox Jew before his conversion, yet by the time he wrote to the church he helped establish in Caesarea Philippi he had come to this realization:
"Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn't want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God's righteousness." (Philippians 3:8-9, The Message by Eugene H. Peterson)
Breaking away from keeping a list of rules. That seems to be the way things are running for me. Bearing witness to Christ, rather than being open and free, had somehow become locked in a set of well-meaning rules. At the time of Christ, the "Law" of which he spoke had no less than 613 specific edicts. All of them in some way were derivatives of the Ten Commandments. Jesus comes along and says that the whole of the Law and the exhortations of the prophets before him boiled down to two commandments: Love God above all things, and love your neighbor as yourself. In John 15 and in his first epistle, this is boiled down to three words: Love one another.
Love is what matters, it is what lasts. Paul of Tarsus wrote that it is the greatest of the three things that last, coupled with faith and hope. It is only in these three virtues, with the emphasis on love, that answers are found; solutions are implemented; obstacles are overcome. How that love is expressed? That is where we're left to our own ingenuity and decisions. At this point the manner of expression is as individual as the fingerprints on our hands.
"My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn't know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can't know him if you don't love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to clear away the damage done to our relationship with God." (1 John 4:7-10, The Message)
Love conquered all. Love conquers all. And Love will conquer all that we do to divide and separate us.
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