I was just thinking about someone who at one time was my best friend in the world. That was over 5 decades ago. I haven’t seen him since elementary school. Yet, my heart is warmed by the memories of building tree houses and riding skateboards, (back when they were little more than a board with the steel wheels from roller skates screwed to them.)
With Middle School and High School came new friends and interests. Those, too, have fallen at the wayside of time and life.
I can follow each path that I walked upon in my life. There are people, places, scents, tastes, and sounds that bring each path into bright, colorful focus. Each stage is, in its own way, good. Each has left its imprint on who I am Now.
And, like flowers that bloom and provide beauty and fresh fragrance, each path is eventually spent and falls to the ground.
I mention this because there is also a part of us, perhaps woven into the very fabric of our humanity, that wants to remain walking the same path. We don’t want to veer left or right. Not even when the path diverges into several. “I don’t want to hurt their feelings,” we say about a relationship that has run its course. “What if I’m wrong?” is a question that paralyzes people. We are frozen, unable to move on way or the other. All the while, the sands of time continue to fall into the bottom of the glass.
A Greek philosopher, Heraclitus is credited with saying, “Nothing is permanent except change.”
If true, then perhaps embracing change would help us to flower and flourish. Yes, some blossoms bloom and die. They are soon replaced by other blossoms that bloom in their season.
Qoheleth wrote:
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven
Seasons come; Seasons go. Such is the way of the Cosmos. Embrace the change. After all, it is the only permanence we have.
Yahweh, Fear is niggling around the periphery of my consciousness. It forebodes failure. Anxious that I will be found false, I hurry to my corner where my blanket lies with the big, fluffy pillow that I wrap my arms around and hold tightly to my heart.
Lord, I sometimes wish wistfully; waiting; wanting That I could simply sit and share quietly among the multitudes who call on You. It would be so much simpler to get lost among those who shine far brighter than I. Then, perhaps, the dimness of my own light would be covered, drowned and no one would notice me cowering at the edge.
Yeshua, When I read the stories of how you ran to hide away from the masses in the early hours of the morning, I see a kindred Spirit. In solitude with Abba we can rest secure. It is only when the crowds press us into action that the anxiety rises like a tide driven by hurricane force winds. A tidal surge that inundates and drowns.
God, But, that’s not how I’m wired, is it? No, for better or worse I have been blessed, (cursed?), with a mind that can see and understand things. I am given words and music that overflow and must be channeled in order to irrigate and nourish others.
They say the History repeats itself. They also say that if we don’t learn from History Then we are doomed to repeat it.
Which is it? Will History repeat whether we learn from It or not?
And, who are “They”? Who installed “They” as the be all and end all of knowing?
If History does repeat, is It like a scratch on an old vinyl record? “tch, Play me again. tch, Play me again. tch, Play me again. tch, Play me again. Perhaps it’s like selecting Repeat on my digital device. Then, I can hear my favorites over and over until they, too, become cliché.
I’m still waiting for History to repeat a Love Story. You know the one! That one where the Author of “The Greatest Story Ever Told” Loves us to Death? Then, Loves us back to Life.
In just under two weeks I, and nine others, will be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church at St. Barnabas. This will be the next step for me in a long journey as I searched for a community of people with whom to share life in Christ. The past few weeks we have been meeting for Episcopalian lessons, better known as confirmation classes. Last night we spent the entire two hour class going through, and celebrating, the Eucharistic Liturgy. I want to share a bit about that.
Those of you who know me understand that I hold traditional liturgy in high esteem. Attending St. Barnabas was initially my attempt to find a liturgical church where I could fit in. I’m not entirely sure what was the draw to liturgy for me. Was it the history of the tradition? Perhaps, some. Was it the ceremony and symbolism? Yeah, probably. Nothing really, though, stood out as my Must See Moment.
I have studied the liturgy ever since I was in seminary. I learned all about the theology behind the ceremonies. I delved into the history of the various actions and found out the reasons that certain words were used and when to use them. As a student, I was enamored by all of these things.
That is, until last night.
Last night our priest walked us through the entire process from preparation and vestments all the way to the dismissal. And, my eyes were opened to something that I had probably heard before. But, it had never really taken root in my heart.
Many people think that liturgy means some kind of ritual or tradition that people simply follow. However, the word “Liturgy” comes from the Greek word “leitourgia.” That word literally means “work of the people.” For the Liturgy truly is a group effort. It is not a spectator sport.
