One week from today is Christmas Day. I wonder how many of you reading this feel a similar twinge of panic as I do in writing it? There is shopping to be done, parties to host and attend, pageants to perform, worship service to prepare, lead or attend, family and friends to visit, travel to make, and the list goes on...
I don't know about you but sometimes I get a little overwhelmed by Christmas. Don't get me wrong. I love it, I really do. I love the decorating, socializing, and celebrating. It's just there is so much in so short amount of time. Couldn't we spread it out a little more?
So in mid-week of the fourth week of Advent, my personal challenge is to take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the procession of the season rather than rushing ahead and creating my own anxiety and panic. After all, Jesus did say, "Don't worry about tomorrow because today is enough on it's own."
Yes, Christmas Day is one week from today. Don't panic! Relax and enjoy the journey to Bethlehem!
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Christmas Visitors
We decorated our Christmas tree a couple of days ago with the customary lights and ornaments. Hanging the ornaments on the tree is always a time for us of remembering the people, places, and times the individual ornaments represent in our lives.
There are ornaments from my childhood, some handmade by friends and family, ones given to commemorate each of our daughters' "first Christmases," several made by our daughters when they were children, and numerous elaborately jeweled ornaments made by my Aunt Clarice that were artistic expressions which began as therapy for a mental disorder. There is the flying cardinal that is always among the first on the tree to remind us of Peg's father and how he loved Christmas.
For some of the ornaments we have forgotten their origins. Their significance lies in always being on our tree and bringing smiles to our faces. Who knows, they may one day be memories to our daughters or others.
The Christmas Tree brings light into our home far beyond the tiny electric bulbs strung through its branches. It also lights our lives with the presence of people, places, and events who visit us this time of year bringing smiles, joy, comfort, and even sadness, all reminding us of the fullness of our lives. Perhaps the Angel who is lastly and ceremoniously placed atop the tree reminds us that all of the ornaments are Angels in themselves.
There are ornaments from my childhood, some handmade by friends and family, ones given to commemorate each of our daughters' "first Christmases," several made by our daughters when they were children, and numerous elaborately jeweled ornaments made by my Aunt Clarice that were artistic expressions which began as therapy for a mental disorder. There is the flying cardinal that is always among the first on the tree to remind us of Peg's father and how he loved Christmas.
For some of the ornaments we have forgotten their origins. Their significance lies in always being on our tree and bringing smiles to our faces. Who knows, they may one day be memories to our daughters or others.
The Christmas Tree brings light into our home far beyond the tiny electric bulbs strung through its branches. It also lights our lives with the presence of people, places, and events who visit us this time of year bringing smiles, joy, comfort, and even sadness, all reminding us of the fullness of our lives. Perhaps the Angel who is lastly and ceremoniously placed atop the tree reminds us that all of the ornaments are Angels in themselves.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Light!
As we enter the time of year when numerous religious, spiritual, and cultural holiday celebrations occur, the annual discussion of "what do we call it?" has begun. Do we say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Hanukkah" or "Happy/Merry/Joyous 'fill in the blank'", or do we simply try to include everything and everyone with "Happy Holidays?"
Even within our respective traditions there is consternation over what to call certain days and when to observe them. For example in my Christian tradition, is it OK to sing Christmas Carols during Advent? Do we dare speak of magi and a star before Epiphany?
Last Sunday night on the First Sunday of Advent there was a community gathering in the parking lot behind our church when we drank Yuletide wassail, sang Christmas Carols, and lit a "Christmas Star" atop the church while singing, "We Three Kings." I think you can safely say we blurred numerous holiday and liturgical boundaries.
Last week, on White House Elipse the National Menorah was lit, and last night on the other side of the Capitol Building the Capitol Christmas Tree was lit, later this the National Christmas Tree will be added to the Elipse. Similar celebrations and ceremonies are taking place all over the country and the world.
My observation is this: something wonderful takes place this time of year as we light trees and candles, and buildings and fences, and boats, and shrubs. That "something" is a recognition and hopefully celebration of Light in our lives.
Look up! Look around! Look within!
Call it what you will - A HappyMerryJoyous season of Light is dawning!
Even within our respective traditions there is consternation over what to call certain days and when to observe them. For example in my Christian tradition, is it OK to sing Christmas Carols during Advent? Do we dare speak of magi and a star before Epiphany?
Last Sunday night on the First Sunday of Advent there was a community gathering in the parking lot behind our church when we drank Yuletide wassail, sang Christmas Carols, and lit a "Christmas Star" atop the church while singing, "We Three Kings." I think you can safely say we blurred numerous holiday and liturgical boundaries.
photo by Byron Buck
Last week, on White House Elipse the National Menorah was lit, and last night on the other side of the Capitol Building the Capitol Christmas Tree was lit, later this the National Christmas Tree will be added to the Elipse. Similar celebrations and ceremonies are taking place all over the country and the world.
My observation is this: something wonderful takes place this time of year as we light trees and candles, and buildings and fences, and boats, and shrubs. That "something" is a recognition and hopefully celebration of Light in our lives.
Look up! Look around! Look within!
Call it what you will - A HappyMerryJoyous season of Light is dawning!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Today!
This is the day The Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it.
-Pslam 118:24
Contrary to a couple of popular mantras, today is not merely the first day of the rest of your life, nor is it the "what if" last day of your life. Today is the only day.
One of the daily gratitude programs I have been following in recent days has me pondering this as it poses the "what if" question in today's meditation. The meditation also links to a sobering and inspiring article that invites us into "today."
I invite you to visit both links (actually the second one is contained in the first) and on this Thanksgiving Day Eve contemplate and integrated this timeless reality into our lives - Today is the only day.
Happy Today!
And have a great Thanksgiving Day!
And have a great Thanksgiving Day!
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Leaves, Stars, And Other Visitors From The Sky
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Early this morning I had "blogger's block" so I decided get my creative juices flowing with some physical exercise by raking the leaves. According to the DC Leaf Pickup Schedule ours should have already been out by the curb. However past experience has taught me that the DC Leaf Pickup Schedule is at best one big guess.
