I realize it’s been a while since I posted anything.. not that anyone has been demanding any word of wit, wisdom or sarcasm. But as a sort of cyber spiritual journal it is reflective of my own need to maintain silence and reflection as I sort out what is happening in my ministry, and my life.
To catch up with the seasons of the Christian year we are in Easter. That’s a season, not just a day if you plan or participate in the worship life of the Church. The First Sunday is really the most high Holy Day of the entire year in my own faith understanding. The reason it is so is because Easter Sunday commemorates the Triumph of life over death. The resurrection of Jesus is God’s testimony verifying the life and testimony of Jesus of Nazareth. At the recognition of Jesus by the disciples begins the birth of the new line of faith that would try to remain within the household of Judaism, but would eventually end up being cut loose to seek it’s own path and identity as the way to eternal life. The rest of that story comes in the Celebration of Pentecost and the season that follows which lectionary writers simply refer to as ordinary time.
Resurrection of the dead required a death to become demonstrable. One testimony, and one glorification became the confirming signs of one Lord over all creation. Jesus “the anointed one of God” Christ became the Judge over all creation. For most Christians the celebration of Easter is an acknowledgement of all that scripture gives and gave witness to throughout the ages. It is the jubilant feast that laughs at the prince of darkness, and the victory over death which grounds our own hope which ultimately conquers fear of death, and offers newness of life.
With that said, why on earth would a blogging pastor stay silent?
Well, in some ways this year, this pastor has been off calendar. My Lenten journey seems to have needed more time. Palm Sunday my District Superintendent called to advise me and begin the process of working with my congregation, preparing them for an important change. This was not unexpected because it was the result of earlier input given to the Bishop through the District Superintendent in which both myself as pastor, and the pastor staff parish relations committee discerned it was time for a change in pastoral leadership.
On Easter Sunday the appointment intentions were read in the congregation.
So for the last three plus weeks I have been processing what needs to be done to bring closure to a ministry. But added to that I have also had to do something somewhat untypical for United Methodist Pastors, as I have had to initiate a job search outside the bounds of the conference, a calling of sorts, for an appointment or placement within another conference.
Our life, like so many Americans today, is being touched by the economic downturn in an unanticipated way. I hopefully anticipate being led by God to a next place of ministry. But quite naturally both Tim and I are forced to face the uncertainty of not knowing while we wait upon the Spirit of the Lord to present us with the pillar of fire and smoke to lead us on our next leg in the journey. Being two unemployed people simultaneously would be the worst case scenario.
Yet life inside the Ashton Community United Methodist Church Parsonage has a peculiar peacefulness. That, I believe, is a sign of our own certain belief in the claim that Christ placed on our lives which started when together we first trusted in my call of vocation to respond to Christ's commission - go and make disciples. We receive that also because we have many in prayer for us, even as we are in prayer for the whole United Methodist Church in this season of appointments.
So, pray for us in our place of unknowing, to hear and follow where Christ is leading us next.
Grace and peace,
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Betrayal Past and Present
Earlier today thousands gathered to pay proper respect for the dead of the Abruzzo Earthquake. It’s a tragic situation, the death toll now at 289, the count still rising, leaving so many victims and crushed lives. Nature rumbled and buildings tumbled. But the greatest tragedy to my thinking is the news following this earthquake which places heavy blame on contractors. Modern buildings crumbled while ancient edifices remained intact. President Napolitino has called for an investigation in why building standards weren’t upheld. Betrayal of trust is the theme of the day. This is a somber reminder of the fallen nature of humanity which fits right in with the story of the crucifixion of Jesus.
Today’s Funeral service received special dispensation from the Pope, because today, being Good Friday is the one day in the year when Roman Catholics will not celebrate the Eucharist. Under normal circumstances, there is to be one single focus on this day world wide in Western Christianity, remembrance of the betrayal, arrest, conviction, and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. But considering the circumstances postponement of funeral services would only further cloud the story of hope that comes on the third day, and delay the needed closure for so many survivors. So wisdom and sorrow intersected in the streets of L’Aquile while thousands mourned the tragic events of the week. Christians and Muslims together mourned. If you like thinking in apocalyptic terms, shock waves catapulted the great horse of death through the streets and towns of Italy, riding on the waves of the earth’s crust. Anger and grief mingle together now as Italians seek understanding of the senseless loss of life.
This is not the first time faulty building construction has taken its toll on a community.
What is it about humanity that allows people to cheat in quality at the expense of their own countrymen? Is it greed, or lack of pride in workmanship, or ignorance? Perhaps it’s a combination of all. So the theme of present betrayal serves as a counterpoint in reflection as we remember his time of abandonment and betrayal which preceded the death of Jesus of Nazareth.
