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Showing posts from 2017

Nativity

"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. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am br

Not Yet

December 24th!  It's Christmas Eve.  Yes, but... Until we are through with worship today, we will still inhabit the space of Advent.  Still we anticipate, still we await.  This is a great day to meditate on patience all while we prepare for the future.  Baby Jesus is coming. His arrival is imminent.  But he's not here yet.  So before you throw open the doors to welcome the Christ child, take advantage of this last day of Advent to make sure all is ready for him.  And, if it's not, it's okay. Just try. We welcome you, Incarnate God, Dream of All the Ages, Hope of Every Heart.  Just not yet.

Calm Before The Storm

For most of you this is a lazy Saturday.  Tomorrow, Christmas Eve will arrive with the sights and sounds of joy and celebration.   Today is a moment to catch your breath.  For me, it's something else. Tomorrow is the marathon of church Sundays, with four services.   It will all be great.  The services have been planned, the music arranged.  It will be glorious.  But I'm already on edge. There isn't enough time.  There are still things to do.  The clock is ticking.  For me, this Saturday is filled with tension.  And that's too bad, because that's just one of the many ways that we are drawn away from what makes Advent so powerful.  This has been a season of waiting, praying and preparation.  When I've been attuned to what is important, I've felt closer to God and more ready for the miracle of Jesus' birth.  Why would I want to be any other way? So, yes, I'll still fret and worry that something will go wrong.  I still need a magus for

White ... Advent?

The snow is falling today and people are talking about the possibility of a white Christmas.  Lovely.  But what about Advent?  Have we already lost sight of this season?  We don't have much time left to prepare, to wait, to get ready.  If you're lucky enough to not be working or going to school today, take some time to pray and reflect on what this Advent has meant to you, on what you'd like to take from these weeks that have gone by, and what you hope to do to celebrate, to honor, to make real in your life the birth of the Christ child.

Solstice

Today is the Winter Solstice, which is the shortest day, and thus, longest night, of the year.  Traditionally, we remember the homeless who have died over the past year on this day.  As we prepared for the arrival of the Christ child, and his parents who found that there was no room at the inn, let us give some thought to those in our community without a warm place to sleep, a roof over their heads, a place to call our own.  Let us think, let us pray, let us do something.  After all, God cared enough the came to be with us, to save us.  Maybe we can bestir ourselves to care for those among us who could use a little help.

Last Chance?

I've been receiving A LOT of emails the past couple of days encouraging me to get my order in NOW if I want my loved ones to receive their products in time for Christmas.  Wouldn't want my order from Stuff.com to be late for the Feast of the Nativity, would I? As we get older, we all seem to indulge in the same past time: regretting the degradation of Christmas.  When we were kids, people were more faithful, society more respectful, customs observed, etc. etc.  While there are indeed new developments in seasonal hucksterism, people have been offering this complaint for generations. Presents and gifts are nice.  So are decorations and parties.   But they're beside the point.  If we truly want to mark Jesus' birthday, we should reflect on the meaning of his life, and how it informs ours.  That simple, that hard.  The good news, calendars notwithstanding, is that we will have many, many chances.  Take that deadlines!

Early

I have to be in Boston so I'm getting an early start to the day.  It seems like I have all the time in the world.  But before I know it, the day will be speeding by.  Driving to the city. Rushing to meetings.  Returning to the Upper Valley.  Whiz. Bang. Done. But for now, I'll enjoy the quiet, the sense of anticipation for the day ahead.  I'll savor the possibilities, imagining what will be.  And I'll take time to thank God for this moment and this Advent Season. Thanks, God.

Joy

Today, the third Sunday in Advent, is known as Gaudete Sunday, or Joy Sunday.  The name comes from the first word of the mass sung on this day.  "Rejoice!" worshipers hear.  In our church, the day is signified by the lighting of the pink candle in the Advent wreath.  In our church, the day will be filled with hymns, a parsonage party, and capped off with the singing of Messiah.  What will you do to rejoice this day? Even if it doesn't seem apparent, we've each and all got a lot for which to be thankful.  Thanks be to God!

Bah, Humbug

Saturday is traditionally an off day, a time of rest.  But I'm feeling frazzled.  There's stuff that needs to be done, things that need attention, schedules that have to be met.  Frankly, I'm not in very much of a holiday mood.  Or, as Mr. Scrooge says, "Bah, humbug!" We often rake the old banker over the coals, but I'd like to argue for a little dyspepsia, a bit of cynicism, a dollop of darkness this Advent.  No, I'm not saying we should succumb to every bad feeling or thought that might come our way.  But I'd like to push back against the mandated seasonal cheer.  Our joy, our happiness should be grounded in reality, not marketing, not somebody's need for a picture perfect holiday. Besides, some of us have reason to be depressed our angry or just plain out of sorts.  Part of preparing for Advent is making room. And that includes space for those who aren't a bundle of cheer. Give them time. Give me time. We'll come aro

This, Too, Will Pass ...

Modern life offers all sorts of reasons for us to grow anxious. I won't list them here; you can think of them yourself.  Some of them are shared in common with others, some are our own special form of hell.  It's easy to say, it will be okay, everything will work out.  Life tells us otherwise.  Jesus tells us otherwise.  The hope we are awaiting is not some magic spell that cures all ills, but a knowledge and acceptance of a love that will endure through all that we may face.  That may not be what we want, but it's what God, who is smarter than you or me, offers. During this season of waiting and anticipation, you may think about your troubles.  Then think about what's coming and how it will help you to cope, survive, live and ultimately, thrive.

