Thoughts in Progress

Remembering

2011-11-10T16:54:00.000-08:00

“Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:20).

One of the most vital roles of religion in any given society is to remember: to remember the love of God, to remember the lessons we have learned from our relationship with God, and to remember who we are and whose we are as a people of God. The Christian Church has a special name for this type of remembering – anamnesis (anamNEEsis) – which literally means, “to bring to mind.” Remembering in this way means more than reviewing past events to evaluate lessons learned...as important as this may be. It is also more than treasuring the past, even though this too is important. Anamnesis involves actively recalling the reality of our past experiences in order to remind ourselves of who we are. In a world where we often feel lost and struggle with questions like, “Who am I?” and “What does it all mean?” religion seeks to offer an answer by calling us to remember our sacred history. A good example of this kind of remembering occurs when Christians gather for the Lord’s Supper...Eucharist...Mass (whatever you prefer to call it). In this highly symbolic meal, not only does the community recall the last meal of Christ with his disciples, but it takes part in that meal in a very real way, sharing bread and wine, and in doing so, claims its identity and its purpose as present day disciples of Christ.

Anamnesis is at the heart of what we do on Remembrance Day. It is more than taking the time to look at the wars of the past to learn lessons for the future, as important as this may be. A nation that doesn’t reflect on its past is doomed to repeat its follies. It is more than cherishing victories, mourning losses and celebrating our veterans, even though this too is important. Those who “...short days ago...lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, loved and were loved, and now...lie in Flanders fields” as well as those who were lucky enough to return home should never be forgotten or ignored; but Remembrance Day means even more than this.

For Remembrance Day to be complete, it must complete us.

We must be open to honestly and frankly recalling the reality of the wars and conflicts that have formed us as a nation. Remembrance Day is a “holiday” only in the strictest sense of the word – “a holy-day” for Canadians. It is not a day of rest as much as it is a day of dedication. As we gather at memorials and cenotaphs across Canada and take part in Remembrance Day ceremonies, we become a part of the story. Not glorifying war, we stand with Canadians across our nation to recall who we are as a country. We take the time to remember what we have endured as a people to be able to share in the real, tangible blessing which is Canada.

“Lest we forget.”

Massaging the Medium

2011-08-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

I was practicing the discipline of Lectio Divina today using Psalm 63:1-8.

Though the discipline invites me to reflect upon one word or phrase, there was a sense of ‘physicality’ flowing through most of the verses which highlighted a whole host of words as I read it over and over.

Words like:

- seeking

- thirsting

- fainting flesh

- weary

- looking

- lips

- hands

- calling

- rich feasting

- mouth praising

- thinking in my bed

- singing

- clinging

- upholding

That’s what I love most about the psalms, their tangibility. I can FEEL through the psalms – both physically and emotionally. There is an honesty in the words of joy and sorrow that often leads me to say, “I know how you feel,” and, “Thank God I’m not the only one who feels that way sometimes.”

One thing that is generally true in our ‘post-modern’ world is that ideas and ideologies have become the currency of the day. This has become abundantly clear in the explosion of social media connections we have allowed to become confused with real life. Remember, Marshall McLuhan, would point out, “The medium is the message.” All the facebooking and twittering we do actually communicates the overriding messages of “Facebook” and “Twitter.” What we post and how often are secondary to the growth and promulgation of the media themselves.

This dilemma is often true of our religious institutions as well. We can spend ridiculous amounts of time and resources on arguing the fine points without ever noticing the poor, hungry, lost and lonely who are all around us – they are even among those who are on the other side of our debates! “The Argument” or “The Debate” has become the defining medium of our churches in many cases, versus “The Good News…..”

The psalms remind us that we need to stop conceptualizing our world, to stop living in the virtual worlds of debate or cyberspace and refocus on the reality which is our blood and guts interaction with one another. I like to remind people that the psalms are not writing, but songs from the heart. So don’t read the psalms in your head, voice them and seek to connect with the raw reality of the composers and their lives. It is a far more enriching experience.

In my daily interactions with you I am not seeking to deduce and clearer mental representation of the concept of ‘self” by which you identify yourself, or simply ‘check your status’….I just want to get to KNOW you. Let me shake your hand, talk to you, share your joys and sorrows, be WITH you.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ll still post things on my Facebook account and write my Blog, but they need to be put in their place.

The information contained in this Blog is the intellectual property of whoever reads it. If you would like share your opinion on anything contained herein, please email https://mail.google.com/mail/h/1u8g78glkyz7q/?v=b&cs=wh&to=johnhounselldrover@gmail.com OR pick up the phone and give me an ear-full!!

Paving Stones

2011-08-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

The road to hell is often paved with good intentions....and we are the paving-stones.

We are not perfect; all of us are capable of bringing about great good AND great harm.

There are moments in our days to be proud of – moments when love, mercy and forgiveness are shown to family, friends and even strangers. On the other hand there are moments when we speak or act out of anger
or hurt or a sense of injustice towards those same people. Sometimes we allow our misguided personal agendas or hurts get in the way of our compassion. That’s when we need to say, “Get behind me Satan!”

I don’t think “Satan” had a hold of Peter in the moment he rebuked Jesus. I think Peter was possessed by his own personal desire to see Jesus safe, to see Jesus take his rightful place as Messiah. He was blinded by his love and forgot his place and what real love sometimes means…sacrifice, pain and sorrow for the greater good.

The good news in this story is that we are not so different from Peter. We are equally able to be the rock on which faith, hope and love are built as much as we are able to be a rock that causes others to stumble – or even can be used as a weapon.

Jesus harsh words to the disciple he seems to hold in highest regard are the same words we should hear. “Be aware of your motives AND aware of the effect of your actions and deeds. Be aware of the kind of rock you are and if you are not a building block right now, get out of the way!”

The information contained in this Blog is the intellectual property of whoever reads it. If you would like share your opinion on anything contained herein, please email johnhounselldrover@gmail.com OR pick up the phone and give me an ear-full!!

Sailing, Sailing.....

2011-08-28T03:36:00.000-07:00

I’m currently on a not-so-secret mission with HMCS MONTREAL called the Great Lakes Deployment 2011 (A Public Relations/Recruiting Tour). That means that for probably the only time in my military career I can say where I will be and when.

Trois-Rivieres, QC – 27-28 August

Toronto, ON – 31 August – 5 September

Port Weller, ON – 6-7 September

Hamilton, ON – 8-12 September

Montreal, QC – 14-18 September

Pointe Au Pic/La Malbaie, QC – 20-21 September

Gaspe, QC – 23-25 September

Corner Brook, NL – 27-28 September

Come visit the ship if you get the chance!

Compassion

2011-08-27T14:15:00.000-07:00

People often ask me why I became a Chaplain to the Canadian Forces. Was it for the adventure, the opportunity to take part in a unique ministry, the money…. to get out of civilian ministry? Though I have no qualms in saying that all these considerations played through my head in my choice to ‘sign up,’ neither is THE reason.

The over-riding reason why I chose to answer this call to ministry is you. Yes, you, the person reading this. If you are not a member of the CF, then let me simply say that I am doing this ministry for you, on your behalf. The men and women in uniform that I work with and offer support to on a daily basis are your family, your friends, your neighbours. You continually express your support for them in so many different ways and I have the unique opportunity to support them from within the military system. So I do this for you.

If you are a member of the CF, the answer remains the same. I do this for you. I chose to take on the mantle of “Padre” and “Chaplain” because of my growing awareness of the great sacrifices you make as individuals and as families in order to serve Canada. After joining I became even more aware of the professionalism and extremely high standards you bring to your duties and am humbled to be able to serve you.

There is a favourite Scripture passage of mine from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25, which encapsulates my theological understanding of this ministry. To paraphrase it, I would say, “Jesus said, ‘Be aware that as you care for the most broken people in this world, you are caring for me.’” I do this for You, my God, as well.

The heart of this ministry is “compassion,” which literally means “to suffer with,” but suffering means far more than pain. It means to experience the depth of a person’s life with them – their joys AND their sorrows. That is what I have the privilege of doing on a daily basis, sharing your lives.

So there’s the real answer….if you ever wanted to know.

My own code!

2011-08-19T07:46:00.001-07:00

Re-Launch....Again

2011-08-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

So, here I am, launching my Blog yet again. I seem to have been having trouble keeping this thing afloat!

I think the main issue is time. Between work and family, who has time to do ANYTHING extra? Well, that's a bit of a cop-out. The reality is that if something is important we can make space in our schedules for it, especially with today's technology. I'm typing this up on my iPhone while waiting for a call.

So, why do I think this blog is 'important' and not something that I should drop? The answer is simple. You. The Reader. Some of you are my family, some of you are friends, and some of you are strangers who stumbled on the page by accident.

Hi, by the way!

One thing I've learned over the years is that the truly valuable things we do in our lives are always for the sake of others. And although I do not claim to have great or important things to share, You have asked me to keep writing.

And so I will…for You.

The information contained in this Blog is the intellectual property of whoever reads it. If you would like share your opinion on anything contained herein, please email johnhounselldrover@gmail.com OR pick up the phone and give me an ear-full!!

A Leader' Heart

2011-01-09T12:05:00.000-08:00

Sandra bought me a copy of
John Maxwell's new devotional "A Leader's Heart" for Christmas. I've read a few of Maxwell's books and find him accessible and enjoyable to read. Most of all, I find his writing inspiring. I feel it is possible to be the type of leader
God has called me to be when reading his stuff.

Now, before anyone gets it into their heads that I've starting to have delusions of grandeur, please know that I believe leadership to be a vital aspect of any ministry, especially ministries of chaplaincy, parenting or priesthood - my current callings.

I would be glad to be the best dad that I can be most days.

The opening pages of the book have a quote from Isaiah 42 that coincidentally is the OT reading for today.

I will guide them on paths
they have never traveled.
Their road is dark and rough,
but I will give light
to keep them from stumbling.
This is my solemn promise.
- Isaiah 42:16

Although this promise is aimed specifically at the blind, it is more than appropriate for us as we struggle with leading others. I know that, as a dad, the are many times that I feel as if I am groping blindly trying to find my way through...

But God is there, helping us to stay upright and blaze the way - a way he has already trod.

Blessings.

The Wonders of Technology

2011-01-09T10:50:00.000-08:00

I've gone and done it now! I've joined the iPhone generation. This blog entry was composed on my "Quick Diary" App, using the below image browsed and downloaded using my Safari browser and finally published using my Google App. Most likely, the only reason you're looking at this right now is because you noticed my update on my Facebook page again updated through this new "toy." Fun stuff, hey?

It'll take me a while to figure out if it all worth it or not...but at least it's fun for now!

Blessings.

My Motto

2010-09-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

Have a Beautiful Day

2010-09-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

Wow. The reality of my job is that I spend much of my time 'walking' with people through the darkest times of their lives. To be honest, as much as I deny that I let cases get to me, they do...they have to. You cannot be empathetic with another person and it not affect you one some level.

...but this isn't about me.....

Wow. The life situations that people manage to struggle through day by day....people amaze me.
What amazes me most is the ability of people to see the beauty in the darkest of situations.

(Here's a trade secret. Shhhh. Don't tell anyone....)

The one of the greatest skills in counselling is active listening. Okay..that's no secret, but...the primary goal in the process of listening is to help guide people to find their own solutions to their problems. There, I've said it. Counsellors (outside of a little questioning and repetition of what has been said) do nothing at all in the healing of people. We just encourage people to find the solutions for their problems that work best for them and gently suggest that they implement those solutions.

What amazes me is the ability of people to find possibilities and hope in situations that sound hopeless. I'm GLAD that they find their own solutions! Sometimes I'm not sure what I would do if I was in their situation!

I started reflecting on this after listening to the U2 song "Beautiful Day" this morning on my way to work and thinking about some of the issues that clients and friends of mine are going through today....you know who you are.

Bono has stated that this is a song "about losing everything but still finding joy in what you have."

Sounds like a good idea to me.

Here are the lyrics. Read them. I love the religious references that slip in there.

At the bottom of the lyrics is the video.

Crank up the volume...and have a Beautiful Day!

