May God bless you with discomfort ... at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger ... at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless you with tears ... to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough Holy foolishness ... to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done! Amen!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Tripping Out
On Friday, my husband and I will be heading to New Orleans for a blogger meet-up with two bloggers from the mighty First Draft and others. My computer is large and sitting on a desk, so it will not be going with me. I will very likely be silent until Sunday night or Monday morning. (Do I detect sighs of relief?)
Athenae and Scout Prime from First Draft will be in our group and will blog our visit. Although she is from Wisconsin, Scout has taken up the cause of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast as though she were a native. We owe her a huge debt. Check in at FD if you want to monitor my antics in New Orleans. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
It won't be all play, as we'll spend Saturday gutting a house under the guidance of ACORN. I am ordered to wear jeans and work boots for the work day. I don't have work boots. I have garden boots and dress boots and athletic shoes. I will throw the garden boots in the car and see what happens.
ACORN will provide respirators. I don't know how much knocking down of walls I will be able to do, but I'm told that I can go get the lunch and carry water, if I fail at everything else. I can do that.
Friday night we'll go to a crawfish boil and then to hear some music. Saturday is the work day. Saturday night is a bloggers dinner, no doubt including the great New Orleans bloggers, whose names you can find in the blogroll at First Draft. Sunday we'll take the bus tour to view the devastation which still remains, of which there is much to see.
I'll give you my version of the weekend when I return.
Athenae and Scout Prime from First Draft will be in our group and will blog our visit. Although she is from Wisconsin, Scout has taken up the cause of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast as though she were a native. We owe her a huge debt. Check in at FD if you want to monitor my antics in New Orleans. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
It won't be all play, as we'll spend Saturday gutting a house under the guidance of ACORN. I am ordered to wear jeans and work boots for the work day. I don't have work boots. I have garden boots and dress boots and athletic shoes. I will throw the garden boots in the car and see what happens.
ACORN will provide respirators. I don't know how much knocking down of walls I will be able to do, but I'm told that I can go get the lunch and carry water, if I fail at everything else. I can do that.
Friday night we'll go to a crawfish boil and then to hear some music. Saturday is the work day. Saturday night is a bloggers dinner, no doubt including the great New Orleans bloggers, whose names you can find in the blogroll at First Draft. Sunday we'll take the bus tour to view the devastation which still remains, of which there is much to see.
I'll give you my version of the weekend when I return.
THE GUIDING LIGHT OF ETERNITY
Impression Sunrise by Claude Monet
O God, who broughtst me from the rest of last night
Unto the joyous light of this day,
Be Thou bringing me from the new light of this day
Unto the guiding light of eternity.
Oh! from the new light of this day
Unto the guiding light of eternity.
From the Carmina Gadelica.
The Carmina Gadelica is a collection of prayers, hymns, charms, incantations, blessings, runes, and other literary-folkloric poems and songs collected and translated by amateur folklorist Alexander Carmichael (1832–1912) in the Gaelic-speaking regions of Scotland between 1855 and 1910.
From Wiki.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Controversy In Colorado Diocese
From CBS News online:
Colorado's largest Episcopal church was left in chaos after leaders voted to leave the denomination and the bishop responded by dismissing the parish's leadership.
The controversy at Colorado Springs' Grace Episcopal Church and St. Stephen's Parish is the latest to roil the Episcopal Church following the national denomination's acceptance of homosexuality.
....
But Bishop Robert O'Neill rejected the move, dismissing the local leaders and saying the Colorado Springs parish would remain part of the Episcopal Church.
"The fact is people may leave the Episcopal Church but parishes cannot," O'Neill said in a statement.
The church's longtime rector, the Rev. Donald Armstrong III, who was suspended for allegedly mishandling funds, said O'Neill no longer has jurisdiction over the parish.
....
The leaders of Grace and St. Stephen's voted to join the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, a missionary diocese of the Church of Nigeria led by Archbishop Peter J. Akinola.
