tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24897099223098639562024-02-07T22:57:36.114-06:00So, Here's What I Think...Random musings about life and life in the ChurchErlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-28698215616220916632020-03-04T05:07:00.000-06:002020-03-04T05:13:01.566-06:00Sunflowers redux<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #191919;">Looking over the fence today,</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">I saw my neighbor working in his yard,</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">Not much different from my own.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Side by side,<br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">We tended our lawns,</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">Separating the despised weeds</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">From the soft, green grass.</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">As I watered my side,</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">I noticed a tall bunch of sunflowers</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">Growing in the corner of my neighbor's yard.</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">Lovely plants -- they reminded me of blooms</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">I once received as a gift.</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">So, so tall!</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">The bright flowers rose higher than the fence.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #191919;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then one day</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #191919;">I realized what my neighbor was doing.</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">The brightness disappeared, a little at a time.</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">I heard the sound of cutting,</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">And I knew that these were not to be kept.</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">They were counted among the weeds,</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">A nuisance, something to be rid of.</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">I wondered why he would choose to dispose of them.</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;"><i>They</i> chose <i>his</i> yard to grow in!</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">So fortunate -- to have such pretty flowers</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">Without even trying.</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">Was there something in their beautiful wildness</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">That he was afraid to keep?</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">It was a shame to waste something so lovely.</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">I thought I should ask for a few cuttings to keep for myself.</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">But good manners averted such presumption.</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">So sadly I spied the corner again.</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">The cheerful smiles were gone.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And I was left wondering<br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">Why I spent so much time caring for things that don't belong</span><br style="color: #191919;" /><span style="color: #191919;">While God's beautiful provision was cast away.</span></span>Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-47061641602563599292013-09-12T10:33:00.001-05:002013-09-12T10:49:35.791-05:00Liminal Times<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“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 <i>sounds</i> tentative. </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lYLE24z8PCm3OhOLb8iaZDB_QtkWJiNzELOiB2rw334D6hukLCb_X6tqP6xEOhi7rN30BtoIM_sXObKNXzxm-9EE1BJavnACCL-bnqWtMo__uqvEb2OjHcU2_27qtFuPlVUK9tYu83Y/s1600/Dusk.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lYLE24z8PCm3OhOLb8iaZDB_QtkWJiNzELOiB2rw334D6hukLCb_X6tqP6xEOhi7rN30BtoIM_sXObKNXzxm-9EE1BJavnACCL-bnqWtMo__uqvEb2OjHcU2_27qtFuPlVUK9tYu83Y/s400/Dusk.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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 <i>searching</i>, seeking
something, somewhere, but oftentimes not even knowing exactly what I would
find. I think it would be very easy to
get lost in such a fog, if there weren’t a guide to walk along with me. Such a guide would be one with greater
knowledge and better sight than mine; otherwise, we’d both simply wander about,
lost in this liminal fog.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I reflect on these times, I find that my guide has been
the Holy Spirit. As I prayed and
listened to the Spirit, I was guided to people, books, and yes, even websites
that helped me find the direction I needed to take. In the case of my liminal time between
churches, I was advised to visit other churches and “listen to what is being
said – and not just the words.” And with that, the Spirit would gently lead me to the next place that would serve as my
spiritual home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, as I did then, I need to reach out to my guide, the
Holy Spirit. I can listen to the
Spirit’s voice as I pray, study, worship, and serve others.</span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I do so, I won’t get lost. I'll find my way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo Credit: By Oliver Herold (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons</span></div>
Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-42209651353247759612013-09-09T10:18:00.000-05:002013-09-09T10:48:29.723-05:00Removing Distractions<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPmG1E81lbqM70kFsgV0gsdL34Ir7MyeHb_2-Gt765PUt3ColQktz7kAk6HzIOtA5jPGNY-BBWyuentOqvtRzroTtyE4twA2fKUMCW0XnNUpCtOfN-VOrV0-w6_Xc6N6Yfa8Lge4BcE0/s1600/Church_of_the_Epiphany,_Los_Angeles,_California,_United_States_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPmG1E81lbqM70kFsgV0gsdL34Ir7MyeHb_2-Gt765PUt3ColQktz7kAk6HzIOtA5jPGNY-BBWyuentOqvtRzroTtyE4twA2fKUMCW0XnNUpCtOfN-VOrV0-w6_Xc6N6Yfa8Lge4BcE0/s320/Church_of_the_Epiphany,_Los_Angeles,_California,_United_States_04.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> have been a member of the Altar Guild for as long as I
have been an Episcopalian. That would be
about 11 years now.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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 hanging, misplaced vessels
or a dirty table covering. People can go
overboard and become fussy about such things, but that is not the proper intent
behind our attention to detail.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carrying this advice to other areas of my life, I seek to
remove those things (such as petty jealousies, preoccupations, negativity) that
distract me from God and doing his will.
I try to avoid being a hindrance to others in their spiritual
journeys. Better yet, I strive to be
helpful as they seek God's will in their lives.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not always successful, but these are my goals. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo Credit: By Christopher John SSF [CC-BY-2.0
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons</span></div>
Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-41237901371252161912013-08-27T13:10:00.002-05:002013-08-27T13:10:47.115-05:00A Short Reflection on Psalm 121<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 121</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I lift up my eyes to the hills,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From where is my help to come?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My help comes from the Lord,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The maker of heaven and earth.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From The Psalter of the Book of Common Prayer 1979 </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Find the complete psalm here: <a href="http://www.missionstclare.com/english/psalm/psalters.html">http://www.missionstclare.com/english/psalm/psalters.html</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you find comfort and strength in the Psalms? Which ones speak to you?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-46785640964179030532013-08-24T22:53:00.000-05:002013-08-24T23:11:06.351-05:00Do Not Say "I Am Only..."<dl><dd><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In the Revised
Common Lectionary used by the Episcopal Church, one of the Old
Testament readings for this week is the following:</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Jeremiah 1:4-10</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The word of the LORD
came to me saying,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"Before I formed
you in the womb I knew you,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">and before you were born
I consecrated you;</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I appointed you a
prophet to the nations."</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">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,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"Do not say, 'I am
only a boy';</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">for you shall go to all
to whom I send you,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">and you shall speak
whatever I command you,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Do not be afraid of
them,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">for I am with you to
deliver you,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">says the LORD."</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Then the LORD put out
his hand and touched my mouth; and the LORD said to me,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"Now I have put my
words in your mouth.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">See, today I appoint you
over nations and over kingdoms,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">to pluck up and to pull
down,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">to destroy and to
overthrow,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">to build and to plant."</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">(From <a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearC_RCL/Pentecost/CProp16_RCL.html"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearC_RCL/Pentecost/CProp16_RCL.html</span></a> )</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For many of us, the last
few weeks have been the waning days of summer. No matter what the calendar
tells us, summer ends with the first day of school. Some U.S. school
districts have already begun the school year. Others, like our local district, will
begin this week.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As we begin the school
year, it wouldn't be surprising if we -- students, teachers, parents, family
members -- felt as Jeremiah did when he said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Truly I
do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy." I know I have felt
"I do not know how to speak, for I am only..." Fill in the
blank -- only a woman? Only a homemaker? Only a teacher? Only
a lay person? The list of "onlys" can go on.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">God has the answer to
that: As he told Jeremiah:</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">"Do not say, 'I am only a boy';</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
for you shall go to all to whom I send you,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
and you shall speak whatever I command you,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
Do not be afraid of them,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
for I am with you to deliver you,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
says the LORD."</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The key words here are
"go to whom I send you" and "speak whatever I command you."
