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Parable of Silence
I am struggling with this Sunday’s parable. Instead of skipping over it, I decided to dive in and, in doing so, I may have uncovered the good news. I am interested to know what you think. This Sunday’s parable is commonly called the Parable of the Wedding Feast. Sounds good right? I mean a wedding feast, what could go wrong? Turns out a lot. Here it is (my translation):
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a King who prepared a wedding feast for his son. Invitations went out but no one responded. A second wave of invitations, describing how magnificent the feast will be, were sent and still, no one bothered to show up. Worse yet, some invitees seized the king’s messengers and murdered them! The King became enraged, sent troops, killed the murderers and burned their city to the ground. He sent more messengers into the streets with this command: invite anyone you see. The wedding hall was filled with people. When the king entered, he saw one man who refused to wear the appropriate wedding garment. He asked the man why he was not wearing the robe, but the man would not speak to him. So the King had him thrown out of the party into the darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. Thus, many are called but few are chosen.
I have read the parable word-for-word in the original Greek and multiple English translations looking for the good news. And honestly, I struggled to find how that story compares to what I think the Kingdom of Heaven is. But then, I realized, maybe the parable is inviting me to change my perspective.
Have you ever thrown a party and no one showed up? It must be humiliating and frustrating. In this parable, the host – the King – is God from Jesus’ perspective. God invites people to live an abundant life and they’re too busy. History shows that many prophets were murdered which I believe is represented in this parable by the messengers who were killed. Now, parables are exaggerated to catch your attention and then to show a truth about the Kingdom. The key to this parable (for me) is the behavior of the man without the wedding garment.
Have you ever been to a restaurant with a dress code? The places I have been to always offered a collection of neck ties for men just in case someone showed up without one. That’s the same tradition as an expensive wedding feast in the 1st century. If you didn’t own a wedding garment (which looks a lot like the white robe the altar servers and I wear on Sunday) one would be provided. In Jesus’s parable, the man refused to wear the robe. When the King asked him why not, he ignored him.
The man came in, ate the food, drank the celebratory wine, refused to wear the robe everyone else was in and when the host (king) spoke to him about it he didn’t give him the time of day. How rude! In a parabolic over-the-top exaggerated way, the king had him bound and cast out. How many of us have thought about doing the same thing to a disrespectful party guest.
Jesus concludes with this: many are called, few are chosen. My question to you is who does the choosing – God or individuals? I think it is the individual who chooses. What does this say about the Kingdom of Heaven? It is a place where people choose to accept the robe given to them and will speak with the King. It’s not a place for those who choose not to.
-Fr. Dave
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a King who prepared a wedding feast for his son. Invitations went out but no one responded. A second wave of invitations, describing how magnificent the feast will be, were sent and still, no one bothered to show up. Worse yet, some invitees seized the king’s messengers and murdered them! The King became enraged, sent troops, killed the murderers and burned their city to the ground. He sent more messengers into the streets with this command: invite anyone you see. The wedding hall was filled with people. When the king entered, he saw one man who refused to wear the appropriate wedding garment. He asked the man why he was not wearing the robe, but the man would not speak to him. So the King had him thrown out of the party into the darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. Thus, many are called but few are chosen.
I have read the parable word-for-word in the original Greek and multiple English translations looking for the good news. And honestly, I struggled to find how that story compares to what I think the Kingdom of Heaven is. But then, I realized, maybe the parable is inviting me to change my perspective.
Have you ever thrown a party and no one showed up? It must be humiliating and frustrating. In this parable, the host – the King – is God from Jesus’ perspective. God invites people to live an abundant life and they’re too busy. History shows that many prophets were murdered which I believe is represented in this parable by the messengers who were killed. Now, parables are exaggerated to catch your attention and then to show a truth about the Kingdom. The key to this parable (for me) is the behavior of the man without the wedding garment.
Have you ever been to a restaurant with a dress code? The places I have been to always offered a collection of neck ties for men just in case someone showed up without one. That’s the same tradition as an expensive wedding feast in the 1st century. If you didn’t own a wedding garment (which looks a lot like the white robe the altar servers and I wear on Sunday) one would be provided. In Jesus’s parable, the man refused to wear the robe. When the King asked him why not, he ignored him.
The man came in, ate the food, drank the celebratory wine, refused to wear the robe everyone else was in and when the host (king) spoke to him about it he didn’t give him the time of day. How rude! In a parabolic over-the-top exaggerated way, the king had him bound and cast out. How many of us have thought about doing the same thing to a disrespectful party guest.
Jesus concludes with this: many are called, few are chosen. My question to you is who does the choosing – God or individuals? I think it is the individual who chooses. What does this say about the Kingdom of Heaven? It is a place where people choose to accept the robe given to them and will speak with the King. It’s not a place for those who choose not to.
-Fr. Dave
Resilience
Mackenzie Marshall, Reflection 10.7.26
“Remember these men and women are fragile. They look like hardened soldiers, because they are, but inside they are fragile.”
- The Very Rev. David Marshall
Last week, Father Dave preached on fragility. Later that Sunday, I called my father-in-law to ask an unrelated question that led us into a conversation about the connection between suffering and fragility, faith and resilience. I too have suffered. I am fragile. Yet, because of my faith, and love from my family, I am resilient.
From the outside, I look like a normal, newly married, twenty-something year old just starting to learn to navigate life. However, what is less obvious about me is that I’m much older than I look, not physically, but mentally. Currently, I am on medical rest from surgery for endometriosis, a disorder that has rendered me unable to have children. It was my seventeenth surgery. I was born with hydrocephalus, which is an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid deep within the cavities of the brain. I am blessed, because many with this diagnosis do not live past three years old, and I am well acquainted with suffering. It took many surgeries to get me to where I am today. And, as a woman with disabilities, I also know the strength and deliberateness it takes to find joy, peace, and beauty on this earth.
In Dave’s sermon he recounted what was said to him about those being treated at the PTSD center at the VA Hospital: “Remember these men and women, they are fragile. They look like hardened soldiers because they are but inside, they are fragile.” I’d like to take it a step further and highlight the raw, visceral, and beautiful strength that ties fragility, faith and resilience together.
I often refer to the hospital as a deeply beautiful and traumatizing space because it will strip you of the superficial person you present in public and reveal the core of who you are. In the hospital, you are your most fragile self. This theme is highlighted most notably during my last three brain surgeries in 2017. In short, I was in the hospital for about a month. I navigated the highs and extreme lows of these surgeries. I had begged God for my life. Since then, I have never forgotten my most fragile self; but it was in this state that I became my most resilient. In those moments, I had the choice to get up and live or to let my disabilities consume me. In the hospital I chose to live, despite the pain, and I continue to do so today. In essence, I found the strength I needed to know that I'm fragile and keep living because of that.
In the Letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul wrote of finding joy in suffering. It is a difficult concept, but I believe finding joy after trauma starts with healing. After the hospital stay in 2017, I was at home on a month-long bed rest when I reconnected with music and the fundamental joy it brings. That joy aided my healing. After reading the verse from Paul about sharing in the sufferings of Christ that brings resilience, I believe that the key to finding joy amidst suffering is through surrounding ourselves with support. Even in suffering, we are not alone. The God of joy and peace is with us. Faith is practicing the awareness of Christ in suffering. Because of faith, my resilience began to develop into what it is today. I’m still human and, like everyone, I fall short of the glory of God. Yet, I am here to remind you that because of faith it is indeed possible to find joy in suffering and beauty in the resilience it takes to be fragile.
With love, Mackenzie Marshall
- The Very Rev. David Marshall
Last week, Father Dave preached on fragility. Later that Sunday, I called my father-in-law to ask an unrelated question that led us into a conversation about the connection between suffering and fragility, faith and resilience. I too have suffered. I am fragile. Yet, because of my faith, and love from my family, I am resilient.
From the outside, I look like a normal, newly married, twenty-something year old just starting to learn to navigate life. However, what is less obvious about me is that I’m much older than I look, not physically, but mentally. Currently, I am on medical rest from surgery for endometriosis, a disorder that has rendered me unable to have children. It was my seventeenth surgery. I was born with hydrocephalus, which is an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid deep within the cavities of the brain. I am blessed, because many with this diagnosis do not live past three years old, and I am well acquainted with suffering. It took many surgeries to get me to where I am today. And, as a woman with disabilities, I also know the strength and deliberateness it takes to find joy, peace, and beauty on this earth.
In Dave’s sermon he recounted what was said to him about those being treated at the PTSD center at the VA Hospital: “Remember these men and women, they are fragile. They look like hardened soldiers because they are but inside, they are fragile.” I’d like to take it a step further and highlight the raw, visceral, and beautiful strength that ties fragility, faith and resilience together.
I often refer to the hospital as a deeply beautiful and traumatizing space because it will strip you of the superficial person you present in public and reveal the core of who you are. In the hospital, you are your most fragile self. This theme is highlighted most notably during my last three brain surgeries in 2017. In short, I was in the hospital for about a month. I navigated the highs and extreme lows of these surgeries. I had begged God for my life. Since then, I have never forgotten my most fragile self; but it was in this state that I became my most resilient. In those moments, I had the choice to get up and live or to let my disabilities consume me. In the hospital I chose to live, despite the pain, and I continue to do so today. In essence, I found the strength I needed to know that I'm fragile and keep living because of that.
In the Letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul wrote of finding joy in suffering. It is a difficult concept, but I believe finding joy after trauma starts with healing. After the hospital stay in 2017, I was at home on a month-long bed rest when I reconnected with music and the fundamental joy it brings. That joy aided my healing. After reading the verse from Paul about sharing in the sufferings of Christ that brings resilience, I believe that the key to finding joy amidst suffering is through surrounding ourselves with support. Even in suffering, we are not alone. The God of joy and peace is with us. Faith is practicing the awareness of Christ in suffering. Because of faith, my resilience began to develop into what it is today. I’m still human and, like everyone, I fall short of the glory of God. Yet, I am here to remind you that because of faith it is indeed possible to find joy in suffering and beauty in the resilience it takes to be fragile.
With love, Mackenzie Marshall
Huper (For)
Indeed, while we were still weak, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person — though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8
On the way to school, I asked my 16-year-old if he had any tests. He said just one, a Bible memorization quiz on Romans (5:6-9). Elijah then recited the above passage. After congratulating him, I asked if he knew what it meant. We had a fascinating conversation (that he has given me permission to share with you) about how the whole Gospel can be summed up with that one verse – while we were still weak, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly.