"Beautiful Day"

The heart is a bloom
Shoots up through the stony ground
But there's no room
No space to rent in this town
You're out of luck
And the reason that you had to care
The traffic is stuck
And you're not moving anywhere
You thought you'd found a friend
To take you out of this place
Always
Someone you could lend a hand
In return for grace
Always

It's a beautiful day
Day
The sky falls and you feel like
Day
It's a beautiful day
Day
Don't let it get away
Day

You're on the road
But you've got no destination
You're in the mud
In the maze of her imagination
You love this town
Even if that doesn't ring true
You've been all over
And it's been all over you
Always

It's a beautiful day
Day
Don't let it get away
Day
It's a beautiful day
Day, day

Touch me
Take me to that other place
Teach me
I know I'm not a hopeless case

See the world in green and blue
See China right in front of you
See the canyons broken by clouds
See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out
See the Bedouin fires at night
See the oil fields at first light and
See the bird with a leaf in her mouth
After the flood all the colors came out

Day, day
It was a beautiful day
Day
Don't let it get away
Day
Beautiful day
Day, day
Touch me
Day
Take me to that other place
Day
Reach me
Day
I know I'm not a hopeless case
Day

What you don't have you don't need it now
What you don't know you can feel somehow
What you don't have you don't need it now
Don't need it now
It was a beautiful day
Day

It's warm in the sun, I reach to the sun

Mad Padre: Why Does This Florida Church Want to Kill Soldiers...

2010-09-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

Mad Padre: Why Does This Florida Church Want to Kill Soldiers...: "Sign displayed by Dove World Outreach Centre. 'We have firmly made up our mind' to carry out the Koran burnings, 'but at the same time, w..."

Narrative Sermon on Luke 13:10-17 - Written by Sandra Hounsell-Drover

2010-08-29T06:10:00.000-07:00

Her story

I come to the synagogue every week - I pray, I hear the Torah read, I feel comforted by the women of my community. I leave bent.

I have been afflicted with this crippling pain in my back that has ravaged my body for the last 18 years or so. I have no husband, no children, just this pain and the kindness of the women of my community. I have not held my face to the sky and felt the warmth of the sun in years. I have not been able to feel the warm evening breeze that often turns cold as the evening wears on. My robe is dusty and withered - I only have this one and this was a castoff from another woman who died giving birth. I live with the pitying eyes of those around me, the women who think Satan has bound me with this disease. I hear them sometimes wondering what I did to bring the wrath of God on myself.

Others dutifully help me. They share their bread with me, they bring water for me from the well. Often I hear their complaints of having to draw two jugs from the well. The children laugh and I hear their taunts. Rarely are they shushed by their mothers. But every week I come to the synagogue - I pray, I hear the Torah, I share in the community of these Jewish women and I leave bent.

I come today, to pray, to hear, to be cared for and we have a new Rabbi teacher. I will just take my place with the women on the far side of the synagogue.

“Woman, come here.”

Is he talking to me? I shuffle my way past the other women to take my place on the men’s side of the synagogue.

“Woman, you are set free from your ailment.”

Is he really talking to me? What is he doing? He is touching me. I pull back in fear. A man, not of my own kin is touching me. I will be stoned. But there is something in his touch. Something firm but yet gentle. A fire….but still comforting. He is telling me to stand up. Now I’m being mocked. I thought the synagogue was a place where I could feel safe from the taunts and pitifulness. I can feel the eyes of every person here almost as if they were burning through my skin.

Stand up? The pain is not as intense as it has been. Stand up!? Well let me try. Here I go. One smooth motion and I’m standing. I’m standing. I’m standing straight. I am upright. I look this Rabbi in the eyes (I can look in his eyes!) and I see that same fire that just coursed through my back at his touch. Praise Abba! Praise Yahweh! I can look him in the eyes. I can look around the room! Praise God in the Highest! I can hear the gasps. I can see the smiles. I want to dance!

But this is the synagogue. I must remember my rightful place.

The leader of the Synagogue is saying something. He is trying to hush the gasps and whispers and the pointing. He has a tone to his voice - is he angry... incensed. He is trying to maintain order.

Praise God I can see all around and I can move!

He is saying something about this Rabbi who has given me cause to rejoice. He doesn’t like that this Rabbi has healed me on the Sabbath. Obviously he wasn’t the one in pain! “There are six days on which work can be done...”

I really want to speak up. I want to say “You have had 18 years to heal me. But I have come and have left bent……Another day, and this healer, this Rabbi would be gone. And you would still have me bent and in pain!” But no, this is the synagogue and I am but a woman. I dare not speak.

Maybe this Rabbi does not know the laws of our faith? Oh he must! He is a Rabbi after all! This Rabbi is calling the leader a hypocrite! He counters by telling us that when we lead animals to water on the Sabbath we are working. Oh I am reminded of that passage from Leviticus….

And anyone who does any work during that entire day, such a one I will destroy from the midst of the people. You shall do no work: it is a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your settlements.

Will he be destroyed? Will the Leader?

Has my healing caused division? I am almost afraid of what might happen to me next. But this Rabbi - I think they call him Jesus - has just given me my name. He has called me “Daughter of Abraham.” He has invoked the name of our great ancestor. Yes, I am a daughter of Abraham. A descendent of faith. Thank you God of Abraham for setting me free!

The women around me are touching my robe and smoothing my hair. Their pitifulness has turned to amazement. I remain standing tall. Watching these two men, surely I am seeing the Kingdom of God unfolding before my eyes.

I am a daughter of Abraham! What say you, leader of the synagogue. Could he be at a loss for words. All the leaders now look a bit sheepish. They have been put in their place. I am beaming. This smile, this joy, this new life I have been granted, just makes me want to sing praises to the Almighty God.

Those around me too, they have seen the kingdom of God and are praising Abba.

Maybe you come bent, and in pain - carrying immeasurable burdens in your body or your heart or your soul.

Is he calling out to you to ease that pain?

Are you able to bring yourself before him and let his healing love and care course through you? Or has he already healed you and you still need to sing praises.

I have come for 18 years and I have left bent. Today I leave singing “My life flows on in endless song.”

A VERY Brief Review of Black Snow: A Story of Love And Destruction, Jon Tattrie.

2010-05-07T12:16:00.000-07:00

A local story by a local author, Black Snow takes the reader for a mesmerizing journey through the ravaged streets of Halifax in the moments and days immediately following the Halifax Explosion.

In less than 200 pages Tattrie weaves together the devastation of the aftermath of the explosion with a love story and the lives of a people who are indelibly marked by the effects of World War I.

On our journey from the flattened dockyard to the four corners of the Halifax Peninsula, Tattrie uses flashback to give the reader glimpses of a world that seems to be falling apart at the edges.

If there is a single positive lesson or moral that comes out of this tragic tale it is that bright moments – moments of life – come out of the double-edged sword of human contact and tenderness.

I liked it…a lot.

A Brief Review of A Soldier First: Bullets, Bureaucrats and the Politics of War, General Rick Hiller

2010-05-06T17:32:00.001-07:00

Read it.

That’s the most clear and concise thing I can say after reading General Rick Hillier’s memoir.

Here’s why.

First and foremost, Hillier is a general in the truest sense of the word. The ancient Greek word for general, stratagem, refers to the ability to plan cleverly, and outwit. This book is an excellent example of the cleverness that exemplified Hillier’s military career. At the book signing I attended, General Hillier mentioned that his original intention was to write a book about leadership, but HarperCollins asked that he write a memoir first (a guaranteed money-maker) and then they would finance his project. A memoir is what he wrote, but the primary theme that flows through its pages?.....Leadership.

This book highlights one of the clearly stated ‘principles of leadership’ Hillier presents throughout the book; namely, “Never underestimate the soapbox you have.”

Other principles that I think are worth pulling out of the text are:

- “…while it can be difficult to lead [at]…times…, if you are adamant about doing what is right, as opposed to worrying about how your actions will look to superiors or others, you can get through it.”

- “…what the commander or boss is interested in, the staff, units or bureaucrats will be interested in.”

- “…the importance of recognizing people and rewarding them for a job well done.” (a lesson learned from his time at Fort Hood)

- “…to establish the kind of working relationships and the camaraderie that make everything work the way it’s supposed to.” (from in his preparation to command the Multinational Division Southwest in Bosnia)

And my favourite…

- “…everything we do is about people. It’s not about organization, structure, process or management: it’s people who accomplish things, and they need to be inspired, informed, enabled and supported.”

Amen.

Most of the other reviews I’ve read have been positive and the only significant criticisms I’ve found are over whether Hillier’s descriptions of events significantly differ from how others saw them. To those critics I’d like to throw out one final guiding principle, “Perception is reality.”

If you want to know more….read it!

Obeying God?

2010-04-08T04:50:00.000-07:00

I’m a bit rusty, but here it goes.

Reflecting on Acts 5:27-32.

“We must obey God rather that any human authority.”

Provocative words. Dangerous words. How does one determine the will of God? I’ve had this argument many times with those who have told me that they did something because they knew it was God’s will. How did they know?

This very question lays at the root of the Protestant Reformation. Who knew the will of God, the Church (i.e. the Holy Roman Church) or ‘reformers’ within the church such as Martin Luther or Thomas Cramner? The cry ‘sola scriptura’; that is, that the only authority comes from Scripture, falls short of the mark simply because it was the Church who chose the books that would make up our Bible in the first place.

Then and now we are left to ponder who is obeying God and who is just hearing voices....

As a good Anglican, I fall back to Richard Hooker’s assertion that authority is derived primarily from Scripture, informed by reason (the intellect and the experience of God) and tradition (the practices and beliefs of the historical church). Personally, I see this relationship between Scripture, Reason and Tradition as interdependent and interacting, rather than the more static hierarchy that Hooker preferred. As I mentioned above, scripture grew out of the traditions of the Church and have had such a profound impact on our reason (how we think) that our very way of discussing the will of God is tied up with them.

And maybe here is the clue to the truth we seek in trying to discern the will of God – truth which arises from an interdependent, interacting relationship.

I dunno, like I said, I’m still rusty.

"The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

The Great Levelling

2010-01-21T17:17:00.000-08:00

Greetings.

Today I took some time to do a Daily Office. Three pieces of Scripture stood out to me:

The first was this,

The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
Psalm 29:7

As you can well imagine, the first image that came to my mind was that of the devastation that has hit our brothers and sisters in Haiti. The question that seems to come forward every time a disaster like this happens is “Why would God let something like this happen?” There are a lot of good (and bad) answers to that question out there. Just type the question into Google and you will find at least 75 million sites! I find the whole question a fruitless pursuit that usually end up conveniently shifting blame and responsibility for the state of our world away from ourselves. We want to judge. We want to assign blame, and the last person we want to judge is ourselves. The greater truth is, when bad things do happen, and the wilderness of Kadesh shakes around us, it is our response that reveals more about our God than anything else.

The second piece of Scripture I read was...

As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:27-29

Paul’s letter to the Galatians reflects the words of John the Baptist (who, in turn echoed Isaiah), words that describe the Reign of God as a great levelling where the mountains are laid low and everyone stands on equal footing. I thought immediately of the brief interview I saw with René Préval, the President of Haiti not long after the earthquakes levelled most of Port Au Prince.

In a very sad but real way, all distinctions have been erased from the people of Port au Prince and the surrounding area. Without too much exaggeration we can say that everyone is homeless. Everyone is hurting and struggling to survive in the most horrible of circumstances. Earthquakes, like other natural disasters, do not discriminate. In our response to the desperate needs of the Haitian people one of the greatest challenges will be to ensure that our help also be indiscriminate - treating all people as equal.

The third and final piece of Scripture that caught my attention was,

By the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.’
Luke 1:78-79

Like most of you, this is my prayer for the people of Haiti.

Please, in response to this prayer, I invite each one of you to do all you can in whatever way you can, for as long and as much as you can.

Let’s leave our judgements behind.

Every Blessing.

Called to Serve

2009-12-04T13:04:00.000-08:00

This Article was originally printed in the 'Anglican Life' earlier this year...

“I love my job.” While I was facing some of the greatest physical challenges of my life on Basic Training, those were the words uttered by the Chaplain School’s Commandant every time he was around us. At first I thought he was referring to his role at the school, but now I know exactly what he meant. I too “love my job.”

I have had a call to minister to the men and women of our Forces for many years, but shrugged it off as a pipe-dream. I mostly doubted my own ability to achieve the physical requirements. I denied a real calling.

Though I have often said that Padres Baxter Park and Jack Barrett were the ones who convinced me that I could (and should) answer this call, the real answer is CTV News Channel. Every day that I turned on the news to see another soldier killed or injured, another family devastated by their loved one’s call to duty, my heart convicted me more and more: go, serve.

And here I am, one of two Chaplains based at 12 Wing Shearwater, one of 17 Chaplains serving CFB Halifax, one of more than 300 Chaplains who answer the motto of our multi-faith branch – “Called to Serve.” I purposely listed myself as “one of…” in order to highlight one of the greatest joys of this calling: I am a part of a team that supports and stands by one another. I am never without resources. I am never alone.

