What — no name?

Greetings from our campsite at the beach. The sun is shining, and a gentle breeze is blowing. We have enjoyed several days of biking, hiking and camp meals. One of the joys of camping is eating every meal outside. This morning at breakfast we had a visitor, it was a bug — of the sort we had never seen before! It was about an inch and a half long and bright orange with very long black feelers. It just sat on the corner of the table having somehow got inside the screen tent — probably not hard to do as there are several small holes in the mesh! 

 

I wondered if our bug friend would enjoy toast so placed a small piece nearby. Sure enough, the bug moved to the toast and started nibbling it. We were both amazed. So, I placed a piece of melon next to the toast. The bug seemed to enjoy that too.

 

Andy looked at me and commented that as the bug had joined us for breakfast, they should have a name. He chose “Flo”.  The name changed a stranger to a friend — suddenly they had an identity. Flo hung around for quite a while before flying to explore new regions. 

 

Interestingly, as I read the lectionary this morning, names were the first thing I noticed. Or should I say the lack of them! 

 

The text tells the stories of two women (Mark 5: 21-end). Neither were named. One is identified only by her male parent, the other by her disability. It made me quite sad, neither was deemed important enough to be given their own identity, their name. 

 

The text also speaks of life transitions. The younger was twelve, just on the brink of womanhood, making a transition into the next stage of life. The other woman was also ready to make a life transition as she yearned for menopause and the fruitfulness of that stage. 

 

An important time for both of them — but not significant enough to give them a name! 

 

Both needed healing. Others sought it for the young girl, the older wiser woman sought it for herself. Both were healed and onlookers were “overcome by amazement (42)”. 

 

This morning, as I read the stories, I, too, am amazed. Not at the magnitude of the healings but that Jesus cared enough actually to see these unnamed women and tend to their needs. I rejoice in that and hope that I, too, will see those who are invisible.

 

 

Our year: Musing on to Love, to Serve, to Forgive

 

I concluded my last blog of 2020 with a quote — it began

 

“It was the best of times, 

it was the worst of times,”

 

(Charles Dickens, Tale of Two Cities) 

 

It still seems relevant today as I think back over the academic year 20/21. On this, the concluding day of our retreat, I reflected on the differences between this and previous years. This year, as a community, we have not been able to meet in person. There have been no face-to-face retreats either at our home or at Casowasco. There is something special about sitting together sharing conversation over a cup of tea or coffee. It has been a loss. 

 

But, there has been Zoom! Love it or hate it, Zoom has afforded opportunities that have benefitted us all. Perhaps, one of the main advantages has been our retreats have been readily available to everyone. No one has needed to consider finances for the retreat centre, for transportation or for child and dog care. It has brought a new depth of reality to the words “all are welcome”.

 

Our focus this academic year has been on our rule — to love, to serve, to forgive. I feel I have lived it — those words, that phrase seem to have been ever present. True with greater intensity as each retreat approached and the preparation began yet nevertheless constantly close to mind.

 

Over the last few months together, we have shared many conversations about love, service and ing. Now, we just have to live them! Or maybe, I should say, try to live them. I know there will be many occasions when I won’t love as I should, I will miss opportunities to serve and forgiveness will be slow to happen. 

 

But I won’t allow myself to be discouraged if I fall short. After all this is a journey — something I strive towards. I take heart from a phrase in the lectionary reading — “the love of Christ urges us on” (2 Corinthians, 5:14).  

 

I found the gospel reading equally encouraging. The text for this Sunday is the parable of the mustard seed (Mark 4: 26-34)— there is always something motivating about an image that depicts growth from a tiny seed to a big tree.

 

The mustard tree is one of my favourite images of the realm of God. Of course, when I think of the realm of God I am not looking for some distant future event but for the realm of God being established here on earth,  fulfilling what is repeated daily in the prayer that Jesus taught — “your realm come, your will be done on earth as in heaven”. 

 

The parable of the mustard tree is a lovely example of the use metaphor or picture language to help portray something which is too vast and too deep for humanity to comprehend. Each different image of the realm of God adds to overall picture but still one can only say “it is a bit like . . .”

 

Mustard trees are special. A mustard tree was chosen to provide an image of the Realm of God. Mustard trees (Salvadora perisca) grow in the Middle-East, India and North Africa. This evergreen shrub reaches both a height and width of twenty or thirty feet. Their leaves are dark green but lighten with age, their flowers are green or yellow and the fruit is purple. Their seeds are amongst of the smallest in the world.

 

The Mustard Tree was chosen as one image of the realm of God — or, to phrase it differently, the realm is a bit like a Mustard tree. I am always amazed at all the usages of a Mustard tree. It provides nourishment for human and non-human animals— the berries and seeds are eaten and leaves are used in salads. It offers protection — the birds shelter in its branches. It is a place of nurture as the birds nest and rear their young. And it offers health and healing, the fibrous branches are used to clean teeth while the leaves help cure many diseases including coughs, asthma and rheumatism.  Nourishment, protection, nurture and healing — what a great picture of the realm of God!

