You Have Heard That It Was Said

You have heard that it was said that our world is full of problems.  Our policies are how we deal with them.  But I say to you, step out of the box of the status quo, and use your God given creativity to do something new and different.  We can go from a world of pointing fingers to a world of rejoicing and holding hands.  Jesus challenged the status quo of his day.  If we follow Jesus by emulating his example, we too can challenge the status quo.  Jesus often used small statements to proclaim big ideas that inspire and spark the imagination.  He asked a lot of challenging questions.  We may recite creeds and hold on to doctrine that is rich in meaning and significance.  But in living out our faith, we need to give the Holy Spirit some breathing room.  Essentially, we look at our media, education, environment, economy, politics, and legal system through a critical lens as we wonder and ask why?  Followers of Jesus have the opportunity to be the light of the world and ask, why not?  While suffering under Pontious Pilate is a truth, it is not a solution.  As Jesus thought outside the box of society and religious orthodoxy in his day, so too can we get out of our box and let the Spirit of God fall afresh on us. 

Lets take a look at some of the powerful statements attributed to Jesus:

• Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5 RSV)
• You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hid (Matthew 5:14 RSV)
• You have heard that it was said to the men of old, 'You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.  But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to council, and whoever says 'You fool!' shall be liable to the Hell of fire (Matthew 5:21-22). 
• You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.  But I say to you , Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (Matthew 5:43-44).  
• If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.  And, if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand (Mark 3:24-25).  

There are so many other statements from Jesus that we could take into consideration as well.  The point is, we see that Jesus has a pattern of inspiring and challenging us.  We do not seem to see him tell us to memorize a set of statements, but rather to think about our relationships.  We are continuously called to love our neighbors without exception. 

In addition to Jesus, there have been many of His followers over the centuries ready to live out His teachings.  Enough so that most everyone is familiar with examples both famous and within small communities.  Are you outside the box yet? 

Matthew Fox is among the many people who got out of the box.  Matthew Fox is one theologian that gets outside of that box looking to renew our relationships with God and one another.  His recently published book, Christian Mystics, contains a wealth of wisdom that comes from many Mystics both contemporary and ancient.  In other words, Fox wrote a book full of people who got out of the box.  They heard that it was said, but opted for something greater.  On page 76, Fox first quotes Thomas Aquinas with the statement, "Joy is a human being's noblest act."  From this statement, Fox makes a beautiful analysis:

"THIS IS AN EARTH-SHATTERING STATEMENT.  It turns the past four hundred years of western European thinking upside down.  Aquinas, one of the greatest geniuses who ever lived, does not declare that rationality is our noblest act; joy is.  Joy is the beginning and the end of all we do; it is the best we do. 
If Aquinas is correct, we can ask: Is our educational system operating from joy?  Our media?  Our politics?  Our economics?  Our religions?  Our worship?  If not, how do we change, so that joy and nobility guide our souls and society again?  How do we keep alive our nobility as a species."

Matthew Fox is right to the point with his thoughts and questions.  Joy is one of our spiritual fruits.  How different would our institutions be if we immersed them in our spiritual fruit.  Mindfully practicing joy could make change of immense proportions.  What if we add love, patience, and kindness, and peace to the mix?  In a world full of religious nuts, we could use some more spiritual fruit. 

So, you have heard that it was said, the church is divided over the issues.  But I say unto you, relax, rejoice, and worship together.   Love one another, praise God, live graciously and generously, and do not seek vengeance.  Why not better prioritize our energies and let go of the controversy.  Thus we will heal the church, right here, right now. 

You have heard that it was said, some things never change.  But I say unto you, it's time to step out of the box and let the Holy Spirit lead us to the Kin-dom of God.  Grace, Peace, and Joy be yours.  And Thanks, Praise, and Glory be to God.  Amen. 

Are you ready to answer the call?

