All are Equal . . .

This has been quite a week! I will start my blog with my thoughts from a few days ago when I read the lectionary passage in preparation for writing this. Then I will add a couple of thoughts about the current emergency situation.

This week another well know passage is offered by the lectionary for the reading. The story is usually entitled The Woman at the Well (John 4:5-42). Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman at the well and asks her for a drink. A conversation ensues where Jesus reveals that he is the one, the Messiah. I have blogged about this several times before.

I have also talked about the later conversation with the disciples where the talk is of worship, truth and mission. But this week as I read the passage one sentence really stood out to me. It was the one that recorded the reaction of the disciples on seeing Jesus with the woman. 

They “were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, ‘What do you want?’ or, ‘Why are you speaking to her?’(27).”

Maybe, the disciples had learnt enough to not question Jesus’ treatment of women. Good for them! Yet, the fact the narrator included the sentences they could have voiced, reveals that they were there, in the forefront of the author’s mind. 

As I read ‘Why are you speaking to her!’ I could almost hear the disdain in the narrator’s voice, and I found it really sad. It reveals patriarchy, sexism and racism — she was a Samaritan. I could excuse it by saying this was penned in a time with different social expectations regarding women and race. But today I will not do that.

I think it is even sadder to realize that although things have changed for the better, there is still a long way to go. Perhaps, my thoughts were influenced by the fact that as I read the verses to ponder over during the week, I had just heard that Elizabeth Warren had dropped out of the presidential race. Many reports I read referred to a root of patriarchy and sexism. I have heard it said that the country isn’t ready to accept a woman president!  Truthfully, I wasn’t that surprised. Yet, it is shameful that in 2020, almost two thousand years after the words of the text were penned, I can still hear the echo of that question with the same disdainful tone. 

Women are still viewed in certain areas of society as inferior and less able than men. It is said that women are equal, yet events show that is often not true. Perhaps summed up best in the famous words of George Orwell, “All are equal, but some are more equal than others.” (adapted from Animal Farm).

The above were my thoughts from earlier this week. I hope anyone reading this will pause to ponder why it is that men are often thought more capable than women!

But I can’t end this blog without a few short comments about the unfolding events of the last few days. What a week it has been! Every day has been filled with media reports that cause uncertainty, stress and often fear. We are currently in Covington, Georgia, visiting our son and daughter-in-law, and it has already crossed our minds that we may have to leave hurriedly if bans on interstate travel start to be imposed. In Georgia, the four of us are mindful of staying away from any large social gathering —enjoying lots of walks together.

I don’t want to make any comment on the actual virus— there is enough sensible medical reports out there for all to read. My advice is follow them, and be as safe as possible.

What has caused me to ponder is people’s reactions to the virus. A crisis always brings out both best and worst in people. Perhaps, I could even say it even becomes a test of human nature.

I just saw on Facebook a comment which read, “God, please put a hedge round my county so we don’t get the virus.” My instant thought was, why? Why is one person’s county or one person’s ministry more important than that of anyone else. It felt such a selfish response. As is extreme hoarding, which ultimately deprives others in need. Yet, as a balance, I have seen great generosity. I have read of people offering to share what they have and to help those in need. 

There will probably be a difficult few weeks ahead for everyone. Lots of uncertainties abound. One of the things we talked about at the community ZOOM chat last Monday was kindness. Kindness is important especially in times of crisis. So maybe, in the next few weeks, there will be many opportunities for kindness to be shown. Kindness matters! 

Choices, Choices, Choices!

Today’s text is all about the events immediately following Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness (Matthew 4: 1-11). It is a familiar story and one I have blogged on several times. 

Jesus went into the wilderness to fast. Fasting is a thread that runs through both Old and New Testaments. I think the placement of this story at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in all the synoptic gospels was to establish a special relationship to God. Both Moses and Elijah also fasted for forty days thus allowing a connection to be made in the minds of the readers. Personally, I think this was a story made that connection right at the outset of Jesus’ ministry. This is strengthened when one compares it with the transfiguration story, and the references to Moses and Elijah there. I don’t think that is just a coincidence, but a careful placing of texts in the gospels. But I’m not going to delve into that today.

Although, in contemporary times, fasting has been used as abstinence from various other things the actual meaning is refraining from food for a period of time — it is a practice of self-denial of the body. I always think it is strange that as soon as one starts fasting, hunger or desire for food (or whatever food item is being denied) kicks in almost immediately. Even if it is at a time when one wouldn’t normally eat. It says something important about the psychological effect of fasting. But again, I’m not going to dwell there today either.

This year as I read the text, the thought (or word) that came to mind was choices. In the story Jesus was given a series of choices. Decisions needed to be made. Direction needed to be set. The choices that Jesus made have taken on a power for greater than the few verses they are penned on. They are far-reaching and have influenced generations of readers stretching over centuries.