Fighting the Darkness

One of the things we await at this time of year is the light of the world, the light that will overcome darkness.  Unfortunately, it's not hear yet.  Today is the fifth anniversary of the Newtown shootings, and, sadly, many more lives have been taken since this eruption of evil into our lives. A reason that the light has not yet arrived, is that we often prefer the darkness.  In the dark we can cuddle up with the destructive familiar of our bad habits, rather than seek out refreshing if challenging ways of doing what is healthful and life-giving.  In the dark we can fall prey to fear and resentment, which is often an easier path to follow that one of standing up to what is wrong and debasing.  In the dark we can nurture our sins. We can feel helpless, unable to fight the darkness.  But we are actually stronger and more resilient than we imagine.  We have the power of Jesus with us.  The power to light up the world and overcome the darkness.  But we have to a

Are We Ready?

We had about a foot of snow here in the Upper Valley.  Everything looks lovely, the landscape is covered in white and all is ready for Christmas. Uh, no. I'm not ready for Christmas.  Oh, I've got the gifts and I think I'll jump on the cards at the end of the week (or not).  But spiritually, I'm still in Advent, still wrapping my mind around what it all means and what I will do in response.  Fortunately, I don't need to have it all figured out by the 24th.  Advent is a season, but it's also a discipline.  Looking for signs of God in our world isn't something we do just in the days before the Feast of the Nativity.  We should do this all year round, for as Scripture tells us, we know not the hour when the Lord will come. Enjoy the snow; relax with some cocoa, coffee, or tea; and remember to prepare for the Christ child.  He's coming.

Stop!

By now, if you live in the Upper Valley, you've noticed it's snowing.  On the one hand, it was expected that we'd have a snow day.  Nowadays, people seem to be extra cautious, and take care to be safe.  All good.  On the other hand, this is northern New England, for God's sake.  Can't we handle just a few inches of powder?  I have things to do today, places to be, people to see.  Nature doesn't care.  Nor, does Advent. This is the one time of year that we are liturgically compelled, or at least encouraged, to slow down, catch our breath, and just think about what is going on and what it all means. The Christ Child is coming. Wow. Think about it.  He's coming here. To us.  Soon. That's big news. News that's even worth stopping, reflecting, and giving thanks. Let is snow.  We'll always have tomorrow to catch up.  For now: Thank you, God. For the snow, for Jesus, for everything.

Monday

Another Monday, another week.  Lots of things to do and already I'm behind.  What to do? Take a moment to catch my breath, to pray, to reflect.  All the stuff that needs to be done will still be there in a few minutes.  But this precious moment, this gift from God is irreplaceable.  I  hope you'll take some time today to be quiet, to rest, to savor Advent.  The other stuff will still be there.

Good News

Today we'll be reading the beginning of Mark's Gospel.  He tell us that he  has good news to share. That's a relief.  We've sure had enough bad news - wildfires, politicians behaving badly, North Korea, the list goes on.  Everything seems off kilter.  But into the midst of this mess, the author of the Gospel shares a riposte: I've got good news: Jesus Christ.  It may not seem like a lot, just something that the church blathers on about, but that's because we don't take Mark or the Gospel seriously.  If we did, then - wow.  Imagine what having Jesus Christ in your life means, today, tomorrow, for you, for the world. Good news indeed!

Preparedness

This morning I drove with our senior deacon across the state to attend a workshop of how to deal with an active shooter.  It was an informative program with speakers who were clearly knowledgeable. I hope we never have to put some of what we learned to use but some of it we will.  Part of dealing with such a situation is being prepared, taking steps for what is unexpected.  Little things can make all the difference. Advent involves this, too.  Who, really, expects the Christ child?  Do we live our lives as if Jesus really were going to show up in a bit over two weeks?  We need to be prepared. We need not pull a John the Baptist and retreat to the desert wearing skins and eating locusts.  But taking a few minutes from our daily routine to make ready for the arrival of God incarnate in our lives would be time well spent.

Changing Weather

The weather app on my phone suggests we will have snow tomorrow, then again next week.  Part of me is pleased, since this will further the feeling that winter is arriving.  Part of me is annoyed, for the exact same reason.  How can I feel two contradictory things at once?  Well, that's part of the wonder of human psychology and it reflects the complexities of living.  For example, we are excited about the arrival of Christmas and yet are waiting with intent, not wanting to hurry its coming.  Rather than try to focus on thing to the exclusion of all else, let's take a moment to thank God for the gift to appreciate multiple blessings, seen and unseen, those present and those yet to come.

Tempus Fugit

I'm sure I've commented on this before but it won't hurt to say it again: time flies.  I meant to get to this earlier today, but now it's past noon.  Advent will be like this.  Before we know what's happened, it will fly on by.  Are we being intentional in our waiting and anticipating?  Are we taking steps to make room for the Christ child in our lives?  Or are we procrastinating? If we're doing the latter, we may miss the boat on preparing for the Advent of the Lord.  It would be a shame if that were to happen.  So take a moment, get ready, and prepare.

Unexpected Gifts

This morning I had a long telephone conversation with someone in Boston.  I didn't know exactly how it would go, and just let myself be present.  When it was over, we'd been on the phone for nearly fifty minutes.  It turned out to be a grace-filled experience, one for which I'm grateful.  In many ways, it was a gift. Part of the joy of Advent is that in waiting and anticipating, we open ourselves up to the new and unexpected.  No longer focused on hurrying to and fro, we can just be, which allows us to see things we would have otherwise missed.  Like the blessing of that call.  Keep your eyes open.  Take a deep breath.  Who knows what unexpected gift you might receive.