As I raked and loaded leaves in a garbage can to carry to the curb (about ten trips worth), my imagination took flight remembering that not so long ago these same leaves had provided shade as we sat on the back deck enjoying warm summer mornings. I had watched the same leaves shimmer in early autumn breezes. And just recently they floated like big brown snowflakes to the ground awaiting our annual ritual of raking and hauling. It was like lulling away the morning with thousands of good friends.
My early afternoon was spent putting up the star that has adorned the Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church tower the past two Christmas Seasons. With assistance from our Church Facilities Director, Robert Haywood, who was down inside the tower and me on top the tower the star was installed. It was a crystal clear day and the view from atop the tower was magnificent, a view of Washington, DC surpassed only by that from the Washington Monument.
With the star installed I walked a couple of blocks to grab a late lunch. On the way back to the church I looked up to the tower and saw a very large bird perched on the edge of the tower looking up at the star. About that time I saw Garibaldi who manages the bank parking lot behind the church.
He pointed at the bird and said, "It's an eagle!"
"Are you sure?" I asked
"It has to be?" Garibaldi insisted.
"But what if it's a buzzard?"
"Makes no difference." He said smiling. "It's still a visitor from the sky!"
Sure enough, regardless of what kind it was, a curious visitor from the eastern sky had come to see what the star was all about.
The Christmas Star will be officially lighted at a community gathering on the First Sunday of Advent, December 1 at 5:00 pm. If you can, come join us and other visitors from the sky.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Early this morning I had "blogger's block" so I decided get my creative juices flowing with some physical exercise by raking the leaves. According to the DC Leaf Pickup Schedule ours should have already been out by the curb. However past experience has taught me that the DC Leaf Pickup Schedule is at best one big guess.
As I raked and loaded leaves in a garbage can to carry to the curb (about ten trips worth), my imagination took flight remembering that not so long ago these same leaves had provided shade as we sat on the back deck enjoying warm summer mornings. I had watched the same leaves shimmer in early autumn breezes. And just recently they floated like big brown snowflakes to the ground awaiting our annual ritual of raking and hauling. It was like lulling away the morning with thousands of good friends.
My early afternoon was spent putting up the star that has adorned the Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church tower the past two Christmas Seasons. With assistance from our Church Facilities Director, Robert Haywood, who was down inside the tower and me on top the tower the star was installed. It was a crystal clear day and the view from atop the tower was magnificent, a view of Washington, DC surpassed only by that from the Washington Monument.
With the star installed I walked a couple of blocks to grab a late lunch. On the way back to the church I looked up to the tower and saw a very large bird perched on the edge of the tower looking up at the star. About that time I saw Garibaldi who manages the bank parking lot behind the church.
He pointed at the bird and said, "It's an eagle!"
"Are you sure?" I asked
"It has to be?" Garibaldi insisted.
"But what if it's a buzzard?"
"Makes no difference." He said smiling. "It's still a visitor from the sky!"
Sure enough, regardless of what kind it was, a curious visitor from the eastern sky had come to see what the star was all about.
The Christmas Star will be officially lighted at a community gathering on the First Sunday of Advent, December 1 at 5:00 pm. If you can, come join us and other visitors from the sky.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Resilence
Last Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013, a photo on the front page of the The Washington Post showed some of the unimaginable destruction from typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. The aerial photo showed a coastal village strewn about like match sticks. My wife, Peg, pointed out an amazing detail in the photo - among the rubble and ruin were several clotheslines where survivors were already drying out.
A friend and biblical professor at Mercer University, Rick Wilson, use to say, "The hope of the Gospel is that the worst thing is never the last thing." Human history confirms this as well. Regardless of natural events like typhoons and earthquakes, or self-inflicted destruction of oppression and war, or personal pain from disease and death; there is a Light of Life in all creation that always brings a new day and a new beginning, even though that path may be long and difficult. No matter how strong the winds and waves of life may be, clotheslines will eventually appear in the sunshine.
A friend and biblical professor at Mercer University, Rick Wilson, use to say, "The hope of the Gospel is that the worst thing is never the last thing." Human history confirms this as well. Regardless of natural events like typhoons and earthquakes, or self-inflicted destruction of oppression and war, or personal pain from disease and death; there is a Light of Life in all creation that always brings a new day and a new beginning, even though that path may be long and difficult. No matter how strong the winds and waves of life may be, clotheslines will eventually appear in the sunshine.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Worry
"Worry is like praying for what you don't want."
- unknown
"I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened."
- Mark Twain
A daily blog I receive recently featured on different days the two quotes above on "worry." The first one especially caught my attention and spawned the question, "How often am I praying and don't realize that's what I'm doing?
The vast majority of wisdom / spiritual / religious teachings and literature through the ages and from numerous cultures and traditions all contain elements of reaping and sowing, of cause and effect that can be stated in the simple cyclical formula: experience=thought=action=habit=experience. Another way to put it would be, the way we respond to our experience creates our experience.
So what does this have to do with prayer? Prayer, without it's various formal religious contexts, concepts and rituals could be the process just described. It could be our consciousness perceiving, engaging, and communicating with a greater consciousness which seems to be outside us, yet at the same time in which we participate. And our participation shapes our reality.
In the Christian tradition, Jesus says, "Do not worry about your life." and "Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive." The Apostle Paul says in his letter to the Thessalonians, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Regardless of the circumstances of our life we always have choice, and in many ways the choices we make are the prayers of our lives. One of these choices is between "worry" and "hope."
Depending on our choice, we may too often be praying for the exact opposite of what we truly desire.
- unknown
"I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened."
- Mark Twain
A daily blog I receive recently featured on different days the two quotes above on "worry." The first one especially caught my attention and spawned the question, "How often am I praying and don't realize that's what I'm doing?
The vast majority of wisdom / spiritual / religious teachings and literature through the ages and from numerous cultures and traditions all contain elements of reaping and sowing, of cause and effect that can be stated in the simple cyclical formula: experience=thought=action=habit=experience. Another way to put it would be, the way we respond to our experience creates our experience.
So what does this have to do with prayer? Prayer, without it's various formal religious contexts, concepts and rituals could be the process just described. It could be our consciousness perceiving, engaging, and communicating with a greater consciousness which seems to be outside us, yet at the same time in which we participate. And our participation shapes our reality.
