tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19469965850445304432024-02-06T20:36:13.481-06:00Immersed In MysteryDennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-8617493698486813502022-04-02T23:37:00.001-06:002022-04-02T23:39:37.413-06:00Prayers of Intercession - Fifth Sunday in Lent - Year C<p></p><p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">God
of new life, you reach out to embrace your people with new purpose and new
possibilities. Give us the wisdom to know and the perseverance to follow your
will all the days of our life. Open our ears to hear your upward call in Christ
Jesus, that we do not remain stuck in the ways that lead to death and
destruction. Protect those who are surrounded by death and destruction in
Ukraine, keep them safe in the midst of this evil war. Make a way for those who
seek to bring aid to the people who are suffering, remove any obstacles that threaten
to delay or disrupt these relief efforts. Through your Holy Spirit inspire the
leaders of nations to make decisions and take actions that will end this war
and bring peace that will last.</span></span></p><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In
your loving-kindness, O God <b>have
mercy and hear our prayer.</b></span></span></p><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">God
of extravagant grace, you pour out on your people an abundance of blessings.
Open our eyes to see the wonders of your love shown to us in the life, death
and resurrection of Jesus. Help us to order our lives with priorities of our
Savior. He reminded us that there will always be poor and disadvantaged people
to care for. Give us the same heart of compassion that Jesus has, that we might
pursue the work of reconciliation and justice with commitment and energy.</span></span></p><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In
your loving-kindness, O God <b>have
mercy and hear our prayer.</b></span></span></p><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">God
of compassionate love, you make paths in the wilderness of our lives, and
streams in the desert of our despair, guide those who feel lost and alone due
to circumstances beyond their control, renew the lives of those who suffer from
illness, grief and disappointment. Be present with those in hospital, and work
through the nurses and doctors to restore health or provide comfort, we pray
especially for <i>(names)</i> For those who grieve the loss of a loved one grant
them comfort and strength, we pray this week for the family and friends of
<i>(names)</i>.</span></span></p><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In
your loving-kindness, O God <b>have
mercy and hear our prayer.</b></span></span></p><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">God of
wondrous beauty, you have created an amazing world filled with a diversity of
life and landscape. Open our hearts to the gift of your creation, that we might
treat all people and places with respectful care and concern. Where the
environment is threatened and treated as disposable trash, where people are
disregarded and deemed of little value, help us to do the work of restoration
and protection, giving proper value to all you have created.</span></span></p><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In
your loving-kindness, O God <b>have
mercy and hear our prayer.</b></span></span></p><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a
moment of silence we bring you the concerns that weigh on our hearts, trusting
that you will hear them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>(a brief
time of silence)</i></span></span></p><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 0.25in; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We bring
these prayers before your throne of grace through Jesus Christ and in the
mystery of the Holy Spirit. Amen.</span></span></p>
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<![endif]--></p>Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-62070501222104148212022-03-26T22:05:00.003-06:002022-03-26T22:07:28.197-06:00Prayers of Intercession - Fourth Sunday in Lent - Year C<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN-US">God of new life, there’s a wideness in your mercy like
the wideness of the sea. Be close today to all who know what it means to be
lost or alone. Your love is broader than the measures of our mind. Have mercy
on those who find themselves in the depths of despair out of foolishness or
hastiness or greed or willfulness. Show them the way back to your gracious
embrace that their life would be renewed so that they would respond with lives
lived in grateful service to others in your holy name.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN-US">In your loving-kindness, O God </span><b><span lang="EN-US">have mercy and hear our prayer.</span></b></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN-US">God of peace that passes all understand, you save your
people from harm and danger, you rescue those surrounded by threats and
violence. Protect the people of Ukraine in this time of war and give wisdom to
the leaders of the nations that they would find a pathway to peace. Keep those
who work to bring relief and assistance to all those impacted by this war, that
humanitarian aid would not be hindered in any manner. </span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN-US">In your loving-kindness, O God </span><b><span lang="EN-US">have mercy and hear our prayer.</span></b></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN-US">God of compassionate love, you hear the cry of the
distressed and destitute, turn your ear to those who are suffering physically,
emotionally or spiritually. To those who are ill or recovering from surgery
bring healing and wholeness. Surround those in hospital with your comforting
and restorative presence, <i>(names)</i> and those we name in our hearts. Strengthen
all in this congregation who face struggles, that they would be better equipped
to deal with their circumstances. </span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN-US">In your loving-kindness, O God </span><b><span lang="EN-US">have mercy and hear our prayer.</span></b></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN-US">God of gracious patience, you have </span><span>reconciled us to yourself through Christ by not
counting our sins against us. You given us the ministry of reconciliation. Make
us people who are merciful and forgiving that we may know the blessing of being
peacemakers, showing welcome and acceptance of others in the same manner of
Christ our Lord. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we can fulfill the
ministry and mission you have given to all who follow your Son.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN-US">In your loving-kindness, O God </span><b><span lang="EN-US">have mercy and hear our prayer.</span></b></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN-US">In a moment of silence we bring you the concerns that
weigh on our hearts, trusting that you will hear them.<span> </span><i>(a brief time of silence)</i></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 0.25in; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN-US">We bring these prayers before your throne of grace
through Jesus Christ and in the mystery of the Holy Spirit. Amen.</span></span></span></span></p>
Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-86892116010037018272022-02-12T18:08:00.000-06:002022-02-12T18:08:20.452-06:00The Meaning of Freedom<p>There has been a lot of talk about ‘freedom’ in recent weeks, but in the words of Inigo Montoya from <i>The Princess Bride</i>: “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” I found it quite pertinent that the Orthodox scholar Alexander Schmemann, in his book <i>Of Water & the Spirit</i>, has some insights worth sharing on this subject. I came across these paragraphs today as I read this book as part of my studies in the Doctor of Worship Studies program at the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies. Here are a few gems from Schmemann:</p><p>In a section on renunciation of evil and Satan in the Orthodox baptismal rite:</p><p><i>The terrible truth is that the overwhelming majority of Christians simply do not see the presence and action of Satan in the world and, therefore, feel no need to renounce “his works and his service.”… They are blind to the fact that the “demonic” consists primarily in falsification and counterfeit, in deviating even positive values from their true meaning, in presenting black as white and vice verse, in a subtle and vicious lie and confusion. They do not understand that such seemingly positive and even Christian notions as “freedom’ and “liberation,” “love,” “happiness,” “success,” “achievement,” “growth,” “self-fulfillment” – notions which truly shape… modern society, motivations and their ideologies – can in fact be deviated from their real significance and become vehicles of the “demonic.” </i></p><p>In a section on confessing and reverencing Christ in the Orthodox baptismal rite:</p><p><i>We are taught today that the dignity and freedom of [a person] consists precisely in not bowing down before anyone or anything, in [a person’s] constant affirmation of [themselves] as their sole master. But how miserable, how petty is this “dignity” and this “freedom”!... How truly noble, truly human and genuinely free are those who still know what it means to bow before the High and the Holy, the True and the Beautiful; who know what reverence and respect are; who know that bowing down before God is the true condition of freedom and dignity.</i></p><p>As I read those words I was struck by the paradoxical truth that freedom for us comes not from doing what we want but from freely turning to God, living our lives in obedience to Christ and his commands, by the power of God’s Spirit. This kind of freedom is a rarity in our society these days.
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWYGnYmzmmdEgNQsi9j-oH6pYmd5rTSe2wIbrXVZArga4nKBPLWfGkVpaQPC97dEDYW3AqRM57OKurCJ23ZsqQSQkrghMO9l1oENVNkkEJIS_SDNyvKHvSd5YnipHlQIHlNOnI9kjw7IMJ1d1jUgF47fk-kwnd1rtV2YhxVp0I0_l6u6gYNG_TZXxGPQ=s2476" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2476" data-original-width="1528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWYGnYmzmmdEgNQsi9j-oH6pYmd5rTSe2wIbrXVZArga4nKBPLWfGkVpaQPC97dEDYW3AqRM57OKurCJ23ZsqQSQkrghMO9l1oENVNkkEJIS_SDNyvKHvSd5YnipHlQIHlNOnI9kjw7IMJ1d1jUgF47fk-kwnd1rtV2YhxVp0I0_l6u6gYNG_TZXxGPQ=s320" /></a></div>
Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-85537374175575632372019-07-16T12:20:00.001-06:002019-07-16T12:28:21.848-06:00Killing the Praise of God - Part 2Scriptures do say that humans have a unique place in creation, but we are still part of creation, we are not separate from it. When we forget that we can end up treating creation as simply a resource to be exploited for our own gain, and we ignore the relationship we have with the world around us. Francis of Assisi understood the close relationship humans have with creation deeply. Near the end of his life Francis wrote a song which expresses this relationship of humans with other parts of God’s creation eloquently. I quote the first part of the song here:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Canticle of the Sun
Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord,</i><br />
<i> all praise is Yours, all glory, all honour and all blessings.</i><br />
<i>To you alone, Most High, do they belong,</i><br />
<i> and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.</i><br />
<i>Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures,</i><br />
<i> especially Sir Brother Sun,</i><br />
<i> who is the day through whom You give us light.</i><br />
<i> and he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,</i><br />
<i> of You Most High, he bears the likeness.</i><br />
<i>Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,</i><br />
<i> in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.</i><br />
<i>Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,</i><br />
<i> and fair and stormy, all weather's moods,</i><br />
<i> by which You cherish all that You have made.</i><br />
<i>Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water,</i><br />
<i> so useful, humble, precious and pure.</i><br />
<i>Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire,</i><br />
<i> through whom You light the night</i><br />
<i> and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.</i><br />
<i>Praised be You my Lord through our Sister, Mother Earth</i><br />
<i> who sustains and governs us,</i><br />
<i> producing varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.</i></blockquote>
For Francis the various parts of creation were his sisters and brothers, not to be exploited or taken for granted, but rather reasons to give God praise. We would all do well to adopt the approach of Saint Francis. Take some time this summer to commit to being a better sibling of creation. Think about specific ways you can help maintain or even strengthen creation’s praise of God. It is part of our Christian responsibility to be good stewards of the world God created, and we need to strive to do that in personal and corporate ways. There are many young people leading such efforts, may their youthful energy and enthusiasm rub off on all of us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
There is a prayer in the Iona Abbey worship book that I quite appreciate. The Iona faith community is shaped by the Celtic Christian tradition, along with its appreciation of creation, reflected beautifully in this prayer that I am using to conclude this post:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>There is no pain in our hearts or in our planet</i><br />
<i> that you do not know,</i><br />
<i> for you have touched the lowest places on earth.</i><br />
<i>Teach us to grieve with you, O Christ,</i><br />
<i> the loss of all the beauty that is being killed.</i><br />
<i>There is no place in the heavens</i><br />
<i> that cannot be touched by your resurrection presence,</i><br />
<i> for you fill all things.</i><br />
<i>Give us strength in your victory over death</i><br />
<i> to grow into your way of love,</i><br />
<i> which does not despair but keeps sowing seeds of hope</i><br />
<i> and making signs of wholeness.</i><br />
<i>Under Christ’s control</i><br />
<i> all the different parts of the body fit together</i><br />
<i> and the whole body is held together</i><br />
<i> by every joint with which it is provided.</i><br />
<i>Teach us to know our interconnectedness with all things.</i><br />
<i>Teach us to grow with each other</i><br />
<i> and all living creatures through love. Amen. </i></blockquote>
I hope, dear reader, that you get many opportunities to get out in nature. I hope you find restoration and inspiration in the midst of God’s creation. Listen to the birds sing, watch deer gracefully leaping, marvel at how squirrels jump from branch to branch, let your imagination soar with the pelicans floating majestically on updrafts, be delightfully surprised when a meteorite streaks across the night sky, hear the rumble of a thunderstorm in the depths of your being, soak in the saturated colours of a sunset, breath in the fragrance of flowers in bloom, feel the warmth of the sun on your face, walk in the dampness of grass covered in dew, enjoy God’s creation in all its diversity and wonder. Then join your praise with the praise of all creation, giving thanks to God for this amazing world.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The prayer is from the Iona Abbey Worship Book</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Wild Goose Publications - Compilation © 2001 The Iona Community</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The picture of the waterfall in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone by Dennis Hendricksen </span></div>
Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-57082166209802428802019-06-22T13:28:00.000-06:002019-06-22T13:56:48.345-06:00Killing the Praise of God - Part 1<div class="MsoNormal">
Summer is a time to get outside, to enjoy God’s creation – and many people do
this by retreating to their cabins, or embarking on a camping trip, or even
simply by taking an evening stroll by the creek. There is something restorative
to being out in nature. Last year Doctors in Scotland began prescribing nature
as part of treatments for chronic illnesses. According to one of the health
improvement practitioners for the National Health Service in Scotland
"Through the 'Nature Prescriptions' project doctors and nurses can explain
and promote the many benefits which being outdoors can have on physical and
mental well-being." Being out in God’s creation is good for us, plain and
simple.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Celtic Christianity has a deep understanding of the
connection between God and nature, and the rediscovery of early Celtic
Christianity’s unique approach to faith and life in recent decades has given
birth too many new expressions of this emphasis of seeing God in God’s
creation. In one of my Celtic worship resources I came across a poem that
captures this beautifully. It was written in 1986 by Donald Evans in Gaelic,
and translated by Cynthia and Saunders Davies.</div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i>The Christ
of Nature</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>He loved
cherry sunsets growing heavy on the branches of the evening;</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>He loved bud
coloured dawns opening from the east’s earth.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>He loved the
sea, green in its happiness, seeking the shore;</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>He loved to
see it languishing back stonily from its crest to its groove.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>He loved the
character of birds, the flock that trusted in His Father;</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>He loved
lambs, the most skillfully fashioned: the lambs,</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>the most
innocent in their nature.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>He loved the
beasts of the borders: the ones that dwelt in the world;</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>He loved
their sure dependence on that which the wilderness provided.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>He loved
wheat shivering as it became golden and heavy headed with nourishment;</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>He loved the
fortressed mountain country, the desolation where peace grew.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>He loved the
earth, loved it as a lover, because it is God’s earth;</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>He loved it,
because it was created by His Father from nothingness to be Life’s temple.</i></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
When we spend time in nature I think that we sense deep down
the goodness of creation, that God brought all this diversity, complexity,
balance and beauty into being in a mysterious and wondrous manner – and that
nature truly is Life’s temple, where God’s sustaining presence intersects with
all of life, including our own.<br />
<br />
The
Psalmists knew this too. There are a number of psalms that speak of creation as
an expression of God’s power, beauty, creativity and providence. These psalms
see various elements of creation as evidence of God’s active presence in the
world.
