Your speaking of spiritual practices relates to what happened to me this year. For the first time, I committed myself to attending every Holy Week service my church offered, plus one at the cathedral. I’ll admit to having felt my age after the Palm Sunday Procession and Eucharist, Holy Monday Eucharist, Chrism Mass, Taize service, Holy Wednesday Eucharist, Agape Dinner, Maundy Thursday washing of the feet, a shift in our overnight “Garden of Gethsemane Vigil,” Good Friday Stations of the Cross, Good Friday Solemn Liturgy, Holy Saturday Morning Prayer, and Saturday's Easter Vigil. But I’ll tell you this: after the Easter Morning service I felt a strong internal shift I’ve never experienced before. The sense of peace and joy I felt once we’d celebrated the Resurrection came in a rush that I’m still enjoying. Now I’m getting smiles and waves, friendly comments, and good vibes from every stranger I cross. So, I must be reflecting that peace and joy in some way... or maybe they’ve experienced something similar to what I did. In any case, it’s a welcome oasis in a frightfully divided world. May it take root and spread!
What a full, rich Holy Week, Susan! Those liturgies can be very powerful indiviudally. And as you've shared, immersing ourselves in the whole stream of them can be transformational. Easter's meaning can be felt, not merely grasped conceptually. Happy Eastertide, my friend!
It’s 6:02am. I have been awake since 1:30a taking care of a 2 1/2 yr old great grandson who became ill the day before. I finally had the opportunity to slip away while he slept. I made a cup of tea and sat in the darkness. Something or someone told me to pick up my phone and go to The Woodlands. There, in your reflection and in the meditation, my strength was renewed. It’s so much easier when the Holy Spirit breathes with us and for us. Thank you Bishop. You always seem to know.
I just took what feels like a scary risk. Don’t know how it will turn out. I told someone about my faith who doesn’t believe in Jesus. I thought about and prayed for days what to do. I’m trying to lean into having more courage to share but remaining respectful and not pushy.
Jennifer that is such a loving thing to do. And courageous. Our faith is such a tender thing, and sharing it with someone else who has a different spirituality makes us pretty vulnerable. It sounds to me like you’ve taken such a gentle and caring approach, respectful and not pushy. I would love to hear how this unfolds over time.
I listed to your latest episode and it spoke to me so thank you. I’ve already heard back from her. She said she’s jealous of people who are confident in their faith. We spoke back and forth. I am leaving it open, praying for God to speak in way she will receive it. I’m relieved she wasn’t upset!
Took me back to my freshman year, a new transfer from a dysfunctional family. Scared and lonely 😞 one classmate welcomed me. These decades she is still a friend on FB. She too opened a door.
She was cutting my hair, sharing about having gotten through Easter not celebrating it. I am not quick on my feet with the right words and those situations hardly ever happen.
That is so kind, Ruth! You know, even though I taught logic for years, I just can’t think or write in a linear way. It probably sounds high-fallutin, but I’ve come to see my reflections (thought, spoken, and written) as happening in hermeneutic circles. It’s nice to hear that this resonates with you
Good thoughts. I was searching for a way into the Gospel for this Sunday’s sermon. I think mutual vulnerability is the key which is no easy feat for those of us, like me, who grew up with alcoholic parents. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Jake! It’s Friday so thank you for your reflections! That was a VERY good read—you ever consider maybe writing ? Like maybe a book or something ?😉😉😉😉
What you wrote I believe very much. You opened up because you were made to feel welcomed. Similarly, we sit in church and we say that God does that. We are welcomed. We are accepted. We are invited.
And I also agree that if God actually did that no one would turn God down. No one.
Problem is of course …..if I “metaphorize “ (which is in no way shape or form an actual word lol )your story I could say— that it doesn’t matter what we do. We could pray, we could do good things, we can have faith, we can have our rituals and our symbols, and unless God actually shows up and welcomes us we are left with nothing but silly superstitions.
And to continue the metaphor (although linguistically I did bounce back-and-forth between whether or not it would be an analogy or a metaphor lol but I’m gonna continue the metaphor🤷♀️ and just live with the probability that my high school English teacher may forever be disappointed 😆)
But anyway, to continue… Nothing you said or did caused Annie to walk up to you. She just did and she made herself known. And she got involved with you. And she was there.
