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Showing posts from March, 2012

Coming Soon

The oddest real estate sign went up across the street from the parsonage earlier this week. There's the familiar part advertising the agency and agent. But suspended beneath wasn't the customary "House for Sale" or "Apartment for Rent" -- instead, there was a teaser that announced, "Coming Soon." What's coming soon? A sale of the house? New condos? Jesus? Well, I don't know about the first two, and the real estate people may not have been thinking about the third, but Jesus is indeed coming. Tomorrow we'll recount the way he rode into Jerusalem to the acclaim of the crowd, a crowd that completely misunderstood just what the newly acclaimed king was all about (sort of the way we do, too, all too often). But despite the obtuseness of the citizenry, and their later abandonment of him, Jesus forged ahead, right through to the cross. We'll remember these events in the coming days. And as we moved deeper into Holy Week,

Jackpot

The big yet not consequential news today is the half billion dollar lottery jackpot that has millions of people rushing out to the store to buy a ticket or two or ten in the hope, however slim, that they might win a fortune. For the interested, one can pick up a ticket in one of 42 states or the District of Columbia for a 1 in 176,000,000 chance at winning (according to NPR a math professor has calculated that the odds of being struck by lightning are fifty times greater). So let's say one plays. And one wins. Life would be different, no? No more financial worries. No more bills to pay. Yet there'd still be stress and anxiety and cause for concern: Who to help. What to do about those pesky relations seeking a handout or a new house. Choosing an investment advisor. Setting priorities. Avoiding fights with friends and family. Life might be more materially comfortable, but it would still have the room for plenty of pain, disappointment, and anomie. Which bri

A Spiritual Exercise ...

These past weeks we've spent time talking about repentance and letting go, of dropping grudges and opening our hearts. Perhaps we've made some progress in doing so. Let's find out. Please join me this evening in taking a few minutes to sit down in a quiet place, think of someone who we know who is annoying us or making us angry, and then pray. Pray for that person. Not that he or she will see things our way, or come around, or stop being a twit or jerk or roadblock to whatever it is we want to get done or have our way. Just pray for that person. Pray for his or health, well-being, and spiritual happiness. Pray without reservation; without ifs, ands, or buts. Pray with joy.

Letting Go 2

Visitors to my church study over recent months may have noticed the two tall, ever-growing stacks of books on the coffee table. To me, the table was just another surface on which I could new acquisitions until I figured out how and where to shelve them (oddly enough, that figuring out never seems to occur). A couple of weeks back, a fresh perspective in the person of Rachel walked into my office, took a look at the tower, and suggested that I might want to do something if I wanted people to feel welcome to visit. After all, why have a coffee table if there's no where to put coffee. She was, of course, right. So I began to look at the stacks each day. Staring didn't do much, but it gave me something to mull over. Today, finally, I shuffled the books. And in doing so, I began to move others around. Which ultimately led to me to the conclusion that some would have to go. If you know me, letting go of a book isn't an easy thing for me to do. Still, it had to

No Navel Gazing Allowed ...

Lent is a time for reflection, contemplation, and introspection. And this is all for the good. But as we look into our hearts, we must never forget our call as Christians to do. Jesus makes clear that our vocation is to be one of active service, a way of live involved in helping the poor, the oppressed, the forgotten, the bereaved. Now is the time for us to identify and name those things and attitudes that draw us away from a life grounded in the Gospel and then ask where and when we might better serve God. So, let's not ask that others take care of the world's problems, but that we be inspired to tackle them; let's pass on bemoaning what's gone wrong, and seek inspiration to make things right; let's pray that our reflection is transformed into action.

Let It Go

Something eating at you? Ticked off with somebody? Holding a grudge? Finding it easier to bottle things up inside or talk to other people than the guy or gal who's got your goat? If your answer to any of these questions is "yes" then Lent is the season for you! We talk about this being a time for renewal, reflection, and repentance. But if we are to do these things, we also need to release, we need to let go of the attitudes, certainties, anger, frustrations, animus, you get the picture, that we sometimes lovingly embrace and other times don't even recognize if we are to make space in our heart for the Holy Spirit to work. Admittedly, letting go may not be easy. But consider the alternative: when we don't let go of the things that preclude God's love from inhabiting our lives, we'll find that some pretty dark forces won't let go of us.