In the Christian tradition, Jesus says, "Do not worry about your life." and "Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive." The Apostle Paul says in his letter to the Thessalonians, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Regardless of the circumstances of our life we always have choice, and in many ways the choices we make are the prayers of our lives. One of these choices is between "worry" and "hope."
Depending on our choice, we may too often be praying for the exact opposite of what we truly desire.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Saints
Even though most of us are focused on Halloween, the day after, the first day of November is All Saints Day on the Christian church calendar. It is traditionally a day to remember, recognize, and honor the people who have gone before us in life and in some way left a lasting impact, large or small.
Today most people understand a saint as someone who has lived an exemplary good, compassionate, and pious life. It is considered to be a category reserved for a few. However, in New Testament times "saint" was used, especially by the Apostle Paul, in reference to people still alive and living their faith. He even addresses some of his letters "to all the saints of..."
So what if in the spirit of Paul we take All Saints Day and imagine it a bit further as a day when we remember, recognize and honor the Divine Promise in each and every human being, a day when All people are Saints, and we treat one another as such. Then imagine every day as All Saints Day.
Today most people understand a saint as someone who has lived an exemplary good, compassionate, and pious life. It is considered to be a category reserved for a few. However, in New Testament times "saint" was used, especially by the Apostle Paul, in reference to people still alive and living their faith. He even addresses some of his letters "to all the saints of..."
So what if in the spirit of Paul we take All Saints Day and imagine it a bit further as a day when we remember, recognize and honor the Divine Promise in each and every human being, a day when All people are Saints, and we treat one another as such. Then imagine every day as All Saints Day.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Practice
"…be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Surely just about everyone has heard the old joke attributed by many to Jack Benny: The hurried visitor to New York City asks a person on the street: "How do you get to Carnegie Hall?" To which the person replies, "Practice, practice, practice."
We become who we are through practice and who we are right now is the outcome of previous practice. Take for example two common things among most humans, speaking and walking. Both actions are developed through repetition, trial, and error over course of time in the first years of our lives. Both then become part of who we are to the point of being perceived as natural. There are so many other things we have practiced as well such as attitudes, emotions, intellect, and myriad skills and talents.
Much of my personal experience and understanding of "practice" comes from participation in athletics and theater. In both cases practice and rehearsal are the precursor to performance. Can we imagine a basketball player playing a game without repetitive drills, shooting, and running; or a baseball player hitting a 95 mile and hour fastball without hours in a batting cage? Or how about actors just spontaneously creating a fully polished play or musical. Even improvisation requires practicing the art of improvising. All great performing artists and athletes spend countless hours practicing and rehearsing.
The same is true in our emotional, social, and spiritual lives. We can be just as intentional in developing what our religions and faith traditions call "spiritual practices" as athletes and artists are in developing skills and talents. Gifts, or fruit, of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control do not come to us fully developed, or ripe. Just as delicious fruit needs water, sun, nutrients from soil, and time to ripen on a tree, our lives need nurturing and developing through practice.
The Good News is that wherever we are, whoever we are, or whatever our circumstances we can literally transform our minds and our lives through practice. Of course the first step is to take intentional, regular time off stage and away from the arena to read, listen, look, meditate, and contemplate who we want to be.
The alternative is to constantly remain on autopilot and haphazardly make our way like an actor without rehearsal or an athlete without practice and training.
So, when do rehearsals begin?
Paul's Letter to the Romans, 12:2
"…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness…"
Paul's Letter to the Galatians, 5:2
Surely just about everyone has heard the old joke attributed by many to Jack Benny: The hurried visitor to New York City asks a person on the street: "How do you get to Carnegie Hall?" To which the person replies, "Practice, practice, practice."
We become who we are through practice and who we are right now is the outcome of previous practice. Take for example two common things among most humans, speaking and walking. Both actions are developed through repetition, trial, and error over course of time in the first years of our lives. Both then become part of who we are to the point of being perceived as natural. There are so many other things we have practiced as well such as attitudes, emotions, intellect, and myriad skills and talents.
Much of my personal experience and understanding of "practice" comes from participation in athletics and theater. In both cases practice and rehearsal are the precursor to performance. Can we imagine a basketball player playing a game without repetitive drills, shooting, and running; or a baseball player hitting a 95 mile and hour fastball without hours in a batting cage? Or how about actors just spontaneously creating a fully polished play or musical. Even improvisation requires practicing the art of improvising. All great performing artists and athletes spend countless hours practicing and rehearsing.
The same is true in our emotional, social, and spiritual lives. We can be just as intentional in developing what our religions and faith traditions call "spiritual practices" as athletes and artists are in developing skills and talents. Gifts, or fruit, of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control do not come to us fully developed, or ripe. Just as delicious fruit needs water, sun, nutrients from soil, and time to ripen on a tree, our lives need nurturing and developing through practice.
The Good News is that wherever we are, whoever we are, or whatever our circumstances we can literally transform our minds and our lives through practice. Of course the first step is to take intentional, regular time off stage and away from the arena to read, listen, look, meditate, and contemplate who we want to be.
The alternative is to constantly remain on autopilot and haphazardly make our way like an actor without rehearsal or an athlete without practice and training.
So, when do rehearsals begin?
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Aligning the Planets
whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing [these things] and the God of peace will be with you.
Paul's Letter to the Philippians, 4:8
be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Paul's Letter to the Romans, 12:2
‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Jesus in Matthew, 6:22-23
Recently a friend asked the rhetorical question, "Is anything going right in the world these days?", then added, "The planets must be out of alignment or something." I must admit that I quickly agreed.
But then I am reminded by words from my own faith tradition's scriptures that my thoughts, my perceptions, and my responses to what goes on around me determine whether the "planets are aligned" or not.
So, no matter how dark or drear the world may look to you today, find one good about it and think on it, then find another, and another until a smile comes to your face.
The line from the old song really is true;
"When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you."
