Challenging "Possible"

(This year in the season of Lent, with our children we are focusing upon the covenants we hear of in the Old Testament between God and the people. And in Sunday and Wednesday worship we are using Faith 5 Lenten resources which break down the lessons into three themes- the first two weeks focusing upon Jesus coming to challenge. This week, the Old Testament reading from Genesis lifted up the covenant God communicated to Abram, now Abraham- the promise of generations to come through him even as he was 99 years old. An idea that makes young and old laugh even today. But we talked about how earlier God has told Abraham this would be so and took him out to look up at the night sky at the stars- and especially here in the country where there is less light pollution, the sky on a clear night is chock full of stars. We can truly get that they are impossible to count. Just like it’s hard for us to get just how much God loves us and wants to bring forth blessing. The kids took sticky metallic stars and handed them out amongst themselves and the whole congregation. And we encouraged people put them on clothing not the bulletin and to see how long that star would stay on that day even after worship. Later in worship, what a delight it was to see people of all ages coming up with stars on their shirts and sweaters- on the pin a lady was wearing, or the suspenders of a gentleman. As they came forward for communion, most tried to catch my eye to see if I saw their star. And what a joy to see the delight and life in the people as each week I call the kids forward and some run to get to the front of the church (gasp!) for our time together. It’s amazing what God makes possible!)

So today, all of our lessons are about challenging what we think is possible. Surely the covenant God was making with Abraham seemed impossible. After all, if I ask the man who today we acknowledged for celebrating a 90^th birthday what he would think if tonight he was told he’s fathering a child, we can see his laugh and head shake “no!” God told Abraham this but then time passed before the conversation we see today and it had be even more improbable. How astounding to have God already have told you that your descendants will be more numerous than the stars in the night sky. The verses we skip today would tell us not only that Abraham fell face down at this, but he laughed. He and Sarah laughed! Now God comes to make this covenant- a promise to be fulfilled. And many of us know that a baby at any age brings a whole new life- both joyous and sometimes frightening. But here in this covenant with Abraham we see a whole new identity, and a new name ( father of nations) and something sacred- that life together with God is much more connected- God is not distant, but one with the people. It challenges what seems possible. And even though it seemed to be impossible, there was life beyond imagining.

As we look at the apostle Paul, and his writings, we see one who was a persecutor of Christians, who handed over, and imprisoned and oversaw the death of others. Until that dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus where his whole life changed. But at first Paul thought he knew what his mission was- to speak to his people, to the Jewish people, after all he had been one of them. But they rejected him. And he seemed stuck, but instead he learned that his true ministry was to proclaim the gospel to a whole other group of people- the Gentiles. People he thought beyond God’s plan for salvation. But with a new name, and a new identity his message began the work of the church still today- making people one. It challenges what seems possible. And even though it seemed like an impossible thing, there was ministry beyond limitations.

Today we hear Jesus has been astounding flocks of people with teaching, and healings and feeding thousands of people from what seems like nothing. And the disciples are amazed and in response to his question of “who do you say I am?” Peter has blurted out ahead of the pack- you are the Messiah! And it seems like this will usher in the age of power and glory and political might. And yet it here that Jesus responds in a way that shocked them- I will be killed and I will die and yet rise. No! Death cannot be possible! It cannot be the way this goes! It challenges what seems possible. And though it seemed impossible, there was life and salvation beyond belief.

And yet, there it is in all the lessons really- that in order for God’s possibility to be brought forth, there is a death. A death to what we are sure we know, when God’s plan seems backwards. If we use the lens of power and possibility we will fail to grasp it- we will fail to get there.

Because God is challenging what is “possible” and it is radically different- life altering. And rooted in love. A radically different love that looks at people no one is looking at, and goes places no one is thinking about and dares the impossible- Life for all.

One life for all

That is gospel for us and yet there is sacrifice. Here's why:

Recently I saw a picture that on one side shows three distinct circles for work, play and rest and then there is a line drawn from top to bottom on the one side. On the other side is a picture of a church. And it says “2 Lives.” It depicts that way sometimes we all can view things- there is my work, and my play and my rest time that takes up about 6 days and 22 hours. And then there is my other life- the hour or two I spend being “churchy.”

