Martin Smith, one of my favorite Episcopal authors, some 20 years ago wrote a wonderful book called "A Season For the Spirit" to be read during the weeks of Lent. I read it every year because it helps to remind me to clear out all that clutters my insides and to give up control. Only when we do this do we have room for the Spirit to enter. Rather than try to agonize over "giving up" something or "taking on something" he states we are called to surrender control and with that making room for the truth to enter. He says," Truth happens to us when the coverings of illusion are stripped away and what is real emerges into the open."
I have given up various things for Lent, or taken on a new challenge, and am a better person for what I learned and did. But this year I am trying to let go and let God and I am beginning to think it is working for me.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
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!
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