Back to Normal ...

It's a gray, rainy, cool morning. After last week's weather, it seems like a veritable cold snap. Yet anyone with a passing familiarity with New England weather knows that today's conditions are normal, even a bit clement, for this time of year. How we see and experience the weather is, of course, a matter of perspective. We can think wistfully of the glory days of last week, grouse at the chill with which we begin the week. Or we can give thanks for some desperately needed precipitation, and anticipate the warmer weather that we know will surely come in the weeks ahead. Perspective, we know, is part of what Lent helps us achieve. Taking a step back, taking stock, allows us to see with fresh eyes our condition, our relationships, our walk with God. May this rainy day be one in which each of us is granted a new way of seeing God's Creation, God's work in the world, and God's hopes and desires for each of us.

Transitions

Tomorrow is the fifth Sunday of Lent. With it, the last full regular week of this liturgical season formally begins. But for me, today is in many ways the end of "ordinary time" in Lent. With tomorrow, Palm Sunday and Holy Week will begin to emerge over the horizon. The time of wandering in the spiritual desert will begin to come to a close. That's unfortunate in a way for we can begin to make prematurely the transition out of Lent. Instead, we should work to be ever present in this moment of the church year. For if every there is a time when we need to reflect, renew, and repent, it is now.

No Free Lunch?

As the proverbial mercury once again heads off into record setting territory, people across the region are preparing for another glorious day. People will walk, bike, run, play hooky. After all, an 80 degree in March is an unalloyed blessing to be enjoyed, right? Well, yes, but there's a catch. What to some is an unalloyed blessing is to others a source of worry, a reminder of the exceedingly clement winter we've just experienced. One person's delight in the absence of snow and ice feeds another's concerns about reservoirs running dry, forests becoming susceptible to fire, or a winter sports business that fell on hard times. Every coin, goes the old cliche, has two sides. What comes up, must come down. If I win, you lose. There is no free lunch. Except when we're talking about God's grace. When God shares God's grace with you, it's not at my expense. When I experience God's grace, there isn't any less for you. Lent is a time

Clouds

I'm looking out my window at the kind of sky and cloud that evoke thoughts of Maxfield Parrish, Frank Benson and Thomas Eakins: grand and glorious, luminous, even. But the cloud I see also gives rise to images of God. Among the names ascribed to God by the ancients was Yahweh. We still aren't sure how to translate or, to be honest, even pronounce, this name, but we know it harks back to the idea of the divinity as a Storm God, mighty in battle, manifested in thunderheads and strong winds. It's a vision of power. And it's a vision that is radically transformed when seen through Jesus, the lens through which we can see power in a new way: instead of compelling force, it becomes enabling possibility; instead of a tool of aggrandizement, it is meant to be used in service; instead of a means for bulllying and oppression, it offers room for humility and sharing. During Lent, we are invited to wander off into the desert to gain a new perspective on things, to

Mentors in Faith

I suspect that each of us has been blessed with at least one figure - a parent, friend, pastor, teacher - who has influenced our faith, perhaps by offering a model of Christian living, maybe by encouraging us to ask questions, or through a life of service to the Gospel and God's people. Memories of these saints, for that is what they are, can help us when we find ourselves in the desert places of our own spiritual journeys. It seems especially right to think of these mentors in faith during this season of lenten pilgrimage. I hope you will join me today in thinking of, and giving thanks to God for, the special people who have served as guides, exemplars, and beacons to and in the Christian life.

The End is Near ... ?

