Holy Saturday 2013

A moving service last night at the Community of Saint John as the members, and a few guests, gathered in worship. The liturgy used a portion of the Stations of the Cross, written by the Reverend John Peterson, former Dean of the Saint George’s College in Jerusalem. Larry Richmond fashioned a cross to carry made from two tress that had fallen in the woods behind his home. Seven members led the readings and reflections, capturing the emotions and nuance of the story. Both older and younger members assisted one another in carrying the cross through the park behind the Barlow Center and into the building. This liturgy never fails to move one as we remembered our Lord’s passion and death.

On this Holy Saturday, I leave you with some quotes to ponder from last night’s worship as the Christian Church remembers our Lord's lifeless body lying in a dark cold tomb.

THE FIRST STATION: JESUS TAKES UP HIS CROSS

The Cross of Christ should become the very substance of our life.  No doubt this is what Christ meant when he advised his friends to bear their cross each day, and not, as people seem to think nowadays, simply that one should be resigned of one’s little daily troubles – which, by almost sacrilegious abuse of language, people sometimes refer to as crosses.  Simone Weil – France (1909-1943)

THE SECOND STATION: SIMON OF CYRENE HELPS JESUS TO CARRY HIS CROSS

Involvement in any action takes an effort, and there is always a price to pay. The question is, am I ready to pay the price, to share the suffering of others? Suffering for me is bearable, if it is for the cause of liberation, if it helps us to find a new community with each other and with God. Jean Zaru – Occupied West Bank (Ramallah)

THE THIRD STATION: JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS

But if we must begin faith by affirming life’s tragic character and, in fact, find God in the tragic, such a faith will scarcely sell in America.  Americans are into self-fulfillment, success, the necessity of self-esteem, and the uses of power.  We admire mastery.  We applaud people who have “got themselves together.”  In a land where denominations compete for the American soul, a religion that admits that life is inevitably tragic and “then we die” will lose out … to step from Palm Sunday immediately to Easter Day retains the note of triumph we crave.  The truth is that we are embarrassed by the crucified Christ.  For if Jesus on the cross is the revealing of God, then the Church may be called to a very different social role, namely, to suffer and to die for the world. David Buttrick – United States

THE FOURTH STATION: JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS

Nails could not have held God-made man fastened to a tree, had not love held him there. Catherine of Siena (1347 – 1380)

THE FIFTH STATION: JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS

Imagine Christ our Lord present before you upon the cross, and begin to speak with him, asking how it is that though He is the Creator, He has stooped to become man, and to pass from eternal life to death here in time, for thus He might die for our sins.  I shall also reflect upon myself and ask: “What have I done for Christ?”  As I behold Christ in this plight, nailed to the cross, I shall ponder upon what presents itself to my mind. Ignatius of Loyola (1491 – 1556)

THE SIXTH STATION: JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS

Do not look forward to what might happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today, will take care of you tomorrow and every day.  Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it.  Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings. Francis de Sales (1567 – 1622)

THE SEVENTH STATION: JESUS IS LAID IN THE TOMB

The edges of God are tragedy; the depths of God are joy, beauty, resurrection, life.  Resurrection answers crucifixion; life answers death. Majorie Hewitt Suchocki – United States

Do you wish to understand your Lord’s meaning?

Understand truly: Love was his meaning.

Who revealed it to you?  Love.

What did he show you?  Love.

Why did he show it?  For love.

Hold firmly to this and you will learn and know more of this.

But you will never know or learn anything other than this, ever.

Julian of Norwich – English mystic (1342-1416)

On Good Friday and Holy Saturday the principalities and authorities of this world had their say. The institutions and power brokers believed that they had taken care of the problem. But Sunday is coming….

Love One Another - Brian

Easter Service Information at The Community of Saint John can been viewed by clicking here.

Pope Francis and the Ministry of Servanthood

There has been much comment made of the selection of the new Pope: the first Jesuit, and the first Latin American, in Church history to occupy the See of St Peter. I am not sure that I can add anything to the discussion that either has not already been said or will add any merit to the conversation. However, I do wish that all of us would simply take a step back and give the man a chance to make whatever necessary change he deems fit on moving the Church in a new direction.

I am impressed by Pope Francis' example of humility: his

asking for prayer for himself from the faithful before offering his first blessing. His actions at the inaugural mass of stopping the vehicle he was travelling in and going down to welcome and embrace a man who was severely handicapped. There was only one other time where I have witnessed such deep compassion and that was when Mother Teresa welcomed the poor at a service at the Charlotte Coliseum. Francis clearly has a connection with the "least of these" and if that is the only change that comes from his papacy that will be a blessing to us all.

Of course, there are larger and more complex issues: sexual abuse, theological concerns, and a church that seems out of touch to many young people. Let's be honest, the power brokers who run the Vatican will not step aside easily. This is an institution that guards its traditions and any suggestion of change can be seen as a threat to its well-being. Again, I am impressed that the new Pope, it has been reported, has told those in power that they are on notice. They can continue to serve but every position is up for review. Let us pray that Francis will have the wisdom and courage to make the change that is necessary to right the wrong.

The institutional Church is in trouble in most denominations mainly because we have forgotten to take the primary teaching of Jesus and live it out with integrity and truth. In the last week, the new Pope has exemplified for me the teachings of our Lord: ‘I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another’ (John 13:34 and 35).