The emphasis of this mini-Gospel is centered on the word “weak” – while we were still weak… Christ died for the ungodly. “Weak” is a well-used word in the New Testament and other literary sources of the 1st century. Paul’s usage of the word could be translated as “sluggish in doing right” instead of physically weak. The author is saying that while we were sluggish-in-doing-right Christ died for us. It’s surprising because no one would do that. Paul writes that rarely would someone die for a righteous person; maybe someone would dare die for a “good” person. The word for good means “a benefactor in which one has received favors.” The illustration would be a soldier might be willing to die for their commanding officer who took care of them. In contrast, the “weak” have not done good things for Jesus, or God, or humanity for that matter; yet Christ died for the weak. Jesus didn’t wait for us to become strong in the faith, act with upstanding ethics and morals, and then died for us. No, He died while we were sluggish in doing right. That is good news indeed and why it’s called a mini-Gospel.
In my research for this Reflection (which I originally thought would focus on the “weak”), I took a deep dive into the preposition “huper” (ὑπὲρ) translated here as “for” and highlighted above. In 21st century English, prepositions are rigid words that rely entirely on fixed word order to show relationships. In 1st century New Testament Greek, prepositions were fluid, highly theological tools that shaped meaning. Paul used the preposition huper to give us a theological perspective which makes it a micro-Gospel inside a mini-Gospel.
Here is the sentence: Indeed, while we were still weak, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. The preposition huper means “for the sake of, in behalf of, instead of”. The way that Paul used it – and comparing it with other New Testament writings – it is clear that he used the third form of the preposition – instead of. This preposition is a substitution. Instead of the weak and the ungodly dying, He died. Christ died, at the right time, instead of us. Incidentally, going back to how someone may “dare to die for someone good – a benefactor” His death is to our benefit, not His. He is the benefactor we are the recipients and yet He died instead of us.
This is a mini-Gospel lesson because we read that while we are sluggish in doing right; the “ungodly”; God proved His love for us. Instead of us dying, Christ died so that we may live in love and unity with God and one another; while we were weak, He made us strong.
-Fr. Dave
On the way to school, I asked my 16-year-old if he had any tests. He said just one, a Bible memorization quiz on Romans (5:6-9). Elijah then recited the above passage. After congratulating him, I asked if he knew what it meant. We had a fascinating conversation (that he has given me permission to share with you) about how the whole Gospel can be summed up with that one verse – while we were still weak, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly.
The emphasis of this mini-Gospel is centered on the word “weak” – while we were still weak… Christ died for the ungodly. “Weak” is a well-used word in the New Testament and other literary sources of the 1st century. Paul’s usage of the word could be translated as “sluggish in doing right” instead of physically weak. The author is saying that while we were sluggish-in-doing-right Christ died for us. It’s surprising because no one would do that. Paul writes that rarely would someone die for a righteous person; maybe someone would dare die for a “good” person. The word for good means “a benefactor in which one has received favors.” The illustration would be a soldier might be willing to die for their commanding officer who took care of them. In contrast, the “weak” have not done good things for Jesus, or God, or humanity for that matter; yet Christ died for the weak. Jesus didn’t wait for us to become strong in the faith, act with upstanding ethics and morals, and then died for us. No, He died while we were sluggish in doing right. That is good news indeed and why it’s called a mini-Gospel.
In my research for this Reflection (which I originally thought would focus on the “weak”), I took a deep dive into the preposition “huper” (ὑπὲρ) translated here as “for” and highlighted above. In 21st century English, prepositions are rigid words that rely entirely on fixed word order to show relationships. In 1st century New Testament Greek, prepositions were fluid, highly theological tools that shaped meaning. Paul used the preposition huper to give us a theological perspective which makes it a micro-Gospel inside a mini-Gospel.
Here is the sentence: Indeed, while we were still weak, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. The preposition huper means “for the sake of, in behalf of, instead of”. The way that Paul used it – and comparing it with other New Testament writings – it is clear that he used the third form of the preposition – instead of. This preposition is a substitution. Instead of the weak and the ungodly dying, He died. Christ died, at the right time, instead of us. Incidentally, going back to how someone may “dare to die for someone good – a benefactor” His death is to our benefit, not His. He is the benefactor we are the recipients and yet He died instead of us.
This is a mini-Gospel lesson because we read that while we are sluggish in doing right; the “ungodly”; God proved His love for us. Instead of us dying, Christ died so that we may live in love and unity with God and one another; while we were weak, He made us strong.
-Fr. Dave
Rethinking Free Will
The serpent said to the woman, “You will not die, for God knows that when you eat of the fruit your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was a delight to the eyes and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to Adam, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked, and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. Genesis 3:4-7
You were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14
My wife and I watched a television series called The Hardacres. Set in Yorkshire in the 1890s, the series follows the Hardacre family as they rose from poverty to wealth after starting a store. The question left with the viewers is whether the family was happier in poverty working at the docks or as wealthy business owners. (Spoiler alert: they found happiness in helping others.)
Let me ask you a question: what makes you happy? What gives you true joy? I’d like to share with you what I’ve been thinking about, which is how faith, consciousness, free will, and family of origin all relates to happiness.
I think consciousness is a combination of three things – external awareness (you are a part of larger physical experience), inner life (personal thoughts and feelings) and subjective experience (like the taste of chocolate or what the color purple looks like to you). Free will is the theory that people have the right to make choices without being controlled by fate. Lastly, the family-of-origin concept acknowledges that rules and values from your upbringing often shape how you handle stress, self-esteem, and adult relationships. The last piece of this puzzle is how those three factors are affected by faith and what it says about happiness.
I have read recent (and depressing) literature that challenges the notion of free will. The researchers believe we are bound to our family of origin, and we make very few (if any) decisions outside of how we have learned to handle stress and cope with the subjective experience of our external awareness. In other words, humans make most decisions based on their family of origin and what’s-in-it-for-me; and not free will. To those researchers, I’d like to kindly disagree (my parents always taught me to be kind) because of the freedom found in faith.
I define faith as belief in a transcendent God who desires us to live abundantly in this life (and in the next) through love and generosity. Faith sets us free from living only for ourselves. That freedom allows us to have free will to choose love and to be generous to others. Happiness is rooted in both of those actions.
For as much as our consciousness might try to tell us, living for ourselves alone does not bring happiness because nothing is ever good enough to satisfy long term. For instance, a childhood friend spent his summers with his dad who worked for the State Department. One summer in Washington DC, he went to Pizza Hut every day for 41 days. To this day, he cannot eat at Pizza Hut. When he was 13 years old, he thought it would be great, but he found it didn’t satisfy (and still doesn’t). Faith, on the other hand, moves us to transcend our external awareness and desires and helps us to join with a larger family of origin who operates for the well-being of others through love and generosity.
The first story of humanity in the Bible is about Adam and Eve and the eating of the forbidden fruit. It serves as the foundational theological illustration of moral choice and disobedience. They were told not to eat it, but they fell for the what’s-in-it-for-me concept, and the desire of the subjective experience (it looked good to eat), and thus ate of the fruit. It certainly did not satisfy.
The mission statement of All Angels is this: to bring the Living Christ to those inside and outside the church. The Living Christ breaks us free from the confines of our subjective experience and thinking the only way of living is what’s-in-it-for-me. Through faith, we enter into the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph where love and generosity are the ways of living. Joseph went to his hometown with a pregnant wife yet none of his family offered to put him up for the night (presumably because of Mary’s pregnancy and that the child was not his). Because of love for God, the Holy Family made sacrifices. They chose to break free from their family of origin and by their free choice, the path for abundant life is open to us.
In the next couple of months, we are having landscaping upgrades at All Angels. This was made possible by the generosity of those who contribute to the mission and ministry of the church (and, in particular, one very large financial gift). In the family of faith, those who give so generously to All Angels have found joy in their sacrifice. One person recently told me that he wished he had more to give because it makes him feel so fortunate and happy to do so. Through the exercise of free will to be generous, many have found that love for the faith, and the sacrifice to give, is satisfying and continues to be so.
There is a very good reason we are wired to follow our family of origin, to be conscious of our external surroundings, and to seek what’s-in-it-for-me. Humanity may not have made it this far without the ability to learn and grow from our family experience and seek what is best for us.
Using the theological language of Adam and Eve, the Fall is thinking that all there is in life is to seek pleasure and do only those things that are of a direct benefit to the self. That was the lie the serpent told Eve which is still being whispered today. At the same time, I believe the inner self has a voice that calls us to faith. I believe that faith helps us transcend our wants and desires and even our family of origin. The Apostle Paul wrote about our shared call to freedom in Christ which, in part, is the exercise of free will to love one another (which at times comes as a sacrifice of our external wants and desires).
If we simply rely on our desires, and do not think beyond our family of origin, then yes, perhaps there is no such thing as free will. The Hardacres found happiness not in the accumulation of wealth but in generosity. They are a fictional family but show us the truth about happiness.
Faith calls us to think beyond ourselves and find that true joy and happiness are found in love and helping one another. At least, that’s what my parents and my faith taught me.
– Fr. Dave
You were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14
My wife and I watched a television series called The Hardacres. Set in Yorkshire in the 1890s, the series follows the Hardacre family as they rose from poverty to wealth after starting a store. The question left with the viewers is whether the family was happier in poverty working at the docks or as wealthy business owners. (Spoiler alert: they found happiness in helping others.)
Let me ask you a question: what makes you happy? What gives you true joy? I’d like to share with you what I’ve been thinking about, which is how faith, consciousness, free will, and family of origin all relates to happiness.
I think consciousness is a combination of three things – external awareness (you are a part of larger physical experience), inner life (personal thoughts and feelings) and subjective experience (like the taste of chocolate or what the color purple looks like to you). Free will is the theory that people have the right to make choices without being controlled by fate. Lastly, the family-of-origin concept acknowledges that rules and values from your upbringing often shape how you handle stress, self-esteem, and adult relationships. The last piece of this puzzle is how those three factors are affected by faith and what it says about happiness.