I saw during our class the substance behind the actions. These words, prayers, and actions were put into the Liturgy with Intent. They aren’t there just because some guy 5oo years ago thought it would be cool to bow here or cross yourself there. Each movement is a neatly choreographed piece of an intentionally constructed whole.
To be sure, the Liturgies that we now have are not prescribed by the Bible. The only parts of it that are found in Scripture are the Eucharist, which Jesus instituted, and Baptism. The prayers and readings and actions are extra-biblical and are not essential for either faith or salvation. The Liturgy is, however, an effective help for the Church. It is a means by which a diverse group of people can gather with one voice and one objective.
The Liturgy is constructed in such a way that it focuses the intention of the community on the only worthy Object of our worship: God. This isn’t a social gathering where we are obligated to maintain relationships with the other people. It is far more significant than that. We gather as a community for the expressed purpose of worshiping God: Father; Son; Holy Spirit.
I came out of a tradition that does things quite a bit differently. In that tradition, the leaders were routinely called Shepherds. We, the faithful, were called the ‘flock,’ or ‘sheep.’ All apt metaphors found in the Bible. But, therein also lies a distinction that many folks seem to overlook. In my old tradition we were treated like sheep. We were herded into our sheep pen on Sundays where the shepherds would dutifully feed us whatever the sheep food of the week was. The form that this took was, we got together to sing some songs so that we could feel good. Then, we got to sit and listen to a lecture telling us how to live and vote and stuff like that. All of this was done so that we could grow and mature as good church members.
Am I harsh? You bet. And, with good reasons. But, that’s a topic for another post.
The main difference that I see between these traditions is that the one from which I came out all of the emphasis was on Me. Was I fed? Did I get anything out of it? Was I touched by the Spirit? Me; My; Mine. This could all be done in any motivational setting with similar results. Were MY needs met? Does this help ME grow as a person?
In a liturgical setting, like I mentioned above, the Only Object is God. Everything about the Liturgy points to God. From start to finish; front to back, it’s all about God. Period. Whereas the place I came from was always searching, searching to find a way to build Community, in the Liturgy we ARE community. We gather with one heart and one voice to come into the Presence of God and bow before the Divinity and Worship.
That’s it.
That’s plenty.
I have much to learn, yet, about the Liturgy and how it can be a real way to experience God’s Presence and Grace. I have much to learn about how to set my intention, coordinated with the intentions of all who gather with me, on the only Object worthy of our Intention…God.
I love the word ‘Metamorphosis.’ When I was growing up I was amazed when I learned that word. Besides being really fun to say, c’mon say it with me, “M-e-t-a-morph-o-s-i-s.” To me it was another word for “Magic.”
Although there are several different animals that technically go through a metamorphic process in their development, it’s really the Butterfly that catches our imagination. A caterpillar, a worm for lack of a better term, builds a house and goes to sleep. In a few weeks, Presto! Changeo! A beautiful winged butterfly emerges! If that ain’t magic, I don’t know what is.
The change is physical and it is complete. Everything that looked like caterpillar had disappeared. It was transformed into everything Butterfly.
So, imagine my pleasure when I read this, “Don’t be conformed to this age. But, be metamorphosised in the renewal of your mind.” (Romans 12:2a trans. mine.)
Most English Bibles translate the Greek word that Paul wrote, “metamorpho’o” with “transformed.” And, while that is an effective translation, I think that it lacks the nuance that Paul was going for.
Once I saw this in the Greek, I decided to look around to see if there were other instances of this language used. For those of us who are kind of geeky about language and stuff, finding other uses helps us put the words into a greater context.
I found two other places that surprised me. But, also made me smile. These appear in the Gospels according to Mark and Matthew. In Mk. 9:2 the writer tells us,
Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them.
Matthew 17:2 has,
And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.
In both verses the word “Transfigured” is what translators chose for “metamorpho’o.”
Jesus “metamorphosised” in the presence of his friends. Paul tells us to be “metamorphosised.” You can see how this might excite a person!
The whole concept of metamorphosis, though, has to do with an obvious physical change. A crawly caterpillar cocoons and, voilà! Butterfly! Jesus walks up a hill with Peter and Pals and Poof! Transfigured!
