Posts

Showing posts from 2011

As Linus Was Saying ...

One of the great moments in Yuletide storytelling occurs in "A Charlie Brown Christmas." When asked what the Christmas story was all about, Linus offered the following from Luke: In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Are We There Yet?

Anybody who has ever traveled with a child (or been a child who has traveled) is familiar with that most insistent, expectant, hope-laden question: Are we there yet? Those simple, eager, sometimes desperate words are filled with anticipation, yearning, desire. All too often, the answer is "no." And when the query has been made multiple times, the "no" may be curt, sharp, lacking in warmth. Happily, none of that will be going on today. As we complete our Advent journey, and ask the question, "Are we there yet?" the answer is a joyful "just about" -- if we're thinking of tonight's candlelight services and tomorrow's festivities (and service!). But if we're thinking about something more elemental - God's presence -- then the answer is "Yes!" We're in God's presence, indeed, we've been there all along, because God, motivated by and defining love, came searching us out, each of us and all of u

Almost

We're almost there ... almost at Christmas. So let's enjoy our final moments of Advent. The hour may be late, but this last full day of the season of preparation has yet to come to a close. If you have a chance, take a moment and sit quietly. Reflect on your Advent journey, on how God has been in present in your life, on what it means to embark on a voyage of spiritual discovery with Emmanuel. Then, when you are done, give thanks to our Creator for not only inviting us on this journey but for being our steadfast companion, in good times and bad.

Bonsai

This morning I paid a visit to the dentist. And while I was in an office just a few steps from the green in downtown Lebanon, I also found myself on the Upper West Side, in the waiting room of Dr. Hiram Angfang, the family dentist. It was never clear to me why we went to Manhattan to have our teeth checked and cleaned, but I didn't mind. Rides on the subway, a trip for pizza after the appointment (my dad always led these expeditions), an excursion down to Times Square in all of its squalid 1970s glory beckoned. Throw in piles of Highlights for Children and colorful fish in the aquarium and one had an always satisfying experience. But if you asked me to recall just one thing about Dr. Angfang's office all these years later, it would be the bonsai tree. Small, delicate, beautiful, and resilient, the little tree held pride of place in the waiting area. For a kid, that Bonsai was magical - trees were supposed to be, well, big. And this one was most definitely

Darkness

How appropros today's forecast is: cloudy, cold, with a 100% of rain this afternoon. This weather is just what's needed on the shortest day of the year; not only will we enjoy more darkness than on any other day of the year, the elements will join in the effort to dampen our spirits. Woo hoo. Of course, there is an upside to all this: Tomorrow there will be more daylight than there is today. The skies will be clear. Things will be better. My weather app tells me so and I believe it, even though almost three decades of New England living tell me to take any prediction involving weather with a grain of salt. Still, I'm optimistic, I have faith. And what is faith? In Hebrews 11 we are told that "faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Faith is what animates our longing, our yearning, our anticipation for Emmanuel, the Christ-child, who was promised to us long ago. Each of us desires to experience love inca

Emmanuel

Today I'd like to extend an invitation. Set aside a few moments, find a quiet place, then sing aloud (or read in silence) "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." After doing this, meditate on and pray about your desire to encounter the one who comes to you and me and the world, God-with-us. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Pilgrim Hymnal 110 O come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, Thou Wisdom from on high, And order all things, far and nigh; To us the path of knowledge show, And cause us in her ways to go. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come,

Kings

The news arrived yesterday of the death of two political figures: Kim Il Sung and Vaclav Havel. The former was an odious tyrant who oppressed and exploited his people, the latter a man who embodied his nation's yearning for freedom. About as far apart as two leaders can be in values, temperament, and priorities, and legitimacy, they did share in common one thing: their mortality. Even at the pinnacle of power, their reach was limited, their influence finite. Their finitude stands in contrast to that of the king whose arrival we anticipate at the end of this week: the ruler who appears as an infant, the one who assumes a throne to serve, the monarch who equates power with service.

Home Stretch

If you've ever run a race, you're familiar with the home stretch. You've run almost the whole distance, but that last bit needs to be covered before the finish line is crossed. I always found myself focused in those moments and always wanted to go out strong, inevitably finding some well of energy on which I could draw so I could end on a strong note. As a result, I always found myself able to be fully present in the final stages of a race, whether it was a 5K or half marathon. In many ways, it was when I felt most attuned to what was going on. We're in the home stretch of Advent and Christmas is just over the horizon. I hope that each of us can be fully present to this season of anticipation and preparation over the next few days. If we are, crossing the finish line -- arriving at the manger in Bethlehem -- will be that much more enlivening and fulfilling.