Cheated?

It's only the third day of Advent and already I'm feeling behind schedule.  There isn't enough time to do what needs to be done! Help.  Why is this happening?  Perhaps because with four Sundays, I instinctively think we have four weeks.  But this year, Advent is just three weeks long.  I've been cheated! Or have I?  Three weeks is plenty of time to pray, to wait, to make ready for Christmas.  It's enough time to reflect, to write, maybe take a walk.  It will be okay.  If I feel cheated, it's only because of my expectations, not because of anything God is doing.  And, ultimately, that's all that matters. I'll try to keep that in mind next time I feel pressed.

Waiting

Waiting: It's what we do during Advent.  But how we do it?  Are we anxious, nervous, impatient?  Joyful, excited? A mixture of the two? And just what are we waiting for? Parties? Presents? Great Christmas music? A pageant? Christ? A lot of questions. Fortunately, we have time to come up with some answers.  One way to do so, I'd suggest, is to pray.  Pray to God for wisdom, for discernment, for patience. Give it a try.  And for once, don't wait.

Beginnings

Today we begin Advent.  Over the next three weeks, we will sing, pray, congregate, and party, all with the intention of readying ourselves for Christmas.  But what about getting ready for Advent?  All to often, though we know it's coming, Advent seems to just be here and we spend the season moving from one thing to the next without the chance to just be. Let's do things differently this year.  Let's take a deep breath, let's pray, live into the season, and begin to wait for the Lord.  He's coming.  Just not yet.

He Is Risen!

He is risen! Light overwhelms the darkness.  Hope conquers despair.  Life has the final world over death. He is risen. He is risen indeed!  Alleluia! Alleluia!  Alleluia!

Waiting

And now we wait. We wait in the shadow of the cross, before the sealed tomb.  We know what we have lost.  Yet we wonder ... might there be more?  We hope so, we pray so.  Though the world tells us it is finished - after all, did not Jesus say this himself? - but we yearn for more.  So rather than give up, we will wait. For grace, for salvation, for new life.

Darkness

Today is Good Friday and the sun is shining.  The morning is bright, and the hours ahead seem rife with possibility.  Yet we who profess to follow Jesus are focused on what happened on this day long ago.  We recall the hate that made itself known in a court, in a city, on a hill 2000 years in the past.  We know the same darkness makes itself felt in our age.  And while we know this is not the end of the story, while we confess that God has the last, saving word, we are quiet this day, mindful of the wrong that humans can and do perpetrate against one another.  On this Good Friday, we remember the sacrifice that God made of himself on our behalf and we remember, too, the broken nature of the world that necessitated such a gift. The sun is indeed shining this day.  But it is dark.

Service

In the day's reading from John we learn that Jesus insisted on washing the feet of his followers.  This act of service was a striking example of the kind of leadership Jesus offered and what he thought it meant for him to be a king.  In today's world, we often hear talk about "servant leadership."  Here we see what it means: a self-giving, self-denying assistance to others, no questions asked. Today, I invite us to reflect on how we might better serve God's people, not just those we know, but the stranger, too.  Not just those we like or love, but those with whom we are at odds.  Then, let us go serve others as God in Jesus served you and me.

Rain

It's cooler today than it was yesterday and the sunshine has been replaced with rain.  In short, the weather is tracking Holy Week.  We've gone from the sun and warmth of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem into something a bit more, well, darker.  I won't say that God is manipulating the weather.  But I will give him credit for giving me the ability to see the connection. What other connections might we draw?  Well, rain may stop us from playing outside, but it also nourishes the earth, enabling things to grow.  So, too, Holy Week and Lent as a whole.  We need this time of reflection, repentance and renewal if we are to be able to in any way welcome the Risen Christ into our lives on Easter Sunday. So, yes, it's raining today.  And it may do so tomorrow.  But fear not: Christ is coming, regardless of the weather.

Easter is Sunday! Are You Ready?

"Easter is Sunday! Are You Ready?" This statement and question combo were offered by an internet provider.  The implicit answer is that I'm not but if that I avail myself of their services, all will be well.  Well, perhaps, if my need is a table for a meal.  But if it's to be ready for the resurrection of our Lord?  Um, no.  I am not ready, nor will I be so on Sunday, despite my attempts this Lent to get my spiritual house in order. Please don't misunderstand; I've tried.  I've prayed.  I've abstained.  I've tried to be more focused.  But the truth is that there is nothing I can do to be fully prepared for the amazing thing that God is going to do.  Still, I try, because I should.  Because I want to.  I'll keep trying after Sunday, too. What about you?  Are you ready?  Probably not, if you're human.  But that's okay.  Keep on preparing.  God will understand.

Spring is Coming

It's a glorious day.  The sun shines, the temperatures are rising, buds are emerging.  Spring is coming. However, it's not here yet.  Not really.  Sure, the calendar suggests it arrived last month, but for those of us in New England, we know that winter is lurking.  It's ready to pop out and surprise us with a visit or two or even three before it recedes for a few months.  Sin is like that, too.  We think it's behind us, but in truth, it has merely gone quiet.  It will return. The good news, though, is that while winter may lurk, spring will always come.  Sometimes we have to be patient, sometimes we have to be strong.  But string will come.  So, too, will relief from sin through the God who made himself know in Jesus.  We'll have a reminder of that truth this coming Sunday. This Holy Week, I invite you to join me in thinking about and praying on the advent of the spring we know in the Risen Christ and of what this can mean for our lives.  Spring is

Cloaks and Branches and What Else?