Then there is a second picture where the circles of work and play and rest are interconnected like a Venn diagram (you now know the extent of my math knowledge)- but there in the middle of the connection is that cross. And the caption says “one life.” Not two lives. One. God in the midst of it, creating it and active in it. God in it all, not just the official churchy part. And us in God’s world living out God’s vision.

Here’s where the stars come in. They represent what is possible in God’s eyes. Beyond our imagining for ourselves and our world. Perhaps it seems like we are sacrificing to live a “one life” existence as opposed to just compartmentalizing God. And yet there is such blessing amidst yes, challenge, in one life. Imagine the possibilities for life, ministry and mission. Imaging the scope of God’s love.

Perhaps our Lenten challenge is challenging what we think is possible.

And then taking steps closer to living One Life with the God who is inviting us into what is possible- that everything we are and do really are one life in Christ. When you look at that star, may you be reminded of God’s calling.  

 

 

Riding the Wave of the Spirit

A year ago today at about this time, I graduated from Seminary and I had no idea who Matt and Carson were. But the Spirit was at work and today one year later, I can say that I’m ordained so that I can baptize my neighbors-Lyle and Dexter- because the flow of the Spirit brought us together in this place. During the Sundays of Easter we’ve begun each week with Thanksgiving for Baptism. As our worship has begun, we’ve turned and faced the font where for us, God has spoken. We’ve watched the water flow and we’ve let the words pour over us. Let’s go back to those words and let them soak in- recall and give thanks for God’s work in the Spirit poured out in water and the word.

If we listen we hear beautiful, stirring language that recalls God in great water stories- “ in the beginning the Spirit moved over the waters” and created, bringing order out of chaos and sprouting forth new life in abundance. “God spared Noah and his family” from being swept away by raging water. God commanded the waters to stand back! And delivered the people out of captivity and into freedom. These are Cecil B De Mille epic movie images.

We’ve also been giving thanks for the gift of baptism for us- through which we share in Jesus’ death on the cross, but also in salvation, cleansing and new life. As you listen to the words, can you hear God’s love splashing forth everywhere, as we listen to the water pouring out of the pitcher? I really hope so.

Yet, I must confess to you that as captivating as this can be most weeks, as I am holding the very full pitcher, I’m keenly aware that water is just about to burst forth and it just might splash everywhere. Especially today as I’m feeling a little jet lagged and the pitcher is heavier than I remembered. It’s the same feeling perhaps you’ve had holding a pitcher of ice water, when you’re sure the ice will all jam up, and you just know that then the water will fly, not just out of the spout. But over and around it. Splashing everywhere!

It's seems to be on the verge of being reckless and messy. A little chaotic and out of control. There are moments when the thought going through my head is what if I can’t hold back the water? What if it really does go everywhere?

This is the dilemma that we hear of in the early church in our lesson from the Book of Acts- what if this CAN’T be contained? The verses we hear are part of an ongoing saga that’s been unfolding ever since the moment the risen Jesus appears to the disciples and breathes the Spirit into their midst. Then Saul has a dramatic conversion as the result of a vision, and Peter has a dream that leads him to a place he never imagined. And each finds himself in a place where he comes to realize that God’s point is not about asking them to hold back the water, or “protect” the Spirit. In fact, they’re being challenged to get out of the way of the flow.

While these verses seem to show us mere moments in the flow of time, they were dramatic changes that probably felt nothing like the orderly progression of the development of faith. They probably felt much more like trying to ride a giant wave.

I don’t know if you have ever tried to ride the waves, but in my younger days at the shore, I did. And I learned it’s tricky business. If you fight the flow, it ends up badly, and you find yourself stranded, or pounded into the sand, wondering what went wrong. But if you hit it right, it’s an amazing ride. It’s exhilarating though short, and the best moments come when it’s obvious you’re just letting it happen.  Whenever I listen to people talk about Spirit-led moments in their lives, it sounds like this. Moments where in spite of our limits, or biases or fears, the Spirit enables us to see God and takes over our lives. This is what the imagery of the roaring wind, the rushing breath and the all consuming fire intend to depict- power and presence beyond our grasp.