Step outside today and it's easy to forget that, at least as far as the calendar is concerned, it's still winter. The mercury in our thermometers (or digits on our LCD displays), the buds on the trees, the crocuses pushing through the earth, all may tell us otherwise. Spring, they proclaim! Spring is here! Yet the calendar says otherwise. Until tomorrow morning, it will remain winter. And, deep in the recesses of our hard-bitten New England souls, we know that even when we've formally turned the page and officially begun spring, a nor'easter could still come rumbling through the region, depositing a foot of most unwelcome snow. So, we have a choice: embrace the joy and possibility of spring, knowing there's a possibility it will be snatched away for us. Or live in fear of weather that may happen and refuse to embrace our meteorological good fortune. As we contemplate the life of Christian faith, we find ourselves presented with a similar choice:

John 3:17

I've noted elsewhere that John 3:17 receives nothing like its due, especially when compared with John 3:16, the verse so familiar to sports fans. While the latter's message that God gave his only son is a powerful assertion about the depths of God's love, the former tells us something equally powerful, and even more surprising given the way our world works: Jesus sent Jesus to save, not condemn, the world. Think about that. God, the omnipotent, omniscient creator of the universe, knowing full well what the people he has fashioned are going to do to his son, nonetheless sends him anyway and with the mission of saving those very same people. Amazing. Just think about it. Simply amazing. No wonder we need Lent! We need this extended period of time to repent, to reflect if we're going to have any chance of even beginning to grasp what Easter is all about. One can critical about signs like the John 3:16 that appears in the stands of football and other game

Sabbath

Saturday is the day of the Jewish Sabbath. For a host of reasons -- theological, liturgical, and sociological -- we Christians moved our Sabbath to Sunday. But there's something appealing about a Saturday Sabbath. Having the day of rest come at the end of the week's labors suggests that we should be pacing ourselves, restoring ourselves, refreshing ourselves. It's a day to take stock (remember, God surveyed God's handiwork after six days of Creation). Lent, of course, is also a time to take stock. But after we've done that, what's next? Do we rest on our laurels (or lose ourselves in despair)? Or do we keep moving forward? I believe the answer is the latter -- the Christian life, after all, is a pilgrimage, a path into the life God wishes for each of us. Sabbath time -- whether it's on a Saturday or Sunday -- helps us be ready to embark on the next phase of our journey into faith.

The Novely Has Worn Off ...

Surgical procedures may not be fun, but there's a certain buzz about the whole thing (at least when it's planned and doesn't involve something of a life-threatening nature!). There's the lead up, the hubbub at the hospital, the people fluttering about being solicitous. Then there's the procedure, the discharge, and the sense of having completed whatever needs to be done. And then -- recovery. Which isn't completed overnight but really does take time. Everybody told me this, but now I'm living it. And, to be frank, the novelty has worn off. I'm done. Ready to be 100%. Raring to go. Except, if I'm honest, I'm really not. Lent can be a lot like this. There was the build up, the anticipation. Then Ash Wednesday and settling into disciplines. But the novelty has worn off. There's still more than two weeks until Palm Sunday. I feel like the kid in the liturgical car who has one question to ask: are we there yet? The answe

Beware ...

... the Ides of March. You knew it was coming. Now, while we may not need to be on guard for murderous political intrigue, there's much for us to be watching for during this season of renewal and repentance. We need to beware temptations, attractions, and distractions calling us away from the way of Jesus. The siren song of the easy answer, the indulgence, the cop-out, the cynical ways of the world all lead us into sin. Fortunately, our faith gives us resources with which to be alert, to look for those signs of the things that can turn us away from God. Prayer. Meditation. Scripture. The Church. An openness to the Holy Spirit. The list goes on. So beware. And be prepared. Not only for sin -- but for the opportunity to engage with God on the Ides of March and all the days beyond.

Perspective

Since arriving in the Upper Valley two years ago to serve as First Congregational's pastor, I've visited DHMC quite a few times. Most of the time, it's been to see a member of the congregation. Today, it was take advantage of the Hitch's medical services (as most of you know, I had a "hernia repair" -- this makes me feel like a car, something the 8 year old boy in me thinks is just fine). As you might imagine, the experience of registering, donning hospital fashions, riding on a gurney and in a wheelchair differs from signing into the clergy book and roaming at will. The sense of autonomy and freedom I normally have was replaced by one of dependence. On top of this, though, were additional feelings I was able to enjoy: trust, reliance, confidence. While I wasn't in charge, I knew I was in good hands. This, of course is what we're supposed to experience when we turn our lives over to God. So, in addition to a successful procedure, I als

Reflection as a Team Sport

Mondays are often filled with meetings and yesterday was no exception. Two in which I participated yesterday were prime examples of why meetings can be so valuable and even enriching. "How's this so?" some of you may ask. Here's how: both meetings were grace-filled reminders that reflection need not be a solitary exercise but one that takes on powerful dimensions when done with or in the company of others. And so, I invite you to this morning to take a moment today to think of others who have helped you engage in some spiritual or theological reflection; then offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the blessing they have shared with you!