Shift

Can you feel the impending change? Today is the final day of the last full week of Advent; tomorrow we'll begin the run up to Christmas. This afternoon offers a respite, a chance to catch our breath, to take a moment to think about John's proclamation of who he was (I am the voice) and the One he was heralding (He who is speaking a word of hope, grace, salvation). I hope you'll find a time to sit or walk, pray or think, a time in which you'll be able to step back and marvel at the journey on which God has been leading us this Advent season and throughout our lives.

Raffie and Richie

This morning I was in Cambridge and, having some time before a meeting, I stopped in at one of my old breakfast haunts from my Div School days. The last time I was there, I weighed a good 50 pounds more than I do today. When I went in, I took a stool at the counter, and was given a menu like anybody walking in off the street. But after a little while, Raffie and Richie, the short order cooks, having exchanged some knowing glances and sotte voce comments, both looked me in the eye, smiled and said it was good to see me. They readily, and a bit sheepishly, confessed they didn't recognize at me first; I told them I wasn't surprise given the passage of time and my weight loss. We talked a bit, I enjoyed my breakfast, and off I went to my next engagement. I think my experience this morning offers a glimpse of what it's like to wander into God's presence, especially during Advent. No matter how much time has passed, nor how much we've changed, God will a

Rain

With apologies to Raymond Chandler, today's weather is the stuff the blues are made of. The skies are a leaden gray, the intermittent rain cold and unwanted. All I want to do is say, "blah." "Blah." I've done it. Do I feel better? Not so much. Which suggests another tack might be in order. Looking at the sky again, I recall the imagery from Luke of angels bursting forth through the sky, breaking into our world to announce the birth of the Christ child. Advent, the time of waiting, is a moment to remember that something different, something grander is coming. That's not just an empty statement; it's the truth. And we know this is the case because what's to come is promised by our faithful God -- who has already made good on his commitment to us. So, "Blah?'' Not on your life. How about "Wow!"

Priorities

A glance at my desk diary told me I didn't have the time. Meetings. Sermon prep. Christmas services. Etc. Etc. Etc. But the advice from a fellow parent to attend the Advent singing that begins the day at Chip's school was compelling. So this morning I drove to Quechee and slipped into the auditorium with Chip. The kids entered the room, spiraling around the candles with the oldest on the outside, the youngest at the center. Songs ensued, some quiet, some boisterous, all geared to Advent, culminating with Dona Nobis Pacem. It was a joy and blessing to be present. For while the rest of my day may be a bit more crowded and hectic, the time amidst those young singers grounded me for the day ahead, reminding me of my priorities this Advent season: to slow down and be present in God's moment.

Gratitude

'Tis the season of gift giving, we are told. Repeatedly. Endlessly. Ad nauseum. That perfect something -- whether it's a widget from the hardware store or a diamond from Tiffany's -- is just waiting to be placed in the hands of that someone special in your life (Your beloved? Your mom? You, perhaps?). And with all of this come the all-too-familiar cries of rampant consumerism, of how we've lost sight of the "reason for the season" as the corny phrase has it. So what to do? Throttle back on the shopping? Sure. Give things that show thoughtfulness rather than spending capacity? Definitely. But here's an additional idea: look at the seasonal gift giving frenzy as an opportunity to practice gratitude. Every time you get something, even that family fruitcake or those neon purple socks, say thank you. Like you mean it. Then reflect on other things in your life for which you wish to give thanks, especially God's grace and love made kno

Crystal Clear

The sun is shining bright, the sky's a crisp blue, and everything is sharp: a picture postcard-quality December day. The light is the kind that makes the heart soar and the spirit sing as all is brought into sharp relief. Bringing things into sharp relief: that's what Advent can do for our perspective, too. We prepare ourselves for the arrival of the One who illuminates the Way, who, through word, action, miracle, example, shows us what we need to know to lead lives of clarity, purpose, and grace. Look around, enjoy the view, and give thanks for what God is showing you, me, us, this day.