I have read recent (and depressing) literature that challenges the notion of free will. The researchers believe we are bound to our family of origin, and we make very few (if any) decisions outside of how we have learned to handle stress and cope with the subjective experience of our external awareness. In other words, humans make most decisions based on their family of origin and what’s-in-it-for-me; and not free will. To those researchers, I’d like to kindly disagree (my parents always taught me to be kind) because of the freedom found in faith.
I define faith as belief in a transcendent God who desires us to live abundantly in this life (and in the next) through love and generosity. Faith sets us free from living only for ourselves. That freedom allows us to have free will to choose love and to be generous to others. Happiness is rooted in both of those actions.
For as much as our consciousness might try to tell us, living for ourselves alone does not bring happiness because nothing is ever good enough to satisfy long term. For instance, a childhood friend spent his summers with his dad who worked for the State Department. One summer in Washington DC, he went to Pizza Hut every day for 41 days. To this day, he cannot eat at Pizza Hut. When he was 13 years old, he thought it would be great, but he found it didn’t satisfy (and still doesn’t). Faith, on the other hand, moves us to transcend our external awareness and desires and helps us to join with a larger family of origin who operates for the well-being of others through love and generosity.
The first story of humanity in the Bible is about Adam and Eve and the eating of the forbidden fruit. It serves as the foundational theological illustration of moral choice and disobedience. They were told not to eat it, but they fell for the what’s-in-it-for-me concept, and the desire of the subjective experience (it looked good to eat), and thus ate of the fruit. It certainly did not satisfy.
The mission statement of All Angels is this: to bring the Living Christ to those inside and outside the church. The Living Christ breaks us free from the confines of our subjective experience and thinking the only way of living is what’s-in-it-for-me. Through faith, we enter into the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph where love and generosity are the ways of living. Joseph went to his hometown with a pregnant wife yet none of his family offered to put him up for the night (presumably because of Mary’s pregnancy and that the child was not his). Because of love for God, the Holy Family made sacrifices. They chose to break free from their family of origin and by their free choice, the path for abundant life is open to us.
In the next couple of months, we are having landscaping upgrades at All Angels. This was made possible by the generosity of those who contribute to the mission and ministry of the church (and, in particular, one very large financial gift). In the family of faith, those who give so generously to All Angels have found joy in their sacrifice. One person recently told me that he wished he had more to give because it makes him feel so fortunate and happy to do so. Through the exercise of free will to be generous, many have found that love for the faith, and the sacrifice to give, is satisfying and continues to be so.
There is a very good reason we are wired to follow our family of origin, to be conscious of our external surroundings, and to seek what’s-in-it-for-me. Humanity may not have made it this far without the ability to learn and grow from our family experience and seek what is best for us.
Using the theological language of Adam and Eve, the Fall is thinking that all there is in life is to seek pleasure and do only those things that are of a direct benefit to the self. That was the lie the serpent told Eve which is still being whispered today. At the same time, I believe the inner self has a voice that calls us to faith. I believe that faith helps us transcend our wants and desires and even our family of origin. The Apostle Paul wrote about our shared call to freedom in Christ which, in part, is the exercise of free will to love one another (which at times comes as a sacrifice of our external wants and desires).
If we simply rely on our desires, and do not think beyond our family of origin, then yes, perhaps there is no such thing as free will. The Hardacres found happiness not in the accumulation of wealth but in generosity. They are a fictional family but show us the truth about happiness.
Faith calls us to think beyond ourselves and find that true joy and happiness are found in love and helping one another. At least, that’s what my parents and my faith taught me.
– Fr. Dave
Good Grief
Last week I wrote to you about grief and offered a guide through it (acknowledge the pain; lean on loved ones for support; remember to love and care for yourself). I wrote that I believe in a God of order and that grief creates disorder.
As a result, I was asked this: If grief is a disordering, why then do we say, “good grief”?
The word “grief” is from the Middle Ages, but the exclamation “good grief” is relatively new. It first appeared in the 1898 Oxford Dictionary. Here is the citation:
“Good grief, a mild imprecation.” (An imprecation is a curse, oath, or angry outburst)
There are many “good” euphemisms in English which are a substitution for using God’s name in vain, including “good golly,” “good gravy,” “good land,” and “good gracious.” Tangentially related is Good Friday – it’s not an imprecation but “good” is a substitute for God or “holy”.
Can Good Friday be good? Can grief be good?
Yes to both. Good Friday was a turning point in human history. In many ways, the Christian Church today is still grieving our crucified Savior. It also opens for us the way to holy living today and for eternal life.
In an interview with the chaplain who would become my mentor and boss at the VA hospital, I was asked about my experience with grief. He then shared his grief. And then he asked me to access the deepest hurt I have ever felt. After five minutes, and some tissues that he and I used to dry our eyes, he smiled and simply said, “Good, good.” I asked why he said that. He said grief is the ticket we pay to gain access into compassion and to learn patience. If one has not experienced grief, or is unwilling to access it, they will struggle with compassion, and with the patience pastoral ministry takes. This makes grief good.
Twenty-one years later, I find grief is good because it creates resilience and resilience creates hopeful compassion for others experiencing grief. Grief is good when it clarifies what is important in life. Grief is good when it is used to find joy and appreciation in everyday life like watching a sunset, talking with a loved one on the phone, or reading an enjoyable book. I have seen (good) grief inspire people to travel more because grief reminds them that our days are numbered.
Finding the good in grief does mean one should rush through (or think less of) the process of grieving. Perhaps the imprecation of “good grief” helps ease the pain of a situation, like when someone accidentally drops their dinner on the kitchen floor (Good grief!). However, good grief does not adopt an attitude of toxic positivity or provide a façade of everything-is-good with me.
Good grief is the empathy of human struggle. Jesus grieved; He knows what it is like. Each of the apostles, and their families, and their followers are all well acquainted with grief and that God is a strong tower, a green pasture, and still water that restoreth the soul. In our shared human experience of struggling, we see that joy and grief often coexist. When each of us was born, it was a struggle and it was joyful. And, when each of us die, it will be a struggle for those who love us and, with good grief, it will also become a source of compassion and joy of appreciating daily living.
As a result, I was asked this: If grief is a disordering, why then do we say, “good grief”?
The word “grief” is from the Middle Ages, but the exclamation “good grief” is relatively new. It first appeared in the 1898 Oxford Dictionary. Here is the citation:
“Good grief, a mild imprecation.” (An imprecation is a curse, oath, or angry outburst)
There are many “good” euphemisms in English which are a substitution for using God’s name in vain, including “good golly,” “good gravy,” “good land,” and “good gracious.” Tangentially related is Good Friday – it’s not an imprecation but “good” is a substitute for God or “holy”.
Can Good Friday be good? Can grief be good?
Yes to both. Good Friday was a turning point in human history. In many ways, the Christian Church today is still grieving our crucified Savior. It also opens for us the way to holy living today and for eternal life.
In an interview with the chaplain who would become my mentor and boss at the VA hospital, I was asked about my experience with grief. He then shared his grief. And then he asked me to access the deepest hurt I have ever felt. After five minutes, and some tissues that he and I used to dry our eyes, he smiled and simply said, “Good, good.” I asked why he said that. He said grief is the ticket we pay to gain access into compassion and to learn patience. If one has not experienced grief, or is unwilling to access it, they will struggle with compassion, and with the patience pastoral ministry takes. This makes grief good.
Twenty-one years later, I find grief is good because it creates resilience and resilience creates hopeful compassion for others experiencing grief. Grief is good when it clarifies what is important in life. Grief is good when it is used to find joy and appreciation in everyday life like watching a sunset, talking with a loved one on the phone, or reading an enjoyable book. I have seen (good) grief inspire people to travel more because grief reminds them that our days are numbered.
Finding the good in grief does mean one should rush through (or think less of) the process of grieving. Perhaps the imprecation of “good grief” helps ease the pain of a situation, like when someone accidentally drops their dinner on the kitchen floor (Good grief!). However, good grief does not adopt an attitude of toxic positivity or provide a façade of everything-is-good with me.
Good grief is the empathy of human struggle. Jesus grieved; He knows what it is like. Each of the apostles, and their families, and their followers are all well acquainted with grief and that God is a strong tower, a green pasture, and still water that restoreth the soul. In our shared human experience of struggling, we see that joy and grief often coexist. When each of us was born, it was a struggle and it was joyful. And, when each of us die, it will be a struggle for those who love us and, with good grief, it will also become a source of compassion and joy of appreciating daily living.
Dealing With Grief
“Those who are capable of loving strongly can also suffer great grief, but this same necessity of love serves to counteract their grief and is what heals them.” ― Leo Tolstoy
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
Grief is natural. Grief is unpredictable and does not comprehend the passage of time. Grief does not happen unless there is love first. To love is a choice; to grieve is not. Love will provide a passageway through the valley of grief but one must choose it.
God is love. That means God can mourn too. The shortest sentence in the Bible is this: Jesus wept. (John 11:35) He, who loves us more than we can ask or imagine, taught this:
Those who mourn are blessed because they will receive comfort. (Matthew 5:4)
I believe in a God of order. I believe grief creates disorder. Grief can make us feel disordered and as a result we act out in anger and are prone to irritability (especially over things that usually don’t upset us). The disordering of grief can make us withdraw from friends, skip social functions, or make us avoid places, or songs, or recipes, or photos that remind us of loss. Grief can disorder our cognitive mind with grief-fog that impairs memory and focus. It makes even the simplest of chores feel impossible. Grief creates indecisiveness which, if not addressed, can create further loss and then more grief (and then more isolation and disorder).
There is a way through, however. Perhaps the hardest part of grief is to start the process of walking through the valley of the shadow of death. (Psalm 23:4) Here is a process to follow. Start by acknowledging the pain. Say out loud what is making you hurt. Sometimes it helps to write it down. If you can’t write it, draw or scribble it. The point is to acknowledge it. The pain will not go away on its own. It can be suppressed for a short while, but it will always – always – let itself be felt and known. Your way through is to acknowledge it.
Step two – tell someone about it; over and over again. Lean on your support systems and tell them what you are feeling or show them what you’ve written or scribbled. Grief will want you to isolate, the way through is to lean on those who love you.
