The journey

To see thee is the End and the Beginning Thou carriest me and thou goest before Thou art the Journey and the journey’s End.- Attributed to King Alfred.

I try to walk every day. As I’ve aged my legs get annoyed with my walking. It’s especially an issue on the hills. A year ago, I averaged 3 miles/day. It dropped with illness and moving to a new apartment. With the pandemic, it dropped again. During April I averaged .43/day. I’ve worked at it and each month has seen improvement—1.1, 1.7, 2.1, 2.4. My immediate target is to reach a plateau of 2.5 and stay there a bit. Then see if I can get back to 3. Who knows? Twice a week I walk with Sister Michelle, OA. That helps. We talk—catch up, ideas for writing, the Pathways of Grace program, the novitiate. I walk further on those days. 

There’s always been a two-fold journey in the walks. One is that I like walking and it’s good for my health. The other is that I often get reflective as I walk. On occasion its really obsessive thinking—monkey brain. Agitated shit! Frequently it’s pondering, exploring, opening, wondering, and life giving.

Today God interfered with my meditation

It’s not that I think God hasn’t been with me in all my journeying.  That’s creedal. But today as I came up to this wonderful tree—flash, flash, flash. All in my head of course. No burning bush, or tree.

Many years ago, I came up with a model for understanding a form of personal devotions. It is about the relationship between Contemplation – Intercession – Action. There were other models like it. This was one that helped me. Then it disappeared from my conscious use. During the pandemic it returned. I found myself contemplating the struggle for justice. I did intercession for the protesters and the police. Also, for the mayor, my city councilmember and the police chief. I wrote each of them a letter. I got invited to attend meetings of the police department’s African American Advisory Council. See how that worked?—Contemplation-Intercession-Action.       If you're interested here's today's journey.

Then it faded again 

So, today I’m walking. It was 2.3 miles. I’ll do more after I write this. I want to get a bit above 2.5 today.

I’m walking. The model isn’t in my mind. I come to this wonderful tree. Flash! It occurred to me that for two weeks I’ve been obsessing about the yard signs. But now I thought, maybe it hasn’t been obsessing. Maybe it’s been the beginning of a contemplation. Or maybe both. The model has come to mind. It is helping me understand the spiritual dynamic I’m in (or may be in).

I’d been noticing the yard signs, the posters on store windows, and the flags—Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ flags, American flags, and the one that begins with “We believe ….  A PDF   And for two weeks I’ve been aware that I agree with all the statements and I find it all irritating and I feel sad. There were a fair number of progressive political signs and flags, most houses with nothing, a few American flags.  No place along the journey was there a sign for Donald Trump. Now I think our president is both a poor president and a sad human being. But I know the reason why there were no signs in support of him in the neighborhood. It’s not because there are no Trump supporters. It’s because they know that if they put out a sign they’re inviting vandalism to their homes. They fear the violence. Which is strange because that’s what many of us fear from them. I also found myself wondering why some "I believe.." posters included "kindness" and others didn't. Yea, I know--over-thinking it.

Two days ago, I found myself wanting to create one of those “We believe” signs that looked like this --

 

I think "the divide" in the nation is soul destroying.

Contemplation

I’m still at the wonderful tree. Flash! “You’re contemplating!” This is the first step—noticing, being aware. I say to myself—"okay."

A few more steps. Flash! “How does God see all this?” There it was, the second step of contemplation.  

My guess is that there will be more to this journey.

About parish development

Those drawn to apostolic faith and practice are often helped by being able to explore the dynamics of the spiritual life by reflecting on their experience using a spiritual map. The map of Contemplation - Intercession - Action can help them bring together what appears to be something of an organic process common in all people and the need for the Christian to take responsibility for understand and engaging the mystery.

Parish churches can offer programs in which people are guided in telling about their experiences like mine and helped to conceptualize that experience using a spiritual map. 

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The blood is always human blood

During this morning’s Zoom Eucharist, we joined in a shared homily reflecting on the Gospel reading. I am often both humbled and grateful as Christians gather to reflect upon the Scriptures. Today’s story set in Caesarea Philippi naturally moved us into the political life of our nation. There was anger, fear and hope. There was the church’s insistence that all must begin, and be grounded upon, prayer.

And underlying it all is Jesus’ invitation to trust that God’s love has given us the Church, “and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” Much the same as John’s incarnation claim,” The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”

Later I read the Daily Reflection of Bishop Peter Eaton.  I’ll share a bit of that here.

Here Jesus and the disciples walked about, and here Jesus asked his famous questions today: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” and “Who do you say that I am?” 

We do not understand the full force of these questions unless we understand that Jesus is surrounded by the shrines of the many gods that vied for the allegiance of the women and men of the time.  And when we can imagine the context of Jesus and his disciples, we realise that it is, at one level, no different from our own.  For we, too, are surrounded by a range of gods and idols who beckon us, and who can so easily lead us astray, even without our noticing.