 

Trees have also featured in our retreats this year. A Love Tree was drawn at the Samhain retreat, a Service Tree was drawn at the Imbolc retreat and yesterday a Forgiving Tree was added. These trees dripped with fruit as participants added their comments about what to love, to serve and to forgive meant to them. I think our retreat trees also provide a glimpse into the realm of God. 

 

Look at some of the fruit. I’ll share just a few pieces from each of the abundance on each tree. Firstly, from our love tree — love of God’s creation, love of family, love of stranger, love of those cared for. Then from our service tree — love in action, acts of kindness, putting the Other first, giving of ourselves, being fully present to the Other. Finally, our forgiving tree — to let go of a desire for revenge, to give up anger and resentment, give up the desire to punish, to let go of past hurts, because of our humanity we need to practice forgiving, to keep healthy relationships. Rich fruit indeed!

 

As I look again at the fruit of our retreat trees, I can’t help but think that like the mustard tree these offer a glimpse into the realm of God. What a wonderful world!

The Mystery of Faith

As it is Trinity Sunday, I thought I’d ponder the mystery of the Trinity. I try to be real and honest when I write my blogs and when I don’t understand an idea, I’ll admit to it. Right at the outset of this blog I want to say that I don’t understand the Trinity — I can’t quite get my head round it. 

 

I think I am in good company, because as I glance at some of the explanations of Trinity, I’m not sure that anyone else understands it either. 

 

St. Patrick tried to explain Trinity by using a clover leaf — three leaves on one stalk. One clover, three parts. A good and, possibly, helpful picture yet not quite there. St Augustine described the Trinity as the Beloved, the Lover and the Love between them — another good picture based on a love relationship. Historically there have been several theories now considered heresy which were an attempt to explain the Trinity. Most claim one God in three distinct and separate manifestations — the Mother-Father became the Child who then became the Spirit (sorry for the very simplistic explanation!).

 

My preference is to remain with it as mystery. It is part of the faith. I don’t need to understand the details. As I pondered the relationship between mystery and faith, I realized that I live with this tension in many aspects of my life.

 

I thought about the COVID immunization, which I am incredibly grateful for. The vaccine is a mystery to me. I don’t understand what all the component parts are and although I’ve listened to some great explanations of how it works, I am aware that I don’t really understand the intricacies of how a vaccine works.  It is a mystery, yet, I accept by faith that this is the best thing for me and for my fellow human beings therefore I had the two jabs. 

 

I also pondered nature, something which I often do, but this time I was thinking of the mystery of it. So much of nature is a mystery to me. How does summer become autumn? I know vaguely that it is to do with light, and heat, and water and seasons. Yet, here in upstate New York in September we are often still in high summer temperatures but still the leaves still start to change to their autumnal glory. It is a mystery, yet I have faith that the seasons will continue to change, autumn will continue to follow summer.

 

The above are a couple of poor examples but as I pondered, I became increasingly aware that I live a lot of my life in this place of mystery and faith. Lots of things are a mystery to me yet I have faith in them. I’m seeing them through new eyes. Even simple things like writing this blog — the mystery of opening the computer with the faith it will log on, the mystery of hitting a key with the faith that what I type will appear on the screen , the mystery of pressing a few buttons and the faith that the blog will appear on the mailing list and Facebook. 

 

I am happy to live with many things as mystery. I don’t need to know the intricacies of the inner working. I simply live by the faith that they will work as expected. It is an interesting exercise — trying to see how many things during a normal day are a mystery to me yet I have faith in them.

 

Each time we share Eucharist together, we announce this is “the faith of the church” as we recite the Nicene Creed where the Trinitarian nature of God is expounded. I don’t understand the intricacies of the relationship between the three parts of the Trinity — it is an aspect of faith.

 

Trinity is a mystery and I am happy to remain with it as such.

 

“The Three who are over us,

The Three who are below us,

The Three who are above us here,

The Three who are above us yonder,

The Three who are in earth,

The Three who are in air,

The Three who are in heaven,

The Three who are in the great pouring sea,

Be blessing us this day.”

 

(Way of Living 47)

A Message in a Time of Persecution

 

A message in a time of persecution — as I pondered the gospel text (John 17:6-19) for this week that was the conclusion I arrived at.

 

I spent some time musing on it. The passage seems exclusive. It is full of phrases like “I am asking on their behalf, I am not asking on behalf of the world” (9) and “those whom you gave me from the world” (6)

 

When I read the New Testament, I find an overarching principle of inclusion. The good news is for everyone. The stories tell of Jesus being drawn to minorities — women, children, the poor, the Samaritan, etc. This is affirmed by the Acts and Epistles. The book of Galatians proclaims boldly, “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (3:28).

 

Today, I read a text that seems exclusive. This stands against the principle of inclusion so lauded in the New Testament scriptures. I wondered, briefly, if this was creating a divide between the Jewish nation and the Gentiles with the Jewish nation being favoured. However, I quickly abandoned that idea as it certainly would go against the tenet of the book of John. 

 

Eventually, I decided that the best way I could interpret this passage was to read it as a message in a time of persecution. It wasn’t a prayer for the whole of humanity but simply for those who were being persecuted. It would bring comfort — a sense that they had not been forgotten nor was their sacrifice unheeded. 

