Holy Week and Beyond

Of all the seasons and observances in the Christian calendar, none is more dramatic and transforming than Holy Week. It begins with Jesus' decisive and strategic plan to enter the holy city of Jerusalem with his followers. It was a risky act! Opposition was mounting to silence him as his words and deeds challenged the religious leaders, and his growing popularity was a threat. The common folk accepted him gladly, and responded to his actions of compassion and healing. They shouted "hosanna" to welcome him, unaware that before the week was over many would shout "crucify him!"  They spread palm branches in his path with great hope that he was the promised deliverer who would rescue them from Roman dominance. With such hope it is little wonder that they welcomed him with a joyous celebration fit for a king. However, they misunderstood the symbolism of him riding on a donkey. They expected some-thing more from him and his leadership, more suited to their personal desires. They were more concerned about the earthy kingdom than God's kingdom.

The days that followed were filled with significant events. On Monday Jesus went to the temple where he challenged customs by overturning the tables of the money changers. This act resulted in a plot by the religious leaders to seek a way to silence him.  On Thursday he celebrated the Jewish tradition of the Passover with his disciples. But this time the Seder meal was different. Not only was it Jesus’ last supper with them, but what he said about the traditional symbols of bread and cup was surprising to them. The upper room experience included Jesus taking the role of servant by washing his disciples’ feet. He was betrayed by one of his chosen followers and subsequently arrested. Agony, humiliation, rejection, abuse, pain, suffering, and desertion by his followers followed his arrest.

Then came Friday. Jesus was hurriedly tried, convicted and condemned to death for blasphemy. He died by crucifixion on a cross between two common criminals. His disciples hid in fear for their lives. Saturday brought uncertainty and shattered hopes and dreams of what could have been. The events of the previous days brought fear and confusion to his disciples. How could this have happened to Jesus?  What would they do without him offering guidance and pointing the way? Had it all been for nothing?  

On Sunday, the defeat and despair experienced by Jesus’ followers was overcome by the power of God’s greatest act of love in the resurrection. Jesus had conquered death through the transforming power of God. The message came to one of his faithful followers, Mary Magdalene, who came to pay her final respects to her crucified Lord. But she was confronted with a greater message that transcends death:  "He is not here... He has risen."  And then she encountered the resurrected Lord!  Astonished and excited by her encounter, she ran to tell others the good news. In the days that followed, other disciples also experienced the resurrected Lord. The astonishing message of resurrection that lies at the heart of the Christian faith was proclaimed and spread.

It has been suggested that the life of a Christian follows the pattern of the activities of Holy Week. There are days of prayer and preparation, followed by celebration. There are also days of trial that sometimes include suffering and pain. There are sometimes days of rejection and betrayal. There are times when we face the reality of death that seeks to diminish and destroy, followed by days of despair, sorrow and grief. There are silent Saturdays when we feel forsaken by God. But through the hope and promises that Christianity offers, God's love transforms our dark and dismal days into the glory of resurrection Sunday. When this happens, we find the strength to live another week, another day, looking to that final resurrection when we are welcomed to our eternal home.

Faith Questions for the Lenten Journey and Beyond

The Lenten season is often a time for a spiritual check-up and accountability. For me it is a time to consider spiritual questions that have to do with my faith journey. This idea is basic to our Wesleyan heritage. Participants in the eighteenth century class meetings of John Wesley’s day were asked the same question every week as a point of inquiry regarding their faith development:  “How is it with your soul?” This profound question lies at the heart of the matter. How we answer this question depends to some degree on how we can answer other questions related to our growth in Christian discipleship. 

Am I being intentional about my journey of faith?  How is my prayer life?  What additional spiritual disciplines do I need to practice?  What lessons and insights am I gaining from reading the scriptures?  How am I applying such insights required of Christian living?  In what ways does my life include acts of love and kindness? 

Asking and responding to questions such as these becomes transformational. To find answers to such inquiries prepares us to ask the most important question of all: “Lord, what do you desire from me today?”  This question alone can help shape our journey of faith, as we become more aware of our surroundings and the persons who occupy space with us for this moment in time. It opens us up to be inspired for actions we can take to make a difference.

What does the Lord require? This is the central question of faith that has been raised in every age. It was answered many years ago in Old Testament times by the prophet Micah: “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?  (6:8- NRSV)

Now that we know the answer to this question, we are confronted with another one. How will we allow these imperatives to find expression in our lives today? We are called to live the answers to such faith questions each and every day. 