When we listen to God with careful prayer and discernment, we are acting
in accordance to his will. We can be confident that God is with us, and we can
move forward without fear.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In my case, I'm the
grandparent of a boy with diabetes. I am his caregiver while my daughter
works during the day. There will be many times in the school year when I
may be called to advocate on his behalf in order for him to get
the accommodations he needs to be successful in school. This is
my calling, my God-given role for this time in our family's life. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">God will give me the
strength and wisdom to advocate on my grandson's behalf, to assist his mother
in his care, and to speak with authority regarding his needs.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">What has God called you
to do? Where has he sent you? Spend some time with these verses and
see where he leads you.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-49439152304902988722013-08-18T23:13:00.001-05:002013-08-18T23:17:28.341-05:00The Homeless Guy at Church<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This happened many years ago. I hope I've become less prejudiced since then.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spent a few moments bowed in silence. When I looked up, I saw our priest for the evening. A scruffy old man, now wearing a liturgical stole, greeted us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Good evening. I'm Father John."</span><br />
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1 Samuel 16:7</h3>
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New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)</div>
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<span class="text 1Sam-16-7" id="en-NRSV-7603"><i><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>But the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord </span>looks on the heart.”</i></span><br />
<span class="text 1Sam-16-7"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="text 1Sam-16-7"><i>From BibleGateway.com</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-77526366901619726622013-06-11T21:35:00.001-05:002013-08-24T21:25:51.824-05:00The Rule of Benedict -- Stability<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Stability</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stability is a virtue that is at odds with our culture. We want it all and we want it “yesterday.” With microwaves, high-speed Internet, email and instant everything, we have lost the ability to be patient and wait. In my own life, this impatience often manifests itself in expecting a same-day response to an email sent in the morning. (Update: This impatience also manifests itself in expecting an immediate response to a new Facebook status or link.)<br /><br />Monastic stability consists of centeredness, commitment and relationships (Chittister, Wisdom 150).<br /><br />To be centered is to have our center focused on something larger than ourselves – to be where God is and to know that God is where we are. Recently I wrote a poem that describes my own longing for centeredness.<br /> <br /><b>Looking for You</b><br /><br /><i>I climb a ladder to reach you,<br />Deep inside my spirit.<br /><br />The night stars twinkle,<br />Dazzling light illumines the way.<br /><br />I reach out my hand,<br />My fist grasps only air.<br /><br />You can’t live long without it.<br /><br />Empty rooms beckon,<br />I fill them with comfortable words.<br /><br />Hold me close by your side,<br />Hold me in your light.<br /><br />I eat and drink.<br />You fill me with nourishing hope,<br />Fill me with delight.<br /><br />I flounder in the darkness,<br />Why won’t I remove the blindfold?<br /><br />I Search. <br />And you cannot be found.<br /><br />I Surrender.<br />And your presence surrounds me.</i><br /><br />The last couplet, especially, points to the need to be still, to stop the frenetic activity and allow ourselves to experience the God who has been present all along.<br /><br />Centeredness is what enables us to weather the changes in life over which we have no control. This is reflected in the philosophy of twelve-step recovery groups. Step One reads, “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol (or any other addictive or problem condition) – and that our lives had become unmanageable.” Step Two adds: “Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” Step Three continues, “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood him.” It is that centeredness in something larger than our problems that helps us overcome them.<br /><br />The next element of stability is commitment. Commitment is another value that does not mesh with the prevailing values of our culture. So much of our life is disposable or interchangeable. We tend to quit when things get tough. Commitment – sticking it out during the tough times – gives us the opportunity to learn about ourselves and the opportunity to grow.<br /><br />Committed people are those who strive to be pure of heart – to be the ones who can see God wherever they look. I wrote the following poem in response to a discussion about the "pure of heart."<br /><br /><i>Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God<br />In every one and every thing.<br /><br />In the young and in the old,<br />In the poor and in the rich,<br />In the light and in the shadow,<br />In the heavens and on the earth.<br />Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God<br />In every one and every thing.<br /><br />In the trees and in the soil,<br />In sickness and in health,<br />In joy and in sorrow,<br />In life and in death.<br /><br />Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God<br />In every one and every thing.</i><br /><br />Being able to see God in everyone and everything gives us the ability to respectfully listen to one another because we are responding to the presence of God in each other. This seems easy as long as we confine this requirement to listening to those whom we like or with whom we agree. The challenge is to respond to God’s presence in those who irritate us, wrong us, or whose views differ profoundly from our own.<br /><br />The third element of stability is relationship. The vow of stability is a call to connect deeply with others. We confuse “community” with living in groups. We live in apartment buildings and neighborhoods without knowing one another’s names. We work for the same companies, attend the same schools, and never see one another (Chittister, Wisdom 155).<br /><br />How can we maintain stability in a mobile society? Rev. Lovejoy, the beleaguered pastor in Fox TV’s “The Simpsons,” sums up the lack of stability in our society in his lament: "Today's Christian doesn't think he needs God. He's got his Hi Fi, his boob tube, and his instant pizza pie." People choose isolation over connection. Mobility is not the enemy – alienation is. When we are so disconnected from the world that the sufferings of others do not affect us, we become “a cardboard cutout that breathes” (Chittister, Wisdom 156-7).<br /><br />So where is our hope for stability? We hope in the consistency of God, not our own strength or fidelity. It is God’s fidelity that keeps us going when things get tough. Stability gives us time in life, time for God and time for others (Chittister, Wisdom 156).<br /><b><br /></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Works Cited</b><br />Chittister, Joan. <i>The Rule of Benedict: Insights for the Ages.</i> New York: The<br />Crossroad Publishing Company, 1999.<br /><br />Chittister, Joan. <i> Wisdom Distilled from the Daily.</i> San Francisco:<br />Harper San Francisco, 1991.<br /><br />de Waal, Esther. <i> Living with Contradiction: An Introduction to Benedictine<br />Spirituality</i>. Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse Publishing, 1997.<br /><br />de Waal, Esther. <i>Seeking God. </i> Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1984.<br /><br />Earle, Doug. Personal Email. 14 May 2004.<br /><br />Earle, Doug. Sermon: Sixth Sunday of Easter. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.<br /> San Antonio, 16 May 2004.<br /><br />Earle, Mary. <i>Broken Body, Healing Spirit: Lectio Divina and Living with Illness.</i><br />Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse Publishing, 2003.<br /><br />Vest, Norvene. <i> Desiring Life.</i> Boston: Cowley Publications, 2000.</span>Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-40982100644565085542013-06-10T09:50:00.003-05:002013-06-10T09:50:40.635-05:00The Rule of Benedict -- Conversion of Life<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Conversion of Life</b><br />Conversion of life – <i>conversatio morum</i> – is a person’s life-long process of being transformed as he follows Christ. Thomas Merton described it as “A commitment to total inner transformation.” In the Prologue, Benedict tells us “God in his love will show you the way of life.” This is a call to <i>metanoia</i>, a real turning around of one’s life (de Waal, Seeking 69). I remember in the midst of my deepest depression being faced with a decision – to allow my illness to define my identity – or to strive for true repentance, doing everything in my power to regain (and improve) my health.