February 12, 2018 Chapter 24 Jesus and Hell
A couple of thoughts about this chapter. I liked it when McLaren wrote: "We might say he (Jesus) wasn't so much teaching about hell as he was un-teaching about hell. And in doing so he wasn't simply arguing for a different understanding of the afterlife. He was doing something far more important and radical: proclaiming a transformative vision of God." (page 113) That is how I've always thought about Jesus and his teaching on hell. He was telling us 1) it's not what you think and 2) it's not for who you think. In many ways this is the "great reversal" at its greatest. And we might find comfort in that until we see ourselves as the religious of this day--then it becomes a bit challenging and makes me look even more closely at if I allow God to transform me in my own life. Because if I don't perhaps I'll be spending time with those in Jesus' day who didn't. Not a pleasant thought.
The second thought that comes to mind is that of universal salvation (the belief that no one is in hell--and all are saved.) I guess I don't know if that can be true and it has its down side (think Hitler or Manson or...) but there is certainly a part of me that hopes it is true. If Jesus' desire that he not lose any of those that was given to him (John 6:39), is it a stretch to think then that anyone who is capable of being redeemed is redeemed? And is it possible that there is anyone who has absolutely no redeemable qualities? And if God is all powerful and desires not to lose anyone, is it possible that God will redeem everyone? As I said, I don't know that I believe it is true as much as I hope it is true.
Monday, February 12, 2018
Monday, February 5, 2018
February 5, 2018 Chapter 23 Jesus and the Multitudes
In some ways, this chapter was a little disturbing for me. I don't know that I like dividing the world into categories (the 1%ers, the multitudes, and the middle managers). Perhaps because it just leads to divisions; or perhaps because there is more truth in it than I care to admit. However, when I read it and then the readings that accompany it this week, I was struck by two things. First, Ezekiel reminds us that while God's concern is with all of his sheep--he expects more from his shepherds. Second, from Luke Jesus shows concern for all, from the "prodigal" son that leaves it all in search for his happiness only to be led back home again (which one of us hasn't made that journey in one way or another), to the little children (considered as nothing in that time), to the rich man searching for salvation (it is not impossible for God to save all), to a blind beggar aside the road, and finally to a wealthy tax collector. I don't know if it was McLaren's point to say that salvation is open to all or not, but that is what I gathered from the passages.
I don't necessarily like the divisions of the 1%ers versus the rest (with or without the middlemen), but if those divisions need to be made, after having been to Haiti numerous times, I could easily count myself among the 1%ers...And as part of that group, I have to ask myself: In what ways do I exploit others?
I look at the home I live in--modest by this country's standards, but a mansion to most in Haiti. I look at my income, once again average by this country's standards, but a fortune to most of the world living on a few dollars a day.
Perhaps that is why this chapter disturbs me. I don't like to think of myself as a 1%er, but maybe I am. And I guess I can live with being the middle manager trying to find balance between the 1%ers and the multitudes. but it is clear to me that Jesus has a "preferential option for the multitudes" and I know that I am not in that class--which is for me...a bit disturbing.
In some ways, this chapter was a little disturbing for me. I don't know that I like dividing the world into categories (the 1%ers, the multitudes, and the middle managers). Perhaps because it just leads to divisions; or perhaps because there is more truth in it than I care to admit. However, when I read it and then the readings that accompany it this week, I was struck by two things. First, Ezekiel reminds us that while God's concern is with all of his sheep--he expects more from his shepherds. Second, from Luke Jesus shows concern for all, from the "prodigal" son that leaves it all in search for his happiness only to be led back home again (which one of us hasn't made that journey in one way or another), to the little children (considered as nothing in that time), to the rich man searching for salvation (it is not impossible for God to save all), to a blind beggar aside the road, and finally to a wealthy tax collector. I don't know if it was McLaren's point to say that salvation is open to all or not, but that is what I gathered from the passages.
I don't necessarily like the divisions of the 1%ers versus the rest (with or without the middlemen), but if those divisions need to be made, after having been to Haiti numerous times, I could easily count myself among the 1%ers...And as part of that group, I have to ask myself: In what ways do I exploit others?
I look at the home I live in--modest by this country's standards, but a mansion to most in Haiti. I look at my income, once again average by this country's standards, but a fortune to most of the world living on a few dollars a day.
Perhaps that is why this chapter disturbs me. I don't like to think of myself as a 1%er, but maybe I am. And I guess I can live with being the middle manager trying to find balance between the 1%ers and the multitudes. but it is clear to me that Jesus has a "preferential option for the multitudes" and I know that I am not in that class--which is for me...a bit disturbing.