Each day is a new adventure. Marriage counselling and preparation, spiritual direction, and advising the chain of command as to how we might best help our members and their families in their times of crises make up most of my day. Ceremonies - religious and military - punctuate the weeks and months as significant events are commemorated and celebrated. On top of all this, I have been able to take part in activities and exercises with the troops by land and sea. (I will have had my first flight in a Sea King by the time you read this.)

Do you feel called to support the men and women of our Canadian Forces?

Have you considered becoming a Regular Force or Reserve Chaplain yourself? Contact me - John.Hounsell-Drover@forces.gc.ca. I may not have all the answers, but I can get them!

Have you considered offering support to “The Anglican Bishop Ordinary Trust” through the Anglican Foundation of Canada? This growing Trust fund ensures that we have a Bishop who can provide ongoing support for our more than 80 Anglican Chaplains and the nearly 20,000 Anglicans who form part of the CF family. For more information, please contact The Very Rev’d John Wright at jwright@national.anglican.ca.

Have you made the conscious decision to offer up in prayer the women and men of our Canadian Forces and their families? If you or your parish would like a good resource, check out http://www.anglican.ca/resources/mps/index.htm.

A few months ago, I had the honoured duty to accompany a Commander Officer to the home of a young woman whose father (a member) had died. After absorbing her initial shock and feelings of grief, she turned to me and said, “It means so much to me that you came here in person to tell me. Thank-you.” I freely offer that thanks to God and pass it along to you as you determine how you might best answer the call to support the men and women of our Canadian Forces.

Happy Holidays!!

2009-11-29T17:32:00.000-08:00

The following was an article I wrote for the Trident paper this past September:

Happy Holidays!

Merry Easter?! or something like that.

Each morning from August 17 to 21, a group of children and volunteers gathered at Shearwater Chapel to take part in our 2009 vacation bible school (VBS). Our theme this year was “Holy Holidays!” and we took time each day to learn about and celebrate some of the more famous (and
infamous) holidays of the Christian year: Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s and Pentecost.

That got me thinking. It is an important part of human nature to commemorate events, from birthdays to harvest days, from national holidays to wedding anniversaries from great military
victories to days of solemn remembrance. These annual events aren’t just celebrated for their own sake; however, the act of remembering is important. The word remember is vital here. By remembering the most significant moments of our history we remember who we are and what is most important to us.

A helpful journaling exercise I have used from time to time when feeling a little out-of-touch or overwhelmed is called Stepping Stones. It simply involves taking one aspect of your life and naming the six or seven most important events that define it; for example, in my relationship with my son, William, the stepping stones might include: A positive pregnancy test, pre-natal
classes, William’s birth, first steps, first day of school, tucking him into bed last night. After naming each stone you can then take the time to write some reflections on each. You will be amazed at what you can remember. The final result is to put things into focus and perspective—to re-member yourself and what is really important.

Are there aspects of your life which feel unfocused, relationships that are strained, goals that seem overwhelming? Make some stepping stones, remember yourself, and celebrate the holy days of your life.

The Dance of Life

2009-11-29T17:26:00.000-08:00

The following is an article I wrote for the Trident paper this past Easter:

The Dance of Life

Easter is a time to celebrate new life and new hope. For the ancient and modern Jews, who celebrate Passover at this time of year, it is a reminder of how the angel of death passed over their doorways in Egypt to finally free them from slavery and give them new lives in a promised land... you remember, from the story of Moses? For Christians it is expressed in the story of Jesus’death and resurrection—a resurrection which brings new life to all who believe. For the ancient Celts, from whom we get the word Easter, it is the time of year to witness the new life bursting forth after the cold darkness of winter.

But what if I’m having difficulty seeing new life right now? What if there seems to be a lot of death and dying and loss around me? From funerals to memorials, from suicides attempted to suicides completed, from grief at home to deaths overseas... new life can seem a long way off. There is no easy answer, so I warn you, don’t read any further unless you’re willing to actively seek the answer yourself... with a little guidance. There is a saying of which I am very fond—”Don’t give a sword to a person who can’t dance.” Though some people are confused at first by this saying, its meaning is really quite simple. The sword refers to anything of importance that we must wield or carry in this life. It can mean our jobs, it can mean our responsibilities towards family, friends, or community. For those of us in uniform it most certainly refers to the tools of life and death we wield on behalf of our nation. The dance, on the other hand, has no deeper meaning. It simply poses the question, in the light of the sword you carry, can you dance? Can you laugh? Can you find joy?

The warning inherent in this saying is that we must find the joy, the hope and dare I say new life in the midst of our burdens—otherwise, why bother? So (at least for a little while this Easter season) slip off your shiny oxfords, your glossy parade boots or your dusty Goretex boots and take the time to remember what is really important... and dance.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

Gentle Jesus – Meek and Mild?

2009-11-22T13:24:00.000-08:00

I’ve been struggling with a question, an idea, a challenge which was shared during a meeting earlier this past week.

“Is servanthood really a good model for Christian Leadership?”

As an ordained priest within the Anglican Church of Canada I have often been reminded that my life is one defined by ‘service.’ During my time at seminary I gained deep insight into my gifts for ministry through prayerful study of Isaiah’s image of the ‘Suffering Servant.’ As a Chaplain within the Canadian Forces I have embraced the Branch motto – Called to Serve.

So, as you can well imagine, a question challenging the effectiveness of the model of servant ministry took me completely off guard. Though further comments went on to highlight the models of ‘friendship’ and ‘mentoring’ – two very noble models – I still felt my cherished ideas of ‘servant ministry’ were being unfairly treated in some way…but I could think of nothing to say. That was until I read this Sunday gospel reading and was reminded that Jesus’ ministry was itself often marked by moments when his actions and deeds made is clear that he refused to be treated like a servant – like a slave.

Let’s be clear here. ‘Servant’ and ‘Servanthood,’ as they appear in our politically correct versions of the Scriptures are really nothing more than more thinly veiled references to ‘slave’ and ‘slavery.’ Slaves are, by definition, subservient, passive, and less-than-human commodities. Sounds kind of harsh, doesn’t it? But that’s the whole idea. Slavery is a cultural method of devaluing people so that they do as they are told, when they’re told and think of themselves as a lesser order of being than those whom they serve.

If Jesus is our ultimate model for ministry, especially for those of us in positions of leadership within the church, we must ask ourselves whether this is the example he has set for us.

There is a very popular image of Jesus out there (which I’ve heard called the ‘Florida Jesus’) who appears in gentle, softened colours, long, blonde hair and large doe-like eyes. This image of Jesus seems to be a visual expression of “Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild” – one of Charles Wesley’s least inspiring compositions. This Florida-Jesus looks like he might cry if you looked at him the wrong way. Is this the Lord of Lords and King of Kings? Is this the model to which we should aspire? I sure as hell hope not.

Let’s get back to our gospel reading.

In order for us to appreciate the full significant of what is going on in today’s gospel reading, we need to remember that Pilate was THE presence of Caesar in Palestine – the wielding all the power and authority of a man who considered himself a god. Pilate was a ruthless military leader and governor who once massacred an entire crowd – men, women and children- when they protested against one of his judgments. It is in front of this man, in his Judgment Hall, surrounded by his soldiers that Jesus is questioned.

“Are you the King of the Jews?” Pilate asks.

Does gentle Jesus, meek and mild, take the stance of a slave before his master? No. Jesus stands before the most powerful man in Palestine and challenges him. Basically, what Jesus asks is, “Is that your question or did someone else put those words in your mouth?” Wow! Jesus does not bow before Pilate, but instead does what he always does when he encounters someone – he teaches, he challenges and he invites him to listen to him.

A slave is subservient, putting the will of others first. Jesus stands on equal footing before Pile, challenging him to talk to him as an equal.

Are we called to be people-pleasers or example-setters? One way is the path to slavery and the other the way of the king.

A slave is passive, always being told what to do and waiting for others to lead the way. Jesus listens with great compassion to all who would engage him (including Pilate), but he is never told what to do. He makes his own decisions and takes the lead.

Are we called to be passive and reactionary or engaging decision-makers? One way is the path to slavery and the other the way of the king.

Slave sees themselves as less that those whom they serve. This attitude is often justified in the church today through a gross misinterpretation of Jesus’ sayings about the first being last, the last being first, and the greatest of all being the least and servant of all. Jesus’ kingdom – the great hope which we celebrate Sunday – doesn’t just flip everyone’s lives and positions in society upside down. Jesus is actually the great level-er. When the scriptures speak of mountains being brought low and valleys lifted up we are invited to see a great plain – an image of the revelation that we are all on the same level in the eyes of God. Sure the powerful will be brought low and the lowly lifted up…but we all meet in the same place. No one is worth less or more than any other person. The sad reality in our world is that some do take this misinterpretation very seriously. There are countless numbers of people who suffer abuse and degradation and who allow others to push them around and use them because they believe that this is what God demands of them.

Jesus’ ministry is filled with moments when he through word and deed contradicts this idea. He touches lepers, he speaks with women, he eats with tax collectors and in today’s gospel he looks Pilate in the eye and holds his ground. He lifted up the lowly and treated with respect and brought down Pilate to the level of a carpenter’s son.

Are we more or less worthy than the person sitting next to us? Or are we a people who work towards the building of a kingdom where each person in valued as an equal child of God? One way is the path to slavery and the other the way of the king.

Let me go back to the idea of ‘servanthood’ one more time, though, because I still feel there is a place for it; namely, in our relationship with God.

The only person to whom we are called to be slaves is God. When we surrender our lives to the God who loved us into being and walks with us though the journey of life, we need not be slaves to anyone or anything anymore. We simply claim our place as children of the Most High, fellow citizens in the Kingdom of God. Amen.

Genesis 32

2009-01-11T14:46:00.000-08:00

Greetings.

Reflections on Genesis 32

There is something to be said for putting your best foot forward. Jacob is returning to what is by all rights his home, his land, his inheritance, but he knows, despite his clever trickery it all really belongs to Esau. But still, he must return home. It has been said that one can never go home again, but we do try! Interestingly enough, the main reason most of us wish to ‘go home’ is to heal - sometimes ourselves and sometimes those we have left behind. I wonder why Jacob returns.

One thing is certain, his clever mind is still at work. He sends out wave after wave of gifts to his brother in an attempt to win him over. Jacob remains safely behind to see how the gifts will be received. But again the question remains, are the gifts for Esau’s or Jacob’s healing....or a little of column A and column B?

I noticed this parallel theme played out in the boys new favourite movie, WALL-E. The caption of the Axiom feels the need to return ‘home’ after over 700 years. This personal desire is mixed with a desire to care for a plant (representing the world’s fragile ecosystem) and see it grow (and maybe become fruitful and multiply).

Peter Gabriel Wrote "Down to Earth" for the movie.

The lyrics below speak to a coming home that needs to happen for each of us before our world moves on without us.

Did you think that your feet had been bound
By what gravity brings to the ground?
Did you feel you were tricked
By the future you picked?
Well, come on down
All those rules don’t apply
When you’re high in the sky
So, come on down
Come on down
We’re coming down to the ground
There’s no better place to go
We’ve got snow up on the mountains
We’ve got rivers down below
We’re coming down to the ground
We hear the birds sing in the trees
And the land will be looked after
We send the seeds out in the breeze
Did you think you’d escaped from routine
By changing the script and the scene?
Despite all you made of it
You’re always afraid
Of the change
You’ve got a lot on your chest
Well, you can come as my guest
So come on down
Come on down
We’re coming down to the ground
There’s no better place to go
We’ve got snow up on the mountains
We’ve got rivers down below
We’re coming down to the ground
We hear the birds sing in the trees
And the land will be looked after
We send the seeds out in the breeze
Like the fish in the ocean
We felt at home in the sea
We learned to live off the good land
Learned to climb up a tree
Then we got up on two legs
But we wanted to fly
When we messed up our homeland
We set sail for the sky
We’re coming down to the ground
There’s no better place to go
We’ve got snow up on the mountains
We’ve got rivers down below
We’re coming down to the ground
We hear the birds sing in the trees
And the land will be looked after
We send the seeds out in the breeze
We’re coming down
Coming down to Earth
Like babies at birth
Coming down to Earth
We’re gonna find new priorities
These are extraordinary qualities
We’re coming down to the ground
There’s no better place to go
We’ve got snow up on the mountains
We’ve got rivers down below
We’re coming down to the ground
We hear the birds sing in the trees
And the land will be looked after
We send the seeds out in the breeze
We’re coming down to the ground
There’s no better place to go
We’ve got snow up on the mountains
We’ve got rivers down below
We’re coming down to the ground
We hear the birds sing in the trees
And the land will be looked after
We send the seeds out in the breeze
We’re gonna find new priorities
These are extraordinary qualities

I know, I’m rambling.