Step three – love yourself. Prioritize your physical health and fitness. Eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated. I have found that grief makes us not feel thirsty, so when you are grieving, drink more water than what you think you need. And yes, you’ll go to the bathroom more, but you are (literally) flushing out negative things. Sharing your grief and pain with others will make you tired – it takes a physical toll. Prioritize resting and sleep. Take time to do things that give you joy like listening to music, going on a walk, seeing a play, going out to eat, watching the sunset. Again, grief will want you to isolate, the way through is to do the things that bring you joy and peace. Lastly, of course, seek professional help and please postpone major life decisions until the grief-fog has lifted.
When we choose to express grief, lean on others, and care for ourselves, we will find that God is close by; therefore, those who grieve by leaning on others will be blessed and receive comfort.
– Fr. Dave
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
Grief is natural. Grief is unpredictable and does not comprehend the passage of time. Grief does not happen unless there is love first. To love is a choice; to grieve is not. Love will provide a passageway through the valley of grief but one must choose it.
God is love. That means God can mourn too. The shortest sentence in the Bible is this: Jesus wept. (John 11:35) He, who loves us more than we can ask or imagine, taught this:
Those who mourn are blessed because they will receive comfort. (Matthew 5:4)
I believe in a God of order. I believe grief creates disorder. Grief can make us feel disordered and as a result we act out in anger and are prone to irritability (especially over things that usually don’t upset us). The disordering of grief can make us withdraw from friends, skip social functions, or make us avoid places, or songs, or recipes, or photos that remind us of loss. Grief can disorder our cognitive mind with grief-fog that impairs memory and focus. It makes even the simplest of chores feel impossible. Grief creates indecisiveness which, if not addressed, can create further loss and then more grief (and then more isolation and disorder).
There is a way through, however. Perhaps the hardest part of grief is to start the process of walking through the valley of the shadow of death. (Psalm 23:4) Here is a process to follow. Start by acknowledging the pain. Say out loud what is making you hurt. Sometimes it helps to write it down. If you can’t write it, draw or scribble it. The point is to acknowledge it. The pain will not go away on its own. It can be suppressed for a short while, but it will always – always – let itself be felt and known. Your way through is to acknowledge it.
Step two – tell someone about it; over and over again. Lean on your support systems and tell them what you are feeling or show them what you’ve written or scribbled. Grief will want you to isolate, the way through is to lean on those who love you.
Step three – love yourself. Prioritize your physical health and fitness. Eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated. I have found that grief makes us not feel thirsty, so when you are grieving, drink more water than what you think you need. And yes, you’ll go to the bathroom more, but you are (literally) flushing out negative things. Sharing your grief and pain with others will make you tired – it takes a physical toll. Prioritize resting and sleep. Take time to do things that give you joy like listening to music, going on a walk, seeing a play, going out to eat, watching the sunset. Again, grief will want you to isolate, the way through is to do the things that bring you joy and peace. Lastly, of course, seek professional help and please postpone major life decisions until the grief-fog has lifted.
When we choose to express grief, lean on others, and care for ourselves, we will find that God is close by; therefore, those who grieve by leaning on others will be blessed and receive comfort.
– Fr. Dave
What Forgiveness Does (and Does Not)
The Gospel lessons for this Sunday and next are about forgiving someone who has hurt you. To prepare for these lessons, I’d like to reflect on what forgiveness is (and what it is not).
Forgiveness is not an emotion or a feeling. Forgiveness does not condone negative behavior. Forgiveness does not guarantee reconciliation. Forgiveness does not minimize the wrong done, it does not pretend it didn’t happen. Forgiveness is not a substitute for making amends. So what then is forgiveness?
Forgiveness, in the Greek New Testament, means “to let go”, “to release”, or “to send away”. It is represented in two distinct relationships – between the individual and God and between individuals. Let’s focus on forgiveness between individuals. This is my working definition: Forgiveness is a conscious deliberate choice to let go of the right to resent, punish or seek revenge against an offender. You can forgive someone even when they are not sorry or are aware of the pain they caused because you are making the conscious choice to let go (to release/to send away). The choice you made to forgive is not conditional on the offender accepting any responsibility or showing remorse. In other words, you are forgiving to free yourself.
Forgiveness is a practice. The deeper the offense, the more one has to practice it. In the Lord’s Prayer, we ask God to give us our daily bread and then to forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us. I think the concept of “daily bread” applies to the daily practice of forgiveness. If forgiveness was an emotion, we could forgive and then move on to the next emotion. But it’s not. The feeling of betrayal may remain or pop up from time to time. Forgiveness, being a daily practice, means when the feeling of betrayal comes back up, we then (again) practice letting go and releasing the power that the feeling has over our lives.
I’ve learned a good prayer for when the feeling of pain resurfaces. Here it is:
“Lord, I’m remembering again what they did to me and I am feeling angry. Help me.”
Practicing forgiveness means we get to practice, over and over again, releasing pain to God and sending it away from ourselves. We also practice letting go of seeking to harm the offender.
Incidentally, chaplains I know in prison ministry have talked to people who have taken physical revenge on someone who harmed them. Prior to their arrest, each person said revenge surprisingly did not make their hurt go away and, in many cases, revenge exacerbated it.
Once in a great while, forgiving someone will make your body forget what happened. That’s truly a gift from God (because God does forgive and forget). Often, when we make a deliberate choice to let go of the right to resent, punish or seek revenge against an offender, the painful memory remains. Over time, however, the pain will become more manageable (and much more so than not forgiving).
Lastly, there are some things that seem impossible to forgive. And honestly, that’s okay. God’s mercy is infinite. In occasions like that, my mentor suggests that we replace “will not” forgive with “cannot” forgive. Instead of saying to yourself, “I will not forgive that person,” try saying, “I cannot forgive that person.” Then, lift your “cannot” to God, like this:
Lord, this person hurt me so much that I cannot forgive them. Help me.
The Lord of all forgiveness and, all hopefulness, who has infinite mercy, will help you.
– Fr. Dave
Forgiveness is not an emotion or a feeling. Forgiveness does not condone negative behavior. Forgiveness does not guarantee reconciliation. Forgiveness does not minimize the wrong done, it does not pretend it didn’t happen. Forgiveness is not a substitute for making amends. So what then is forgiveness?
Forgiveness, in the Greek New Testament, means “to let go”, “to release”, or “to send away”. It is represented in two distinct relationships – between the individual and God and between individuals. Let’s focus on forgiveness between individuals. This is my working definition: Forgiveness is a conscious deliberate choice to let go of the right to resent, punish or seek revenge against an offender. You can forgive someone even when they are not sorry or are aware of the pain they caused because you are making the conscious choice to let go (to release/to send away). The choice you made to forgive is not conditional on the offender accepting any responsibility or showing remorse. In other words, you are forgiving to free yourself.
Forgiveness is a practice. The deeper the offense, the more one has to practice it. In the Lord’s Prayer, we ask God to give us our daily bread and then to forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us. I think the concept of “daily bread” applies to the daily practice of forgiveness. If forgiveness was an emotion, we could forgive and then move on to the next emotion. But it’s not. The feeling of betrayal may remain or pop up from time to time. Forgiveness, being a daily practice, means when the feeling of betrayal comes back up, we then (again) practice letting go and releasing the power that the feeling has over our lives.
I’ve learned a good prayer for when the feeling of pain resurfaces. Here it is:
“Lord, I’m remembering again what they did to me and I am feeling angry. Help me.”
Practicing forgiveness means we get to practice, over and over again, releasing pain to God and sending it away from ourselves. We also practice letting go of seeking to harm the offender.
Incidentally, chaplains I know in prison ministry have talked to people who have taken physical revenge on someone who harmed them. Prior to their arrest, each person said revenge surprisingly did not make their hurt go away and, in many cases, revenge exacerbated it.
Once in a great while, forgiving someone will make your body forget what happened. That’s truly a gift from God (because God does forgive and forget). Often, when we make a deliberate choice to let go of the right to resent, punish or seek revenge against an offender, the painful memory remains. Over time, however, the pain will become more manageable (and much more so than not forgiving).
Lastly, there are some things that seem impossible to forgive. And honestly, that’s okay. God’s mercy is infinite. In occasions like that, my mentor suggests that we replace “will not” forgive with “cannot” forgive. Instead of saying to yourself, “I will not forgive that person,” try saying, “I cannot forgive that person.” Then, lift your “cannot” to God, like this:
Lord, this person hurt me so much that I cannot forgive them. Help me.
The Lord of all forgiveness and, all hopefulness, who has infinite mercy, will help you.
– Fr. Dave
The Evidence That God Exists
An article in the Atlantic, with the same title as above, was given to me by a member of our Women’s Discussion Group. In the well-thought-out piece, the author reviewed a new book whose authors argue that cutting-edge empirical proof observable in the natural world makes a firm case for God. This book is the newest in a collection of tomes that rely heavily on scientific discoveries – like quantum mechanics and cosmology – to “prove” that an intelligent design went into all of creation.
It is a seductive idea – that God is provable by science. But [as stated in the article] in drawing upon those exact fields of study to reverse the march toward unbelief, the authors appear to have missed the mechanism by which those prior discoveries eroded faith: namely, that people had staked their belief on evidence that was overturned by subsequent data. There is always a risk that today’s proof will be undone by tomorrow’s evidence.
Faith requires no proof, and perhaps finding proof may undermine faith. As such, we are stuck with a paradox – nature and creation are all around us; it was not created by us; yet we are naturally skeptical of blindly believing there is some Creator who exists just outside of our vision. Nevertheless, I believe (without proof) that God exists.
Over the past few days, I’ve been hearing stories of connection. As you may recall, one of my favorite things about ministry is connecting people to one another, to faith, to a belief of something much bigger than ourselves, and connecting with a forgiving and merciful and loving God through Christ Jesus. It is in witness to connection that I think there is actual evidence of God’s existence.
If you believe there is such a thing as coincidence and that all things happen randomly without any sort of purpose or intentionality, then what I am going to say to you about connection is probably not going to move you. But, if you are open to the possibility that coincidence may actually be divine interaction, then you might find this interesting. I was walking down the hallway of a nearby hospital when I turned a corner and almost ran into someone. I apologized for almost bumping into her. She said it’s okay and looked up at me. At that moment time seemed to stand still. She asked if I had time to meet someone. I followed her into a hospital room and met her husband. It was the first, and last, time I’d ever see him alive. The three of us had a wonderful conversation. She is now an important person in the life of the church. … which all started with us running into each other. What’s the chance, in that sprawling mega-hospital, that I would run into her? Yet I did and a connection was made.
