I lost fear in the black belt when I began to know in my bones and sinews that I had been truly baptized into the Lord’s death and Resurrection, that in the only sense that really matters I am already dead, and my life is hid with Christ in God. – Jonathan Daniels
Jonathan Daniels was a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute. He went on to become an Episcopal seminarian at the Harvard Divinity School, and from there, became a martyr in the deep south on August 20, 1965. To learn more, click this image.
Jonathan Daniels was a white seminarian who felt called to help Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with civil rights work in the Deep South. Shortly before his martyrdom, he penned the words above. In his work, he had stared down violent threats and intimidation. His freedom in Christ helped him love with great abandon. Indeed, he loved unto death.
On Friday, August 20, 1965, he was heading to a general store in Hayneville, Alabama to get drinks with three friends. A local man, Tom Coleman, met them as they approached. He threatened them and leveled his gun at seventeen-year-old Ruby Sales who was African American. Daniels pushed Sales down to the ground and caught the full blast of the discharge. He died a martyr living out Jesus’ teaching, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Martin Luther King, Jr. said Jonathan Daniel’s martyrdom was “one of the most heroic deeds of which I have heard in my entire ministry and career for civil rights.”
We might never be called to martyrdom, but we are called to love with abandon like Jonathan Daniels and so many of our Christian brothers and sisters before us. Ordinary people in so many ways, many of the greatest saints were quite fallible. Yet, they experienced the love of Christ in a way that changed them. They came to understand resurrection was not just an event only involving Christ in the distant past or one far in the future at the end of time. We can live a resurrected life starting now when we trust Jesus with our lives. It is that trust that frees us from sin, death, and the Devil. It frees us to love in miraculous ways, whether the world recognizes it or not.
I pray that as we approach another Easter, we don’t seek Christ in any old, dusty tomb. Let us seek him in our hearts and the relationships God leads us into. Find him in his holy word, studying it alone or with others. Encounter a foretaste of the feast to come in corporate worship at church or in the home. Serve the Risen Christ in the one’s he has entrusted to your care, perhaps even those whom you resent or whom are your enemies.
Yes, Jesus is risen. He is risen indeed! It is amidst our ordinary life and among our average neighbors that we will find him and begin to experience the new life he promises. He has gone ahead of us, waiting for us in our future. Do not be afraid. Rejoice, for “there you will see him,” much as the disciples were told in Matthew 28:7.
Christ’s peace to you, and happy Easter!
Pastor Lou
The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (March 2013 edition). To view the entire issue of The Messenger or to see the full calendar of events, visit: http://www.mlcas.org
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.
I know it might seem strange to post about Super Bowl commercials on what is usually a blog dealing with spiritual issues, but I saw three advertisements which had a distinct spiritual and community dynamic. These stood out for their positive messages and in two cases, explicit reference to spiritual life. Others are here as they raise interesting theological points for discussion. We often say that “God is everywhere,” so why shouldn’t theology and advertisement meet?
Surely, as many scholarly books attest, I understand that consumerism can negatively impact and shape our spiritual views. Spirituality and community life can become just another marketing ploy. The “perfect life” can prove a hollow idol created by advertising executives and leading us away from God and our neighbor. These are true risks in our world.
In addition, some churches have adapted a sales approach to mission and ministry; striving to entertain an audience while seeking to outdo the competitor congregations through fresh, sometimes extreme marketing. This sometimes creates a church which one observant friend described as “theologically a mile wide but only an inch deep.” Such faith communities tend not to be rooted in the past nor truly engaging the inner lives of participants in the present. They can become not much different than the local car lot offering a special drawing or showplace just trying to fill seats and maximize the take.
Still, I found these entries in the Super Bowl race for attention unique and worthy of mention. Perhaps they might seem hokey to some. Maybe the companies have some alternative, darker reasons behind the pitch. Conceivable, I can be making too much out of nothing. Yet when so many companies go for tasteless shock and awe, it was refreshing to watch these.
