Sunday, August 30, 2009
Storms
A MESSAGE FROM FATHER GEHLSEN
Have you ever been in a storm? It can be scary, especially if it blows up fast and you're outside in a vulnerable place. We tell our kids to avoid getting caught outside in a storm, but it can happen to any of us.
Some storms don't come with lightning and thunder. We can also encounter scary weather in our lives. Bad things in our work, our family, our friendships, or our parish may blow up suddenly and leave us wondering what comes next. We may feel vulnerable and unsafe in the middle of the storm, especially when we realize our own strength is no match for the threat we are facing. The storm is beyond our control, and we don't know what to do.
We have listened a lot this summer to Jesus and the disciples in the midst of storms and inclement weather. Each story has a take in a different direction; however there is a common thread that runs through the gospels. Jesus always pointed the disciples away from fear to faith, and he does the same for us when we face the storms that have blown up in our own lives. We're not alone in the face of any threat. If the threats we face seem more powerful than any resistance we can offer, we can still trust in the power of our Lord, who is with us and available.
Instead of living in fear, we can live in faith. The storm will pass. The help we need is here, and we may find it more readily as we stop wringing our hands in desperation. If we can be still and listen, we'll hear more than the storm. We may even find that the biggest storm was always inside us, and that our fear was the biggest obstacle and threat. If we listen, we'll hear our Lord, who is with us. He speaks to us, "Peace! Be still!"
Enjoy the Summer!!
Fr. Tom
Have you ever been in a storm? It can be scary, especially if it blows up fast and you're outside in a vulnerable place. We tell our kids to avoid getting caught outside in a storm, but it can happen to any of us.
Some storms don't come with lightning and thunder. We can also encounter scary weather in our lives. Bad things in our work, our family, our friendships, or our parish may blow up suddenly and leave us wondering what comes next. We may feel vulnerable and unsafe in the middle of the storm, especially when we realize our own strength is no match for the threat we are facing. The storm is beyond our control, and we don't know what to do.
We have listened a lot this summer to Jesus and the disciples in the midst of storms and inclement weather. Each story has a take in a different direction; however there is a common thread that runs through the gospels. Jesus always pointed the disciples away from fear to faith, and he does the same for us when we face the storms that have blown up in our own lives. We're not alone in the face of any threat. If the threats we face seem more powerful than any resistance we can offer, we can still trust in the power of our Lord, who is with us and available.
Instead of living in fear, we can live in faith. The storm will pass. The help we need is here, and we may find it more readily as we stop wringing our hands in desperation. If we can be still and listen, we'll hear more than the storm. We may even find that the biggest storm was always inside us, and that our fear was the biggest obstacle and threat. If we listen, we'll hear our Lord, who is with us. He speaks to us, "Peace! Be still!"
Enjoy the Summer!!
Fr. Tom
Monday, July 13, 2009
Comments on the scriptures for July 12th and July 19th
July 12th
What does one need to believe and do in order to be counted among God's elect? The question has dogged Christians from the very beginning, and answers have spanned a vast spectrum. The strict requirements of all manner of cults provide one option, and the absolute license of other groups gives quite another. It's an especially compelling problem for Christians involved in modern so called "culture wars."
July 12th's reading from Ephesians was a central text for both Augustine and Calvin in the development of their respective doctrines of predestination. A casual glance at its content might even make it the same for us today. God "destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ," we're told, "having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will." All this took place, moreover, "before the foundation of the world" (Eph. 1;5, 11, 4).
High Calvinism taught that, while there might be "signs" of individual election, a person's beliefs and actions were immaterial to God's immutable plan. A modern interpretation of this might be the growing universalism of some churches in the western world today. Personal beliefs and actions, so it's held, have nothing to do with faith, since all are honored by God and all people are foreordained to salvation.
A practical problem of predestination is that it obviates any need for the Lord's great commission to "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you" (MT 28:19-20). If the elect are already infallibly chosen, and if their beliefs and actions ultimately mean nothing, then what is the point of evangelism? What's the motivation for ministry to be anything other than chaplaincy to like-minded individuals?
July 19th
Engaging fellow travelers on a plane in conversation about the destination and purpose of their trip is a common way of helping to fill the time. It can also be extremely instructive. On a recent journey, I was told by the fellow across the aisle that he was headed to an Episcopal convent for a silent retreat. An Episcopal convent, of all places!!! What were the chances of that?
Much talk ensued, about the value of retreats in general and about focused contemplation in particular. We discussed how, after a period of particularly intensive ministry, Jesus urged his disciples to "come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest for a while.' For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat," (MK 6:31-32).