It’s good to be back!

Every Blessing.

I Do

2009-01-10T15:00:00.001-08:00

Greetings.

These are new words....this has been my greatest stumbling block - not believing I had anything new to write. Even if I have written these words many times before (which I have) they are new because they are being written NOW. That is a significant part of this craft, just making new marks on in empty space. Each mark announces, “Kilroy was here.”

I decided a while ago....six...eight months...to stop writing until I had something to “say.” The result? I didn’t say anything. Simple enough. Obvious enough. Stupid enough.

I’ve done a lot of living in the past six months: moving to Halifax, joining the Canadian Forces, integrating Charlotte into our family, doing basic training and, consequentially, living away from home for 94 days. In all this uproar of life I’ve wanted to write, to EXPRESS myself, but continued to refrain. I wanted to wait until I was “ready,” until “I got my thoughts together,” until “the cows came home” I think.

Here’s my great revelation, my BFO (Blinding Flash of the Obvious), to borrow a phrase from one of our instructors on Basic, there is only now! Use it! Or to quote the great and wise Yoda, “There is no try, only do!”

I do.

Every Blessing.

Full Days

2008-09-06T18:59:00.000-07:00

Greetings.

I am glad to say I have not had time to blog over the past few days. Friday was my day with Sandra. We had a wonderful time together: we especially enjoyed the Grafton Street Dinner Theatre. It was hilarious - a very talented group.

Today the whole household headed off to the Nova Scotia International Air Show. Despite the poor weather, the boys got more than their share of airplanes, including the Snowbirds!

Despite moments of melancholy from time to time, I am fully enjoying every single moment of every day.

Thank-you to everyone who has passed along words of encouragement.

Every Blessing.

William's Day

2008-09-04T17:05:00.000-07:00

Greetings.

Today was “William’s Day.” William and I took the afternoon to do whatever he wanted to do. We had a blast! We walked across the MacDonald Bridge, we visited ships at the dockyard (where he had the opportunity to board HMCS Toronto), and we went to the MicMac Mall where he bought a Transformers movie!

William loved walking the bridge. He never stopped talking!

Like Peter, William knows I’m going to ‘Basic Training’ though he has a greater appreciation of the fact that I’m going away for ‘94 sleeps.’ He has promised to take care of Peter and to talk to me every night on the phone.

Every night putting the boys to bed gets a little harder. I’m not sure how I’ll handle Monday night...

Tomorrow is a day for Sandra and I.

Every Blessing.

Peter's Day

2008-09-03T17:40:00.001-07:00

Greetings.

Today was “Peter’s Day.” In preparation to leave for Basic Training, I took the afternoon to spend with Peter, doing whatever he wanted to do. It was a wonderful time. We went to the base, the dockyard (where he was amazed by the ships), Chapters (which he calls ‘the Thomas store’), MicMac Mall, a pet store and Dairy Queen for ice cream!

He knows I’m going to ‘Basic Training’ though he has no concept of what that means. He has promised to take care of William (with Momma’s and Charlotte’s help) and also promised to talk to me every night on the phone.

It’s slowly starting to dawn on me that I will be leaving. The boys are putting the whole thing in perspective, though. They have a very simple concept of time. Today is today and tomorrow is tomorrow. Carpe Diem - Seize the Day!

...or as a bumper sticker I once saw put it, “LIVE LIFE: this is not a dress rehearsal!”

Every Blessing.

Swissair 111

2008-09-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

Greetings.

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending a memorial service at the Stadacona Chapel to commemorate the 10th anniversary of SwissAir Flight 111. For more information about the crash itself, check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swissair_Flight_111 . The service at the base had a specifically ‘Canadian Forces’ theme. I was not fully aware before of the extent of the Forces’ full involvement in that tragic event. Padre Humble shared the memories of two individuals who were intimately involved. All elements of the Forces, Air, Land and Navy were actively involved in the recovery effort - a challenging experience for all, to say the least.

This is a prayer from the service I think we can all take and modify for our own situations...

Loving and compassionate God, out of terrible happenings, you weave wonders of goodness and grace. Hear our prayers for those overcome in the disaster of Swissair 111. Heal the pain of families who remember the loss of loved ones. Strengthen with your presence those emergency and military personnel who continue to suffer. Grant tenderness and wisdom to those who minister to them in their need. In this time of remembrance, may we find hope, and be comforted, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In memory of all whom we have lost...

Every Blessing.

Temple-Body

2008-08-31T17:44:00.000-07:00

Greetings.

I’m gearing up for Basic Training from September 10th to December 12th. It promises to be a challenging time for me personally and my family as well. One of the greatest personal challenges for me in preparation has been the physical training. I’ve never been an active person, preferring to spend my time in front of a computer or good book. Two good friends, Chris and Harry, have helped me overcome this significant obstacle.

This new emphasis on the ‘physical’ aspect of my ‘self’ has helped me better appreciate the body God has given me. I have ignored this significant part of who I am for a long time. Paul asked, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own (1 Corinthians 6:19)?” Ask yourself, how do I treat this body of mine, this gift from God?

I know my track record sucks.

Every Blessing.

Mike

2008-05-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

Michael David Cashin
September 25, 1950 - April 23, 2008

Greetings.

It has taken me some time to process the loss of my friend, Mike....but here it is.

If you’d like to get into a ‘proper space’ to read this blog, please first take the time to visit the links below.

From the first moment I met Mike I was blessed by his hospitality. He was always quick to invite me in to sit, drink some tea and share in whatever fish had just been cooked....oh yeah...Mike was never far from a meal of fish! As I have stated elsewhere, one of the greatest lessons I learned from Fr. Boyd Morgan at Queen’s College was that Hospitality is the most revealing aspect of Christian character. Mike’s hospitality was second to none. I will greatly miss the greeting, “Oh, hello Father...come on in!”

Once settled away with our cups of tea, Mike was never one to mince words. The greatest gift anyone can bring to a conversation is simple honesty. Mike’s honesty and ability to speak-from-the-gut was quite refreshing. I don’t know if my collar made any difference, but when we talked I had no doubt that I was dealing with truths. When we talked about the joys of his life, his face lit up. When the conversation moved to pain, struggles and frustrations, he held nothing back, often apologizing for his ‘colourful’ language. I will greatly miss our frank conversations.

Mike was a man of devotion: devotion to his family, devotion to Mary, his wife, and devotion to his God. Mike loved and was very proud of his family. Mike deeply loved his wife, Mary - she was his life. Mike was one of the most devout Roman Catholics I have ever met, with a strong sense that God’s hand was very present all the time. All Mike’s devotion flowed out of a huge heart and an overwhelming ability to care. I have been blessed to have met such devotion in a fellow human being.

Finally, Mike loved salmon fishing, and this is the point I’d like to close with. The best salmon-fishers are those who have great patience and greater faith. The need for patience is obvious, many hours of waiting are required for a person to catch even one fish. Faith is required in order to come back to the river, time after time, believing there will be something there to catch.

That’s the way our spiritual lives usually unfold isn’t it? Coming back to the river time after time. Some days are beautiful, some are miserable, yet every day is an opportunity to experience something wonderful, something sacred.

Thank-you, Mike, for the gift of sharing a little of your life with me....and by the way, congratulations on catching “the Big One.”

Every Blessing.

Mika Trilogy - Part 3

2008-04-25T03:37:00.001-07:00

Greetings.

One more Mika tune before I let it go....By the way his name is pronounced Meeka!

The final song I’d like to highlight before you all go out and by his CD is “Lollipop.”

So what could a song called Lollipop possibly be about? Love, of course. In Mika style, he playfully compares love to sucking on a lollipop. Oh the metaphors and meanings abound! I’ll let you make up your own mind...

Below are a best guess at the lyrics.

“Lollipop,” Mika

Hey, what's the big idea?

Yo Mika.

I said,
Sucking too hard on your lollipop,
Oh love's gonna get you down,
I said,
Sucking too hard on your lollipop,
Oh love's gonna get you down.

Sucking too hard on your lollipop,
Oh love's gonna get you down,
Sucking too hard on your lollipop,
Oh love's gonna get you down.
Say love, say love,
Oh love's gonna get you down.
Say love, say love,
Oh love's gonna get you down.

I went walking in with my mama one day,
When she warned me what people say,
Live your life until love is found,
'cause love's gonna get you down.
Take a look at the girl next door,
She's a player and a down right whore,
Jesus loves her, she wants more,
Oh bad girls get you down.

Singing,
Sucking too hard on your lollipop,
Oh love's gonna get you down,
Sucking too hard on your lollipop,
Oh love's gonna get you down.
Say love, say love,
Oh love's gonna get you down.
Say love, say love,
Oh love's gonna get you down.

Mama told me what I should know,
Too much candy’s gonna rot your soul,
If she loves you, let her go,
'cause love only gets you down.

Take a look at a boy like me,
Never stood on my own two feet,
Now I'm blue, as I can be,
Oh love come and get me down.

Singing,
Sucking too hard on your lollipop,
Oh love's gonna get you down,
Sucking too hard on your lollipop,
Oh love's gonna get you down.
Say love, say love,
Oh love's gonna get you down.
Say love, say love,
Oh love's gonna get you down.

I went walking with my mama one day,
When she warned me what people say,
Live your life until love is found,
Cuz’ love's gonna get you down.

Singing,
Sucking too hard on your lollipop,
Oh love's gonna get you down,
Sucking too hard on your lollipop,
Oh love's gonna get you down.
Say love (say love), say love (say love),
Oh love's gonna get you down.
Say love (say love), say love (say love),
Oh love's gonna get you down.

Mama told me what I should know,
Too much candy gonna rot your soul,
If she loves you, let her go,
'cause love only gets you down.

Whoa-oh, whoa-oh, whoa-oh, lollipop.
Whoa-oh, whoa-oh, whoa-oh, lollipop.

Sucking too hard on your lollipop,
Oh love's gonna get you down,
Say,
Sucking too hard on your lollipop,
Oh love's gonna get you down

The song reminds me thematically of Sting’s, “If you love Somebody, Set Her Free,” but the sentiment is ancient - love is not about holding tightly.

Two lines I love...

Jesus loves her, she wants more...

And,

Too much candy gonna rot your soul...

You can see the video at the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F99IuKUCAc4

Every Blessing.

Mika Trilogy - Part 2

2008-04-21T03:31:00.000-07:00

Greetings.

Some more comments about one of my favourite new artists, Mika.

This next song I’d like to comment on is “Big Girl (You Are Beautiful).”

Like “Grace Kelly,” this song challenges stereotyping, specifically the popularized vision of what defines a beautiful woman. A touchy issue at the best of times, Mika treats the topic with such a light touch and with such joy that we can enjoy the challenge and sing along.

Below is a best guess at the lyrics:

“Big Girl (You Are Beautiful),” by Mika

Walks in to the room
Feels like a big balloon
I said, 'Hey girls you are beautiful'
Diet coke and a pizza please
Diet coke I'm on my knees
Screaming 'Big girl you are beautiful'

You take your skinny girls
Feel like I'm gonna die
'Cause a real woman
Needs a real man here's why

You take your girl
And multiply her by four
Now a whole lot of woman
Needs a whole lot more

Get yourself to the Butterfly Lounge
Find yourself a big lady
Big boy come on around
And they'll be calling you baby

No need to fantasize
Since I was in my braces
A watering hole
With the girls around
And curves in all the right places

Big girls you are beautiful
Big girls you are beautiful
Big girls you are beautiful
Big girls you are beautiful

(With a lot of repetition)

Okay, they’re not the deepest of lyrics, but they work. Again pop music with pop lyrics sending an anti-pop message.

It’s all about affirmation - “real woman...curves in all the right places...Big Girls you are beautiful!”

Sing along! There’s no more beautiful sound that hearing our boys singing, “Big girls you are beautiful!!” from the back seat.

The video below pulls no punches either. Mika and some ‘real’ women celebrating who they are!

Every Blessing.

Sin and Punishment, Exile, Exodus

2008-04-18T13:34:00.001-07:00

Greetings.

My friend, David, offered some interesting comments to which I’d like to respond. First of all, let me give you the full text:

John:

A couple of your comments caught my attention.

While I can agree in general with your view of the Bible and its place in Christian faith and order, I would wish to add that the problem with many folk is that they see the Scripture as something akin to the Criminal Code of Canada--or other legal documents.