 

I suggest to any reading this blog that the passage is reread in that mode — this is not a general prayer but exclusively for those experiencing persecution. It breathes new life into the prayer which mentions being protected and guarded.

 

As I was understanding it in that light, I thought of the Black Lives Matter movement which ignited into new life after the deaths of Trayvon Martin, Breonnna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks and George Floyd. Sadly, many took to social media to proclaim, “All Lives Matter”. This now popular slogan avoids the conversation about racism, it denies the problems faced by Black friends and it closes important discussions which are still much needed. In a recent article entitled “Why is it so offensive to say ‘all lives matter’?  Karen Stollznow (Griffith University) concludes that “all lives matter” is “a direct push-back against the Black Lives Matter movement. It is far from an innocent term celebrating the worth of all humanity”.

 

For the last three weeks Andy and I have been teaching a course on racism (in our context for foster and adoptive parents, childcare workers and court advocates). In the trainings we seek to create a safe and confidential space for people to share their stories. I listened in sadness to the stories of the racism many of the participants have and are experiencing. For those of us living with our white privilege and white normativity it is hard to hear the stories. It makes me want to shout from the mountain tops “Black Lives Matter”. And, to affirm that in the Lindisfarne Community, Black Lives Matter.

 

So back to the text, I have no difficulty in understanding this passage as placing weight on a particular group of people who were in great need at that time. It does not detract from the general message of inclusion, but highlights that at that time those under persecution needed special recognition.

 

 

 

 

Time to Prune

The Celtic season has changed. The wheel of life keeps turning. Yesterday — May Day — was the first day of Beltane. 

 

Beltane. — the fires of Bel. Bel is likely a reference to the sun god, Belenus. (Alternate translations suggest Beltane means “bright fire”.)  In the Celtic tradition it was a two-fold celebration although I suspect they merged.

 

Two large bonfires were lit. Cattle were shepherded between them as a rite of purification and protection before being released into the newly opened pastures. People too passed between the fires to purify themselves. On the eve of Beltane all the hearth fires would be doused. The following day they would be relit from the Beltane bonfire — a new beginning.

 

It was also a time of great celebration of the fertility of the earth. Often a May Bush was decorated. This was usually a Rowan tree or Hawthorn bush which would be in bloom. The bushes were decorated with ribbons, bright flowers, painted stones and shells. Flowers and garlands were hung on doors and set windows of their homes. 

 

For Andy and I the first day of Beltane was spent in our garden —leaves needed to be raked off the lawn and bedding plants and herbs needed to be planted. We were surrounded by our lovely trees; the tall regal pines, the white blossom of the flowering pears, the pinks of the magnolia, the yellows of the forsythia and the reds of an unidentified tree. What a celebration of the fertility of the earth.

 

The lectionary reading (John 15: 1-8) seemed apt for the season. I was drawn to the concept of pruning and removing dead branches throughout the passage which were later burnt in the fire. Pruning and gathering dead branches is part of our work in the garden. I must confess, I always apologise to the tree when I’m cutting a branch. I tell the tree that it won’t hurt, it is just like getting a haircut! 

 

As in the text all dead or pruned branches will be burnt. By the time we reach winter our store shed will be full of branches and twigs which will keep us warm through the winter months. This is part of our preparation for the future seasons as the wheel of life keeps turning.

 

As I pondered the passage, which seemed so reflected in both the Celtic season and our garden work, I mused on pruning in general. It is part of the purification process that was so important to the Celts. At this time of year, I “prune” my clothes, the summer garments are retrieved from the high shelf in my wardrobe and the winter ones stored. In that process there is always some that will be discarded or donated for redistribution. 

 

Yet, that is an outward example, but more importantly pruning should be inward as well. It is a question I will continue to reflect on this first week of Beltane.

 

“What needs to be pruned from my life?”

 

 

 

I have always been intrigued by the resurrection appearances. When one reads them in the four gospels it is certainly an exercise in unity and diversity in the gospels. 

 

My main musing has always been, why did the writer of each particular gospel use or frame the stories in the way they did? 

 

When I read the parables, I have always looked for the main idea — the details of the story being the vehicle to convey that idea. I find it helpful to view resurrection appearances in the same way. Not to focus too much on the detail but to look for the message the author was giving.

 

Today’s lectionary gospel story is in Luke (24: 36b-48). Luke only includes two resurrection appearances although a third is alluded to with a passing mention to a previous appearance to Peter. 

 

The first appearance recorded is the story of Cleopas and partner on the road to Emmaus. Although, the companion remains unnamed in Luke, Cleopas’ wife is named as Mary in John’s gospel and I assume this is who he was walking with. 

 

In this first Lukan resurrection appearance, the two do not recognize the risen Christ in spite of what seems to have been a lengthy conversation where the scriptures were expounded to them. They later recognized the Christ in the breaking of bread. This is not today’s reading but nevertheless worth pondering about the message the author of the gospel of Luke was giving here — the recognition of Christ in the breaking of bread. 

 

Anyway, I’ll dwell there another time, but now I need to move on, to the second resurrection appearance which is the text for today.  