But, what was Paul getting at? Because, I’m not seeing how what he said has to do with any physical change. Truth be told, scholars have spent the better share of two millennia trying to spin this in a way that makes sense. The most acceptable way is to say that Paul was talking about an Inward transformation. A change in character and temperament that, while not as obvious as shining faces and clothes, could still be “seen” by others. And, I kind of agree with that. For example, I find that anger doesn’t rule me like it once did. So, yeah, I guess that could fit the bill.
But, I was still not convinced that this was what Paul was getting at. Then, I read the rest of the verse. ” Don’t be conformed to this age.” Most English Bibles translate this along the lines of, “Do not be conformed to this world. But…”
Ok, I gotta turn the word nerd loose for a sec. We could translate this, “Do not be formed by the pattern and mold of this age.” Paul seems to view the age, or the culture, or the systems that govern us as some kind of mold that exerts its pressure on us in order to form us. We see this every day in our lives. Parents form children. Laws and rules form us into citizens. Cultural mores press us into acceptable players in our lives together. Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t want to say that these are bad things. They may not be. But, Paul did write, “Don’t let the molds of this age form you” for a reason.
Paul wrote this letter to a Church in Rome that had undergone a huge persecution. The people were under tremendous pressure to conform to Roman law and custom. The most important custom, to acknowledge Caesar as Lord and Savior. Paul encouraged the Church to persevere and to present themselves to God, rather than Caesar, as if they were living sacrifices dedicated to God through Jesus Christ. They should, therefore, be metamorphosised into something different. That somehow through a renewal of their mind, or thinking, or perception they would actually become a different creature. A physical change would be noticed by those who were molded and formed by the present age. These “New Creations” would stand out like the proverbial sore thumb!
This is my takeaway on this. God, somehow, I have no idea how, but God is able by God’s Good Grace to cause a renewal of our minds that results in a New Creation being born. A New Creation that breaks out of the cocoon in which it has been slowly changing; transforming, yes, Transfiguring. That same Grace and Power is still available to us today. Grace and Power to bring about a true Metamorphosis in our lives.
Let Renewing waters, like Breath of God, Flow through you! All of the dust and grime that has caked itself to your Soul? Washed away! Standing naked in the Sun, You are changed. A Metamorphosis! A New Creature is Born!
The Apostle wrote that we all must be Metamorphosed As our Minds are Made New.
Our Head revealed Metamorphosis to His faithful Friends. He seemed to reveal to them, “This is how you will be!”
This morning during the quiet time that I devote to spending time with God, I noticed something. You see, the time I have is somewhat limited. Yeah, I get out of bed early so that I can have any time at all for this. But, there are things to do and places to go.
I usually spend my time split between prayer and journaling. I say journaling, but it’s really a written extension of my prayers. And, it may be my favorite time.
Which brings me to today.
As I sat quietly, I found myself concerned about the time. Was I going to have enough time to write 4 or 5 pages in my journal? Would I be able to get everything done in time to get ready for work?
That’s when, I believe, the Holy One told me to stop. I was not really ‘Present’ in that moment. I was looking forward to what ever came next.
And, God wanted to spend time with me Now.
So, I stopped. I changed my course and sat quietly. Within a moment or two I could feel God’s Presence with me. No, it wasn’t a profound ‘Ah Ha!’ moment. Nor, was it some ecstatic experience.
I simply became “aware” of the Divine Presence with me At. That. Moment.
Now, I know the theological explanations about how God is always with us. God will never forsake us. And, all that other theology-speak that really doesn’t help.
When God’s Presence is experienced, all of those high sounding words become, well, like clashing cymbals and noisy gongs. They are meaningless.
The idea of Being Present, or Becoming Aware, is not new. Nor, is it the sole property of folks who follow Jesus. It is foundational to many religious traditions.
Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, tells a story about thisvery thing that has become transformative in my life.
I don’t know why this thought popped into my brain. But, it did. Yesterday during my quiet time in the morning this showed up. So, like so many other times, I tried to simply let the thought wash away and got back to prayer. And, like so many other times, this thought persisted. I can take a hint. I let the idea swim around in my mind while I brought it to God.
I’ve known for a long, long time that nothing we humans can do will surprise God. Especially since the Incarnation, God has had a pretty good handle on the foibles we humans share.
Example?