Birthday Reflections

I’m about to celebrate a milestone birthday.  Another life chapter is closing; a new one beginning. I’m at a place in my journey where I acknowledge that each day is a “little birthday” with cause to celebrate the gift of each day. Speaking of gifts, I have also reached the place in life where the most important gifts are not material. When my family asked what I wanted for my birthday, my reply was, “No presents, just presence.”  The wisdom of years has led me to realize that the most important things in life are not measured by what we have accumulated, or personal achievements, but the relationships that enrich our journey.

Birthdays are times to celebrate and create memories. I will be spending time with special friends who invited me out for dinner. I’ll gather with family to have a meal including my favorite homemade cake, and they will take pictures to capture the moments.  As I reflect, I am reminded that the celebration isn’t all about me. It is also about what I have become through the years by God’s grace, by those who have loved and continue to love me, and by those whose lives have contributed to shaping and molding mine. So on my birthday, I will offer a prayer of thanksgiving for those special persons whose lives intersected with mine in positive ways. I will also be grateful for cards and Facebook birthday greetings I receive as expressions of the friendships that I share.

On this the occasion that marks my seventy-five years, I want to expand my birthday “wish list.” For those who would like to do something for my birthday, please consider doing an act of kindness in my honor. This would be such a blessing to the recipient(s) and me. Then drop me an e-mail or post to Facebook indicating what you have done. Thanks in advance to any of you who may choose to make my birthday count through acts of kindness for others. After all, we are blessed to be a blessing. 

As a New Year Begins

“Happy new year!”  With that traditional greeting we began the year 2014. No doubt by now you have received or shared this greeting many times. In spite of such a positive greeting, many will enter the new year with anxiety and despair, carrying with them remembrances of unpleasant past experiences.  A new year will bring new opportunities and even challenges. Sometimes we are tempted to dwell on the past and not embrace the present with hope for a more positive future.

Scriptures offer important insights regarding how we are to live as Christians. This passage from Ephesians offers guidance as we begin a new year:  “So get rid of your old self,  which made you live as you used to -- the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.” (Good News translation)

These words from Thessalonians also offer guidance for faith living in 2014: “Do not quench the spirit nor ignore the words of the prophets, but test the value of faith. Hold fast to what is good and combat evil in all forms… Faith living is the result of faithful actions, no matter what life brings.”

A new year will include both positive and negative experiences. That much we can count on! There will be times of uncertainty, adversity and despair. As persons of faith, however, we can move toward each tomorrow with an assurance that we do not face any day alone. The Christmas season reminded us of a central truth for all seasons.  That truth is expressed in one word:   “Emmanuel,” which means “God with us.”   Isaac Watts expressed an appropriate prayer in his hymn for all ages:  “Our God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come; be thou our guide while life shall last, and our eternal home.”

May his words be our prayer as we begin this new year, and may you experience God’s blessings for the journey throughout 2014.

True Thanksgiving

As a youngster growing up, my parents taught me proper manners. I learned to say “yes, ma’m,” and “no, sir,” to my elders.  I also learned to say “please” and “thank you” when appropriate. Such teachings of these mannerly expressions seem to be slowly disappearing from our society.  We are often quick to criticize and complain, and slow to affirm and offer thanks.                                

                

To be true to ourselves and the One who created us, we must first and foremost always say thank you to our God.  During this month we will gather for special services of thanksgiving and as families to express gratitude for life’s bountiful blessings. While this annual national Thanksgiving observance causes us focus on the good things of life, Christians focus on the Source of all good things. The holiday observance is just a day.  It will quickly pass. The Apostle Paul suggests that true thanksgiving is a lifestyle:  “In everything give thanks always,” he wrote to the Christians of his day. Thanksgiving cannot be captured in any one experience, day, or season.  Rather, it is a way of life that characterizes our lives as a people who live under grace as recipients of God’s blessings.  Indeed, true thanksgiving is a lifestyle of gratitude that produces gracious living.

                 

My hope and prayer for each of us is that we will strive to make our lives expressions of thanksgiving.  As God has blessed us, let us find ways to be a blessing for others.  We would do well to remember the old Scottish prayer that says, “Lord, you have given us much. Give us one thing more: grateful hearts.  Amen.”  

The Apostle Paul’s words express my sentiments for each of you who are among my family and friends: “I thank God always for you and your faith.”  I wish for you and yours a happy Thanksgiving and continued blessings!