We talked about the Savior's own 40-day retreat in the wilderness, in the course of which he put focus to his preaching and teaching. And Jesus' renewal of mission in the private mountaintop retreat was discussed to some length. Those seated around us couldn't help but overhear, so we just might have been engaging in evangelism.
Time apart from the business of everyday living has value for every Christian who takes it. There's benefit simply in getting rest, and most of us stay far too busy during vacation times even to begin to do that. There's tremendous spiritual strength to be gained through focused study and contemplation of the scriptures, and doing nothing but that. And the lessened levels of stress and anxiety experienced by those who take regular time to put their lives in perspective can be a gift beyond measure.
The gospel for July 19th urges the disciples to "come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while." We, of course, are those disciples in our own time and place.
Tom Gehlsen
What does one need to believe and do in order to be counted among God's elect? The question has dogged Christians from the very beginning, and answers have spanned a vast spectrum. The strict requirements of all manner of cults provide one option, and the absolute license of other groups gives quite another. It's an especially compelling problem for Christians involved in modern so called "culture wars."
July 12th's reading from Ephesians was a central text for both Augustine and Calvin in the development of their respective doctrines of predestination. A casual glance at its content might even make it the same for us today. God "destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ," we're told, "having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will." All this took place, moreover, "before the foundation of the world" (Eph. 1;5, 11, 4).
High Calvinism taught that, while there might be "signs" of individual election, a person's beliefs and actions were immaterial to God's immutable plan. A modern interpretation of this might be the growing universalism of some churches in the western world today. Personal beliefs and actions, so it's held, have nothing to do with faith, since all are honored by God and all people are foreordained to salvation.
A practical problem of predestination is that it obviates any need for the Lord's great commission to "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you" (MT 28:19-20). If the elect are already infallibly chosen, and if their beliefs and actions ultimately mean nothing, then what is the point of evangelism? What's the motivation for ministry to be anything other than chaplaincy to like-minded individuals?
July 19th
Engaging fellow travelers on a plane in conversation about the destination and purpose of their trip is a common way of helping to fill the time. It can also be extremely instructive. On a recent journey, I was told by the fellow across the aisle that he was headed to an Episcopal convent for a silent retreat. An Episcopal convent, of all places!!! What were the chances of that?
Much talk ensued, about the value of retreats in general and about focused contemplation in particular. We discussed how, after a period of particularly intensive ministry, Jesus urged his disciples to "come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest for a while.' For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat," (MK 6:31-32).
We talked about the Savior's own 40-day retreat in the wilderness, in the course of which he put focus to his preaching and teaching. And Jesus' renewal of mission in the private mountaintop retreat was discussed to some length. Those seated around us couldn't help but overhear, so we just might have been engaging in evangelism.
Time apart from the business of everyday living has value for every Christian who takes it. There's benefit simply in getting rest, and most of us stay far too busy during vacation times even to begin to do that. There's tremendous spiritual strength to be gained through focused study and contemplation of the scriptures, and doing nothing but that. And the lessened levels of stress and anxiety experienced by those who take regular time to put their lives in perspective can be a gift beyond measure.
The gospel for July 19th urges the disciples to "come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while." We, of course, are those disciples in our own time and place.
Tom Gehlsen
Friday, July 3, 2009
Prophets close to home, where the fire is hotter.
It's safe to speak truth to power, but only when that power lies at more than arm's length from out lives. Many Americans have spoken out against Robert Mugabe's reign of terror in Zimbabwe, and more than a few Episcopal leaders have rightly condemned the former Bishop of Harare's public support of Mugabe's atrocities. Some of us have expressed indignation at leaders in the Solomon Islands, which allowed six Anglican religious brothers to be murdered by a mob.
We rail against terrorists and we rant against dictators, and it costs us absolutely nothing. But at least we're faithful to the scriptures: "Whether they hear or refuse to hear, they shall know that there has been a prophet among them" (Ezek. 2:3b-4). And so we've done our part.
For prophets who speak truth to power a little closer to home, it can be quite a different story. Regardless of what the law might say, workers engaged in trying to organize labor unions are usually fired. Clergy who speak out at conventions against dysfunctional diocesan policies can find their future job prospects limited. And parishioners who challenge the priorities of a parish are easily stigmatized as "troublemakers," and even invited to "move on." Our Lord's observation often rings true: "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house" (Mk. 6:4).
Fr. Gehlsen
We rail against terrorists and we rant against dictators, and it costs us absolutely nothing. But at least we're faithful to the scriptures: "Whether they hear or refuse to hear, they shall know that there has been a prophet among them" (Ezek. 2:3b-4). And so we've done our part.