When a lawyer (and the police, in the case of crime) are rightly required to make reference to the legal authority in their case, the same does not apply those who seek to interpret the Bible. I am always a little uneasy about reading (or hearing) someone make a statement then quote a biblical reference (book, chapter and verse) to back up their view--as if it puts the proponent's view above contradiction. I feel our use of Scripture should be inductive instead deductive.

My second point is on judging others. Both Jesus and Saint Paul are explicit in their denunciation of human judgement. I have long given up judging another person's actions. I can be saddened by them, even regret them--but I cannot judge them. Why not? Simply because my judgement of other is, at best, impaired by my own sinfulness--and at worst, impossible.

But I can--and do--judge myself and my actions in the light of Scripture (here I part company with Saint Paul). I do have some idea of my own motivations and short-comings and although my self-judgement is imperfect and subject to correction, it is necessary if I am to change my mind and by God's grace conform more fully to God's holiness.

And another thing (sorry for this irruption) I think is unfair to cast aspersions on those of us who may appear to be obsessed with sin and punishment. Surely sin and punishment is what the Gospel is all about. Because of Jesus' death (he was both the scapegoat and the slaughtered goat) our sins are done away with. But in order to receive God full and complete forgiveness, we do need to recognize sin and to repent of it. I am always grateful to those who are loving enough to point out the possibility that in a given action (or, more usually, inaction) I am sinning.

David.

With regard to the comments concerning interpreting the Bible I couldn’t agree more. Scripture is not a law-code, even if parts of it read like one. Most laws of Scripture are as barbaric to us today as they were progressive for the ancient society for which they were written. At best, Scripture offers us a glimpse of a people’s (or person’s) evolving relationship with the divine. Only by entering into Scriptures with the recognition of its very human origins can we hope to appreciate the real experiences of the divine which inspired their writing. This inductive approach offers us the opportunity to encounter truths which still hold meaning for us today. Otherwise, one is stuck using deductive reasoning to apply Leviticus 19:27 - You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard - to our modern lives!!!

I believe the points made about judgement and sin come from the same root - a traditional (qua Medieval) interpretation of ‘sin.’

The idea of sin in today’s church is almost tangibly ‘objective’ by which I mean we see sin as a ‘thing.’ Sins ‘stand in our way’; sins ‘weigh us down’; sins can be counted, categorized and even put in order of significance. This is the perception of sin I am reacting against.

Sin (for those of you without an ancient Greek language background) is translated in our New Testament from the word ‘amartia’ - which simply means ‘to fall short’ or ‘miss the mark.’ It is not a thing, but rather a state of being, most significantly not being in a right place (relationship) with God. This amartia can be due to things we have done, not done, ignored or even done our best to do!

The opposite of amartia is dikaios - righteousness - literally, to be in right relationship with God...but, as Paul reminds us (sorry David), “There is no one who is righteous, not even one;” (Romans 3:10). This brings me back to judgement.

Judgement about what is ‘right’ and what is ‘wrong’ is always possible, and necessary, but judgements about right and wrong are not the same as judgments of sin or righteousness. Human hudgment of ‘sin’ or ‘righteousness’ is completely impossible. How can one honestly judge another’s relationship with God? We can’t even judge our own righteousness. Even if we feel ‘out of sorts’ with God, God may feel hunky-dory with us!

All this is very academic, but significant, especially in light of the one statement David made with which I do (humbly) disagree...“Surely sin and punishment is what the Gospel is about.”

Actually, Jesus spends few words discussing sin and even less on punishment, but when he does it is usually to highlight the power of forgiveness and the need for repentance - a change of heart - in order to recognize the kingdom of God in our midst.

I am currently leading a book study on Marcus Borg’s “Reading The Bible Again For The First Time” and he makes a point in one of the DVD interviews that two themes of our salvation history have been eclipsed by the theme of Sin and Punishment though much of Christendom - Exodus and Exile.

Exile is the recognition that we often dwell at a distance from God, driven there by a variety of reasons, sin (for one), but also fear, doubts, circumstance and even the influence of others. The Gospel (Good News) is that God seeks to lead us home from our exile.

Exodus in the recognition that we often find ourselves in a “bad place” even with God in our midst. The Gospel (Good News) is that God seeks to lead us out of bondage and into freedom.

Could the Cross of Christ - the centrepiece of the Gospels - teach us as much about Exile and Exodus as it does about Sin?

I leave that question with you, faithful reader.

Thanks again, David.

Every Blessing.

Mika Trilogy - Part 1

2008-04-16T03:15:00.000-07:00

Greetings.

I’d like to introduce you to one of my favourite new artists, Mika.

Check out his Wikipedia Bio at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mika_(singer)

The Mika song that first caught my attention was “Grace Kelly.” I saw part of the video on TV one night and was instantly hooked! Everything about it sounded fresh...and fun. Remember when music was fun?

Below is a best guess at the lyrics:

“Grace Kelly,” by Mika

Do I attract you?
Do I repulse you with my queasy smile?
Am I too dirty?
Am I too flirty?
Do I like what you like?

I could be wholesome
I could be loathsome
I guess I’m a little bit shy
Why don’t you like me?
Why don’t you like me without making me try?

I try to be like Grace Kelly
But all her looks were too sad
So I try a little Freddie
I’ve gone identity mad!

I could be brown
I could be blue
I could be violet sky
I could be hurtful
I could be purple
I could be anything you like
Gotta be green
Gotta be mean
Gotta be everything more
Why don’t you like me?
Why don’t you like me?
Why don’t you walk out the door!

How can I help it
How can I help it
How can I help what you think?
Hello my baby
Hello my baby
Putting my life on the brink
Why don’t you like me
Why don’t you like me
Why don’t you like yourself?
Should I bend over?
Should I look older just to be put on the shelf?

I try to be like Grace Kelly
But all her looks were too sad
So I try a little Freddie
I’ve gone identity mad!

I could be brown
I could be blue
I could be violet sky
I could be hurtful
I could be purple
I could be anything you like
Gotta be green
Gotta be mean
Gotta be everything more
Why don’t you like me?
Why don’t you like me?
Why don’t you walk out the door!

Say what you want to satisfy yourself
But you only want what everybody else says you should want

I could be brown
I could be blue
I could be violet sky
I could be hurtful
I could be purple
I could be anything you like
Gotta be green
Gotta be mean
Gotta be everything more
Why don’t you like me?
Why don’t you like me?
Why don’t you walk out the door!

A wonderful anti-pop song!

A few lyrics I’d like to comment on further...

Why don’t you like me without making me try?
....
I’ve gone identity mad!
....
Say what you want to satisfy yourself
But you only want what everybody else says you should want.

Sounds like high school and the adolescent struggle to assert one’s identity while questioning the authority of parents and peers. Yet, in the end, even identifying oneself through rebellion ties one’s personhood to those whom are rebelled against! Oh the dilemma!

The sad truth is that more and more people don’t get past this stage of development in our increasingly shallow Western culture.

Another two lines...

Why don’t you like me?
Why don’t you like yourself?

We are increasingly becoming a people who hate ourselves and consider those who do maintain a distinct identity to be ‘backward.’ My thoughts go immediately to Muslim countries who struggle with the encroachment of ‘Western’ influences.

Woah....that’s too heavy.

Just watch the video below. I love the absurd use of ‘pop’ images to poke fun at ‘the industry.’

Every Blessing.

Noah's Ark

2008-04-14T03:26:00.000-07:00

Greetings.

My friend David sent me a link to a recent article from the Church Times, a newspaper from Britain covering issues of the Church of England....and wider Anglican Communion.

Please read the original article here http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/54116 before continuing.....I’ll wait....

Finished?....Good.

First of all Kudos to Mark Oakley! I thought it was a wonderful article.

I just want to highlight a few sections for further comment....

“The division, however, is not really between conservatives and liberals at all. It is much more serious than that. It is a division between, first, those who are willing to say that other Christians, who have different views or lifestyles to themselves, are still, nevertheless, Christian, and have a Christian integrity that must be part of the Church; and, second, those who think that this simply cannot and must not be the case.”

I would add to this that those who have decided to ‘leave’ the Anglican Church by forming alternative structures of authority are doing so not because they have been “driven out” but rather because the vision of loving compassion and inclusion that has grown within the church over the past century has not fit well with their own preoccupation with sin...and punishment. This preoccupation with sin (whatever its root) has been thinly veiled behind the term “Christian integrity” (to use Oakley’s term) or “Orthodoxy.”

“These people [from the first group] believe that the Church is a Noah’s ark, where every animal has to budge over in the straw to let someone else nestle down. This is a Church where friendships count for more than sound-bites, and which understands that something of God is shadowed every time a believer forgets that Christian faith is an exercise in humility. This has been the Anglican spirit at its best — with a resistance to over-definition of doctrine, in preference to worshipping together in common prayer.”

Again, right on the spot! Where is the humility in this jostling of power and vituperative language over who represents the ‘true church?’ Have we forgotten that the central Anglican tradition of common prayer is not based so much on common doctrine as it is on the willingness to gather together, despite our differences? Noah’s Ark! Brilliant! Come on in! Let’s ride out the storm together.

“It is not so much that the Bible neatly answers all our questions, as that it questions all our answers. Its treasures are not yielded up overnight, at whim, or as ammunition. The only ultimate uniformity on offer is the constant fidelity of God towards us all.”

Alleluia! I have never met another person with whom I have shared 100% agreement in our understanding of Scripture. Does that mean we are in some way fundamentally divided? I hope not...I’d be awfully lonely.

“This is not about conservatives and liberals. It is about the survival of the Anglican soul. There is middle ground — and it is where we should all be at times, for the sake of one another and the message of reconciliation entrusted to us.”

Amen. Thank you Mark...and thank you David.

Every Blessing.

Answering the Call

2008-04-12T03:48:00.001-07:00

Greetings.

As some of you who have been reading my blog for a while know, I haven’t written much ‘personal’ material for a while....actually I haven’t written much at all.

The main reason for this has been that my mind has been occupied, since the fall, with the decision to pursue a career as a Chaplain in the Canadian Forces. I’ve kept this part of my life private primarily out of consideration of my current parish. If this process had ended in my rejection from service, my pursuit alone would have suggested a desire to leave St. Mary’s. How could I have continued effective ministry then? But now all that is past. I have been offered a commission as a Padre in the Navy and will be soon stationed at CFB Halifax with basic training to start in the fall.

We are all excited about the move and what our futures will hold.

The most common question I am asked is “Why?” There are many reasons: a sense of call (starting in high school), a desire to serve my country, for the good of my family, for the opportunities for professional development, for the adventure and challenge....

In all this, one reason remains paramount. I cannot bear to watch another Canadian military family bear the loss of a loved one in Afghanistan (or elsewhere) without answering the call on my heart to reach out to them. I feel a deep desire to stand with the women and men who put themselves in harms way on behalf of all Canadians to try to make our world a better place, one challenge at a time. I am not political. I am NOT glorifying war or violence. I am not judging the current missions of our forces. I am proud to be given the opportunity to serve those who serve us.

The motto of the Canadian Forces Chaplain Branch is “Vocation Ad Servitium” - Called to Serve.

Every Blessing.

Anna's Story

2008-04-06T17:06:00.001-07:00

Greetings.

A Midrash based on Luke 24:13-35.

I’d like to introduce you to Anna.

In Luke’s story of the Emmaus Road he introduces two characters walking from Jerusalem. One he later names, Cleopas, yet the other remains unnamed. Usually unnamed characters in ancient texts, especially our Scriptures, are women, so I’ve taken the liberty of calling the second disciple “Anna.”

Though Anna’s voice and identity remain hidden in our Bible-story, I will try to reclaim her voice for us today.....

I am scared....all the disciples are. Jesus was arrested by the temple police, and in short time was crucified by the Roman governor. Jesus, one of the first people to look at me as if I were a real person. Jesus, the one who had healed my broken heart after my father’s early death. Jesus, the one we were sure was the Messiah. Jesus was dead. Dead and gone.

Not only was he dead, but the plot which brought him to the cross was masterminded by one his closest advisors, Judas. Who could be trusted?

On the day before the Passover, while Jesus was being tried and executed, Cleopas and I hid near one of the governor’s stables, afraid that we might be sighted and be given our own crosses.

The following day was the Passover itself and so we remained in hiding. To travel on such a holy day would have attracted too much attention.

But this was the third day. Thousands of pilgrims would be pouring out of Jerusalem. Blend in. Get out. That was all we could think about.

As we walked along we saw other disciples also headed out of Jerusalem. We weren’t the only two disciples fleeing the city. Golgotha, the place of crucifixion was on the main road and we passed it without being able to even look at it. But then the unexpected happened.