 

As the Lukan account continues Cleopas and Mary immediately returned to Jerusalem and went to the disciples to tell of their experience. The reading today begins with the disciples discussing their tale when Jesus came and stood amongst them bringing a blessing of peace. 

 

It does read like there was some recognition that they were seeing the Christ but clearly uncertainty too — they thought “they were seeing a ghost” (37). Interestingly, many of the modern Bible translations use the word ghost rather than spirit in this text — that provides insight into the art of interpretation engaged in by translators. 

 

Whether the English word used is ghost or spirit the sense is a noncorporeal being rather than a physical one. This was the initial perception of this resurrection appearance. Then, the author of Luke seeks to give proof that this was indeed a risen body. First, it can be touched, and the holes felt in it. Secondly, it can eat (In spite of the injuries!). 

 

In the Lukan account the text then immediately moves to ascension. There is no further resurrection appearance. So, back to my original musing — what did the author of Luke want to convey with these two accounts? 

 

The gospel of Luke was penned about 85CE. This would fall within the reign of Roman Emperor Domitian who was a particularly cruel ruler. He was the first emperor to style himself as “God the Lord”. He would also be referred to as “Holy”, “Thou Alone”, “Invincible” and “Lord of the Earth” to mention a few. He persecuted both Jews and Christians. Fox’s Book of Martyrs refers to this as the second persecution of Christians starting 81 CE. (the first was under Nero 67CE, the third under Trajan 108 CE).

 

I think this informs the intention of the text today. First by reminding the readers that Christ alone was sovereign. Then, by assuring them that life continues.  Amidst persecution and certain death for many, the assurance of continuity would be essential and comforting. This story would be important. It reveals the continuation of life. Not necessarily life as before, “they were seeing a ghost”. By the time this was written, after the loss of so many during the first persecution it would be futile to imagine that those early Christians thought they would rise from the dead and carry on life as before.

 

This passage was not designed to give that message — but to give the message of continuity. Life goes on. Death was not an end but a doorway into something different.

 

It is the message of hope in this Easter season which has been shared by many over the centuries.

 

 

 

Christ is Risen: Amazing and Terrifying

 Christ is Risen

Christ is Risen indeed

 

This joyful refrain will be echoed around the world. On this day, this Easter Sunday, Christians everywhere share the great hope of their faith. 

 

Christ is risen — history was made, and the world changed. 

 

I have been mulling over the lectionary text (Mark 16:1-8) for the last few days. 

 

The Celtic connection means that my first thoughts always go to how the natural world — the cycle of life — is reflected in the season. Life is just bursting out everywhere I look. Birds are nesting, shoots are pushing through the ground, trees are budding, rabbits, woodchucks and chipmunks are scurrying around. The evidence of new life is in abundance. Even, the last snowfall melted away overnight. What a wonderful picture of resurrection life. 

 

Yet, I am aware it is all in the interpretation. This depiction of resurrection life, which I find so meaningful, is only true in certain parts of the world. I have family in Australia where they are in autumn moving towards winter — how would a picture of resurrection life be imagined in nature for them? Would resurrection be the fruit and maturity of Jesus’ earthly ministry? Would it be the door into a period of hiddenness before the church emerges? Or what about family in Thailand and friends in Brazil where it is always warm? How would the nature surrounding them reflect resurrection life? Even in some southern parts of this country flowers are already moving to full bloom. 

 

So, while I enjoy the image of new life and hope for the future that surrounds me. I am aware that for others the picture may be different. Different, but no less meaningful. This Celtic understanding, that the earth reflects the cycle of life, is a picture for all regardless of where one lives. 

 

As I continued to ponder the words of the text, I found that I lingered on the last words of the passage — indeed the last words of the original gospel. (Mark is understood to be the earliest of the synoptic gospels and verses 9 onwards are thought to be later additions). 

 

The gospel according to Mark keeps the resurrection story comparatively short. Just eight verses, yet so full of meaning. In this story two women visit the tomb early to care for Jesus’ body. I did pause there, at our last retreat much of the conversation was about caring for others. It brought to mind the ethics of care and all that entails. I loved that I saw it here, right at the beginning of the resurrection story, although a little saddened that again caring was deemed women’s responsibility. This one verse in the Easter story highlights the significance of care.

 

And as if to emphasize this, these women were given an amazing responsibility. They were sent to bear witness of the resurrection to the male disciples. Today, it is almost impossible to realize the significance of this or to feel the impact of what this must have meant to them. In times when testimony from women was usually considered invalid or ineligible, women were chosen to bear witness to this most significant history changing event. 

 

Then follows the concluding words of the story, the last words of the gospel. And what an ending!  “So, they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid” (8).

 

At first glance, it can feel quite a negative way to end a gospel, leaving the reader to sit with fear. But the more I read it and mused on the verse, it felt exactly right. The women’s reaction was perfect. There was no false confidence or bravado. They were overwhelmed, they were terrified, they were fearful, and they were amazed.

 

I loved the honesty of it. 

I loved the humanness of their reaction.

I loved their insight.

 

Such a reaction shows that they realized that something life changing was happening. They had been chosen to bear witness to something that would change everything. They recognized the gravity of what they were seeing and hearing. It was an event they did not take lightly or casually. History was being made before their eyes — nothing would ever be the same for them again.

