Preparing for the Christ Child

As you sit down to read this newsletter we will all be in the middle of Advent and heading quickly into our Christmas celebrations. During this time of year people often ask me what spiritual practices might be helpful for us as we prepare to celebrate the gift of the Christ child. As I reflected on that question a few suggestions came to mind.

This first suggestion I have is for us to count our blessings. It is a wonderful gift for us to think back on the many ways God has answered our prayers. Doing so helps us to see the ways God has been active in our life and gives us courage as we face the future knowing that God will continue to be with us no matter how challenging things may become.

Second, take some time this Advent to remember that you have a purpose. God has given everyone’s life deep meaning and placed a calling in everyone’s heart. Spend time reflecting on what God may be calling you to do in the life of His kingdom.

Third, take time for prayer, reading, and quiet. While this may seem rather simple or obvious, it is easy to forget to do during the busy time of Christmas preparation. There are many resources available for connecting to God. Many people pray the Daily Office which involves praying Morning and Evening Prayer. These services are found in the Book of Common Prayer. Morning prayer begins on page 75 and Evening Prayer begins on page 115. The lectionary begins on page 936 and we are now in Year One. Alternatively, one quick way to keep the Daily Office is to go to www.missionstclare.com and the services with the readings are formatted for you.

Finally, remember to re-connect with family, friends, and our faith community. Each of us can be a wonderful gift to one another in helping each other grow closer to God. I pray that this gift of love and community will be felt in a special way during our Christmas services this season. I also pray that as we prepare for those services, each of us will find in our preparation a glimpse into the powerful way in which God loves us. May we all come to see God’s love in the Christ child given to us that we might all find our way home to that great community of the faithful in the life beyond this one.

Dealing with Conflict

Last week I was in a conversation with some of my fellow clergymen about how to properly deal with disagreements and arguments in the life of the church. As I listened to that conversation I was reminded of one of my greatest heroes in the church, the great Anglican theologian, Richard Hooker. Here is a man who was born into a meager family and used what connections he could to become a priest in the church. Eventually he became a great teacher and theologian, which is what we know him for today. He is most famously credited for the three legged stool of Anglicanism as a model for how to make decisions in the Church. In this model, he tells us to first consider Scripture, then the traditions of the Church, and finally our own reason when working out how to find a solution for an issue. However, what he is less known for is the great controversy that surrounded his tenure as the rector of the famous Temple Church in London. During his first few years in his position, Richard Hooker, was constantly badgered, questioned, belittled, humiliated, bullied, and harassed by his subordinate, Walter Travers. The controversies surrounded Churchmanship, God’s will toward sin, and many other issues of critical importance to the identity of the young Anglican Church. You can read a more detailed account of the controversy by CLICKING HERE and I would strongly encourage everyone to do so. However, what is remarkable is not necessarily the contraversy itself, but that Richard Hooker, even though he could have simply fired, Walter Travers, never did. Mr. Travers was eventually removed from his post by the vestry of the church who simply got sick of his inappropriate behavior. In fact, Richard Hooker, felt that the constant attacks by Mr. Travers tended to only sharpen his intellect and helped him to think very carefully about his own position and theology. What is perhaps most interesting, is that these bouts motivated Richard Hooker to write his great series of books Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, which are one of the greatest theological writings in Christianity and certainly in Anglicanism.

What I think we can take away from this is to remember Richard Hooker’s model of humility and grace when dealing with disagreements. Perhaps we need to all look harder for God among the arguments themselves, keep an open mind about our opponent’s view, and use our disagreements to test our own understanding of what God’s will is for us and His church. However, as we do those things, I believe we must always remember to show the courtesy and brotherly love that Richard Hooker showed to Walter Travers. We must remember to give others the room to disagree and to never take action against or alienate someone because we hold a different opinion. That gentle self-effacement is a halmark of a Godly person.  Therefore, when we disagree, remember that genuine love and unity among the family of God are perhaps the most important elements for a healthy church. As St. Paul tells us, we should, “Love one another with brotherly affection and outdo one another in showing honor.”(Romans 12:10) As we seek those things, I think we would do well to look to that great founding theologian of Anglicanism, Richard Hooker, to model that life for us.