Monday, January 29, 2018
January 29, 2018 Chapter 22 Jesus the Teacher
I have always considered Jesus to be the master teacher. I guess what this chapter helped me to understand was all the different ways that he taught. I found it interesting that McLaren considered things like the Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem and driving the money changers out of the temple to be moment of teaching. In some ways it challenges me to look at all aspects of my ministry as teachable moments.
I also liked the thought that McLaren offered in regard to a current understanding of the kingdom of God. I liked the diversity of this thought. Not only is the kingdom of God about a mutual sharing of resources, but it is also about living life to the fullest. Not only is it about freedom and community but it is also about the environment and holy aliveness.
All of this tied in well with the reading from Jeremiah--the kingdom of God is about what God has already written in our hearts: We are God's people and God is with us always as our God.
I have always considered Jesus to be the master teacher. I guess what this chapter helped me to understand was all the different ways that he taught. I found it interesting that McLaren considered things like the Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem and driving the money changers out of the temple to be moment of teaching. In some ways it challenges me to look at all aspects of my ministry as teachable moments.
I also liked the thought that McLaren offered in regard to a current understanding of the kingdom of God. I liked the diversity of this thought. Not only is the kingdom of God about a mutual sharing of resources, but it is also about living life to the fullest. Not only is it about freedom and community but it is also about the environment and holy aliveness.
All of this tied in well with the reading from Jeremiah--the kingdom of God is about what God has already written in our hearts: We are God's people and God is with us always as our God.
Monday, January 22, 2018
January 22, 2018 Chapter 21: Significant and Wonderful
I like this chapter because I have always wondered the best way to approach miracles in the Bible. I like McLaren's 3 alternative (see page 97). I also like the thought that miracles are signs--things that point us to other things.
When I was in seminary we had a one-year internship in a parish. It wasn't optional, it was part of the formation program. One of my classmates emailed me during that internship and attached a picture--it was a picture of the banner covering the front of the ambo (podium) at his parish. There was a clear image of the Blessed Mother on the green fabric. He talked about the fact that no one knows how the image got there, but it was clearly there. The pastor decided to remove the banner so it would not attract attention.
I'm not sure what I would do if that happened in my parish today...I tend to be skeptical about those things, however I often wondered "what if...?"
Perhaps I don't need miracles to bolster my faith. However, maybe I need them to bolster my imagination.
I like this chapter because I have always wondered the best way to approach miracles in the Bible. I like McLaren's 3 alternative (see page 97). I also like the thought that miracles are signs--things that point us to other things.
When I was in seminary we had a one-year internship in a parish. It wasn't optional, it was part of the formation program. One of my classmates emailed me during that internship and attached a picture--it was a picture of the banner covering the front of the ambo (podium) at his parish. There was a clear image of the Blessed Mother on the green fabric. He talked about the fact that no one knows how the image got there, but it was clearly there. The pastor decided to remove the banner so it would not attract attention.
I'm not sure what I would do if that happened in my parish today...I tend to be skeptical about those things, however I often wondered "what if...?"
Perhaps I don't need miracles to bolster my faith. However, maybe I need them to bolster my imagination.
Monday, January 15, 2018
January 15, 2018 Chapter 20 Join the Adventure!
The first book I read by Brian McLaren was Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road. In that book McLaren talked about how we can be strong in our own faith without demeaning the faith of others. It is so easy today to get so caught up in the "I'm right and you're wrong" mentality that we forget to be good to each other.
I was thinking about that the other day. In a matter of a few minutes I listened to one person I admire and respect talk about why he says Merry Christmas and not Happy Holidays. A few minutes later I heard another person I respect say that people should say Happy Holidays and not Merry Christmas. I found myself thinking that I understand the logic of each, but also wondering why this became a "hot button" issue at all.
Perhaps this is what McLaren is hinting at in his writings on page 94--to remind us that God came for all of us, not just Christians, not just Catholics, not only Jews, or Moslems, or Gentiles, or whoever. Pope Frances tries to proclaim this in his ministry; it challenges me to do the same.
Monday, January 8, 2018
January 8, 2018 Chapter 19 Jesus Coming of Age
I recently read a book entitled Three Days: The Search for the Boy Messiah. It is an historic novel by Chris Stepien. In the book, Stepien imagines how it might have been for Jesus as a 12 year-old and going to Jerusalem with his family for Passover.
What I liked about the book is that it gave possible thoughts to how the situation might have happened 2000 years ago. For instance, Joseph tells Jesus several times that should he get separated from him, he should make his way tot he Temple because he would be safe there. This could easily make sense then when Jesus says, "Did you not know I would be in my father's house?" In other words you told me to go there.
His teaching in the temple, according to the imagination of Stepien, revolved around several situations in which Jesus found himself. In each of these situations Jesus, being rooted in the scriptures, used them to shed light on the subject. Everyone who saw these encounters were amazed at his wisdom.