<br /><br />In my autobiography, I stated that Easter had become a Holy Day of profound significance for me. <i>Conversatio</i> forces us to face death itself through a series of lesser deaths throughout our lives – such as the loss of health, relationships, abilities, possessions – until we reach that last, ultimate death. But from death comes new life. New patterns of life and work grow only through letting go of the old patterns and accepting change (de Waal, Seeking 74). In my own life I have seen this in the taking on of responsibilities that I would have been less likely to have done before. My old pattern of being the support person for my partner gave way to a call to lead in some areas that I would not have considered before, such as the re-establishment of Morning Prayer in the parish.<br /><br />Chapter Four of the Rule, “The Tools for Good Works,” consists of a number of axioms intended to help us face the demands of growth and change. We are expected to be mature, to take responsibility for ourselves. Numbers 34 to 42 address psychological well-being, beginning with “You must not be proud.” Pride hurts my psychological health because it is a need to control – my day, my future, others in my life, my world (de Waal, Seeking 75-6). Many recovery programs start with letting go of this unrealistic need for control. <br /> <br />We experience <i>conversatio</i> by redirecting our thoughts. Evagrius says, “Readings, vigils and prayer—these are the things that lend stability to the wandering mind. Hunger, toil and solitude are the means of extinguishing the flames of desire. Turbid anger is calmed by the singing of Psalms – by patience and almsgiving.” The goal of our conversion is to form ourselves – our souls and bodies – toward the Lamb who reigns at the center of the universe, the one who reigns in the center of our hearts (D. Earle, Sermon, May 2004).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Works Cited</b><br />Chittister, Joan. <i>The Rule of Benedict: Insights for the Ages.</i> New York: The<br />Crossroad Publishing Company, 1999.<br /><br />Chittister, Joan. <i> Wisdom Distilled from the Daily.</i> San Francisco:<br />Harper San Francisco, 1991.<br /><br />de Waal, Esther. <i> Living with Contradiction: An Introduction to Benedictine<br />Spirituality</i>. Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse Publishing, 1997.<br /><br />de Waal, Esther. <i>Seeking God. </i> Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1984.<br /><br />Earle, Doug. Personal Email. 14 May 2004.<br /><br />Earle, Doug. Sermon: Sixth Sunday of Easter. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.<br /> San Antonio, 16 May 2004.<br /><br />Earle, Mary. <i>Broken Body, Healing Spirit: Lectio Divina and Living with Illness.</i><br />Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse Publishing, 2003.<br /><br />Vest, Norvene. <i> Desiring Life.</i> Boston: Cowley Publications, 2000.<br /><br /></span>Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-68692596799478797072013-06-09T22:33:00.001-05:002013-06-09T22:34:30.374-05:00The Rule of Benedict -- Obedience<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I feel incredibly guilty for recycling old material for inclusion into the blog, but most days I've been so mentally exhausted that creativity comes in the shortest of bursts. Anyway, I think I have some pretty good material that hasn't been published, so now I'm letting it see the light of day. The following posts will be excerpts from a reflection paper I wrote about the Rule of Benedict. Click here for more information about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedict_of_Nursia" target="_blank">St. Benedict</a> .</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Obedience</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b> </b><br />When I hear the word “obedience,” I tend to imagine the soldier who obeys orders without question. Obedience, in this sense, seems to require that one “checks in his mind at the door.” So it seems that before I can promise to be obedient, I need to know “What is obedience?” <br /><br />Obedience has been defined as “holy listening.” The Prologue begins with the word, “Listen,” and continues with the instruction to listen “with the ear of your heart.” <br /><br />But what do we listen to?<br /><br />First, we listen to God because he is the ultimate authority in our lives. We are to listen to what God wants in any given situation and as the Prologue states, "welcome it and faithfully put it into practice" (Chittister, Rule of Benedict 20). In the eleventh step of twelve-step recovery programs, a person prays to know God's will and for the power to carry that out.<br /><br />Next, we listen to those persons who are in positions of authority over us.<br />However, obedience is not living for the sake of an authority figure. That is dependence and an abdication of personal responsibility. The person who is dependent tries to become the other rather than a full expression of him- or herself (Chittister, Wisdom 137- 8). I see dependence as someone hoping that an authority figure will “shine his light” upon her so that she might be able to reflect that light. Thus, the dependent person ceases to be herself, but rather becomes merely a pale reflection of the authority figure.<br /><br />Rather than dependence, listening to those in authority means accepting that I am not the sole judge of right and wrong. I alone do not possess all the knowledge I need to make right decisions. Obedience to those in authority means accepting the guidance of those entrusted to lead.<br /><br />One obstacle to obedience is our Western culture's value of independence, which can be confused with license. License means that an individual is accountable only to himself. The individual becomes his own small world, in which he is the sole measure of meaning in his life (Chittister, Wisdom 139). The medieval notion of sin was curvatos en se or "curved in upon oneself" (D. Earle, Email, May 2004). This “curving in” is the sin of pride, considered the worst of the seven deadly sins because it takes one's capacity for union with God and turns into obsession with oneself (Vest 81).<br /><br />We are called to be humble, to recognize our limitations and weaknesses, and to allow others to help us grow. We listen to the voice of God in others. Humility also keeps us from being judgmental of others’ weaknesses (de Waal, Seeking 47). Monastics choose to place themselves under the authority of a prior or prioress, so that they "no longer live by their own judgment, giving in to their whims and appetites." (RB 5) They accept the guidance of someone who will help them stay on the right road. The Rule alone is not enough (Chittister, Rule of Benedict 58). <br /><br />On the other hand, obedience does not negate the requirement of personal responsibility. We have to listen to our consciences – the internal authority that discerns between right and wrong actions (Chittister, Wisdom 138). When I was in the Air Force, I attended a training course for junior officers. One of the topics we discussed was the idea that while we were required to obey our superiors, we also had a responsibility to question, and get the guidance of a higher authority if necessary, if an order seemed to go against what we believed was morally correct. We are still responsible for what we do. Those who were involved in the abuse of Iraqi prisoners are accountable for their actions. They, and we, cannot use the excuse of "just following orders" (as the sister of one accused soldier asserts) to justify wrong actions.<br /><br />Chapter 68 of the Rule addresses when one is assigned an “impossible task.” When a person disagrees with a task or request, he is to “choose the appropriate moment and explain patiently to the prioress or abbot” why he cannot perform the task. The Rule allows for discussion and disagreement, but if the request still stands, we must “in love obey.” Sometimes we have to trust that the people we have entrusted as leaders have the “big picture” in view. Sometimes we have to be pushed beyond our comfort level in order to grow (Chittister, Rule of Benedict 173-4).<br /><br />How does obedience differ from “compliance”? A person can be forced to comply with an order or requirement. A person can be compliant and still be a detriment to the community by constantly complaining. In contrast, obedience means that one willingly exercises free choice in carrying out an order or fulfilling a request. (Chittister, Rule of Benedict 59) To me, that implies that there is a measure of trust and respect in obedience that is lacking in compliance.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />So, while I hope I have built a clear case for obedience up to this point – I also believe there is a time to be disobedient. However, the decision to disobey must not be taken lightly. There is often a high cost for disobedience, whether in legal consequences or in expulsion from an organization. And there is also the chance one could be wrong in the conclusions that were made leading to the act of disobedience. This decision, like other discernment decisions, should be made after prayer and consultation with trusted others to ensure that the decision is being made for the right reasons. I am reminded of the civil rights movement and the practice of “civil disobedience,” used to peacefully contest unjust laws. The soldier who became the “whistleblower” and reported the abuse of Iraqi prisoners apparently disobeyed his immediate superiors. But in both cases, the people involved were trying to be obedient to a higher authority.