And here’s where I’m going to diverge some…. If …if. In a pretend universe, you and Annie were friends after that for 30 years and one day, she just left with no explanations…..She wouldn’t take your calls. Her phone no longer worked. And you exhausted every single means of getting a hold of her with absolutely no response… and you know full well that you didn’t do anything to spark that kind of behavior …that all that would also probably lead you to a conclusion.
As always— appreciate you and your words, especially in this space. Enjoy your weekend.!
Renee, each week I look forward to your reflection. You are so smart and funny. And I also know that your heart aches in a way that makes your faith (a faith that you cherish and sort of wish you could shake) an existential challenge, not just an intellectual one. It occurs to me that you trust me enough to engage with me about that. And I cannot express how honored and humbled I am that you do. I am deeply grateful for these exchanges. Something my Church History prof said years ago came to mind as I read your comment this time. I’ve probably told you already, but here goes: people are going to come to church looking for Jesus, and all they’re going to get is you. On another occasion, he said that people will let you down. Yep. Both/and. That’s all probably sort of random. Anyway, see you next time.
Many thanks for sharing the words of this beautiful hymn. I grew up Open Brethren in New Zealand, never came across it. "Teach me in words of living flame"... wow! I've now listened to it via YouTube.. delightful! (though verse 2 is skipped for some reason). Thanks again.
Your speaking of spiritual practices relates to what happened to me this year. For the first time, I committed myself to attending every Holy Week service my church offered, plus one at the cathedral. I’ll admit to having felt my age after the Palm Sunday Procession and Eucharist, Holy Monday Eucharist, Chrism Mass, Taize service, Holy Wednesday Eucharist, Agape Dinner, Maundy Thursday washing of the feet, a shift in our overnight “Garden of Gethsemane Vigil,” Good Friday Stations of the Cross, Good Friday Solemn Liturgy, Holy Saturday Morning Prayer, and Saturday's Easter Vigil. But I’ll tell you this: after the Easter Morning service I felt a strong internal shift I’ve never experienced before. The sense of peace and joy I felt once we’d celebrated the Resurrection came in a rush that I’m still enjoying. Now I’m getting smiles and waves, friendly comments, and good vibes from every stranger I cross. So, I must be reflecting that peace and joy in some way... or maybe they’ve experienced something similar to what I did. In any case, it’s a welcome oasis in a frightfully divided world. May it take root and spread!
What a full, rich Holy Week, Susan! Those liturgies can be very powerful indiviudally. And as you've shared, immersing ourselves in the whole stream of them can be transformational. Easter's meaning can be felt, not merely grasped conceptually. Happy Eastertide, my friend!
And I loved your piece! Think Anne knows what she started?
Ha!
It’s 6:02am. I have been awake since 1:30a taking care of a 2 1/2 yr old great grandson who became ill the day before. I finally had the opportunity to slip away while he slept. I made a cup of tea and sat in the darkness. Something or someone told me to pick up my phone and go to The Woodlands. There, in your reflection and in the meditation, my strength was renewed. It’s so much easier when the Holy Spirit breathes with us and for us. Thank you Bishop. You always seem to know.
Prayers for a speedy recovery
I just took what feels like a scary risk. Don’t know how it will turn out. I told someone about my faith who doesn’t believe in Jesus. I thought about and prayed for days what to do. I’m trying to lean into having more courage to share but remaining respectful and not pushy.
Jennifer that is such a loving thing to do. And courageous. Our faith is such a tender thing, and sharing it with someone else who has a different spirituality makes us pretty vulnerable. It sounds to me like you’ve taken such a gentle and caring approach, respectful and not pushy. I would love to hear how this unfolds over time.
I listed to your latest episode and it spoke to me so thank you. I’ve already heard back from her. She said she’s jealous of people who are confident in their faith. We spoke back and forth. I am leaving it open, praying for God to speak in way she will receive it. I’m relieved she wasn’t upset!
Took me back to my freshman year, a new transfer from a dysfunctional family. Scared and lonely 😞 one classmate welcomed me. These decades she is still a friend on FB. She too opened a door.