An example
of one of these creation centered is the 148th Psalm:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>Psalm
148</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span>(ESV)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Praise the
Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens;</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>praise him
in the heights!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Praise him,
all his angels; praise him, all his hosts!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Praise him,
sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Praise him,
you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Let them
praise the name of the Lord!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>For he
commanded and they were created.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>And he
established them forever and ever;</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>he gave a
decree, and it shall not pass away.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Praise the
Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps,</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>fire and
hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Mountains
and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Beasts and
all livestock, Creeping things and flying birds!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Kings of the
earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Young men
and maidens together, old men and children!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Let them
praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted;</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>his majesty
is above earth and heaven.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>He has
raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints,</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>for the
people of Israel who are near to him.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Praise the
Lord!</i></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Here the
Psalmist sings of how all of creation praises God, simply by being what it was
created to be. The sun, moon and stars praise God simply by shining in the
heavens. The mountains and hills praise God simply by bringing contour to the
landscape. The beasts of the earth and the birds of the air praise God simply
by their very existence. This idea is echoed in other places in the Bible, for
instance Isaiah 55:12 which speaks of mountains and hills bursting into song
and the trees clapping their hands in praise of the greatness of God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The past few
years Beth and I have started taking more notice of the birds in our area. We
have set up a few bird feeders in our yard, which I try to keep well stocked.
This year we have had everything from Goldfinches to Mallards, Hummingbirds to
Downy Woodpeckers visit us – over 20 different species that we have identified
so far. I enjoy the bird song that fills our yard, to me it sounds like
praise-filled music. I am particularly delighted when I hear the sound of rare
birds, for I am aware that many of these songs are disappearing.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9ZJsUNzTYBA712eRUxIh16dn4vURSI9c4dYhIBMuqFZMNTh7EByRI56EeUDfClEgE4COaGWCmR1n2j8RYI0tuSIFbHd_0Q3uL4LonBtalrfMO0krDThbp9sp7_YEfyFAXMN1uwgGkRKs/s1600/Goldfinch+Trio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1600" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9ZJsUNzTYBA712eRUxIh16dn4vURSI9c4dYhIBMuqFZMNTh7EByRI56EeUDfClEgE4COaGWCmR1n2j8RYI0tuSIFbHd_0Q3uL4LonBtalrfMO0krDThbp9sp7_YEfyFAXMN1uwgGkRKs/s320/Goldfinch+Trio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In a CBC
report on the work of Dr. Christy Morrissey, an avian toxicologist at the
University of Saskatchewan, she is quoted as saying "Farmers will tell you
they used to see meadowlarks on every fence post and now the meadowlarks are
increasingly rare, you feel it's a special thing when you actually see a
meadowlark or hear one singing." It is sad to think of the silencing of
the meadowlarks’ praise. Regina author Trevor Harriot also writes of the
decline of the song bird population on the prairies in his book Grass, Sky,
Song: Promise And Peril In World Of Grassland Birds. Mostly this decline is the
direct result of human activity.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
What we see
happening on the prairies is amplified when we look at the whole of creation.
In a shocking report from the United Nations released just this spring we
learned that Nature’s Dangerous Decline is ‘Unprecedented’ and that Species
Extinction Rates are ‘Accelerating’. Perhaps it’s most shocking revelation from
this U.N. report is that up to 1 million species are threatened with
extinction, many within decades. When I read that I thought to myself “When we
wipe out a species we are killing the praise of God!” By causing species to go
extinct we are silencing the unique praise of God emanating from that
particular animal, fish, reptile or insect. I wonder what the Psalmists would
think if we could go back in time and tell them that large portions of God’s
living creation would be decimated by humans in the future. I think they would
see such human activity not as praise of God, but rather the cursing of
creation.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The poem <i>The Christ of Nature</i> is from</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>A Celtic Primer: The Complete Celtic Worship Resource and Collection </b></i> compiled by Brendan O'Malley.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The picture of the American Goldfinches by Dennis Hendricksen. </span> </div>
Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-48887198582281021162018-12-03T16:12:00.002-06:002018-12-03T16:13:36.428-06:00A Blessing Not UsedThis past summer I wrote a blessing for an event which ended up not getting used. I share it here for the beginning of Advent, a season of hope.<br />
<br />
<b><i>May God's healing touch reach out to you,</i></b><br />
<b><i>and through you,</i></b><br />
<b><i>that you may be beacons of hope</i></b><br />
<b><i>in a world so in need of that gift.</i></b><br />
<b><i>May the love of God</i></b><br />
<b><i>soak your soul to overflowing,</i></b><br />
<b><i>that the light of God</i></b><br />
<b><i>shine through your life –</i></b><br />
<b><i>this day, and all days to come.</i></b>Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-65536422796513388482018-08-11T22:00:00.001-06:002018-08-11T22:11:28.597-06:00A New Verse for an Old HymnIn the end of summer every three years we hit a spot in the Lectionary where the Gospel readings for five weeks are from the 6th chapter of John - all centered around Jesus as the Bread of Life theme. I thought the hymn "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say" fit well with my message this week, but it didn't have a verse specifically centered on Jesus as the Bread of Life. So I thought I would write one. This is what I came up with:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>I heard the voice of Jesus say,</b></i><br />
<i><b>"I am the Living Bread;</b></i><br />
<i><b>all who receive me never die.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Come to the feast, be fed!"</b></i><br />
<i><b>I came to Jesus, and I ate</b></i><br />
<i><b>this nourishment of grace,</b></i><br />
<i><b>and strengthened by this mystic meal</b></i><br />
<i><b>the road ahead I face.</b></i> </blockquote>
<br />
This verse references not only the 6th chapter of John, but also the first reading for this week from 1 Kings 19:4-8 (the story of Elijah being fed in the desert by an angel). I see this new verse coming between the current verses 2 and 3. We'll see how it sings tomorrow.Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-61512290772968243662018-02-18T17:58:00.000-06:002018-02-19T11:10:30.189-06:00So This is What Normalization Looks LikeMy wife and I just came back from a brief vacation in Florida. We were there on February 14th when the worst high school shooting in the United States took place, claiming more lives than even the infamous Columbine High School massacre. Parkland, where the shooting took place, was across the state from where we were staying, but even so it was only a three and a half hour drive away (close by prairie standards). Here's the weird thing, had we not seen our Facebook feed that week we might not have known this tragic event had even taken place.<br />
<br />
On the beach and in the bars and restaurants there was no talking in hushed tones, no sad or serious faces, no conversations (that I overheard at least) that centered on this most recent and senseless shooting. The televisions in public places were all tuned to the Olympics, none were showing any news feeds. I only saw one flag at half mast, and that was at a fire station. It seemed like things were just fine, life was going on as normal. I thought to myself "So this is what normalization looks like." American residents are so used to these horrific news stories that not even the massacre of 17 students at a high school in their very own state seemed to have much impact.<br />
<br />
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Meanwhile on Facebook the (sadly) typical stories and commentary unfolded, the same arguments yelled at each other - maybe just a little louder this time. After every mass shooting we wonder if things will change this time, and sadly instead of positive change something more insidious is happening - we are simply getting used to this new normal.<br />
<br />
Slowly, bit by bit, the people of Germany became used to their new normal under the leadership of Adolph Hitler and the Nazi party. By the end of it all many of those folks had participated in some of the worst atrocities ever inflicted by one group of humans on another. It didn't start that way, rather bit by bit such evil behavior, such twisted thinking that allowed this behavior, grew and grew, becoming their 'normal' until the end of the war - then it was called something different, it was labeled 'war crimes and crimes against humanity.'<br />
<br />
What will the future think of our current generation? How will thoughtful people account for the inaction by officials and the general public in the face of this growing crisis. And <b>it is growing</b>, according to hard data the frequency and number of mass shootings has been climbing over the past decade. What will the future call this normalization of minimally regulated gun ownership in the face of escalating violence against innocents? Societal Stupidity? Mass Mental Illness? <br />
<br />
I, for one, don't want to accept this new normal. I don't want to get used to hearing these news stories. I don't want to be numbed to the human suffering spit out from the muzzle of an AR-15 where one person with one weapon can impact the lives of so many. I don't want this to be accepted as normal - not now, not ever.<br />
<br />
Martin Luther, in his explanation to the fifth commandment says: <i>We are to fear and love God, so that <b>we neither endanger nor harm the lives of our neighbors</b>, but instead help and support them in all of life's needs.</i><br />
<br />
Inaction on the part of policy makers, gun manufactures and retailers, and quite simply the voting citizenry – is endangering the lives of our neighbors. It's time for a new normal, based on the new commandment Jesus gave his followers -<i> "</i><span class="text John-13-34" id="en-NRSV-26654"><i>that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another."</i> (John 13:34) It's time those words became concrete actions - thoughts and prayers are not enough, it's time for some<b> tough love</b>. It's time to recognize and halt the normalization of something that should never, ever be acceptable as normal.</span>Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-85116189361182983952017-08-31T06:40:00.003-06:002017-08-31T08:58:25.486-06:00Canaanite Lives Matter!This post is based on a sermon I preached on August 20, 2017. It is based on <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+15%3A21-28" target="_blank">Matthew 15:21-28</a>.<br />
<br />
According to Biblical commentators, the passage in Matthew 15:21-28 is one of the most difficult to understand. Traveling
to the traditionally pagan region of Tyre and Sidon (modern day Lebanon), the
farthest north Jesus would travel during his earthly ministry, he is accosted
by a Canaanite woman who asks Jesus to heal her daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shockingly Jesus acts dismissive and even
mean to this Canaanite woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We find
ourselves asking “Is this the same Jesus?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How come he is acting like this?”<br />
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It certainly seems that Jesus is acting in a negative, even a racist manner towards this non-Jewish woman. There have been many attempts by theologians to understand what is happening in this text. Here are some of the explanations:<br />
<ol>
<li>The story shows an inner struggle of Jesus when he is confronted with the request to extend his mission beyond the Jewish limits in which he had begun it. At first he is reluctant to make the shift in his ministry focus, but upon seeing the faith of the Canaanite woman he grows in his understanding of his mission and changes his attitude.</li>
<li>The Gospel has Jesus playfully using the diminutive word for dogs (i.e. doggies or puppies) rather than the usual term, thus indicating that Jesus did not really despise foreigners as many other Jews did.</li>
<li>Jesus is trying to teach his followers a lesson, by mirroring what would have been their attitude towards non-Jewish people, then in a sudden shift showing the disciples how Gentiles should be treated (by responding to the request positively, healing the daughter in an act of love and compassion).</li>
<li>Jesus is testing the sincerity of the Canaanite woman’s humility and faith by seemingly rejecting her request at first.</li>
<li>The story was adapted by the Gospel writer from another source not related to Jesus, in order to address the struggle within the early church as to whether the message and powers of the kingdom of God were open to Gentiles as well as Jesus.</li>
</ol>
If we simply consider what are Jesus’ words and actions in this story then he seems to be reflecting a prejudice against this woman because of her ethnic identity. Jesus is acting in a manner that could almost be considered ‘racist’ towards Canaanites. Even though she addresses him as “Son of David” – a distinctly Jewish understanding - Jesus disregards her at first, ignoring her pleas for help. But she won’t stop asking and the disciples beg Jesus to do something to get rid of the woman. So Jesus speaks to the woman, but in a manner that seems to be negative and dismissive – her problems are none of his concern seems to be Jesus’ initial approach. But none of Jesus’ negative responses deters this woman, and she persists until Jesus changes his tone and approach completely.<br />
<br />
Is it possible that we are glimpsing some of Jesus’ human nature here? One shaped by the culture and community he was raised in? We know through other historical documents that the Jewish people of Jesus’ day had strong negative opinions about people of other ethnic groups and religions: they did not like the Romans, or the Samaritans, or the Greeks, or the Canaanites. They called non-Jewish people “dogs” and they avoided interaction with them as much as possible. If that is what is happening in this story, it would not have been anything unusual as far as a Jewish audience was concerned. This attitude was normal in the culture Jesus grew up in.<br />
<br />