Mary and some of the other women were running towards us. Anna, Cleopas, they shouted, he’s alive, he’s alive, we were at his tomb, but it’s empty, he’s alive!! We have to tell Peter and the others. They’ve decided to meet in the upper room. We’ve got to go tell them!

Some of our group ran with them back to Jerusalem. Some headed off to the tomb to see for themselves. Cleopas and I made the quick decision to continue out of the city and to a safer place. After things had calmed down, then we’d listen to see what had really happened.

Later on the road, while taking a drink at a spring, some of our friends caught up to us. Dora, a young girl who had only recently been baptized, told us that they had gone to the place they thought was the tomb, but there was no one there except some Roman guards. Cleopas said it sounded like a trap.

We continued on the road though the afternoon sun. Feeling more confident about being out of the city, we started talking about what we were going to do now that Jesus was gone. A stranger walking near us asked what we were talking about. Cleopas was quick to answer. Where have you been? Under a rock? He was angry, we all were. Angry and afraid...and alone.

I took Cleopas’s hand and offered him a reassuring smile. He apologized to the stranger and explained who Jesus was, how had died, and even went so far as to share our sense of loss and disappointment. I think he needed to do that. To get it all off his chest.

The stranger listened and walked beside us, not interrupting Cleopas, but letting him get it out.

When the stranger did speak, however, it was not in a way that I expected.

“You Fools! Prophets are always killed in Jerusalem. The Scriptures themselves say so over and over. God’s servants never find safety within its walls. And if this person, Jesus, was the Messiah, did you expect his reception to be any better?” On and on the stranger went, quoting the Law and the Prophets, revealing to us how death is not necessarily the end.

I must say my heart was strangely warmed by the words. The stranger even quoted some of the Scriptures Jesus himself had used from time to time. Cleopas nodded his head with every point the stranger made.

As afternoon turned into evening, we came close to a little village where we knew we could stay for the night. The stranger didn’t turn off the road however. That was crazy. There were no other villages in walking distance before nightfall. There were probably bandits.

Cleopas and I insisted that the stranger stay with us for the night, our friend Naiomi would have room for one more.

Some bread and wine was quickly provided for our evening meal. We reclined around the table with Naiomi and her three children. Then the stranger surprised us again.

Not waiting to be served, the stranger took the bread, said the table blessing, broke the bread and gave a piece to each of us. All I could think was, that’s just the way Jesus used to do it.

That’s just the way Jesus used to do it!

Cleopas and I looked at each other in amazement, thinking exactly the same thing....That’s just the way Jesus used to do it!

We scrambled to our feet, but found that were alone with Naiomi’s children. No stranger.

No stranger, but knowing that Jesus was still here.

We’re not wasting any time. We’re running back to Jerusalem, to the upper room.

We have to tell them.

He is alive! He is alive!

He was with us the whole time and he is alive!

Cleopas argued with me that the stranger was an old woman who only looked like Jesus at the last moment. I was sure the stranger was a young dark-skinned man from the south.

The details don’t matter. The truth is Jesus is risen from death and is alive.

He is alive and even in the middle this miracle of revelation he has taught me a valuable lesson....

I will never look at a stranger the same way again.

......................

Every Blessing

Tenebrae

2008-04-02T03:42:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

I hope to start my regular blogging again very soon.

In the meantime, here is the text of the Tenebrae service held at St. Mary’s on Monday of Holy Week. I thought it was a particularly moving service...

..........................

St. Mary the Virgin
✞ Holy Monday✞
Tenebrae - “Shadows around the Cross”

Call to Worship
One: Let us praise God for the gift of his Son who became the Light of the world.
All: We would thank God that Christ came as a great light shining into a world darkened with sin.
One: Let us never forget those shadows of evil which followed Him to the cross.
All: We would remember that the power of Christ is greater than the power of evil, and will overcome it. Lord, help us to be aware of those events that caused Jesus to be taken to the Cross. As we become mindful of those who confronted Him with betrayal, denial, rejection, injustice, torture, ridicule, and mockery, we realize that these same traits may be found in our lives. Help us to re-examine our inner selves as we reflect upon the lives of those who failed our Saviour. If we have crucified Him anew, grant us forgiveness and cleanse our lives of sin. Uplift us that we might see beyond the shadows of the Cross, and find the Spirit of Him who comes as the Light of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn
#22JP - “Be Still and Know That I Am God”

The Shadow of Betrayal - Matthew 26:47-50
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.’ At once he came up to Jesus and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him. Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, do what you are here to do.’ Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him.

Meditation

The Shadow of Betrayal

Betrayal - to be unfaithful in guarding, maintaining, or fulfilling a relationship.
- OR to disappoint the hopes or expectations of another person;
- OR to be disloyal to another person.

On his way to the cross, Jesus knew the kiss of betrayal.

Why did it have to be a friend
Who chose to betray the Lord?
Why did he use a kiss to show them?
That's not what a kiss is for.

Only a friend can betray a friend,
A stranger has nothing to gain.
And only a friend comes close enough
To ever cause so much pain.
- “Why” by Michael Card

Who have we betrayed?
To whom have we been unfaithful?
When have we been disloyal to those who placed their trust in us?

When have we added to the shadows around the cross?

Hymn - #431 - Take Up Your Cross (verses 1 & 5)

The Shadow of Denial - Luke 22:54-62
Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house. But Peter was following at a distance. When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, ‘This man also was with him.’ But he denied it, saying, ‘Woman, I do not know him.’ A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, ‘You also are one of them.’ But Peter said, ‘Man, I am not!’ Then about an hour later yet another kept insisting, ‘Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.’ But Peter said, ‘Man, I do not know what you are talking about!’ At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly.

Meditation

The Shadow of Denial

Denial - to refuse to believe;
- OR to disavow or disown another person.

On his way to the cross, Jesus knew he would be deined.

Denial is a defense mechanism in which a person is faced with a fact that is too uncomfortable to accept and rejects it instead, insisting that it is not true, despite what may be overwhelming evidence....sounds like Peter to me.

Whom have we denied?
What have we denied?
When have we felt uncomfortable enough to deny the truth that lays before us?

When have we added to the shadows around the cross?

Hymn - #196 - Ah, Holy Jesus (verses 1 & 2)

The Shadow of Rejection - Mark 15:6-14
Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. Then he answered them, ‘Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?’ For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate spoke to them again, ‘Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?’ They shouted back, ‘Crucify him!’ Pilate asked them, ‘Why, what evil has he done?’ But they shouted all the more, ‘Crucify him!’

Meditation

The Shadow of Rejection

Rejection - to refuse to have;
- to refuse to take;
- to refuse to recognize;
- to refuse to give;
- to refuse to accept.

On his way to the cross, Jesus heard the crowds who had once shouted Hosanna reject him.

Rejection means to say ‘no.’ Or ‘not now.’ Or ‘never.’ Or ‘leave me alone.’

Whom have we rejected?
What have we rejected?
When have we actively rejected another person?
When have we rejected another person by ignoring them?

When have we added to the shadows around the cross?

Hymn - #184 - My Song Is Love Unknown (verses 1, 3 & 5)

The Shadow of Injustice - Matthew 27:24-26
So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.’ Then the people as a whole answered, ‘His blood be on us and on our children!’ So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.

Meditation

The Shadow of Injustice

Injustice - to violate of the rights of others;
- the unjust or unfair action or treatment of others.

On his way to the cross, Jesus felt the helplessness of injustice.

To do injustice is more disgraceful than to suffer it.
- Plato.

There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.
- Elie Wiesel. (Holocaust Survivor and political activist)

When have we less than fair with others?
When have we ignored injustice and unfairness around us?
Have we become deaf to the injustices which fill our world?

When have we added to the shadows around the cross?

Hymn - #386 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (verses 1 & 3)

The Shadow of Torture - Mark 15:16-20
Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

Meditation

The Shadow of Torture

Torture - the act of inflicting excruciating pain, as punishment or revenge, as a means of getting a confession or information, or for sheer cruelty.
- to inflict pain upon another person.

On his way to the cross, Jesus felt the horrors of torture.

Pain is not just a physical thing.
- There are mental anguish and psychological abuse we can inflict on those around us.

Whom have we hurt?
When have we chosen to say something in order to hurt another person?
When have we wished we could hurt another person?

When have we added to the shadows around the cross?

Hymn - #511 - Lord Jesus, Think On Me (verses 1 & 3)

The Shadow of Ridicule - Luke 23:39-43
One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

Meditation

The Shadow of Ridicule

Ridicule - speech or action intended to cause contemptuous laughter at a person or thing.

On his way to the cross, Jesus heard the hurtful taunts and laughter.

In ridiculing another person, we make them less than they are. We bring them down. And we do so in such a way as to give others the opportunity to laugh with us.

Whom have we made fun of?
When have we chosen to say something in order to put another person down?
When have we laughed at the expense of another person?

When have we added to the shadows around the cross?

Hymn - #634 - Jesus, Remember Me (sung three times)

The Shadow of Mockery - Matthew 27:39-50
Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, "You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross." In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking him, saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, 'I am God's Son.'" The bandits who were crucified with him also taunted him in the same way. From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o'clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, "This man is calling for Elijah." At once one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him." Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last.

Meditation

The Shadow of Mockery

Mockery - A false, or ridiculing imitation.

On his way to the cross, Jesus heard the mockery of his own words being twisted and used against him.

In mocking another person, we take and twist their words and actions in order to criticize them.
But mockery is not criticism, it is an act of creating hurtful lies.

Whom have we mocked?
When have we twisted the words of another in order to put another person down?
When have we made a mockery of ourselves?

When have we added to the shadows around the cross?Hymn - #202 - There Is A Green Hill Far Away

Prayer of Dedication
All: Holy God, as we realize the depth of your love for us and for all your creation, fill us with that sense of holy awe that will assist us in true worship of you. We dedicate ourselves this day to a new awareness of our place of responsibility in your creation, and we seek your mercy and grace to lead us into paths of righteousness. We are your children; cover us with your love, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
One: Jesus says, “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”
All: Holy God, Mighty God, Everliving God, have mercy on us.
One: Go in peace to serve the Lord in one another.
All: Thanks be to God.

We leave in silence and darkness.

....................

I hope it’s something to reflect upon...

Every Blessing.

Encountering Scriptures - A Lenten Meditation

2008-02-14T05:00:00.001-08:00

Greetings!

My Lenten Midweek sermon and reflection questions for February 13, 2008.

Encountering Scriptures

It is my privilege to start off this journey through Lent, following Jesus, with you.

One of the great truths about a journey is that the destination isn’t necessarily fixed, so we can spend our time enjoying the landscape around us.

And though it is true that this lenten journey will bring us to Holy Week, Good Friday, Easter Day and beyond, these memorials too will mean different things for each of us.

So, come along as we take the time to meditate on ways by which we journey with Christ, six ways through which we follow Jesus: through Scriptures, through Prayer, through Worship, and so on.

Tonight I have the responsibility of guiding us through a reflection on the role of the Scriptures on our journey.

There are a million-and-one ways I could start this reflection, but I have chosen what I hope will be the simplest and most tangible for us.

I would invite you to reflect upon what happens between the words, “A Reading from the book of ...” and the words, “This is the Word of the Lord” - an event we most commonly refer to as “the Proclamation of the Word.”

To help us understand this event of proclamation, I chose the two pieces of Scripture we have already heard tonight: two stories about proclamation events.

The first reading, from the prophet Nehemiah, is the recollection of the first reading of the Scriptures at the newly rebuilt temple in Jerusalem after the return from the Babylonian exile.

The story is a simple one. In the course of rebuilding the temple, scrolls of what we now refer to as the Old Testament or Hebrew Bible are discovered and at an appointed time they are read to the people in a kind of re-consecration ceremony.

There are two things happening in this event of proclamation:

First, the people of God, returning from generations in exile, find their identity in the reading of Scriptures.

This is nothing new to us as Newfoundlanders. Every gathering is an opportunity to relive and recount our shared stories and in doing so claim our identity.

In the event of Scripture being proclaimed, we do the same thing. We share our story, we listen to our story and we allow this story to form a part of who we are.

The second thing which happens is that the people engage with the Scripture, or as Nehemiah puts it, they read it with interpretation.

This is of vital importance to the event of Proclamation.

The bible in and of itself is simply words on a page. Black marks on white paper.

The Word of God, on the other hand, is a living event. The word of God happens when the word is spoken, heard, interpreted and applied.

There is no proclamation without interpretation, without seriously engaging the Scriptures and working out its meaning for us here and now.

“A reading from the prophet Nehemiah” only becomes “the Word of the Lord” when we share it together as community and reflect on what it means to us and what it calls out of us.