Back in 2001, I got my teeth cleaned but my regular dental hygienist was out. The replacement hygienist remarked that my gums were “kinda-bleedy”. She looked at her computer and saw that I get my teeth cleaned twice a year and that I had good dental health. She looked at me and said: “You know, sometimes bleeding gums are from stress. How are you doing?” I had just gone through an international adoption, layoffs were happening at work, and Christi was pregnant (with Ethan). She suggested I go to her church and meet with her priest (Fr. Brian Prior, Episcopal Church of the Resurrection). Two years later, she was on my discernment committee as I was considering a call to the priesthood.
What is the chance that all of that would happen?
If you ask me, I’d say it’s proof of God’s love and existence.
– Fr. Dave
It is a seductive idea – that God is provable by science. But [as stated in the article] in drawing upon those exact fields of study to reverse the march toward unbelief, the authors appear to have missed the mechanism by which those prior discoveries eroded faith: namely, that people had staked their belief on evidence that was overturned by subsequent data. There is always a risk that today’s proof will be undone by tomorrow’s evidence.
Faith requires no proof, and perhaps finding proof may undermine faith. As such, we are stuck with a paradox – nature and creation are all around us; it was not created by us; yet we are naturally skeptical of blindly believing there is some Creator who exists just outside of our vision. Nevertheless, I believe (without proof) that God exists.
Over the past few days, I’ve been hearing stories of connection. As you may recall, one of my favorite things about ministry is connecting people to one another, to faith, to a belief of something much bigger than ourselves, and connecting with a forgiving and merciful and loving God through Christ Jesus. It is in witness to connection that I think there is actual evidence of God’s existence.
If you believe there is such a thing as coincidence and that all things happen randomly without any sort of purpose or intentionality, then what I am going to say to you about connection is probably not going to move you. But, if you are open to the possibility that coincidence may actually be divine interaction, then you might find this interesting. I was walking down the hallway of a nearby hospital when I turned a corner and almost ran into someone. I apologized for almost bumping into her. She said it’s okay and looked up at me. At that moment time seemed to stand still. She asked if I had time to meet someone. I followed her into a hospital room and met her husband. It was the first, and last, time I’d ever see him alive. The three of us had a wonderful conversation. She is now an important person in the life of the church. … which all started with us running into each other. What’s the chance, in that sprawling mega-hospital, that I would run into her? Yet I did and a connection was made.
Back in 2001, I got my teeth cleaned but my regular dental hygienist was out. The replacement hygienist remarked that my gums were “kinda-bleedy”. She looked at her computer and saw that I get my teeth cleaned twice a year and that I had good dental health. She looked at me and said: “You know, sometimes bleeding gums are from stress. How are you doing?” I had just gone through an international adoption, layoffs were happening at work, and Christi was pregnant (with Ethan). She suggested I go to her church and meet with her priest (Fr. Brian Prior, Episcopal Church of the Resurrection). Two years later, she was on my discernment committee as I was considering a call to the priesthood.
What is the chance that all of that would happen?
If you ask me, I’d say it’s proof of God’s love and existence.
– Fr. Dave
Back in the Saddle Again
It was good to go on a 12-week Sabbatical and it’s good, very good, to be back. I left a little uneasy about the whole Sabbatical thing; I return, however, as a supporter. From here on out I will be evangelizing to my fellow clergy and their leadership teams of the importance of taking a Sabbatical – for both the clergy and the congregation. I also have deep gratitude for you and all our church leaders who kept the mission and ministry of All Angels active and alive.
Before I get into personal Sabbatical transformation, I’d like to talk about parochial transformation. The Episcopal church I grew up in was half the size of All Angels. One Easter Sunday, our priest had a 102 fever. He preached and celebrated anyway because there was no one else. That left an impact on me. Sometimes I’d wonder (fear) what would happen if I woke up on a Sunday morning with a 102 fever? In our post-Covid era, it would be inappropriate for me to preach and celebrate. So what would we do?
I fear no more. You all have had eight Sundays of leading Morning Prayer. That’s amazing. And it is good practice in case of an unforeseen (but not unimaginable) event that would keep me from celebrating on a Sunday. I believe that everything the Church needs is already present in the congregation. You all have shown that to be true. There were two Sundays when the internet cable line was cut, another Sunday a lightning strike was abated by our fancy surge-absorbing system but temporarily stopped the audio system, yet you all rose above adversity and had wonderful and meaningful worship services each week. Most importantly, every Sunday there was a member of the congregation who welcomed everyone. Coffee Hour happened and people were included in fellowship. Our preacher a couple of Sundays ago, Johanna (who is Elijah’s youth pastor), said that walking into All Angels feels like a warm hug. You did that! And, at the same time, we are having a wonderful summer New to You Art Sale. Worship, fellowship and outreach demonstrate to me that we are bringing the Living Christ to those inside and outside the church – even while the Rector was on Sabbatical.
And now I’m back. I feel refreshed and energized. I took a deep look into Matthew’s Gospel over the past 12-weeks. I have gotten to know Jesus’s words all over again. Words – what Jesus said – are very important to Matthew. You all have given me the time to intensely study this first Gospel. I am finishing up writing a book that focuses on Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount – chapters 5 through 7. The plan is to share it with you over a six-week Lenten program starting in February. I focused on the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount (7:21-23) when Jesus said, “Many will say to me ‘Lord, Lord’ … but I will say to them, ‘I never knew you.’” Because of the work that you all put in this summer, I have become an expert on this passage and have written about how to become known to Jesus. I was raised during an American Christian evangelistic era when the emphasis was to know Jesus personally. Matthew 7 flips that narrative to where the most important thing is for Jesus to personally know you. Sabbatical time helped me to know Jesus all over again and for Him to know me. It also was a time for All Angels to know who we are as a parish – that we trust and depend on one another, and the Holy Spirit, to continue in mission and ministry by bringing the Living Christ to those inside and outside the church.
See you Sunday!
– Fr. Dave
Before I get into personal Sabbatical transformation, I’d like to talk about parochial transformation. The Episcopal church I grew up in was half the size of All Angels. One Easter Sunday, our priest had a 102 fever. He preached and celebrated anyway because there was no one else. That left an impact on me. Sometimes I’d wonder (fear) what would happen if I woke up on a Sunday morning with a 102 fever? In our post-Covid era, it would be inappropriate for me to preach and celebrate. So what would we do?
I fear no more. You all have had eight Sundays of leading Morning Prayer. That’s amazing. And it is good practice in case of an unforeseen (but not unimaginable) event that would keep me from celebrating on a Sunday. I believe that everything the Church needs is already present in the congregation. You all have shown that to be true. There were two Sundays when the internet cable line was cut, another Sunday a lightning strike was abated by our fancy surge-absorbing system but temporarily stopped the audio system, yet you all rose above adversity and had wonderful and meaningful worship services each week. Most importantly, every Sunday there was a member of the congregation who welcomed everyone. Coffee Hour happened and people were included in fellowship. Our preacher a couple of Sundays ago, Johanna (who is Elijah’s youth pastor), said that walking into All Angels feels like a warm hug. You did that! And, at the same time, we are having a wonderful summer New to You Art Sale. Worship, fellowship and outreach demonstrate to me that we are bringing the Living Christ to those inside and outside the church – even while the Rector was on Sabbatical.
And now I’m back. I feel refreshed and energized. I took a deep look into Matthew’s Gospel over the past 12-weeks. I have gotten to know Jesus’s words all over again. Words – what Jesus said – are very important to Matthew. You all have given me the time to intensely study this first Gospel. I am finishing up writing a book that focuses on Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount – chapters 5 through 7. The plan is to share it with you over a six-week Lenten program starting in February. I focused on the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount (7:21-23) when Jesus said, “Many will say to me ‘Lord, Lord’ … but I will say to them, ‘I never knew you.’” Because of the work that you all put in this summer, I have become an expert on this passage and have written about how to become known to Jesus. I was raised during an American Christian evangelistic era when the emphasis was to know Jesus personally. Matthew 7 flips that narrative to where the most important thing is for Jesus to personally know you. Sabbatical time helped me to know Jesus all over again and for Him to know me. It also was a time for All Angels to know who we are as a parish – that we trust and depend on one another, and the Holy Spirit, to continue in mission and ministry by bringing the Living Christ to those inside and outside the church.
See you Sunday!
– Fr. Dave
Sabbatical Reflection
Week 12 of 12
And then there was one week left. At some point next week, I’ll start to make the transition back into the life and ministry of All Angels. Late next week I’ll be setting up my office computer system (which has traveled with me this summer) and will be checking in to see how the summer has been for our church leaders and staff. Spiritually speaking, I will continue in the growth that has started within me during the sabbatical. Prior to the summer, spirituality was a daily, and at times, hourly, encounter assisting the schedule of a priest. Taking a break from that schedule has shown a different side of God.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Ps 46:1)
But what about God while on vacation?
What is the experience of God in retirement?
Without the daily pressure of ministry – when I know that God is my strength and refuge – where then is God?
I am happy to report that God is still very present. God-in-sabbatical has been a Trinity of wisdom dispenser, guide, and deep-question-asker. When I don’t need daily help (which, of course, I always need God’s help) and have set aside time to ponder and think, God is very much present. Here’s the interesting thing: God is not more present or less present when on vacation or doing ministry. It’s the same God, of course, who is very much present. But, like how a sunset changes from one moment to the next, the complexity and depth of God’s presence changes when I am taking an intentional time to rest and read.
Jesus depended upon God’s presence daily in His earthly ministry. The Gospels show a number of times when Jesus escapes ministry to spend time alone with God. I have a better understanding now of why Jesus did that. The experience of God while at rest is different than when involved in daily ministry. God is the same; but the encounter of God is different.
I had a very good boss at the insurance company. Tim was always present to help me with underwriting decisions and how to craft up communication strategies. Every Friday we went out to lunch with the rest of the unit. Tim-at-lunch is a different experience than Tim-at-work. Tim-at-lunch was interested in my life; like how Christi is doing, how home ownership was going, and if I am preparing funds for retirement. Tim-at-work was interested in my work-stuff. It’s all Tim (he’s the same guy) but my encounter with him was different. I had no idea how important those Friday lunches were but, as it turned out, they were equally important to the day-to-day managerial Tim experience.