And I believe you’ve opened quite a few doors yourself since
What a wonderful exchange
She was cutting my hair, sharing about having gotten through Easter not celebrating it. I am not quick on my feet with the right words and those situations hardly ever happen.
Sounds to me like you were given just the right words
What a lovely message this was, thank you
Thanks Aussie Jo! I always look forward to hearing from you
A beautiful message beautifully crafted beginning to end, yet not linear but an ever opening circle. Thank you.
That is so kind, Ruth! You know, even though I taught logic for years, I just can’t think or write in a linear way. It probably sounds high-fallutin, but I’ve come to see my reflections (thought, spoken, and written) as happening in hermeneutic circles. It’s nice to hear that this resonates with you
Thank you, Jake. 🙏
Blessed Easter Week Almut!
Good thoughts. I was searching for a way into the Gospel for this Sunday’s sermon. I think mutual vulnerability is the key which is no easy feat for those of us, like me, who grew up with alcoholic parents. Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh I’m so glad this was helpful, Eunice. I would love to hear/read what you preach.
I’ll post it here whenever our volunteer clips it from the service.
I’ll keep an eye out
Hi Jake! It’s Friday so thank you for your reflections! That was a VERY good read—you ever consider maybe writing ? Like maybe a book or something ?😉😉😉😉
What you wrote I believe very much. You opened up because you were made to feel welcomed. Similarly, we sit in church and we say that God does that. We are welcomed. We are accepted. We are invited.
And I also agree that if God actually did that no one would turn God down. No one.
Problem is of course …..if I “metaphorize “ (which is in no way shape or form an actual word lol )your story I could say— that it doesn’t matter what we do. We could pray, we could do good things, we can have faith, we can have our rituals and our symbols, and unless God actually shows up and welcomes us we are left with nothing but silly superstitions.
And to continue the metaphor (although linguistically I did bounce back-and-forth between whether or not it would be an analogy or a metaphor lol but I’m gonna continue the metaphor🤷♀️ and just live with the probability that my high school English teacher may forever be disappointed 😆)
But anyway, to continue… Nothing you said or did caused Annie to walk up to you. She just did and she made herself known. And she got involved with you. And she was there.
And here’s where I’m going to diverge some…. If …if. In a pretend universe, you and Annie were friends after that for 30 years and one day, she just left with no explanations…..She wouldn’t take your calls. Her phone no longer worked. And you exhausted every single means of getting a hold of her with absolutely no response… and you know full well that you didn’t do anything to spark that kind of behavior …that all that would also probably lead you to a conclusion.
As always— appreciate you and your words, especially in this space. Enjoy your weekend.!
Renee, each week I look forward to your reflection. You are so smart and funny. And I also know that your heart aches in a way that makes your faith (a faith that you cherish and sort of wish you could shake) an existential challenge, not just an intellectual one. It occurs to me that you trust me enough to engage with me about that. And I cannot express how honored and humbled I am that you do. I am deeply grateful for these exchanges. Something my Church History prof said years ago came to mind as I read your comment this time. I’ve probably told you already, but here goes: people are going to come to church looking for Jesus, and all they’re going to get is you. On another occasion, he said that people will let you down. Yep. Both/and. That’s all probably sort of random. Anyway, see you next time.
Bishop, you take me back to my Baptist days:
Holy Spirit, breathe on me,
until my heart is clean;
let sunshine fill its inmost part,
with not a cloud between.
Chorus
Breathe on me, breathe on me
Holy Spirit, breathe on me;
Take Thou my heart, cleanse every part,
Holy Spirit breathe on me.
2.
Holy Spirit, breathe on me,
my stubborn will subdue;
teach me in words of living flame
what Christ would have me do.
3.
Holy Spirit, breathe on me,
fill me with pow'r divine;
kindle a flame of love and zeal
within this heart of mine.
4.
Holy Spirit, breathe on me,
till I am all Thine own,
until my will is lost in Thine,
to live for Thee alone.
I hear the tune in my head. Thanks Smith. Easter blessings my friend
Many thanks for sharing the words of this beautiful hymn. I grew up Open Brethren in New Zealand, never came across it. "Teach me in words of living flame"... wow! I've now listened to it via YouTube.. delightful! (though verse 2 is skipped for some reason). Thanks again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHQQy50-uMI