My Top 3 Super Bowl Ads for 2013:
1st Place – Ram: The Farmer
I appreciated that the video presentation seamlessly echoed the great Paul Harvey’s wonderful reflections on the often forgotten or underappreciated farmer. Having lived for a time in the mid-west, I remember well the hardworking individuals staying out all night in sub-zero weather to care for a calf. I saw them tend to their families, their fields, their animals, and their business with passion, dedication and love. I admired the magnificent images; many of them like artwork and showing the many facets of the people we call farmers. Subtly placed within the images are diverse people praying, hoping, and loving while trying to make a living. At the same time, they have the ability to make the world a better place. Indeed, the farmer shares a vocation in the purest sense. Their work is a call from God. Let’s pray that they succeed in nobley living up to that call.
2nd Place – The Jeep: Whole Again
In our small church community, we have had a number of people who have served in the military to include wartime. Some have suffered from post-traumatic stress decades after their experience, while others are younger and dealing with fresher but what will likely be long-lasting wounds. Fortunately, not all suffer in this way. Yet no matter their status, we have a very affirming community for our military veterans. Several military installations are nearby, and a number of our people in our community work in support of the military which defends us.
We read news items of deaths. We hear of injuries and disability. Instead of statistics, we see our family members, friends, comrades, and neighbors. We know families split apart for far too long of a time (and any length of time is too long, even if necessary). Through these shared experiences, we sense the validity of Martin Luther’s reflections on the military being a vocation, a sacred calling:
…In the same way, when I think of a soldier fulfilling his office by punishing the wicked, killing the wicked, and creating so much misery, it seems an un-Christian work completely contrary to Christian love. But when I think of how it protects the good and keeps and preserves wife and child, house and farm, property, and honor and peace, then I see how precious and godly this work is; and I observe that it amputates a leg or a hand, so that the whole body may not perish… (excerpted from Martin Luther’s Whether Soldiers Too Can Be Saved)
With the historic love affair between jeeps and the military, along with this tasteful presentation (even explicitly yet subtley mentioning prayer no less), their advertisement doesn’t come across as jingoistic to me. It speaks of yearning, servant leadership, and love. We are not whole until there is peace and our military can be with us once again. The wounds of wars and a fallen world run deep, but there is hope. We can remain in a loving communion as we wait upon the Lord to restore peace and wholeness to our lives and our world.
3rd Place – Budweiser : The Clydesdales – Brotherhood
This ad could have perhaps made Francis of Assissi feel verklempt. Although fictional, the love that can be shared between man and animal reminds me of the “pets” in my own life who teach me about laughter and love every day. These relationships are spiritual in nature. Genesis may indicate God shares his dominion over the world and all that’s in it with us, but we are not to be abusive lords. We are to be loving stewards, caring for creation and the lives within it. This tender commercial has touched the hearts of many. If only more people would look deeper to see how all creation points us toward the majestic love of our God.
Lastly, some may questions the use of a beer commercial on this blog, but recall that Martin Luther and his wife, Katie, made their own beer and even sold it to support their Reformation work. For the theological merits of making or imbibing alcohol, that must wait for another time.
Runner-Up:
Samsung Mobile USA: The Next Big Thing
Although snarky, this runner-up is mentioned not only for its humor, but how it reflects our all too common tendency to be “bent inward upon ourselves” (as Martin Luther used to say). Seth Rogan and Paul Rudd play themselves, called in to promote the next big thing from Samsung. They both assume they are being recruited as “the next big thing,” rising stars in a media culture. This flash point to humor reminds us of our shared Achilles heel, our hubris. It was, is and remains the source of our common Fall.
Questionable Mention:
Tide: No stain is sacred
Certainly, I could have picked many of the hyper-sexual, juvenile, or abusive ads seeking to attract attention through shock. Instead, I will only mention this Tide commercial. I get the humor in it, but it also gave me reason to pause. Many people fall in the trap of a simple, superstitious faith where they see images and find meaning in questionable things – an image of Jesus on toast or a taco for example. Yet, there are other images such as Our Lady of Guadalupe that are much harder to explain away.