We are all shaped by the community and culture in which we were raised. When I think back to my childhood I remember plenty of derogatory jokes and comments made about “other people” – that would include people of Polish or Ukrainian descent, people who came to Canada from India or Pakistan, Asians were all grouped together in our minds and negative stereotypes were repeated over and over. Most significantly Indigenous peoples were targeted for particularly harsh scorn and derision. Not only were people of different ethnic backgrounds treated with suspicion, disregard or outright hatred, so to were people of different religions or different sexual orientations. I can clearly remember using all kinds of slurs and put-downs for people who I considered different from me. And nothing seemed wrong with such behavior, because everyone was doing so, or so it seemed.<br />
<br />
These past few weeks we have been watching expressions of hatred towards people of other religions or ethnic heritage on the news. We have seen the neo-nazi and white supremacists marching with torches and hate filled chants in Charlottesville, Virginia. We have seen people targeted and run over by a van in Barcelona because of religious intolerance and hatred, the terrorists believing that their version of religion is the only legitimate one and all others should be exterminated. Such extreme displays of hating others is upsetting to us, and, personally, I found myself deeply disturbed by all this.<br />
<br />
When traveling in Europe this summer we came across other disturbing reminders of our intolerance and unacceptance of others who are perceived to be different. Our group visited Dachau, the site of the first concentration camp established by the Nazis, where political dissidents, religious opponents, homosexuals, and multitudes of Jewish people, were held captive and ultimately executed – for no<br />
other reason that they were deemed “not like us.”<br />
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<br />
Visiting a museum in Munich, Beth and I learned how the National Socialist Movement (or the Nazis) started, how the movement grew and took hold of power. Munich was the heart of fascism in Germany and where Hilter began his quest for power. In this museum I came across one of the most dis-heartening artifacts from the Nazi era – this red stole, worn by clergy, both Catholic and Protestant, during the reign of Hitler.<br />
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From reading a biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer I know that there were many clergy, theologians and academics who embraced Nazi-ism with open arms, who welcomed Hilter’s movement as a good thing, and shaped their worship services to reflect this admiration. I wondered “How could pastors and priests not see this was a bad thing?”<br />
<br />
This was not the only example of racism from historical Europe we encountered. In Wittenberg, the town that is at the heart of the Reformation, the place where Martin Luther preached and taught for most of his life, in this town, on the Stadtkirche (Town Church), we saw this 13th century sandstone sculpture.<br />
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<br />
It portrays a rabbi who looks under the sow's tail, and other Jews drinking from the pig’s teats. A plaque at the church told us "In the late 13th century, a relief mocking the Jewish religion was installed on the south-east corner of St. Mary’s Church (also known as Town Church). Offensive reliefs of this kind were widespread in the German Empire at that time and were intended to discourage Jews from settling nearby."<br />
<br />
A holocaust memorial below the stone relief was unveiled in November 1988, 50 years after the start of the Jewish pogroms in Nazi Germany. The bronze panel created by sculptor Wieland Schmiedel shows four floor slabs meant to conceal something underneath. This “something” however, cannot be suppressed. It emerges from the joints and stands out in relief, forming a cross. The suffering of those trampled underfoot is replicated in the sufferings of Christ. The text by writer Jurgen Rennert around the monument refers to the inscription on the relief high above on the church building. It reads: <i>"God’s original name, the maligned Shem Ha Mphoras, which the Jews held holy before the Christians, died in the six million Jews under the sign of the cross."</i> Added in Hebrew letters in the beginning of Psalm 130, <i>“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.”</i> <br />
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<br />
The “Jewish Sow” high on the church wall at Wittenberg was a stark reminder of the racist attitudes towards the Jewish people that existed throughout Europe, for centuries before the Nazis came to power.<br />
<br />
In every museum display talking about Martin Luther and the Reformation that we saw this summer, there was an acknowledgement of Luther’s antisemitism. Sadly, this amazing man of God also had a very negative side to his personality and work. Early in his career as a theologian and pastor Luther supported and defended the Jewish people, however by the end of his life he had come to see the Jewish people only in a negative and hostile light. Some of his final writings were anti-Semitic books<br />
and pamphlets. The most infamous one being his book <i>“On the Jews and Their Lies”</i>, written the final year of Luther’s life. Adolf Hitler used Luther’s book to give support to his own antisemitism.<br />
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<br />
Why Luther changed his attitude towards the Jewish people has been cause for much speculation, and no clear answer. I also discovered in my reading these past months that Martin Luther was not the only reformer to publish antisemitic works, others such as John Calvin and Erasmus of Rotterdam also wrote or spoke against the Jewish people. Thus even those who knew well the command of Christ to love others as we love ourselves exhibited racist attitudes. It seems as if <b>cultural biases</b> took precedence over <b>Biblical imperatives</b>.<br />
<br />
We are all shaped by the cultures and communities we have been raised in, and we are all susceptible to <b>unconscious biases</b>, or to put it another way, we are all to some degree <b>racist</b>.<br />
<br />
When we hear the word “racist” certain images come to mind – but racism goes beyond the stereotypical image of the guy with a shaved head and “White Pride” tattooed across his shoulders, the one who drives around with a Confederate flag bumper sticker on his jacked-up truck, and<br />
tosses empty beer cans out of the window. Then we think "We’re not like that, we don’t blatantly hate any groups of people." Thus we conclude that we’re not tainted with racism. However, once and a while we get a glimpse of our unconscious biases, our prejudices, and if we’re honest we need to admit that we find it easiest to paint a group of people with the same brush.<br />
<br />
Tieja Thomas of the Someone Project said in a recent interview on CBC radio:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Everyone makes judgements based on race. So [by] saying that everyone is a racist, I'm trying to make light of the negative impacts of hateful forms of racism, but I think we all make judgements. We're all innately judgmental beings."</blockquote>
To be fair, this impulse to judge others based on some identifiable characteristic – their ethnic group, their sexual orientation, their social status, their education level, and so forth – to categorize and characterize others makes it easier to navigate our way in the world. This is why it is such an easy thing to fall into. The world can be an overwhelming place, and anything that simplifies our understanding of how people function in this world is something we would naturally gravitate towards. But just because it is easier doesn’t make it right.<br />
<br />
I try hard not to harbor any racist attitudes I sometimes catch myself thinking or even speaking a negative stereotype of another ethnic group. In my interactions with indigenous people I have found myself being patronizing, or over-simplifying their problems, or worse, simply disregarding them. I am not proud of this behavior, but I need to acknowledge that I can also slip back into racist attitudes I learned from my community and culture as a child.<br />
<br />
Scientific research has shown that it takes time and effort to overcome our unconscious biases, our racist attitudes, our judgmental behavior. But it can be done. It begins with becoming aware, making unconscious biases conscious. It takes serious reflection, it takes honesty and humility. I believe it also takes prayer. And finally it takes practice, meaning we need to be intentional in getting to know those who we identify as “others.”<br />
<br />
This means listening to indigenous people share their stories. It means getting to know a Muslim neighbor. It means participating in ecumenical dialogs, such as the one we hope to have this fall between the Roman Catholics, Anglicans and Lutherans of our area.<br />
<br />
Let us return to the Gospel reading, moving past the initial behavior and words of Jesus to the conclusion of the story. Here we find Jesus suddenly proclaiming the worth and value of the Canaanite woman. This un-named Gentile woman is the only person in the Gospel of Matthew said to have “<b>great faith</b>” (in contrast to the disciples’ “little faith”).<br />
<br />
In this way, this story is similar to that of the Roman centurion in Matthew chapter 8, both stories of Jesus’ interactions with non-Jewish people prepare us for the universal mission charge with which the Gospel of Matthew concludes (28:19-20). <i>"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you."</i><br />
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The other day I came across a <b>Statement of Lutheran Clergy Rejecting White Supremacy, Terrorism, and Violence</b>. It begins by quoting from Revelation 7:9-10: <i>After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!</i><br />
Then it continues:<br />
<b>We the undersigned, as Lutheran pastors and leaders who believe that God’s grace is for “all tribes and peoples and languages,” publicly condemn white supremacy as well as terrorism of every kind.</b><br />
<br />
I applaud the people who put that statement, but if we only paid attention to the obvious forms of racism and hatred we will miss the call of the Holy Spirit to look deep into our own hearts, and to begin the transformation to a world of peace by starting with ourselves.<br />
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One final image to share with you.<br />
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Here we see hands of many different hues placed on top of the cross. This specific cross is on the Norwegian flag. When you think of Norwegians I’m sure you imagine blond haired, blue eyed, white skinned people. One time my Dad was in a store and overhead people speaking fluent Norwegian. He rounded the corner and saw two black men engaged in conversation using perfectly pronounced Norwegian. Had he not heard them first I’m sure my Dad never would have thought they were from Norway, the world is filled with surprises like that. Surprises such as a Canaanite woman who shows more faith than even Jesus’ disciples. May you be open to the surprising people that God will give you opportunity to get to know.<br />
<br />
As we strive to accept and love all people, truly and fully from the depths of our hearts; as we seek to allow the love of Jesus to transform us, and to change any lingering sinful attitudes into fruits of the Spirit; then we will be united as in the vision in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2056:1-8" target="_blank">Isaiah 56</a>, united as the whole people of God, a family created by the love and grace of God.<br />
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<br />Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-32911112359157283352017-01-29T20:00:00.002-06:002017-01-29T20:21:20.200-06:00Epiphany Needs its own Colour<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: white; mso-themecolor: text1;">When
I was a child the same colour was used in the church to designate the seasons
of <b>Advent</b> and <b>Lent</b> – both were assigned the colour purple, a colour of royalty,
passion and penitence. For some reason this began to change sometime in the 70’s
and thus in many churches the colour blue became the colour of Advent.</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: white; mso-themecolor: text1;">We
currently have a similar situation with the <b>Season of Epiphany</b> and the <b>Season
after Pentecost</b> (both of which are designated as Ordinary Time). I cannot think
of Epiphany as ‘ordinary’, this season of revelation - of light and insight - it
has its own distinct tone, its own unique emphasis, its own personality. I
think it needs its own colour.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: white; mso-themecolor: text1;"><b>Epiphany</b>
begins with the light of a star leading Magi to the Christ child, and continues
with the divine identity of Jesus being revealed in various ways to the waiting
world. A voice is heard at Jesus’ baptism proclaiming <i>“This is my beloved son”</i>;
water is turned to wine at a wedding feast leading one to say <i>“You have saved
the best wine until now.”</i>; prophecies from the Hebrew Scriptures which speak of
light dawning on a people in darkness get referenced by Jesus, or by the Gospel
writers about Jesus. When artists of earlier centuries sought to reveal Jesus’
divine nature they painting a golden yellow halo around his head. Golden yellow,
the colour of a dancing flame atop a candle standing on the altar (or a lamp on
a lampstand), such a colour seems like a perfect choice to mark a season of
revelation.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVshYPE2lNB_R-kvdiM9GNuKkpXK3SXvo3xGTORVeaiEwa8b8aOIsVA9UoSuirH8DHiBb7HbVfGlBfoPmlaeBmyln7qE0ItgSfq1eiCUl2xzhhY-zBd-yeKXR91zamnqBvtynrgRnmd3P/s1600/Epiphany+paraments+%2526+font.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVshYPE2lNB_R-kvdiM9GNuKkpXK3SXvo3xGTORVeaiEwa8b8aOIsVA9UoSuirH8DHiBb7HbVfGlBfoPmlaeBmyln7qE0ItgSfq1eiCUl2xzhhY-zBd-yeKXR91zamnqBvtynrgRnmd3P/s320/Epiphany+paraments+%2526+font.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baptismal Font and Epiphany Paraments</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: white; mso-themecolor: text1;">When
I look at Van Gogh’s painting “Starry Night” I see the shimmering golden yellow
marking the vibrance of the stars in the night sky, and I think of the light of
the world, and the message of the heavenly host swirling through the heavens “Glory
to God in the highest!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I see the
sun rise in the east, changing the deep blues of twilight into the golden hues
of sun rise I think of the rising of the Son of God. When I see the golden
yellow of pure silk fabric I imagine the magi from the east bringing gifts of
gold, frankincense and myrrh. Golden yellow is the colour I most easily
associate with the Season of Epiphany.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: white; mso-themecolor: text1;">A
few years ago there was a clearance sale on stoles which came from MESH (<span class="st">Maximizing Employment to Serve the Handicapped), </span>a non-profit
organization in India founded to provide opportunities for disabled people and
their dependents. I noticed that there were some golden yellow stoles no one
was picking up, and since the price was right I picked one up (as did my
ministry partner Pastor Lynn Robertson). I figured these stoles were intended
to be used at Easter (which instead of white can use gold as a liturgically
appropriate colour). But these stoles were more yellow than gold. That’s when
the thought hit me “These stoles could be used for the Season of Epiphany”.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gXK3jU-lAowWa4eIFE_EjJr0-78yyU2dBIT4lYW-6h09Kjh_RZfumnWnJfTpgae_Ry-3kjC1WfiBZVy6i-O9dSejIsUGYqxH3VCfZS8qtxdVP9YvA1XxI2Q12R9aLlme8hG0-25bvRUc/s1600/MESH+Stoles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gXK3jU-lAowWa4eIFE_EjJr0-78yyU2dBIT4lYW-6h09Kjh_RZfumnWnJfTpgae_Ry-3kjC1WfiBZVy6i-O9dSejIsUGYqxH3VCfZS8qtxdVP9YvA1XxI2Q12R9aLlme8hG0-25bvRUc/s320/MESH+Stoles.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastor Lynn Robertson and I wearing our MESH golden yellow stoles.</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: white; mso-themecolor: text1;">It