A political campaign season is a time with the rival gods of our culture are particularly at war, with each other and with real religion.   We are bombarded with competing plans for salvation and quick fixes on the road to a range of utopias.  This is not to disparage our political process or sound government, which are crucial to the well-being of our society; nor is it to belittle our remarkable cultural life and the immense richness of all that makes for true human community.  It is simply to acknowledge that it can be easy to forget that our political institutions – and every other aspect of our common life - are always, as William Stringfellow liked to say, under the judgement of the Word of God.  At Caesarea Philippi, in addition to shrines to gods like Pan, there was almost certainly a shrine to the divine emperor, too.

Who do you say that I am?

We must not forget Saint Peter’s answer, for it is our answer.  And in making his answer our own, there are consequences not only in the way we act, but in the way we conceive of the world and all that is going on around us.  We live every day in a modern Caesarea Philippi, surrounded by all kinds of deeply alluring gods who whisper into our ears, or clamour in a loud voice.   Some are harmless; but some can do, and actually do, real damage.  Metropolitan Anthony Bloom once summed up the problem in this way:

Whenever we move from…concern about [human beings] onto concerns about things, we make things - it may be ideals, ideologies, world outlooks - into an idol, and there is no idol that doesn't claim blood. And [the] blood is always human blood - it will always be men and women and children that will have to pay the cost of it.

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name

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Staying Where You Are

It’s around this time every year that I start to get impatient for autumn. Fall is my absolute favorite season of the year, and by the time the latter days of August roll around I always find myself craving the crunch of leaves underfoot, crisp morning walks in jeans and a light jacket, the slow creep of darkness earlier and earlier into the day. I remember as a kid dressing for the first day of school in my brand-new outfit, which was invariably something woolen and long-sleeved, something “fall.” There was many a September day when I left school sweating and itchy because, even though I was ready for fall, the weather was still the sticky late summer of the Delaware Valley. But every year I would don that new fall outfit in the futile hope that once the calendar flipped to September, autumn would come, and that right soon.

I’m finding myself experiencing that yearning again this year, although this year I’m also finding myself wanting to resist the urge to simply rush ahead to the next season. I’ve been doing a lot of rushing already these days. You know the thoughts – “Once we can open up again,” “Once we have a vaccine,” “Once things go back to normal.” The upheaval of our lives these past months has understandably made us increasingly impatient with where we find ourselves. Add to that anxieties about job security, our health and the health of our loved ones, and the future of our nation, and it’s no wonder we’re all wanting to rush ahead to better, clearer, sweeter, cooler days.

But the truth is, of course, that if we spend our days just waiting for what’s coming, we’re missing out on the life we’re living right now. There is no way to live in the future; we can only live in this moment, this breath, this heartbeat. But it is in this moment, this breath, this heartbeat that we find the presence of the God who loves us.

So in these last days of summer, stay where you are. If you’re staying home, if you’re back at work, if you’re looking for a job, if you’re waiting, if you’re worried, if you’re frustrated, if you’re angry – just stay where you are. Don’t rush ahead to the fix that you think might be coming around the corner. For wherever you are, Christ is there, offering you whatever healing balm you need. Rushing ahead won’t help you to find the strength and solace you’re looking for, but staying where you are just might. Because staying where you are means staying where Christ is, who is with you, always, even to the end of the age.

Yours in Christ,

The Rev’d Erika L. Takacs, Rector

From Mother Erika's weekly reflection; Church of the Atonement, Chicago

Used with permission

Stay in the city

Morning Prayer today includes Psalm 122 with its verses about Jerusalem— its unity, peace, and prosperity. 

I’ve lived in cities most of my life and have associated the hope of the Scriptures for Jerusalem to apply to all cities—for me, Philadelphia, Trenton, New York, Portland and Seattle. Jesus wept over Jerusalem. I imagine because, in his compassion, he knew the hard road humanity faced before the promise of the city would be realized. I think we’re all part of that story. 

I shared those thoughts this morning with a friend who's been working to help the police force in Seattle be and do better. There's been a lot of progress in recent years. Also, a lot of pain and courage. She's part of that story.

I have my views on what should happen to address policing, homelessness, economic troubles, the pandemic, gentrification, nightly protests and often violence, and our inability to speak and listen across the divide. Some long held, some changed. At the moment I find it hard to see a sustainable way forward. My certainty isn't all that certain. 

There are always those who "know" with certainty. Thankfully, they rarely get to impose their utopia on everyone else. What's that line?--"No one wants to live in someone else's utopia."

In the moments when sanity regains its hold on me it's usually with some paradoxical truth.

As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.(Luke 19:41, 42)

Jerusalem is built as a city *
    that is at unity with itself (Ps. 122:3)

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A list of all postings  

Resources

 Stay in the City ( a mission strategy paper Philadelphia 1980)

Charles Williams and The City

Spirituality and Urban Parish Revitalization

Parish and Justice

Compassion & Justice Award

Chaos the eventual hope

Contemplation - Intercession - Action 

Down into the mess

God's harmony 

God’s harmony

Last night, after the special meeting, I looked at some of the news articles about Victoria Beach. I came across one where people booed her and shouted her down. And I thought about how, last night, she made space for all to speak and listen.