Lutherans (and Protestants in general) become cautious when discussing the mixing of spirit and matter, the gift of something spiritual – grace – by means of physical things. We do so because human nature often leads us toward excess. We have a tendency to create idols and pay for relics. We begin to worship things of humanity or earth rather than God. Lutherans do believe God can use the physical bound to the Word through faith as a means of grace (as in our two Sacraments, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper), but we would reject the superstitious sightings of grace so often merged with transitory things.
Martin Luther often used humor himself to attack this tendency in the church of his time (a church made of very fallible people just like today). Yet while on one hand I see the humor of this modern ad, I fear it might make people laugh at faith as a whole in some manner. I don’t personally like to mock my neighbors who might find spiritual meaning in such things, even if I don’t. I never hesitate to speak openly of my concerns about such behaviors, but hopefully, we can do so out of love for our neighbor and show them respect.
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.
Today, too many fear the promised return of our Lord Jesus. In movies and other works of fiction, many can only imagine a terrible time of horror, suffering and judgment. Indeed, we are told in scripture that the end of time promises some form of Judgment Day will occur, but all is not a future full of darkness alone. With the symbolic language and prophetic texts used to speak of such a time, people tend to actively speculate about what such a time could be like. Many let their imaginations run wild for profit, the intimidation of others, or perhaps just out of ignorance. Yet in truth, to try to discern the mechanisms and mechanics of Judgment Day puts us at risk of being unbiblical. Such an exercise always proves futile for we lack God’s vision and understanding.
Instead of speculating about suffering or damnation, perhaps we should hold fast to Christ’s promise that he returns out of love for us. For rather than inspiring fear or proving a map to a terror-filled future, texts such as Revelation were written as much for (if not more for) Christians suffering in the present time to find hope and encouragement amidst persecution. In it, we are assured Jesus will most certainly come to complete what his life, death, and resurrection started. Jesus will come for us and our sake, to set the world right and bring new life. Thus rather than fearing the End of Time, the earliest Christians prayed that Jesus would come soon. The Second Coming is Christ’s answer to all that terrorizes our present lives, and we modern folk should rightfully celebrate along with those Christians who came before us.
Much after the first Christians, during a time when nationalism and secularism was taking a toll on the world through wars, greed, and political dysfunction, the feast of Christ the King was first introduced by Pope Pius XI in 1926. By 1969, the date was changed from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday of the liturgical calendar year. Today, it is celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church along with many Anglicans, Lutherans, other Mainline Protestants, as well as parts of the of the Orthodox Church.
This ecumenical feast day is a celebration of hope while the universal church awaits Christ’s return. It serves to remind us that we should seek to live as one under our one Lord, Jesus Christ, loving God and our neighbor as ourself. Like the Christians before us, we remember and trust that Christ will come again – praying with hope that he comes soon. For only then will we experience the fullness of our promised life with him where “he will wipe every tear from their eyes. death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
In the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sweden, this feast day has been referred to as the Sunday of Doom. This name is somewhat ironic. There is doom in a sense, but we should never be overcome with doubts and sorrow as Christians. There is much more in store. The old world will pass away, and a new heaven and earth will be shared with us. Those who believe will be fully saved and judged as if righteous; not based upon what they have done, but solely by grace through faith – trusting in what Jesus has already done for us through the power of his cross and resurrection. This Christ proclaimed, and it will be fulfilled.
Our true King will indeed return, but whatever trouble must come in the meantime, we should worship him, rejoice and be glad while we wait. We should set our hands and hearts to the work of making ourselves and our world ready for his return. For as much as we expect Christ, he asks and expects this of his faithful church.
Yes, the best is yet to come, and as Christians, we are promised that End of Time will mean a new beginning with our loving Savior and King. Our future (in the end) is nothing but bright.
Happy Christ the King Sunday!
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.