always seemed odd to me, being that I live in the northern hemisphere, that
green would show up in the paraments at a time in the year when the only things
that were green were either plastic plants or leftovers growing mold in the
back of the fridge. There was no green on the Canadian prairies in the middle
of winter, but sunlight – bright golden sunlight – that we had plenty of.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: white; mso-themecolor: text1;">I
don’t know who first had the idea for using the colour blue for Advent, but
somebody, somewhere did – and it caught on. So I decided that if I thought the
Season of Epiphany should have its own colour, then I should simply start the
ball rolling. At first we could only wear our MESH stoles, but then this year Karen
Schultz, a talented fabric artist from our congregation, created some paraments
from beautiful golden yellow silk fabric that she had found. Besides the
paraments hanging on the pulpit, lectern and altar, she also created two long
side banners, and most lovely of all, a new Epiphany stole!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: white; mso-themecolor: text1;">So
now our sanctuary is resplendent in its golden yellow paraments, and the season
of Epiphany is being marked with its own colour. I encourage other
congregations and clergy to consider doing the same, explaining the
significance of light as a symbol of Epiphany, and golden yellow as an
appropriate colour to remind us of the revealing of the Christ. Jesus born of
Mary and acknowledged by the magi, Jesus the light of the world who brings hope
to a world trapped in darkness, sight to people who are blind (both physically
and spiritually), and the warmth of God’s love to shine upon us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSiCgxtIwklURfsoC5UK7GCVonF_M3_YaoVbSIWs2Gwkul40gD8qZ8cFROj-6eq4M9p-N6x2OF6950bWd_X_X2KYS2CiGSR5OZjrxI-intPMFrY6eBKkjQoHKeJKZEduDq2S2X9fG5VEK/s1600/Epiphany+stole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSiCgxtIwklURfsoC5UK7GCVonF_M3_YaoVbSIWs2Gwkul40gD8qZ8cFROj-6eq4M9p-N6x2OF6950bWd_X_X2KYS2CiGSR5OZjrxI-intPMFrY6eBKkjQoHKeJKZEduDq2S2X9fG5VEK/s320/Epiphany+stole.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Epiphany paraments and stole created by Karen Schultz.</td></tr>
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Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-42874190834950336482016-12-03T21:42:00.002-06:002016-12-08T23:26:39.435-06:00A Violent Death Hits Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVA1X1te5PIMs-tTNat7m8cKdzLY2kBajFgzT9RR64KekvNCXgAAW7nAgBStm2sFuqcasTvrHJi5i2E2BKVORlR92Po-BmFF2wVuneh7s54kPKxwJvjdLIrc4ATbZd4EkcYhiB8OXaCFe/s1600/GJRCFL053-2048x1115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVA1X1te5PIMs-tTNat7m8cKdzLY2kBajFgzT9RR64KekvNCXgAAW7nAgBStm2sFuqcasTvrHJi5i2E2BKVORlR92Po-BmFF2wVuneh7s54kPKxwJvjdLIrc4ATbZd4EkcYhiB8OXaCFe/s320/GJRCFL053-2048x1115.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
On Thursday December 1st a young man was shot in New Orleans. Normally I would only take brief note of such a news story - but this time it was different. I knew this man, not personally, but I was sitting in the stands at Mosaic Stadium when Joe McKnight's play for the Saskatchewan Roughriders made me notice this mid-season addition to the team. I remember thinking that there was some hope for the future at the running back spot because of Joe's ability to hit the holes in the line and with a burst of speed gain a first down or more.<br />
<br />
Now a burst of gunfire has ended his life, at only 28 years of age - the same age as my eldest son. All because of a road rage incident if the news reports are accurate. Rage and violence, too often the solution used to right a supposed wrong. What kind of traffic offense was so terrible that it warranted such a response? My head can't even begin to make sense of this. I find myself shaken deeply - the same age as my son, violently torn from his family and friends. It's a nightmare.<br />
<br />
I am saddened, not only because Joe McKnight's death has hurt a team, has left a hole in a family, has brought unexpected grief into the lives of many - I am saddened that we are living in a world in which such a tragic event can even take place. The tension in the United States has only gotten worse in recent months, and when something is wound up so tight, when it lets go damage is inevitable. I have no idea if this specific event is related to the increasing fear and polarization happening in the United States, but I'm not sure how else to make any sense of this, how such a thing could happen.<br />
<br />
Violence as a solution is all around us - in television, movies and books; in the encouragement of competition rather than cooperation; in playground intimidation and courtroom litigation (not all violence is of the physical sort). Violence as a solution is also inside us - in the primal response to hurt as we've been hurt; in the quest to dominate and get our own way; in what I would simply call our 'sinful nature'. At its least destructive feelings are hurt, at its worst someone lays bleeding to death on a city street.<br />
<br />
There is another way to live, a path set forth 2000 years ago, when another innocent young man was subjected to undeserved violence and death. In the face of aggression and anger he refused to use force and violence in return - instead forgiveness and mercy were offered. The only power Jesus used on others was the power of love. May the tragedy of Joe McKnight's shooting compel us to seek the path of peace and justice with greater energy and intention. May we seek to love our neighbours, <b>all</b> our neighbours, with the same love that Christ showed us. It is not enough to feel sad about such an unnecessary death - it is time to repent, to change the way we think and act, and to walk in the light of the Prince of Peace.<br />
<br />Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-36804247085042272012016-11-08T16:51:00.000-06:002016-11-08T19:54:45.446-06:00We Are the Lord's<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This past week we celebrated <b>All Saints Sunday </b>at Christ Lutheran where I am a pastor. When looking for a hymn to go with the theme I was preaching on I came across a hymn with suitable words<span style="font-family: inherit;"> i</span>n the Lutheran Book of Worship (the old green hymnal as many know it). The text<span style="font-family: inherit;"> was</span> very fitting, but I didn't like the melody very much, so I decided to look for another melody to use with this hymn. The only hymn tune I found that matched the meter of the words really well was the much loved <i>How Great Thou Art</i>. The only problem is that <i>How Great Thou Art </i>has a refrain and the hymn <i>We Are the Lord's </i>did not. So rather than th<span style="font-family: inherit;">row this idea out </span>I decided to write a refrain to go with the verses to this hymn. This adapted hymn was very well received on Sunday, and people have asked me for the words - so here they are.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Words by Karl J.P. Spitta, translated by Charles T.Astley</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Words for the added Refrain by Dennis D. Hendricksen</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sung to the tune "How Great Thou Art"</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. <i><span style="font-family: inherit;">We are the Lord's. His all-suf<span style="font-family: inherit;">ficient merit<span style="font-family: inherit;">,</span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Sealed on the cross, to us this grace accords.</span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> We are the Lord's and all things shall inherit;</span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Added Refr<span style="font-family: inherit;">ain:</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <i>We <span style="font-family: inherit;">sing our praise, because we are the Lord's.</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> By grace we're saints foreve<span style="font-family: inherit;">rmore.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> We sing our praise, because we are the Lord's.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Alleluia! Alleluia!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. <i>We are the Lord's<span style="font-family: inherit;">. Then let us gladly tender</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Our soul<span style="font-family: inherit;">s to him in deeds, not empty words.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Let heart and tongue and life combine to render</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> No doutful witness that we are the Lord's.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Added Refrain</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. <i>We are the Lord's<span style="font-family: inherit;">. No darkness brooding o'er us</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Can make us tremble while this start affor<span style="font-family: inherit;">ds</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> A steady light along the path b<span style="font-family: inherit;">efore us –</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Faith's full assurance that we are the Lord's.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Added Refrain</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. <i>We are the Lord's<span style="font-family: inherit;">. No evil can befall us</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I<span style="font-family: inherit;">n the dread hour of life's fast loos'ning cords;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> No pangs of death shall even then appal us.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Death shall be <span style="font-family: inherit;">vanquished, for we are the Lord's.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Added Refr<span style="font-family: inherit;">ain:</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <i>We <span style="font-family: inherit;">sing our praise, because we are the Lord's.</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> By grace we're saints foreve<span style="font-family: inherit;">rmore.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> We sing our praise, because we are the Lord's.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Alleluia! Alleluia!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i>Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-91809693924750311082016-08-01T13:18:00.002-06:002016-08-01T14:46:55.290-06:00A World That Isn't<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are creating a false existence, everyday on social media I see examples of it. A world that isn't real. Hyperbole has become our proffered reality. It was once said "You can believe what you see" but this is no longer the case. As a photographer for many decades I have tried to capture on film, and more recently in bytes, what caught my eye in the world around me. Landscape photography was my preferred format, and I would share my best images with others, in print or in slide shows. Freeman Patterson, a mentor in this field, once said that if he had 2 or 3 images in a roll of 36 pictures that he considered great images he was satisfied that he had done well. That meant waiting for the right lighting, being in the right location, and having the settings on the camera perfect for the image one was trying to capture. I'm talking about those eye-popping pictures that seem to jump off the page or screen - the rare images that captured the beauty of nature in a way that did justice to the scene as experienced by the photographer.<br />
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These days there are amazing pictures posted on social media all the time, everyday astounding images fill our feeds - <b>but they're a lie.</b> Almost every image that you see has been enhanced in one way or another. The built in cameras that come with smart phones means one never has to be without a camera - but the apps that capture the images on our phones also enhance them, deepening the colour and contrast, because the app writers know what kind of images appeal to us, lots of colour and strong patterns. The picture above is an example of that - I took this with my iPhone from on top of a building in downtown Regina. The storm cloud was truly big and beautiful, and worthy of a picture. The image is close to what it looked like in real life, but the colours are a bit more intense and the contrast more striking than what my eye perceived. But it makes for a great image.<br />
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This is mild to what I see people do with digital enhancements, using programs like Adobe Photoshop to make the image more appealing. The law of diminishing effect is at work here, in order to make one's picture stand out from the others the temptation is to use more colour saturation, or higher contrast. Soon those images seem plain in comparison, so even more manipulation of the original image is rendered. The images no longer represent reality, but instead a hyper-reality that doesn't exist... but it sure gets a lot of like on one's Facebook page! Will we get to the point where we give up looking for beauty in the real world, and simply respond to endless false images on computer screens? Does that matter?<br />
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Perhaps not so much with pictures of nature, but it certainly matters with politics and people. We now live in a time when reality is manipulated to suit the individual. If something seems right due to one's biases, then it becomes truth - facts no longer matter. What feels right must be right, and we gather around ourselves those whose feelings are similar to ours - this is particularly easy with the algorithms of social media programming. We are fed what we like, and soon this becomes our reality. But the reality is false, and we are being manipulated. For example, our social media feeds are filled with stories that provoke fear, and paint the world as a place saturated with violence and danger. However if one looks at statistical information the truth is we are living in a time when crime rates are significantly lower than in previous decades (there are of course anomalies, but generally speaking this is true from a purely statistical analysis). But like enhanced photos, we are drawn to the exaggerated information that calls out to us from our screens. It's time to resist.<br />
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The best way to resist is to explore the world, the <b>real world</b>. Go outdoors, go to new places, meet new people, sit quietly in the midst of nature, look and listen carefully. Discover the world that is, as it really is. Consider this a spiritual pilgrimage, a search for truth, a worthy vocation. Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-85363553535441276962016-02-21T16:01:00.000-06:002016-02-21T16:03:42.150-06:00Jesus' LightsaberThis post is adapted from a sermon I preached on the first Sunday in Lent this year. It is based on <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+4%3A1-13&version=CEB" target="_blank">Luke 4:1-13</a> and <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+10%3A8-13&version=CEB" target="_blank">Romans 10:8b-13</a>.<br />
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Jesus – full of the Holy Spirit – is led into the
wilderness. Jesus is leading a new exodus – and thus it is only fitting that it
begins in the wilderness. The Hebrews were led out of slavery into the
wilderness – their path to freedom – but they lose their way (spiritually
speaking). They are tempted and tried in the wilderness – and they turn
away from God. Jesus is tempted and tried in the wilderness but he doesn’t turn
away from God’s path. He resists the lure of self-centered use of his power for
material needs and gain. He resists the use of his authority without sacrifice.