Today we begin Holy Week with the reading of Matthew's account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.  It's powerful stuff.  But something's missing: there are no palms.  That's right.  Go find your bible and read chapter 21 and you'll see that cloaks and branches are mentioned but not palms.  That's not to say they weren't used, but they didn't make into this gospel.  "What would you have used to pave the way for Jesus?" is one question that might be considered this day.  Another is, "What will you use to pave the way for him?"  For as sure as the sun will rise in the morning, our faith teaches us that Jesus is still coming, breaking into our lives and into our worlds. Think about that.  Jesus is entering into the holy city this very morning.  He is entering into our lives at this very moment.  Cloaks, branches, palms aren't enough.  Neither are our hearts, minds, and souls.  But we have to start somewhere ...

Inspection

I'm at the garage this morning to have our car inspected.  Talk about a Lent-appropriate activity!  Just as our vehicles need to undergo an annual inspection to make sure that all is in order and to call to attention those things that require our attention, so to do we. Tomorrow, we'll begin our journey into Holy Week and our trip to the cross.  Today, let us take a few moments to look into our hearts, our minds, our souls.  Let us undertake a spiritual inspection to that we might be ready to enter into Jerusalem with Jesus, confront Pilate and his colleagues, make our way to Calvary, and experience the joy of the Resurrection on Easter morn.

Free

This morning I was given my cup of tea gratis at the place where I often go to pick up my morning Joe (or during Lent, tea).  I had the money out, but it was declined.  They manager does this on occasion for regular customers.  While I could use one of their coffee club cards, this is easier, has the element of a good surprise, and serves as a reminder of grace.  Technically, it's not the same.  I have, after all, done something to earn the reward.  But its mechanics are reminiscent of God's generosity: it occurs at unexpected times, without any directly prompting action on my part.  I show up, I leave with a free drink. Grace works like that.  We show up, we leave with a blessing.  Sometimes grace is manifested in great ways, other times in the smallest of things.  Yet it happens, sometimes when we think we need it, other times when all seems right with the world. And it always seems like a surprise, the unanticipated occurrence of something good that, if only f

Centennial

It was 100 years ago today that the United States declared war on Germany and entered the fight alongside the Allies in Europe.  I believe this was the right thing for our nation to do.  But the war and our nation's participation is not something that is to be celebrated.  World War One was first known as the Great War or the War to End All Wars.  It certainly was great, exceeding in scope and destruction all preceding conflicts.  But it was by no means the final, conclusive battle.  More fighting, more conflict was to follow on stages great and small. Today, a century on, we live in a fallen world that is still affected and shaped by war.  Today, during this Lenten season, we may give thanks for those who have been willing to make sacrifices for freedom and liberty.  But we should also mourn the failures in human relations, the lust for greed and power that all too often distracts and misleads.  We do this remembering that the perverting powers of darkness not only

Signalling

I've been busy this week.  By telling you this I am indicating that I'm important because only important people are busy.  Or so I've been told.  Anyway, your response to this might be, "So what? I'm busy too" or "Who cares? I've got other things on my mind."  These, and most of the other responses you might offer are all valid. Still, I've been busy this week.  And I'm telling you this not to send some kind of signal, but simply to state a fact.  I've been busy.  There.  Said.  Done. Now what?  Well, I've been busy doing ... church stuff.  Planning worship.  Visiting with people.  Going to (holy?) meetings.  You know, church stuff.  You do it.  Go to worship.  Pray for people.  All that jazz.  Unlike me, though, you're probably not telling people.  You're not sending any signals.  Not that you need to know.  God, after all, knows.  God really, really knows.  That's affirming, especially during Lent.

Connections

Later today I will head down to the Concord area for a meeting with some other ministers to discuss and plan for this fall's clergy retreat.   I can't say I'm excited.  The drive is about two hours round trip and it's raining today.  I could just as easily stay here in Lebanon, but I'll go.  Sometimes, you see, we have to work to maintain our connections.  Yes, it might be easy to stay put, to let those ties fall by the wayside.  But then one day we'll wake up and find we're alone, something we are not meant to be. Lent is a time to remember that things we value require effort and care.  It is a time to remember how we have fallen short in tending to those whom we deem important.  And it is a time to re-establish connections, to repent by repairing and renewing.

Snow Big Deal ...

Snow Big Deal Yes, that's a bad pun, but bear with me.  This past Friday and Saturday a large storm passed through New England.  Here in the Upper Valley we received, depending on one's location, between 8" and 13" of snow.  It was a bit of a hit psychologically.  After all, it was spring!  Snow was simply not appropriate.  But there it was.  A lot of it.  And memories of Christmas, and dreams of skiiing and sledding abounded.  But then Sunday came along and the melt began.  It continues today.  There's still more snow on the ground today than there was before the storm blew through.  But soon there will be less.  And then there will be none.  What we spent so much time talking about and preparing for will be just a memory. Sin can be like this, too, if we have the right attitude.  We can make a big deal out of our sins (and we should).  But we need not be paralyzed by the wrongs we have done.  We should not let them define us.  Instead, we can r

Another Corner

This is the last "normal" week of Lent.  Seven days from now we'll be gathering to celebrate Palm Sunday and launching in to the mysteries of Holy Week.  But that is then and this is now.  Where are you today?  How has Lent been for you?  What have you yet to achieve?  Is there someone to whom you should apologize?  Are your spiritual disciplines wavering?  Have you yet to acknowledge, let alone begin to repent for, your sins?  If we're honest, the answer to all of these questions is an unequivocal 'yes'.  So why wait?  We still have two weeks of Lent left to go.  Let's join together, offering one another prayers of support.  Let's ready ourselves for the wonder of Easter by fully engaging in the practices of Lent. Yes, we're turning another corner.  But we're not there yet. There's still plenty of Lent ahead of us.  Thanks be to God!