<br /><br />We also use holy listening to listen to our bodies. In our culture, we tend to either be disconnected from our flesh, or we obsess over perfecting it. Mary Earle, writing about living with illness, says when we are ill we become more conscious of the inner workings of our bodies. The body “turns out to be a rich and varied text, full of layers of meaning.” When we read our bodies and tend to them we can become more aware of the intimate presence of Christ, “in whom all things (including every cell of our bodies) hold together” (M. Earle 8-9).<br /><br />Monastic or not, we are all called to live in community. The Rule trains people to live in community. Within the community is sanctification through community values and virtues, mutual support, and examples of life lived well. Life in community provides its members the opportunity to hear the voice of God in one another, see the face of God in one another, and experience both patience and power. Members of a community have the opportunity to obey Christ’s command to serve one another (Chittister, Wisdom 140).<br /><br />Chapter 71 of the Rule addresses the idea of mutual obedience. Benedict does not say we should only obey those in leadership positions; he also requires that we be obedient to one another, and especially to our elders. We are to respect one another and listen to one another. When there are misunderstandings, the Rule requires contrition, forgiveness and reconciliation, rather than defensiveness, justification or excuses (Chittister, Rule of Benedict 176-7). As our Church wrestles with difficult questions regarding human sexuality, its members would do well to listen intently to one another and to follow the Rule’s teachings on dealing with conflict.<br /> </span></span></span><br />
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Works Cited</b><br />Chittister, Joan. The Rule of Benedict: Insights for the Ages. New York: The Crossroad Publishing Company, 1999.<br /><br />Chittister, Joan. Wisdom Distilled from the Daily. San Francisco: Harper San Francisco, 1991.<br /><br />de Waal, Esther. Living with Contradiction: An Introduction to Benedictine Spirituality. Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse Publishing, 1997.<br /><br />de Waal, Esther. Seeking God. Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1984.<br /><br />Earle, Doug. Personal Email. 14 May 2004.<br /><br />Earle, Doug. Sermon: Sixth Sunday of Easter. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. San Antonio, 16 May 2004.<br /><br />Earle, Mary. Broken Body, Healing Spirit: Lectio Divina and Living with Illness. Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse Publishing, 2003.<br /><br />Vest, Norvene. Desiring Life. Boston: Cowley Publications, 2000.<b><br /></b></span></span>Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-71024731851715769902013-06-08T21:22:00.001-05:002013-06-08T21:22:13.663-05:00To a Dear Child<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dearest child,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My wish for you is </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That you live your life</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Full of adventure,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Eager to find the new and
wonderful.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Full of contentment,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Striving for more, yet happy with
what you have.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Full of knowledge,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Learning much, but knowing that
some things are unknowable.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Full of love,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Loving others and being loved.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Full of holiness,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Certain that you are a child of
God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wish…That your life is full.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2013</span></div>
Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-25056278811754128742013-06-03T17:39:00.003-05:002013-06-03T17:39:53.352-05:00Favorite Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">No
testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is
faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but
with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be
able to endure it. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+10%3A13&version=NRSV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:13</a></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For years, this verse has been one of my go-to verses when life's struggles seem like too much to handle.</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> It begins with the premise that whatever is causing my distress is nothing new. I've heard of this similarity among people referred to as "terminal uniqueness." That is, we're all unique up to a certain point. God has seen situations like mine before. He's handled these situations before. It's nothing new to him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The next sentence is a statement of God's faithfulness. Not only because it begins with the words, "God is faithful..." but also because it says that whatever we're facing, God will help us find a solution, a "way out", that will help us get through it. I have found many distressing situations made more bearable by starting a course of action.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-28646206076574472682013-06-02T21:30:00.001-05:002020-03-02T23:39:52.059-06:00Paul's Letter to the Galatians<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Today's epistle (letter) from the Revised Common Lectionary was <a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearC_RCL/Pentecost/CProp4_RCL.html" target="_blank">Galatians 1:1-12.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I like reading the letters of the Bible. The writers pull no punches when they outline what the problems are in a given community. However, they don't just point out faults, they also empathize with their readers and tell them how to resolve their problems. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">This letter, attributed to St. Paul, was likely sent by courier to its intended congregation. I wonder what it would be like today, if Paul Skyped the congregation. The writing is so vivid, I can almost see him exhorting the congregation to turn away from the "different" (false) gospel and return to Christ. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">This letter, like the others also shows that people, at the core, have not changed that much in two thousand years:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">"Am I now seeking human approval, or God's approval? Or am I trying to
please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant
of Christ."</span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">This reading only covers the salutation and beginning of the letter. But even here, we can see that the solution to the Galatians' problems lies in their focus. Keeping the focus on Christ and his teachings will lead to becoming a servant of Christ. Straying from that focus, following a false gospel, will lead to problems, which Paul writes about in the rest of the letter.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-35759294275710905312013-06-01T21:52:00.001-05:002013-06-01T21:52:42.546-05:00Rest in Peace, Andrew Greeley......priest, author, sociologist, complainer.<br />
<br />
Catholic priest, <a href="http://www.andysword.com/archives/788" target="_blank">Father Andrew Greeley</a>, died May 29 at the age of 85. I don't have an extensive Greeley library, but his fiction and nonfiction works have given me much food for thought. Father Greeley was a prolific author. An extensive list of his books can be found <a href="http://www.agreeley.com/booklist.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Surprisingly, one paperback that did not make the book list was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Complaints-Against-God-Andrew-Greeley/dp/0883472481" target="_blank">Complaints Against God</a>, a collection of essays, or "complaints," about issues ranging from Beethoven's <i>Missa Solemnis</i> to the End of Summer, and the Holy Roman Catholic Church. The complaints, as a whole, address God with the understanding that God is omnipotent, and that there may be reasons for God's actions that are beyond our understanding. In this sense, these complaints remind me of the Psalms. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.missionstclare.com/english/psalm/psalters.html" target="_blank">Psalm 10</a> begins "Why do you stand so far off, O LORD, and hide yourself in time of trouble?" Father Greeley's complaint number 20 tells God, "...you simply have to do something about your Church. It's in an awful mess." <br />
<br />
In Psalm 10, the Psalmist ends with a recognition of God's justice and mercy: <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The LORD is King for ever and ever; *<br />
the ungodly shall perish from his land.