The second story, Luke’s Road to Emmaus, tells a similar story, but with an even greater challenge to see the event of proclamation as more than simply reading a text.

Luke’s account of the Emmaus road challenges us to see God’s creative and often surprising activities working in proclamation events. God often works OUTSIDE what we consider to be ‘normal’ and ‘proper’ channels.

On the road to Emmaus, we bear witness to an event of sharing stories, but, in this case, the stories outside of the Scriptures.
- Remember, there are no gospels, no letters, no revelation on the road to Emmaus. Though the stories shared on the road are the seeds of our gospel narratives, they aren’t Scripture yet.
- It took a great leap of faith for the early Christians to call the stories of Jesus and letters of the early Church, “Scripture.”
On a symbolic level these stories are also being told outside of Jerusalem.
- Luke’s gospel is filled with suggestions that God’s will and activity will not be contained within one city or one people.
The one truth the disciples are trying to come to terms with, that Jesus is indeed risen had been reported by a group whose witness lay outside of the sources that could be trusted - women!
- “Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive.”

- Legally, two men could provide witness in a court of law, but a the word of a thousand women was useless. I wonder if the fact that it is women who first bear witness to the resurrection is not the greatest evidence of God’s sense of humour.
Even Jesus’ interpretation of the Hebrew Bible lays outside the normal way of describing the Messiah.
- Remember, even though we as Christians easily read Jesus into the Hebrew Bible, Jewish people today also easily dismiss this interpretation.
- Jesus’ interpretation would have been innovative at the least for a people who expected a Messiah who would overthrow Rome and set up Israel as the greatest nation of the world.

So what does all this mean?

We should never draw permanent lines around what we hold to be true, even when encountering the Scriptures.

God can and does act in surprising and unexpected ways - this is a part of the testimony of our Scriptures.

We need to encounter our Scriptures with a spirit of generosity and a grain of salt, especially when we hear the interpretations of others. This is a vital grace in our modern church.

A closed mind and heart can never encounter the Word of the Lord, but only the words of the bible.

So, as we continue to observe a holy Lent, I invite each of you to open your minds and hearts to the Holy Scriptures:

As the traditional Collect puts it, “read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them.”

Talk about the Scriptures with others.

Share your interpretations.

Share your stories.

But most of all, expect the unexpected.

Jesus often surprises us on the journey.

Let us pray...

Eternal God,
who caused all holy scriptures
to be written for our learning,
grant us so to hear them,
read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,
that we may embrace and ever hold fast
the blessed hope of everlasting life,
which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reflection Questions: 1. Whose interpretations of Scriptures do you like the most? Whose do you like the least? Why? 2. To what bible-story or passage of Scripture do you find yourself most often drawn? What does this reading reveal about God? What does it reveal about yourself? 3. If you were offered the privilege of adding a personal story to the Bible of your own journey with Jesus, what would it be? What would it reveal about God? What would it reveal about you?

...Every Blessing.

Temptation and Choice

2008-02-11T03:29:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

My sermon text for February 10, 2008.

.................

Reference Text: Matthew 4:1-11
Verse 1: “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”

“Former president Ronald Reagan once had an aunt who took him to a cobbler for a pair of new shoes. The cobbler asked young Reagan, “Do you want square toes or round toes?” Unable to decide, Reagan didn’t answer, so the cobbler gave him a few days.

“Several days later the cobbler saw Reagan on the street and asked him again what kind of toes he wanted on his shoes. Reagan still couldn’t decide, so the shoemaker replied, “Well, come by in a couple of days. Your shoes will be ready.” When the future president did so, he found one square-toed and one round-toed shoe! “This will teach you to never let people make decisions for you,” the cobbler said to his indecisive customer.

“I learned right then and there,” Reagan said later, “if you don’t make your own decisions, someone else will.”

I’d want to add: If you let others make your choices for you, you’ll probably just look like a fool.

During the season of Lent we have the opportunity to choose a discipline to focus on. If you haven’t chosen one yet, have no fear, there is still time....but don’t be a fool and neglect to choose.

In choosing your Lenten discipline, what you will give up or what you will take up, I want you to ask yourself...

Who is your Lent for? (I know, grammatically incorrect)

It is for yourself?
- Will the goal of your Lent be to lose a few pounds or give up a bad habit, even if just for a few months? Seems trivial.

Is your Lent meant to prove your piety and devotion towards God?
- Will God give out a reward to the most pious person or the person who gives up the most? Seems silly

I am of the opinion that Lenten devotions are meant to be for others.

God can use this season of self-denial as a means to teach us to focus more on the needs of others than our own needs.

Matthew’s account of the temptation clearly states that Jesus was lead, by the Spirit, into the wilderness in order to be tempted. God leads Jesus to be tempted.

God, as Spirit, leads Jesus through 40 days of disciplined self-denial in order to face the spirit of temptation - Satan.

This is a very Jewish portrayal of Satan. As in the book of Job, Satan is a servant of God, with only the power to tempt and only able to tempt those God chooses. In many ways, this image of Satan is more like a teacher who tests our faithfulness than then leader of the powers of darkness.

But God doesn’t lead Jesus to encounter Satan immediately after his baptism, but only after 40 days in the wilderness.

The time Jesus spends in the wilderness, in fasting and in prayer, is time to learn the vital lesson that the only way to live is to become reliant on God’s grace.

But this is only an internal discipline. A Jesus who knows how to live totally on the grace of God could just remain in the wilderness or retire to the mountaintop. But that’s not the Jesus we know.

This is where Satan enters, not so much to challenge what Jesus will do next, but to question what his motives will be....if he is REALLY the Messiah.

The first temptation is to turn stones into bread. This is the most obvious of temptations. After 40 days in the wilderness, even Matthew feels the need to record that Jesus was famished. So why not? Jesus may profess that one should live by the word of the Lord, but that doesn’t stop him from eating later. There is no sin in making bread. But the heart of this temptation is for Jesus to use power to serve his own needs.

He says ‘no’ to the temptation...but...

Later Jesus does use his power to create bread, to meet the needs of the multitudes who have gathered around him.

Later Jesus gives bread to his followers as a symbol to remember his sacrifice for the sins of the world.

The second temptation is to clearly reveal that he is the Messiah by having angels catch him as he plummets from the highest tower of the temple in Jerusalem. And why not? That way there will be no confusion as to Jesus’ true identity. The heart of this temptation is for Jesus to use supernatural powers to accomplish his mission, and in doing so prove that he is the Messiah.

He says ‘no’ to the temptation...but...

Later angels do come to Jesus’ aid, after he faithfully denies the temptations which lay before him.

Later angels to come to release him from the tomb after his sacrifice on the cross.

The third temptation is to take the title Lord of the Nations by using the powers of this world: lies, greed and force. The heart of this temptation is for Jesus to use power to force the kingdom of heaven onto the world. Why die on a cross? Why not crucify people until the rest fall in line?

He says ‘no’ to the temptation...but...

Later Jesus is given the title, “King of the Jews” by Pontius Pilate the highest authority in the land as he hangs on the cross, the only throne on which he will ever sit.

He says ‘no’ three times to the temptation to use power to meet his own needs in order that he might later say ‘yes’ to our needs.

Jesus’ temptations are ultimately to choose between what is easier for him and what is better for us.

As we make our Lenten journey this year I encourage each one of you to ask:

Is my Lenten discipline serving God by making life better for others?

How is my Lenten discipline going to make a difference in the lives of others?

Who is my Lent for?

...............

As I prepared the above text for preaching, I did so without having chosen my own discipline; but now I have: this blog will be my discipline. I will carefully and prayerfully take time each day to work at it through reading, research, reflection and writing (my four R’s!). I pray it will be a blessing to you.

Every Blessing.

Still Here

2008-02-09T03:43:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

I guess some of you have been wondering where I’ve gone.

I’m still here. Just a bit spent after two very hectic months (personally and professionally).

My last blog concerning the church’s response to the ‘split’ in the Anglican church of Canada inspired two very interesting responses. I promise I will respond to them in due time. Watch for it! BTW, has anyone else noticed how very un-newsworthy this ‘event’ has become since no exodus of dissatisfied Anglicans has come to pass? Like I said before, this is a splinter.

This past Thursday evening, nine of us started a 10-session course entitled, “Experiencing the Bible Again for the First Time,” based on the Marcus Borg book, “Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously but not Literally.” I recommend the book to anyone who struggles with how to apply Scripture to our modern world-view. It’s not like some of the over-simplistic “pablum” that calls itself “biblical studies,” but challenges us to really think...something I fear most people would rather have others do for them.

Sorry, had to get that off my chest...

At its heart the whole course is about building a community who will take some steps (some large and some small) to meet the bible in a fresh way. It is done in an attitude of worship and with the Bible (not Borg) as the central text. As one participant put it, we are in for a fun time ahead!

Every Blessing!

A Good Response?

2007-12-11T18:54:00.001-08:00

Greetings!

I was recently asked my opinion on the Anglican Church’s response to the current problems we are facing.

I’ve been reading with interest the recent communiques from Anglican Church of Canada in response to the events of Donald Harvey’s departure from the Anglican Church of Canada and the Essentials Network meeting in Burlington to create an alternative ‘conservative’ Anglican Church in Canada under the authority of the Province of the Southern Cone.

Here are some points I’d like to repeat and see reaffirmed:

∙ The Church has made every effort to accommodate those who have differing theological views within the current structures of the Anglican Church of Canada, including alternative pastoral care and episcopal oversight where necessary.
∙ The Church has been actively seeking to build the community of believers through open and honest dialogue, maintaining a healthy commitment to the theological diversity which makes up the Anglican mosaic.
∙ Through the use of the St. Michael’s Report, General Synod was able to affirm that differences of opinion concerning the blessing of same-sex unions need not be communion breaking.
∙ The Church has tried to respect the opinions of every member while continually calling us to affirm the ‘essential’ unity of the body of Christ, despite our differences.
∙ The events/actions/decisions of the Essentials meeting in Burlington were therefore, not necessary, inappropriate, unwelcome, and invalid.
∙ In this case, it is clear that this group has split itself from the Anglican Church of Canada, unlawfully claiming jurisdiction in Canada. No one aligned with this group has any authority in the Anglican Church of Canada.
∙ The call for the Church today is to:
∙ Pray for unity.
∙ Continue to show respect for differing opinions.
∙ Move forward in ministry.

Communiques Researched:
Diocese of Toronto - Bishop Colin R. Johnson - November 30, 2007
Diocese of Western Newfoundland - Bishop Percy Coffin - November 20, 2007
Diocese of Niagara - Bishops Ralph Spence and Michael Bird - November 2007
Diocese of New Westminister - Bishop Michael Ingham - November 22, 2007
Council of General Synod - November 17, 2007
Primate and Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Canada - Nov 29, 2007

Any thoughts?

The Golden Compass

2007-12-08T13:02:00.001-08:00

Advent Greetings!

I guess it’s time I threw my hat in the ring over the whole “The Golden Compass” (Philip Pullman) controversy.

((Watch out, there are SPOILERS in this post......))

Where to start....

I don’t believe in censorship. That even goes so far as to condemn Chapters/Indigo for pulling Mein Kampf (Adolf Hitler) from its shelves. I read “Mein Kampf” while in high school. (Yes, in a high school library!) I thought it to be the radical ranting of a madman. The point was, I got the chance to read it and make that judgement. I don’t believe in censorship.

I DO believe in monitoring what our children read and being a part of the reading as well as the reflection afterwards. My oldest boy, William, still often needs to debrief after watching the animated movie “Cars.” “Why is the town sad?” he usually asks.

Will I allow my children to watch overt violence on TV? No, they are too young right now. But the time will come when they will have to learn to interpret the violence of our media culture and put it in a proper perspective. We will do this together and talk about it together.

I believe in monitoring the age-appropriateness of our children’s media and reading materials, but beyond that, we will have to deal with specific content as it arises.

So now, what about “The Golden Compass?” I took the time to read it this past week and found it to be a very enjoyable book with a lot of great twists and imaginative story-telling.

That’s all it is. A story. A fantasy about people who never existed in a world that doesn’t exist, except in telling of the tale.

The critic leading the charge against the book is a crack-pot by the name of William Donahue. For more on his background and radical comments, please feel free to check THIS out.

Some of the criticism has been about Pullman’s atheistic and anti-Catholic sentiments. If we were to pull every book (or movie), children’s or otherwise, which shared these sentiments, there’s be little left to read. In the end, I find Pullman’s attacks on the Church (Catholic or otherwise) well thought out and refreshing.

Another criticism is that at the end of the third book of this series, the main character kills “God.” I put “God” in quotes because I’m not sure if the entity killed is really God or an “idea of God” which even I might find repugnant. (Please note, I haven’t had the chance to read the whole series yet, but have done my research into the ending.)