Virginia Annual Conference Overview

Guided by the theme "Lord, teach us to pray," the 231st session of the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church was convened by Bishop Young Jin Cho on Friday, June 21st.  In response to the question raised by the opening hymn, “And Are We Yet Alive?” participants appeared to affirm throughout the event, “Yes, very much so!”  

As the session began, Bishop Cho commented that in preparing for his first annual conference he prayed, "Lord, have mercy on me. Then he said, "By the grace of God, so far so good!" Host Superintendent, Joe Carson, noted the "firsts" of the conference: Bishop Cho's first annual conference, and our first time at the Hampton Roads Convention Center on the newly formed York River District. The first day became "fervent Friday" as a result of the inspiring and challenging address by Bishop Cho. His noteworthy comments included: "No spirituality, no vital congregations!" "If we are not connected to the Vine we cannot bear much fruit."  "The main issues we face are spiritual." "Spiritual vitality begins with a spiritual connection with God."  "Ministry as usual is no longer an option." The day concluded with the Service of Remembrance and Communion with 29 clergy remembered, and an energetic sermon by Rev. Clarence Brown.

Saturday began with Bible study, and became a full day of taking care of business which included a lot of sitting, listening to reports, and voting. (No nap time was included on this year's agenda!) Worship was once again magnified by lively music and inspiring preaching. In the midst of meetings, worship and prayer we also served and generously contributed our time, talents and money. Two hundred volunteers bagged 50,000 lbs. of potatoes, UMCOR Relief Kits donated totaled 36,476, worth $453,647; 4 Cans 4 Conference collected 7,000 lbs. of food for the Peninsula Food Bank; Conference offering was $155,228 at the close of the session.

For some, the highlight of Conference came Saturday with the recognition of retirement; for others it was the Service for the Ordering of Ministry (licensing, commissioning and ordination.) Rev. Tom Berlin offered a powerful message and reminded us to seek the joy in ministry.  Saturday’s dinner for retirees sponsored by VUMPI and ARMS provided a wonderful time to enjoy good food and fellowship.

Sunday's agenda included the Board of Pensions report and recommended changes related to pension and health benefits effective January 1, 2014. The actual report includes 20 pages. Summary in two words: increased costs. Details of approved changes will be sent from the VUMPI office.

Worship and fixing of appointments concluded the conference. In his closing message, Bishop Cho remarked, “As we return home we begin a walk into a future full of uncertainties.”  Yet, he reminded us, “There is a message and promise from the Lord:  ‘Be strong and courageous, and do not be afraid, for God is with us!’”  (Joshua 1:9)  His deep spirituality and humble servant leadership was evident from the beginning to the end of the conference. At the benediction, Bishop Cho shouted, "Get out of here!" which immediately brought laughter. When order was restored, he finished his departing words with "in peace and hope." Most of us were still laughing and smiling as we left the Convention Center. Congratulations go to our “rookie bishop” who handled things like a pro while displaying personal warmth, grace and confidence!  

A Spiritual Journey

Last Saturday I joined about 300 other United Methodists from across the Virginia Conference in the Bishop’s Convocation on Prayer.  It was an insightful and spiritually enriching experience.  The next day (Pentecost Sunday) I found myself spontaneously quoting Bishop Cho at the beginning of my sermon:  “No spirituality, no vital congregations; no spirituality, no fruitful ministries.” 

My colleagues and I are currently leading a strategic planning process for a local church. The process includes several phases and events, including a sermon on visioning. Such a process is a spiritual journey. The outcome is determined by how deeply engaged leadership and members depend on prayer to guide them. Truly vital and fruitful ministry is “born of the Spirit.” Faithful discipleship is also rooted in practicing the spiritual disciplines and allowing the Spirit to work through us. 

What is true for the church as a whole, must be true for those who seek to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.  When one says yes to the invitation of discipleship, the journey begins.  Each step along toward Christian maturity must be undergirded by prayer, informed by scripture and enlightened by spiritual discernment. Such a journey is empowered by an awareness that we do not journey alone, and that the empowering gift of the Spirit given at that first Pentecost continues to provide comfort, strength and guidance.

Thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit at that first Pentecost, for it is not simply a historical event, but a contemporary happening. We experience Pentecost when we are open and receptive to God’s will and purposes revealed through prayer and spiritual discernment. Through the gift of the Spirit we are empowered for living as faithful disciples.