Paul's Letter to the Philippians, 4:8
be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Paul's Letter to the Romans, 12:2
‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Jesus in Matthew, 6:22-23
Recently a friend asked the rhetorical question, "Is anything going right in the world these days?", then added, "The planets must be out of alignment or something." I must admit that I quickly agreed.
But then I am reminded by words from my own faith tradition's scriptures that my thoughts, my perceptions, and my responses to what goes on around me determine whether the "planets are aligned" or not.
So, no matter how dark or drear the world may look to you today, find one good about it and think on it, then find another, and another until a smile comes to your face.
The line from the old song really is true;
"When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you."
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Prayer With A Little Help From My Friends
On Monday of this week I had the honor once more of delivering the opening prayer for a session of the U.S. House of Representatives as their Guest Chaplain.
Last week when I received the invitation I posted on Facebook a simple question: If you if you had the opportunity to pray in 150 words for congress during this government shutdown, what would you say?
I received numerous responses, some of which were (even though true) not suitable for public presentation. The most thoughtful response came from my good friend and colleague Roy Howard who is Pastor at St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Rockville, MD. Thank you, Roy for providing imagery and phrases for the prayer given as written below:
God of Light and Life, our prayer today is
simple.
May the Eternal Spirit that embraces All Good deliver us from fear.
May the hearts, minds, and souls of the women and men
May the Eternal Spirit that embraces All Good deliver us from fear.
May the hearts, minds, and souls of the women and men
of this House of
Representatives elected
to serve the people
be released from fear
into freedom.
In
freedom may they discover and re-discover
what is already deep within
themselves
as humans created in Divine Image.
May every conversation and deliberation of this day
May every conversation and deliberation of this day
and days to follow be filled
with
-compassion
for the millions of people whose lives and livelihoods
are affected by these
decisions.
-courage to compromise when necessary to sustain and provide
-courage to compromise when necessary to sustain and provide
for the well being of all
people
-humility to let go of ideological convictions
-humility to let go of ideological convictions
when those convictions hinder the common good.
- and clear vision to see beyond narrow agendas
- and clear vision to see beyond narrow agendas
toward a nation filled with
promise
to be a beacon of light for all people.
Amen
Amen
Even though the prayer was written for Congress, in the end it is a prayer for fearless freedom, compassion, courage, humility, and clear vision in each of our daily lives.
Today's is the 100th One Eternal Presence post and this week marks the two year anniversary of One Eternal Presence as a weekly blog. My thanks go out to each of you who read them, comment, and share with friends.
To help me celebrate this milepost, take a minute and forward today's post to 10 friends who you think might enjoy getting them weekly.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Essential
After several conversations yesterday with a few "non-essential" government employees I began wondering if any of us are really "essential" in the sense in which we use the word today. Is anyone's work, or cause, or purpose absolutely necessary? Millions of people die every day, yet the earth keeps turning and tumbling through space. Life in all of its multiplicity goes on. No one is indispensable.
Yet, if we reclaim earlier understandings of "essential" we discover it's not about what we do but the essence of who we are. Our essence makes us unique yet inextricably interconnected with and part of a whole existence both visible and invisible. Our essence is the gift of life we have been given and the gifts of life we have to offer. No illness, furlough, government shut-down, or even death itself can ever define who we are as long as we know our true essence. We are all essential.
Yet, if we reclaim earlier understandings of "essential" we discover it's not about what we do but the essence of who we are. Our essence makes us unique yet inextricably interconnected with and part of a whole existence both visible and invisible. Our essence is the gift of life we have been given and the gifts of life we have to offer. No illness, furlough, government shut-down, or even death itself can ever define who we are as long as we know our true essence. We are all essential.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Badges
As one walks the sidewalks and parks in Washington, DC on any given day you will encounter numerous people wearing badges. Actually I think it's safe to say there are more badges on the streets of DC than perhaps any other city in the country and perhaps the world. And, I'm not talking about badges of law enforcement.
The badges to which I refer hang at the end of lanyards (some disappearing into shirt pockets), and are clipped to belts, purses, and backpacks. These badges identify people who work for our government, are contracted by our government, or are businesses and non-profits who work closely with our government - all providing vital services, many of which go unnoticed and unappreciated in our daily lives.
Many of these people are my friends and neighbors. Some of you are reading these words right now. I was once myself a civilian employee of the Army for nearly 12 years before going to seminary and becoming a minister. In a sense as a pastor in DC my work is still closely associated with government because as most of our parishioners and participants are active or retired "badge wearers" during working hours.
"Of course this is true of Washington, DC," you might say. Because it's a company town and the company is government. But the same is true no matter where we live or whatever size the city, town, or community. Our friends, neighbors, family, and perhaps even we are the clerks, commissioners, council members, maintenance people, planners, educators and citizen committee members of government in our communities. I have intentionally but not disrespectfully omitted firefighters, law enforcement, and military from this list because in many ways we already notice and appreciate them.
All of this has really come home to me in the past week as our neighborhood of Capitol Hill was traumatized by the tragic shooting deaths at the DC Navy Yard. And now a little over a week later after the media frenzy, obligatory outrage, moments of silence at ball games, and solemn memorial services, we are left to ponder - who were the people who died and are the wounded both physically, emotionally, and psychologically?
They were people who went to work on a Monday morning to jobs that perhaps they had done for years and were looking forward to retirement, or jobs to which they were new and thankful to have. They were and are mothers, fathers, grandparents, wives, husbands, partners, friends, neighbors all with hopes, fears, dreams, and imagination. They were the government of Abraham Lincoln "...of...for...and by the people." They were and are you and me. They are us.
If you are a "badge wearer" I say to you right now, "Take it out of your shirt pocket and wear it proudly. Do your best to make it a badge of honor." But most importantly, I simply want to say, "Thank you!"
Wherever you may live I suggest that today you begin noticing who in your community are wearing these badges of honor. And even if you disagree with their ideology or politics or governing style, say, "Thank you." They, you, we deserve it!
The badges to which I refer hang at the end of lanyards (some disappearing into shirt pockets), and are clipped to belts, purses, and backpacks. These badges identify people who work for our government, are contracted by our government, or are businesses and non-profits who work closely with our government - all providing vital services, many of which go unnoticed and unappreciated in our daily lives.