He resists taking the easy way out.</div>
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Jesus fights off the temptations of the evil one with his
weapon. It is a weapon that can be both used for defense and attack,
a weapon that functions as a shield as well for offense, a weapon that shines
light on the situation. When I thought of these things I of course thought of a
<b>Lightsaber</b>.</div>
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In Star Wars Episode IV – the movie that introduced the
lightsaber to the world (when I was still a teenager!) Luke Skywalker in
introduced to this weapon of the Jedi. He first learns its defensive
capabilities, practicing warding off attacks from a training droid aboard the Millennium
Falcon. Later he learns of its awful power when Darth Vader uses it to strike
down Obi Wan Kenobi.</div>
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A Lightsaber can be used to deflect attacks from an enemy,
or to strike at that enemy, to drive the enemy back. So what weapon does Jesus in
his struggle against the devil in the wilderness that has such power and
versatility? What is it that I consider like a Lightsaber?</div>
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Jesus' <b>Lightsaber</b> is <b>Scripture</b> – Jesus uses scripture to fend
off the temptations of the devil. For every temptation attack Jesus counters
with a scripture passage – and that is enough to force the devil to try a
different approach.</div>
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What gives scripture such power? Why is it a force to be
reckoned with? I would suggest this power comes from the covenantal
relationship between God and the descendants of Abraham and Sarah. Scripture
derives its power from its ability to remember the relationship between God and
God’s people. The power of scripture is not in the words but rather in the
relationship the words point to.</div>
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But there is a danger with scripture for can also be
misused. Like any powerful tool it can be used for good of for ill. In the Star
Wars saga we learn that both the good side (the Jedi) and the dark side (the
Sith) use Lightsabers. Notice too, in the story of Jesus in the wilderness the
devil also quotes scripture – the tempter attempts to use God’s word against
God’s Son.</div>
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This should be a warning to us that not everyone who quotes
scripture is in line with God’s will. There are many who quote the Bible to
justify their judgmental attitudes, their hatred of others, their selfish and
lavish lifestyles, and so forth. The Bible in untrained hands can be
destructive and damaging.</div>
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Consider this description of the Lightsaber from a
Wookeepedia article: <a href="http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Lightsaber" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The lightsaber was a weapon used by the Jedi and the Sith. It was a weapon that required skill and training, and was greatly enhanced when used in conjunction with the Force.</i></a></div>
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So too does the Bible require great skill and training to
use properly. Thus the importance of hearing scripture expounded on in sermons
and explored in Bible study. I believe the best way to learn the proper use of
scripture is in a faith community – such as a Bible Study group. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Group discussion allows the Spirit of God to
reveal through conversation and reflection a fuller meaning of these ancient
words.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Apostle Paul
encourages Christians to take hold of this weapon. In his letter to the
Ephesians Paul encourages his readers to put on the whole armour of God, which
includes “<i>the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.</i>” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%206:10-18&version=CEB" target="_blank">Ephesians 6:10-18</a>) The scriptures are
like a light that brings insight into the darkness and confusion of our lives. The
scriptures can deepen our relationship with God, and it is that relationship
that will keep us from giving in to temptation.</div>
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God equipped the Apostle Paul to bring the Gospel into a
hostile world. Paul knew well how to wield the power of the Lightsaber called
Scripture. In his letter to the Romans Paul quotes scripture to give encouragement
and guidance to the Christians in Rome. These same scripture quotations I leave
with you, as a weapon against despair and fear, against temptation and struggles.</div>
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Let the light of these ancient words blaze into your world
today, sustaining you in the days and weeks to come:</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The word is near you,
in your mouth and in your heart.”</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“All who have faith in
him won’t be put to shame.”</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“All who call on the
Lord’s name will be saved.”</i></div>
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Amen. </div>
Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-12614732534205239682016-01-06T21:46:00.000-06:002016-01-06T21:50:26.091-06:003 Reflections on Epiphany - Reflection #3 – Gifts Suggestions<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]-->T<span lang="EN-CA">he three gifts the magi bring to Bethlehem
are often considered as symbolic indicators of Christ’s nature. Origen, the 3<sup>rd</sup>
century theologian, gave us a concise example of this way of understanding the
gifts when he wrote “<i>gold, as to a king; myrrh, as to one who was mortal; and
incense, as to a God.</i>” This was the interpretation I grew up with, and one that
still resonates with me today. However I would like to suggest another way of
interpreting the significance of these three gifts.</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">I would like to propose that the three
gifts given by the magi to the Christ child can also represent a proper
response for all of us who seek to honor and worship the Saviour.
The gifts of the magi can help us understand what gifts we can offer to Jesus, in the
here and now.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA">Gold
</span></b><span lang="EN-CA">– it seems to me the giving of gold by the magi suggests
that we give to Christ from our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">resources</b>,
through our offerings of time, talents and treasures to the work of the church
and beyond. Giving of our gold (money) is really a way of sharing our time and
talents. Money is both a measure of the time we have worked at something and an indication of the value of our skills
and abilities. When we give from our resources to others,
especially to those less fortunate than ourselves, we are giving them to Christ.
As the Gospel of Matthew quotes Jesus “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for
one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
(Matthew 25:40 NIV)</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA">Frankincense</span></b><span lang="EN-CA"> – as incense was used in Biblical times in religious ceremonies I
would suggest that the giving of frankincense by the magi would indicate that
it is appropriate that we give to Christ our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">worship</b>, our prayers. We offer our petitions to the Lord because
not only is Jesus worthy of receiving our prayers, but also because as the Son of God Jesus is able to receive our prayers and respond. The
gift of frankincense indicates that the one born in Bethlehem is also the one
we can turn to in prayer, in worship. With the psalmist we say “May my prayer
be like incense in your presence.” (Psalm 141:2 NJB)</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA">Myrrh</span></b><span lang="EN-CA"> – I would suggest that this final gift tells us that it is
appropriate to give to Christ the gift of our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">serving</b>, specifically serving as agents of healing and
reconciliation in the world. Myrrh had a number of uses including as a
medicinal agent in healing balm. We are called to make the world a sweet
smelling place, not through dousing everything with perfume, but by spreading
the healing and pleasant aroma of love – not a romantic love, but the
self-giving love of God, shown to us in the life, death and resurrection of
Jesus. Loving service inspired by Christ, the caring serving of others to
honour Christ, this brings light into a dark world, brings healing into a broken
world, and as the gift of myrrh suggests, brings a sweet aroma into a world
made putrid with hatred, vengeance and exclusion. “Live your life with love,
following the example of Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us. He was a
sacrificial offering that smelled sweet to God.” (Ephesians 5:2 CEB) </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Perhaps these Epiphany thoughts of mine can
best be summed up with the words of the closing verse of the carol written by the English poet Christina Rossetti - "</span><span lang="EN-CA"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In the Bleak Midwinter</i>”</span><br />
</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA">What can I give him, poor as I am?</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA">If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb;</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA">If I were a wise man I would do my part;</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA">Yet what I can I give him – give my heart.</span></i></div>
Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-18135775141165940682016-01-05T23:28:00.000-06:002016-01-05T23:29:55.968-06:003 Reflections on Epiphany - Reflection #2 – Journeying Together<span class="ircsu"><span lang="EN-CA">There is some significance in the number of magi who came to Judea. I am not talking about
the number three, that number is never specifically mentioned in Matthew's account – tradition simply assumes this because of the three gifts. The group of magi could have been larger,
for example the Syriac church tradition has twelve magi making the journey to Bethlehem. The important
thing for the point I would like to make is that there were simply more than one. We
know this for sure because the Greek word (<i><b>magi</b></i>) is a plural form, hence the
English translation “wise men”.</span></span>
<br />
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<span class="ircsu"><span lang="EN-CA"></span></span></div>
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<span class="ircsu"><span lang="EN-CA">It struck me this year
that the magi were a group - a group who most likely discussed and planned together, then traveled together, and ultimately worshiped together. It is that communal
aspect of the magi’s journey that I noticed in particular this year. I saw it
as another example of the communal nature of the Christian faith. There is
wisdom in making our journeys of faith with others. In community we can provide
support and companionship for one another. In community we have access to a
wider perspective and broader understanding when seeking to discern meaning. In
community our joys are multiplied, and our sorrows divided. In community we
experience relationship, which is central to faith. The Christian faith places
relationship with God through Jesus as the
foundation to everything else. The way we live our lives grows from that
relationship with God to impact how we relate to others around us. The magi, by
arriving as a group, suggest that this will be about ‘God and us’, not ‘me and
God’.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVU5OJ0A-Osctk8CL8Y3Jk7LspFxJLqqDfeJClucpo0n_jFlrqWdh51JPOE2uBGLK5dKCcRqSRGbCVl8LHNQ2MIyzyKMfyqvrprXesivvaQaYoGd0sLzsd9HyLwT6IcYkR2xR7gqIcoAO/s1600/magi_tissot868x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVU5OJ0A-Osctk8CL8Y3Jk7LspFxJLqqDfeJClucpo0n_jFlrqWdh51JPOE2uBGLK5dKCcRqSRGbCVl8LHNQ2MIyzyKMfyqvrprXesivvaQaYoGd0sLzsd9HyLwT6IcYkR2xR7gqIcoAO/s400/magi_tissot868x600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="ircsu"><span lang="EN-CA">This late 19<sup>th</sup>
century painting by James Tissot, called <i>“The Journey of the Magi”</i> is one of my
favourite because it shows the whole community that was needed for such a journey.