For prophets who speak truth to power a little closer to home, it can be quite a different story. Regardless of what the law might say, workers engaged in trying to organize labor unions are usually fired. Clergy who speak out at conventions against dysfunctional diocesan policies can find their future job prospects limited. And parishioners who challenge the priorities of a parish are easily stigmatized as "troublemakers," and even invited to "move on." Our Lord's observation often rings true: "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house" (Mk. 6:4).
Fr. Gehlsen
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Open to Receiving Help
Pentecost 4, Proper 8
When Jesus came to the house where the young girl died, he denied her death and the people laughed at him. Sometimes it can be that way for us, too. Even in the face of the help that we need - when the offer is placed squarely before us - we laugh and turn away in scorn instead of welcoming the relief that is available.
Jesus asks the people, "Why do you make a commotion?" That question could just as easily be posed to any of us. Instead of being still to receive, and listening to learn, we make a commotion. We fill the situation with our own static and turmoil because we cannot imagine how any solution beyond our abilities is possible. How could anything happen that we haven't controlled, and understood?
Sometimes the commotion is just a cover-up for our anxiety. Anxiety can mean wringing our hands over things that cannot be changed, or worrying about things that haven't happened and may never happen. Anxiety can mean getting lost in the negative possibilities and worst-case scenarios. Anxiety can waste a lot of energy and time. It's not good for our spirit or our body. And it can be a great distraction from the work of ministry!
Fr. Gehlsen
When Jesus came to the house where the young girl died, he denied her death and the people laughed at him. Sometimes it can be that way for us, too. Even in the face of the help that we need - when the offer is placed squarely before us - we laugh and turn away in scorn instead of welcoming the relief that is available.
Jesus asks the people, "Why do you make a commotion?" That question could just as easily be posed to any of us. Instead of being still to receive, and listening to learn, we make a commotion. We fill the situation with our own static and turmoil because we cannot imagine how any solution beyond our abilities is possible. How could anything happen that we haven't controlled, and understood?
Sometimes the commotion is just a cover-up for our anxiety. Anxiety can mean wringing our hands over things that cannot be changed, or worrying about things that haven't happened and may never happen. Anxiety can mean getting lost in the negative possibilities and worst-case scenarios. Anxiety can waste a lot of energy and time. It's not good for our spirit or our body. And it can be a great distraction from the work of ministry!
Fr. Gehlsen
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Storms in our lives
Have you ever been in a storm? It can be scary, especially if it blows up fast and you're outside in a vulnerable place. We tell our kids to avoid getting caught outside in a storm, but it can happen to any of us.
Some storms don't come with lightning and thunder. We can also encounter scary weather in our lives. Bad things in our work, our family, our friendships, or our parish may blow up suddenly and leave us wondering what comes next. We may feel vulnerable and unsafe in the middle of the storm, especially when we realize our own strength is no match for the threat we're facing. The storm is beyond our control, and we don't know what to do.
The fishermen in the boat with Jesus that evening were frightened and confused. The windstorm blew up, the waves beat into the boat, and it was being swamped. The evening probably didn't start out that way. A crowd had gathered around Jesus, and he set out to cross to the other side of the sea. Then he went to sleep. It seemed peaceful. But the disciples panicked when the windstorm arose, and you can hear their fear in the urgency of what they say to Jesus: "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"
Jesus pointed them away from fear to faith, and he does the same for us when we face the storms that have blown up in our own lives. We're not alone in the face of any threat. If the threats we face seem more powerful that any resistance we can offer, we can still trust in the power of our Lord, who is with us and available!
Some storms don't come with lightning and thunder. We can also encounter scary weather in our lives. Bad things in our work, our family, our friendships, or our parish may blow up suddenly and leave us wondering what comes next. We may feel vulnerable and unsafe in the middle of the storm, especially when we realize our own strength is no match for the threat we're facing. The storm is beyond our control, and we don't know what to do.
The fishermen in the boat with Jesus that evening were frightened and confused. The windstorm blew up, the waves beat into the boat, and it was being swamped. The evening probably didn't start out that way. A crowd had gathered around Jesus, and he set out to cross to the other side of the sea. Then he went to sleep. It seemed peaceful. But the disciples panicked when the windstorm arose, and you can hear their fear in the urgency of what they say to Jesus: "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"
Jesus pointed them away from fear to faith, and he does the same for us when we face the storms that have blown up in our own lives. We're not alone in the face of any threat. If the threats we face seem more powerful that any resistance we can offer, we can still trust in the power of our Lord, who is with us and available!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Ordinary Time
A MESSAGE FROM FATHER GEHLSEN:
In the season after the feast of Pentecost I can't help but wonder how we set the workings of the Spirit aside. I don't believe we do it on purpose, but we get so caught up in the days of summer that sometimes religious commitment isn't on the top of our priority list.
