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Is Jesus My Toxic Boyfriend?

I write reflections for my grandson to give him some food for thought as he explores the Bible. Here is a reprint for the blog.   Luke 14:25-33 The Message Figure the Cost 25-27 One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, “Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self!—can’t be my disciple. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple. 28-30 “Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish.’ 31-32 “Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the t...
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Sunflowers redux

About 10 years ago, I posted a poem musing about the removal of a giant sunflower plant from my neighbor's yard.  At the time, I said the poem was a work in progress.  Since revisiting my blog, I thought I'd try an edited version now. Looking over the fence today, I saw my neighbor working in his yard, Not much different from my own. Side by side, We tended our lawns, Separating the despised weeds From the soft, green grass. As I watered my side, I noticed a tall bunch of sunflowers Growing in the corner of my neighbor's yard. Lovely plants -- they reminded me of blooms I once received as a gift. So, so tall! The bright flowers rose higher than the fence. Then one day I realized what my neighbor was doing. The brightness disappeared, a little at a time. I heard the sound of cutting, And I knew that these were not to be kept. They were counted among the weeds, A nuisance, something to be rid of. I wondered why he would choose to dispose of them. They chose his yard ...
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Liminal Times

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“Liminal”…it’s a word that I thought I had imagined as I groped for something to describe "being neither in one place nor in another."  However, recently I have found this word, “liminal,” as I did my usual surfing about the Web, skipping in ADHD fashion from one topic to another.  Finally – confirmation of this word that even sounds tentative.  I have had many liminal times in my life.  Sometimes it’s a feeling of being completely outside of normal time and space, and other times (usually) it’s only one aspect of my life that’s in a liminal state.  One example of a liminal period is when I wrestled with the idea of leaving the church where I first embraced the Anglican expression of Christian faith.  I no longer felt I belonged there, but neither did I belong anywhere else, yet.  When I think back on that time and other liminal times, the main image I get is one of searching , seeking something, somewhere, but oftentimes not even knowing exa...
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Removing Distractions

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I have been a member of the Altar Guild for as long as I have been an Episcopalian.  That would be about 11 years now. The Altar Guild is a worship ministry in a given parish that is devoted to the care and setting up of worship-related items.  One regular duty of the Altar Guild is to set up the altar for Sunday worship services.  Following each service, members clean up the sacred vessels and prepare linens for laundering.  Since the priest is the person charged with making sure corporate worship is both organized and uplifting, the Altar Guild follows his or her (in the Episcopal Church, women can be priests) lead in how things are arranged and maintained. One priest gave me this bit of guidance that has served me well for many years, and not just for the arrangement of church items.  He said, "One important thing we have to do as ministers, is to take away anything that distracts people from worshiping God," whether it's a sloppy fringe on an altar...
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A Short Reflection on Psalm 121

Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes to the hills, From where is my help to come? My help comes from the Lord, The maker of heaven and earth. From The Psalter of the Book of Common Prayer 1979 Find the complete psalm here: http://www.missionstclare.com/english/psalm/psalters.html The psalm is one of comfort and encouragement, and has been one of my go-to psalms when I need assurance of God's presence and protection.  Years ago, I made myself a pocket card so I can carry these words with me. When I'm faced with a particularly daunting challenge, I am reminded of God's presence in the form of these words.  They are, simultaneously, a warm blanket (The Bible is not a "warm fuzzies" book – be glad when you do find a warm, fuzzy section.) and strong armor, preparing me to meet whatever trials I may encounter. Do you find comfort and strength in the Psalms?  Which ones speak to you?
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Do Not Say "I Am Only..."

In the Revised Common Lectionary used by the Episcopal Church, one of the Old Testament readings for this week is the following: Jeremiah 1:4-10 The word of the LORD came to me saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy." But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a boy'; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you, Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD." Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the LORD said to me, "Now I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant." (From  http://www.lectionaryp...
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The Homeless Guy at Church

This happened many years ago.  I hope I've become less prejudiced since then. There was a time, when I was a Catholic (I'm an Episcopalian now), when I was between churches.  I wanted the faith experience of a liturgical service, but I was struggling with the Catholic Church's teachings on certain topics, such as human sexuality and women's roles in the Church. A friend had invited me to a Mass hosted by a organization of gay Catholics (a group of Catholics but not officially sanctioned by the Catholic Church) called Dignity.  There was a rotation of diocesan priests that led the Mass.   So here I am, surveying my surroundings, waiting for the Mass to begin, when I see a scruffy old gentleman with a bit of stubble take a seat not too far away.  Since he was evidently in silent prayer, people gave him his space.  I thought, "How nice that these people are so accepting of anyone who walks in, especially a homeless person like this man." I spent a few ...
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