It's difficult for me to believe that members (or should I say former members?) of the Episcopal Church want to align themselves with Archbishop Akinola, knowing all that we know about his machinations in Nigeria and here in this country. I suppose that homosexuality and same-gender sex are the greatest sins and perhaps the only sins. I'm left close to speechless for commentary on this news. I know these are not the first parishes to join the "missionary diocese of the Church of Nigeria led by Archbishop Peter J. Akinola," but, what would it take for the folks in the US to say, "Enough!" We can't do this."
UPDATE: Here's a new letter from Bishop O'Neill to the parishioners of Grace and St. Stephen's concerning the specific allegations against the Rev. Donald Armstrong III.
Hat tip to Dr. Primrose in the comments at Of Course, I Could Be Wrong.
Colorado's largest Episcopal church was left in chaos after leaders voted to leave the denomination and the bishop responded by dismissing the parish's leadership.
The controversy at Colorado Springs' Grace Episcopal Church and St. Stephen's Parish is the latest to roil the Episcopal Church following the national denomination's acceptance of homosexuality.
....
But Bishop Robert O'Neill rejected the move, dismissing the local leaders and saying the Colorado Springs parish would remain part of the Episcopal Church.
"The fact is people may leave the Episcopal Church but parishes cannot," O'Neill said in a statement.
The church's longtime rector, the Rev. Donald Armstrong III, who was suspended for allegedly mishandling funds, said O'Neill no longer has jurisdiction over the parish.
....
The leaders of Grace and St. Stephen's voted to join the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, a missionary diocese of the Church of Nigeria led by Archbishop Peter J. Akinola.
It's difficult for me to believe that members (or should I say former members?) of the Episcopal Church want to align themselves with Archbishop Akinola, knowing all that we know about his machinations in Nigeria and here in this country. I suppose that homosexuality and same-gender sex are the greatest sins and perhaps the only sins. I'm left close to speechless for commentary on this news. I know these are not the first parishes to join the "missionary diocese of the Church of Nigeria led by Archbishop Peter J. Akinola," but, what would it take for the folks in the US to say, "Enough!" We can't do this."
UPDATE: Here's a new letter from Bishop O'Neill to the parishioners of Grace and St. Stephen's concerning the specific allegations against the Rev. Donald Armstrong III.
Hat tip to Dr. Primrose in the comments at Of Course, I Could Be Wrong.
From The Episcopal Diocese Of Louisiana
A Statement from Bishop Jenkins
Having returned to Louisiana from the meeting of the House of Bishops, and in light of the statements issued by the majority of the House, I would like to share with you the following brief statement in anticipation of a more expansive reflection to the people Louisiana at a later date:
As Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana I reaffirm my commitment to constituent membership in the Anglican Communion, and to working positively and cooperatively in communion with other members of the Episcopal Church and sister Churches within the global Anglican community.
Bishop Jenkins has previously made a similar statement. I await his "more expansive reflection". He speaks of his "commitment to constituent membership in the Anglican Communion" and "to working positively and cooperatively in communion with other members of the Episcopal Church and sister Churches within the global Anglican community."
Is there a difference in emphasis or meaning in "commitment" and "working positively and cooperatively"? I don't know. Parsing the bishop's words in this manner won't enlighten me further, but, nevertheless, I try.
I have not yet received an answer to my letter to Bishop Jenkins, dated March 5, 2007, in which I asked several questions of him.
Having returned to Louisiana from the meeting of the House of Bishops, and in light of the statements issued by the majority of the House, I would like to share with you the following brief statement in anticipation of a more expansive reflection to the people Louisiana at a later date:
As Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana I reaffirm my commitment to constituent membership in the Anglican Communion, and to working positively and cooperatively in communion with other members of the Episcopal Church and sister Churches within the global Anglican community.
Bishop Jenkins has previously made a similar statement. I await his "more expansive reflection". He speaks of his "commitment to constituent membership in the Anglican Communion" and "to working positively and cooperatively in communion with other members of the Episcopal Church and sister Churches within the global Anglican community."
Is there a difference in emphasis or meaning in "commitment" and "working positively and cooperatively"? I don't know. Parsing the bishop's words in this manner won't enlighten me further, but, nevertheless, I try.