The Pentecost event is so powerful and so dynamic that an indelible mark should be within us. The passion of the Spirit should be directing us to share our gifts and talents like the disciples and apostles. We probably won't be able to speak in different languages, but we can be attentive to those around us who manifest fear, worry, sickness, societal troubles, family issues, and personal hardships. It was the apostles who eventually brought the hope of resurrection and healing to all hardships in life.
We are called in the same manner as the apostles to be alert to the needs and spiritual concerns of others. Summer doesn't lighten our loads of Baptismal Covenant Ministry. We are to be vigilant and awake to respond to the needs of those around us.
Have a wonderful Summer!!
Fr. Tom
In the season after the feast of Pentecost I can't help but wonder how we set the workings of the Spirit aside. I don't believe we do it on purpose, but we get so caught up in the days of summer that sometimes religious commitment isn't on the top of our priority list.
The Pentecost event is so powerful and so dynamic that an indelible mark should be within us. The passion of the Spirit should be directing us to share our gifts and talents like the disciples and apostles. We probably won't be able to speak in different languages, but we can be attentive to those around us who manifest fear, worry, sickness, societal troubles, family issues, and personal hardships. It was the apostles who eventually brought the hope of resurrection and healing to all hardships in life.
We are called in the same manner as the apostles to be alert to the needs and spiritual concerns of others. Summer doesn't lighten our loads of Baptismal Covenant Ministry. We are to be vigilant and awake to respond to the needs of those around us.
Have a wonderful Summer!!
Fr. Tom
A Little Thing
Little things can really be big things! A small stream can eventually wear away a might rock. A small favor can sometimes reconcile an enemy, or make a friend. A small encouragement can brighten another person's day, or make a daunting task seem much less difficult. A small detail can sometimes be the difference that makes an outstanding performance. A simple expensive gift in significance. A life-changing event can happen in a moment.
Nothing is small or insignificant when it come to faith. Jesus likens the kingdom of God to a small mustard seed. The seed may seem insignificant, but it can grow into the greatest of shrubs. The significance of the seed is not in its initial identity, but in its magnificent potential. If we see only the seed, and ignore what it can become, we seriously misunderstand. It can become much more than a small, individual seed.
Our imperfect love is the seed of faith. God perfects our imperfection, and will draw the seed of our faith into the fullness of glory.
Father Tom Gehlsen
Monday, May 11, 2009
Who are the theologians?
I have come to realize over the past several years why I am Anglican. By its nature Anglicanism is Catholic (as in Roman Catholic) and Protestant. It is a faith describes and uncertain and ambiguous by its detractors and as willing to live with uncertainty and ambiguity by its proponents. One thing was always stressed to me as I learned about the faith: no one claimed to have all the answers and all the Truth. I also learned that I needed to be a theologian. Fredrica Harris Thompsett wrote We are Theologians in 1994 to address the need for the laity to have and be theologians and to nourish their own spirituality.
I will quote segments from her book, now in reprint, over the next weeks.
Chapter 1. Gods Work and Ours.
A Voyage of Discovery
"What does it mean to be Christian today? .........Questions proliferate when we set out to discover our mission. What is our mission as members of a local congregation, as participants in a Christian denomination, as part of Christianity worldwide? What do we believe about the nature and purpose of the church? What is our theology, our doctrine about membership in a church? What images of the church inspire us, and what images oppress us? What hopes do we have for the mission, the ethical character, of the church in a new decade, indeed, of all Christians in a new millennium?"
These are hard questions. If we were to go to a seminary the term that would be applied is ecclesiology. This is the formal theological term for understanding the nature of the church. Whether you have thought about it or not, if you are a Christian you have your own ecclesiology. Thompsett goes on to discuss that the above questions are all things that the laity must answer for themselves. We must not identify the church with what the ordained do. She refers to it as a "clerical reservation" that only the ordained can understand.
Thompsett is a historian. At this point she stresses the need to remember: remember our stories, remember the stories in the Bible are the stories of a people, not a few chosen leaders. Our collective memory becomes crucial.
I welcome your comments.
The next segment will be "Standing the Bible on Its Feet"
I will quote segments from her book, now in reprint, over the next weeks.
Chapter 1. Gods Work and Ours.