Even so, no matter how often we hear these stories, our natural inclination tends to be more like Peter and Saul and to fight the flow. And maybe even grimace when we hear that the pouring out of the Spirit is not according to our dispensing instructions. The pouring out of the Spirit isn’t like using an eyedropper and selectively parsing out here and there as we wish. It really is that giant out of control wave. One that will toss us around whenever we too say things like “ anyone but THEM!” And God’s real answer to the question of whether anyone can hold back the water is NO!
To proclaim we believe in the power and presence of such a Spirit means we are challenged to trust that the same God who created order out of chaos also offers the way and the hope we need to live in spite of the tension. It’s found in Jesus’ words- “Abide in me.” The vision and the dream of these words is a wonderful new relationship, yet one that is seen most fully when we lay aside our lives as we envision them- for a love as all encompassing as the Spirit. “Abiding with” is deeper than just putting up with- it’s swimming in the same water with those whose lives look nothing like the life we want to abide in. The only way we can do it is by that same Spirit.

As we’re again reminded of this all encompassing love for us and an equally broad call to mission, the best place to become is empowered is in remembering with thanksgiving the work of the Spirit in us, and the power of that Spirit continually poured out over us. Perhaps I’m biased, but for me the clearest image of this comes by seeing the Spirit as a mothering influence. Part cheerleader, part nurturer, part comforter. Part “get off your butt and clean up this mess I’m tired of living in.” Add a dash of “you did what?!”

But then add the phrase that I’ve said more than once as a Mom- “not everything can be fixed, but there is nothing that can’t be forgiven.” Because everyday I am swept away by how much I love you. “I’ll help get you there.”

This is how I envision the Spirit and what I remember when I give thanks for baptism.  And I believe that God uses the love of mothers and others to show us this- in times that kind of love has swept over us; times we’ve abided things for those we love; and times when the Spirit has enabled us to set aside the “Me” for a deeper love together in Christ.

That same love must flow forth beyond us,

as the Spirit continues to move in us and through us.

Today the Spirit pours, or perhaps better, gushes forth, not only in our memory but as we pour the water and word over Lyle and Dexter in baptism. It’s a day for which the Spirit has been at work. Today it’s more than a dream or a vision, it’s a loving reality. As we hear God say- I chose you. And God has chosen each of us and chooses all people. Words that lead to the water. Water that speaks of the Word.

May we celebrate this day! And continue to ride where the Spirit is flowing. It’s the ride of our lives. It may sometimes be chaotic, uncontrolled or even messy. But as one of my classmates has said- we take the ride. And then one day it hits us- we wake up and see- that the Spirit has poured all our waves together and we’re really all awash in God’s giant sea.

Then our joy will be complete.

Amen

Meeting Jesus in Our Hunger

This past week I got a call from the daughter of Edna Shugars, one of our homebound members. Her daughter was in town for her mother’s 90^th birthday and called to tell me Edna said she was really hungry for communion- would you come?  “Of course I’d be delighted to bring communion,” I said and inquired if I could also bring a birthday treat. I learned her favorite cake was Red Velvet, so I splurged and made a trip over to Sublime Cupcakes and got a bunch of cupcakes in different flavors but most definitely one Red Velvet. Communion and cupcakes. We celebrated, took pictures of the birthday girl, and shared good conversation. I learned her son in law often serves as a communion assistant in their Lutheran church in Missouri. He became visibly moved talking about the profound experience of sharing communion with people. Looking into their eyes and seeing that there’s something different, that moment we grasp that Jesus really is in our midst in our eyes and theirs. Some of you’ve shared how this moment hits you too.