Welcome

During Advent, we prepare to welcome the infant Jesus into the world and into our lives. But as we do this, we should ready ourselves to not only welcome but to be welcomed. The Christ child, after all, came to usher in God's Kingdom, to signal to each of us, whether we were born in a manger or a palace or some place in between, that there is a place in God's new community of love, grace, and hope for everyone. So as we welcome Jesus, let us always remember that he welcomed us first.

Rest

Today is Saturday, the day of rest, the Sabbath, according to Genesis and is still recognized and celebrated as such by Judaism. This was originally the Christian day of rest, too, but for a variety of reasons theological, ecclesiastical, and competitive, the early church moved the Sabbath to Sunday. Advent strikes me as a great time to break out of our routines, including the one that assigns a specific day to rest and by implication suggests resting on the other days is somehow inappropriate. Resting isn't lazing about or being idle, it's a time to take stock, to reflect on God's good creation, on the kingdom that is breaking into the world. Please join me today -- and on all the other days with and without the word "sun" in them --- in finding time to rest, give thanks and praise, and thus prepare ourselves to welcome God into our lives.

Shaking Things Up

If you have a moment, take a peek at Sunday's reading from John's Gospel (John 1:6-8, 19-28). It's clear that the rabble rouser has come to town, ready to shake things up. But John's not stirring up trouble just because he's a rebel. Instead, he's trying to clear a path for Jesus. During this season of preparation, we're called to do the same, to shake things up, to stir the pot. We may focus on our community -- or we make turn our attention inward. Either way, by rocking the proverbial boat, we're readying ourselves for the arrival of Jesus and the transforming love and grace he offers. So don't just sit there -- shake things up!

Surprised by Snow

The forecast tipped me off days ago about the potential for wintry weather. The weatherman prepped me for 4 to 8 inches of snow -- and thus all the inconveniences that might ensue: hazardous driving, school delays or closures, lots of shoveling. I prepared myself. And then ... A crusty, light snow. Decorative, really. Easy to remove and navigate. Everyone was off to school and work on time. So, another Advent surprise and reminder: we so easily allow ourselves to be consumed by fear, doubt, worries, the things that can go wrong. But when we let this happen, we risk missing the small joys, the little reminders of God's love all around us. We read in the Gospels that we are not to worry, that God is in charge. Advent is a time to step back, slow down, and wait -- wait for God's design for creation and for our lives to unfold. As we do this, I pray that each of us is surprised -- by joy, by grace, even by snow.

Too Much to Do, Too Little Time

It's been one of those days (again) where one meeting leads to another that leads to a lunch that leads to a ... You get the picture. It's all been good, worthwhile, and fulfilling. But there's been barely a moment to catch my breath. Which, oddly enough, may be a good thing. Why? Because it's a reminder that time for reflection is something we can't take for granted. Schedules, demands on our time, preoccupations, distractions can all keep us from slowing down. Yet if we're not intentional, if we don't take the time to be present in and for Advent, we risk losing sight of the sacred, the holy breaking into our world. God is coming to us -- but God may not do so with fanfare. Instead, like the thief in the night, he may be stealthy, quiet, and, if we're not paying attention, we may never even notice he's arrived!

Children

Today is the feast day of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children and the inspiration for Santa Claus. In this season when we hear lots about the wonders and magic of childhood but see marketing machines treat our little ones as consumers and read in the sports pages of awful things being done to kids by those they trust and respect, it's important to pause and give thanks for and pray for the children in our midst. They are a blessing, a responsibility, a joy, a challenge. And it was in the form of one that God came to us. In this season when we are encouraged to give, let's give the gift of love and caring to our young ones, whether they're the kids in our own or boys and girls on the far side of the world.

Never Too Late

My day began early - very early as I had a board meeting in Boston and wanted to avoid sitting in morning rush hour traffic on Route 92 -- and never quite seemed to slow down. Now, though, I have a chance to reflect, to pause, to catch my breath. While late evening is a time to be tired, it's also a time when our defenses can be down and distractions put aside, enabling us to open ourselves in new ways to the Holy Spirit, which sometimes approaches us gently, subtly, even stealthily. I pray that during this Advent season you will be graced with evening moments when you can set aside your cares, your worries, your schedule, and lose yourself in the quiet, stillness of the hour. Because when you do lose yourself you way you will be blessed by what you find ...