As Christians around the globe gather tonight to begin the observance of the Triduum, may we remember the words of our Lord, and rejoice that the leader of the largest Christian denomination is seeking to return the Church to its roots: the ministry of servanthood.

Love One Another - Brian

An Invitation: I invite you to join the members of The Community of Saint John this evening at 7:00 pm as we begin the observance of the Great Three Days. We meet at the Barlow Center in Hudson and the service this evening will include readings, footwashing, the eucharist, and the stripping of the altar. You are most welcome to join us and please invite a friend.

"Lord, teach us to pray...." The Danger of Pride and Desiring Anything But God

In his famous work Christian Perfection, John Wesley gives practical advice to those who wish to move towards perfection. For this great Methodist preacher, perfection did not mean a state of sinlessness, rather it was a desire to be fully in love with God with all of one’s heart, soul, mind and strength. Some good advice for those of us about to enter into the Paschal msytery. Here are two short excerpts from his writings.

The Danger of Pride

“The first advice I would give to those who have been saved from sin by grace is to watch and pray continually against pride. For it is pride not only to ascribe what we have to ourselves, but also to think we have what we do not. One man, for instance, ascribed his knowledge to God and was therefore humble. But then he thought he had more than everyone else which is dangerous pride.

“We often think that we have no need of anyone else’s advice or reproof. Always remember, much grace does not imply much enlightenment. We may be wise but have little love, or we may have love with little wisdom. God wisely joined us all together as the parts of the body so that we cannot say to another, “I have no need of you.”

“Even to imagine that those who are not saved cannot teach you is a very great and serious mistake. Dominion is not found in grace. Not observing this has led some into many mistakes and certainly into pride. Beware even the appearance of pride! Let there be in you the lowly mind which was in Christ Jesus. Be clothed with humility. Let modesty appear in your words and actions.

“One way we do this is to own any fault we have. If you have at any time thought, spoken, or acted wrong, do not refrain from acknowledging it. Never dream, that this will hurt the cause of God – in fact, it will further it. Be open and honest when you are rebuked and do not seek to evade it or disguise it. Rather, let it appear just as it is and you will thereby not hinder but adorn the gospel.

The Danger of Desiring Anything but God

“Also, beware of desiring anything other than God. Jesus said: “If your eye remains single your whole body shall be full of light.” Do not allow the desire for tasteful food or any other pleasure of the senses, the desire of pleasing the eye or the imagination, the desire for money or the praise of power, to rule you.

“Be an example to all of denying yourself and taking up your cross daily. Let others see that you are not interested in any pleasure that does not bring you nearer to God, nor regard any pain which does. Let them see that you simply aim to please God in everything. Let the language of your heart sing out with regard to pleasure or pain, riches or poverty, honor or dishonor, ‘All’s alike to me, so I in my Lord may live and die!’” (John Wesley, The Works of John Wesley. Edited by Albert C. Outler. Nashville: Abingdon, 1984)

Love One Another - Brian

Sabbath Rest

Tuesday is the weekly Sabbath for the John 13:34 Blog. Back at it again tomorrow. Hope you will return and journey with me.



Bracketology Results for Week One

There are few weekends that I love more than the first four days of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. This year's "Cinderella" team from FGCU is a joy to watch. Their two wins completely destroyed my South Region bracket - but who cares! The team’s energy, free spirit, and athleticism are contagious. While they have a “Herculean” task ahead of them when they face the #3 Seed Florida Gators, I am “all in” for the Eagles!

The Community of Saint John initiated a NCAA pool this year with all proceeds going to a local charity. We received 30 responses, and with a little assistance from the COSJ Board, the winner of this year’s brackets will be able to donate between $250 and $300 to their charitable organization. What a blessing to be part of a faith community who looks outward and tries, even through some wagering, to give back to those in need. Here are the results from Week One.

First Place (Tied with 92 Points)

Alex Nawn

Brian S. (ex officio)

Second Place (90 Points)

Michelle O. 2

Kathy S.

Barb D. 2

Third Place (88 Points)

Tyler S.

Fourth Place (86 Points)

Cam O. 2

Barb D. 4

Fifth Place (82 Points)

Dan C.

Clark W.

Cam O. 1

Sixth Place (80 Points)

Betsy C.

Seventh Place (76 Points)

Barb D. 1

Gailmarie F.

The Lund Family

Jeff R.

Eighth Place (74 Points)

TG N.

Susie S.

Barb D. 3

Michele O. 1

Ninth Place (68 Points)

Nancy R.

Tenth Place (66 Points)

Melinda N.

Eleventh Place (64 Points)

John H.

Twelfth Place (58 Points – As we like to remind people at COSJ: “The last shall be first!”)

Brian M.

Now, the “Commish” wishes to report that there has been some intrigue as late as Monday night when two brackets, filled out by notorious Duke supporters, went a missing somewhere at the Valerie Lane residence. While no one is suspecting “foul” play, the results of this First Round may be changing in a few days as a ruling has been rendered to accept these brackets when they are recovered. The Rules Committee, made up of one very zealous Carolina devotee, may actually impose sanctions against those “Devilish” personalities who are currently sunning on the beach in Florida while the “Commish” shivers in NE Ohio with the prospect of more snow! Details to follow…. Stay tuned!

In the meantime

Love One Another - Brian