If I had not taken a sabbatical, I would have missed out on the God-of-sabbatical – the One who asks deep questions, who guides me and encourages me to research and think harder about things. The One who is interested in my resting life as well as my ministry life. God is the same God but my encounter with Him changed. And this is perhaps the best gift of sabbatical: encountering God-at-rest and seeing that whether in ministry, or at rest, God is always my strength and my refuge.
– Fr. Dave
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Ps 46:1)
But what about God while on vacation?
What is the experience of God in retirement?
Without the daily pressure of ministry – when I know that God is my strength and refuge – where then is God?
I am happy to report that God is still very present. God-in-sabbatical has been a Trinity of wisdom dispenser, guide, and deep-question-asker. When I don’t need daily help (which, of course, I always need God’s help) and have set aside time to ponder and think, God is very much present. Here’s the interesting thing: God is not more present or less present when on vacation or doing ministry. It’s the same God, of course, who is very much present. But, like how a sunset changes from one moment to the next, the complexity and depth of God’s presence changes when I am taking an intentional time to rest and read.
Jesus depended upon God’s presence daily in His earthly ministry. The Gospels show a number of times when Jesus escapes ministry to spend time alone with God. I have a better understanding now of why Jesus did that. The experience of God while at rest is different than when involved in daily ministry. God is the same; but the encounter of God is different.
I had a very good boss at the insurance company. Tim was always present to help me with underwriting decisions and how to craft up communication strategies. Every Friday we went out to lunch with the rest of the unit. Tim-at-lunch is a different experience than Tim-at-work. Tim-at-lunch was interested in my life; like how Christi is doing, how home ownership was going, and if I am preparing funds for retirement. Tim-at-work was interested in my work-stuff. It’s all Tim (he’s the same guy) but my encounter with him was different. I had no idea how important those Friday lunches were but, as it turned out, they were equally important to the day-to-day managerial Tim experience.
If I had not taken a sabbatical, I would have missed out on the God-of-sabbatical – the One who asks deep questions, who guides me and encourages me to research and think harder about things. The One who is interested in my resting life as well as my ministry life. God is the same God but my encounter with Him changed. And this is perhaps the best gift of sabbatical: encountering God-at-rest and seeing that whether in ministry, or at rest, God is always my strength and my refuge.
– Fr. Dave
Sabbatical Reflection
Week 11 of 12
Greetings from a cruise ship somewhere in the Caribbean.
I struck up a conversation with Sorin, the food services manager of the cruise line owned Bahama island the ship was docked at. I asked for coffee (it was in the morning). He reluctantly replied that there's no coffee on the island and offered a Red Bull for caffeine (I declined).
In our conversation, I found out he is from Romania. I asked if in his wildest dreams if he ever imagined he'd be living where he is. He laughed, and gave an empatic no in reply. At the end of our conversation, he gave me a blessing in his native language - May God bless you wherever you are and wherever He takes you.
I ask God for the same blessing for you. And, may God bless us to see each other again soon.
I struck up a conversation with Sorin, the food services manager of the cruise line owned Bahama island the ship was docked at. I asked for coffee (it was in the morning). He reluctantly replied that there's no coffee on the island and offered a Red Bull for caffeine (I declined).
In our conversation, I found out he is from Romania. I asked if in his wildest dreams if he ever imagined he'd be living where he is. He laughed, and gave an empatic no in reply. At the end of our conversation, he gave me a blessing in his native language - May God bless you wherever you are and wherever He takes you.
I ask God for the same blessing for you. And, may God bless us to see each other again soon.
Sabbatical Reflection
Week 10 of 12
Greetings from South Dakota!
Christi and I drove from Colorado to Rapid City, SD, to spend time with our daughter Galina, her husband Alan and their four children. This was the first time we have seen them in their natural environment (instead of visiting us in Florida). For those who experience the joys of grandparenting, you know what we are experiencing – it’s exhilarating and tiring.
The project I have been working on is the reality that in our spiritual life, we are called to be vulnerable with God and live a life of humbleness. Notice I didn’t write life of humility because in 21st century English, “humility” can be what someone has done to another. Living a life of humbleness is a choice that each person can make.
I was writing at a coffee shop and the guy next to me asked, “What are you writing.” I said, “About humility.” The guy asked, “Yeah, are you pretty good at it?” I replied, “You bet, I’m the most humble person you’ll ever meet. In fact, you’ll never meet someone humbler that me!” He laughed.
In all seriousness, I think Jesus is the most humble person we’ll ever meet. He said: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29)
Learn from me for I am humble in heart. It’s an invitation, not a command. And, I think it’s the best (perhaps only) way a humble person can express that they are humble without violating their own lifestyle of humbleness.
Jesus invites us into a life of following Him in humbleness. One way to do that is to spend time with people who tend to get overlooked in life. In Jesus’ day, children were undervalued and overlooked. Maybe that’s why He said: “Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 18:4) Children seek out other children, and sometimes those who are different or overlooked, and can relate to them. They seem to do it naturally.
My roommate in college, Corey, was born without arms past his elbow. One day we were hanging out at the mall near the children’s play area waiting for friend to get off work. A child walked up to Corey and asked, “What happened to your arms?” I cringed, but he didn’t. He smiled and said, “I was born unique. Look around, no one has arms as cool as mine.” The child smiled and asked if he wanted to play with his Hot Wheels cars on the slide.
May God bless you this week and may you find time to ponder God, and the thoughts that God blesses us with each day. And may you find the joys and surprises in life by reaching out in humbleness to someone who is overlooked.
- Fr. Dave
Christi and I drove from Colorado to Rapid City, SD, to spend time with our daughter Galina, her husband Alan and their four children. This was the first time we have seen them in their natural environment (instead of visiting us in Florida). For those who experience the joys of grandparenting, you know what we are experiencing – it’s exhilarating and tiring.
The project I have been working on is the reality that in our spiritual life, we are called to be vulnerable with God and live a life of humbleness. Notice I didn’t write life of humility because in 21st century English, “humility” can be what someone has done to another. Living a life of humbleness is a choice that each person can make.
I was writing at a coffee shop and the guy next to me asked, “What are you writing.” I said, “About humility.” The guy asked, “Yeah, are you pretty good at it?” I replied, “You bet, I’m the most humble person you’ll ever meet. In fact, you’ll never meet someone humbler that me!” He laughed.
In all seriousness, I think Jesus is the most humble person we’ll ever meet. He said: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29)
Learn from me for I am humble in heart. It’s an invitation, not a command. And, I think it’s the best (perhaps only) way a humble person can express that they are humble without violating their own lifestyle of humbleness.
Jesus invites us into a life of following Him in humbleness. One way to do that is to spend time with people who tend to get overlooked in life. In Jesus’ day, children were undervalued and overlooked. Maybe that’s why He said: “Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 18:4) Children seek out other children, and sometimes those who are different or overlooked, and can relate to them. They seem to do it naturally.
My roommate in college, Corey, was born without arms past his elbow. One day we were hanging out at the mall near the children’s play area waiting for friend to get off work. A child walked up to Corey and asked, “What happened to your arms?” I cringed, but he didn’t. He smiled and said, “I was born unique. Look around, no one has arms as cool as mine.” The child smiled and asked if he wanted to play with his Hot Wheels cars on the slide.
May God bless you this week and may you find time to ponder God, and the thoughts that God blesses us with each day. And may you find the joys and surprises in life by reaching out in humbleness to someone who is overlooked.
- Fr. Dave
Sabbatical Reflection
Week 9 of 12
Greetings from Colorado!
Christi and I are on the travel side of the sabbatical (rest, ready, study, write, travel). The last time I was in Colorado was the summer of when I was a rising sixth grader. We loaded up the VW Bus and drove from Tacoma Washington to Denver to visit my dad’s uncle who was a geologist. My first impression of Colorado this time was this: what do you mean it’s not 80 degrees at night! Brrrr… (spoken like a Floridian) Speaking of Florida, there sure a lot of mountains around here but no sunsets over the Gulf.
I’ve been deep into Matthew’s Gospel. This coming Sunday’s Gospel lectionary reading has this phrase from Jesus: [After Jesus gave five parables comparing common things to the Kingdom of Heaven]
He said, “Have you understood all this?”
They answered, “Yes.”
And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”
I think this is a great phrase because we get a glimpse at who Jesus is talking to – the scribes. Back in the 1st century, scribes would follow notable people and write down, verbatim, what they said. Then, they would go home, write out copies of it on papyrus and then sell the copies at the market. Imagine how newspapers were sold on the street corner in New York City 100 years ago. They’d yell: “Extra, extra, read all about it: Man finds treasure hidden in a field, sells all that he has and buys it!” Along the same lines, scribes would follow Jesus and write down what He said and then sell them at the market.
In this passage, Jesus looks at them and said: Did you get all of that? Once they finished writing, Jesus compared them – the scribes – to a wealthy master of a household who displays his treasure – both new treasures and old.
I think Jesus was giving a compliment to the ministry of the scribes. I also think Jesus was encapsulating His style – bringing out old treasure (Torah) and new treasure (images of the Kingdom of Heaven).
May God bless you this week and may you find time to ponder God, and the thoughts that God blesses us with each day. And may you find the joys and surprises in life; of both new treasure and old.
- Fr. Dave
Christi and I are on the travel side of the sabbatical (rest, ready, study, write, travel). The last time I was in Colorado was the summer of when I was a rising sixth grader. We loaded up the VW Bus and drove from Tacoma Washington to Denver to visit my dad’s uncle who was a geologist. My first impression of Colorado this time was this: what do you mean it’s not 80 degrees at night! Brrrr… (spoken like a Floridian) Speaking of Florida, there sure a lot of mountains around here but no sunsets over the Gulf.
I’ve been deep into Matthew’s Gospel. This coming Sunday’s Gospel lectionary reading has this phrase from Jesus: [After Jesus gave five parables comparing common things to the Kingdom of Heaven]
He said, “Have you understood all this?”
They answered, “Yes.”
And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”
I think this is a great phrase because we get a glimpse at who Jesus is talking to – the scribes. Back in the 1st century, scribes would follow notable people and write down, verbatim, what they said. Then, they would go home, write out copies of it on papyrus and then sell the copies at the market. Imagine how newspapers were sold on the street corner in New York City 100 years ago. They’d yell: “Extra, extra, read all about it: Man finds treasure hidden in a field, sells all that he has and buys it!” Along the same lines, scribes would follow Jesus and write down what He said and then sell them at the market.
