Feast of the Ascension

There are many things about the faith and about Jesus that I don’t understand. I don’t claim to understand how it all works. How did Jesus dying on the cross obtain for us salvation, everlasting life and the forgiveness of our sins? Why did he need to ascend to heaven before he could send the Spirit? But, as Mark Twain said, “Faith is believing what you know ain’t true.” Twain, the sage, was right. Faith is indeed believing things that we cannot prove and often that we cannot understand.

The lesson from the book of Acts (Acts 1:1-11) appointed for this Feast seems to concur with Twain as it tells us, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority.” I find this very comforting, giving us permission to not know it all. I fully believe that faith comes from believing what we do see and know, taking much of the rest on, well…faith.

So what can we see and know? What I see and know daily is the presence of love shared; of countless acts of kindness which are beyond the power of humans without divine inspiration. I know what I see in the hearts of those with whom I serve – love for others, including me, when I am not very loveable; forgiveness offered when it isn’t really deserved; a hand or word of caring when another feels alone or isolated.

I also think about how the followers of Jesus must have felt as they watched him ascend to the heavens. They had lost him once, they thought for good, when he died on the cross. Yes, he rose from the dead, but then suddenly…there he goes again. Yes, he promised to send the Spirit, something they could not have really understood at that time, but I wonder what they felt as they watched him disappear into the heavens? Abandoned…Alone…Afraid?

Again, I find the event of Jesus’ Ascension oddly comforting when I find myself feeling abandoned, alone and afraid. As I imagine the disciples must have felt, I too sometimes look around and wonder where Jesus has gone to, but if I take a breath and really look, I see his promise fulfilled; the promised Spirit, very much alive, present and acting in a world in need – in my world and in my life!

And, as one who has been called to work and serve in urban settings, I love, LOVE, the instruction given in Luke 24:49, from the Gospel passage appointed for this Feast.

“See, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

No, I don’t think Jesus was thinking of those of us who serve at 7th and San Jacinto in Austin, Texas, in 2012, but I do know that we realize the promise of God as we remain serving in the city and that this is where we are and will be “clothed with power from on high”.

Blessed Ascension to all,
David

“Good morning, David.” “Good morning, God.”

I used to be a competitive swimmer rising early each morning to take off most of my clothes and jump into the cold water. I still swim and exercise, but not in the early morning. Now I rise early, often in the pre-dawn darkness like the old days, but have moved to a much more comfortable exercise of being still, lighted candle and coffee beside me, and doing my prayers. I don’t get it done every day, but most days. It seems an ever more pleasant and comfortable way to begin the day than jumping in that cold water.

As I prayed the appointed Psalm from Morning Prayer today I was given pause:

I know every bird in the sky, and the creatures of the fields are in my sight. Psalm 50:11

I stopped to reflect on what it means that God knows me, ME, David, just as God knows YOU.

I once read that each morning as we rise from sleep God rejoices in us and gives thanks for us, that we are alive, that we exist. I believe this.

Remember that God created us out of joy and for joy. God knows us, ME, YOU and God rejoices that we are here.

I had a little conversation with God today. In my heart I heard God say, “Good morning David.” In my heart I saw God smile that there was another day and that I was part of it.

And I said aloud, “Good morning God,” and I smiled too.

St. David’s Invited to Leadership

“The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.”  Ephesians 4:11-13

Tuesday, April 24, Bishop Andy Doyle called the clergy of our diocese together to announce his response to the likely approval of the blessing of same-gender covenants at this summer’s General Convention. You can read his full plan,  “Unity in Mission.”

In his response, which has been over two years in the making, Bishop Doyle articulated his desire that we continue together in unity with a place at the table for all.

In our tradition the diocesan Bishop has sole responsibility and authority for leadership in such issues. “My plan does not ask for further debate or require approval,” Bishop Doyle told the clergy gathered at Camp Allen. “I have not asked people to change their positions or even to like the plan that I am setting before us,” he explained. “It is my deepest desire to offer a generous breadth of pastoral care for our members throughout the diocese.”

The Bishop’s response includes the proposal that following General Convention, one congregation in Houston and one in Austin be granted permission to bless same-gender covenants. Both the rector and the congregation must support the liturgy and must complete the congregational education portion of the process. Additional congregations may request permission in the future.

Invitation to Leadership

Prior to the Bishop’s announcement, Bishop Doyle contacted me to ask if St. David’s would be the Austin congregation mentioned in his proposal. I said that while we would be pleased to accept his invitation, I would request the consensus of our vestry before moving forward.