I woke up this morning to a brand new day, yet it was sadly much like yesterday: split executive and legislative branches, split senate and congress, split populace (almost a 50-50 vote), split country (the heartland states look like a bloody knife through the US, splitting the east and west coast blue states), split urban v. rural (in many cases, the majority of any state voted for Romney geographically but the few, heavily populated areas went for President Obama), split white male voters versus (seemingly) almost everyone else, and split young versus old. I hear cries of despair with some angry insults from “the losers.” I also have witnessed arrogant blustering over victory. Some wrongly make the President appear to be the answer to every ill known to humankind, yet he is human and not the Messiah. That isn’t fair to neither him nor the country, and to me, it seems to diminish God’s role in our public affairs. Despite a few boasts of a mandate, there is clearly a risk of a Divided States of America if we don’t watch ourselves, repent of our wrongs, and seek to love one another.
On both the Left and Right and among many inbetween, we need to change our ways. Policies shouldn’t be thrust down the throat of others, and any movement shouldn’t be log jammed mechanically. We should demand our leaders talk to one another rather than isolate themselves in their Congressional chamber or executive mansion. We all should practice some self-reflection and restraint. In addition, “We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way” (Luther’s Large Catechism, section on the 8th Commandment).
Pastors and people should remain cognizant that faithful Christians can and do disagree on serious topics regarding loving God and neighbor. The pulpit shouldn’t be a place of personal, one-sided political agendas passed off as being “prophetic,” but rather the ministry of Word and Sacrament should prove a source of healing, reconciliation, and new life. We should think and pray hard before speaking and seek to engage and comfort those who have perhaps been thought of as our political enemies.
As with many times before in our fallen world, the difficult work of reconciliation lies before us. If we are ever to move forward to discover beginning signs of a true new day, we must intentionally seek to embrace this call from Christ. In times like these, I remember the words of Br. Roger of Taizé: “Human beings are sometimes severe. God, for His part, comes to clothe us in compassion. He weaves our lives, like a beautiful garment, with the threads of His forgiveness. He buries our past in the heart of Christ and He had already taken care of our future.”
We need no longer react in fear or self-interest. Jesus has freed us to act in love. Still being true to our faith and ideals; still calling out what we think to be sin, political wrongs, or violations of law (even if seemingly in our favor or fitting our world view); still demanding true transparency and not just promises of it – we can seek to be gentle with one another, as Christ is always and will forever be so gentle with us. We can recall that at our best, we are sinner-saints, imperfect, and thus, we can humbly acknowledge that we might just be the ones in error in the end. First and foremost, we must remember we are called to be one in Christ, and we need to try to view others as Jesus does.
No matter what happens politically or economically, I remain confident – not in the powers of this world, or even in myself, but in Jesus Christ alone. God’s will willbe done, and all will be well.
I invite you to reflect upon 2 Cor. 5, as I will be, over the days ahead. In addition, consider enacting a practice at your congregation started by our Mennonite brothers and sisters right here in Virginia – Election Day Communion. Learn more here:
Today at worship, we remember the posting of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses on October 31, 1517. More important than that, we celebrate with thanksgiving that the Holy Spirit worked through Luther and other reformers to bring a renewal to Christ’s church – one still playing out today. Even during that difficult time of misunderstanding, false (and some valid) accusations and critiques against Luther and Protestants, regrettable divisions, and outright war, the Roman Catholic Church did reform itself in many areas through what they call their own Catholic Reformation. This was partly a direct response to true abuses identified by Protestant Reformers. Never expected when Luther hammered his 95 Theses on that church door in 1517, the entire church grew in its faith understanding as it argued about and searched for God anew. Even some alternative faith expressions have been born (such as the Anabaptist traditions, pietistic faiths and more). Although plenty of missteps have been made by human believers, this movement of the Spirit has enriched Christ’s church, and it indicates God is still speaking to us – still transforming us by grace through faith in his Word, Jesus Christ.