The book helped me to see how it might have happened and helped to make Jesus even more real for me in my life. What thoughts do you have on this chapter?
I recently read a book entitled Three Days: The Search for the Boy Messiah. It is an historic novel by Chris Stepien. In the book, Stepien imagines how it might have been for Jesus as a 12 year-old and going to Jerusalem with his family for Passover.
What I liked about the book is that it gave possible thoughts to how the situation might have happened 2000 years ago. For instance, Joseph tells Jesus several times that should he get separated from him, he should make his way tot he Temple because he would be safe there. This could easily make sense then when Jesus says, "Did you not know I would be in my father's house?" In other words you told me to go there.
His teaching in the temple, according to the imagination of Stepien, revolved around several situations in which Jesus found himself. In each of these situations Jesus, being rooted in the scriptures, used them to shed light on the subject. Everyone who saw these encounters were amazed at his wisdom.
The book helped me to see how it might have happened and helped to make Jesus even more real for me in my life. What thoughts do you have on this chapter?
Sunday, December 24, 2017
December 24, 2017 Chapters 17A and 18 The Light Has Come (Christmas Eve) Sharing Gifts (Sunday on or after Christmas Day)
Note: this post will cover two weeks. My next post will be January 8
Blessed Christmas Everyone:
This past Wednesday at The Longest Night Service that was held this year at Sellersburg United Methodist Church, Pastor David Neuen talked about the time as a kid when he celebrated his birthday. One year his grandmother baked him a cake and put candles on it. When he went to blow them out, they went out for a minute and then relit...This process repeated itself a couple of times before his grandmother explained that these were trick candles. Most of us have seen those candles. They can be a lot of fun on an unsuspecting recipient.
He went on in his message to make the point that Jesus is the inextinguishable light. Try as he might Herod could not put out the light. Try as he might Pilate could not put out the light. Try as they might the Emperors of Rome could not extinguish the light.
It would be nice to think that people have stopped trying, but they haven't. As McLaren points out anyone who works in darkness would be quite happy if the light of Christ were extinguished today. "From pickpockets to corrupt politicians, from human traffickers to exploitive business sharks, from terrorists plotting in hidden cells to racists spreading messages of hate, they don't welcome the light..." (page 79)
The light began small...a child in a stable. The light began powerless...a child in a stable. The light began innocent...a baby born to poor parents in a tiny, obscure village.
Today, however, the light is large. Today the light gives life to all who embrace him.
On Christmas we celebrate that light. McLaren also focuses his attention to exactly for whom that light has come. Foreigners came to see the light. Egyptians helped shelter the light. Why are we so quick to dismiss the foreigner, be that the foreigner by nationality or the foreigner of a different religion? Perhaps the magi and the Egyptian do represent that the light calls us beyond our safety net of country and creed to reach beyond to find aliveness wherever truth lives.
May God bless you and yours this Christmas Season.
Note: this post will cover two weeks. My next post will be January 8
Blessed Christmas Everyone:
This past Wednesday at The Longest Night Service that was held this year at Sellersburg United Methodist Church, Pastor David Neuen talked about the time as a kid when he celebrated his birthday. One year his grandmother baked him a cake and put candles on it. When he went to blow them out, they went out for a minute and then relit...This process repeated itself a couple of times before his grandmother explained that these were trick candles. Most of us have seen those candles. They can be a lot of fun on an unsuspecting recipient.
He went on in his message to make the point that Jesus is the inextinguishable light. Try as he might Herod could not put out the light. Try as he might Pilate could not put out the light. Try as they might the Emperors of Rome could not extinguish the light.
It would be nice to think that people have stopped trying, but they haven't. As McLaren points out anyone who works in darkness would be quite happy if the light of Christ were extinguished today. "From pickpockets to corrupt politicians, from human traffickers to exploitive business sharks, from terrorists plotting in hidden cells to racists spreading messages of hate, they don't welcome the light..." (page 79)
The light began small...a child in a stable. The light began powerless...a child in a stable. The light began innocent...a baby born to poor parents in a tiny, obscure village.
Today, however, the light is large. Today the light gives life to all who embrace him.
On Christmas we celebrate that light. McLaren also focuses his attention to exactly for whom that light has come. Foreigners came to see the light. Egyptians helped shelter the light. Why are we so quick to dismiss the foreigner, be that the foreigner by nationality or the foreigner of a different religion? Perhaps the magi and the Egyptian do represent that the light calls us beyond our safety net of country and creed to reach beyond to find aliveness wherever truth lives.
May God bless you and yours this Christmas Season.
Monday, December 18, 2017
Monday, December 18, 2017 Chapter 17 Surprising People
It has always been interesting to me when someone points out something new about the genealogies found in the Luke and Matthew.