My immediate reflection was that our long history of working through challenging issues, while remaining in unity (going back to the pre-Civil War era), makes us particularly suitable for this calling. Because of our consistent position that Unity and Unanimity are not the same, and our ability to include faithful members with a wide variety of views while remaining One in Christ, I believe that we are called by the Holy Spirit to serve the Church in this manner.

What Has Changed?

Nothing has changed with the presentation of Bishop Doyle’s proposal. In an effort to prepare the Diocese of Texas for what will likely happen this summer, he is being pastorally and appropriately pro-active. Furthermore, when General Convention takes this expected action and when the Bishop’s proposal becomes reality, I am convinced that little will change. Just as in any number of things that we have faced in the past, the day after these actions occur, we will come to our parish home and be about the work of the Gospel.

It is a fact of our life and ministry that no one coming into Trinity Center in need of a cup of cold water, hot coffee, or a bathroom, is first asked, “Where do you stand on issue X or Y?” Also, to the best of my knowledge, no one coming to us with deep pain in their soul has queried us as to where we stand on this, that or the other thing.

What Happens Next?

In the coming weeks and months not much will happen. I have shared Bishop Doyle’s proposal and invitation with the vestry, and in coming weeks, we will spend time in prayer and reflection together.

Bishop Doyle is scheduled to visit St. David’s on May 20. I am delighted that he will preside at the 8, 9 and 11:15 a.m. liturgies in the Historic Church. He will also lead our Adult Formation hour that day, and I will ask him to address his proposal at that time.

What Do We Do Now?

We do what I pray we are always doing – praying and working for the mission of Christ in the world so that we all “come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.”

Nothing will happen until General Convention meets this summer. Assuming that Convention passes the rites mentioned and we find consensus among our leadership, we will accept Bishop Doyle’s invitation to a time of formation and reflection in the fall. If we are to move forward we will abide by all of the provisions of Bishop Doyle’s proposal. The proposals before General Convention would not allow these rites to be used before Advent of 2012; but I would be greatly hesitant to offer such rites during the season of Advent lest they distract from our work and focus as the Church. If we are to move forward, we will abide by all of the provisions of Bishop Doyle’s proposal, with particular attention that such a rite not be a “media event.”

Further Reflections

I am deeply grateful to Andy for living so fully and pastorally into his call as a Bishop of the Church. I do not believe that any of us can know the enormous stress and the faithful effort that he has put forth in leading us in this manner. A bishop is called to defend the Unity of the Church, and he is doing so in putting forth this proposal which will please few people completely. I ask you to join me in prayer with and for him.

In this as in any issue of faith, it is never about winners and losers. It is about our being about the work of building the Kingdom of God and seeking the will and direction of the Holy Spirit as that Spirit works in and through the Church.

Our task always is to seek the transformation of souls, beginning with our own. Wherever we may find our own feelings, emotions, and thoughts on these issues of the day, we must do our prayers and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our day-to-day lives. May it be so!

“But strive first for the kingdom of God – and his – righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  Matthew 6:33

David+

Taking Sabbath After Spring Break

I am back from a spring break vacation and took today as my normal Monday Sabbath day. My initial instinct, having taken time off, was to rush back to the office to “catch up.” I have always struggled with taking time off, although the refreshment, rest and recreation are important and something I crave and need. I have somehow felt that I am unworthy to do nice things for myself. I do know; however,  that appropriate Sabbath is part of my work and part of my Christian vocation.

As I sat on our deck to offer my prayers on this beautiful morning I began by reflecting on this quote from Br. Robert L’Esperance, SSJE, about prayer, particularly intercessory prayer:

Our intercession, our prayers for others do not somehow drag God down to pay attention to what we think God ought to notice. No, the Word made flesh that fills all things is already in that place of need. When we pray for others in need, it is the Word calling you and me to join him there by offering our love in intercessory prayer and action, by being willing to be used by God for healing and transformation whatever the situation may be.

When we intercede in prayer, we take the cares and concerns of the world, and of others, into our hearts and bring our heart to God. What a gift and privilege it is to bring our heart and the cares and concerns of the world into union with God’s heart. I am not exactly sure how prayer works, but I know that it does. I suspect and experience that what it does first and foremost is change the one who prays. 

Perhaps it is not your Sabbath day, but I invite you to take a Sabbath moment today or tomorrow and take the cares and concerns of your heart to the heart of our God.