Still Time

It's 6:10 pm as I write this.  I almost let the day go by without a reflection but here we are.  I could offer you excuses: the cold, the snow, the family.  But in the end, they'd still be excuses, as persuasive as they might be.  So instead I'll focus not on the hour and what has already passed by but instead on the time and what is yet to come. This Saturday is a lot like Lent: mostly over but not yet done.  There's still time ahead of us, still time to reflect, repent, renew.  So this evening I invite you to pray, to think, to act.  To remember that while Easter is ever closer, it is not yet here.  We are still in Lent, we still have time to do things differently with God and God's people.  There's still time.  Thank God!

Stripes

At one level, it's not much, but we affixed a rainbow stripe to the sign in front of our church yesterday.  On another, though, it's a big deal.  We've announced to the wider community in a way that is visible every day and every night, regardless of the hour, that we're open and indeed welcoming of all who might cross our front step.  For many of us, this is a non-issue.  We've been welcome our entire lives.  But for some of us, this is a big deal: we've never felt truly welcome.  This stripe may not completely obviate our feelings of exclusion, but hopefully it will help. Lent is a time to not only repent through prayer and meditation but through actions, large and small.  What would be the equivalent for you of placing a rainbow stripe on a sign?  What's keeping you from doing this?  Fortunately, there's still more than two weeks until Easter to do something positive.

Reminders

This morning when I opened my email I found a reminder to do something that has a deadline.  I wasn't expecting the prompt, but was grateful for its arrival.  Now, I just have to act on it! Lent can be this way, too.  Throughout this season, we receive reminders in ways large and small, expected and surprising, to focus on repairing our relationships with God and God's people.  Sometimes we'll notice these encouragements, other times we'll miss them but we can count on their coming our way.  We just need to be watchful.  Though the season of Lent is drawing to a close, more prompts will be coming.  Of that we can be sure.  We just need to be attentive.  And then we need to follow through.

Checking In

How's your Lent so far?  Have you given any thought to this question?  If so, how would you answer?  Good, bad, empty, meaningful?  If not, why have you not considered the matter? I ask all of these questions because Lent should be a work in progress, a vocational activity that can change, grow, adapt, and adjust.  Our disciplines during this season should be organic, alive, evolving.  If things get stale, that's a sign we need to stop and reflect.  This is not a time for going through the motions, not if we really are looking forward to repenting, reconciling, and renewing. So take a moment.  Check in.  There's still almost two and a half weeks until Easter -- lots of time for a Lenten course adjustment.

Obsolete?

My computer is old enough that its operating system can no longer be updated.  Technically, it's obsolete.  Yet here I am on email, typing this message, which I will be able to send to you, then post to different web sites.  True, I may not be able to access the latest app, but I can't say that is somehow having a negative impact on my overall quality of life.  So just how obsolete is obsolete? Our culture tells us we need the newest, fastest, shiniest whatever it is that's out there.  But our experience tells us otherwise.  We can often more than get by, indeed, we can often be quite happy with what we currently have.  So why are susceptible to blandishments of marketers and others who tell us we need to trade up?  Part of it, I believe, is fear.  Fear of not having every resource, every advantage possible at our disposal as we make our way in a confusing, at times menacing world.  Fear that we are somehow not prepared for the dark roads we will at some poi

Corners

My work week runs from Monday up through Sunday.  It's with this in mind that I feel like I've turned a corner.  Yesterday, we worshiped in the round in the parish hall.  This coming Sunday we will return to the main Sanctuary.  Our services will be no less nor any more filled with the Spirit, but they will feel different. This change of venue and the preparations it entails makes me feel as if something about Lent has changed, too.  Perhaps it's because just two Sundays after our return to the Sanctuary we will celebrate Easter.  More of Lent is behind us than before us.  Yet there still is so much to do!  The temptation to look to the Feast of the Resurrection is strong, but now more than ever it is vital to remain grounded in Lent.  Yes, we can and we should prepare for what is to come.  But we also must tend to the present moment and its claim on us. So, yes, we've turned a corner.  But we haven't crossed the proverbial finish line.  There's

Loop Holes

Today is Laetare Sunday.  This day is a celebration day, a reminder that Easter is now drawing near. In many liturgical traditions, it is an opportunity to take a break from one's Lenten disciplines. Sorry, but maybe this is the Puritan-inspired Congregationalist in me, but that sounds awfully, well, cheatish.  Oh, don't get me wrong.  I understand the reasoning.  And it makes sense to me.  But what's the point of having a discipline if you're going to take breaks from it?  Okay, that sounds a bit Pharasaical, doesn't it? The truth is, if I give up my Lenten disciplines today, it will be that much harder for me to resume them tomorrow and now that I've settled into my routine, I don't want to mess things up.  I'm not sure how holy that is, but it's the honest truth.  If I go get that cup of coffee today, I know I'll want to get one tomorrow.  Temptation and all that. Those of you who are stronger than me, enjoy yourselves today

Shabbat

In the Christian church, we observe Sabbath on Sunday, the day on which Jesus was resurrected.  We also do this because the early Christian church sought to distinguish itself from Judaism, with its honoring of the Sabbath, or Shabbat, on Saturday, the last day of the week, the one on which God rested after his labors.  Saturday is the day of the week on which Jesus would have rested. I'm not calling for us to change our practice, rooted in centuries of theology and tradition.  But I do think we'd benefit from the thought of experiment of trying to see Sabbath in new ways.  A different perspective might help us regain the meaning and power of the Day of Rest, an urgent need in our hectic modern lives. This Lent, let's try to live into Sabbath, to acknowledge that if God, the maker of the universe, the Lord of All Creation, could find to rest, so too can we.