Paradoxical Prince

We've been looking at Mark during the Forum hour this Lent. One of the key themes of this Gospel is that of the "Suffering Messiah". Israel had long awaited a messiah, the anointed deliverer, to free them from their oppressors. We know that their longing was fulfilled, but just not in the way expected. The oppression that was overthrown was not that of Roman rule and corrupt clergy but sin, alienation, and death itself. Some were excited, others disappointed, many just plain confused. How could Jesus claim to be King if he could be defeated by a second-rate political hack like Pilate? How could he claim to save us when he couldn't save himself from the machinations of the priests? How is it that he defeated death when he was executed? We know the answers -- we've heard the stories, read Scripture -- God works in ways that defy our understanding, God operates at a deeper level than the one we focus on -- yet we still find ourselves perplexed, co

Taste

An easy, but hopefully rewarding, exercise to begin the third week of Lent: This morning's reading from the Psalter (Psalm 19) tells us that "the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether ... sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb." Do you have a favorite food or drink? If so, go enjoy some -- and while you do so, reflect on the goodness of God's word and how in Jesus the Good News became tangible for us. Then, if possible, share some of what you've enjoyed with someone else.

It's All About to Change ... Or Maybe Not

Tonight's not just the end of the second week of Lent; it's also the last day of Standard Time. Tomorrow, we'll have set our clocks ahead, losing an hour of sleep and gaining an hour of daylight at day's end. Do you feel like you're about to change? To be transformed? That your world will be different? Or will everything be the same, despite the shift? Perhaps a bit of both? At this point in Lent, I feel a bit of both. I've had a chance to develop my seasonal routine, to work on my disciplines, to engage in some thought and reflection. Yet the normal distractions of everyday life, the personal foibles and failings, remain. Happily, I go to sleep tonight knowing that tomorrow I'll get another shot at getting the balance right, that I'll have another opportunity to work on renewal and a new beginning in the Spirit. And it doesn't even matter if I forget to set my clocks forward ...

TGIF

What if I told you TGIF stood for "Thank God I'm Fasting!"? Something tells me that your enthusiams might, just might, not be as great as it would be for "Thanks God it's Friday!" But why? Why shouldn't we, why aren't we, excited about adopting spiritual disiciplines? What is it that gives us pause, that keeps us from taking that next step on our spiritual pilgrimages? Most of the time and with most people, I don't think it's laziness, or even a lack of commitment. Instead, I think it's fear. A fear that we may not make the grade, that our efforts will be lacking, that we can't be as holy as the other guy or gal. Nonsense. Spiritual disciplines aren't a competitive activity. God doesn't rank us against one another. Rather, God only asks us to look into our hearts, ask what we can do, and then do our best, whether we're praying, serving, meditating, or even fasting.

Weather Report

Today it was 60 degrees. Yet there's snow on the ground. And leaves from last fall on some of the trees. Can anybody tell me what season it is? Sure, the calendar says it's still winter but the senses say otherwise (and seemingly in more than one way!). It's enough to leave one feeling disoriented and confused. Which makes this the perfect weather for Lent. If we're going to repent and renew our lives, we need to let go of the familiar, the excuses, the rationalizations that so often enable us to avoid any kind of transformation. A little bit of disorientation, which can knock us off kilter, can help us wake up to the possibilities of a new engagement with God and God's world. So, let's not worry about the weather or Lent throwing us off stride--God will be there to steady us, help us make sense of what's going on, and be with us as we find our way forward.

Memories

During this season of introspection, when we seek to amend our behavior, we might think we should be focusing remembering all the things we've done, all the times we've fallen short. While recalling our shortcomings and failings is something we must do if we're to reorient our lives, we should also make an effort to remember things that bring us joy and happiness. I was reminded of that this morning when the carpool came for Chip. I noticed that one of the riders was reading Calvin and Hobbes, which immediately triggered all sorts of happy memories of favorite strips. Engaging such memories can be a way of reminding ourselves of how good life can be, indeed of what the Kingdom of God is all about -- full, rich life. So join me in taking a walk down memory lane. For by going back to the past we may find our way into God's future.