<br />
<sup>18
</sup>The LORD will hear the desire of the humble;
*<br />
you will strengthen their heart and your ears shall hear;
<br />
<sup>19
</sup>To give justice to the orphan and oppressed,
*<br />
so that mere mortals may strike terror no more." </blockquote>
Father Greeley also, after naming his concerns about the Church, the folly of its members and leadership, and the speed of change after <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_John_XXIII" target="_blank">Pope John XXIII's</a> reign, calls upon God to keep his promise to be with his people:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Your Son, when he was here among us, promised us that he would be with his Church for all the days, even until the end of the world...might I respectfully suggest that now would be a singularly appropriate time for him to manifest himself in as spectacular way as possible that he intends to keep his promise." </blockquote>
The complaints are not so much gripes against God as they are a plea for God to remain with us, despite conditions that are beyond our understanding. Father Greeley shows that puzzlement and doubt are natural when we encounter God in the midst of all that is wrong (and right) in our world. But even though our natural inclination is to doubt, living in faith requires that we choose to recognize God's presence in our lives.<br />
<br />
I hope you got your answers, Father Greeley.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br /></blockquote>
<br /><br />Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-81658877546639080772013-05-30T23:43:00.000-05:002013-05-30T23:56:08.300-05:00Lagom: Sometimes good enough is good enough.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I am writing this in response to <a href="http://peterpollock.com/">Peter Pollock’s</a> blog carnival topic of intimidation, or actually, letting go of
intimidation. I believe I can feel intimidated by life’s challenges when
I think I don’t have what it takes to meet those challenges. Sadly, I
often feel “Not good enough.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Then I learned a Swedish word –
<i>Lagom</i>. There is no direct English equivalent, but roughly, it means,
“good enough”, “adequate”, “sufficient”, without the negative connotation of
mediocrity or scarcity that surrounds our English words. It sounds like a
good philosophy to have. For many times, we may not have more than
others, but we have <i>lagom</i>. And that is sufficient.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sometimes good enough is good
enough.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Wow! What a hard time I have
with that concept. Our American culture is one of constant striving. We
are never to be content with what we have. Each person should aspire to
be as the 70’s TV series “The Six Million Dollar Man” stated, “…Better than he
was before. Better, stronger, faster.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Striving to improve is not a bad
thing. How can I reconcile it with the idea that who I am, and what I do
is “good enough”? When is lagom appropriate in my life?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I believe <i>lagom</i> is appropriate when</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I sense that perfectionism is
affecting my ability to take any sort of action at all. When I
experience “writer’s block”, more often than not, perfectionism is at the
root of my inability to write. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I am interviewing for a position
or making a presentation. Provided that I have prepared adequately,
I simply have to follow my plan and realize that others’ opinions are just
that: their opinions.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I am in the midst of a depressive
episode and nothing I do seems good enough. During those times, I
need to give myself credit for accomplishing anything at all, no matter
how meager the results.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I wonder if God loves
me. Many Bible verses point to God’s love for us, his children.
Here are just a few examples: </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">There’s
the popular John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal
life.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Also,
Romans 5:8 – “But God proves his love for us in that while we still were
sinners Christ died for us.”<br />
<br />
And, Romans 8:37-39 – “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor
angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor
height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate
us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”<br />
<br />
And finally, Romans 8:15-16 – “For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to
fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry,
“Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we
are children of God…” </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<h1>
</h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The comic character Stuart Smalley is known for saying, “I'm good enough,
I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!” While that type of
affirmation has become a cliché, it does illustrate an important fact: Life
need not be intimidating. God loves you. God loves me. And that is <i>lagom</i>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">**Note: I realize, knowing nothing about Swedish grammar, that<i> lagom </i>might be incorrectly used in this post. I hope that fact does not take away from the concept of <i>lagom</i> itself. </span><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> </span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-90055416627333989852013-05-29T10:40:00.000-05:002013-05-30T10:03:27.606-05:00The First Draft of Anything is Always ShitA Quote from Ernest Hemingway<br />
<br />
I figure if I am going to identify myself as a writer I need to associate myself with other writers. So, I've been joining writers' groups on LinkedIn and Facebook in order to see what others are doing in the profession.<br />
<br />
One of the first discussions I scanned started with this quote. Of course, being a writers' group, the discussion focused on the editing and rewriting process. I see the first draft as kind of a brainstorming draft -- getting the ideas out of my head and onto the screen or sheet of paper. The editing and rewriting then refine that brainstorming draft, clarify the ideas, and make it so the reader can understand what I am trying to communicate.<br />
<br />
I do some editing on this blog. But since it's supposed to reflect what's in my head in a given moment, I try to edit with a light hand, only changing what is absolutely necessary. If there's a bit of stream-of-consciousness in here, I don't care as much. Now that I'm attempting to write for companies that want a particular style, I'm finding there's a learning curve involved in figuring out what is an acceptable product.<br />
<br />
I also read Hemingway's quote and thought about its broader implications. Many times I have tried to do something and it's -- to use Hemingway's word -- shit. Just living life involves making so many mistakes, so many hurt feelings and broken relationships. But it's not all depressing. Thank God, I'm also given the opportunity to repent, to change the trajectory, to make amends. That's the revising process in life. And if I'm diligent, the end product will be so much better then the initial draft.<br />
<br />
God willing, the final sentence in my story will be, "Well done, good and faithful servant."Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-48008206469601562952013-05-26T21:46:00.002-05:002013-05-30T10:02:11.444-05:00Another Maundy Thursday Post......and a return to blogging.<br />
<br />
Since my last post was about Maundy Thursday two years ago, it seems fitting that today's post would reference it as well.<br />
<br />
Last Maundy Thursday (known to some as Holy Thursday), my parish priest talked about "pivotal moments" in his sermon. Pivotal moments are those times in your life when things are irrevocably changed. They are the events that make you define life as "before x" and "after x". After listening to him share some of his pivotal moments, I stopped to think of my own. <br />
<br />
I have many pivotal moments. Some, I didn't even recognize except in hindsight. Some examples in my own life include<br />
<ul>
<li>Divorce</li>
<li>Remarriage</li>
<li>Recovery from a severe depressive episode</li>
<li>Quitting my job to help care for a family member</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Deciding to pursue writing as a career</li>
</ul>
There are so many more I could list. Each event, if I had decided on a different course of action, would have changed the direction of my life. Some of these did not have a "wrong" course of action, but rather, one that would have defined me differently.<br />
<br />
Let's look at my divorce. I could have decided to stay in the relationship. I had my reasons for leaving, but had I decided to stay, I would have been married to my ex-husband for 26 years. However, having gone through with the divorce, I have since remarried and now have not only a wonderful husband, but a terrific step-daughter and the best grandson ever. Yes, that is a very biased statement.<br />
<br />
"Nana" is now on my short list of monikers. It's one that I am so pleased to have.<br />
<br />
A few years after my divorce, I had another pivotal moment. A relationship had ended, and with it, came the feeling that life was more than a little overrated. Coming out of that depressive episode marked the death of how I perceived myself then, and the birth of a new