As I read the text it made me think about life as a series of choices. I make choices and have no way to know the outcome of the direction taken. I may sometimes wonder what would have happened if I’d made a different choice — I’m sure others have on occasion wondered the same thing. Yet, there is never any way of knowing what would have happened. 

I can glance at this text and consider what would have been the outcome if Jesus had made a different choice. What if the stones had been changed into bread? Maybe the text would no longer speak of temptation. Maybe it would say that after forty days Jesus turned stone into bread to break the fast. Then, possibly, instead of a story about temptation it would have been read as a story about an amazing miracle — even the first miracle! Of course, this is pure speculation — impossible to know what the outcome would have been. 

This was simply part of my thinking about choices and “what if’s” in my own life. I always like to think of life as a journey, perhaps choices are the forks in the road. Decisions about which way to go. Choices happen throughout life. Of course, some decisions are easy while others are much harder and not made lightly. Maybe sometimes a different choice would have led down a different path — not better or worse, not right or wrong, just different.

Often trusted companions can help in a difficult choice of which fork to walk down. In the Lindisfarne Community we have many who have chosen to walk alongside those faced with hard choices in their lives — chaplains, therapists, educators, etc. It is a worthy calling to do so. Yet, in the end, each person makes their own choice. Each person walks their own path. Today, my hope is that all who are standing at a fork in their journey will be comfortable and fulfilled with the direction taken. 

To Worry or Not to Worry — That is the Question?

Another lovely and oft quoted passage is the focus for today (Matthew 6:25-34). It makes almost romantic reading, the picture painted is of birds flying and lilies swaying in the breeze in wonderful, carefree lives. Into my mind comes the image of a lovely pastoral scene on a warm day — much needed as I look over our white landscape although that too can be quite beautiful.

I wrote about this text three years ago (and it feels like yesterday). I started by saying that I found it a profoundly disturbing passage. Although my thoughts on reading it this time were somewhat different, much of that feeling remains. I feel somewhat unsettled with it.

The central theme is of not worrying — I will not repeat my thoughts of three years ago but include the link below. On the surface that sounds great, it is a good modern theme, as the popular song urges, “Don’t worry, Be happy” (Bobby McFerrin, 1988). 

In the passage the reader is urged not to worry about food, drink or clothing. The passage starts by asking those listening or reading, “Is not your life more than food and the body more than clothing?” This is a great query. My answer would be a resounding, yes. Of course, my life is more than food or clothing. 

Still, it is worth pausing for a moment and thinking about life and what comprises life. Actually, I suspect for many people a significant portion of life is working to earn to provide material necessities. Hopefully, any job is more than just a means to earn but also a rich part of life and a fulfilling experience. Food for thought but not where I want to linger today.

The verse that caused me to stop, think and ultimately feel very unsettled about is at the end of the passage. “Strive first for the realm of God and God’s righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well (33).

This pulled me up short. My first instinct was to say this is simply not true (how very unchristian of me!). Yet, I can’t escape being disturbed by these words. It feels like a false promise at the worse and at the best could lead to false expectations

It is the basis for a prosperity gospel. That if a person is spiritually doing all the right things then material goods and perfect health will follow in abundance. I find that disturbing. I have known friends and acquaintances experience awful times — poverty, death of loved one, chronic ill health, accidents, etc. These are good, spiritual people and I refuse to believe that the lack is theirs. Actually, on more than one occasion I have heard someone say to a person suffering that if only they had more faith things would be different. How sad. Surely, support rather than condemnation would be better when someone is going through a hard time.

I’m sure I will continue to ponder the balance between spirituality, material necessities and worry for the next few days. Life is short and precious. I don’t want to waste life in unhealthy worry but nor do I want to sit with a false expectation that because I seek God it will be a life of ease and prosperity. Finding balance is important.

(Photograph was taken at Trap Pond State Park, Delaware)

The Value of People

Two lovely stories in the lectionary today. The author of the gospel writes of two older people — Simeon and Anna— who waited for the birth of a saviour (Luke 2: 22-40). 

The story talks of Mary and Joseph taking the infant Jesus to the temple as required by the law. They had two significant encounters. They met Simeon and they met Anna who both confirmed that this child was indeed the promised Messiah. 

Simeon, who was described as righteous, devout and one on whom the Holy Spirit rested had been told that he would not die until he saw the birth of the Messiah. As he saw the baby he praised and prophesied saying he was now content to depart the world. 

Simeon also added a word to Mary — that “a sword would pierce her soul” (35).  I often wonder how it would feel for Mary to be told these things. A bit like saying your child will do great things, but it will be a rough ride and all end in heart break. How hard must that be for any parent to hear? 

Anna was 84 years old. She had resided in the temple since being widowed seven years after her marriage. I calculate that must be about 60 years. She too praised and prophesied about the child. 