True, all remained imperfect in our fallen world. Mutual condemnations continued primarily until the aftermath of WWI and later WWII. Yet through the horrors of war and genocide, many Christian began to ask why we should hate one another. It could not please God. Within this spirit of repentance, the Holy Spirit worked to help heal and address divisions. Using ecumenists such a Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Brother Roger of Taize’, along with many others (some remembered and some not), and partly through the leadership of Pope John XXIII and the Second Vatican Council, another renewal of the Church began – not unrelated to Luther’s own actions in 1517 and later. In fact, many of his historic arguments were revisited with a new openness of heart. Resulting changes have proven so profound that the Roman Catholic Pope John XXIII and other Roman Catholics, along with Christians of other faith traditions are included in the Evangelical Lutheran Worship’s calendar of commemorations. The World Council of Churches, the Lutheran World Federation, full communion agreements between denominations, and ecumenical dialogues remain signs that we hope and actively seek to move that process forward.
Ecumenical discussions continue despite any mistakes arguably made at times and the reality that some Christians still reject any such talks and cooperation. One result has been the recent agreement of what it means to be justified through faith. Although some historic differences might remain in practice, Catholic and Lutheran reforms over the last century have resulted in denominations remarkably similar even amidst their differences. The current Pope Benedict often speaks well of Luther even if he doesn’t fully agree with everything Luther said or did. He agrees with Luther’s “burning question”, as Benedict puts it: “what is God’s position towards me, where do I stand before God?” As a Roman Catholic publication recently noted, this remains the central question of life today, even though many people don’t realize it. He also applauds Luther’s Christ-centered spirituality. Last echoing Vatican II, Pope Benedict remarks, “It was the error of the Reformation period that for the most part we could only see what divided us and we failed to grasp existentially what we have in common in terms of the great deposit of sacred Scripture and the early Christian creeds. For me, the great ecumenical step forward of recent decades is that we have become aware of all this common ground, that we acknowledge it as we pray and sing together, as we make our joint commitment to the Christian ethos in our dealings with the world, as we bear common witness to the God of Jesus Christ in this world as our inalienable, shared foundation.” (See Brumley, M. The Pope, Martin Luther, and our time. The Catholic World Report. Posted September 25, 2011 at catholicworldreport.com)
It is truly remarkable that the Roman Catholic, Lutheran and recently Methodist denominations have agreed on a Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification over the last 10 or so years. This remains yet another sign that the Spirit is still at work, that God will make all things work for the good as scripture promises, and that Jesus’ prayer that we be one need not remain a dream forever.
As we remember Martin Luther and the Reformation and perhaps seek to celebrate all things Lutheran, let us also look kindly upon all of our brothers and sisters in Christ. I believe we must seek to actively and intentionally listen for God’s guidance together, living in Christ’s love and the hope of what is yet to come through the Spirit’s work in our midst.
To read this historic document, Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, visit the link below:
And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. (Acts 5:42)
As September ended, Messiah Lutheran began a new adventure. We became a “teaching parish” for a Lutheran student currently attending Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond. Nathan Huffman is a member of Epiphany Lutheran Church (Richmond), but he comes to Messiah to be further nurtured in his faith and developed in his pastoral knowledge and skills. This is an unpaid internship where he will serve seven to ten hours per week during the fall and spring semesters of his first year at seminary. Primarily he will observe and try to learn about our life together, but he will also be asked to conduct a few classes, teach, and assist with some pastoral duties. Later in his seminary career, Vicar Nathan will be required to serve in a full-time internship with many more responsibilities prior to his being approved for ordination. His time with us is intended only to get his feet wet.
It is indeed an honor for Messiah Lutheran to be asked to serve in such a capacity. Certainly, the bishop’s staff and the seminary hope I will prove a worthy mentor appropriate for Vicar Nathan’s background and needs, but you also have been chosen. Our community is deemed a welcoming and healthy place with vital ministry, and you are being trusted to help shape Vicar Nathans theological and pastoral understandings, sense of call, and future ministry.
In many ways, we are simply being asked to share our lives and faith in a way that will help encourage Vicar Nathan and build him up. If problems or concerns are noted, we are asked to help him start to work through them. We all are to serve as his mentors, teachers, and guides – sharing our insights and understandings of God and church along with any of our own lingering questions – as best as we are able. We are to invite him to share in our tasks and help him discern his unique call from God.