Snowfall

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The snow is falling, drivers were taking care this morning.  All is quiet.  It feels like Christmas is just around the corner. But we know that's not the case, right?  We're in the midst of Lent, after all.  We've already celebrated the birth of the Christ child.  Now, in our daily and weekly readings, Jesus is grown, a man with a calling, heading to the cross and Calvary.  There, God-with-us, Emmanuel, will die and then be resurrected, in the process defeating sin and death and offering to us new life. Hmm.  That sounds like quite a gift.  In fact, it sounds like the best gift ever.  So, you know what? Maybe it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

A Response to Violence

In the aftermath of yesterday's terrorist attack in central London, the Rev. Dr. Sam Wells, the vicar of St. Martin in the Fields, wrote this Prayer for Peace in the Heart of London: God of justice and mercy your Son Jesus placed his body in the way of cruel and violent attack. By your Holy Spirit come close to the hearts of those who work in Parliament, to the souls of all who work to the protect the public, and to the fears of any who visit central London to relax, discover, and enjoy. Heal wounds, soften painful memories, calm anxieties. Turn the minds of those who make terror their instrument, that they may see the harm they do, and come to share the horror the rest of the world feels. Transform their hatred into dialogue, understanding, and reasoned disagreement. Make this city a place where diversity is cherished and public space is secure, that we may walk together in the ways of peace, in the footsteps of your Son, our saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. Read,

A Blustery Day

The wind began blowing hard early this morning and it hasn't let up since.  If March is supposed to go out like a lamb, somebody in weather central appears not to have received the memo. The gusts got me thinking about the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit is depicted as descending upon the first Christians with wind and fire in the Book of Acts.  Sometimes, the wind of the Spirit that touches us is like a zephyr, other times more like a hurricane.  We cannot control the Spirit.  But we can be alert to its promptings, to its movement in our lives.  Yes, we may be buffeted on occasion, but this is the presence of God we're talking about, something we all too often ignore in the midst of our daily routines. Today, give thanks for the Spirit.  And pray that you and I will be more alert to its presence in our lives.

Spring?

Today is supposedly the first full day of spring but looking out my window, one wouldn't know it.  The sky is leaden and snow still covers the ground.  While it's not bitterly cold, it is also not quite warm.  Bottom line: it's still looking a lot like winter.  This seasonal dissonance reminds me of our eschatological reality: the already-not yet state of things that Paul so powerfully explored in his epistles.  Jesus has triumphed on the cross (the already) but the Kingdom doesn't seem to have arrived in full (the not yet).  As Christians, we are called to witness to what Jesus has done and not be swayed or deterred by the world as it is.  Unfortunately, we all too often give up.  Lent is a good time to acknowledge this reality and recommit ourselves to being people of God's New Creation.  For while it may not look like spring, it most certainly is!

Vacuum

Vacuum.  That's what I'm experiencing this morning as I try to think of something original to write for this day's reflection.  Nothing's coming.  Yet here I am typing. Ah.  There's something.  The Spirit perhaps?  An insight, perhaps, is at hand: what I'm experiencing this morning is something that has happened when I've wanted to pray.  The desire is there, but the words are not.  Still, I try.  Prayer is one of those activities of the life of faith that is worth giving a go even when we fell the proverbial tank is empty.  In part, because the act of doing can bring us closer to God.  In part, because trying and trying can sometimes help us succeed.  And, in part, because sometimes in the midst of that vacuum the Spirit will appear, surprising us, touching us, bestowing upon us in an unexpected moment God's grace.

Complain, Complain

This morning's lectionary reading from the Hebrew Bible (Exodus 17.1-7) finds us in familiar territory: the Israelites are complaining.  They seem to do this a lot.  One would think they might show a little bit of gratitude to God for leading them out of slavery but that act of grace seems to have been filed away to be forgotten.  Their interest is in what the Almighty can do for them now.  The ingrates! Before we get too comfortable in our righteous indignation, we would do well to remember that we are as bad as they were.  As individuals, as communities, even the best of find ways to forget what God has done for us and to instead focus on what he has not done.  This seems to be a part of the human condition.  While wanting more, entertaining ambitions, and dreaming dreams can help us as individuals and as a people grow, we would do well to remember the blessings we currently enjoy. This Lent, let us repent for our ingratitude and pray that God will renew our se

Week's End

This evening, as the second full week of Lent comes to an end, I invite you to join me in reflecting on the seven days gone by.  How are you doing with your Lenten disciplines?  How do you feel about your Lenten journey?  With four weeks of Lent left to go, it may be tempting to think we have all the time in the world to reflect, repent, and reorient ourselves to God.  But the truth is, we're already a third of the way through Lent!  Think about that, pray on it.  Then get a good night's sleep and join me tomorrow in diving into the third week of Lent.