perception. The irony that this was precipitated by a failed suicide
attempt is not lost on me.<br />
<br />
Recently, I celebrated 10 years of recovery from depression. That's 10 years of being in the process of recovery, as opposed to 10 years post-recovery. It was a great feeling to meet up with friends who were there to see me at my worst and share my sense of accomplishment with them. We started out by offering prayers of thanksgiving and petitions for those who are suffering from emotional distress. Then we went to a cool burger joint and shared good food, good conversation and good beer. For anyone with a similar milestone, I highly recommend some kind of commemoration.<br />
<br />
I was once told by another priest that a death must happen in order for new life to begin. I see these pivotal moments as a kind of simultaneous death and birth. I cannot hang onto my old life so tightly that the new life inside of me cannot be born. So while the passing of some aspects of life invite me to mourn, I have to look ahead in hope for the new life to come.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-38097362232790985922011-04-20T23:21:00.008-05:002011-04-21T10:02:08.397-05:00Maundy Thursday 2011<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> 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mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language:ENfont-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;" lang="EN" >Maundy Thursday, also called Holy Thursday, is the commemoration of Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples. It is the event that we remember when we participate in the Eucharist, or Holy Communion.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language:ENfont-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;" lang="EN" >The Revised Common Lectionary includes 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 in the appointed readings:</span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; line-height: normal; font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style=" mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language: ENfont-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;" lang="EN" >23 For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for* you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ 25In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ 26For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language:ENfont-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;" lang="EN" >The Episcopal Lectionary, which The Episcopal Church has replaced with the RCL, also included verses 27-32 as an option:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; line-height: normal; font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style=" mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language: ENfont-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;" lang="EN" >27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord. 28Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29For all who eat and drink* without discerning the body,* eat and drink judgment against themselves. 30For this reason many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.* 31But if we judged ourselves, we would not be judged. 32But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined* so that we may not be condemned along with the world. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language:ENfont-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;" lang="EN" >I wish those verses had remained in the reading, at least as an option. They tell us that with Communion comes responsibility and accountability. We cannot simply take in Christ’s Body and Blood as some kind of spiritual fuel. We need to be aware of the state of our minds and hearts if we choose to bind ourselves to Christ. Pretending to be part of Christ, by receiving Communion in an unworthy manner, is something we do at our own peril.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language:ENfont-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;" lang="EN" >The Disciplinary Rubrics of the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer (1979) address this matter in their instructions to priests concerning Communion. We laypeople should be aware of these rubrics and use them as a guide to discern the state of our spiritual readiness for Communion.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-height: normal; font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi- mso-ansi-language:ENfont-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;" lang="EN" >If the priest knows that a person who is living a notoriously evil life intends to come to Communion, the priest shall speak to that person privately, and tell him that he may not come to the Holy Table until he has given clear proof of repentance and amendment of life.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-height: normal; font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-height: normal; font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-height: normal; font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi- mso-ansi-language:ENfont-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;" lang="EN" >The priest shall follow the same procedure with those who have done wrong to their neighbors and are a scandal to the other members of the congregation, not allowing such persons to receive Communion until they have made restitution for the wrong they have done, or have at least promised to do so.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-height: normal; font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-height: normal; font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-height: normal; font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi- mso-ansi-language:ENfont-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;" lang="EN" >When the priest sees that there is hatred between members of the congregation, he shall speak privately to them, telling them that they may not receive Communion until they have forgiven each other.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-height: normal; font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-height: normal;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;" lang="EN" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-height: normal; font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi- mso-ansi-language:ENfont-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;" lang="EN" >And if the person or persons on one side truly forgive the others and desire and promise to make up for their faults, but those on the other side refuse to forgive, the priest shall allow those who are penitent to come to Communion, but not those who are stubborn.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; line-height: normal; font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi- mso-ansi-language:ENfont-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;" lang="EN" >In all such cases, the priest is required to notify the bishop, within fourteen days at the most, giving the reasons for refusing Communion.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language:ENfont-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;" lang="EN" >As I stated before, I wish the additional verses in the reading from Corinthians had not been removed. We have a responsibility, when we take in Christ himself in the form of spiritual food and drink, to truly desire to follow him. 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mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]-->Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-42156254884399998192010-11-15T11:07:00.003-06:002010-11-15T11:13:40.342-06:00Hmmm...Veiled from head to toe<br />A gauzy film covering my eyes<br />No one sees me,<br />And I can't see them.<br />(See clearly, that is.)<br />It doesn't matter if the sky is clear<br />Or if the clouds are out<br />It's all the same gray.Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-65574347943460565792010-05-30T20:02:00.005-05:002020-03-03T09:24:39.975-06:00SunflowersSome years ago, I wrote quite a bit of poetry. I was even a member of a monthly poetry group. Lots of painful stuff happened then, and pain can be quite the muse for poetry, and writing in general.<br />
<br />
Today, I felt inspired to write a poem. Nothing particularly painful happened, rather, more of a wistful wondering, based on a chance encounter with a neighbor. It's a first draft, so likely it'll go through a few revisions before I feel like it's done. But here goes:<br />
<br />
"Sunflowers"<br />
<br />
Looking over the fence today,<br />
A neighbor was working in his yard.<br />
Not much different from my own<br />
Tending the lawn,<br />
Separating the despised weeds<br />
From the soft, green grass.<br />
<br />
As I watered my grass,<br />
I noticed a tall bunch of sunflowers<br />
Growing in the corner of my neighbor's yard.<br />
Lovely plants -- they reminded me of the blooms<br />
I once received as a gift.<br />
So, so tall --<br />
The bright flowers rose higher than the fence.<br />
<br />
Then I realized what my neighbor was doing.<br />
The flowers disappeared, a few at a time.<br />
I heard the sound of cutting,<br />
And I knew that these were not to be kept.<br />
They were counted among the weeds,<br />
A nuisance, something to be rid of.<br />
<br />
I wondered why he would choose to dispose of them.<br />