Many of these people are my friends and neighbors. Some of you are reading these words right now. I was once myself a civilian employee of the Army for nearly 12 years before going to seminary and becoming a minister. In a sense as a pastor in DC my work is still closely associated with government because as most of our parishioners and participants are active or retired "badge wearers" during working hours.
"Of course this is true of Washington, DC," you might say. Because it's a company town and the company is government. But the same is true no matter where we live or whatever size the city, town, or community. Our friends, neighbors, family, and perhaps even we are the clerks, commissioners, council members, maintenance people, planners, educators and citizen committee members of government in our communities. I have intentionally but not disrespectfully omitted firefighters, law enforcement, and military from this list because in many ways we already notice and appreciate them.
All of this has really come home to me in the past week as our neighborhood of Capitol Hill was traumatized by the tragic shooting deaths at the DC Navy Yard. And now a little over a week later after the media frenzy, obligatory outrage, moments of silence at ball games, and solemn memorial services, we are left to ponder - who were the people who died and are the wounded both physically, emotionally, and psychologically?
They were people who went to work on a Monday morning to jobs that perhaps they had done for years and were looking forward to retirement, or jobs to which they were new and thankful to have. They were and are mothers, fathers, grandparents, wives, husbands, partners, friends, neighbors all with hopes, fears, dreams, and imagination. They were the government of Abraham Lincoln "...of...for...and by the people." They were and are you and me. They are us.
If you are a "badge wearer" I say to you right now, "Take it out of your shirt pocket and wear it proudly. Do your best to make it a badge of honor." But most importantly, I simply want to say, "Thank you!"
Wherever you may live I suggest that today you begin noticing who in your community are wearing these badges of honor. And even if you disagree with their ideology or politics or governing style, say, "Thank you." They, you, we deserve it!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Shadow
"I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..."
“You are the light of the world...No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others..."
Psalm 23
In times of trouble, despair, fear and loss a place to which I often turn for comfort is the 23rd Psalm of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. I have done just that this week as in my own neighborhood tragedy visited the Washington, DC Navy Yard, then quickly echoed throughout the community and country. At the same time pounding rains feeding raging flood waters subsided in Colorado to reveal more loss of life, property and livelihood.
As shocking and disturbing as these tragic events are in our communal lives, the pain and grief of those who lost family and friends is even more profound. It is times like these when we, the ones left behind, truly are in the "shadow of death."
But we must remember, being in the shadow is not death itself. We are still here, painful and confusing as it may be at times. And, even though we are in a shadow, we know that somewhere there is light. However, sometimes the shadow is so dark, so faint we think we are in darkness. But because there can be no shadow without light, we know it is there - somewhere. So we turn, looking, seeking the light.
In most spiritual and religious traditions the image of light is intertwined and often synonymous with the Holy, the Eternal, the Divine, God. In nearly every tradition there are teachings that this Holy, Eternal, Divine, God - Light is not only other and apart from us but also within each of us as the spark of life itself.
So, when in shadows and we turn outward finding only more shadows, perhaps turning inward we discover the spark that is our own life waiting to be kindled.
"...I will fear no evil for God is with me."
Psalm 23
“You are the light of the world...No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others..."
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Where were (are) you?
Pearl Harbor, D-Day, Hiroshima, Nagasaki are "where were you" moments for my parent's generation. I was born seven years after the end of World War II. The images and words of these events in my personal memory come from the stories, books, photos, and movies of others where for the most part good guys were romanticized and bad guys were demonized. Yellowing folders of discolored construction paper from elementary school are littered with childlike drawings of planes, ships, and soldiers battling "the enemy." Audie Murphy and John Wayne were my heroes.
It wasn't until October, 1962 that I would have my first and own "where were you" moment. Seared in my memory is the somber voice of President Kennedy talking about missiles in Cuba. Then there was Nov. 22, 1963. Five years later when I was 16 years old, and entire year was filled with personal "where were you" days and moments, among them: Martin Luther King, Jr., Robert Kennedy, and my own daddy's sudden death. There were also thousands of television images from a place called Viet Nam.
"Where were you" moments are of course not always tragic. In the wee hours of a July morning in 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon. There were high school and college graduations. Then came the first time I saw my future wife, and our wedding day. The births of our daughters. An inner voice calling me into a new life of ministry.
Twelve years ago today I sat in my car in the parking lot of the Forsyth, Georgia Post Office and listened to the early and confused reporting of a "apparently small" aircraft flying into one of the World Trade Center towers.
There is an entire generation alive today who have a similar relationship with what we simply call "9/11" as my generation had with World War II. They have no memories of their own, only what they read, hear, and see - only what is passed on to them.
My question today is simple. How do we remember, individually and collectively, not just 9/11 but all of the "where were you" tragedies of our lives in ways that honor lost life with integrity without perpetuating the dehumanizing anger and fear? Perhaps another question we can ask in not so much "where were you?" but rather "where are you?"
It wasn't until October, 1962 that I would have my first and own "where were you" moment. Seared in my memory is the somber voice of President Kennedy talking about missiles in Cuba. Then there was Nov. 22, 1963. Five years later when I was 16 years old, and entire year was filled with personal "where were you" days and moments, among them: Martin Luther King, Jr., Robert Kennedy, and my own daddy's sudden death. There were also thousands of television images from a place called Viet Nam.
"Where were you" moments are of course not always tragic. In the wee hours of a July morning in 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon. There were high school and college graduations. Then came the first time I saw my future wife, and our wedding day. The births of our daughters. An inner voice calling me into a new life of ministry.
Twelve years ago today I sat in my car in the parking lot of the Forsyth, Georgia Post Office and listened to the early and confused reporting of a "apparently small" aircraft flying into one of the World Trade Center towers.
There is an entire generation alive today who have a similar relationship with what we simply call "9/11" as my generation had with World War II. They have no memories of their own, only what they read, hear, and see - only what is passed on to them.
My question today is simple. How do we remember, individually and collectively, not just 9/11 but all of the "where were you" tragedies of our lives in ways that honor lost life with integrity without perpetuating the dehumanizing anger and fear? Perhaps another question we can ask in not so much "where were you?" but rather "where are you?"