Music

It's the second Sunday of Advent and millions of churchgoers around the world will be sitting in their pews grumbling, "Why can't we just skip to the Christmas carols already?" I'm sympathetic to these impulses -- the music of Christmas often has primal associations for us, evoking hopes, dreams, memories, aspirations. But while it may not all be as singable, the music of Advent can stir deep emotions -- and satisfy the singer -- too. Whether it's the grand "Lo! He comes with clouds descending," the gentle "Of the Father's Love Begotten," the thumping "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry," or the intimately familiar "O come, O come, Emmanuel," there's something for everyone. So, enjoy the moment. Be present in Advent. Sing the music of the season with joy and gratitude. You'll be glad you did. And, when Christmas comes around, those carols will be enjoyed that much more!

Seeking

We talk about waiting during Advent: we wait for Christmas, we wait for the Christ child. But waiting need not mean being idle. It need involve sitting on our hands and doing nothing. It should be a synonym for passivity in our spiritual lives. As we wait for the Christ child, as we prepare for joy incarnate to break into our world, we can seek out God's love -- in those around us, among strangers, in the community, through service, prayer, reading, song, wherever, whenever, we're ready to be be alert. So let's look, listen, wait -- and seek. God comes to us -- and delights in our coming to God.

Coffee

This morning I enjoyed a cup of coffee with a member of our church. We had a chance to catch up on each others' lives, share the latest news about our families, share a few jokes, and, of course, talk church. The time we took from our schedules was a gift, not just because of the company we shared, but because meeting gave each of us a chance to slow down. As I consider this Advent, and reflect on the year that's past, I see that there are more people, in the church and beyond, with whom I would like to have coffee or lunch or whatnot. I write this not out of a sense of guilt, but gratitude and possibility. So, rather than offer a New Year's Resolution, I'm offering an Advent Aspiration: to take more time to enjoy that blessing of the company of the members of my community -- whether it's the one I experience in church or it's the one beyond. Perhaps you'll join me in grabbing a cup of Joe? My treat!

Opening Doors

It's December 1, which means people around the world will begin opening little doors on Advent calendars as they count their way down to Christmas. If one is using a new calendar, one never knows what one will find behind the flap. The door behind which one discovers the unexpected: what a wonderful image to carry through Advent! During this season of waiting and watching, of being alert and awake, we can be surprised in ways large and small as we open ourselves to encounters with God, through prayer, reflection, reading, service and interaction with others. So crack open the door, take a peak at what's behind -- you'll be amazed and blessed by what's awaiting you!

Springtime

Today's bright sunshine and temperatures in the low 50s have me thinking about spring. Walking about this morning, I felt as if a peek at the calendar would reveal a date in mid-April, not late-November. While this may seem odd approaching the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year, it actually strikes me as being spot on during this season of Advent. Spring has long been associated with rebirth -- and what is it we celebrate on Christmas? The birth of the Christ child -- and with the arrival of that infant in a manger, the rebirth and renewal of creation. You see, Advent isn't just about readying ourselves to remember an event from long ago but preparing ourselves to celebrate a new beginning, a new birth, God's new spring, this very day.

Stillness

One of the first things I do each morning is take the dog out to start his day (though at this time of year, "day" seems like a misnomer given how dark it still is at 6:00 am). Today, I was struck by the stillness, of a world that had yet to rouse itself before hurtling forward into whatever lay ahead. The silence provided time to think and reflect and, unbidden, the refrain of "O Come, O Come Emmnuel" presented itself: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come To thee, O Israel! Emmanuel -- Jesus -- is coming. Finding a still place, a silent moment, if even only for a moment, can help us prepare for his arrival.

Looking

Monday. The start of a new week. Some of us have gotten off to a fast start, others are dragging. Calendars for the week ahead may be full to overflowing or they may be achingly empty. Whatever the pace or tempo of the days ahead, though, we each share th same Advent opportunity: looking for signs of God's love breaking into our world. I hope you will join me in taking a few minutes each day of this Advent season to look for, and then reflect upon, these signs.

What Are You Waiting For?