They chose his yard to grow in --<br />
So fortunate -- to have such pretty flowers<br />
Without even trying.<br />
Was there something in their beautiful wildness<br />
That he was afraid to keep?<br />
<br />
It was a shame to waste something so lovely.<br />
I thought I should ask for a few cuttings to keep in my yard.<br />
But good manners averted such presumption.<br />
<br />
So sadly I spied the corner again.<br />
No longer did the yellow blossoms smile upon me.<br />
I wondered why I spent so much time caring for something that didn't belong<br />
When God's beautiful provision was cast aside.<br />
<br />
(end of poem -- for now)<br />
<br />
Just wondering...you know?Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-84878292691441290642010-04-02T07:58:00.005-05:002010-04-02T08:51:09.217-05:00Maundy Thursday<div style="text-align: justify;">Maundy Thursday -- the Catholics refer to it as Holy Thursday, but we Episcopalians use the word, "maundy" (coming from a Latin word meaning <span style="font-style: italic;">mandate </span>or <span style="font-style: italic;">command</span>) to emphasize the commandment given by Jesus to his disciples: "<span class="woc">A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.</span> <span class="woc">By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)</span><br /><br /><span class="woc">This service has a reenactment of Jesus washing the disciples' feet. At a certain point in the service, the priests removed their stoles and washed the feet of any person who came up to them. My church has a nice twist to that -- at the end, the Lay Eucharistic Ministers (lay assistants at the altar) then exchanged places with the priests and washed their feet -- showing that we are all to love and serve one another as Christ. This was the first year I didn't go up for the foot washing. Instead, I felt I needed to serve by remaining in the loft and singing.</span><br /><br /><span class="woc">This summary doesn't do the night justice. It was all so moving. After the Eucharist (communion), we prayed and the choir sang "Stay with Me," a Taize chant-like song. As the song faded, the priests and LEMs stripped the altar as I read <a href="http://www.io.com/%7Ekellywp/YearABC/HolyWk/GoodFri.html">Psalm 22</a>, which foreshadows Jesus' physical, mental and emotional suffering and death. I know this psalm well, for it so vividly describes the feelings of despair. I believe anyone who has experienced clinical depression has probably been in the psalmist's space, and believed, "</span>But as for me, I am a worm and no man, scorned by all and despised by the people."</div><dl style="text-align: justify;" compact="compact"><dt> The service ended in silence. There was no concluding prayer, for we were to continue our vigil and prayers until Good Friday, which we know seemed anything but good at the time. We're so blessed now to know how the story ends...and continues.<br /></dt></dl><div style="text-align: justify;" class="esv-text"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Once Again" by Switchfoot<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FWi0A5WoW4M&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FWi0A5WoW4M&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div>Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-40298437722703926342010-03-28T15:51:00.006-05:002010-03-28T19:03:27.923-05:00On Liturgy<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:arial;">As an Episcopalian, I am a member of a liturgical church. "Liturgy," or "work of the people", consists of the rituals we use in worship to bring others and ourselves closer to God. Liturgy, as the definition implies, is an interactive form of worship. Perhaps that is why I lean so much towards it. Liturgy involves most of the senses (all, if you include incense), and incorporates movement in the form of standing, sitting, and kneeling.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">We sing, pray silently and aloud, and respond verbally to prompts in the service.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">In liturgical style, I prefer "High Church," or liturgy rich in vestments, sounds, sacred music, candles and incense. Some people refer to it as "smells and bells". I find that when done well, a High Church liturgy can bring me closest to experiencing the wonder and majesty of God. That's not to say that "Low Church", a simpler form of liturgy, or "Broad Church", which tries to blend aspects of High and Low Church, can't bring people closer to the divine. It's just that to me, anyway, it's like looking at the familial aspect of our relationship with God. That's important, but it seems that we have emphasized that familial relationship so much that God has become familiar, instead of the Creator of the Universe that deserves our awe and reverence, as well as our love. Be that as it may, High, Low or Broad, it's important that we care enough to do liturgy well. Otherwise it's just a bumbling, unworthy display instead of a fitting offering to God. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Does that mean we'll do it perfectly every time? Of course not! We're simply fallible humans who will bumble at times. But we have to put out the effort. Also, when we do slip up, it's best to simply stop, acknowledge the mistake briefly (if necessary) and then, move on.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Peter D. Robinson, a bishop in the United Episcopal Church (not to be confused with The Episcopal Church, to which I belong), say this about liturgy in his blog, "The Old High Churchman":</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-family:arial;">"I would also note that we should always celebrate the liturgy with dignity and reverence, preferring a modest service done well to an elaborate one done badly. Reverence is caught, not taught. If our services are slovenly, then we should not be surprised if the people do not value the liturgy as they should."</span></blockquote><span style="font-family:arial;">Exactly. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Have a most blessed Holy Week. May you experience Christ's Passion and Resurrection fully in this journey towards Easter.</span></div>Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-89617694953473122632010-03-14T20:50:00.007-05:002010-03-14T21:50:02.885-05:00Notes from Today's Sermon by Fr. Z. -- Luke 15:25-32Wow. Just. Wow.<br /><br />I love a sermon that makes me think, that adds something new to the store of knowledge I carry. Most sermons are good in the sense that they are reminders of things I already know, but forget. This one was powerful because it added more depth to a familiar story. I had a different interpretation in my last blog entry.<br /><br />The familiar story is usually known as the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2015:11-32&version=ESV">Parable of the Prodigal Son</a>. You know, the younger son demands his share of the inheritance, blows it, returns home humbled, and his father takes him back with great celebration. The older son is angry because his no-good brother is welcomed home without any reproach while he slaves along, unappreciated. The father tells the older brother that "all that is mine is yours."<br /><br />Here's what I got from today's sermon:<br /><br />Reconciliation -- implies that something is not right, something needs to be fixed. Think about reconciling your checkbook and finding that you're two cents off.<br /><br />The church, filled with imperfect people, offers us ample opportunities to practice the ministry of reconciliation.<br /><br />Reconciliation at the human level is limited and imperfect because we are limited and imperfect. True reconciliation goes beyond tolerance or getting along. Reconciliation is like a mediated settlement, but we (humans) are not the mediators, nor do we determine the terms of the settlement.<br /><br />This story could be renamed "The Parable of the Lost Sons". Both sons disrespected their father, who initiates reconciliation.<br /><br />The younger son basically tells his father, "If you won't hurry up and die, then at least give me my stuff so I can have fun with it." The outrageous thing is the father's response. He doesn't tell his son to get out (get the (expletive) out, is probably how I might put it), but he gives the young man his inheritance and lets him go out into the world.<br /><br />The word Luke uses for "property" is "bios", or "life." The father divided <span style="font-style: italic;">his life</span> between his sons. Sounds familiar... like the One who gave His life for us.<br /><br />The younger son squanders his money and ends up taking a job of feeding pigs, considered unclean by the Jews. He truly hit bottom here.<br /><br />The older brother was also selfish. He was angry because he did all the right things, but saw his younger brother getting even more upon the younger brother's return. His focus was on himself. Doing right so he can gain something for himself. (Ouch. Sounds too familiar here.)<br /><br />Neither brother reaches out to the other. In fact, the older brother failed his responsibility: to try to convince the younger brother to let go of his stupid idea of getting his inheritance and running. He didn't try to find his younger brother after the younger brother ran off.<br /><br />The father (Father) is the mediator, the one who reconciles.