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Learning
"The disciple is not above the master."
- Jesus, Matthew 10:24
The Greek word for disciple is "mathetes" (math-ay-tes'), which means: a learner, a pupil, a student. It is the word Jesus used to describe the people who followed his teaching and example. The "disciples" were students and Jesus was their teacher.
It is the season, and this week in particular, when millions of students of all ages from pre-K to graduate level in the U.S.A. and around the world are "going back to school." Classrooms, lecture halls, and seminar settings are alive with learning as teachers and students interact, share, and explore.
Being students and teachers is not just confined to formal education or religion. Somehow the process of learning is innate in all creation. As information, knowledge, and experience are given, taken, explored, examined; then shaped, molded, and adapted in light of new information, knowledge, and experience - learning changes lives and the world.
So as we enter the rituals of official beginnings of a "school year" perhaps it is good for us to remember that every day is the "first day of school" and all of creation is our classroom. Within every interaction we have with nature and every exchange with another person there is a teacher and a student learning together. And there is always the caveat of - who is teacher and who is student?
"...go therefore and make disciples..."
- Jesus, Matthew 28:19
- Jesus, Matthew 10:24
The Greek word for disciple is "mathetes" (math-ay-tes'), which means: a learner, a pupil, a student. It is the word Jesus used to describe the people who followed his teaching and example. The "disciples" were students and Jesus was their teacher.
It is the season, and this week in particular, when millions of students of all ages from pre-K to graduate level in the U.S.A. and around the world are "going back to school." Classrooms, lecture halls, and seminar settings are alive with learning as teachers and students interact, share, and explore.
Being students and teachers is not just confined to formal education or religion. Somehow the process of learning is innate in all creation. As information, knowledge, and experience are given, taken, explored, examined; then shaped, molded, and adapted in light of new information, knowledge, and experience - learning changes lives and the world.
So as we enter the rituals of official beginnings of a "school year" perhaps it is good for us to remember that every day is the "first day of school" and all of creation is our classroom. Within every interaction we have with nature and every exchange with another person there is a teacher and a student learning together. And there is always the caveat of - who is teacher and who is student?
"...go therefore and make disciples..."
- Jesus, Matthew 28:19
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Life! - and death
"Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life."
-- John 12:24-25
I recently hiked with friends through an old mountain forest located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. My friends had lived, and one had farmed, in that part of the world some years ago. They all commented on how lush the forest was for late summer. The foliage was deep green, the soil moist, the undergrowth thick, and various fungi plentiful.
Yet, upon closer observation I noticed the dead or dying trees. And the more I looked and smelled, the more obvious it became that hidden within the lushness of the forest was an abundance of decay that ranged from newly fallen limbs and trees, to hollow trunks, to mulch, to rich dark earth.
Then from the earth there was new growth.
The creation in which we live is a continuous process of new growth and old growth, of lushness and decay. Unfortunately we humans have decided that some of the process is bad, unwilling to accept the wholeness and fullness of life as good. Even that which we have named "death" is actually part of the larger process of "life."
Just as the old tree eventually provides rich soil from which other trees and plants grow, the people who have come before us, even those for whom their loss is unbearably painful, provide rich and fertile soil in which our own lives grow. And as sure as the sun rises and sets, we will someday be the soil for others.
Death is not the opposite of life, but rather an essential and vital part of it. How would your life change if you were to make this one simple shift in perspective?
-- John 12:24-25
I recently hiked with friends through an old mountain forest located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. My friends had lived, and one had farmed, in that part of the world some years ago. They all commented on how lush the forest was for late summer. The foliage was deep green, the soil moist, the undergrowth thick, and various fungi plentiful.
Yet, upon closer observation I noticed the dead or dying trees. And the more I looked and smelled, the more obvious it became that hidden within the lushness of the forest was an abundance of decay that ranged from newly fallen limbs and trees, to hollow trunks, to mulch, to rich dark earth.
Then from the earth there was new growth.
The creation in which we live is a continuous process of new growth and old growth, of lushness and decay. Unfortunately we humans have decided that some of the process is bad, unwilling to accept the wholeness and fullness of life as good. Even that which we have named "death" is actually part of the larger process of "life."
Just as the old tree eventually provides rich soil from which other trees and plants grow, the people who have come before us, even those for whom their loss is unbearably painful, provide rich and fertile soil in which our own lives grow. And as sure as the sun rises and sets, we will someday be the soil for others.
Death is not the opposite of life, but rather an essential and vital part of it. How would your life change if you were to make this one simple shift in perspective?
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Sabbath
I
lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come? My help comes
from God, who made heaven and earth, who will not let your foot be moved. God who
keeps you will neither slumber nor sleep. God is your keeper; God is your
shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the
moon by night. God will keep you from all evil; will keep your life. God
will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.
--Psalm 121
And there was evening..
.JPG)
...and there was morning...
...and indeed, it was very good.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
"Don't slip!"
"Anything I've ever done that ultimately was worthwhile... initially
scared me to death."
--Betty Bender
I'm spending a few days with some colleagues on a "pastor theologian" retreat in a breathtakingly beautiful setting on a hillside overlooking Estes Park, CO below with Long's Peak towering majestically above.
Our mornings have been spent hiking the trails of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Afternoons have been filled with lively discussion of how we understand and experience God through Divine Names and good and evil. In the evening we have sat around a fire beneath a night sky so clear and close it seems you can touch it while banjo music, singing and laughter caress our souls.
We are hiking some of the more popular trails in the park and so the trail head is rather crowed with people of all ages, hiking abilities, and intentions. However, it's not long before the crowds are dispersed throughout the numerous trails that branch out from that single path. Even still we encounter many people going and coming and in doing so hear numerous snippets of conversation.
Two such snippets caught my attention yesterday. The first was a father with two small children as they took the alternate path across a small stream where stones were spaced just right for walking or hopping. The children were giggling, "We're going the different way!" as they gleefully hopped on the first stone. The father said, "Don't slip!" The first child immediately froze on the second stone and whined, "I'm scared."