What Are You Waiting For? Today's Gospel reading, from Mark 13, has been dubbed the "Little Apocalypse" by biblical scholars -- and with good reason. Jesus speaks of the world upended, of a cosmos transformed. This is most surely NOT the stuff of our secular Holiday Season, when we are encouraged to believe our biggest concern is which box store we should visit at 4 am for an extra 10% discount on that thing we really, desperately, achingly "need". No, Mark's Gospel points us to something bigger, something more unsettling -- and ultimately far more rewarding: God's new creation--right here, right now. Love incarnate is coming, but we need to be ready to accept it into our lives. Hence, the season of Advent, when we ready ourselves for the arrival of the Christ Child. What are you -- what am I -- waiting for? A bargain? Or a new way of living? Advent invites us to the latter. Let's accept the invitation!

Stop the Yuletide Madness!

"Felize Navidad," move over. Justin Bieber's singing "Little Drummer Boy." I kid you not. I don't make this stuff up. Really. Just four seconds of the hour's musical wunderkind singing "Little Drummer Boy" this morning made me desperately long for the morning of December 25 and the return to regular programming on the radio. Of course, this may be a sign from above, offering us yet another reason for us to reclaim Advent from the wider culture!

Who Would Jesus Waterboard?

For almost four weeks my muse has gone missing. Thanks to the GOP presidential contenders, she is back, full-throated. So, why the sudden chattiness? Well, chalk it up to the quesiton from a viewer to Herman Cain: do you support the use of torture. Mr. Cain replied "no." But then he added a "however" -- he's for the use of "enhanced interrogation techniques," including waterboarding. So, too, were others on stage including Michelle Bachmann and Rick Perry. I single these three out, though, for a particular reason. Cain, Bachmann, and Perry have all made big stinks about their Christian faith. I didn't need to spend three years at HDS to find myself wondering how one squares fidelity to the teachings of Jesus with the approval of "enhanced interrogation techniques." Do any of these people honestly think Jesus would be okay with waterboarding? Do they really? If they do, I'd love to hear them offer an explanation because I jus

And Now A Word From Our Underwriters ...

Living here in the Upper Valley, I have the distinct privilege of being able to turn on my radio and enjoy not one but two public radio begathons. And, thanks to the miracle of the internet, if the blandishments of VPR and NHPR aren't enough, I can encounter the virtual tin cup proffered by WQXR in New York. Now don't get me wrong: I understand the need to raise money to pay the bills. And I know government funding provides only a small portion of any public radio station's budget. But it just seems to go and on. And on. Even after I pledge. Is there any way I can get it to end? Or, at least, be so brazen about getting people to pledge gifts or time during church over the next month? (Just imagine, a pitch, after every hymn and prayer. Yep. The seventh circle of Hell ...)

God in the Grocery Store

This morning I ran into a parishioner in the grocery store. We talked about recent developments in her life and with her family. I've done this with her before. And, I've had other moments with members of our church in this store. Sometimes it's early in the morning, other times a few minutes before closing. Sometimes our exchanges are lighthearted, other times they involve intense conversations. Always, though, I feel the presence of God. What about you? Do you ever have ministry moments at the store? Maybe at the gym? Your favorite coffee shop? If so, I'd love to hear about them.

Looking back, looking ahead

Alas, nothing profound today (but hopefully interesting!). The workmen have started erecting the scaffolding around our bell tower and on the roof as part of this fall's shingling and painting project at the First Congregational Church of Lebanon. Last week they used a giant cherry picker to gain access to the top of the meetinghouse. In the early 19th century, or "the olden days" as my son likes to refer to the past, oxen and very long ramps stretching to the town green were used to get the bell into place. Today we'd just park a crane next to the building and hoist the bell. Modern construction and preservation technology greatly eases caring for a legacy property like FCC; using modern tools we've been able to peak into (and behind) corners, measure the potential impact of vibrations from construction on ceilings and trusses, and grapple with issues that would not have occurred to those who build the place in the early 1800s (lead paint, anyone?). All this

Troy Davis

Last night the State of Georgia executed Troy Davis, who had been convicted of killing Mark MacPhail, a Savannah police officer, despite a multitude of questions surrounding both evidence presented and evidence not presented in the case. Davis' execution is but the latest instance in which the death penalty has been applied even though there were reasonable doubts regarding the person to be executed was actually guilty. Statistical and anecdotal evidence suggesting innocent people are being put to death by the state has given rise to debate as to whether, under these circumstances, the death penalty should be used or set aside. This is all well and good and needs to be explored. But I believe that Christians have an obligation to take this discussion one step further: should the state be in the business of killing criminals at all? Strip away talk of "ultimate sanctions" (a bloodless euphemism for execution) and "deterrence" (there's no evidence that the

Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Look Back

It's been 24 hours since the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law passed into history and the Republic still seems safe. Discrimination never does our nation proud and I'm glad that we've closed the book on this long, pointless, harmful chapter in our history (did it ever make sense while we were at war in Iraq to be dismissing Arabic-language specialists when we were suffering, and still are, from a shortage of personnel with this kind of expertise?). Given the ultimate purpose of the military is to defend the nation and, let's be honest, if necessary, kill the enemy, who you love seems completely irrelevant to pulling the proverbial trigger. The UK and Israel, countries with armed forces that have repeatedly proven themselves in combat, have long allowed gays and lesbians to serve in the ranks without any adverse effects. I have no doubt that this will be true of our armed forces, too. In an era when we're fighting two unpopular wars, pay is lagging, a

My Pal Richard Dawkins

The New York Times ran a profile of evolutionary biologist and uber-atheist Richard Dawkins in this morning's Science Times section. Prof. Dawkins, an Oxford don, knows a lot about biology and is a brilliant scientist, but knows squat about religion; his rants against God show an understanding of religion and theology that are as simplistic (and, dare I say, simple-minded) as the approach to science shown by a number of religious and political figures on the right. None of this is news, really. But it is puzzling. Why does somebody like Dawkins abandon any sense of intellectual nuance when discussing something of which he disapproves? Surely he can do better than his standard "religion is the source of all evil" schtick (especially since it was religion, of the Roman Catholic variety to be exact, that invented the enterprise of which he is currently a part). Today's story makes me wish there were compelling religious figures who could command the same level of pres

John Calvin, Zombie Slayer

A couple of years ago, a book titled Pride and Prejudice and Zombies was published, launching an unexpected but highly popular (not to mention very lucrative) genre in which literature and the undead were mashed together. The success of PPZ inspired Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Slayer (I kid you not). Given my interest in pop culture and my ecclesiastical responsibilities it seems to me that church history could prove a fertile field for this kind of book (Puritans v. Witches? A natural!). I'm thinking I could start off with John Calvin, Zombie Slayer ... though Zwingli, Zombie Zapper is awesomely alliterative...

9/11

Ten years on, and the wounds are still so raw for some. For others, the event seems to have faded into the background. As I reflect on the past decade, what I feel most is sadness, especially about what could have been. Do you remember the sense of unity, of purpose we experienced as a nation in the immediate aftermath of the attacks? During those September days, it seemed that great good could come out of our pain, that, to use church-talk, we could experience resurrection. It wasn't to be, though. Instead we chose to travel another path. But maybe someday it could be, can be. We can always opt for the Way of Jesus. On this 9/11 anniversary, it's clear to me that if there's anything the institutional church should be focused on it's not worrying about survival or focusing on relevance but finding a way to turn those intimations of the kingdom of God that we glimpsed into a reality for all people.

Go to Hell!

Boy, am I looking forward to using that as a sermon title later this fall! But, seriously, what are we to make of hell? Rob Bell's book "Love Wins" has stirred up a lot of controversy in evangelical circles for questioning the view of hell that has prevailed in so many quarters of the faith for so long. This is a good thing. People should be talking about - and questioning - core concepts like the afterlife. It's part of being a Christian, after all. (Ever notice how Jesus loved to ask questions?) One reader of this post asked if I had other books to recommend. Two I'd suggest: The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis (the best conception of hell I've encountered) and N.T. Wright's Simply Christian, which does a great job of exploring the basics of the faith and then tackles what that means for how we live our common life as members of the church.

Back. Again.

In case anyone's been wondering, I last posted an entry in April. That's right. April. Surely this has earned me a place in Blogger Hell. Blogger Hell. Surely you know it? In case you don't, it's the place where the only other posters are people seeking financial assistance in securing legacies from Nigerian dictators ("Provide me, dearly beloved sir, your social security and credit card numbers and I promise, really, truly, honestly, that I'll share my $45,000,000 inheritance with you) or offering various medications that will, um, enhance certain parts of my life (this is a family blog so, no more will be said). Is there a way out of this place, this seventh circle of Internet perdition you wonder? Honestly, I don't know. But if there is, I'm assuming it involves doing a better job of updating this blog. And speaking of hell, if you haven't read Rob Bell's book "Love Wins," I recommend you do. It's a quick but substantive r