 

So today, as I think today about death and resurrection I, too, want to be so impacted, that I am amazed and terrified. 

 

Christ is risen — history was made, and the world changed. 

Spring has Sprung!

 

It is spring! Yesterday, the season changed and here in Ithaca, NY everyone was well aware of it. Gone were Friday’s cold temperatures and rain turning to snow in the evening. On the first day of Spring we awoke to sun streaming through the window and the drip-drip sound that indicates the last of the snow melting.

Today, promises to be even warmer — Spring has arrived. It is too early not to expect more snow in this part of the world nevertheless it is a sign that things are changing. Things that have been hidden are being revealed. Snowdrops are in bloom, green shoots are starting to break the surface, tiny buds are appearing on the trees and I even saw a woodchuck run across the lawn emerging from winter hibernation.

 

I have always appreciated the cycle of life mirrored in nature — Winter (hiddenness and preparation), Spring (new birth and growth), Summer (full bloom and brightness) and Autumn (maturity and fruit bearing). 

 

I love how in the gospels this cycle can be appreciated in Jesus’ earthly life. Stories of pregnancy and the hiddenness of the womb (winter), birth and childhood (spring), followed by a new ministry launched with a miracle of new wine (summer) moving to maturity and bearing fruit to feed and nurture the next generation (autumn).

 

Just as an aside — as I don’t want anyone reading this to think I have stopped banging my feminist drum — notice how prominent women were at the onset of each of these stages of Jesus’ life:

a woman kept Jesus safe and hidden in the womb, 

a woman gave birth, 

a woman told him it was time for ministry to start to bloom,

a woman recognized it was the autumn of ministry and anointed him 

and a woman announced the beginning of the next cycle of life as the hiddenness of the tomb was discovered empty.

 

But back to today’s text, the author of the Gospel of John quotes Jesus, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain: but if it dies it bears much fruit.” (John 20:24) 

 

It is a picture of the cycle of life. It is a powerful image of Jesus’ perception of his ministry. I do think the authors of the gospels placed their stories in the order that told the message they wanted to convey — I don’t think the order was accidental nor necessarily chronological. Here the author of John places this conversation straight after Jesus was anointed with perfume and then the triumphant entry into Jerusalem. 

 

However, there is a puzzling little exchange that happens right at the beginning of today’s text (John12:20-23). I spend much time pondering it, wondering why it was included here. The passage tells that amongst those who were celebrating in Jerusalem were some Greeks. They came to Philip and said, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew and then together they went to tell Jesus. Jesus response was not to welcome the Greeks, but to launch straight into the speech containing the verse quoted above.”

 

As I read it, I had lots of questions about why this was included at this point. The chapter would have read fine without it. On first glance it does not add anything — yet, I have to conclude it must have been significant for the author of John to include it at this point. In this passage the word Greeks probably refers to Jewish people who had adopted Greek ideas and culture (Hellenistic Judaism)— they were those on the margins. Obviously, Philip was hesitant when they approached him as he went to tell Andrew first. It reads like they were unsure about approaching Jesus or even letting “the Greeks” near him.

 

My thought is that this little conversation was included to show the expansiveness of Jesus’ ministry. It was an inkling, a hint pointing towards the inclusive nature of the ministry. The seed falling into the ground was for the benefit of all. No longer should people be considered on the margins — a view affirmed by the author of Galatians, “There is no longer Jew or Greek” (3:28).

 

Yet as I read the text and pondered the cycle of life, I also felt quite sad. I could not help but think of all the people who have not reached the autumn of their lives — or even the summer of their lives. This year has been a year of loss. 

 

As I write this, I especially think of those in Atlanta whose lives were lost because of racism this week. May each of their lives be seeds falling into the ground that will bring forth new shoots of change. 

 

Unpalatable Passages

Sometimes I read a passage in the lectionary and it causes me some unease — simply put, it jars. I don’t really like what I am reading. At these times I have to remind myself that this is a book of faith not a book of history.

 

I find it happening a lot when Andy and I read the Psalms as part of morning prayer. I am reading aloud beautiful, inspiring verses when all of a sudden there is a verse that jars. I don’t want to read, “Happy is the one who seizes infants and dashes them against the rocks” (137:9). I call these unpalatable passages. They remind me again of how carefully and non-literally scripture needs to be handled.

 

It happened with the lectionary today — not once but twice! 

 

The first time was in the Old Testament (Exodus 20:1-17). It was the story of the giving of the ten commandments. Of course, the concepts contained within the ten commandments are largely good. It was the beginning of trying to move society towards a better way of being. Today, most of the rule of law and popular notions of right and wrong affirm that it is not okay to steal, murder or perjure oneself plus adultery and idolatry are frowned upon. 

 

So, what jarred? It was that, once again, females were invisible. It stood out like the proverbial sore thumb. These verses were addressed to men — and not even all men, just privileged men. They were told not to covet their neighbour’s wife, no mention of a women not coveting a neighbour’s husband. They were told not to covet male or female slaves. This verse (17) is a perfect example of what Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza terms kyriarchy. which is a joining of two Greek words kryrios (lords or masters) and archo (to lead, govern or rule). The Exodus passage offers justification for slavery and patriarchy.