I can’t resist interjecting a feminist thought here — note the ways the two prophets are described. Simeon is described through his character — righteous, devout, Holy Spirit on him (25). Anna is described through her relationship to men — her father, her husband and her late ancestor. Yesterday we shared a cup of tea with our neighbour. The conversation drifted to a book she had been reading for her book club. The club was meeting the author that week for questions and she was planning to ask why a character had been described the way he was. This led to further discussion about how often people (who are not straight, white, protestant males) are described by a reference to their sexuality, gender, colour or ethnic background. I think the conversation was still in my mind as I noted the way Anna was described. I think this is very important to ponder on — consider and notice how people are described.

But today I want to dwell briefly on two aspects of both these people which I noticed as I read the passage. The first thing I noticed was the patience both Simeon and Anna exercised. We have often talked about how we live in the “microwave generation” where we expect everything to be ready instantly. I confess I do it with my computer. I press a key and usually get an instant response. If I don’t, I’ll say, “Come on, come on, hurry up and download …”. Andy will often look at me and say, “Patience!” 

Simeon and Anna waited for years to see the fulfillment of their dreams. I think there is an important lesson in that. The passage doesn’t give any sense that their lives had been wasted through the waiting time. Hopefully they lived full and meaningful lives while they waited — the passage certainly hints at that. 

The second thing I noticed was that they were elderly.  Anna was documented as 84 and although Simeon’s age is not documented it is a fair assumption to say he must be elderly as he was expecting to depart the world soon.

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In our contemporary times there is sometimes a disdain for the elderly and society is poorer for it. Wisdom and experience are lost. Youth can be arrogant brushing aside the experience and wisdom of those who are older. Yet, youth are often brimming with ideas and enthusiasm. Both the contributions of the young and the old have value.  Ideally the ideas and enthusiasm of youth needs to be tempered with the wisdom and experience of those who are older. 

What a good thing Mary and Joseph took time to listen to the words of the elderly. What a blessing would have been missed if they had ignored Simeon and Anna because of their ages.

(Photo: Grandma and Child, Forbidden City, Beijing, China, December 2017)

Gathering the Men!

Last weekend as I read the lectionary texts, I was struck by one phrase. Unusually for me, it wasn’t in the gospel which is where I am currently trying to focus. Yet this one sentence stood out like a glaring spotlight — “I truly understand that God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34).

I couldn’t really get past it. As we had a full house last weekend my thoughts never made it to paper. However, the phrase stuck in my mind and I have pondered it frequently this week.

“I truly understand that God shows no partiality.”

Most of my thoughts were self-reflective. If God shows no partiality, should I? Do I show partiality? In what areas? I then expanded this from personal to the more general, Does our contemporary society show partiality? Again, in what ways? (Sadly, I can think of quite a long list without even spending a lot of time pondering it)

Today I moved to the texts for this Sunday. The reading is the calling of the disciples (John 1:35-42). I have in the past talked about this story and the way the disciples were called. But today, probably because of my musings this week, the first thing I noticed was that they were all men. 

Two hard concepts to put together “God shows no partiality” and the “gathering of the men”. Somehow there seems to be a huge discrepancy between these two ideas. 

I could try excusing the gathering of the men because of the culture of the time. It wouldn’t be comely for women to be around men in that close a company. Should the men be even talking to the women? Would that leave them open to gossip and hinder the gospel message? Practically, it would be much harder for women to leave spouses and children as the men did. 

If this had only happened in the first century, I could accept it as an historical event in a certain cultural context. However, I don’t want to hide what happened behind a cultural veil. So, I call them excuses for not including women, mainly because nothing much has changed over the centuries. 

I would love to think that if Jesus was physically calling disciples today women would be included. However, I want to be realistic and, sadly, I find it hard to believe the world has changed that much.

I have only to look around at photographs in the media to see the gathering of men. Any important discussion or major event and the photographs usually depict a gathering of (white) men. Even church leadership often is a gathering of men. So sad that the women are still silenced and the gifts and wisdom they could offer ignored.

Today, I read an article about an issue affecting mainly women. There was loads of good discussion in the comments. Then a man joined the discussion.  He wrote/spoke with what he obviously perceived as authority. In my mind, it simply read as arrogance. He told all the women that they would not feel the same way in twenty or thirty years. I was appalled by his assumption that he knew better than all the women who had commented  and about an issue that affected women. 

So, today I read the story of the gathering of men in the gospel with sadness. I wish I could confidently say that society has changed. I do truly believe that progress has been made and will continue to be made. However, I cannot deny the evidence of my own eyes — as I look around, I continually see the gathering of men in many aspects of life.

I think change starts with awareness. I want to look at media and be aware when a gathering of men is photographed or talked about. I want to have a voice to remind people that women could have an important contribution to the discussion at hand.