Now, as much as ever, we need help in so many ways. Money and other resources are scarce. There is much uncertainty for our aging population, those facing diseases the likes of cancer, HIV/AIDS, dementia, and so on. Autism is ever rising. Schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and families can use a helping hand. Are you ready to answer the call?

I could use your help. I am beginning to organize a group called "Call Light of Christ." We need people to join in an effort to volunteer time and resources. With recent cuts in government funding for the aging, could you help make a quilt or blanket? Do you have time and transportation to visit people? Can you read? Are you musically inclined? We all have various spiritual gifts and talents that can be offered to brighten someone's day. Together, we can network with each other and organizations to make someone's life a little brighter. People need you, we need you, God is calling you? Would you join with us?

Call Light of Christ's mission is to gather volunteers to use their gifts to serve God and people in an effort to improve life and relationships in our communities. Our only limits are God's will and our imagination.

Grace, Peace, and Joy be yours now and always,

Ted

Barely Missing The Rapture

The enormous hype took over the headlines. A few followers cashed in their life savings. There were a multitude of natural disasters leading up to the big day, May 21, 2011 to be exact. For some the end of History seemed near; the inevitable and triumphant return of Christ filled their hearts and minds. Awaiting the return of Jesus with deep anticipation, some folks were watching, waiting, and looking up to be swept away. Well, we did not experience the Rapture. Some just barely missed the warm embrace of Jesus; those who awaited Rapture the most overlooked an experience with the Christ.
A parent only needs to look at their children to see a precious gift of God illuminated by the light of Christ. I personally looked to the aging as I worked a fourteen hour day. Through the staff of nurses, aides, housekeepers, and cooks, I could see the light of Christ shining. In the eyes of those residents, I could see the Face of Christ. Every good deed gave us another sign of God's love for us. Yet, some kept looking up waiting for Jesus to do something at a date and time chosen by a man. Jesus tells us that only the Father knows such things (see Acts 1:7). In the meantime let us do the work that Jesus provided for us (perhaps a good start is Acts 1:8; do not forget Matthew 25:31-46; always remember Micah 6:8).
We have the great opportunity to do God's work each and every day. A smile is a great first step. The warm embrace of Jesus Christ is also available to us; be alert, He's closer than you may think. If you are looking off into the Heavens, you are looking too far away. We may rejoice at the promise of spending eternity with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But we do not need to die or be swept away to begin that relationship. Open your eyes and you will see the Christ in front of you. Accept that Jesus can dwell and radiate within you. You are the light of the world; do not hide it under a bushel, it's the right time to let it shine. We're on a Mission From God. Yes, we can wait upon the Lord. But do not overlook Him; The Word Became Flesh and Dwells Among Us.

Depth and Breadth of Human Experience with God

BIBLE is a word in most everyone's vocabulary. We hear it in our day to day lives. As a certified nurses aide I hear it used in a nursing home setting when people speak of care plans (the documented information about taking care of residents.)I hear the words, "your care plan is your Bible." Sometimes it annoys me to hear people speak of the Bible as a rule book. However, it may be more accurate to think of the Bible as containing the essential information to care for others (e.g. love your neighbor as yourself, love your enemies, I was hungry and you fed me). Anyway, I personally understand the Bible largely, though not necessarily completely, as a library containing the depth and breadth of the ancient Hebrew and Christian experience. This experience deals with human relationships between each other and God. We all continue to participate in our own breadth and depth of experience today. At times, our ancient counterparts can help us as we deal with our relationships today.

Sometimes we may get so self-centered that we think our own experience is unique, or worse, we no longer consider the importance of others' experiences. Until recently, I saw my depth and breadth of experience as unique. So many people have experience milking cows, going to college and studying History, working in health care, and participating in the ministry of Jesus Christ. But I must be the only one who has done all of the above, right? Actually, I was wrong. Not long ago, I had the amazing experience of encountering a new friend with a similar resume. In fact, we both had a B.A. in History from the same school, The State University of New York at Geneseo. He also dabbled in the dairy farm business, and also worked in health care for a very long time, both as a certified nurses aide and now as a nurse. This friend has tremendous accomplishments beyond mine, such as recently earning a doctorate. I am truly blessed to be able to learn from his depth and breadth of experience. This man has just entered the ministry of Jesus Christ, or has he?