In the early church, our scriptures make clear that people sensed an urgent but attainable call for them to actively share in the building up of Christ’s church, for faith in Christ is best shared through honest and loving relationships in the context of our ordinary lives. Each helped in the ministry as they were able in such a way that faith in Christ would be made known in temple, home and marketplace. All had something to offer.
Just as Vicar Nathan will share his faith, pastoral gifts and learning with us, we are asked only to share our lives and faith with him; such as they are. And when it comes time for Vicar Nathan to move on, we will remain in communion with one another – we part of his future ministry and he part of ours – teaching and proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah no matter what may come. Finding ourselves thoroughly wet and reminded once again of our shared baptismal mission, we will all walk on into the future better able to make Christ known.
Peace,
Pastor Lou
If you think you are perhaps being called to ordained ministry or another leadership roll within Christ’s church, I encourage you to speak to your pastor and explore the vocations links of the ELCA website: http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Vocation.aspx
The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (October 2012 edition). To view the entire issue of The Messenger or to see the full calendar of events, visit: http://www.mlcas.org
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.
Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:7)
Is hospitality limited to a heartfelt greeting on Sunday morning or in providing tasty food to share after the service? Certainly, that is all part of it, and I am especially thankful to our ushers, greeters and fellowship team members that intentionally try to make Messiah a joyful home for so many. Yet when I ask our newest families why they felt called to join Messiah, nearly all have the genuine, open hearted nature of our people at the top of their list. Members take the risk to introduce themselves to strangers. Members wanted to know about the visitor and seek to meet their needs, as much as welcome them into our facility and church family. They report that there was no pressure to join us as members, but instead, we met them as they were and desired only what was best for them in their search for God. Our mission has been to build up Christ’s church not just our congregation, and this has been appreciated. So I also thank those who reach out informally to others they meet at church, as well as those who invite others in person to visit or through working on our website, newsletter, or evangelizing team. These practices are among our greatest and easily recognized assets in our evangelizing efforts, as they help people feel at home with the Christ in their lives. Even many members of our guest congregation, All Souls Episcopal, openly marvel at the welcome they have received on Sundays and in the gracious sharing of our facility.
Still, I see our hospitality in many other things; things perhaps easily overlooked. I remember as a volunteer with the Taize’ Community in France that much of the hospitality work was behind the scenes and in anticipation of potential visitors. The prepping of food, the making of beds, even the cleaning of rooms and tents were important acts of welcome, not drudgery. If our guests were hungry or uncomfortable, certainly they would be distracted from their spiritual quest needlessly. Multiple programs and small groups were common along with casual fellowship opportunities. These all helped build honest relationships. Those who had come initially because of the thousands of young adults already present but hesitated to join us in worship or service were intentionally invited by a team of young people sent as “the welcome in the fields.” People were approached no matter what nationality, race, gender, economic status, faith (or lack of faith), or any other divisive descriptor. Folks with tattoos, nose rings, and bright pink hair, along with those with disabilities or other differences were as welcome as anyone else. Yet, our own dress or common practices might be adjusted when amidst those of a different, stricter faith or culture, not out of obligation or political correctness, but so as to make them feel comfortable in being with us. Everything done was focused on welcoming people in the name of Jesus Christ, and thousands – many of them unchurched – came each week. Of those, many discovered new friendships and a faith they never expected.
Among the many things I learned from Br. Roger, the founder of that community, is that simple things matter. The mowing and care of our landscaping, the recent painting and woodwork on our old but beloved building, our fellowship times and cleaning days, those who volunteer to serve in altar guild, our health ministries or other ministries and nonprofits out in our community, along with those who might not have time but have funds to support our ministry, or those who offer prayers, hopes, ideas for new programs or groups, questions or a simple hello – whatever is done in Christ’s name can prove to be faith-building miracles in the making. In France, I discovered even the “ministry of toilet cleaning” (what I called one of my commonly assigned tasks) can become a loving, sacred experience. I see similar sacredness growing in the life that surrounds us here in Mechanicsville.