Imagine a day when I could read “I truly understand that God shows no partiality” and see that reflected in all areas of society. What a day that would be!

Massacre of the Innocents

Sometimes it feels like following the church’s calendar is a roller coaster ride. One minute there are incredible highs, the next a fast plunge downhill. Today, is one such low. Perhaps, even reaching rock bottom. The passage for today is somewhat unpalatable (Matthew 2:13-23). The text raises lots and lots of questions.

The story is of God’s protection for the infant Jesus. Herod feeling threatened by the stories he had heard about the rise of a new king had all the children under two years old murdered. Joseph was warned in a dream to take the child and flee as Herod wanted to kill him. It is hard to read. Only one parent was warned to protect their child. All the other children were sacrificed. Not a pleasant thought. Was an all-powerful God not able to save more babies?

As I started thinking about saving more children it put me in mind of the film, Schindler’s List. There is a scene towards the end where Schindler wishes he’d been able to save more people. The scene is frantic with a feeling of regret and desperation being clearly portrayed. 

I wondered how Mary and Joseph felt? Their baby was safe, but many others weren’t. Other parents were grieving — “wailing and loud lamentation” (18). They hadn’t received a warning. They had no time to protect their offspring. If the incident had happened today there would have been talk of trauma and survivors’ guilt for Mary and Joseph. 

In the church’s calendar this event is remembered by the feast day of Holy Innocent’s (Dec 28). These children were regarded as the first martyrs of the church. Interestingly, in Medieval England the sadness and pain of the day was remembered by whipping children as they awoke in the morning. Thankfully, that custom ended in the 17^th Century.

This story does not appear in any other gospel. Scholars are divided on the authenticity of it. Regardless, it is part of the faith tradition so I need to ponder it as I would any other text. I look around my house still full of lights and decorations to welcome the Christ child — it is, after all, only the fifth day of Christmas! 

In the middle of this celebration of Christmas comes this very harsh reading. Perhaps, the story serves as a reminder of the brutality of the times the Christ child was born into. Yet, it raises question about how one deals with these unpalatable passages. Are they to be ignored? Are they to be swept under the carpet? When one is reading the lectionary there is always the temptation to focus on the “good” bits of the story. That has always felt a little dishonest to me. 

Faith and honesty in dealing with the scriptures sometimes feels like walking a tightrope. I want to be honest, but sometimes that honesty leads me to say that a passage displays a trait of God which I do not like. This is one such passage — a God who only saves one child, albeit a child with a special mission. It feels a little distasteful.

So, this week, as we continue to celebrate Christmas, I will keep shaking this passage in the hope I will find a blessing in the words that were penned as I walk my tightrope between faith and honesty.

Christmas Love

Today the last purple candle in the Advent wreath is lit representing love. Love adds to the message of hope, peace and joy.  As the candle shines out, the lectionary invites us to read the beginning of the Christmas story. It is the story of love.

Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven to earth come down, (Charles Wesley: First Seen 1747)

Those two lines sum up the Christmas message. It’s all about love.  The text (Matthew 1:18-25) is just seven short verses explaining how the infant was conceived. It doesn’t really matter how one interprets the details. I know there are differing understandings. Details simply make a story exciting and readable. It is the core truth conveyed therein that is important. So, today, I want to ponder that core truth. For me it is about love — divine love and human love. What can be better?

This story of love is so important that it restarts time. Hope, peace and joy are redefined. Everything changes because of this one story. 

As always, I want to consider how this story of love affects me. Obviously, there are many outward aspects of the celebration of the Christmas story. I have up my Christmas tree, I have decorated the house, I am displaying my Christmas cards from old and new friends, I am listening to Christmas music, I have purchased Christmas gifts for friends and family, I have my Christmas pudding, I am planning our Christmas lunch. I love doing all these things. 

I’m sure many others have similar Christmas traditions. Traditions are very important. They build stability and continuity for the next generation. Traditions demonstrate the cyclic nature of life — the ebb and flow of seasons.

Christmas traditions keep the story of divine and human love alive. And it is not just by the outward signs but by a deep inner working of love. As in this story love is often manifest in giving, of ourselves and of our possessions. Often social media portrays a negative view of society, but this week it has been full of an outpouring of love. People sharing needs, and others responding to the need. Clothes, food and shelter being provided for the homeless, shelters trying to get homes for their animals for Christmas, money being raised for a whole variety of charities. It is love being spread around. The message of that first Christmas — love made manifest — is still very much alive over 2,000 years later. 

So, as we ponder love, I close with the words of a well-known Christmas song that has been recorded many times by many different artist —

I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes
Love is all around me and so the feeling grows
It's written on the wind, it's everywhere I go
So if you really love me, come on and let it show

Come on and let it show
Come on and let it show
Come on and let it show

(Reg Presley, 1967)

An Advent Smorgasbord.