In my friend's life, he has worked his land and cared for his cattle
(sounds a little like Abraham), he has visited and cared for the sick, he did much research and writing, and he has gathered in groups of two or more people mindful of Jesus in the act of worship. Authentic worship and service of God is ministry.

I believe in the "Priesthood of all believers." When we wake up, we are engaging in worship and mission. When we smile at other people, we engage the Holy Spirit. Our work is God's work. Some people dispose of garbage to help make our environment cleaner, some help children gain knowledge, skills, and experience, some care for the sick. Some people make and/or fix our transportation so that we can do our work and fellowship with family and friends. We are all involved with ministry. We are all on a mission from God. You don't need money, an institution, a college degree, or even a fancy suit. You just need to be aware of your surroundings and get ready to act accordingly.

Today I encourage you to add to your depth and breadth of human experience with God. Send a letter or card, even an e-mail to someone who has not heard from you in a while. Visit a loved one, or greet a stranger on the street. Be conscious as you smile at at least 10 people today. Write a letter of appreciation for a local representative in congress. Encourage others you interact with. Pay for something for a stranger (eg. if you go to McDonald's or Burger King using the drivethrough, put what you can toward the order of the person behind you and send them a note that God loves them). You can make today special for yourself and those in your midst. Blessings on your ministry.

A Simple Moment of God's Wonder and Embrace

So many times we encounter the awesome wonder of God in our lives. It is my hope that you have, or at least will one day. For me, one such experience took place during the sacrament of Holy Communion. When I took the cup, a drop of that juice came out of that cup and landed on my pant leg. At first I was a bit disappointed with myself. But by God's amazing grace and loving embrace, that drop ran in two directions forming a beautiful heart shape that dried on the light colored pants. The spilling of the Lord's Supper turned into a beautiful image of God's love. I am certain that any Christian can give a testimony or two. But, the wonder of God's embrace never gets old. At times even in the easiest and simple of moments, God embraces us in such a way as to lift us to higher ground that we may feel and give inspiration. Thank you for taking the time to listen to this short story. May the awesome wonder of God's embrace touch you today.

Love,
Ted

WE ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD

WE ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD

The focus scripture for our meditation is 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23...
According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ. Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise. For the wisdon of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their craftiness," and again, "The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile." So let no one boast about human leaders. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future--all belong to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. (NRSV)

As your body is the Temple of God, you must respect it, less you desecrate or destroy God's Temple. We ought to care for our bodies with healthy choices and habits. We can get good excersize, eat healthy, and get some rest from time to time. We may also harm God's Temple with intaking too many saturated fats, or gallons of high-fructose corn syrup, or through alcohol and/or drug abuse. We may choose to be too slothful. We may even poison our minds with what we spend our time looking at. Self-care is important. Be sure to make time for fun so that you may keep the depression away. However, The Temple of God is not just a personal matter.

As God created all of us, indeed God dwells within every individual. As Christians, Jesus the Christ specifically dwells within us and is connected to God. Thus, we are connected to God. For Christians, this state of interbeing is called the BODY OF CHRIST. In addition, those who are not Christians are still creations of God and are connected to us from our common origin. To further explain the concept of interbeing, we may take a look at an excerpt from a beautiful book, Peace Is Every Step, by Thich Nhat Hanh. This excerpt, found on page 95, states:

"'Interbeing'

If you are a poet, you will clearly see there is a cloud floating in this sheet of paper. Without a cloud, there will be no rain; without rain, the trees cannot grow; and without trees, we cannot make paper. The cloud is essential for the paper to exist. If we can say that the cloud and the paper inter-are. 'Interbeing' is a word that is not in the dictionary yet, but if we combine the prefix 'inter-' with the verb 'to be,' we have a new verb, inter-be.