Not only do we have the magi, but many others in the camel train. Perhaps there
were cooks and labourers, soldiers for protection and herders for their
knowledge of the animals. This painting depicts people with a diverse range of backgrounds all making the
journey to honour the Christ child. Tissot’s painting reminds us that Jesus was
born for <b>all</b> humanity, not just the powerful and mighty.</span></span></div>
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<span class="ircsu"><span lang="EN-CA">This insight, which grew
out of my pondering the story of the magi this year, is a reminder to myself
that a community of faith is important. We need to resist the lure of a culture
that raises the individual above all else, a society that places personal
preference as more important that what’s best for the whole. Even the wise and
mighty magi knew the value of journeying together – we should not forget that
lesson. </span></span></div>
Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-40975873420590236022016-01-04T15:33:00.003-06:002016-01-04T15:53:46.532-06:003 Reflections on Epiphany - Reflection #1 – The First Gifts<span lang="EN-CA"><b>Epiphany </b>is an ancient
Christian festival day that centers on the revealing of Jesus as God incarnate.
In Western Christianity the season of Epiphany begins with a commemoration of
the visit of the Magi to the Christ child. The visit of the Magi which is found
in the Gospel of Matthew, often gets mixed in with the birth narrative found in
the Gospel of Luke, but to mix the two stories together misses the unique
themes and messages of each story. In this post, and the two to follow, I will
reflect on some of the particular insights I gained from pondering this account
of the Magi this year. I begin with the <b>first gifts</b>.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-CA"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">The first gifts given
in this story were not the gifts of the Magi, but were instead gifts from God.
The first gift is the gift of <b>knowledge</b>. It is a gift of the Creator that
humans have the ability to think and wonder, to interpret and imagine, to
remember and to plan. Without this gift the Magi would not have been seekers of
truth, exploring the heavens and the earth for a deeper understanding of the
world around them. Without this gift the magi would not have been able to read and understand the writings of others, or have the ability to plan for a difficult and lengthy journey. The magi remind us that the ability
to think is a gift from God, one to be used rather than discouraged. Faith does
not require us to turn off our brains, rather it should motivate us to use this
gift that God has bestowed on humans to the best of our ability.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">The second gift is the
gift of the <b>star</b>. This is the gift of a pointer, a sign which helps direct the
seekers. I believe God gifts us with signs, whether something in nature, or in
the actions and words of others, or in the passages of sacred scripture. Signs
can be highly personal, meaning something for one person, but not for others.
There must have been others who saw the star of Bethlehem, but they either didn’t
pay attention to it, or were unable to discern its meaning. The <i>aurora borealis</i>
have sometimes been a sign for me in the night sky, a sign of God’s presence
and an affirmation of certain directions I’ve taken in my ministry. On one
level I know that the northern lights are simply the result of collisions
between gaseous particles in the earth's atmosphere with charged particles
released from the sun, but even while knowing this I still acknowledge that in some way the <i>aurora borealis</i> have become a sign for me. I think it is less
about when the aurora are visible and more about when I notice them. The star
the magi noticed had a deeper meaning for them than simply an astronomical
phenomena, it was a sign to be pondered and interpreted.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">The third gift is the
most significant, it is the gift of the <b>Christ child</b> himself. God incarnate,
the Word made flesh! This gift is beyond our ability to understand fully, yet
it is the centerpoint of time – after this gift was given everything changed.
This mystery, this wonder, this surprise, this babe born in Bethlehem remains
the greatest gift given to humanity. While Mary could hold this child in her
lap, no human can hold the fullness of this gift within their own understanding. In
many ways we continue to unwrap this gift given two millennia ago, discovering
a fuller, deeper relationship with God as we draw this gift closer to
ourselves, and as we share it with others.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">In each of these gifts
the common denominator is that they were given first. These were not earned,
they were not deserved, they were not lucky coincidence. Instead they help us
understand the love of God, given as a gift always first and foremost. All we can do is receive such gifts with gratitude. That these gifts from God are first-given is grace, this is God’s way, this is good news. So how do we
respond to such gifts? That question I will explore in another post. </span></div>
Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-90126892528777957362015-09-11T23:59:00.001-06:002015-09-12T00:12:54.415-06:00The Fallout from 9/11 – Faith and CynicismIt was a Tuesday morning, I was just heading out to our
Lutheran Ministerial meeting (a monthly gathering of local Lutheran clergy). I
happened to have the television on, and there it was – an image I will never
forget – the World Trade Center twin towers on fire, and then collapsing into a
cacophony of images, sounds and confusion. Prying myself away from the news
coverage I made my way to the ministerial meeting where there was only one
topic discussed – the attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, and how we
as clergy could respond to this devastating day.<br />
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Now fourteen years later as I reflect on the changes 9/11
has brought to our world, I think not only of the increased security measures, a
futile misguided war in Iraq, and an endless emphasis on the fight against terrorism
– I also think of how it has eroded faith.<br />
</div>
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Since 9/11 we have seen a rise in cynicism, an eroding of
faith people had in something larger than themselves – whether that be
institutions, governments, or even God. More and more people do not trust the
narratives that have been told to them, the over-arching narratives that unify
our nations, our culture, our communities. This cynical attitude creates in its
wake an “every man for himself” mentality. When I was a teenager we had a
saying “Never trust anyone over 30”, now it could be rephrased “Never trust
anyone, especially those with any kind of authority”. Churches have been caught
in this undertow of distrust, as more and more people simply turn their backs
on anything that claims any type of authority, including religious authority.<br />
</div>
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How did 9/11 lead to this growth in cynicism? One simple phrase answers that question: Building 7. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two years ago it was reported that:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a new national survey
by the polling firm YouGov reveals that one in two Americans have doubts about
the government’s account of 9/11, and after viewing video footage of World
Trade Center Building 7’s collapse, 46% suspect that it was caused by a
controlled demolition.</i></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is noteworthy that almost half of Americans do not believe
the official story about what caused the collapse of Building 7. If one in two
people have trouble believing the official account about Building 7, then it
would suggest that a significant percentage of people would also have reason to doubt the official narrative for the whole of the 9/11 incident.<br />
</div>
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Conspiracy theorists are a dime a dozen these days, and the
internet helps them spread their deconstruction of official narratives to more
and more people. The seeds of doubt are planted, and soon it seems safer to
distrust all traditional sources of authority rather than accept the narratives
that have been proclaimed through the government and corporate spokespersons.<br />
</div>
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It is no surprise that religion wouldn’t be immune to such
rising cynicism, especially with high profile cases of religious hypocrisy
being regularly revealed to a world happy to knock down straw men.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since the grand narratives can no longer be trusted by a
cynical society, we can no longer rely on such narratives as created by
Christendom. Instead we must once again return to our roots, to the simple
narratives of our individual lives. Trustworthy truth will be found in an authentic living out of a
life of faith and love, in small but meaningful acts of peace making and
justice seeking carried out in our local communities. But perhaps that isn’t such a
bad thing, after all, isn’t that exactly what Jesus did?</div>
Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-68091228452173687972015-08-30T02:26:00.002-06:002015-08-30T11:56:38.395-06:00What Madison Avenue Can Teach Us About Sabbath<span lang="EN-CA">My first spoken word,
according to my mother, was “Coke”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Apparently I was watching the television and during a Coca-Cola
commercial I repeated after the voice on the TV “Co… Co…” (I wasn't able to make
the ‘k’ at that stage). How sad that rather than saying “Ma” or “Dada”, either
word indicating the significance of my parents and their care and love for me,
I instead reflected the corporate message machine with my first word. Coke has
been an ever-present part of my life since then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am constantly reminded of this soft drink –
advertising for Coke abounds. Knowing that this sugary drink is not good for my
health I keep making attempts to cut it out of my life, but it’s hard to ignore
it.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-CA">What advertisers know
is that in order for their message to shape people’s lives, the message must be
continually reinforced, repeated and referenced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not enough to hear a message once in
order for it to influence our behaviour, it requires repeated listenings. Thus
the advertisers make sure the message of Coca Cola is repeated over and over,
the slogans may change with the passage of time, but the underlying message is
hammered home. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what Madison
Avenue can teach us about Sabbath.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sabbath is a reminder
that in order to not be overwhelmed and unduly shaped by the messages of the
culture around us we need to <b>regularly</b> hear a different message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are few places in our current culture
that encourage a life of loving others, rather than being self-focused and
self-serving. Advertisements tell us “Do this for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">you</b>” or “Buy this because <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">you</b>
deserve it”or most insidiously “Become the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">you</b>
that you want to be.” More for you, YOU,
YOU, YOU – that’s what it’s all about. At the same time advertising is designed
to make us feel inadequate, putting us in a state of perpetual disappointment,
and susceptible to retail therapy. This is the message that surrounds us most
of the time.</div>
<br />
In order to not be consumed with this approach
to life we must take time, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">regularly</b>,
not occasionally, to hear some good news – thus a weekly <b>Sabbath</b>. It is not enough to
hear once and a while that meaning is found in a lived out life of discipleship,
that we are called to a higher purpose than gluttonous consumerism. This is a
message that needs to be received on a regular basis in order to counteract the
other voices trying to influence us. Sabbath, one day in seven, is a chance to
reset our direction, rest from the grind of trying to keep up with the
expectations of a stressed and hyper culture. Sabbath is a chance to hear ‘the
old, old story’ once again, and have it draws us back into relationship that
restores and revives us, regardless of what surrounds us.
</div>
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Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-30663165887082733172015-04-05T18:24:00.001-06:002015-04-05T18:32:29.605-06:00A Risky Good Friday Remembered<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 107%;">This weekend I found myself thinking about a unique
Good Friday experience from a few years ago. This unusual way of commemorating
Good Friday was the brainchild of Robert W. Leeson, or as he was better known,
Pastor Bob. I was fortunate to have served in a pastoral team with Bob Leeson
for 27 years. Bob always was a bit of a renegade, doing ministry in a way that
made sense to him, even if it was not what people were used to. So when he
suggested to the pastoral team in the spring of 2008 that we should hold a
Memorial Service for Jesus on Good Friday I wasn’t totally surprised. Pastor
Bob was in charge of Pastoral Care throughout his time of serving at Christ
Lutheran – funerals and memorial services were his area of expertise. So to Bob
it seemed like a natural fit, Good Friday and a Memorial Service. There was
some risk in this, people might find it offensive or think it was being
disrespectful, but in spite of the risk of negative public reaction Bob pressed
ahead with his idea.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 107%;">Somehow Bob was able to get the local newspaper to
include the following notice on the obituary page:</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 107%;"><b>Jesus of Nazareth</b> - A memorial service for Jesus
Josephson, late of Nazareth, will be held at 11 AM on Friday, March 21, 2008 at
Christ Lutheran Church, 4825 Dewdney Ave. Regina, SK. Pastor Bob Leeson will
officiate. Jesus met an untimely death through Roman execution and is deeply
missed by his mother, Mary, his family and friends. Jesus was a good carpenter
by trade and was also a Rabbi who did not always see eye to eye with his
contemporaries. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your
choice. For more information phone 352-4832.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 107%;">So it came to pass that on Good Friday that year we
held a Memorial Service for Jesus. Pastor Bob (who led the service as
Nicodemus) and members of the congregation who took on the roles of Jesus’
followers and friends, shared with us their remembrances of Jesus. The
congregational members who participated created their own remarks based on the
person from the Biblical story they were representing – these included Mary the
mother of Jesus, John the Disciple, Lazarus the brother of Mary and Martha,
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector and Andrew the Disciple.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 107%;">That Good Friday we had the largest attendance in a
long time, the church was packed. The remembrances written and spoken by the
members of the congregation were thoughtful and touching. Pastor Bob preached a
sermon as Nicodemus. There were some scripture readings and hymns as well, but
the overall form of the service remained true to a Memorial Service format.
Folks who came just because they were curious left saying it was the most memorable
Good Friday service they had ever been to. Others expressed appreciation for
the way this service seemed to bring the death of Jesus into our current
reality. Overall it was well received, and deeply meaningful for many.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 107%;">It won’t happen again, at least not in the same way.