Ok…
God has heard the word “Shit” before. God is not shocked at that. Nor, is God offended by it. It’s a word. And, a pretty damned good one, too! See what I did there? Yeah, God’s not too concerned about that word, either.
In fact, the more that I’ve gotten to know God, the less I find really does cause offense. At least, among the things that seem to get people all bent out of shape.
You see, we humans like to set boundaries and elect gatekeepers to keep the inside of our little world all pure and white. The gatekeepers, then, define what is acceptable and unacceptable. And then? Surprise! They tell us that God is the One Who sets the standards for our boundaries. God is the One Who tells us what is pure and impure.
And, people actually believe that shit!
But, like I said, God is not surprised. Nor, I think, overly concerned about what we think is boundary-worthy.
Let me get back to that boundary and gatekeeping thing.
If God is not taken by surprise by what we say or do. And, if God is really intimate with how humans think. Then, why are we so freaked out by how people dress or act with one another?
I know, that was quite a shift from language to clothing.
But, it all has to do with purity and who sets the boundaries.
And, that’s key.
Who doe set the boundaries?
It doesn’t take too much work to see the answer to that. Cultural boundaries are set by those who wield the power. And, those people are almost always men.
Yep, men. We can narrow that down even more. They are men who are members of the dominant culture.
Now, of course women’s voices have been raised in the past. The Women’s Temperance Unions of the 19th century are an example. It’s important to note, though, it was male leadership who put temperance and blue laws into effect. Maybe, just to keep the peace at home?
Anyway…
Men are the ones who have asserted their dominance by setting boundaries that seek to control the culture. That includes things like what women wear; how women decide what’s best for themselves and their bodies; what women are allowed to do and where they can go.
If you noticed a common feature in those examples, go to the head of the class. (For those of you who didn’t…IT’S WOMEN!)
Men have asserted their power and control over women for as long as written history tells us. And then they tell everyone that this is what God wants. “We have no choice but to obey!”
But, is God concerned about things like this?
I’m gonna say NO. I really don’t think that God is concerned with our purity laws and rules.
In fact, I think that God is more concerned about the lack of love that the boundary makers and gatekeepers have toward others. I think that God is concerned about the systems that we humans have developed in order to control others. I really think that if God can be pissed off, that would do it.
But, I’m not sure that God is angered by our piss-poor treatment of one another. I truly think that God is saddened by it. God has tried to get our attention for ever. God has come right out and Told us what God considers important. And, guess what? Our piddly little rules about purity aren’t in there.
What is?
Justice for widows, orphans, and strangers. Hospitality. Caring for those who get trampled along the way. Using wealth for the benefit of everyone, turning the other cheek.
Oh! And, how about this one… Do to others what you would want them to do to you!!!
God gave us two things to use in setting boundaries. 1. Love God. And, do it with everything ya got! 2. Love your neighbor as you would love yourself.
That’s not too difficult to understand, is it? How about let’s allow what God has actually revealed to us as important guide us in how we treat each other and the world around us?
I think those boundaries would work pretty well. Because, Everyone would be on the inside.
Iron links entwined around our hands; our feet, Like Marley’s Shackles Hobble. Each loop forged and hammered with strength and skill. Created for imprisoning; wielded with weapon’s wide arc.
Aren’t we all constrained by fetters of our own making? Manacles strangle hands and feet to keep us in line, Trudging step by step, in lock step. Drum beating time so we don’t fall like so many dominoes.
“No, Children! Look up! Let Me Break These Chains That Bind! Freedom for Freedom’s Sake, May You All Be Loosed!”
Chains Drop! Forged Links Loosed! Gossamer threads appear and link our hands; our hearts. Hold each in gentleness and care. Love released to Wonder and Soar to the Heavens.
Maybe, it’s because we don’t know where to look. The stories tell us that You are a king, a Messiah. They tell us about how the ancient Israelites looked to their God for a deliverer. A king and savior who could rescue them from their enemies and establish them in the Land of Promise.
But, we are not ancient Israelites. In fact, we have no real connection to that ancient hope.
So, we have created our own crises and our own oppression. Then, we call on You to Deliver us; Redeem us; Save us. We have created as many Christs as are necessary to make us feel loved; safe; accepted.
In doing that, we have created You in our image. Like the song says, “You are our own personal Jesus. Now, I command that You save ME!” Because, after all is said and done, isn’t that what a savior is supposed to do?