Christ is encountered through those “small” acts of love done in his name. Friendships form, and faith is shared or deepened as the Gospel comes alive through our ordinary lives. We have already seen the truth of this at Messiah as we and our shared ministry has grown. I expect more blessings are yet to be discovered. Rather than worrying about what you cannot do, I invite you only to consider what you can do, no matter how small it seems or infrequently. How can you help in or add to our welcoming ways? For Jesus has welcomed all of us to be part of his life, his ways, and his church.
Peace,
Pastor Lou
The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (September 2012 edition). To view the entire issue of The Messenger or to see the full calendar of events, visit: http://www.mlcas.org
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.
Logo of L'Arche ("The Ark") Communities, downloaded from larche.org
Despite the heated language in our polarized world, justice and peace are Gospel values. People too often use such words like a weapon for their political agenda (conservative or liberal, believer or non-believer) rather than listen to them with a holy fear. These words are powerful, spoken from the mouth of God to our hearts. Lived out, they change us and the world. We are to love the poor, the oppressed, the widow and the orphan. We are even to love or enemy. We should never let ourselves be led away from these words and who first spoke them just because they are sometimes misused. Instead, we should seek their depths in the wellspring which is Christ and his community, the church. We should strive to live them out every day, so we and the world can be transformed by love.
One of the most powerful ways to grow into love is to experience it in the real world. Recognizing our own need for love, we must allow ourselves to be rooted into the gospel message as the Spirit moves. Through situations, people, and places, as well as our own weakness, the Spirit intends to drive us into the wilderness. The Spirit calls us to experience new life there. I believe Gospel stories become Gospel realities as we seek to live them out concretely in our lives; sometimes in places where we are not so comfortable. Through sacred but small moments, our relationship to the world and each other will be transformed.
As a community of faith over the last few seasons of Lent, Messiah has been examining the Christian life and witness of well known figures of the last century. We do so hoping to grow as individuals and a community. As pastor, I have tried to identify people who shared different yet compatible visions of community: Dietrich Bonheoffer, Brother Roger of Taizé, and this year, Jean Vanier and the community members of L’Arche. Each has been given a vision by God of what community can be. Through their lives, they exemplified what Br. Roger so often described as a “parable of community” that teaches us and the world new possibilities.
L’Arche literature and websites proclaim that community isn’t an ideal but you and I. Despite our differences in politics, theology, or ability; we are called to be one with each other and with God. A local L’Arche community describes their shared life in this way:
L’Arche Blue Ridge Mountains mission is to create fully-accessible homes where people with and without disabilities share life in a spiritually based community. We strive to make these homes places of caring and faith, where individuals’ unique callings and abilities are brought out.[1]
Through their words, I can hear an invitation of what “church” can become in a real and too often difficult world. I first became fully aware of L’Arche while volunteering with the Community of Taizé. (I had heard of them and a famous member of their community, Henri Nouwen, but I hadn’t gotten to know them well.) A group from the original home at Trosly-Breuil came to visit, and a young man proudly and joyfully told me about his life there. Pasquel (I still remember his name, a name which means Easter) ended his witness by offering me a new beginning. He invited me to live with them. I was unable to accept the invitation at the time, but I remain deeply touched by his testimony and openness. Somehow, I still feel in communion with him and his hope and vision for tomorrow, even as I feel called in the here and now to be at Messiah Lutheran in Mechanicsville. Who knows what tomorrow might bring? Yet, I believe we all can live that hope out no matter where we are.
Personally, I know his vision can be a reality. Long before I knew Pasquel, I knew the love of my grandmother. Her firstborn, my aunt, was born with a serious mental disability. At the time (the 1930s), people encouraged her to put my Aunt Theresa into an institution. She wouldn’t hear of it. Instead, she chose to respond to her call to love. With time, patience and effort, Aunt Theresa grew to be a beautiful lady with much love to share. She held a job, learned to drive, and even helped care for my grandparents as they grew older. I believe my grandmother, my aunt, and my family were transformed by grace; a grace that saw past the dark realities and allowed us to live in the light of hope. I never saw my aunt as disabled although I couldn’t avoid her disability. Only love stands out when she comes to mind.