Poverty

I receive a daily email from the brothers of the Society of St. John the Evangelist called Brother Give US A Word. Cathy and I have been associates of that Religious Order for a number of years. Today’s offering, a reflection on the idea of Poverty, has connected with something that has been on my mind of late. I know that I am so blessed and I have so much. I have been led in my prayers to reflect on the questions, “What is dross in my life that needs to be burned off?” and “To what do I cling that is not necessary?”

I share this reflection from Br. Geoffrey. His idea from the early Church fathers suggest that we search for the love of God by examining our attachments and addictions. I challenge you to do the same.

Poverty Lent challenges our greed and our grasping. It’s a time for looking hard at our attachments, our addictions; a time for finding space to attend to, what the early fathers used to call, the searching love of God. -Br. Geoffrey Tristram

It is the second day of Lent, the day after Ash Wednesday

 My head is spinning a bit after a whirlwind, and lovely, day of celebrating Ash Wednesday. Yes, I do say “celebrating” as contrary to popular belief Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent is a time of hope and, not unlike Advent, eager anticipation, as we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s victory at Easter.

Yesterday we celebrated the beginning of Lent in four formal liturgies with over 600 of our members, friends and visitors. We stepped out in our inaugural “Ashes to Go” offering and informally helped bring to mind for over 200 downtowners that Lent was beginning and that “we are but dust and to dust we shall return.” You can see the story here.

Yes, we celebrated! I am convinced that we, the Church, have often turned people off, and worse, turned people away by presenting Ash Wednesday and Lent as times when for some unknown and unexplained reason God wants us to feel bad. I cannot count the number of times I have spoken with someone who when asked why they were “giving something up” for Lent had no idea why, but were doing so simply because they had been told to do so.

This brings to mind Matthew 23:1-7: “Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, ²‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; ³therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. ⁴They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. ⁵They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. ⁶They love to have the place of honour at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, ⁷and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have people call them rabbi.”

Sounds an awful lot like the Gospel lesson appointed for Ash Wednesday, Matthew 6:1-6,16-21, in which we are also told not to put ashes on our heads – but that is an entirely different blog! In both cases, Jesus was speaking to the “religious” of his day and suggesting that they had some things wrong.

While we must keep in mind the need for serious self-reflection, confession, repentance and amendment of life, we must also keep in mind why we would do such things. We do them that we might be set free; free as we say from the “bondage of our sins”. The Gospel lesson appointed for this Sunday, the First Sunday in Lent, is about Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. It also includes the topic sentence of Mark’s Gospel, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

My Lenten determination is to remember that the Christian faith is about good news! And the Lenten call to self-examination, confession and repentance is there for us that we may know the freedom of absolution and new life in Christ.

Two phrases which jumped up at me as I presided and preached at three Ash Wednesday liturgies were: “Almighty God you hate nothing you have made…” (The first words of Lent from the collect for Ash Wednesday) and “…God desires not the death of sinners…”

 This is what Ash Wednesday and Lent are truly about; God’s love, hope and new life in Christ.

 A good friend sent me the following quote from Orthodox British Metropolitan Bishop Kallistos Ware:

 What did people use to do in Greece on this day (Ash Wednesday)?

They would go out into the countryside, go out onto the hills, in the open air, in the wind, and they would fly kites in the sky. Is that not a good symbol for the spirit in which we should embark on Lent?

Lent is a time to open our hearts to the fresh air of the Spirit, to open up all the cupboards and closets that have remained closed, dusty and murky. And it is a time to fly kites, a time to be imaginative, a time to explore, a time to be adventurous.

On our Lenten journey, may we indeed look within, confess, repent and accept with joy God’s absolution…

and, may we also make time to fly kites, spiritually and literally.

The Rev. David Boyd

 

Freedom from Financial Bondage

First there were medical bills; car repairs came; some more medical bills; an air conditioner unit for the house was next; then a few more medical bills; and, oh yes, some tuition for graduate school. Finally there were costs associated with burying my parents. Suddenly we looked up and found that we were carrying $25,000 in credit card debt.

We had always lived pretty frugally. Our vacations were camping trips to keep expenses low, but for a number of years there was simply more going out than coming in. Fortunately, we had always paid our bills and, oddly enough, credit card debt upon which we paid monthly seemed to make our credit report look good. So we received lots and lots of offers for interest free credit cards, with a small fee of course. I became pretty good at moving our debt from zero interest credit card to zero interest credit card. It took 15 years but finally we paid it all off.