When I told Edna I’d brought communion she was filled with joy and hope. After we shared in the bread and wine and prayed, I watched as she sat there, with her eyes closed, and a slight smile. With tears in the corners of her eyes, she sat perfectly still for awhile, just holding onto the communion glass. This lasted so long her daughter asked her if she was OK. But she smiled and opened her eyes oh so slowly and said she was just so happy. And I really believe she was meeting with Jesus. I saw what it meant to be truly hungry for Jesus, and in doing what seemed like I was responding, could reminded just how much we all are hungry for Jesus. At the end of our time, I looked over, and ironically there sat the Red Velvet cupcake-in our communing and communion, it was yet to be enjoyed. In the meantime, Jesus had opened our minds so we could understand the deeper meaning of “This is for you-remember me.” Met in our hunger and helplessness, and given life-fed in the name of Christ. There are lots of other times and places Jesus will show up in what seems like the need of others but will reveal our need and God in our midst.

Unlike my visit with Edna it will often be in the unscheduled, unanticipated people with a need who suddenly appear. After the cross, those who followed Jesus have been hoping to meet him. He’s appeared to some on the road who go to tell the others, but then while they are in mid-sentence, a stranger shows up in the midst of them and just stands there. They aren’t sure who he is or what he wants. They feel scared and helpless. He’s trying to get them to understand and then he blurts out, “do you have any food?” An unanticipated event, and an unexpected request. When they respond Jesus opens their minds, and opens up the meaning of God’s words. But I wonder, couldn’t it all have turned out differently in this event that seemingly begins as an intrusion into their lives? They could’ve told Jesus, that if he was hungry he should find his own food, because it’s not in their budget to feed total strangers who look like they could provide for themselves?

I wonder because as so many in our community and our country struggle to eat and to have peace, this week it was announced that legislators are proposing the cutting of billions of dollars that provide food assistance to families. Many believe that this program is an intrusive drain on our resources. Let others find their own way. Some who use the program who are guilty of a variety of sins. Let them feed their own. Yet when asked how these people, many of whom are children, will eat, the answer is this: Let the charities and churches step up and do something. As the pastor of this congregation that is already stepping up, I wonder how much more can we do, especially when it looks like some are not stepping at all? And according to Bread for the World, the cost of this to churches would be an added $50,000 per congregation, even those already stepping up.  How can we even begin to reach THAT many hungry and the helpless people looking for food and hope and comfort? Here in the RLP, churches, like ours, already have afterschool programs connected with the Food Bank Kids Café project. Others buy food for local moms and grandmas in the neighborhood to feed their afterschool kids. Many stock pantry shelves to feed the hungry.

We hunger for a Christ we long to see, but while we may want to think he will show up like Edna, Christ is also coming in all the hungry of the world. Some days and and people challenge us, when they suddenly show up and have a demand. It’s not always as heartwarming as a visit with a lady like Edna. In many ways, the face of those who hunger is not always the one you expect. In my own childhood, I remember helping my Mom stock the dented cans on the shelves of the low cost pantry. But I also remember that same pantry provided us food. And I remember being tempted to put aside some cans of things I wanted. That pantry helped us have life. Perhaps it would surprise you to see that a food pantry kid is preaching in this pulpit today. You never know how Jesus will show up. One of our own volunteers shared this story- A child came and got a bag of groceries, and suddenly looked up with pure joy and exclaimed– “We will eat tonite!”  Jesus showed up and both the volunteer and the child were fed in the name of Christ.

Christ is coming in all of the hungry reminding us to share what it means that God’s words are fulfilled in him. Christ is coming to open our minds, and to empower us to share this message with all nations, no matter how hard it is to understand.  To tell them “Come hungry, come helpless, come hopeful, eat and live.” Come to all of the places God sets a table because God hungers for all are able to be fed, and be welcomed.”  This is the work for us who claim we carry on his name. It is a draining monumental task that asks us to challenge our leaders and ourselves, and that leaves lots of questions. But through the Spirit like those first disciples miraculous things happen that our own power could not achieve. As witnesses to the power of God, we’re given power to respond to what Jesus asks of us, even in the unexpected, the unbudgeted, and the unknown.  Wherever there are those who hunger, who long for comfort and hope for forgiveness and peace, Jesus is still showing up, speaking to them and to us-“this is given for you- remember me.”