Aftermath ... and Prologue

It’s been wet and raw today in the Upper Valley. The thermometer reported a temperature of 36 degrees. Some cars have sported snow on their hoods. A gray day makes it hard to believe that Easter is tomorrow. The idea of new life, of a spiritual spring must have seemed similarly distant to the friends, disciples, and family of Jesus the day after his crucifixion. True, new relationships were already being formed: Mary and the Beloved Disciple would be there to support each other as Jesus has encouraged from the cross. But the reality that everything would be changed beyond recognition, that death had not had the last word, was still not evident. It’s hard to put ourselves in the proverbial shoes of those first followers of Jesus but it’s worth trying. In doing so, we can open ourselves to the full power of what we will celebrate tomorrow. So, try to be fully present in this day of reflecting on what Jesus has meant in your life, of mourning the crucifixion

Seven

The Seven Last Words The First Word: Father, forgive them Luke 23.32-34 32 Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus * there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. ( 34 Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’) * And they cast lots to divide his clothing. The Second Word: With me in paradise Luke 23.39-43 39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding * him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? * Save yourself and us!’ 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ 42 Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into * your kingdom.’ 43 He replied, ‘Truly I tell you

Who's On Trial?

Luke 23.1-25 Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus before Pilate. They began to accuse him, saying, ‘We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king.’ Then Pilate asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ He answered, ‘You say so.’ Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, ‘I find no basis for an accusation against this man.’ But they were insistent and said, ‘He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place.’ When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at some length, but Jesus g

Fallible and lovable

Luke 22.54-71 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house. But Peter was following at a distance. When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, ‘This man also was with him.’ But he denied it, saying, ‘Woman, I do not know him.’ A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, ‘You also are one of them.’ But Peter said, ‘Man, I am not!’ Then about an hour later yet another kept insisting, ‘Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.’ But Peter said, ‘Man, I do not know what you are talking about!’ At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly. Now the men who were holding Jesus bega

Rest

A Prayer for Compline Before the ending of the day, Creator of the world, we pray That you, with steadfast love, would keep Your watch around us while we sleep. From evil dreams defend our sight, From fears and terrors of the night; Tread underfoot our deadly foe That we no sinful thought may know. O Father, that we ask be done Through Jesus Christ, your only Son; And Holy Spirit, by whose breath Our souls are raised to life from death. Reflection Compline, the nighttime office of the church, provides a moment of reflection and contemplation at the end of the day. On this Tuesday of Holy Week, after the excitement of Palm Sunday, and before the tumultuous events that we’ll recount beginning on Maundy Thursday, it seems right to take a moment to catch our breath, pause, and prepare ourselves for what is to come. May God, who sanctified rest by creating the Sabbath, watch over you and yours this evening.

Friend or Foe

Luke 22.1-23 Now the festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present. Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, ‘Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.’ They asked him, ‘Where do you want us to make preparations for it?’ ‘Listen,’ he said to them, ‘when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters and say to the owner of

After the Parade

Matthew 21.33-46 ‘Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watch-tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they treated them in the same way. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, “They will respect my son.” But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.” So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?’ They said to him, ‘He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time.’ Jesus sai

Light

John 12.36b-end While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.’ After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. Although he had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in him. This was to fulfil the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah: ‘Lord, who has believed our message, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?’ And so they could not believe, because Isaiah also said, ‘He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they might not look with their eyes, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.’ Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke about him. Nevertheless many, even of the authorities, believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human glory more than the glory that comes from God. Then Jesus cried aloud: ‘Whoever believes in me believ

Sounding Off

John 12.20-36a Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour. ‘Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—“Father, save me from this hour”? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ The crowd standin

Unexpected

John 12.12-19 The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord— the King of Israel!’ Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written: ‘Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!’ His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him. So the crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to testify. It was also because they heard that he had performed this sign that the crowd went to meet him. The Pharisees then said to one another, ‘You see, you can do nothing. Look, the world has gone after him!’ Reflection And so it begins. Not just th

Asking Questions

John 12.1-11 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’ When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus

Fearing the Future

John 11.45-end Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what he had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the council, and said, ‘What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation.’ But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, ‘You know nothing at all! You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed.’ He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but to gather into one the dispersed children of God. So from that day on they planned to put him to death. Jesus therefore no longer walked about openly among