Christian Mysticism

"I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. And I know that such a person--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows--was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat." 2 Cor. 12:2-4

These words from St. Paul are often a mystery to many. They show us that Paul was a person who was truly connected to God in a deep and mystical way and often had experiences that transcend the norms of our reality. However, St. Paul is not the only Christian to have these type of deep and moving encounters with God. Throughout history many people have reported such experiences with the divine. Encounters that take place in dreams, visions, strong inclinations, physical manifestations, and other such forms. However, with every encounter, the person coming into God's presence, often reports feeling changed, as though they have been given a deeper insight into the very nature of the divine.

While there are many examples I could point to in history the one I have been thinking about lately happened to Thomas Merton, that famous Catholic monastic who died in 1968. He is reported to have  been walking along a busy street in the city of Louisville, KY when we was suddenly overwhelmed with the realization that he loved all the people he saw walking around. Then he began to see them shining like the sun and looked directly into their hearts to see them as God sees them. He loved them for a moment like God loved them.

What’s amazing about these types of experiences, are that they happen all the time. And not just to great saints but to regular folks like us. However, they aren't often talked about. These mystical experiences are usually kept in the private places of one’s heart where our true encounters with God take place. Moments such as these are truly gifts from God. The effect they seem to have is to enable us to know God in a deeper way. They can also be an incredible source of strength and encouragement for us when live becomes strenuous.

Thank you O Lord for blessings such as these!!!

Being Transformed

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

One doesn’t have to look far to realize that many aspects of the Christian faith are in conflict with, and sometimes even persecuted by, the world we live in. Paul mentions this theme in his twelfth chapter of his letter to the Romans which our Adult form will be considering this week. He begins with the verses above and then reminds us that Christians will bless those who persecute them, associate with the lowly, not seek revenge, give to their enemies, and so on. In other places he tells us to strive for the virtues of humility, service to others, and forgiveness.

These values, however, often stand in stark contrast to what our culture often places in high regard. In the United States we are often taught to value success, wealth, and fame.  Indeed, some of our greatest honors are given to people who are rich and famous despite their moral or ethical behavior.

Perhaps this is true because a life of simplicity, chastity, and prayer does not offer as much economic potential as one of gross consumerism, debauchery, and entertainment. However, for the Christian, we must work to live a life of piety and carefully study our faith so that by the “renewal of our minds” we can resist the ever present pull we all feel to abandon ourselves to the excesses our communities offer us.

Now, I have often heard people react to such sentiments with skepticism and suggest that there is nothing wrong with a little indulgence into some of the temptations our culture offers. And perhaps they are right to seek all things in moderation. However, as I have been recently reminded, our justification (to use another Pauline term) is not simply our first act of faith or an obligatory confession of belief coerced by our parents when we are in our teens. Rather, we are justified by God’s grace and our continual reciprocation of God’s ever present love which requires an ongoing and growing faith; a faith with produces acts of charity and grace to those in need and a desire to live in the covenantal community of Christ’s church.

I believe, when we are truly able to walk in our American culture, but live the life of Christian faith, we will know what is to both live in our world and walk apart from it. In that life, we will value those spiritual qualities which are unseen and not easily quantified. In that life, we will find true fulfillment and satisfaction.

Wearing Green

I have always loved St. Patrick’s Day. In the somber season of Lent it serves as a glimpse into what lies beyond Easter. I also love the Irish culture and the beauty of that island. I love their music, their food (and thanks to Patrick) their faith. Below is a reflection for St. Patrick’s Day.

Matthew 28:16-20
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

This lesson from the gospel of Matthew is the one assigned to the feast day of St. Patrick. Here we see Jesus instructing His disciples one last time. It seems what’s most important to Jesus is that His disciples go out into the world and not just tell others about His love, but to make them their students. The students have now become the teachers and they are to instruct all those who will follow them. They are to administer the sacraments and carry on what Jesus began. But they are not going out alone. Jesus is with them. Jesus will be watching over them and in a relationship with them forever.