 

I know it was a different time and culture, but coupled with the rule of law, was the idea of male supremacy, or at least, supremacy for certain privileged males. This idea has prevailed unto present day. One only has to look at history or take a glance at the pictures depicting all the presidents and all the vice-presidents of the USA to see that this was not just something that happened in the Old Testament. Male supremacy continues — if I’m honest, I’m not sure why females have continued to be so demeaned and invisible. 

 

At this point, I have to say that I am so grateful to see Kamala Harris changing history as she stands on the shoulders of many brave women who worked so hard to change a nation’s mindset. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see photographs of 46 women following the pictures of 46 men thus moving the nation towards equality? 

 

As I continued through the lectionary passages, I came to the gospel reading which also jarred. It is the story of Jesus overturning tables in the temple (John 2:13-22). 

 

Why did this jar?

 

I think it was because most of what I read about Jesus was that he came to show a different way. One that involved enemy love, turning the other cheek, healing and feeding those in need. Here an angry Jesus is depicted. And if I am quite honest one who did not handle that anger well. Anger turned to violence is rarely good.

 

I have worked with traumatized children, who easily get angry. As I read this text, I could not help but get a picture in my head about the classroom and an angry child. The tables and desks are always the first to go! The child gets angry, jumps up and the desk and contents scatter around the classroom. Later, when calmness is restored, the anger, and reason for it, are acknowledged and validated, the ensuing conversation focuses around finding a better way to handle that anger. 

 

Jesus faced a situation where it seems great injustice was being done. He walked into the temple and saw the people selling animals for sacrifice. This was a necessary service to enable those who had come a distance to purchase an animal. (I’m not even going to touch the cruelty to the animals!) Apparently, the practice had become corrupt. In the synoptic gospels Jesus is documented as calling the place a “den of thieves”. People were being swindled in the changing of their money.  The “money changers” were getting rich. In modern terms, they had no competition and they were charging what the market would bear. We see this all the time. Recently, I purchased some flowers to send to my mother for her 94^thbirthday — her birthday is just after Valentine’s Day, so the prices were hugely inflated. Big business!

 

Jesus was angry and probably rightly so. Religion was being used to exploit people. Yet, I still have an unease at the violent means used to express this anger. There must be many better ways to bring about change than violence. It really jars that Jesus was portrayed out of character here.

 

So, what do I do with these unpalatable passages. Do I ignore them? It would be fairly easy to do so, I could just choose a different text to blog on. Yet I have made a commitment, to myself, to treat all the readings honestly, or as honestly as I can. I don’t want to avoid the hard readings. I don’t want to sweep the things that are unpalatable under the carpet! 

 

I try to follow Trible’s advice — I know I have talked about this, many times — to shake a passage until it yields a blessing.

 

Sometimes, that can be really hard. Sometimes, however hard I shake a text, it is difficult to find a blessing other than to be thankful that times are changing. 

 

In the gospel passage, I can find a blessing in that it allows the reader to see Jesus’ anger at injustices especially those done in the name of religion. It gives me permission to be angry at the injustices I see —injustices to women, children, people of colour, animals, LBGTQ+ friends, the poor, etc., etc.  These, too, are often done in the name of religion, So, this text gives me a mandate to be angry and to try to bring about change. I am still not recommending “making a whip of cords” to drive these things out of our society. Nevertheless, it is a blessing to know I can be angry at injustices so I can work for a better society.

 

Lenten Thoughts

 

Preparation is an important concept in the ever-changing story of our lives. People prepare for all sorts of occasions — some small and some big.

 

I, and others, have said many times “don’t be so focused on the destination that the journey is not appreciated and enjoyed.” Preparation is a large part of any journey. If I think back over my life journey, the time I have spent in preparation is quite a significant chunk. Preparation for going to college, preparation for getting married, preparation for each new child welcomed, preparation for changes in career, preparation for guests coming to stay, preparation for travelling, preparation for dinner each night — the list could go on and on. 

 

In today’s lectionary reading Jesus was on the brink of a change of career. Jesus is about to start ministry and feels compelled to take some time to prepare for it. In Mark’s version the story is minimal. The gospel merely states, “And the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him” (Mark 1:12-13).

 

 Jesus took a few weeks of time to be alone to prepare for the momentous time ahead. The story does not give much detail about the wilderness location. In the past, I have talked about the possibility that when the gospel tells us that John the Baptizer came from the wilderness, he had been sent to be educated and trained by the Essene community located there. Maybe, it was to an Essene community that Jesus was driven for this time of preparation. It always puts me in mind of the quotation which is one of meditations in the Way of Living, (p. 390). “In Scetis, a brother went to see Abba Moses and begged him for a word. And the old man said: Go and sit in your cell, and your cell will teach you everything.” (in Thomas Merton)

 

I like to think that Jesus time of preparation in the wilderness was a rich experience. It was the very foundation — the bedrock— of his ministry. Jesus took time alone to prepare but was tended by angels, and by non-human friends.

 

It is so often the negative aspects of this passage and this season of Lent that are focused on — self-denial and deprivation. I think it is a mistake to make that the focus. In “Christian-speak”, which I dislike, a wilderness experience is often used to denote something bad in one’s life. 