Today we will sing- Eat this bread, drink this cup. Come to me and never be hungry, trust in me and you will not thirst.

How will God's words come to life in and through us? There are a lot of things I don’t know about how each of us will respond, but there is one thing I am sure of, we are called to an active response.

Wherever this may be for you may you be guided by the prayer of the food pantry at Hope Lutheran Church, each week before they open the doors to all those people who show up asking, do you have anything to eat? 

 “Lord Jesus, we know you will be coming through the door today. Help us to treat you well.”

Back From the Big Easy

I am just back from New Orleans.
I did not "officially" go as a voluntourist. Instead I went as a tourist to a region that is starved for our support of one of its most viable industries, post Katrina and post-BP scare-tourism.Don't forget them. NOLA is the town that needs all of the little towns and they need NOLA. I went to stay full freight and eat in restaurants that still serve clean seafood. BTW, to enjoy the first vacation that was not about transporting our teenaged children since starting seminary- they are in the South Pacific. That may be another blog.I've much to say about my internship ending but I actually am more compelled to talk about NOLA.
Pictures are posted here under my photos. I feel it imperative to debunk myths.First, one that shocked me more than anything else, one I heard at my exercise class as I pondered the viability of my upper arms in sleeveless tops- "What difference does it make? It is a city that is nothing but fat black people with their hands out." This statement made by a "well-educated" person was like a cold hard slap in the face. For the record, while there are "fat lazy people" everywhere of all stripes, they are not unique to NOLA, nor are they the norm. I met wonderful, diverse people who long to be in a world not in peril, who fear and mourn the loss of culture and way of life and yet are vibrant and joyful. And for the record, are not those so-called "misfits" to the extent they exist, the people we are called to care for and lift up? I think Jesus said so. Second NOLA and its coast are still free (pending Hurricane Alex) of the effects of oil= beautiful shrimp, crawfish are to be had. And for those who imagine NOLA on the coast= it is 100 miles upstream. While we are at it- there is outstanding art, jazz bursting forth and a teaming array of people who desire us to remember them and come to share with them.
Thirdthe remnants of Katrina are not gone, but there is much to support and celebrate here. As people feel their very cultural context threatened can we not do more than just mourn it's loss? My husband and I found a wonderful B & B which you can see HERE We had a wonderful stay and found many ways to appreciate the tapestry that is NOLA. So, in short, as we all contemplate what it means to live out mission, let us not forget that sometimes there are work trips and sometimes there are times to help our brothers and sisters celebrate who they are, where they are. Celebrate with St Augustine that has defied an order to close post-Katrina. Celebrate with the musicians and artists who long for you to see their life's work. Come y'all.