We found out through the grapevine that the person at the newspaper who allowed
this notice to be included as a regular obituary was sternly reprimanded. Part
of the reason it worked so well is because people around here had never experienced
anything like it – but now they have and so to repeat it wouldn’t have the same
impact. Finally, it really was a Bob thing – unique to his personality and
approach to ministry. He could pull it off as sincere and respectful, because
that is what it was for him. Sadly Pastor Bob passed away in 2013, and so we
are left with not only the memory of this unique Good Friday service, but also
with the memory of Robert W. Leeson.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 107%;">This, and every Easter we celebrate the promise of the
resurrection, and that we will all be reunited one day. And then there will be
no more need to remember, for we will be experiencing the fullness of the
promise and presence of God in the company of all the saints – including Saint
Bob.</span></span></div>
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<![endif]-->Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-54705075169491361042015-02-02T22:39:00.000-06:002015-02-03T11:33:50.426-06:00Holy SpaceToday, after a three year hiatus, I made my way out to <a href="http://qhpstillness.ca/" target="_blank">Qu'Appelle House of Prayer</a>. QHP holds a special spot in my heart - it was a place of healing when my spirit was deeply damaged many years ago. It is a place of inspiration as well - many ministry ideas have their roots there, many artistic ventures were first sparked there. It was good to return. Shortly after arriving this morning I wrote this poem which I have titled <i><b>Holy Space</b></i>.<br />
<br />
<i>A cold, clear February day</i><br />
<i>The sun streams in through tall windows</i><br />
<i>I close my eyes</i><br />
<i>Embraced by the gentle warmth</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Breath of peace</i><br />
<i>Breath of love</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Colours shift behind my closed eyes</i><br />
<i>This is Holy Space</i><br />
<i>Wholly mine at the moment</i><br />
<i>Quiet joy</i><br />
<br />
<i>Stillness of air</i><br />
<i>Stillness of mind</i><br />
<br />
<i>Let the sun burn off the mists of worry</i><br />
<i>Let the light fill my weary soul</i><br />
<i>Let the rays illumine my path</i><br />
<i>So that God's vision, God's dream, becomes mine</i><br />
<br />
<i>I surrender to this space</i><br />
<i>My need for control.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Maranatha! </i>Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-48451009582243843492015-01-18T15:16:00.003-06:002015-01-18T15:20:37.366-06:00The Call - a StoryToday I shared some stories in my sermon - it just so happens that two of the scripture readings for this Sunday were the basis for a couple of stories I wrote a few years back. One, called <b>The Pessimist</b> I have posted earlier on this blog - <a href="http://immersedinmystery.blogspot.ca/2012/02/pessimist-midrash-of-sorts.html" target="_blank">you can find it here</a>. The other is one I titled <b>The Call</b>. Both these stories are part of a published collection of stories and dramatic readings for use in worship. This book, called <b>New Circles</b> was put together by Rev. David Kaiser and myself. There may be copies still available at the <a href="http://www.afcanada.com/" target="_blank">Augsburg Fortress Canada</a> store, or you can contact me directly to get one. And now to the story...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzQvF86V5d8eLPi09uuwCI09oUOgLFpMq5OXXSwfuHNJSC5xx3JGHErJnhd1LIEXLe0CR9UzOMTd58TCHXiQoboMA4Mvia0GAgcaf28HGxIvdss7qiloWtSqDzI6KW6ejzj6QIz8VMa0M/s1600/NewCfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzQvF86V5d8eLPi09uuwCI09oUOgLFpMq5OXXSwfuHNJSC5xx3JGHErJnhd1LIEXLe0CR9UzOMTd58TCHXiQoboMA4Mvia0GAgcaf28HGxIvdss7qiloWtSqDzI6KW6ejzj6QIz8VMa0M/s1600/NewCfront.jpg" height="400" width="312" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Call</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">Shalom. It is good to be here today,
to share with you a bit of my story. I am getting old and shaky, and my voice
is not as strong as it once was. I hope you can hear me at the back. It is
important that you are able to hear.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">My name is Eli. You probably know me
because of my connection to Samuel. It was I who helped him hear when God
called his name. It was I who gave him the words to say, “Speak, Lord, for your
servant is listening.” Samuel was a good boy, with a good heart and a strong
faith. Not like Nahshon. His was another story altogether!</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">You haven’t heard of Nahshon? Well,
Nahshon was my young helper before Samuel came.
But he was not like Samuel and he left my service while still young.
Perhaps that is why you have not heard of him. Let me tell you his story.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">Many years ago there was a woman who
believed in God. She believed in God even when God didn't seem to answer her
prayers. The talk about the town was that God was angry with her, that she must
be a sinful person. For this reason people mostly ignored her.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">Rather than curse and turn her back
on God this faithful woman continued to pray and hope that God would soon grant
her request. Her prayer was a simple one; she wanted a child. For years this prayer remained barren, as if
not heard at all. This, even after she made a vow to God, a vow that promised
that if she was given a child, she would dedicate that child to God's service…
life-long service in the Temple.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">God, who is a God of surprises,
answered, “Yes!” to the woman's prayer. Much to the surprise of all she bore a
son. Great was her joy! She named her child Nahshon after one of the early
leaders of Israel.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">After a few years, when Nahshon was
able to live without his mother's care, she took him to the Temple and
presented him to me. I was thankful to God for this young boy, for now there
was someone to help me with the various tasks around the Temple. I was well
aware of my failing eyesight, weakening body, and shaky hands. It was good to
have this young boy there as a helper. I taught the young boy many and various
things, from the simple everyday maintenance of the building to the wonderful
Word of God written down in the scrolls.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">For seven years I taught Nahshon,
who, at first, eagerly learned everything I shared with him. Then things began to change, Nahshon seemed
uninterested or distracted much of the time.
At first I decided it was just a stage, just part of the boy's growing
up and there was nothing I could really do about it but wait for the stage to
pass.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">One night, long after all the duties
for the day had been completed, I thought I heard something. Sitting up in my
bed I listened carefully. Were there thieves in the Temple? Was someone having
a nightmare? Or was it just my imagination? I strained my aging ears, listening
to the night. At first there was nothing, then I heard it again. This time I
could make out Nahshon’s name being repeated over and over. “Who is calling the
boy?” I wondered. Crawling out of my bed
I made my way to the place where Nahshon was sleeping. The voice continued
calling out the boy's name. I could hear the voice quite plainly now, but I
couldn’t see who was calling, the room was empty except for me and the boy.
Then suddenly I realized the truth; “God is calling the boy!” I made my way
over to Nahshon’s bed and gently shook his arm to wake him.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">With a prolonged groan the boy woke
and whined, “What do you want? Can't you see I was sleeping?” I gently, but
firmly told him the news, “God is calling you.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">Nahshon pulled the blanket around his
shoulders and stared at me like I was crazy. “What are you babbling about?” he
demanded. I simply repeated what I had said the first time, “God is calling
you, listen!”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">We both stopped talking and listened.
There was nothing but silence. “I think you must have been dreaming” Nahshon
asserted, “so go back to your room and let's both get some sleep.” Satisfied that he had said enough Nahshon
rolled over and within moments was once again asleep.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">I began to wonder if my ears had
deceived me, or if I had possibly dreamt hearing the voice. Doubt began to creep all over me. Feeling
rather disappointed, and a little out of touch, I made my way back to my
bedroom.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">No sooner had I sat down on my bed
when I heard the voice again. I pinched myself to make sure I was awake. “No,
I'm not dreaming,” I concluded when I felt the sharpness of pain where my skin
was wedged between my thumb and finger. Once again the voice was repeating
Nahshon’s name. This time I hurried to the boy's room. “Wake up! Wake up!” I
shouted at the boy, “God is calling you again!”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">Still Nahshon slept. “Wake up and
listen,” I urged as I shook the boy's shoulder for a second time that night.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">“You again! I thought I told you I
was sleeping!” he protested. I put a finger to my lips and urged the boy to be
quiet. “Listen, God is calling you,” I whispered. However, when Nahshon finally
did listen there was only silence once again.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">“Now you listen to me old man… I've
had enough of you and your crazy ideas,” he sneered back at me. I couldn’t
believe what I was hearing, but Nahshon wasn’t finished, “You're old and you
must be going senile! I'll have you know that I don't appreciate you disturbing
my sleep with your insane ideas of God talking to you.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">I tried to explain, “God wasn't
calling me, God was calling you!” Nahshon just shrugged and growled, “Whatever!
I don't care! Just get out of here and leave me alone.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">Shocked by Nahshon’s rudeness I could
only shake my head. As I turned to go I told him, “You have changed so much in
the last while, I think you are beginning to grow into a man. But I do not think all the changes have been
for the better.” He looked me straight in the eyes and proclaimed, “I don't
care what you think!”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">At that very moment the voice called
out once again. “There! Listen! You must have heard that!” I insisted. The
voice of God called out the name of the boy once more. I heard it clearly. I
looked at Nahshon to see if finally he had heard the call. As I looked at the
boy the voice called out a final time. Feeling reassured I said, “See, what did
I tell you? God is calling you! Didn't you hear it?”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">Nahshon replied, “I only heard the
wind, or a wolf howling in the distance, or something like that… but I don't hear
any God saying anything.” The tone of his voice was flat and disinterested.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">What could I do? I sighed deeply and
turned away. I slowly shuffled back to my room. My excitement had faded into disappointment, and
the disappointment wore me out. I did not sleep well that night.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">After that night everything changed.