 

What do I mean by Christian-speak — a particular phrase or turn of speech that would only have meaning to those in the “club”. In certain circles it can become like a secret language, like a sign that one is an “insider”.  Such a horrible concept —insiders and outsiders. I constantly have to watch my language to ensure I don’t fall into the trap of Christian-speak.

 

Personally, I don’t think that being ill, or being financially challenged or being lonely or facing a crisis can be attributed to the passage today. They are indeed situations which many will have experienced. However, if such things are equated to this so-called “wilderness experience” then we would have to say that all the poor, all the chronically sick people, all the people who have been lonely for years are spending their whole lives in the wilderness if the gospel is interpreted that way.  People experiencing this sort of hardship may feel they are struggling constantly, but it cannot necessarily be claimed as a God-ordained spiritual experience.

 

I much prefer to think of the positive aspects of this passage, this Lent, which, in the cycle of the church’s calendar, is denoted as a time of preparation. 

 

Maybe the question people ask each other shouldn’t be “what are you giving up for Lent?”  but instead ask “what are you preparing for this Lent?”

 

It is an important question. The church’s cycle has given us these next few weeks to live it. Maybe preparation is towards a deepening spiritual journey. 

Maybe it is for a preparation for baptism or ordination. 

Maybe it is for a big change in life. 

Maybe it is for peace and strength in one’s life. 

Or maybe, it is simply to take time to reflect on the ever-present cycle of life and death and life and death and life

 

My hope is that Lent will be a positive experience this year for all who undertake the journey. My hope is that as each person takes time for preparation they will experience being comforted by non-human friends and tended to by angels — in whatever form that takes.

A Wise Word

Sometimes I read the lectionary passages and feel that they are quite concerning. Often, they express ideas which are hard to stomach. Today, was a little different, all four readings were quite uplifting — they are talking about beginnings. 

 

I could spend this whole blog talking about beginnings. As I write I am looking out of my window at large amounts of untrodden snow waiting for someone to plant a footprint into it. I get the same feeling when camping at the ocean and go to the beach early in the morning — the newly washed sand is just waiting for the first footprints.

 

These images always speak to me of beginnings — a new start, a path as yet untrodden, anticipation and expectation. Life is full of new beginnings, challenges waiting to be undertaken. Every stage of life, every day is a new beginning. I hope I use all my new beginnings with wisdom and grace.

 

But even as these pleasant and uplifting thoughts were swirling around my head, I couldn’t get away from two words, Wisdom (Chokmah/Sophia) and Word (Logos).

 

In the Old Testament reading about the beginning (Proverbs 8: 1, 22-31) Wisdom is in the beginning with God. Wisdom exists pre-creation, “before the beginning of the earth”. In Gospel (John 1:1-14) it is the Word who was “in the beginning with God”.

 

Did the feminine Wisdom of the Old Testament become the masculine Word of the Gospel? 

 

I think the author of the Gospel was linking Divine Wisdom with the Word. Always worth remembering that the gospels were written many years after Jesus’ death and, in some sense, were offering proof of who Jesus was. Therefore, the connection and language of the Johannine account of the beginning would have been very powerful to the readers of the day. 

 

Here I will pause and recommend a book on the subject Jesus, Miriam’s Child, Sophia’s Prophet by Elisabeth Schusser Fiorenza for any who want to delve deeper into this subject. 

 

Fiorenza writes, “It is debated whether according to the Fourth Gospel Jesus is Wisdom Incarnate or whether he replaces her. The narrative characterization of Jesus speaks for the first” (152).

 

I find the subject intriguing. It raises a lot of questions for me about the interplay between Wisdom and Word. I find it an expansive view. In an attempt to uphold a patriarchal understanding of Scripture. Sophia, Wisdom has not been given the prominent place she deserves. 

 

I am glad that the lectionary this morning acknowledges the place of Sophia in creation — it goes a little way towards redressing the gender balance.  

Cracks are Appearing

Wow, what a week this has been! 

 How could I write a blog without giving mention to the momentous event many around the world witnessed — I speak of the inauguration of America’s new vice president. 

 

The last blog I wrote was tinged with sadness and shock. The insurrection of the Capitol building was fresh in my mind. Amongst, other things I spoke of two underlying causes — white supremacy and patriarchy, 

 

Today, I write tinged with joy. Those twin towers that have blighted American history are starting to crack. The new vice president is a woman, and not only that, one of African and Asian descent. Kamala Harris radiated joy and happiness — even behind a mask one could see she never stopped smiling. I’m sure she knew that she was causing a crack in the tower of patriarchy. 

 

A year or so ago I wrote a blog which I entitled “Patriarchy is alive and well”. At least, that is what I thought. Then, I decided to check up on the actual date and realized I wrote it in April 2015. Nearly six years ago —has time really gone that fast? I still think patriarchy is alive and well — the last four years made that blatantly obvious as what must have been simmering under the surface was given voice. Yet, the outlook is not bleak. I am confident that one day patriarchy will tumble down. Sadly, probably not in my lifetime but I will see more and more cracks appearing. Last Wednesday was a big one!