I have not yet received an answer to my letter to Bishop Jenkins, dated March 5, 2007, in which I asked several questions of him.
Waiting For Rowan
In the event that readers here have missed Fr. Jakes parody, please check it out. I can't wait for the performance.
Monday, March 26, 2007
The Feast Of The Annunciation
The Annunciation by Simone Martini
Although many churches celebrated the feast yesterday, today is the feast day of the Annunciation, according to the Lectionary.
Either in a book or in a museum, I once saw a painting of the Annumciation in which Mary looked to be recoiling from the angel. She was kneeling with her hands in the air and leaning backwards, as though saying, "Oh, no!" This would seem to me to be the natural initial reaction of a young virgin girl to Gabriel's news. I have never been able to find a reproduction of that painting. I believe it was Flemish or Italian. Mary is on the right of the painting and the angel is hovering in the air to the left. Mary has on a blue dress.
The nearest I could come is the image above by Simone Martini.
From the Carmina Gadelica version of the "Hail Mary!":
HAIL TO THEE, MARY
Hail to thee, Mary, Mother !
Thou art full of loving grace,
The Lord God is always with thee,
Blessed art thou Mary among women,
Blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus,
Blessed art thou, Queen of grace;
Thou holy Mary, thou Mother of Jesus,
Plead for me a miserable sinner,
Now and at the hour of death,
Now and at the hour of death !
Thanks be to God that the young girl named Mary gave her, "Yes!", and thanks be to God for the glorious Magnificat:
My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Clinchers 1, 2, 3
Nina, at Dancing Through Doorways has this post on the debate taking place at Fr. Jake's between Dan (ToujoursDan) and Matt Kennedy. As I said to Nina, it's a good debate, and I learned from it.
In the comment box at Nina's blog, I ennumerated three clinchers (Can one have 3 clinchers? Perhaps not, but that's what I wrote.) which helped to turn my views about gay and lesbian sexuality completely around:
Clincher no. 1 (edited for clarity) for me in turning my views about gay and lesbian sexuality around was the near presence of gays and lesbians in partnered relationships whose lives bore much good fruit.
Clincher no. 2 was what Jesus said in the Gospels about gay and lesbian sex, which is exactly nothing.
Clincher no. 3 was that God declared his creation good. Would God create humans with sexual desires for members of their own sex and expect them never to fulfill those desires? I think not.
I'm sure that folks more knowledgeable than I could find holes in my arguments, but they worked for me, and all to the good. Thanks be to God.
Sometimes I wonder how I dare to do serious posts on such subjects, as I have no special learning in theology nor in exigesis of the Scriptures. When I speak of being a humble Episcopalian in the pew, some may see this as false humility, but I assure you that it is genuine.
I think of clichés that I could apply to my writing, such as, "For fools rush in where angels fear to tread:" or cautionary words, such as, "A little learning is a dangerous thing; drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring...." both from from Alexander Pope's poem, An Essay on Criticism, which, by the way, is quite long but filled with memorable quotes.
How dare I lay my thoughts out for anyone to view? Is there a place in religious discussions for those with simple knowledge of the great spiritual truths and only a layperson's knowledge of the Bible? Is there a place for me to say, "This is how I see it. This is how I've thought it through."
I find myself often apologizing for my daring. There is much that I do not know, and I am always open to correction and to learning new things.
It's very likely that these questions are merely rhetorical, for I shall probably continue my musings for now. Take heart! Maybe not forever, for I may run out of things to say.
On the other hand, if someone I respected said, "Enough!" I should probably take that advice very seriously.
In the comment box at Nina's blog, I ennumerated three clinchers (Can one have 3 clinchers? Perhaps not, but that's what I wrote.) which helped to turn my views about gay and lesbian sexuality completely around:
Clincher no. 1 (edited for clarity) for me in turning my views about gay and lesbian sexuality around was the near presence of gays and lesbians in partnered relationships whose lives bore much good fruit.
Clincher no. 2 was what Jesus said in the Gospels about gay and lesbian sex, which is exactly nothing.