A Voyage of Discovery
"What does it mean to be Christian today? .........Questions proliferate when we set out to discover our mission. What is our mission as members of a local congregation, as participants in a Christian denomination, as part of Christianity worldwide? What do we believe about the nature and purpose of the church? What is our theology, our doctrine about membership in a church? What images of the church inspire us, and what images oppress us? What hopes do we have for the mission, the ethical character, of the church in a new decade, indeed, of all Christians in a new millennium?"
These are hard questions. If we were to go to a seminary the term that would be applied is ecclesiology. This is the formal theological term for understanding the nature of the church. Whether you have thought about it or not, if you are a Christian you have your own ecclesiology. Thompsett goes on to discuss that the above questions are all things that the laity must answer for themselves. We must not identify the church with what the ordained do. She refers to it as a "clerical reservation" that only the ordained can understand.
Thompsett is a historian. At this point she stresses the need to remember: remember our stories, remember the stories in the Bible are the stories of a people, not a few chosen leaders. Our collective memory becomes crucial.
I welcome your comments.
The next segment will be "Standing the Bible on Its Feet"
Monday, May 4, 2009
We can't run
A MESSAGE FROM FATHER GEHLSEN:
As we journey through the Easter Season, we await the Ascension of Jesus. He is in preparation for leaving the earth and turning his ministry over to his apostles and disciple. For these followers this was a very scary set of circumstances.
They had already experienced Jesus leaving them through his death. They ran as most of us would when someone dear to us is dead. We are sorrowful and sad, so you can imagine what they felt when they saw him after the resurrection. Now they have go through it again, only to have Jesus physically leave and no longer be in their presence
What they had difficulty with was knowing that Jesus wasn't leaving them. He gave them the tools, authority and power to carry on. Their minuscule faith lead them to believe they were again alone.
Doesn't this sound familiar, even to the point of running away from our call to ministry. We may say, "We are to busy;" Let someone else more qualified do it;" "I really don't want any part of it!" We really can't run. We have to face the call and act on it as Jesus is with us in risen form to give us the tools and means to bring his death and resurrection event to all those we come in contact with.
God bless you!
Fr. Tom
As we journey through the Easter Season, we await the Ascension of Jesus. He is in preparation for leaving the earth and turning his ministry over to his apostles and disciple. For these followers this was a very scary set of circumstances.
They had already experienced Jesus leaving them through his death. They ran as most of us would when someone dear to us is dead. We are sorrowful and sad, so you can imagine what they felt when they saw him after the resurrection. Now they have go through it again, only to have Jesus physically leave and no longer be in their presence
What they had difficulty with was knowing that Jesus wasn't leaving them. He gave them the tools, authority and power to carry on. Their minuscule faith lead them to believe they were again alone.
Doesn't this sound familiar, even to the point of running away from our call to ministry. We may say, "We are to busy;" Let someone else more qualified do it;" "I really don't want any part of it!" We really can't run. We have to face the call and act on it as Jesus is with us in risen form to give us the tools and means to bring his death and resurrection event to all those we come in contact with.
God bless you!
Fr. Tom
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Touch and see.
Luke was the subject of the RCL Gospel reading last Sunday. It amazes me how much meaning and how many interpretations can be packed in such few words. Jesus returns to his disciples as flesh and blood. His first words were, "Peace be with you." It would not be the peace of a long and comfortable life. It would be that greater inner peace that comes at a great price. Their fears were reassured with "Touch me and see." While we can not literally touch and see, we can through the amazing power of faith and belief "touch and see" that God is very real.
Peace be with you.
Diana Wright
Peace be with you.
Diana Wright
Monday, April 20, 2009
Entering the Easter Mystery
Spring is always amazing. Your leave the seeming dead world of winter behind and enter into the dance of life. Each year that circle of life and mystery comes around in the church. As we enter the season of Lent and somber reflection we know that the incredible mystery of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ are mirrored in the world of nature around us. Today I saw a magnolia in all its splendor. Who could not notice that display of life and joy? So I celebrate what is to me the most incredible event in human history.
It is time to renew our commitment to Christ and to one another, regardless of the human labels we so like to use. Alleluia. Christ is risen. Have a blessed Easter.
Diana Wright, St. Martin's Episcopal Church
----------------
Now playing: P. St. Olaf Choir - We Praise You, O God
via FoxyTunes
It is time to renew our commitment to Christ and to one another, regardless of the human labels we so like to use. Alleluia. Christ is risen. Have a blessed Easter.
Diana Wright, St. Martin's Episcopal Church
----------------
Now playing: P. St. Olaf Choir - We Praise You, O God
via FoxyTunes
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