Smorgasbord is an interesting word. It is a composite Swedish word referring to food (smorgas = bread and butter, bord = table). It is used to refer to what would be termed in English a buffet or, if a Spanish flavour is preferred, maybe Tapas. Of course, like many words Smorgasbord has taken on an additional meaning. The dictionary now defines it as “a wide range of something —a variety (Dictionary.com)”. 

So, my musings this morning are a smorgasbord — a variety of thoughts that occurred as I pondered the readings both this week and last week. I’m afraid, due to our Thanksgiving travel in very poor weather conditions I never got pen to paper — or more accurately finger to keyboard—last week. So, this week is a smorgasbord. To use the food analogy I invite readers to come to the table, pick a dish and chew on it this week!

Advent is a time of preparation. Time takes on a new significance as the countdown to the birth of the Christ child begins. Children begin to open their Advent calendars. Indeed, I sent three to my grandchildren in Bangkok so they could mark the time to Christmas. Our Advent wreath was taken from its storage place and furnished with new candles ready to mark the weeks. This new awareness of the passing of time is important. Marking time, treasuring each new day rather than rushing only from event to event is important. Make the journey count.

The Advent candles in the wreath are significant. Three purple ones represent hope, peace and love. The pink candle is for joy, reminding all who adhere to the tradition that there is joy in the middle of this serious time of preparation. In the centre stands the Christ Candle, lit at midnight on Christmas Eve to welcome the Christ Child. 

Last week the candle for hope was lit. Right at the beginning of the season there is hope. Hope, that whatever darkness surrounds one, light is coming. Hope, that is a driving force as one travels through life. Hope, that at the end of the journey there will be the Christ child to welcome. I don’t think it is insignificant that each of the four Sundays of Advent the candle is re-lit, each week hope shines out into the darkness.

This morning the second candle will be lit. Peace will shine alongside hope. Peace a much-needed commodity in these times. I am continually bombarded with media images and words about strife. Reading Facebook or listening to LBC (radio station of choice) I am constantly reminded of unrest in the world. Peace in the world is much needed. Yet, for today, and today only! I am going to say don’t look to the world but look at oneself.  Join me in determining to live at peace with all those who are come into contact with. Peace with fellow humans and peace with all sentient beings. In our household no animals will be harmed and eaten this year as Andy and I celebrate the coming of the Christ Child. The Old Testament reading (Isaiah 11: 1-10) speaks of a peaceable realm where humans and non-humans dwell in perfect harmony. Peace is often a hard to define quality, yet easily recognizable. I know when I am in the presence of a peaceful person — there is something about them that shines out. This advent, as I prepare to welcome the Christ Child, I want to work on being a person of peace. 

Last week the lectionary reading, the first one of Advent, talked about being ready. It is an interesting passage. The text is full of picturesque language about two people working together in various situation with one taken and one left behind (24: 36-44). As I read the story, I was reminded of a teaching I heard by James Dunn on the oral tradition. It made much sense to me and changed some of the way I viewed the scriptures. He talked about how various observed tribes communicated information orally. The core message always remained the same, but the method of communication was story of which the details changed. The details were unimportant, they were merely a conveyor of the truth. The relevant message is the core of truth. As I read this passage, I look for the core of truth, the significant sentence and I think it is “be ready”. People are urged to be ready. I think this is a comment on how lives are lived —don’t get caught up with trivia keep the focus on that which is important.

The message of preparation continues with the text for today (Matthew 3: 1-12). It is the story of John the Baptiser. I want to propose an alternative view of John rather than that of the wild man in the Wilderness. It is not new I have talked about it before.  As would be fitting for a child of a priest John may have been sent to the Essenes at Qumram (in the Wilderness) for training. The Essenes were a religious group which was smaller than the Pharisees and the Sadducees. They were an ascetic monastic group who had a monastery at Qumram which was destroyed in 68CE by the Romans. It was on this site in 1947 the Dead Sea Scrolls were found 

Of course, this is just an alternative view. I propose it only for consideration and to hallenge the status quo. Like most of our attempts at interpretation and understanding of the scriptures it would be presumptuous to think this is the “right” or “only” way to understand the story of John the Baptiser. However, I find it helpful to think of John as a holy man emerging from the wilderness with the important task of announcing the arrival of the Christ Child. 

As this is becoming rather long (and possibly rambling!) I will offer only one more item on my smorgasbord. That is a brief consideration of the message of John. Actually, it is simply the message of advent reinforced. This is a time of preparation, a time to get ready. It is a time of self-examination. A time to see if one’s life is bearing “good fruit” (10). I want to remind myself that self-examination is not the same as self-condemnation. This is not a negative practice but one full of hope and peace as the journey through Advent continues towards the next milestone of joy.