A decision of the inner life had been made to refuse the way of hostility and choose the path of hospitality. Last night all could speak.

Something holy in the park

It was a gathering in a Seattle neighborhood park named after Powell Barnett a Seattle musician and civil rights leader. Ms. Beach had invited us. So, Sister Michelle, OA, and I went. It was a “dialogue with our Black SPD Officers.” The event was sponsored by the African American Community Advisory Council. There were 50 or 60 people gathered. For two hours people spoke and listened. Most stood. Six feet apart with mask. Under the clouds. It rained. No one left. The rain stopped. There was more to say and more to hear.

For two hours people spoke and listened. Older Black police officers, an Asian American police captain, the men and women who could lose their jobs, the progressive officer who came to Seattle because policing was changing, the county sheriff, the leaders of the Council. And there were the other citizens who spoke—the young white student, a black teacher, and people from community organizations.

Victoria asked if I wanted to say something. I said, “Maybe next time.” For now, I needed to listen. On the Feast of the Transfiguration I was transfixed.

The speaking was of past hurts and of present fears and hopes. Some officers spoke of their experience of “driving while black.” Also, of decisions to serve and be part of the change. I heard frustration and hope, pride and anger—anguish for a city they loved and had such hopes for.

The speaking and the listening were respectful and thoughtful. There were prayers, some laughter, nods and grunts of “Yes, been there.”  It ended around 8:00. Leaving the park my legs were stiff from standing and I had to walk slowly. I recalled how Victoria had leaned in and asked if I wanted to sit on the bench. Generous kindness. I said, I was fine, though in truth there was some pain. But at that moment I needed to stand. I was vaguely aware that it had something to do with respect. Maybe even that there was in this gathering of citizens something holy going on. So, I stood. Maybe next time I’ll sit, and it will still be something holy going on. 

Let all things seen and unseen their notes together blend

Today is the Feast of John Mason Neal. I love his translation of John of Damascus’ hymn “The Day of Resurrection.” 

The last verse includes words of God’s harmony—“Let all things seen and unseen their notes together blend.”

And I thought how God’s harmony invites us all into the fullness of truth and justice, into a new life of the deepest joy. 

And I thought how that unity, grounded in truth and justice, makes space for all to sing, for all to speak and listen in God’s Beloved Community. 

Now let the heavens be joyful, Let earth her song begin, The round world keep high triumph, and all therein, Let all things seen and unseen their notes together blend”

V. Now let the heavens be joyful

R. Let earth her song begin

A reading

 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Surely we do not need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you or from you, do we? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all; and you show that you are a letter of Christ, prepared by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. (2 Corinthians 3: 1-3)

A collect

O God, whom saints and angels delight to worship in heaven: Be ever present with your servants who seek through art and music to perfect the praises offered by your people on earth; and grant to them even now glimpses of your beauty, and make them worthy at length to behold it unveiled for evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Blessed Cecil Frances, John, Christina, and Percy; you show us the beauty of God, prayer for us.

John Mason Neale Feast Day August 7 

24 January 1818 – 6 August 1866

Best known as a hymn writer and, especially, translator, having enriched English hymnody with many ancient and mediaeval hymns translated from Latin and Greek. More than anyone else, he made English-speaking congregations aware of the centuries-old tradition of Latin, Greek, Russian, and Syrian hymns. The 1875 edition of the Hymns Ancient and Modern contains 58 of his translated hymns; The English Hymnal (1906) contains 63 of his translated hymns and six original hymns by Neale.

His translations include:

All Glory, Laud and Honour
A Great and Mighty Wonder
O come, O come, Emmanuel
Of the Father's Heart Begotten
Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle
To Thee Before the Close of Day

Grant, O God, that in all time of our testing we may know your presence and obey your will; that, following the example of your servant John Mason Neale, we may with integrity and courage accomplish what you give us to do, and endure what you give us to bear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

And about parish development

There is a holiness in respectful speaking and listening. That's especially true in times of strong feelings and division. All God's children get to speak. All get to listen. We are to love even our enemies, even those who would refuse to listen to us. 

How might your parish grow in such speaking and listening. What is some step you might take in the coming days? How might we become more able to listen, in St. Benedict's manner, with the ear of our heart?

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 A list of all postings 

Resources

On truth and justice

Independence Day 2013: Piety and the Unfinished Work

at least then we are actively engaging with our lives

Justice

Breakfast with Frances Perkins

The Church’s Influence in Society

A Compassion and Justice Award

Mary and Martha: The relationship of action and contemplation

Christian Action

Three Holy Years: 1963 – 1965

Red cars    Red cars 2    Red cars 3

Remember the poor

That blessed family

Chaos the eventual hope

The Peace of God

A nation and world society at peace with itself

The unfinished work

On Listening

Fake Listening

Trust, listening, complete messages, and cooperation

Not listening: I have the power; get reconciled to it

Q & A: Take Counsel – Stop Grumbling

Seeking parish harmony

Endures all things

Caesura: Levels of consulting in the parish

The Church’s way of reconciliation and forgiveness