<br /><br />Unlike the older brother of the parable, we have a true Older Brother in Jesus. He seeks us out when we lose our way. He seeks to reconcile us to the Father. In Christ, God reconciles the world to Himself. We have the responsibility to spread the message of reconciliation. (2 Cor. 5:19)<br /><br />The father initiates. His love is outrageous. He gives his sons their inheritance. He runs to meet his younger son when the son returns. He rushes out to plead with older son, when that son is angry and won't join in the celebration.<br /><br />The theme today is "reconciliation". I find that I have to give up my idea of "justice" in order to be open to God's reconciliation. I have to accept that He has already forgiven me, and that I have to follow that example in how I deal with others who hurt me. Sometimes I'm not dealing directly with someone who's hurt me, but rather, the memory of a past hurt. God's desire is that I <span style="font-style: italic;">allow</span> Him to heal that pain, that I let go of that over which I have no control.<br /><br />How is God making his appeal through me as an ambassador for Christ? How do we show the world the reconciling power of God? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hmm</span>... that's a tough one to write here. I don't want to get the answer wrong and steer somebody wrong. What I think is that God wants me to step aside, stop talking, and start letting go, start listening to Him. Reading His word, praying, meditation, worship, and Godly counsel are the resources He has given me to help me discern His will.<br /><br />"Let go and let God," and "Be still and listen."<br /><br />May your Lent continue to be holy and blessed,<br />EErlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-16822182174629287532010-03-03T22:07:00.001-06:002010-03-03T22:24:32.841-06:00A Nice Rendition of the 23rd Psalm -- The Lord is My Shepherd, retold by Rob Lewis<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I used this when I taught a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pre</span>-K class in a Catholic School. We have it at home now and I enjoy sharing it with my grandson, S. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">The illustrations are charming, if you don't have a problem with God being a big bunny who takes care of the little bunny. The text is understandable to little ones, yet it has a nice, lyrical flow.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Here's the link on Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lord-My-Shepherd-Psalm-23/dp/0829416528/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267676102&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Lord is My Shepherd</span></a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I'm looking for ways to share my faith with the little guy. Do you start with God first, or do you talk about Jesus? Any particular favorite activities? Right now, I read <span style="font-style: italic;">The Lord is My Shepherd</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Rhyme Bible for Toddlers</span>, and some other children's religious books. We've just started talking about God as the One who made everything. I've taught religion classes, but this is different, more personal, and there's no set curriculum in front of me. So I feel a bit lost as to whether I'm doing it "right".</span></span>Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-648989966968000782010-02-17T22:13:00.007-06:002010-02-19T00:17:26.669-06:00Happy Lent!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I greeted Fr. Y with those words from the title, and he laughed and said it was an oxymoron. I replied, "Yes, I like that sort of thing."</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Well, "Happy Lent" is kind of an oxymoron and...kind of not. I happen to like Lent. When I wrote an article for my old church's newsletter, I learned that "Lent" came from an Anglo-Saxon word for "spring." That kind of stuck on me. When I think of Spring, I think of Spring Cleaning, being refreshed, starting anew. Lent is like that -- Spring Cleaning for the soul.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I like the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent because they are an opportunity to intentionally clean up my spiritual life. Like housekeeping, one should clean up on a regular basis, but sometimes you need to set aside a special time to do some deep cleaning.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">In a couple of weeks, I'll meet with one of our priests and say my Confession. It will be an opportunity for me to hear God, through the priest, say "I forgive you." Now, I know that God has already forgiven me, but for things that really bother me, I need to admit my wrongs and hear -- physically -- the words, "I forgive you." From past experience, I know that when I can tell someone the wrongs I've done, get a way for making things right (often referred to as a "penance"), and hear the words of forgiveness, I will feel better. Not only will I feel better, but more importantly, I will have made steps toward repairing the relationships that have been broken by my actions -- relationships with other people and with God Himself.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I like the somber, subdued mood in our worship during Lent. It's a break from the frenetic activity that sometimes invades even our worship space. I find that I can connect with God more deeply. Our music emphasizes our brokenness and need for healing. I appreciate that I can stop and admit that I'm human; I'm fallible -- I don't need to know it all or do it all. My 12-step work reminds me that there is a Power greater than I am, and Lent reminds me of the same.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">As for giving something up...this year, not so much. I think I'll go the route of adding something rather than taking away. The reality is that I'll naturally give up something in order to make this "new" thing, whatever it may be, fit. This year, I'm going to add exercise and Bible Study to my life. It will likely mean less playing with the iPhone...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">oooh</span>, can I do it? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Heh</span>. I </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;" >can</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> with God's help!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I wish you a blessed and most holy Lent. Happy Lent!</span></span><br /></div>Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489709922309863956.post-31382426667108381882010-02-11T21:39:00.006-06:002010-02-11T21:51:29.963-06:00Lent's Coming! Quick -- get out the sackcloth and ashes!<div style="text-align: justify;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Recently, I contributed a Lenten meditation for my former church's collection of writings. I like Lent, with its thoughtful, penitential focus. It's a lot like spring cleaning (the word <span style="font-style: italic;">lent </span>comes from an Anglo-Saxon word for <span style="font-style: italic;">spring</span>, after all) for the soul.<br /><br />Here's the meditation:<br /><br />Meditation for the 5th Day in Lent 2010 by Erlinda<br /><br />Please read 1 Corinthians 1:1-19<br /><br />There is a saying: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Unfortunately, this holds true when we look at the state of the Church in Corinth and the present-day Church. Because we have been created to live in community (Gen. 2:18, Matt. 18:20, 1 Cor. 1:9), we have an almost insatiable hunger to belong to something. But often, when we create groups in which to belong, we also create out-groups. When Paul learned that the Church had split into factions, he admonished the Corinthians to strive for unity, “in mind and purpose.”<br /><br />I have seen the sad results of church splits, whether from personal differences, doctrinal differences, liturgical differences, or any number of things that cause relationships to break down and die. People experience real pain from these splits, and friendships and communities are lost. Worse, people who have been wounded may begin to believe that there is no purpose for a worshiping community. Hearing the Corinthians say, “I belong to Paul”, or “I belong to Apollos”, or “I belong to Cephas”, or “I belong to Christ,” is not much different than saying, “I am orthodox,” or “I am progressive,” or “I belong to Holy Spirit,” or “I belong to St. George,” or “I belong to…” I call it looking at church with a “little c”, rather than Church with a “big C.”<br /><br />We are going through a time of divisiveness within our Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion, of which we are a part. If we, as a Church, are to survive this tumultuous period, we need to do what Paul told the Corinthians – be united “in mind and purpose.” That purpose is to proclaim – in words and actions – the Good News of Jesus Christ to those who do not know Him. This is too big a task for any small group to undertake. We need to look beyond our differences and cooperate in inter-parish and even inter-denominational efforts. Christ will give us the gifts we need to achieve our goal – to fill the hunger of those lonely souls who need to know the love of Christ and the love of a truly Christian community.<br /><br />Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, give us the strength to overcome the sad divisions we are experiencing in our Church. Help us to use the gifts You have given us to proclaim the Good News of Your presence to those who hunger so much for Your love, Your grace and Your peace. Amen.</span></div>Erlindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13509960280758660963noreply@blogger.com0