And so it is with this knowledge that St. Patrick left the shores of England and went to the people of Ireland. The people of Ireland had once enslaved Patrick and now he will be returning to them, not for revenge, but to save their very souls.

This St. Patrick’s Day we should not so much think about green beer and all things Irish. Instead we should reflect on Patrick’s mission and think about ways we can reach out with the hand of Jesus to our enemies. How can we help those who have wronged us to grow in the faith of Jesus Christ? So the next time you see someone wearing green, or a four leaf clover shirt, remember not just to think about the luck of the Irish, but to remember Jesus’ final words to His disciples. Then, go and do likewise.

LET US PRAY
Almighty God, who in your providence chose your servant Patrick to be the apostle of the Irish people, to bring those who were wandering in darkness and error to the true light and knowledge of you: Grant us so to walk in that light, that we may come at last to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever. AMEN

The Thorny Path

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God - to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

From the Hymn: Be Still My Sou,: Text: Katharina von Schlegel, 1752; trans. by Jane Borthwick, 1855

In deed there may be many thorns along our path; thorns of death, sickness, loss, unfairness, and cruelty. As we walk along the path of our life these thorns will tear at us, pull parts of us away, and cut us deeply. The good news is that if we have a great love for Christ and know him in our lives, then our faith will hold on to the best parts of ourselves. This means the thorns will only be able to tear away those things which are holding us back from a deeper relationship with God. The thorns, therefore, will force us to let go of things like vanity, selfishness, and pride; those parts of ourselves that keep us spiritually in this world. If we are faithful then, if we allow the barbs to deepen our appreciation for God’s presence in our lives, then we will surely immerge from the thorny path a person who has been truly transformed into an image of holiness and godly love.

Lenten Disciplines

During our Ash Wednesday Services the celebrant always says, “I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.” (BCP p. 265).

When you first read that list, it certainly doesn’t sound like something in which you would readily want to participate. Most of us would prefer to go to the movies, out to dinner, or to spend time with our friends. Perhaps that’s why churches see more people at the Pancake Supper than at the Ash Wednesday Service. But as you consider that list of Lenten disciplines, we might also consider another quote from the catechism of the prayer book: “Redemption is the act of God which sets us free from the power of evil, sin and death.”(BCP p.849). For me, that quote is particularly helpful in this time of Lent. It is helpful because it reminds me that the point of examining and repenting from my sin is not because I deserve the torment of having my sins thrown in my face, but rather because I deserve the great JOY that comes from receiving the redemption only found through believing in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Being redeemed means knowing that God has removed my sin. Through redemption, God has taken away those things which once blocked our relationship and the result is an increased feeling of His presence in my life. And that joy, which redemption brings, is not the same kind of joy I get from eating pancakes or going on vacation. Rather the joy that comes from my renewed relationship with God is much fuller, deeper, and powerful.

So as you think about Lent this year, my encouragement to everyone would be to embrace those often uncomfortable disciplines of our faith so that by working with them you might receive the greatest joy imaginable. No one knew that truth quite like, Peter Chrysologus, a bishop of a town in upper Italy around the 5^th century. I will leave you with a quote from one of his sermons where he is speaking about the necessity of prayer, fasting, and showing mercy to others:

There are three things, my brethren, which cause faith to stand firm, devotion to remain constant, and virtue to endure. They are prayer, fasting and mercy. Prayer knocks at the door, fasting obtains, mercy receives. Prayer, mercy and fasting: these three are one, and they give life to each other. Fasting is the soul of prayer, mercy is the lifeblood of fasting. Let no one try to separate them; they cannot be separated. If you have only one of them or not all together, you have nothing. So if you pray, fast; if you fast, show mercy; if you want your petition to be heard, hear the petition of others. If you do not close your ear to others you open God's ear to yourself. When you fast, see the fasting of others. If you want God to know that you are hungry, know that another is hungry. If you hope for mercy, show mercy. If you look for kindness, show kindness. If you want to receive, give. If you ask for yourself what you deny to others, your asking is a mockery. Therefore, let prayer, mercy and fasting be one single plea to God on our behalf, one speech in our defense, a threefold united prayer in our favor.

~ from a sermon by Peter Chrysologus, bishop