In this passage, Jesus looks at them and said: Did you get all of that? Once they finished writing, Jesus compared them – the scribes – to a wealthy master of a household who displays his treasure – both new treasures and old.
I think Jesus was giving a compliment to the ministry of the scribes. I also think Jesus was encapsulating His style – bringing out old treasure (Torah) and new treasure (images of the Kingdom of Heaven).
May God bless you this week and may you find time to ponder God, and the thoughts that God blesses us with each day. And may you find the joys and surprises in life; of both new treasure and old.
- Fr. Dave
Sabbatical Reflection
Week 8 of 12
A realization happened this week that I am excited to tell you about: I have become enamored again with Jesus’ words. I love Jesus. I am enamored with His way of life, His humility, and how He reaches out to those who are different and far away. I am also fond of His leadership style of raising up people and sending them out. But now, I am fired up about His words.
For the past couple of years, I have been really focusing on the Hebrew Scriptures (commonly called the Old Testament). As many of you have pointed out, I’ve been preaching the Good News from the Hebrew Scriptures – just like saints Peter and Paul did.
During my sabbatical time, I’ve been really digging deep and immersing myself in Jesus’ words. This is what I did way back in my teenage years when I got to know Jesus of the Gospels. And now, I’m back to doing what I did back then. I am very much enamored and engrossed in what
He said.
As you know, there are four canonical Gospels of the New Testament. But that is not all that was ever written about Jesus. There are more than forty known non-canonical gospels – most of which are collections of sayings by Jesus himself. The people who wrote and circulated these were also enamored with what He said (and not so much where they were said or what Jesus was doing at the time).
That’s where I am right now in my faith journey – not pondering so much of where Jesus was, or what He was doing, when the words were spoken, but focusing on the meaning of the words themselves. We call it a living word and that is certainly coming alive for me while on sabbatical.
May God bless you this week and may you find time to ponder God, and the thoughts that God blesses us with each day. And may you find the joys and surprises in life; and the milestones, like getting to know someone again through their words.
For the past couple of years, I have been really focusing on the Hebrew Scriptures (commonly called the Old Testament). As many of you have pointed out, I’ve been preaching the Good News from the Hebrew Scriptures – just like saints Peter and Paul did.
During my sabbatical time, I’ve been really digging deep and immersing myself in Jesus’ words. This is what I did way back in my teenage years when I got to know Jesus of the Gospels. And now, I’m back to doing what I did back then. I am very much enamored and engrossed in what
He said.
As you know, there are four canonical Gospels of the New Testament. But that is not all that was ever written about Jesus. There are more than forty known non-canonical gospels – most of which are collections of sayings by Jesus himself. The people who wrote and circulated these were also enamored with what He said (and not so much where they were said or what Jesus was doing at the time).
That’s where I am right now in my faith journey – not pondering so much of where Jesus was, or what He was doing, when the words were spoken, but focusing on the meaning of the words themselves. We call it a living word and that is certainly coming alive for me while on sabbatical.
May God bless you this week and may you find time to ponder God, and the thoughts that God blesses us with each day. And may you find the joys and surprises in life; and the milestones, like getting to know someone again through their words.
Sabbatical Reflection
Week 7 of 12
I am happy to say that Elijah got his Florida driver’s license this week. He is now licensed to drive (without a parent in the car)! It’s been an exciting road (pun intended) for him and us. Last summer, he and I drove his grandmother’s car – the red Toyota Rav4 – from California to Florida. He had experience driving before then but not long stretches of interstate highways. After a couple of days on the road, he was good at driving at freeway speeds but still have difficulty navigating parking lots.
He now can drive well in parking lots, at night, in the rain, and all the other driving required in our area. Perhaps tonight at youth group, he will take the car by himself, for the first time, ever.
Now all four of our children, and our daughter-in-law Mackenzie, have their driver’s licenses. It is quite an accomplishment.
This week I have really been digging into Scripture and taking my time enjoying the process. It is such a blessing to be able to read, for fun and spiritual development, the various books of the Bible. I also have very much been reading, and re-reading Matthew’s Gospel. I have done extensive study into Mark, Luke and John. Matthew was always a mystery to me. Well, no more, he’s becoming like a friend in ministry now.
Thank you for giving the me the time to study and reflect on Scripture. I miss you all and look forward to being back. This is a good time of refreshment. Plus I’m doing some writing. I did over 4,000 words today alone. (Not including this Reflection)
May God bless you this week and may you find time to ponder God, and the thoughts that God blesses us with each day. And may you find the joys and surprises in life; and the milestones, like getting a driver’s license.
- Fr. Dave
He now can drive well in parking lots, at night, in the rain, and all the other driving required in our area. Perhaps tonight at youth group, he will take the car by himself, for the first time, ever.
Now all four of our children, and our daughter-in-law Mackenzie, have their driver’s licenses. It is quite an accomplishment.
This week I have really been digging into Scripture and taking my time enjoying the process. It is such a blessing to be able to read, for fun and spiritual development, the various books of the Bible. I also have very much been reading, and re-reading Matthew’s Gospel. I have done extensive study into Mark, Luke and John. Matthew was always a mystery to me. Well, no more, he’s becoming like a friend in ministry now.
Thank you for giving the me the time to study and reflect on Scripture. I miss you all and look forward to being back. This is a good time of refreshment. Plus I’m doing some writing. I did over 4,000 words today alone. (Not including this Reflection)
May God bless you this week and may you find time to ponder God, and the thoughts that God blesses us with each day. And may you find the joys and surprises in life; and the milestones, like getting a driver’s license.
- Fr. Dave
Sabbatical Reflection
Week 6 of 12
We are half-way through the sabbatical. I now see the benefit of taking 12 weeks because it took me three weeks to really settle into this new routine of study, reflection, and some writing (and time off). The past two weeks I have been researching a project that I feel called to write about. My friend, and fellow podcaster and Episcopal priest, Alex, suggested the best parts of the Bible are the most difficult to read. That led me to take a good look at one of the most disturbing things that Jesus said. It is the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount (chapter 7 of Matthew’s Gospel). Jesus said:
“Go in through the narrow gate. The gate to destruction is wide, and the road that leads there is easy to follow. A lot of people go through that gate. But the gate to life is very narrow. The road that leads there is so hard to follow that only a few people find it.
[He gave a warning about false prophets and how to know if someone is false because of the fruit they produce, and then this]
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you who behave lawlessly.’”
The phrase, “I never knew you,” has always troubled me. So, I decided to take a deep dive into it. I now have 22 pages of notes on it. Today I started writing. At this point, I don’t exactly know what form it will take but I am thinking it will be a Lenten study about the pitfalls of spiritual self-deception (and how to be known by Jesus).
I also have taken time this week to read the Declaration of Independence which was unanimously signed 250 years ago this coming Saturday. Some historians talk about the celebration of the signors but I’m of the camp that believes it was a day of solemnity and reflection because of the uncharted (and very dangerous) path the colonies were heading down. I invite you also to read it and take a moment of solemnity and reflection to see how far we have come and to ponder how you are doing with living into the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
May God bless you this week and may you find time to ponder God, and the thoughts that God blesses us with each day. And may you find seek the narrow gate that leads to life.
“Go in through the narrow gate. The gate to destruction is wide, and the road that leads there is easy to follow. A lot of people go through that gate. But the gate to life is very narrow. The road that leads there is so hard to follow that only a few people find it.
[He gave a warning about false prophets and how to know if someone is false because of the fruit they produce, and then this]
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you who behave lawlessly.’”
The phrase, “I never knew you,” has always troubled me. So, I decided to take a deep dive into it. I now have 22 pages of notes on it. Today I started writing. At this point, I don’t exactly know what form it will take but I am thinking it will be a Lenten study about the pitfalls of spiritual self-deception (and how to be known by Jesus).
I also have taken time this week to read the Declaration of Independence which was unanimously signed 250 years ago this coming Saturday. Some historians talk about the celebration of the signors but I’m of the camp that believes it was a day of solemnity and reflection because of the uncharted (and very dangerous) path the colonies were heading down. I invite you also to read it and take a moment of solemnity and reflection to see how far we have come and to ponder how you are doing with living into the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
May God bless you this week and may you find time to ponder God, and the thoughts that God blesses us with each day. And may you find seek the narrow gate that leads to life.
Sabbatical Reflection
Week 5 of 12
It’s odd how there are twenty-two theories of consciousness yet none of them fully define what it is. This week I read about the three levels of consciousness found in Tibetan Buddhism – the gross mind (associated with waking state, the senses, the mind – “thinking” – and organs of the body), the subtle mind (consciousness in dreams and in meditation) and the innermost subtle consciousness (some find this only at the time of death). Of these different states, the most profound are the last two. The most common, of course, is the gross mind. … which is telling me right now I could use a cup of coffee.
Jesus and the prophets have the ability, in prayer, to reduce the gross mind and to focus on the subtle mind and, occasionally, the innermost subtle consciousness. I can imagine Moses up on the holy mountain with God was less in his waking state and more in his subtle state. It reminds
me of watching my first sunset on Longboat Key with our treasurer, Sandy Wood. We were waiting and watching for the green flash. I’d like to add a layer of consciousness to this mix – the one where we are watching TV and, in comparison, the consciousness of intentionally standing in nature to commune with God who creates all things.
I’d also like to add the conscious level of having to deal with passwords, passkeys and two-step verification levels. This would be a frustrating level of consciousness – similar to being stuck in traffic or at a red light with no other cars around. I bring this up because every Sunday of Sabbatical, so far, All Angels has encountered a different level of frustration at getting our joyful and uplifting service online. On the first Sunday, a contractor cut the internet line to the church that was only discovered that morning. The second week was a two-step verification on Zoom (which involves my phone). Week three was a two-step verification of YouTube (also on my
phone) and last week was a similar hiccup when I was away from my phone. While in my Sabbatical conscious mind of meditation, it dawned on me that we can livestream from Zoom. Today, with some of the live stream team at All Angels, we got it to work consistently (even after shutting off the computer and restarting it).
May God bless you this week and may you find time to ponder God, and the thoughts that God blesses us with each day. And may you find yourself in nature to experience a deeper level of consciousness with God and all that God has made.