Clincher no. 3 was that God declared his creation good. Would God create humans with sexual desires for members of their own sex and expect them never to fulfill those desires? I think not.
I'm sure that folks more knowledgeable than I could find holes in my arguments, but they worked for me, and all to the good. Thanks be to God.
Sometimes I wonder how I dare to do serious posts on such subjects, as I have no special learning in theology nor in exigesis of the Scriptures. When I speak of being a humble Episcopalian in the pew, some may see this as false humility, but I assure you that it is genuine.
I think of clichés that I could apply to my writing, such as, "For fools rush in where angels fear to tread:" or cautionary words, such as, "A little learning is a dangerous thing; drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring...." both from from Alexander Pope's poem, An Essay on Criticism, which, by the way, is quite long but filled with memorable quotes.
How dare I lay my thoughts out for anyone to view? Is there a place in religious discussions for those with simple knowledge of the great spiritual truths and only a layperson's knowledge of the Bible? Is there a place for me to say, "This is how I see it. This is how I've thought it through."
I find myself often apologizing for my daring. There is much that I do not know, and I am always open to correction and to learning new things.
It's very likely that these questions are merely rhetorical, for I shall probably continue my musings for now. Take heart! Maybe not forever, for I may run out of things to say.
On the other hand, if someone I respected said, "Enough!" I should probably take that advice very seriously.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
The Real Feast Day - Oscar Romero
We celebrate the feast day of Oscar Romero today, despite my previous post announcing the feast day of John Donne. Archbishop Romero is one of my favorites, because of his love and care for the poor and oppressed.
Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez (August 15, 1917 – March 24, 1980), commonly known as Monseñor Romero, was a priest of the Roman Catholic Church in El Salvador. He later became prelate archbishop of San Salvador.
As an archbishop, he witnessed numerous violations of human rights and began a ministry speaking out on behalf of the poor and victims of the country's civil war. His brand of political activism was denounced by the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church and the government of El Salvador. In 1980, he was assassinated by gunshot while consecrating the Eucharist during mass. His death finally provoked international outcry for human rights reform in El Salvador.
"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
John 15:13
Archbishop Romero is under consideration for sainthood by the Roman Catholic Church, but the Episcopal Church has moved ahead and given him a feast day. Thanks be to God.
PRAYER
Almighty God, you called your servant Oscar Romero to be a voice for the voiceless poor, and to give his life as a seed of freedom and a sign of hope: Grant that, inspired by his sacrifice and the example of the martyrs of El Salvador, we may without fear or favor witness to your Word who abides, your Word who is Life, even Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be praise and glory now and for ever. Amen.
Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez (August 15, 1917 – March 24, 1980), commonly known as Monseñor Romero, was a priest of the Roman Catholic Church in El Salvador. He later became prelate archbishop of San Salvador.
As an archbishop, he witnessed numerous violations of human rights and began a ministry speaking out on behalf of the poor and victims of the country's civil war. His brand of political activism was denounced by the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church and the government of El Salvador. In 1980, he was assassinated by gunshot while consecrating the Eucharist during mass. His death finally provoked international outcry for human rights reform in El Salvador.
"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
John 15:13
Archbishop Romero is under consideration for sainthood by the Roman Catholic Church, but the Episcopal Church has moved ahead and given him a feast day. Thanks be to God.
PRAYER
Almighty God, you called your servant Oscar Romero to be a voice for the voiceless poor, and to give his life as a seed of freedom and a sign of hope: Grant that, inspired by his sacrifice and the example of the martyrs of El Salvador, we may without fear or favor witness to your Word who abides, your Word who is Life, even Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be praise and glory now and for ever. Amen.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Alpha - Part 4
Folks, I believe I may have done myself in last night at the Alpha session last night. I was tired, having spent the day in New Orleans, and my frustrations with the program came out in force.
The title of thie talk was "How Can I Be Sure Of My Faith?" To be honest, I don't often think about being sure of my faith. My concern is, "Do I live my faith? How am I doing with respect to being a disciple of Jesus? Do I walk in the way he has laid out in the Gospels?" OK, so I'm put off by the title at the very start. Is it me? Do I have a bad attitude?