In either case. The criteria being used so far to suggest this book be banned would wipe out the entire science-fiction and fantasy sections of any library and whittle general fiction to a shelf or two.

I quote Pullman himself,

"To regard it as this Donohue man has said—that I'm a militant atheist, and my intention is to convert people—how the hell does he know that? Why don't we trust readers? Why don't we trust filmgoers?" Pullman sighed. "Oh, it causes me to shake my head with sorrow that such nitwits could be loose in the world."
From a Newsweek Interview

One thing is certain. If it were not for the grumblings of William Donahue, I never would have had the itch to read “The Golden Compass.”

Thanks Bill!

Every Blessing.

Memories: Growing Up in Newfoundland

2007-12-08T07:14:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

I just finished reading the book, Memories: Growing Up in Newfoundland by Joyce Templeton-Gillett. (ISBN 978-0-9688209-2-6)

Joyce is the youngest daughter of Rev’d Gordon Templeton, Rector of Bay of Islands Parish from 1934 to 1949 - my predecessor 55 by years!

The book contains a semi-continuous collection of memories of Joyce’s ranging from childhood to early adulthood in the Curling and Corner Brook area roughly spanning the period of Rev’d Templeton’s ministry here.

This is a wonderful little book, filled with memorable stories revealing the genuine innocence of the author in her youth, as well as a wonderful mischievous streak.

In addition to offering vignettes into the lives of past residents, her stories gave me some wonderful images of some of my current parishioners in their youth.

A good book any Newfoundlander (especially a Western Newfoundlander) would be delighted to read.

Thank you Joyce.

Teresa and Borg

2007-11-27T17:58:00.001-08:00

I recently finished reading No Greater Love by Mother Teresa (Novato, California: New World Library, 1989). This is the first book by M. Teresa I have read. She has been an inspiration to me through anecdotal quotes for years and I was excited to read a full length work by her hand.

A few quotes that really caught by attention...

“God will not ask you how many books you have read; how many miracles you have worked; He will ask you if you have done your best, for the love of Him. Can you in all sincerity say, “I have done my best”? Even if the best is failure, it must be our best, our utmost” (pp. 68-69).

What a humbling thought. What a concretely real sentiment. How many of us feel that because we have failed at something we have not been faithful? God’s blessing is on us when we do our utmost, period. Never measure your faithfulness by the signs of success as determined by this world.

Reflecting upon the heart of compassion, she writes...

“They say that the passion in Gethsemane was much greater than even the crucifixion. Because it was His heart, His soul that was being crucified, while on the cross, it was His body that was crucified” (p. 82).

Finally, my favourite response to the Q&A section at the end of the book...

“Do you attempt to present any special religious message through your work?
Love has no other message but its own. Every day we try to live out Christ’s love in a very tangible way, in every one of our deeds. If we do any preaching, it is done with deeds, not with words. That is our witness to the Gospel” (p. 179).

That really sums up her book, and practical theology.

The other book I just finished was Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously But Not Literally by Marcus J. Borg (New York: HarperCollins, 2001).

I hope to facilitate a 10-week course this winter based on the book.

Borg writes the book for the majority of Christians I know...

“...most of whom are found in mainline churches, are less clear about how they do see the Bible than how they do not. They are strongly convinced that any parts of the Bible cannot be taken literally, either as historically factual or as expressing the will of God. Some people who reach this conclusion leave the church, of course. But many continue within the church and are seeking a way of seeing the Bible that moves beyond biblical literalism and makes persuasive and compelling sense” (p. 5).

He makes a clear stance, stating that...

“Being Christian...is not about believing in the Bible or about believing in Christianity. Rather, it is about a deepening relationship with the God to whom the Bible points, lived within the Christian tradition as a sacrament of the sacred” (p. 18).

I recommend this book for every Christian who seeks to live their faith with the Bible at the centre without the unacceptable consequences of biblical literalism.

Just a few thoughts I wanted to share.

Jesus vs. the State

2007-11-26T17:06:00.000-08:00

The Romans were not entirely mistaken in their decision to crucify Jesus.

We often try to paint a picture of Jesus who was a helpless and humble victim of a cruel dictatorship
- accused of blasphemy by his own religious leaders
- and accused of being a traitor and terrorist (to use a modern term) by the Romans.

We often have a picture in our minds of a gentle Jesus, meek and mild, who spoke softly and led quiet and peaceful retreats on the shores of Galilee.

This image is false and is contradicted by almost every story about Jesus in the Gospels.

∙ Jesus actively travelled around the region of Galilee, recruiting people to leave their homes and daily lives to follow him. He often travelled through the region with a group of twelve or more men, not including women and children.

∙ Jesus usually went straight to the synagogues when he entered a town and both challenged and insulted the religious authorities there.

∙ Jesus broke many of the traditional religious laws of the day and claimed that he and his disciples were above them.

∙ Jesus openly talked about the coming of a new kingdom in which he was to be the leader.

∙ Jesus eventually travelled to the Temple in Jerusalem where he violated the traditional practices there by overturning tables and brandishing a whip. He called the Temple leaders thieves and hypocrites. He even claimed the whole Temple would be torn down in three days.

∙ When Jesus was finally arrested and brought to trial, he denied none of the charges brought against him, especially the traitorous charge of claiming to be a king.

The Romans were not entirely mistaken in their decision to crucify Jesus.

In any state, there are two basic reasons to execute someone:

First, the person might be guilty of some terrible crime that has been deemed punishable by death.

This is most definitely not the case. Jesus may have been an active revolutionary leader, but there is no evidence (inside or outside the Scriptures) to suggest that he or any of his followers ever broke any Roman laws.

On this account Jesus was innocent.

The other reason for a government to execute someone is fear. Fear that the person in question poses a real threat to the future of the state.

- This still happens all over the world in dictatorships today. Thousands are murdered each year simply because they disagree with the leadership of the day.

On this account, the Romans, as well as the Jewish leadership, had been correct.

Jesus did pose a real threat.

Jesus challenged systems and authorities that helped the rich get richer and the poor remain poor.
- First last and last first.
- Rich have their reward.
- Blessed are the poor.

- This should alarm us as Canadians and residents of North America.

In just a recent report from the UN on Child Poverty this past week, it was reported that:
-About one in six Canadian children live in poverty - unchanged in a generation - and the situation may be getting worse;
-At almost 26 per cent, Canada also has one of the highest rates of obesity among children in developed countries;
-Infant mortality rates at five deaths per 1,000 have remained unchanged over the past five years despite falling rates elsewhere;
-Canada has one of the highest rates of children in state care and in youth detention centres compared with other industrialized nations;
-Mental illness among children has risen, with only 20 per cent getting treatment.

In another article this past week:
- Almost 25,000 women were turned away from shelters in Alberta alone last year.

The reality of our world is that:
- We in North America and other developed countries make up 20% of the world’s population, but control 80% of the world’s wealth.

This is frighteningly similar to the balance of wealth in the Roman world.

Jesus’ message of God’s love and desire for the justice and welfare of every person directly challenged the institutions of government and Temple, whose wealth and power were based on the unequal distribution of wealth.

The Romans were not entirely mistaken in their decision to crucify Jesus.

But there were wrong.

They were wrong about what was right.

They could not see that Jesus’ challenge to change and live out God’s love would create a better world, a more ‘just’ world - a kingdom of God as it were.

They would not accept that their way was not the way of God.

They were wrong on one other account.

They were wrong to think that Jesus’ execution was the end.

They did not anticipate the power of God bring truth out of error.

They did not anticipate the power of God bring righteousness out of sin.

They did not anticipate the power of God bring new life out of death.

The resurrected Jesus continues to speak the message of challenge and change and justice even today.

I wonder...

What would we as a North American society do with Jesus, Christ the King, if here appeared among us today, preaching the changes necessary to reveal the reign of God?

I wonder...

Irony of Ironies

2007-11-23T17:33:00.000-08:00

Oh, the IRONY!

After this morning’s Blog I had decided to leave the whole ‘church-splintering’ issue alone unless someone commented on it, but after reading today’s update from Burlington I couldn’t resist!

From the entry reporting on Don Harvey’s “Charge” to the Network, I quote,

“Clarification on WO: To be clear, women have same status as men in the churches of the Network. We will respect differences of opinion.” (Emphasis emphatically mine!)

What?!?

For a group that claims in every second sentence to be biblically-based, biblically-grounded, and biblically-founded, this must be quite a shock.

On the issue of the ordination of women, biblical disagreement is a matter of opinion, whereas on the issue of accepting homosexuality, it is a matter of schism.

Wow! At the very moment this new group asserts its identity, its ‘leader’ highlights the very reason why their claim to be biblically-grounded is meaningless. As with every bible-fundamentalist group, their claim to the absolute authority of Scripture only applies to the parts of Scripture which already reflect their point of view!

Sorry Don, it’s all or nothing at all.

Don’t worry folks, this will not be the end to the ‘concessions’ Network churches will have to make in order to remain in ‘communion’ with one another...

Oh the irony...

Splintered Ends

2007-11-23T03:28:00.000-08:00

It’s happening. The Anglican Church of Canada is splitting....or maybe the better word is “splintering.”

When Don Harvey jumped ship a few days ago (to use a metaphor from the Essentials group) he poised himself to become the leader fo the “TRUE” Anglican Church in Canada. So far his new ‘ecclesial community’ has not had the great effect of a schism.

The only other Anglican bishop to follow so far is Bishop Malcolm Harding (a person for whom I have had much respect). But again, like Don, he is retired and can afford to make this bold gesture. (For a great reflection on Don Harvey’s ‘leaving the church,’ check out Kevin’s Blog from November 18th - “Elvis has left the building” - http://revykevy.spaces.live.com/)

In addition,

There was a claim that there were 400-500 individual members and 16 supporting parishes included in their blog yesterday, but those figures look like they’ve been carefully removed.

A good move for them, the sheer insignificance of their numbers would be of great consolation to the Church. Without listing any numbers, leaders like Don can suggest that this is more significant of an event that it really is.

Still included on their blog is the following:

“There are 52 million in the Anglican communion. Official number 77 million (lots of nominal CoE in that). Provinces that have sent greetings today total 12.5 million.” (Nov 22)

In logic this is called “an error of inclusion” just because a bishop (Primate or not) sends greetings (with support or not) to the Essentials gathering, this does not mean that the whole membership of their respective Dioceses or Province offer support!

Remember, there are lies, damned lies, and then there are statistics!

To be honest, the only troubling thing that seems to be happening in Burlington is the change in the symbolic theology being used to describe their purpose.

I again quote from their blog:

“Church planting. Not so much here about creating a lifeboat than it is about creating a fishing boat. Church planting should be a normal part as what we are about.

St Johns Richmond, planted from St Johns Shawnessey - took 30-40 key people from St Johns Shawnessy.” (Nov 22) (Emphasis mine.)

All along the PR for this group has been focussed on the image of a “lifeboat” - a safe place for people to go if they felt alienated from or by the ACC.

Now the truth is revealed (to no one’s surprise). The intent is to ‘take’ people from existing congregations and set up new ones.

Though at the end of the day I have little doubt that this event will become a footnote rather than a chapter in our Church’s history, I take exception to the clearly divisive and un-Christian plans of this splinter group.

Since this group likes to quote scripture, I would like to offer a little myself, from this coming Sunday’s readings.

“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord. Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them” (Jeremiah 23:1-2).

I am proud to remain a member of a church that respects the views of conservatives and liberals alike and seeks to maintain unity at all costs.

Shame on those, especially those who used to be bishops, who seek to splinter us at the fringes.

My friends, splinters are irritating, but that’s about all. I’m not losing any sleep.

If you wish to keep abreast of the goings-on in Burlington you can check out their blog at http://www.anglicanessentials.ca/wordpress/ Don’t expect much of interest. As I hinted above, the site is now being carefully monitored for content.

Every Blessing.

The Incarnation of the Reign of God

2007-11-22T14:45:00.000-08:00

I am an Incarnation Christian.

God is en-fleshed, made real, in the lives of God’s people.

In engaging conversation, in a loving touch, in supportive presence, God is present.

For me, the Christian Year ends and begins in the same moment - in the Incarnation of the Reign of Christ. This coming Sunday is not the ‘end’ in the normal use of the word, but is truly the ‘end’ insofar as it is our purpose as a people of God.

It is our ‘end’ to see God’s reign manifest in the world!

May Blessings Abound.

In the Beginning

2007-11-22T06:07:00.001-08:00

Keep watching, Incarnation is happening all around!