Jesus and the prophets have the ability, in prayer, to reduce the gross mind and to focus on the subtle mind and, occasionally, the innermost subtle consciousness. I can imagine Moses up on the holy mountain with God was less in his waking state and more in his subtle state. It reminds
me of watching my first sunset on Longboat Key with our treasurer, Sandy Wood. We were waiting and watching for the green flash. I’d like to add a layer of consciousness to this mix – the one where we are watching TV and, in comparison, the consciousness of intentionally standing in nature to commune with God who creates all things.
I’d also like to add the conscious level of having to deal with passwords, passkeys and two-step verification levels. This would be a frustrating level of consciousness – similar to being stuck in traffic or at a red light with no other cars around. I bring this up because every Sunday of Sabbatical, so far, All Angels has encountered a different level of frustration at getting our joyful and uplifting service online. On the first Sunday, a contractor cut the internet line to the church that was only discovered that morning. The second week was a two-step verification on Zoom (which involves my phone). Week three was a two-step verification of YouTube (also on my
phone) and last week was a similar hiccup when I was away from my phone. While in my Sabbatical conscious mind of meditation, it dawned on me that we can livestream from Zoom. Today, with some of the live stream team at All Angels, we got it to work consistently (even after shutting off the computer and restarting it).
May God bless you this week and may you find time to ponder God, and the thoughts that God blesses us with each day. And may you find yourself in nature to experience a deeper level of consciousness with God and all that God has made.
Sabbatical Reflection
Week 4 of 12
I hope this message finds you in good health – both mental and physical.
This week has been a big slowdown compared to the travel that occupied the first couple of weeks and then the home repairs that happened last week. I wrote to you about installing a ceiling fan (including running the wire and building two junction boxes). What I didn’t tell you is that the air conditioning unit was malfunctioning (water was condensing inside and not flowing outside) in our condo. Making a long story short, that could have had a very expensive ending, I fixed it!
This week Elijah is at DaySpring camp, and I have committed myself to study and deep reflection. The sabbatical is giving me time to go into subjects that I have been interested in but require a lot of time and attention. In particular, I’ve been reading about reason and consciousness (and the twenty-two theories of what consciousness is). One of the books that has fueled my interest in this subject is The Enigma of Reason by Sperber and Merceir. The authors begin their book with a discussion about bats and echolocation. It can be assumed that echolocation is an evolutionary product to help bats fly in caves and eat bugs in the dark. Why then, they ask, do humans have reason? Is it evolutionary or was it preconfigured in the human’s mind. Reason helps us “see in the dark” of life and find food. Yet, reason is also an enigma. It takes reason to know if one has reason; yet it defies description because it is always more than what we know and certainly more than what we can write about. They wrote this:
Reason is commonly viewed as a superior means to think better on one’s own; we argue that it is mainly used in our interactions with others.
That is one of the many enigmas of reason.
May God bless you this week and may you find time to ponder God, and the thoughts that God blesses us with each day.
This week has been a big slowdown compared to the travel that occupied the first couple of weeks and then the home repairs that happened last week. I wrote to you about installing a ceiling fan (including running the wire and building two junction boxes). What I didn’t tell you is that the air conditioning unit was malfunctioning (water was condensing inside and not flowing outside) in our condo. Making a long story short, that could have had a very expensive ending, I fixed it!
This week Elijah is at DaySpring camp, and I have committed myself to study and deep reflection. The sabbatical is giving me time to go into subjects that I have been interested in but require a lot of time and attention. In particular, I’ve been reading about reason and consciousness (and the twenty-two theories of what consciousness is). One of the books that has fueled my interest in this subject is The Enigma of Reason by Sperber and Merceir. The authors begin their book with a discussion about bats and echolocation. It can be assumed that echolocation is an evolutionary product to help bats fly in caves and eat bugs in the dark. Why then, they ask, do humans have reason? Is it evolutionary or was it preconfigured in the human’s mind. Reason helps us “see in the dark” of life and find food. Yet, reason is also an enigma. It takes reason to know if one has reason; yet it defies description because it is always more than what we know and certainly more than what we can write about. They wrote this:
Reason is commonly viewed as a superior means to think better on one’s own; we argue that it is mainly used in our interactions with others.
That is one of the many enigmas of reason.
May God bless you this week and may you find time to ponder God, and the thoughts that God blesses us with each day.
CAMP
One of the challenges of Episcopal camps is how to take the spiritual mountain top experience of camp and incorporate it into daily life. It’s also the challenge of churches like All Angels, who have meaningful Sunday worship experiences, to incorporate faith throughout the other six days of the week. Here is one way to do it. The process is called C.A.M.P.
C – Choose a Bible passage
A – Ask questions
M – Make it personal
P – Pray daily
Choose a Bible passage. From this Sunday’s Gospel lesson, I chose the following passage:
[The son came to his senses and said to himself] I will get up and go to my father.
Ask questions: What did it take for the son to get up? Did he procrastinate? How much emotional pain did he endure before he decided to “get up”?
Make it personal: What does it take for me to get up and go do something? Where in life do I procrastinate? What am I afraid of?
Pray: God of compassion, the more I procrastinate, the more you show your divine patience. Give me strength to get up and return to you. Save me from the temptations that lead me away from you. Draw me back by the constancy of your love so that I may take my place in your household and share my spiritual inheritance with others. Amen.
Following the C.A.M.P. model, you would reflect on the make-it-personal and then say the prayer daily until next Sunday.
Here's one more. The psalm that has stood out to me this week is 32 verse 5.
Choose a passage: When I confessed my transgressions to the Lord
The Lord forgave me the guilt of my sin.
Ask questions: Why is it that guilt feels like a weight?
Make it personal: Where do I feel that weight of guilt? Am I ready to give it to the Lord?
Pray daily: Lord, I give to you this day the weight of my guilt.
Thank you for lifting my burden.
Thank you for your forgiveness and love. Amen.
And now it’s your turn. If you’d like to continue the worship experience of All Angels throughout your week, you are invited to C.A.M.P.
- Fr. Dave
C – Choose a Bible passage
A – Ask questions
M – Make it personal
P – Pray daily
Choose a Bible passage. From this Sunday’s Gospel lesson, I chose the following passage:
[The son came to his senses and said to himself] I will get up and go to my father.
Ask questions: What did it take for the son to get up? Did he procrastinate? How much emotional pain did he endure before he decided to “get up”?
Make it personal: What does it take for me to get up and go do something? Where in life do I procrastinate? What am I afraid of?
Pray: God of compassion, the more I procrastinate, the more you show your divine patience. Give me strength to get up and return to you. Save me from the temptations that lead me away from you. Draw me back by the constancy of your love so that I may take my place in your household and share my spiritual inheritance with others. Amen.
Following the C.A.M.P. model, you would reflect on the make-it-personal and then say the prayer daily until next Sunday.
Here's one more. The psalm that has stood out to me this week is 32 verse 5.
Choose a passage: When I confessed my transgressions to the Lord
The Lord forgave me the guilt of my sin.
Ask questions: Why is it that guilt feels like a weight?
Make it personal: Where do I feel that weight of guilt? Am I ready to give it to the Lord?
Pray daily: Lord, I give to you this day the weight of my guilt.
Thank you for lifting my burden.
Thank you for your forgiveness and love. Amen.
And now it’s your turn. If you’d like to continue the worship experience of All Angels throughout your week, you are invited to C.A.M.P.
- Fr. Dave
Rector’s Report Annual Meeting 2025
This is our mission: To bring the Living Christ to those inside and outside the Church. Here are some of the ways we have accomplished it over the past twelve months.
To Bring. At All Angels, we bring Christ. We bring Christ with our prayer list. We bring Christ when we invite people to church. Every flower arrangement brings Christ in beauty. We bring Christ in hymnody and song. We bring Christ when we listen with a compassionate ear. We bring Christ when we go in peace to love and serve the Lord. We bring Christ when we sell used art to help those in need. We bring Christ when we maintain our beautiful campus for people in our community to find a place of rest. Our discussion groups and educational offerings bring the unity and wisdom of Christ. We bring Christ when we remember all those for whom we love but see no longer.
The Living Christ. The images we have of Christ in the church are that of the living Christ. The stained-glass window shows Christ walking in nature. The icons of Christ are that of teacher and guide. Our worship services illuminate our ancient faith that is relevant to our lives. We also bring our questions, our doubts and our fears to Christ at our church. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, you will be welcome and find a living faith in Christ at All Angels.
To Those Inside. The centerpiece of bringing Christ is our in-person worship and fellowship. There is a feeling inside of the church that is joy, peace and unity. Our music program is focused on being an uplifting presence. We have warm and friendly ushers, excellent lay readers, and we offer the sacrament of Holy Communion every Sunday for those inside. Fellowship is one of our strengths; and it is especially important in this time of isolation and loneliness. Fellowship starts inside of the church – our seats have been arranged so that we can greet one another in peace. For those inside, we had a wonderful Christmas Tea and concert, a Spring Fling with tasty barbeque, our Annual Meeting, a harp concert, the dining club and many more fellowship events that are at the heart of our parish life.
And Outside. This is our number one area of growth at All Angels. It all started with adapting to Covid requirements. Nowadays, we offer a high-quality a/v production that brings the specialness of what we do inside the church to those outside. We bring a message of love and peace to those who are familiar with the Episcopal Church, to those new in the Christian faith and to those who struggle with faith. We hosted our Comfort Station (again) for all those whose lives were disrupted by storms. Our parish is home to the Rotary of Longboat Key; we hold almost monthly meetings for various community groups on the island; and we hosted a community event called Finding Our Strength Together After a Loss. We hosted the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service (on very short notice) where we welcomed over 300 people to sing and pray together in one voice giving thanks. All Angels is host to the monthly Interfaith Ministerial meeting where all the island religious leaders support one another in fellowship and prayer. And, because of our outreach programs, we brought dignity and peace to those who struggle to attend school, those who fear eviction, and those who struggle with food insecurity. All of this is done because we bring the Living Christ to those outside.
The Church. That’s us – you and me, we, all of us – we are the Church, the living and active, relevant, helpful and supportive, loving, forgiving, prayerful and rejoicing Body of Christ.
Thank you for inviting and supporting me and my family in our shared life, ministry and mission of bringing the Living Christ to those inside and outside the church.
- Fr. Dave
- Fr. Dave