Joseph Campbell wrote extensively on the archetype themes that weave through civilizations and cultures. The Hero serves as the ultimate in standards for the moral life. Story after story demonstrate that the moral life is inclined to leave a person walking alone through dark places. Campbell often referred to Jesus as the Christian equivalent of the Hero, a model for humanity to use as a pattern for their own lives. The story of Jesus is a story to bring meaning out of the meaninglessness of tragedy and loss. It is a story to bring purpose and direction when the moral compass swings about mercurially as if caught between several magnets.
That is a minimalist understanding of Jesus of Nazareth. It overlooks the resurrection and sidesteps having to deal with any talk of an atoning death. But if that helps you begin to reflect on the meaning of Jesus to the world in which you live, it’s a good enough starting place.
The Palm Sunday text in Mark (11:1-11) relates the solitary nature of the final phase of Jesus’ journey toward Golgatha. While the crowds shouted joyously up to the city walls, no one steps a single foot inside. A patriotic assembly and rally inside the walls of Jerusalem would have incited the wrath of Pontius Pilate. No one wanted to risk meeting their own execution. But they were glad to cheer Jesus on right up to the city gates. So alone, on his borrowed colt, Jesus traveled through the city and entered the Temple. Later he returns to join his disciples in the safety of Bethany, away from the watchful eye of Roman authorities and Jewish Leaders.
That sets the stage for this evening’s Tenebrae service. From that moment when Jesus walked into Jerusalem, support for the teacher began to evaporate. Many would claim loyalty. No one would hang on the cross with him that day that had also come from within the inner circle of Jesus’ closest disciples.
But then, no one else needed to. Only one perfect lamb was required to accomplish the work of redemption.
“Holy is the lamb that is slain and worthy to be praised.”
Grace and peace,
Pastor Barbara
Today’s Funeral service received special dispensation from the Pope, because today, being Good Friday is the one day in the year when Roman Catholics will not celebrate the Eucharist. Under normal circumstances, there is to be one single focus on this day world wide in Western Christianity, remembrance of the betrayal, arrest, conviction, and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. But considering the circumstances postponement of funeral services would only further cloud the story of hope that comes on the third day, and delay the needed closure for so many survivors. So wisdom and sorrow intersected in the streets of L’Aquile while thousands mourned the tragic events of the week. Christians and Muslims together mourned. If you like thinking in apocalyptic terms, shock waves catapulted the great horse of death through the streets and towns of Italy, riding on the waves of the earth’s crust. Anger and grief mingle together now as Italians seek understanding of the senseless loss of life.
This is not the first time faulty building construction has taken its toll on a community.
What is it about humanity that allows people to cheat in quality at the expense of their own countrymen? Is it greed, or lack of pride in workmanship, or ignorance? Perhaps it’s a combination of all. So the theme of present betrayal serves as a counterpoint in reflection as we remember his time of abandonment and betrayal which preceded the death of Jesus of Nazareth.
Joseph Campbell wrote extensively on the archetype themes that weave through civilizations and cultures. The Hero serves as the ultimate in standards for the moral life. Story after story demonstrate that the moral life is inclined to leave a person walking alone through dark places. Campbell often referred to Jesus as the Christian equivalent of the Hero, a model for humanity to use as a pattern for their own lives. The story of Jesus is a story to bring meaning out of the meaninglessness of tragedy and loss. It is a story to bring purpose and direction when the moral compass swings about mercurially as if caught between several magnets.
That is a minimalist understanding of Jesus of Nazareth. It overlooks the resurrection and sidesteps having to deal with any talk of an atoning death. But if that helps you begin to reflect on the meaning of Jesus to the world in which you live, it’s a good enough starting place.
The Palm Sunday text in Mark (11:1-11) relates the solitary nature of the final phase of Jesus’ journey toward Golgatha. While the crowds shouted joyously up to the city walls, no one steps a single foot inside. A patriotic assembly and rally inside the walls of Jerusalem would have incited the wrath of Pontius Pilate. No one wanted to risk meeting their own execution. But they were glad to cheer Jesus on right up to the city gates. So alone, on his borrowed colt, Jesus traveled through the city and entered the Temple. Later he returns to join his disciples in the safety of Bethany, away from the watchful eye of Roman authorities and Jewish Leaders.
That sets the stage for this evening’s Tenebrae service. From that moment when Jesus walked into Jerusalem, support for the teacher began to evaporate. Many would claim loyalty. No one would hang on the cross with him that day that had also come from within the inner circle of Jesus’ closest disciples.
But then, no one else needed to. Only one perfect lamb was required to accomplish the work of redemption.
“Holy is the lamb that is slain and worthy to be praised.”
Grace and peace,
Pastor Barbara
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