Not What He Had In Mind

Perhaps I'm going out on a limb here, but I suspect that when Patrick left Britain to go to Ireland to share the Gospel he didn't imagine that centuries later people would celebrate his love of God and mission to spread the good news about Jesus by getting stone cold drunk, pretending to be Irish, or sporting shirts with images of leprechauns and shamrocks.  But here we are. So, what ought we do on this St. Patrick's Day?  Well, we can recall the saint's forgiveness of those who hurt him, his commitment to sharing the word about the Word, and his life-shaping faithfulness.  Then we can pray that we may be similarly inspired in our own vocations.  Remember: tho' popular culture tells us the color of the day is green, we know the real color of the day remains purple, that of the season of Lent.

Afternoon

I've had a fuller than expected day, which is why this reflection is coming out as you may be leaving work or preparing for dinner, rather than when you're settling in at the office or enjoying breakfast. As I look out the window of my church study, I'm struck by what a beautiful afternoon we're enjoying. Though I was less than thrilled by the return of winter earlier this week, I must confess that we have been blessed with something beautiful to look at, and I do so knowing the snow cover won't be here all that long.  So I resolve now to enjoy this fleeting gift. Our days, too, fly by faster than we ever anticipate.  This Lent is a good season to reflect on the precious gift of time.  How do you use your time?  Do your choices glorify God?  Do they bring you closer to Jesus?  Do they allow room for the Holy Spirit?  Just a few questions for us to ponder this afternoon ...

Digging Out

Today, people across the Northeast are digging out from yesterday's late winter storm.  The blizzard was unwelcome, dumping a foot or more of snow in many places.  The weather system was named "Winter Storm Stella" but it might as easily have been called "Lenten Storm Sin." Think about it.  How often do we find ourselves thinking we've finally got a handle on those things we shouldn't be doing, those attitudes that separate us from God and God's people, those actions that lead us down the wrong path, only to find ourselves buried under an avalanche of, well, sin?  It happens to the best of us.  Fortunately, we are reminded in Lent that we can always dig ourselves out -- with God's help.  That's a good thing, because we sometimes find ourselves in messes of our own making that our beyond our ability to make things right. This Lent, as we clean up from yet another storm, let's also focus on digging out from under our piles

Unexpected Grace

Yesterday while I was taking the dog for a walk I was delighted to spot a snow owl.  I got a good look at the great bird but before I could snap a picture, he took wing and flew away.  That was an impressive sight.  Imagine my pleasure when walking back I saw the same owl had returned to his perch.   This time he stayed put and I had a chance to photograph him before he flew off.  This owl was a reminder of the nature of God's grace: it surprises us and is beyond our control.  It's also something we have a better chance of experiencing if we are alert and observant to what is going on in God's Creation. This Lent I hope that through prayer, reflection, and repentance we will all be able to open our hearts, minds, and souls to God's life-giving grace.

Blue Skies

The sky is a brilliant, clear blue this morning, with no sign of the impending last season blizzard that has been forecast for tomorrow.  So, I'm presented with a choice: focus on this moment, or grow anxious about the weather that may well play havoc with my schedule.  Like many, I will be tempted by the latter.  But Scripture reminds us that this is the day the Lord has made.  And if that's the case, should I not make the most of this moment?  Of course we should be prepared for the future.  But to do so at the expense of the present is to negate a precious gift that has been given to us by God. During Lent, we modern Americans, with our overbooked days, our way-too-busy lives, would do well to adopt a discipline of being faithful stewards of the gift of time.

Journeys

This morning we recalled the story of God's call to Abram to leave his home and move to a new land.  During Lent, we are on spiritual journeys of our own.  We are called, too, to leave the comfort of the familiar so that we might explore the possibilities of life in God's new creation.  Traveling in such a way entails risk.  We need to leave behind the security blankets of our preferences, our vices, our prejudices, our sin.  Fortunately, we are not alone.  Just as God was with Abram every step of the way, he will be with us as we make our way to the cross -- and beyond.

It's Not About the Bunnies!

As I approached the children's section of the bookstore this morning I saw a sign on a table advertising "Easter Books."  As a member in good standing of the liturgical-industrial complex, my first thought was "It's still Lent!"  That, of course, proved to be the least of my concerns for as I looked at the books on offer, I saw a whole lot of volumes featuring cute little bunnies and not one as far as I could tell about Jesus.  So, my internal rant changed to, "It's not about the bunnies!" Now, I like cute furry animals as much as the next guy.  But the most important important day of the Christian year and, I would argue, the world-changing event it marks is not about cute critters but God's saving, reconciling act on the cross.  Unfortunately, we Christians, as much as marketers, often lose sight of this truth.  We'll spend lots of time focusing on the joy of the day, the hope of spring and new life, but we'll conv

Surprised

This morning I found a surprise on my desk.  Someone had left me a bell.  Whether this was the intent, I was reminded that Easter is coming. At our church we ring bells on Easter morning when we sing our say "Alleluia."  And so, the unexpected appearance of an object of unknown provenance was a moment of grace in Lent, a harbinger of what is to come.  On a cold, grey day, I was able to look forward to the Feast of the Resurrection and imagine what is in store. As we pursue our Lenten disciplines I hope and pray that each of is able to make use of the great gift of imagination with which we've been blessed by our Creator.  May our thoughts take flight as we contemplate the wondrous things God has done, including raising Jesus from the dead that death might be vanquished and offering us forgiveness that we might not be captive to sin.