May each person’s journey through Advent be significant, full of hope and peace.

“Get out of Jail, Free”

What a passage! The Gospel reading for today makes somewhat depressing reading (Luke 21:5-19). 0f course, I doubt that was the author’s intent. I think it was written to inspire and help a people under persecution. The list of what was to be endured is quite horrendous — wars, insurrections, earthquakes, famines, plagues and, on a more personal level, being arrested, persecuted, betrayed, hated and death. Quite a list! 

Yet, the message of the text is it will all ultimately be worth it.  Hopefully, this was to bring comfort to the early followers of the newly emerging Christianity.

When I read the list of horrors, I realized that it contained nothing new. If one reads the Old Testament, or studies ancient and modern history or even reads a newspaper or online news report, all the same horrors are happening today and have happened in the past. The list in the Gospel of Luke simply reflects the way of the natural world and the inability of humanity to live peacefully with all. 

So, as I shake this passage — looking for a blessing — I started to reflect on the way contemporary Christianity has viewed suffering and hardship. It occupied most of my time pondering this text.

I wondered:

Has modern thinking led to the idea that because a person embraces Christianity, they should have some special protection? Is Christianity viewed as a monopoly game, “Get out of Jail, Free” card?  Sadly, I sometimes think it is. 

Please, don’t read this as me saying that it is not worth praying for those in hard circumstance — of course, it always, always is worth praying. I will always pray for those in need.

I just don’t think that playing the Christianity “Get out of Jail, Free” card will exempt anyone from bad things happening. Like the rest of humanity those who embrace the Christian religion get sick, they get betrayed, they get caught up in wars, they experience floods, fires and earthquakes. I have experienced some hard times, as I’m sure almost everyone else has. The message of the text to early Christians is that their beliefs do not make them exempt from any of these things. I think it is a message to heed for contemporary times.

So where is the blessing? I found it in one word — wisdom (15). One can’t avoid wars, insurrections, earthquakes, famines, plagues, being arrested, persecuted, betrayed, hated and death. (Hopefully, not all experienced by the same person for which I am very grateful and thankful) Yet, in the face of sufferings there can be wisdom. 

Wisdom in words to be spoken or, in our world of social media perhapss words not spoken. Wisdom that will bring endurance as hard things are embraced. 

Rensho posted to the community’s email list this week. I was impressed by his closing phrase which I mused on along with today’s reading. Rensho wrote, “We have many profoundly wise women in the Lindisfarne Community, for which I am exceptionally grateful.”

Today, I want to extend that from “women” to “people”. People full of wisdom to know how to handle those times when suffering bursts, often unexpectedly, into their lives. 

To close, I want to join Rensho and say, “We have many profoundly wise people in the Lindisfarne Community, for which I am exceptionally grateful.

In the Lindisfarne Community everyone’s spirituality is equally valued.

In the Lindisfarne Community everyone’s spirituality is equally valued.

As I write this it is the closing morning of our weekend retreat on spirituality. We have had some great conversations together. One thing I realized is that, in one sense, spirituality is elusive, it defies a concrete definition. Even the quick google search we did in preparation for the weekend revealed that there are as many different definitions as there are websites trying to define it! Spirituality is an inward knowing which is hard to express through the limitations of language.

So, how would I try and define spirituality? My best attempt is to say that spirituality is an individual’s experience of connecting with the Divine, the Other. Yet, it is not simply reaching outward, there is a deep inner aspect. PsychologyToday acknowledges that spirituality is an “experience that involves [people] getting in touch with their spiritual selves through private prayer, yoga, meditation, quiet reflection, or time in nature.”

At the retreat, on Saturday morning we talked about the many different aspects of spirituality. This was followed by Monos (alone time) where each person pondered their personal spirituality. In the afternoon we shared our musings. It was revealing, each person’s spirituality is perceived in a different way. Each person’s spirituality is deeply personal and meaningful. It was a helpful exercise as each person’s perception of spirituality broadened our understanding of spirituality.

So, I return to my introductory sentence as I feel it is important. In the Lindisfarne Community everyone’s spirituality is equally valued. People have different callings, different manifestations and different understandings, yet all are valid and all are meaningful. There is not a hierarchy of spirituality. 

What is important is that the spirituality embraced by each individual sustains them in their daily life.

I want to take just a brief glance at the lectionary reading. Today is the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19: 1-10). I always smile as I read this story as it reminds me of the children’s Sunday School song we used to sing. 