With these varied experiences now part of me, I hope to nurture that similar love which is already active at Messiah by sharing in an exploration of the Christian life and witness of Jean Vanier and L’Arche. During Lent, we’ll read Jean Vanier’s writings, watch some videos, discuss our impressions, but most importantly (if things go as planed), we will worship and fellowship with members of L’Arche Blue Ridge Mountains to help celebrate the season of Easter. Both communities have much love to share and much more to learn about love. Together, I think our Lenten journey will be a true adventure; an adventure more deeply into the love which is Christ. We will be blessed to share in the resurrection more concretely through a new life with God and each other.
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.” (Isaiah 30:15)
Repentance is good for the soul, or so the Lord teaches. Yet, we often resist. It is hard to admit our frailty. It is hard to sometimes see it. Like sour medicine, our hearts tend to resist surrendering our individual sovereignty to the sovereignty of God. So, the season of Lent proves a reminder of and exercise in repentance.
Serious business, repentance need not always be a somber act, but it is necessary each and every day. We are getting right in our relationship with God after all: a Lord who created us, a Savior who died for us, and Spirit who comforts us. We are asked to pay more attention to our relationships and a world entrusted to our care. God is love, and we should rejoice at the opportunity to become more loving. Repentance always seeks out forgiveness and reconciliation, and our hearts should rightfully celebrate.
And so, I join Teresa of Avila in praying, “From silly devotions and from sour-faced saints, good Lord, deliver us.” Instead, I invite you with a smile on my face to join us for our many life affirming (and yes, sometimes even fun) events this Lent. I encourage us all to seek out deeper worship, meaningful service opportunities, and other appropriate Lenten disciplines. As individuals and as a family of faith, we might come to better understand what it truly means to rejoice and be glad.
Many blessings be upon you and your Lenten journey,
Pastor Lou
This piece was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s monthly newsletter, The Messenger. You can view current and recent issues of The Messenger at: http://www.mlcas.org.
Photo in public domain: Balaska, J. (February 25, 2009) Ashes imposed on the forehead of a Christian on Ash Wednesday.
On Transfiguration Sunday, we remember a very special miracle. Jesus is transfigured – his appearance changes to clearly reflect his divine persona. With him stands Elijah, the greatest of all prophets, and Moses, who was given the law. As Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets, the importance of their presence should not be overlooked. Through this miracle, we and the apostles catch a glimpse of heaven breaking into the real world with all its promises. This foreshadows the new heaven and new earth which will surely come through Christ.
Recalling Jesus’ baptism as the season after Epiphany began, we heard God’s voice affirm Jesus as his Son. This last Sunday of the season after Epiphany, God’s voice is again heard proclaiming, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him (Matthew 17:5)!” Throughout the weeks ahead, we will hear how the apostles failed to do just that. Over and over again, they will fail to listen. They will fail Jesus; the one they claim to love.
We all fail Jesus at times. Thus as we leave that mountain behind after our services for the Transfiguration, we are asked to descend toward Lent, a time designated for repentance and renewal. Lent helps lead us toward a day of resurrection, Easter, and the promises of a new beginning available now. As we strive to worship Jesus this Lent – no matter what we have done or failed to do, even as we might struggle with significant shortcomings and sin – Jesus will say to us just as he does to the prostrate Apostles (in the Greek), “Be raised. Do not be afraid. (Matthew 17:7)”[1] Let nothing stop you. Repent, rejoice and be glad, for all of us who trust in Christ will be made new through faith alone – never by our obtaining perfection. Basking in his light, we can go forward with trust that forgiveness and new life is ours to receive. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him (John 3:17).”
Husband, Pastor, Law Enforcement Chaplain, and member of the Clerical Errors (aka "The Three Priests"), I'm sharing my two cents with anyone who cares...
You can also find me on social media as Loudluthrn (Lou-d-Luthrn or Lou the Lutheran). It is a moniker given me while attending a Presbyterian Seminary, but I'm a loud and proud Lutheran too (just not too loud and proud, mind you).
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