Maybe We All Have Encountered the Canaanite Woman

Maybe we have all encountered Canaanite women. For me the most dramatic example of this was Denise. She was separated from her husband, who kicked her out and recently released from a mental hospital with a post-traumatic stress diagnosis. She had lost her home, her job, custody of her daughter and the last shreds of her dignity. But she was convinced her daughter was being abused by her husband. She was loud, in need of medication and volatile. When she brought her emotional wave into the office, she frustrated my secretary, angered my fellow lawyers, and embarrassed everyone else in her path. No one listened to her, or believed her- she was a mess.
She would call or “stop by” incessantly, demanding my time without regard to my sense of priorities. I wanted to make her go away. But what if she was not just unstable, but also right about her daughter- the cause of her ceaseless desperate crusade? For the first two years I represented her, I resented her. Yet, I could not bring myself to dismiss her, even when I was told I could. I stuck it out. She fought with me, but she begged me to help her. She gained greater stability, and in the end, she was right, and we were able to prove it. We regained custody and she could start the healing process for herself and her daughter. It was not immediate, but in legal circles, two years was pretty close. I came to change my mind about mental illness- no longer a blanket excuse to ignore. I completely identify with Jesus and the disciples. But what about Jesus?
Jesus should not act in this irritated and insensitive way, right? I think it would be easy to focus upon this as an inquiry into why Jesus acted the way he did. “See, even Jesus had a bad day.” It could certainly help justify what we do or do not do at times. After all, we have had those days too, when people have argued with us, or chewed us out. We are tired, and just want to get away from it all. We want to live out the Corona beer commercial where the person sitting on the beach gets to throw that ringing cell phone into the sea- NOT NOW!
Yet, someone blurts into our world, like this woman. Maybe it is the homeless person who doesn’t take the hint and keeps following you asking for food. It could be the person who starts coming to church, but then becomes a whole lot more needy than we care to see. Whatever it is, these people mess with our world, and they point out our impatience, as well as our prejudices and self-imposed limits on caring. Who are our “Canaanite women”? We want a God who will love and accept us, BUT the road stops short at our barriers- substance abusers, AIDS victims, migrant workers, or ___________. We can tell ourselves that we’re like Jesus. It’s not like Jesus was doing nothing- he was doing some good stuff, and he had a mission and a people.
But let’s not get comfortable with this story as proof that we get to slack off in carrying out God’s mission. Because this is not the gospel message. Because here comes that Canaanite woman, and she takes the picture everyone is looking at and turns it upside down.
She is a social outcast on many levels. She has no man. She belongs to an ethnic group that is despised. She is poor. She probably smells. She has a child who is a freak. She is yelling out constantly- she makes everyone uncomfortable. Jesus could hurl a racial slur. After all, no one would think twice. But instead, he just tries to ignore her. She keeps on crying out, and now the disciples are begging him to make her go away. So he has her yelling on one side, and the disciples whining on the other. Oy!
So he tries to tell her she is none of his business. Yet she has the audacity to challenge and seek not a just a meek request to be nice to her. She demands to be called an equal. She not only dares to insert herself into Jesus’ group, she argues with him. She even goes so far as to tell him what his mission really is. And it hits him. Suddenly, his tone and focus change. He has been surrounded by leaders of the people he came to save, who reject him. His disciples are his insiders, but fail to grasp who he is. He is surrounded by people who just want something, but have perhaps no plan of commitment.
Until now, Jesus has basically focused upon the chosen group, for better or for worse. And although the official message is that everyone is equal, the reality of this in practice hasn’t quite taken off.
In this time of groundbreaking politics in this country, it all sounds kind of familiar- some people should know their place, wait their turn, go home or get lost. Race and ethnicity make us uncomfortable. We believe in ideals, but…
“Give me your tired and your poor, your restless masses yearning to breathe free, but.. maybe not so much.
We could focus on why Jesus acted like he did at first, but the gospel message is in what he did next. And this is what WE are called to embrace and live out. She kept pushing. She used his logic against him. And Jesus was moved. He could have grabbed the picture back from her and turned it “right side up.” But he didn’t. This woman who had nothing to lose, and who had nothing to give other than her soul, was laying it all before him, bowing down and worshipping him. While she sought him as a desperate parent, she called him what none of those who should know him did. She called him “lord”- the word of total faith and commitment.
This story pivots in a new direction. The living out of the universal claim that God’s will and salvation, and God’s message of love, mercy and forgiveness, are not for a few, but for all. Even and especially those who may challenge our view.
The Jews despised the Canaanites. They were the bitterest of enemies. Yet this woman they want to dismiss is instead a heroine of faith- persistent and extreme, and an example of total commitment. Her life may not be ours, but her faith example should be.
This commitment to faith will not always be easy. This aspect of the story is also true. But God stands with us, and is calling us. Luther in Freedom of a Christian, notes that through Jesus Christ we are freed from bondage to sin. And in this freedom, we should be inspired to do good things out of love and worship of God. Who does God care for? This is who WE should care for. Not just those like us, but those NOT like us. Not just those we like. But also those we may think we have good reason not to like.
We often pray in our prayers here for “those whom it would be easy to forget.” Today we are urged to live this out. Let us not forget all of the “Canaanite women” but strive to embrace our faith and to carry out God’s mission of love, mercy and forgiveness, and of equality for all.
Amen