“Zacchaeus was a very little man
And a very little man was he
He climbed into a sycamore tree
The Saviour for to see
And when the Saviour passed that way
He looked into the tree
‘Now, Zacchaeus, you come down
 I'm coming to your house for tea’”

As Spirituality is our topic for the weekend, (indeed for the whole year). I thought it would be interesting to cast a glance at Zacchaeus’ spirituality. What is the quality in Zacchaeus drawing him towards the Other?  Perhaps, that is the first aspect of his spirituality — he was drawn. There was something in him that was reaching out. It reads like it was almost a desperation. Imagine, a respected (possibly!) and rich businessman climbing a tree to get a better view of someone. Something in that action speaks of a lot of humility. 

Another aspect of his spirituality is that he was welcoming. He opened his home and heart to a stranger, albeit a well-known one. Finally, he assessed his life with a willingness to change. So, if I was going to define Zacchaeus’ spirituality in a few words I would say; drawing, humbling, welcoming and life-changing. 

Actually, those words pulled from Zacchaeus’ life form quite a good understanding of spirituality. Spirituality is that quality that draws us out of ourselves towards the Other. Spirituality reveals our limitations and we are humbled. Spirituality causes us to reach out and welcome others. Spirituality is always life-changing, not a big once in a lifetime event, but constantly, causing daily growth moving towards maturity.

In whatever way it is perceived spirituality is the bedrock, the foundation on which lives are lived. In the Lindisfarne community everyone’s spirituality is equally valued.

(https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/spirituality)

Nevertheless, She Persisted

“Nevertheless, she persisted” has become a popular political slogan. It is oft quoted and seen blazoned on T-shirts and other similar items of apparel.

The quote originated in 2017 when Senator Elizabeth Warren was reading a letter penned by Coretta Scott King. It was objected to, but Warren was allowed to continue reading until finally after another objection a vote silenced her. In summing up the reason she was silenced Senator Mitch McConnell explained, “Senator Warren was giving a lengthy speech. She had appeared to violate the rule. She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.” (see below)

“Nevertheless, she persisted” immediately caught the public’s attention and has been used multiple times since. Persistence in the face of adversity is seen as a good thing. Maybe, “good” is too mild a word, maybe I should substitute excellent or exemplary instead. Over the last two years as a practice, persistence has been highly esteemed.

As I read the lectionary passage for today the phrase came to the forefront of my mind and thinking. The parable is the tale of a judge and a widow (Luke 18: 1-8). Persistence is exactly the virtue being celebrated in the text. The story tells of a judge who feared and respected neither God nor humanity and a widow who wanted justice against an adversary. Ultimately the widow received justice only because she continued to badger the judge. It could be said of the widow, “Nevertheless she persisted.”

The text continues telling those early disciples to persist in a like manner, crying out night and day until, ultimately, they will receive justice. This may be manifested as the return of the child of humanity. 

An interesting parable As I read it through, it seemed to me that this particular passage was a later addition to the gospel. It reads like a story added to encourage the people who were by then under severe persecution.  They were not to give up crying out to God. Their hope was that they would eventually receive justice. This text was to encourage them on their journey through persecution.

Yet, like most texts read, it will yield a blessing. I think the blessing here is to be found in encouraging the virtue of persistence especially in the face of adversity.  Adversity can describe anything from life-threatening persecution to mild discomforts. It is part of the human journey, and persistence can bring great reward.

I think most people reading this will have heard me tell a little about our hike in the summer. It was an incredible experience. The first day on a cliff top path we struggled through high winds (my sister and I were both blown over) and driving torrential rain. We needed persistence to continue. The ensuing rewards of warm and shelter when we reached our first night destination were great.

Of course, that example is a little flippant as we chose to hike for pleasure (although we did hope for better weather!). More seriously, Elizabeth Warren must have felt devastated. It must have seemed that she had been treated unjustly when she was silenced. Yet, look how her persistence turned out. Warren was given “a far bigger megaphone than if they had simply let her continue speaking in what had been a mostly empty chamber . . .”  (see below)

Many times, the adversities we face are not of one’s own choosing. Yet, the message of this text remains the same — persistence. 

“Nevertheless, she/he/they persisted” has become a wonderful adage to live by.

(https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/02/08/nevertheless-she-persisted-becomes-new-battle-cry-after-mcconnell-silences-elizabeth-warren/)

Increase my Faith?

“Increase my faith.” 

That is the plea of the disciples to Jesus. There was no supernatural impartation of faith. Instead, the reply they received probably surprised them. They were simply told that if they had faith as small as a mustard seed they could uproot a big tree and replant it in the sea. The example seems a little ridiculous — obviously hyperbole. I have never heard of anyone moving a tree other than by some pretty hard work. 

I do remember many years ago an older woman telling me that if she had enough faith she would never die. In her eyes, any lack of healing and renewing of the physical body was due to insufficient faith. There was no moving her from her belief, or as she considered it, her faith.

So, reading today’s passage causes me to ponder what is meant by faith here? What is it the disciples are seeking? Of course, it would be easy to say they wanted more faith in God and leave it there. However, that would not do justice to the text. It simply does not read that way.