If we look into this sheet of paper even more deeply, we can see the sunshine in it. Without sunshine, the forest cannot grow. In fact, nothing can grow without sunshine. And so, we know that the sunshine is also in this sheet of paper. The paper and the sunshine inter-are. and if we continue to look, we can see the logger who cut the tree and brought it to the mill to be transformed into paper. And we see wheat. We know that the logger cannot exist without his daily bread, and therefore the wheat that became his bread is also in this sheet of paper. The logger's father and mother are in it too. When we look in this way, we see that without all of these things, this sheet of paper cannot exist." Likewise, when our human condition is understood in a state of interbeing, when we destroy, abuse, or insult another, we do so to the Temple of God and ultimately ourselves as well. All people are connected to our Creator, each other, and our environment. Take a look at verse 17: "If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple." Do not forget that others are The Temple of God as well. When we hurt each other and/or our environment, we ultimately hurt ourselves. Hurting one another and our environment, which is God's sanctuary, is not the way of God's Kingdom. But that is the way of the World.

The World is full of divisive forces that drive people apart. The World's ways include hierarchy (the understanding of a person or some people's superiority over others). Hierarchy can lead to such realities as slavery, racism, extreme nationalism (fear/hatred of other nations)and war, sexism, homophobia, imprisonment, domestic violence, human traffiking, and even workplace harassment. In the United States, we recently witnessed our president, who exhibited great compassion in his lifetime, ultimately receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Nevertheless, within weeks of receiving this prestigious award, this man called upon the United States military to escalate a violent conflict in Afghanistan. The ways of the world called President Obama to this decision. The world calls for violence, redemptive violence, the continuation of the cycle of violence, and honoring those who engage in violence. But God's ways are love, compassion, justice, forgiveness, reconciliation, restoration, rejoicing, and ultimately interbeing. The world's wisdom is God's foolishness.

We are the Body of Christ. All are the Temple of God. The Body of Christ is called to lead the whole Temple of God to salvation through Jesus Christ; that is, Jesus' teachings of God's Kingdom that lead us to interbeing.

Remember those beautiful words found in John 3:16-17...For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Sally The Golden Retriever: Episode 2 (back by popular demand)

As Sally is alone in the desert she soon hears a loud whooosh!!! Sally quickly turns toward the sound and sees a large rainbow. Sally decides to continue toward this beautiful sight. Soon, Sally arrives at a large oasis with the rainbow coloring the sky above. She takes a drink a feels energized. A familiar voice calls her, "SALLY, MOVE ON...A MAN WITH A LARGE BOAT NEEDS YOUR HELP..."

Sally does as instructed and comes across a man with a large boat. He says, "Hiya pooch. I've never seen anything like you. My name is Noah and I'm supposed to collect two of every type of animal to put on this boat. I'm really not sure why. Will you come with me?" Sally thought the man was a little odd, but nevertheless follows him as she knew he needed her help. Noah was surprised to hear Sally say, "I was sent to help you, RUFF RUFF!!

Sally soon watches many an animal run swiftly past Noah. Noah gets frustrated as one animal after another runs past. Sally begins to give chase to the wild animals quickly rounding them up. Eventually Noah has two of every animal except for Sally, she's alone. Noah is concerned but simply trusts God to take care of the matter.

One day the rain came relentlessly pooring down. It continued for several days. Noah, Sally, and all the animals were safe in the boat as it began to float in the flood. Noah looked down as Sally saying, "Oh Sally, I could not have done this without you. Indeed God sent you to help me." Just then, a monkey swang grabbing a tree limb and landed in the water. Noah falls to his knees in disappointment and prayer. Sally lunges out of the boat herself and goes doggy paddling. Sally grabs the monkey with her teeth and hurls him back into the boat. Sally climbs back to the top of the boat to get back in. Suddenly, there is a big bump. Sally gets thrown far from the boat as she watches Noah and the animals fading away into the distance...

We will continue with Episode 2 next time