Bluster

The morning wind is blustery this morning, bringing to mind cliches about March's arriving like a lion.  It also reminds me of the way we can approach the small matter of our sins.  We can bluster, bloviate, prevaricate, rant, rave, rage, declaim, deny that we have sinned, that there is anything for which we must make amends or, gasp, atone.  And if there is, well, it can be blamed on someone or something else. Fortunately for us, God is used to blustery humans.  He can take anything we will throw at him, let it pass by, and keep an eye on us as we really and truly are.  In doing so, God, through patience and steadfastness, enables us to confront our sins of omission and commission so that we may set things right and move to a place of peace and grace where we need not rely on bluster to live our lives but can instead engage in honest relationships with God and God's people.

Birds

This morning I saw cardinals and blue jays skylarking.  They wheeled, dove, soared, and just seemed to be having a grand time.  My heart soared for this was a welcome sign of the coming of Spring.  Sure, this being New England we could yet be hit by another epic blizzard.  But the odds of that happening decrease with every day.  Winter will pass, Spring will arrive, just as Lent will be succeeded by Easter.  But we're not there yet.  As a reminder, the birds were soon gone and thoughts of tomorrow were soon replaced by a focus on the present moment. The birds will return, their songs will be heard.  For the time being, though, I will content my self with a memory and offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the splendor of his creation.

Temptation

I had a meeting in Hanover yesterday afternoon and decided to pick up a cup of tea at Starbucks beforehand.  All was well as I waited my turn and the line moved quickly.  Until I was standing next to the bags of Jamaican Blue Coffee. Many of you know that I give up coffee for Lent. Many of you know that Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is, well, the apotheosis of coffee. I wanted to buy a bag.  But to what purpose?  To have it sit around for five and a half weeks?  To make it easier to subvert my Lenten discipline?  I'll confess, I picked up a bag and enjoyed the aroma.  But then I put it down.  My Lenten practice meant more to me than a really good cup of Joe.  This doesn't make my virtuous or holy.  Just blessed to enjoy a moment of clarity when I was able to focus on what was truly important, meaningful and, indeed, life giving to me.  I pray that you will have similar moments during this Lenten season.

Monday!

For many people, Monday marks the beginning of the work week.  It's a day to make plans for the days ahead, to get things in order.  Calls might be made, meetings scheduled, orders placed, schedules set.  This routine even follows many people into retirement.  If this patter sounds familiar, I invite you to add a task to your to-do list for the day: think about something you can do to live deeper into Lent.   Give up something, take on something new.  Spend some more time praying.  Think about a sin and how you make amends.  Then commit to when you're going to act on this during the coming week.  But don't hesitate: before you know it, it will be Tuesday, and then you'll have only four days during this work week to draw closer to God and God's people. 

Tempus Fugit

Time does indeed fly.  This morning I planned to send out a reflection before worship but one thing led t another and here we are at lunch time.  There's a salutary lesson here for us as we start Lent.  Our forty days and forty nights will be gone before we know it.  We shouldn't fool ourselves into thinking that since Easter isn't until mid-April we have plenty of time before we need to begin reflecting on our sins and focusing on how to get right with God.  Time is limited, and it is fleeting.  The time to dive into Lent is not next week, not even tomorrow, not even later today, but right now.

BRRRRR

A few days ago, we were basking in May-like temperatures, but today, it's cold, very, very cold. This seems like a good way to start Lent.  It's easy to jump ahead to deep Spring, but we need to be present in this season.  So, too, with Easter and Lent.  We may want to fast forward to Easter, but we need to be fully engaged with this part of the liturgical year.  Let's resolve to make the most of these forty days and forty nights, to be present to the Spirit, to heed Jesus's call to introspection and reflection, repentance and renewal.  Spring will come, of that we are sure.  For now, though, let's enjoy the brisk weather, which may help us to be more alert to this moment.

Ah-choo!

This has been one of the worst cold seasons I can recall enduring.  To usher in Lent, the viral head cold he fought earlier this year returned with a vengeance.  It is, to say the least, an unwelcome visitor.  Still, it has its uses.  For example, it reminded me of sin.  Sin is one of those things in our lives that just keeps on coming back.  We think we may have licked it, but we haven't.  As Christians, we take comfort in the knowledge that Jesus came to deal with this problem once and for all.  But that doesn't mean we're let off the hook. We'll still do things we shouldn't do and we'll still not do those things we should do as surely as the sun will rise in the East tomorrow.  During Lent, we have an opportunity to engage in some preventive spiritual health care.  We can be aware of where we trip up, we can direct our energy into activities that will strengthen our faith and help us draw nearer to God.  And we can confess that we will get sick.

Wind

It's quite blustery here in the Upper Valley today.  There's a meteorological explanation, I'm sure.  But I'd like to think it's the Holy Spirit, blowing the sleep from our eyes and awakening us to the possibilities of Lent.  This isn't a season in which we suffer through self-abnegation but instead is a time when we can rediscover through careful and prayerful self-examination how we can be the people that God intends us to be.  We are given this time to let go of those things that stunt our growth in faith or preclude us from drawing closer to the One who has made us.  We are called to open the proverbial windows, to let a fresh breeze blow in, and to begin the process of becoming people equipped to receive the good news of Easter.

Ash Wednesday

Today we begin our Lenten journey with prayer and the imposition of ashes.  Where do you hope to be when this ends?  We know the destination is the cross and the empty tomb, but what do you hope to experience, to learn, to change during the coming weeks?  Remember the words of today's liturgy, "from dust you have come, to dust you will return."  Think of your mortality.  Think of the gift of life you have received from God.  Think of how you might faithfully and wisely use this season to get right with God and God's people.