The second snippet came later in the day as we descended. While taking a water break we witnesses a young woman trip and stumble to her knees. We and several other people rushed to help her up - assistance she quickly rebuffed as she popped up and brushed off a skinned knee. Just a few minutes later the same young woman passed us on the trail and I overheard her say to trail mates, "I'm trying as hard as I can to not fall."
This all makes me wonder about how early in life we learn risk aversion and how the very things we fear often become self-fulfilling prophecy.
So, what are your aversions and fears, small and large? How many of them have come true? What would happen if you let them go and hopped to the next stone or stopped trying to not fall?
You might get your feet wet or have to brush off a skinned knee - but maybe that was going to happen anyway.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Lines In The Sand
It seems that recently racial lines so many thought were beginning to fade in the sand have again become trenches of suspicion, mis-trust, and fear. In light of this, I share with you a couple of thoughts that apply not only to racial issues but all of our relationships. They come from a daily email I receive from the Church of the Savior here in Washington, DC., Inward/Outward - seeking the depths.
Yearning and Fear
Each person with his or her history of being accepted or rejected, with his or her past history of inner pain and difficulties in relationships, is different. But in each one there is a yearning for communion and belonging, but at the same time a fear of it. Love is what we most want, yet it is what we fear the most.
Jean Vanier
Source: Community and Growth
Jean Vanier
Source: Community and Growth
Not Effortless
As we ponder the importance of community as a spiritual discipline, it is helpful to remember that the model of community of Acts was not effortless, but rather the unfolding of mutual experience tested in the light of serious challenges and supported in God’s strength. We must develop a way to understand genuine community as the product of conflict and testing. We must discover ways to be authentically present to and respectful of one another while we disagree strenuously. We must learn to discover and speak our own truths, without fear and without harm to others who also hold a piece of the truth in which we all live.
Norvene Vest
Source: "Community as a spiritual discipline" in Benedictine Bridge
Norvene Vest
Source: "Community as a spiritual discipline" in Benedictine Bridge
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
"Mission Trip"
Today's message comes from the New Jersey Shore where a group of folks from Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church are working this week to do what little we can in the continuing recovery from last year's hurricane Sandy.
Yesterday after hanging new doors in the home of an 87 year old man, he and his daughter told one member of our group they wanted to take us out to dinner. The group member explained that we already had dinner being prepared for us back at the Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church where we were staying. Then the old man, not to be stopped in his generosity, offered to pay for our work. The group member said, "That's really generous, but we're volunteering to help you. If you really want to give your money, find someone in your community who really needs it and give it to them." The exchanged moved the old man's daughter to tears.
On another job several people were doing some painting for a woman whose home had not only been destroyed but looted after the storm. She lives alone and is constantly afraid of someone again breaking into her home. The organizers of our work reported that this woman has problems making decisions and is always changing her mind so that projects just can't seem to come to completion. Our group members reported that one of them was in constant conversation with the woman while the others worked. It seems as if she's also afraid of her repairs being completed because when they are - the workers stop coming.
As with most mission trips there is usually confusion as to who is giving or receiving the "mission" or exactly what that mission is. In any case, generosity, gratitude, and comfort flow freely in all directions.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
All The Difference
When you come to the fork in the road, take it.
-Yogi Berra
-Yogi Berra
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler…
…Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
- Robert Frost, "The Road Not Taken"
Even though the directions from Yogi Berra make you scratch your head and "say wha'?" there is a context in which they make perfect sense. I've been told (without verification) that Yogi himself was giving directions to a house with a long driveway that became circular before reaching the house. In which case, taking either prong of the fork led to the same place.
Perhaps there is a meta-metaphor for life here - regardless of the choices we make in life we all end up at the same threshold. What lies beyond this threshold we call "death" is and always has been a mystery. Every human being has this destination in common. However the vast variety of paths along this journey offers as many "forks" to take as there are individuals on the pilgrimage we called "life."
It seems to me if we're all going to end up in the same place, then "all the difference" of which Robert Frost writes is the stuff of our lives created by the choices we make and the roads we take. Another way to look at it is that wherever we are today is the results of yesterday's choices, while tomorrow will grow out of today's decisions. The decisions and choices we make really do make all the difference.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Freedom
Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose,
And nothin' ain't worth nothin' but it's free,
-from Me and Bobby McGee, by Kris Kristofferson
Freedom ain't a state like Maine or Virginia.
Freedom ain't across some county line.
Freedom is a state that burns within ya.
Freedom is a state of mind.
- from Shenandoah, by Gary Geld and Peter Udell
If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.
- John 8:31-32, Jesus of Nazareth
As we in the United States celebrate and contemplate freedom this week of Independence Day, may we remember that freedom is not a commodity to be given or taken, bought or sold. Nor is it a possession of any one people, government, or nation.
One way of understanding the "Truth" of Jesus' teachings (word) is that the natural state of Creation has no boundaries, limits, or attachments; yet is interconnected and interdependent. The real cost of freedom then is surrender, letting go, and releasing illusions of separation. In unconditional relationship with God, each other and nature we experience true freedom. This is not license to do as one pleases, but rather a birthright to joyfully and responsibly participate in the whole of creation, free to be who we are created to be.
Have a great and free Independence Day holiday!
And nothin' ain't worth nothin' but it's free,
-from Me and Bobby McGee, by Kris Kristofferson
Freedom ain't a state like Maine or Virginia.
Freedom ain't across some county line.
Freedom is a state that burns within ya.
Freedom is a state of mind.
- from Shenandoah, by Gary Geld and Peter Udell
If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.
- John 8:31-32, Jesus of Nazareth
As we in the United States celebrate and contemplate freedom this week of Independence Day, may we remember that freedom is not a commodity to be given or taken, bought or sold. Nor is it a possession of any one people, government, or nation.
One way of understanding the "Truth" of Jesus' teachings (word) is that the natural state of Creation has no boundaries, limits, or attachments; yet is interconnected and interdependent. The real cost of freedom then is surrender, letting go, and releasing illusions of separation. In unconditional relationship with God, each other and nature we experience true freedom. This is not license to do as one pleases, but rather a birthright to joyfully and responsibly participate in the whole of creation, free to be who we are created to be.
Have a great and free Independence Day holiday!