I was especially intrigued by the phrase "Adam, son of God" of which McLaren writes, "to be the son of is to "find your origin in."
Adam finds his origin in God and so do we. We are all created Imago Dei--In the image of God. That Jesus is also the son of God...that Jesus also finds his origin in God is, as McLaren points out, a new Adam. And all of us who climb life in him are part of that new creation.
Like the women who appear in Matthew's genealogy, we too are the surprising people of today...not always good....but always redeemed through Christ.
All of this challenges me to live as a child of God, to live in God's image.
It has always been interesting to me when someone points out something new about the genealogies found in the Luke and Matthew.
I was especially intrigued by the phrase "Adam, son of God" of which McLaren writes, "to be the son of is to "find your origin in."
Adam finds his origin in God and so do we. We are all created Imago Dei--In the image of God. That Jesus is also the son of God...that Jesus also finds his origin in God is, as McLaren points out, a new Adam. And all of us who climb life in him are part of that new creation.
Like the women who appear in Matthew's genealogy, we too are the surprising people of today...not always good....but always redeemed through Christ.
All of this challenges me to live as a child of God, to live in God's image.
Monday, December 11, 2017
Monday, December 11, 2017 Chapter 16 Keep Herod in Christmas
One of the things I like about a religious writer is when they can take something quite complex and make it simple enough for me to understand. I thin McLaren does this in this chapter. On page 72 beginning with the last two paragraphs, he writes:
Herod--and Pharaoh before him-- model one way: violence...
The baby whom Herod seeks to kill will model another way. His tool will be service, not violence.
In many ways this is the simple message of Christmas. God invites us, through His son, to a new way of living. The "us" I talk about is not just "us Christians", not just "us as individuals" but the "collective us"--us as humankind.
Keeping Herod in Christmas is a reminder that we are made for more. And that this more will come only when we choose to service over violence.
One of the things I like about a religious writer is when they can take something quite complex and make it simple enough for me to understand. I thin McLaren does this in this chapter. On page 72 beginning with the last two paragraphs, he writes:
Herod--and Pharaoh before him-- model one way: violence...
The baby whom Herod seeks to kill will model another way. His tool will be service, not violence.
In many ways this is the simple message of Christmas. God invites us, through His son, to a new way of living. The "us" I talk about is not just "us Christians", not just "us as individuals" but the "collective us"--us as humankind.
Keeping Herod in Christmas is a reminder that we are made for more. And that this more will come only when we choose to service over violence.
Sunday, December 3, 2017
Monday, December 4, 2017 Women on the Edge
I want to break away from my reflection on the chapter and share on one of the questions found at the end of the chapter.
Question number 2 invites us to share a story about a woman in your life who had a powerful influence. Of course, there are a lot from my own family: my grandmother Clegg ( who would be 107 today if she were still living), certainly my mom and any one of my four sisters. All of them were powerful influences on my life.
But perhaps more than any of them, Sr. Barbara Fiand, SNDdeN, has had the most influence on me as a priest. Sr. Barbara was my spiritual director in seminary. I was fortunate in many ways to go to a seminary that allowed women to serve in that capacity. According to the rules of seminary formation, spiritual directors had to be other priests. I guess the rationale was that only a priest could really help a young seminarian know the day-in day-out struggles, joys, heartaches of being a priest. However, Sr. Barbara was a person who understood people. She was challenging when I needed to be challenged. She was gentle when I needed her to be gentle. She would never let me be complacent and always challenged me to be the very best person I could be. More than anyone else, she helped me to be the person I am today and the priest I am today. I was blessed to have her in my life.
What about you? Who are some of the women who have influenced you in your life?
I want to break away from my reflection on the chapter and share on one of the questions found at the end of the chapter.
Question number 2 invites us to share a story about a woman in your life who had a powerful influence. Of course, there are a lot from my own family: my grandmother Clegg ( who would be 107 today if she were still living), certainly my mom and any one of my four sisters. All of them were powerful influences on my life.
But perhaps more than any of them, Sr. Barbara Fiand, SNDdeN, has had the most influence on me as a priest. Sr. Barbara was my spiritual director in seminary. I was fortunate in many ways to go to a seminary that allowed women to serve in that capacity. According to the rules of seminary formation, spiritual directors had to be other priests. I guess the rationale was that only a priest could really help a young seminarian know the day-in day-out struggles, joys, heartaches of being a priest. However, Sr. Barbara was a person who understood people. She was challenging when I needed to be challenged. She was gentle when I needed her to be gentle. She would never let me be complacent and always challenged me to be the very best person I could be. More than anyone else, she helped me to be the person I am today and the priest I am today. I was blessed to have her in my life.
What about you? Who are some of the women who have influenced you in your life?
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