 

Of course, Kamala Harris stands on the shoulders of many generations of women who have fought for equality and the right to be seen and heard. This Christmas one of the presents my son and daughter-in-law sent me was a jig saw. A circular jigsaw entitled “Votes for Women” and depicted about forty women who had been active in that struggle. To my shame, I confess some of the names were unfamiliar to me — happily the jigsaw came with an information leaflet giving their histories so I could learn.

 

My interpretation of the gospel reading today depicts one of the very first cracks in the tower of patriarchy. It is the story of a wedding (John 2: 1-11). I have blogged about this particular wedding before. I make no apologies for doing so again. 

 

At the heart of the story is a woman who was seen and heard. Well, maybe I should amend that a little as in this story the mother of Jesus remains unnamed. Even today, this is a common experience for many women. They are designated only by their role in relationship to men rather than as a person with a name.

 

But back to the wedding . . . the story doesn’t reveal who the wedding was between. There is no way to know who was getting married, but the text hints that it was a close relative of Jesus — maybe it was a sister, brother or cousin. The wedding was clearly an affluent affair with wine flowing freely and servants and stewards attending the guests. The passage suggests that the mother of Jesus was the host. She was the person to whom the servants turned when there was a problem with the wine.

 

In short, the wine at the wedding ran out. The servants approached host, the mother of Jesus, who in turn appealed to Jesus. Water was converted into wine and the steward commented that the best wine was saved until the last. 

 

As always when reading this text, what fascinates me is the conversation between Jesus and his mother. It is a significant part of the account and as such would seem to be important. When the wine ran out it was Jesus to whom his mother turned. She told him there was no wine. Jesus is recorded as saying it was no concern of his as “My hour has not yet come.” 

 

It is a strange retort. Obviously, Jesus knew that his mother was expecting a miraculous intervention but seems reluctant to reveal who he was. It seems, Jesus would be happy to remain in anonymity. 

 

Yet, it seems that his mother knew best! She knew it was time for the ministry to begin and her words and actions revealed it to Jesus. She did it quietly and calmly. She simply ignored his protestation that it was not his hour and told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 

 

It is essential that the key role of Jesus’ mother is not under-estimated. I think it is important to note that this is one of the first cracks in the tower of patriarchy. This woman was given the task of knowing when it was time for Jesus to start his ministry — she spoke and was heard.

 

So today, I am thankful for all the women who have undermined patriarchy — the ones who have spoken and been heard.

 

 

 

My Mind is Whirling!

What a momentous week this has been! 

Wednesday 6 January and the ensuing days will go down in the annuls of history. Wednesday 6 January was an overwhelming day. It was a shameful day. And perhaps, most of all it was a sad day. 

 

I could not write this week’s blog without mentioning it. The Lindisfarne community embraces secular monasticism — clinging to the rhythm of spiritual practices while living and engaging in contemporary society. The events of this week cannot be ignored,

 

The gospel lectionary reading today ends with the simile of the spirit descending like a dove (Mark: 1:10). The physical image of a dove has, in tradition, long since been associated with peace. A strange coincidence or, perhaps, a sobering reminder as this falls at the end of a week where an unprecedented violent attack on government was perpetrated. 

 

I do not want to reiterate the actual happenings of the day which +Andy and I, along with millions of others, watched unfolding.  I’m sure everyone has seen multiple images as they continue to dominate the news cycle — as do conversations about the consequences of the actions of those involved. 

 

One comment I will make though, is, as I have watched and listened to the careers and lifestyles of those who have been identified as involved, I was quite shocked. It has caused me much pondering on how an ideology can be followed so that it becomes all-consuming,  even to the extent where criminal actions can be committed without any thought of the harm caused to others. 

 

As I continue to muse on the events of the week, my mind has been whirling! 

 

Words do not really do justice to my thoughts — desecrating a seat of government, causing harm, injury and death to others, insurrection, sedition, domestic terrorism. These are hurts that cling to the soul deeper than can be given voice.

 

And alongside all those hurts white supremacy and sexism have once again been highlighted. I have pondered much about this. Four years ago, I realised that permission had been granted for a voice to be given to sexism and racism. To give it voice, it must have already been there, hidden under the surface. Okay, maybe not so hidden in many cases but certainly not voiced in the public arena. 

 

I wondered about this. It feels like it is in the social DNA passed from generation to generation. I do not say that lightly. I have seen it, felt it. Often, if challenged the response would be” I’m not racist” or “I’m not sexist” even accompanied by horror that I may have thought that about someone. Yet, it is there, underlying, in the social DNA being passed to the next generation. Much consideration needs to be given to how that cycle is broken.

 

Every time it feels like a step is taken towards ridding the country of this scourge something happens that reveals the depth of it. I am saddened but not discouraged. It is only as things are revealed and consciousness is raised that change can start to happen. I want to be part of that change — to look constantly in a mirror to check my own actions and speech and to challenge myself and others when it is needed — to be a voice for those who have no voice.

 

On this day. when traditionally the symbol of peace is remembered, I hope that threatened increased violence will not ensue. That the transition to a new government will be peaceful and those dealing with the aftermath of this week will have much wisdom.