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
One
The whole
idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all
these living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one
another. -
Thomas Merton
...we, who
are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of
another. - Paul the
Apostle, Romans 12:5
Look again
at that dot. That's here. That's home. That's us. On it
everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human
being who ever was, lived out their lives. The aggregate of our joy and
suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic
doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and
destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love,
every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor and explorer, every teacher of
morals, every corrupt politician, every 'superstar,' every 'supreme leader,'
every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there - on a mote of
dust suspended in a sunbeam...The beauty of a living thing is not the atoms
that go into it but the way the atoms are put together. The cosmos is
also within us. We're made of star stuff, we are a way for the cosmos to
know itself. - Carl Sagan
I ask…that
they may all be one…so that they may be one, as we are one…I in them and you in
me, that they may become completely one. - from Jesus of
Nazareth’s prayer for us, John 17
Whatever or whoever or wherever -
you and I are part of it.
Take a deep breath.
Feel the earth beneath your feet.
Smell a flower.
Smile at a stranger.
Offer a helping hand.
Look at the sky.
Relax.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Pathways con't...
I'm not sure when the fence went back up, probably for "crowd control" for the Memorial Day concert at the Capitol. I first noticed it only a couple of weeks after writing about it coming down. Anyway, there it was again blocking the newly groomed pathway.
Well, wouldn't you know it, the old human spirit of defiant freedom just keeps on keeping on. Here is what the fence looks like now:
Last week some friends rode their bikes from Pittsburgh to Washington DC on the Cumberland and C&O Trails. Their last day on the trail was right after some pretty violent weather had come through the region. Numerous large trees had fallen all along the trail ahead, blocking normal passage. Did this stop their ride? Absolutely not! It simply slowed them down occasionally just long enough to lift their bikes over the natural roadblocks re-mount and keep on peddling.
The Mall pathway and my friends' trail experience both remind me of all the obstacles that keep cropping up in our lives, especially those we create for ourselves (which is probably most of them). Just when we think we have released fear, anger, envy, or any other manner of keeping ourselves down and in place; just when we we think the pathway is clear, up pops a familiar fence.
Should we let it stop us? Absolutely not! Fences, trees, and fear are only obstacles when we allow them the power to keep us from walking, peddling, and living.
Well, wouldn't you know it, the old human spirit of defiant freedom just keeps on keeping on. Here is what the fence looks like now:
Last week some friends rode their bikes from Pittsburgh to Washington DC on the Cumberland and C&O Trails. Their last day on the trail was right after some pretty violent weather had come through the region. Numerous large trees had fallen all along the trail ahead, blocking normal passage. Did this stop their ride? Absolutely not! It simply slowed them down occasionally just long enough to lift their bikes over the natural roadblocks re-mount and keep on peddling.
The Mall pathway and my friends' trail experience both remind me of all the obstacles that keep cropping up in our lives, especially those we create for ourselves (which is probably most of them). Just when we think we have released fear, anger, envy, or any other manner of keeping ourselves down and in place; just when we we think the pathway is clear, up pops a familiar fence.
Should we let it stop us? Absolutely not! Fences, trees, and fear are only obstacles when we allow them the power to keep us from walking, peddling, and living.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Privacy and Secrecy
Privacy and secrecy are in the news a lot lately, and it has me wondering: Is there a difference between privacy and secrecy?
Privacy is defined at meriam-webster.com as: the quality or state of being apart from company or observation, freedom from unauthorized intrusion, a place of seclusion, secrecy.
Secrecy is: the condition of being hidden or concealed, the habit or practice of keeping or maintaining privacy or concealment
Notice how each is used to define the other, yet they are different.
Assuming the opposite of private is public, and the opposite of secrecy is transparency, I think most people when asked will insist on private secrecy while usually demanding some measure of public transparency. However we seem to live in a world where private lives are made more and more transparent, most of the time voluntarily, ie every time we post on Facebook, not to mention "reality" TV. While public institutions (all of them not just government) are becoming less and less transparent, ie countless layers of bureaucracy, out-sourcing, and obsession with security.
Now what does all of this have to do with our spirituality or faith? Maybe the tension between these dynamics permeates our lives because we live in a time when the commonly accepted, and quite modern, illusions of public and private are being challenged and renegotiated.
I use "illusions" because the great enlightened teachers of most spiritual and faith traditions have taught that the private and public are not separate but always interconnected and interdependent. One place where this relationship between private and public is taught are the teachings of Jesus in The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) . Here Jesus shows us numerous connections between our inner and outer lives.
Take a few minutes and read the entire Sermon on the Mount and see if you make the connections as well. FYI - when you use the link make sure you click through to chapters 6 and 7.
It's no secret - our inner and outer lives are connected in ways we are yet to imagine.
Privacy is defined at meriam-webster.com as: the quality or state of being apart from company or observation, freedom from unauthorized intrusion, a place of seclusion, secrecy.
Secrecy is: the condition of being hidden or concealed, the habit or practice of keeping or maintaining privacy or concealment
Notice how each is used to define the other, yet they are different.
Assuming the opposite of private is public, and the opposite of secrecy is transparency, I think most people when asked will insist on private secrecy while usually demanding some measure of public transparency. However we seem to live in a world where private lives are made more and more transparent, most of the time voluntarily, ie every time we post on Facebook, not to mention "reality" TV. While public institutions (all of them not just government) are becoming less and less transparent, ie countless layers of bureaucracy, out-sourcing, and obsession with security.
Now what does all of this have to do with our spirituality or faith? Maybe the tension between these dynamics permeates our lives because we live in a time when the commonly accepted, and quite modern, illusions of public and private are being challenged and renegotiated.
I use "illusions" because the great enlightened teachers of most spiritual and faith traditions have taught that the private and public are not separate but always interconnected and interdependent. One place where this relationship between private and public is taught are the teachings of Jesus in The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) . Here Jesus shows us numerous connections between our inner and outer lives.
Take a few minutes and read the entire Sermon on the Mount and see if you make the connections as well. FYI - when you use the link make sure you click through to chapters 6 and 7.
It's no secret - our inner and outer lives are connected in ways we are yet to imagine.