Nicky Gumbel led us in the prayer inviting Jesus into our hearts, yet again. I found myself thinking, "Jesus, if you're not in my heart yet, will the third time be the charm, or will I have to wait for the next time?"
Then Gumbel went on to his talk in which he used the analogy between faith and marriage and being in relationship with God, and that we must experience God in our lives to have true faith. That part of his lecture gave me no problem. So what's wrong?
The camera pans to the rapt members of the audience once again distracted me.
One thing I'll say is that we had a livelier discussion last night, mostly because of my comments which may have seemed disruptive to others there. I mentioned my problem with the title of the session, being sure of my faith, and my unease with with the repeated, "Come into my heart...." prayer. Why over and over? Others in the group explained to me that in the previous prayers, some in Nicky's audience and also some in our group may not have been ready to commit to the prayer on the other occasions, so they must be given other chances. My fellow parishioners were quite kind to me and even laughed at some of my statements - some of which were not really meant to be funny.
Many of those from fundamentalist backgrounds found the Alpha Series a breath of fresh air, because Nicky's style is quite gentle and without pressure, and he preaches the positive, "If you accept Jesus into your heart, you will have eternal life," rather than the negative and scary, "If you don't accept Jesus into your heart, you will suffer hell and damnation".
In this small group, I think I am a minority of one in being put off by Alpha, for the others in the group seem to like it and take away something good from it. I come away from the sessions feeling rebellious and guilty, and in the end, quite grumpy. I feel grumpy today writing about it. That's not good.
Is my bad attitude the problem? Was I closed off to finding anything positive in Alpha from the beginning? I honestly don't have the answers, but I'm wondering if I should attend the final session next week. Maybe I am disruptive to the rest of the group who like the series. I made the committment, but I don't look forward with any pleasure to the nest session, except for Evensong and the soup and sandwiches.
The title of thie talk was "How Can I Be Sure Of My Faith?" To be honest, I don't often think about being sure of my faith. My concern is, "Do I live my faith? How am I doing with respect to being a disciple of Jesus? Do I walk in the way he has laid out in the Gospels?" OK, so I'm put off by the title at the very start. Is it me? Do I have a bad attitude?
Nicky Gumbel led us in the prayer inviting Jesus into our hearts, yet again. I found myself thinking, "Jesus, if you're not in my heart yet, will the third time be the charm, or will I have to wait for the next time?"
Then Gumbel went on to his talk in which he used the analogy between faith and marriage and being in relationship with God, and that we must experience God in our lives to have true faith. That part of his lecture gave me no problem. So what's wrong?
The camera pans to the rapt members of the audience once again distracted me.
One thing I'll say is that we had a livelier discussion last night, mostly because of my comments which may have seemed disruptive to others there. I mentioned my problem with the title of the session, being sure of my faith, and my unease with with the repeated, "Come into my heart...." prayer. Why over and over? Others in the group explained to me that in the previous prayers, some in Nicky's audience and also some in our group may not have been ready to commit to the prayer on the other occasions, so they must be given other chances. My fellow parishioners were quite kind to me and even laughed at some of my statements - some of which were not really meant to be funny.
Many of those from fundamentalist backgrounds found the Alpha Series a breath of fresh air, because Nicky's style is quite gentle and without pressure, and he preaches the positive, "If you accept Jesus into your heart, you will have eternal life," rather than the negative and scary, "If you don't accept Jesus into your heart, you will suffer hell and damnation".
In this small group, I think I am a minority of one in being put off by Alpha, for the others in the group seem to like it and take away something good from it. I come away from the sessions feeling rebellious and guilty, and in the end, quite grumpy. I feel grumpy today writing about it. That's not good.
Is my bad attitude the problem? Was I closed off to finding anything positive in Alpha from the beginning? I honestly don't have the answers, but I'm wondering if I should attend the final session next week. Maybe I am disruptive to the rest of the group who like the series. I made the committment, but I don't look forward with any pleasure to the nest session, except for Evensong and the soup and sandwiches.
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