The example given points to faith being paralleled to obedience. The passage says that the tree would “obey” the command to move to the sea. The second illustration is about slavery. Obviously somewhat distasteful to twenty-first century eyes. In the story the poor slave came in from hard labour and was expected to do more work around the house and serve their owner. The text even makes it clear that there was no kindness or consideration for the slave simply an expectation of obedience to their tasks. 

This seems to be the expectation for the disciples that they do all that has been ordered them. In this passage obedience is faith. I turned to the previous chapter to read the whole dialogue to try and get an idea of the things they were expected to be obedient in. 

It is quite revealing. The stories there are all of care for the poor, sick and needy. 

I think faith is multifaceted Today’s story seems to illustrate one aspect of it — faith has an outworking of care for the poor and needy. It is in obeying this command that faith is increased. Therefore, I can join the disciples of old and say, “Increase my faith.”


(Photo: Bald Cypress Trees: Trap Pond, Delaware 2019.)

Confusion, Confusion, Confusion!

What a confusing parable! The fact that it is confusing seems to be the one point of agreement from all the various expositors of today’s lectionary reading (Luke 16: 1-13). 

The story is a strange and unsettling one. On first reading it feels wrong. The parable focuses on a rich landowner and his manager. As was the custom of the day, the manager (or steward) stood between the landowners and the peasant farmers and tenants. The manager negotiated the sale of oil, wheat and other goods plus collecting the rents. Managers were in a privileged position. It was customary for the manager to add a little interest to each bill for personal gain. As long as the landowner continued to get wealthy, they tended to ignore this practice. The custom of adding interest was commonplace although was spoken against in several places in the Jewish scriptures (example Leviticus 25: 36-38). 

Of course, in all these transactions the people who suffered were the tenants and peasant farmers — they were voiceless and powerless. 

Yet, the manager too was in precarious position depending completely on staying in favour with the landowner. Although he enjoyed the benefits of additional finances it may not have felt a secure lifestyle. 

I want to interject here with a comment which I have made many times before. I feel it is important to keep in mind when interpreting—or trying to interpret—parables. Don’t assign God or Jesus as the principle character. Simply understand parables as little stories told as illustrations of point, albeit sometimes an obscure point. If one assigns roles it often leads to complications when the leading character exhibits traits one would rather not associate with God. This parable is a wonderful example of that. If all parables are seen as containing veiled references to God, then right at the outset problems would occur in this one. If God is assumed to be the rich landowner, then God is getting wealthy by exploiting the poor tenants. Personally, if I wanted to assign roles, I would prefer to subvert the parable and find God/Jesus in the peasant farmers and tenants who were powerless and voiceless. 

Anyway, back to the story — the landowner told the manager that he was going to lose his position. There are no details given as to what prompted this, but I will make the assumption that dishonesty of some kinds involved.  The manager is later referred to as dishonest, which shouldn’t be confused with shrewd which is lauded. The manager reflects that he is unfit for other means of subsistence so makes an alternate plan. Immediately he met with all the debtors and lowered their bills.  He wanted to ensure he would be welcome in their homes in his altered circumstances. This is quite interesting, as he is starting to identify with and presume help from those previously exploited. Maybe the beginning of change.

Rather than being annoyed by this action the rich landowner commended his manager for acting shrewdly thus ensuring that he kept his position. It is a difficult story to understand, I doubt there is any one definitive understanding.

I am going to offer for perusal a couple of thoughts I had while reading the parable.

Firstly, whatever the reason it came about the main beneficiaries in the parable are the poor who had their bills lowered. I think it is important that this point is not lost. Whatever the motives the poor benefitted. 

Maybe, the accusations of dishonesty served as a challenge to the manager. His lowering of the bills was presumably by removing the interest — the percentages given in the parable were the normal percentage charged for oil and wheat. Could the manager be showing a newfound compassion for the poor? 

In turn, perhaps the manager challenged the landowner about his practices. Maybe it even served as a reminder of the law about interest which would leave no alternative but to commend the steward. 

In the Gospel of Luke this parable is certainly grouped with those showing compassion for those who are oppressed. If I view the parable this way it can offer me a challenge for contemporary times. In what ways are the poor exploited?  Something well-worth pondering about in both the local and global arenas. 

Secondly, I thought about the steward being commended for being shrewd. His shrewdness focused on planning for his future. I think this is a point worth noting. Certainly, I have met people who believe that it is wrong to plan for the future, trusting in God for provision for their older age. I have even heard people try to make others feel guilty about future financial plans they make, even to the point of seeing future planning as a lack of faith. Of course, I respect their personal views. 

Yet this parable highly values responsible planning for future well-being. It is heralded as a very good thing. It is not a lack of faith. In the parable it is even rewarded. Provision for the future is well-worth thinking about.