Sorry

Politicians do it. Celebrities do it. For all I know, bees do it. No, not that. Issue non-apology apologies. You know: "If any offense has been caused, I most sincerely apologize" or "I've been serving the community for thirty years, doing amazing things, and in this one instance I might possibly, conceivably, in the opinion of overly sensitive people used an unfortunate verbal formulation that might have been construed as a personal attack which, of course, was never, ever my intent. If this is indeed the case, I apologize." Saying sorry is often a difficult thing to do. Yet acknowledging that we've wronged others is part of repentance. So, a spiritual exercise for today. Think of someone you've wronged; it doesn't matter how or when. Then find them, in person or on the phone but in some way that involves actual contact, and apologize. Doing so may make you feel uncomfortable, but it will clear some space in your heart and soul f

Monday

Have you ever heard anyone say "Thank God it's Monday!" I didn't think so. Monday is the Rodney Dangerfield of the days of the week. The back to work day, it gets no respect. To many, it's an inconvenience, a nuisance, something to be endured, gotten out of the way. Sometimes, Lent is tread that way, too. And that's a shame. The idea that we should get through Lent so we can enjoy Easter is a reflection, in part, of our society's addiction to speed, to moving on, to enjoyment without commitment. Like Advent, Lent is a season of preparation, a time to slow down. To savor the moment and it's possibilities. So let's take a fresh look at Monday, the day of new beginnings, the moment of possibility for the week ahead. Then let's say, "Thank God it's Monday (and Lent)!"

It's Not Supposed to Be Like This!

I just received an email from the iTunes bookstore alerting me to the availability of, among other things, Marvel graphic novels. Now, I may be showing my age, but let's get a few things straight: First, they're comic books, not graphic novels (just like the Chevy or VW I might by with 20,000 miles is still a used car, not a "pre-owned vehicle.") Second, they're meant to be printed on paper, saved in boxes, and then tossed out by Mom so we can discover they're now worth thousands of dollars; they're not supposed to be a bunch of data appearing on my iPad or computer screen. Third, just because change is inevitable doesn't mean I can't grouse. Okay, perhaps my first and second rants have little do with Lent but the third one strikes to the core. Lent is all about change. Change in our lives, change in our habits, change in our attitudes, change in our hearts. It's not always easy to change, especially when that change involves repen

Spectrum

As I write this, I can look out my window and see the neighborhood bathed by gentle late-afternoon sunlight. Though there's still a picturesque snow cover on the ground, a fair amount has melted this day. What I see now, would would not have inferred from the weather this morning, when there was cloud cover and, in the early hours, cold-weather precipitation. March 3 has been a mild but effective example of Twain's old adage that if one doesn't like the weather in New England, one need only wait a minute for it will change. Our emotions in Lent should be like this. As we examine our hearts, seeking renewal and pursuing repentance, we should open ourselves up to the full range of our feelings, allowing the Spirit to enter in and work its will within us. The stereotype of Lent as a time to be dour is unfortunate if only because it implies that amending our lives and turning back to God should be marked by sadness. While there may indeed be sadness as we ack

Read

Galatians 5.16-end "Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God "By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by th

Perspective

As an adult with a full schedule of meetings to attend, services to plan, and things to do, a late-winter school-closing storm is not welcome. Work has to be juggled, meetings adjusted, not to mention the cars that have to be cleared and driveways shoveled. Talk about inconvenience! But, not surprisingly, a child looks at a late-winter school-closing storm very differently. "It's a snow day!" Chip exults at 5:45 am (yes, it's actually possible to exult that early in the morning). Visions of snowmen, sledding, hot cocoa and romping in the snow quickly came into focus. I don't think I'm offer any great revelation by noting that one of these perspectives is filled with a bit more joy than the other. Play or fret. Wonder or anxiety. Inconvenience or serendipity. It's all about perspective. And perspective is one of the things Lent is meant to help us develop. We have these forty days and forty nights to step back and look anew at our lives and