In the following days Nahshon seemed less and less interested in my work, or in
the things I would try to teach him. One day he simply packed his things and
walked away. I never saw him again. It was a sad day, one of the saddest of my
life. It was shortly after that when I met Hannah… but that’s another story.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">I’ve often wondered why Nahshon
couldn’t hear God’s voice. Perhaps he simply didn’t want to hear it, or perhaps
he was so focused on his own wants and needs that he simply missed it. Dear
people of God, may you always listen for the voice of God. May you always be
open to God’s leading. May you be open and humble like young Samuel, and not
stubborn and self-centered like Nahshon. May God’s Spirit keep your ears and
hearts open to the voice of God which calls to you throughout your life.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">Thank you for taking a few moments to
listen to this old man.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Peace be with you. Shalom.</span></span></span>Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-32178272459089044192015-01-10T10:22:00.004-06:002015-01-10T10:34:31.278-06:00The Wrapping - a StoryOver 3 decades ago, as a young intern at a gathering of
Lutheran clergy, I shared this story I had written. It was met favourably by the group
and over the years some have told the story as part of a sermon or at a
retreat. I had pretty well forgotten about this story until Pastor Randy Faro sent me an
email the other day saying he had used the story again recently and just wanted
me to know. I thought this blog would be a good place to share the story with a
wider audience - I guess it stands the test of time.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>THE WRAPPING</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Once upon a time, in a land maybe not so far away, there
lived a big family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The father of this
family was a loving and wise man, some say he was the wisest in the land and
the love he had for his children was surpassed by no one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is said that the father in his wisdom knew
what was in store for his children in the years to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So he would sit and think about how he would
be able to help them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
One day he began to write down his thoughts, warnings and
wisdom for his children; plans and promises that he had made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
There was the mark of love in all that he wrote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Much later, after many days had passed, he finished writing
all that he wished to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had many
pages, so he gathered them together and bound them into a book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He placed the finished book on the table and
then called all his children to him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
When they were all in the room he showed them the finished
book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told them it was for them, a
book written especially for his children.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
He said, "This book is very important for this family,
for you children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have written it that
you could read for yourselves what I have said; it will be here for all to
read."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
The children said thanks, but it was more a polite response
than true gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of the
older children went over to the table and opened the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They read a few lines on a few pages, but
quickly turned to their father and said, "But Dad, we've heard all this
before."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And slowly the room
emptied as the children all left to go back to what they had been doing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
The book sat unopened for weeks gathering dust on the
table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The father was very sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One winter day as he was warming himself by
the fire, he thought about the book and how none of the children were
interested in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was feeling so
disappointed that he grabbed the book off the table and said to himself,
"If this book doesn't serve one purpose, maybe at least it can bring some
warmth to this house."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he threw
the book into the fire.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
As the flames danced around the book, the colours swirling
about its binding, the wise father had an idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He quickly salvaged the book from the fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After seeing that only the edges were charred
and that the inside wasn't damaged, he set off with the book in hand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Many miles away he came to the place he was seeking; a store
specializing in decorations and adornments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The father went in and when the storekeeper saw him he asked, "May
I help you?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The father said,
"I'm looking for something to wrap this book in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want it to be something lively and
nice."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The storekeeper showed him
many fancy things, but none of them were really what the father had in
mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Feeling discouraged, the father began to leave the store
when in the corner, half hidden behind some boxes, was something that caught
his eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"It is beautiful!" he
thought as he pulled it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had
swirling lines and colours, oh so many beautiful colours that blended together
in a harmony of expression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed to
breathe with a life of its own.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
"What is this?" he asked the storekeeper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"I'm not really sure; it has been here
as long as I can remember," the storekeeper replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He continued, "I don't even know where
it came from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I've never
noticed how beautiful it really is until you held it up just now."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
"How much do you want for it?" the
father asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"I don't know; does
it say anything on the box it was in?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"No," replied the father, "it only has a single word,
rather faded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can only make out the
first three letters ...M...U...S..."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The old storekeeper saw that the father was excited, so he said,
"It is yours for free; a gift to you."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
So the wise and loving father wrapped the book in this
beautiful wrapping and headed home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
In the morning the children saw the beautiful package on the
table and were all very excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
wrapping was glowing, it seemed vibrant with life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The father said, "Go ahead, open it up
and see what it holds."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the
children opened the wrapping to find their father's book on the inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The charred book seemed so special coming
from such a beautiful package.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
They opened the book as it laid in the wrapping; they turned
the pages reading aloud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as they
read, the wrapping seemed to follow the words from the page to the air.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Now not only was the book surrounded by the wrapping, the
spoken words were entwined in that colourful wrapping as they moved through the
air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As more was read from the book, and
the words were resounding throughout the room, the more the colour and line
swelled and danced about.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
The room filled with joy and warmth, with excitement and
harmony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
And that day, in that room, the children heard the wonderful
words of their father as they had never heard before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the room was filled with music, and their
hearts were filled with love.</div>
Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-47215783818909671092014-06-28T09:52:00.001-06:002014-08-25T18:39:51.392-06:00Reflection #24: Mysticism Runs Deep<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span lang="EN-CA">I’ve come to realize that I have a streak
of <b>mysticism</b> that runs deep in me. This is not to say I am a mystic through and
through, but as I get older I find myself more and more attracted to the
spiritual practices of the mystics, as well as their ideas and insights. This
movement toward mysticism is one I see happening in many who are part of the
church family, perhaps this is an indication that Christianity is entering <a href="http://www.phyllistickle.com/books/the-age-of-the-spirit/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Age of the Spirit</i></b></a> (as theologian Phyllis Tickle asserts). Embracing
mysticism more fully is perhaps what Christianity needs to do at this stage in
history. <a href="http://www.krs.stjohnsem.edu/KarlRahner.htm">Karl Rahner</a>, a 20<sup>th</sup> century German Jesuit theologian, wrote
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Christian of the future will be a
mystic or will not exist at all.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>(Theological
Investigations Volume XX). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For Rahner
mysticism does not mean some esoteric phenomenon but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“a genuine experience of God emerging from the very heart of our
existence.”</i> That statement, however, leaves much unexplained, rather it points
to a greater mystery, a profound wonder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is the combination of wonder and mystery that I associate with
mysticism.</span>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Looking at our cultural and religious
shifts over the past few centuries Richard Rohr, Franciscan author and mystic,
writes in his book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Naked-Now-Learning-Mystics/dp/0824525434"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Naked Now</i></b></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> “We moved
from wondering to answering, which has not served us well at all. This reached
its nadir in what we today call fundamentalism, common in almost all religions.
Let’s start wondering again.” </i>The more I study the Bible the more I wonder.
The more I read of scientific discoveries and breakthroughs the more I wonder.
The more I listen to the stories and experiences of people the more I wonder,
the more I am drawn into the numinous. This wondering does not always need to
seek answers, sometimes it is content to remain in the realm of awe and
mystery. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">In his book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Other-Side-Silence-Twenty-First/dp/0809137003"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Other Side of Silence</i></b></a>
Morton T. Kelsey writes <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“For many
Christians mysticism is either illusion or delusion…a flight from reality and,
even worse, a flight from Christian morality and responsibility… Yet those who
call themselves mystics speak of finding the goal and fulfillment of the
religious quest in their experiences. They suggest that the meaning of religion
lies in the reality which they encounter through this inner realm and, in
particular, that the inspiration and power of Christianity comes from this
reality. It is just such experiences, they find, which open us to the source of
love (God) and bring us its creative and heroic energies.”</i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Perhaps my real awakening to mysticism came
from an experience I had while participating in a simple worship service at the
<a href="http://www.qhpstillness.ca/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Qu’Appelle House of Prayer</i></b></a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had gone out
to this retreat centre seeking a spiritual director, thinking this would help
me with some struggles I was having in my vocation at the time. I was not even aware
there was a service scheduled until I was invited to stay for worship if I
wanted to. I was forewarned that the worship would have times of extended silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my mind I thought this might be boring,
but in my spirit I felt a compulsion to stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That contemplative worship service surprised me by its quiet power – I
experienced the love of God pouring into me in a way that was healing and renewing,
affirming and comforting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
transitional <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and transformational moment
for me.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Contemplation began to be part of my
religious experience, and I began offering contemplative worship services at my
church (first with something I called <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ambient Vespers</i></b>, then with an
alternative worship experience called <a href="http://www.mysterium.ca/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mysterium</i></b></a> which has been running for
over 5 years now).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was through these
contemplative services that I discovered there were many others who also found
this form of worship, this approach to prayer, deeply meaningful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was prayer as listening to God rather
than prayer as a list of requests made to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Contemplation was enriching my spiritual life. Richard Rohr writes <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Contemplation refuses to be reductionistic.
Contemplation is an exercise in keeping your heart and mind spaces open long
enough for the mind to see other hidden material. It is content with the naked
now and waits for futures given by God and grace.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Naked-Now-Learning-Mystics/dp/0824525434"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See</i></b></a>)</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Perhaps many would still hold that mystics are
people who are so heavenly minded they are no earthly good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has not been my experience, and nor is
it true of most of the mystics I have read about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carl McColman, in his helpful volume <a href="http://www.carlmccolman.com/books/big-book-of-christian-mysticism/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">TheBig Book of Christian Mysticism: The Essential Guide to Contemplative Spirituality</i></b></a>
writes <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Mysticism is about immersion in
the great stream of Christian thinking, from the wisdom of the Bible to the
teachings of the great mystics themselves. But it’s also about putting down all
the books and retreating into silence and solitude to encounter the God who
calls you to love. And then it’s about returning from solitude to engage in
real-world life and relating to other people in love and joy, in conflict and
challenge, in suffering and trials.”</i> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">It is through being open to the presence of God
fully that we are given clear vision as to God’s will for us and the power to
carry that out – and as Jesus made clear in his teachings God’s will for us is
primarily about loving others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is in
listening for the quiet, gentle voice of God that we are nudged to actions of
compassion and justice, reconciliation and restoration. Mysticism leads to a
greater involvement in the world, or perhaps it better said, involvement in the
world with greater vision of God’s intention.</span>Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1946996585044530443.post-59217230776571379652014-06-08T21:34:00.002-06:002014-06-08T21:49:41.003-06:00Good News for Lutheran Pastors<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-CA">This blog entry is adapted from a
sermon I preached at the closing worship of the Pastor's Study
Conference of the Saskatchewan Synod last fall. While it is primarily
directed at Lutheran Pastors others may find some value in it as well.</span></span><br />
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<sup><span lang="EN-CA"></span></sup></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA">A Reading from Romans 10:13-17</span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA">All who call on the Lord’s name will be saved.</span></i><span lang="EN-CA"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">So how can they call on someone they don’t have faith
in? And how can they have faith in someone they haven’t heard of? And how can
they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As
it is written, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How beautiful are the feet
of those who announce the good news.</i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">But everyone hasn’t obeyed the good news. As Isaiah
says, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lord, who has had faith in our
message?</i> So, faith comes from listening, but it’s listening by means of
Christ’s message.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqu_o5CirNahtvLrldcM3zgAn7I-UtRt83y9Lk7TuOVgG8xwmIU8GKYEXEYr1CuKlHc87UV3uI_T3RXOin4pbZ8k9ieEyzCiP_hURXviqUs7fwtJm7REfN3eMAZnqfB5r1HZO3D2IwVz7/s1600/Talk+about+cheeses.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqu_o5CirNahtvLrldcM3zgAn7I-UtRt83y9Lk7TuOVgG8xwmIU8GKYEXEYr1CuKlHc87UV3uI_T3RXOin4pbZ8k9ieEyzCiP_hURXviqUs7fwtJm7REfN3eMAZnqfB5r1HZO3D2IwVz7/s1600/Talk+about+cheeses.jpeg" height="290" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">This cartoon made me chuckle. It actually makes me think of the challenge we have in our current context - proclaiming the Gospel to our neighbours without people rolling their eyes, or slamming the door (metaphorically speaking). We all know how ineffective it would be in today's world to knock on someone's door and introduce the conversation with “I’d like to talk to you about Jesus.” How can we talk about Jesus in a way that is heard in our contemporary culture? We can't stop talking about Jesus altogether, as the Apostle Paul asks <i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“How
can they have faith in someone they haven’t heard of?”</span></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">The problem we face as we think of preaching the gospel to our
neighbours might be summed up with another question: <b>Which Jesus have they
heard of?</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">We have come to know a Jesus of grace and love, of inclusivity and a
heart for the outcast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is this the Jesus
that our neighbours have heard of?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
not, how do we preach the good news to those who <b>think </b>they have heard?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Paul asks<i> “How can they have faith in someone they haven’t heard
of?”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i> </i> </span>I would like to suggest that many
people in our communities still haven’t heard of this Jesus that we have faith
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus it falls to us, this important
task, this important calling – to preach the good news of Jesus.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">I believe that Lutherans stand uniquely positioned in our culture to
meet the evangelism needs of today’s younger generations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that we Lutheran preachers have an
unique opportunity presenting itself to us, if we can only see it and respond
accordingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only we can find a way
to be heard in the cacophony of an increasingly complex world.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Before I look at how to be heard let me pause for a moment and
explain why I think Lutheranism, the variation represented by the ELCIC and
ELCA, is well positioned to tap into the spiritual undercurrents of our current
society.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">1) First of all we are <b>HISTORICAL</b> – we are not some fly by night
group, sprung up in the heat of religious entrepreneurialism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have had centuries to refine and deepen
our religious resources and rituals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
we stem from an even longer history of the church catholic. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">People today are naturally skeptical, including skeptical of
religious claims – but our approach to the spiritual questions of life have
some historical heft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people will
see this historical connection as a sign of value and worth when asking the big
questions of meaning and purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
not some crazy cult sprung from the mind of a science fiction writer, we are
not some overnight success of a television personality that is here today and
gone tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We trace our heritage
through a long history of the church, with all its rituals and traditions,
writings and wisdom.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Many people today, when looking for spiritual answers, are not
interested in the trendy and the transient, they are looking for something
tried and true. They have watched the hollow and self-centered spiritual questing
of the consumer culture, and they have found it wanting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Some are looking to the past for substance as evidenced by an
article I read last month with the eye-catching title <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Evangelical youth are getting high.”</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The article talked about Evangelical young
adults being attracted to worship that is sometimes called High Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I see happening here is that certain
young people are looking for something that taps into that ancient sense of
mystery and awe.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">2) We are a <b>REFORMING</b> church, we are flexible and adapting, not
content to remain with the status quo if it is not appropriate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not stagnant, we are a living and
responsive body, recognizing that things change and so should we.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We take our cue from Jesus who was willing to
change how the Law was interpreted and applied, who broke the kingdom of God
out into the wider world – with all the changes that brought to the way people
worshipped and lived out the command to love others.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">We do not shut our eyes and ears to new information, we allow ourselves
to be informed by science as well as scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We reflect, then respond, and when needed reform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So while we are connected to history we are
not bound to repeat it in everyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
adaptability will be increasingly important in a world that is changing more
and more rapidly.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">3)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are a <b>GRACE-CENTERED</b>
church – or to put it another way: we are about acceptance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The need to be accepted, to belong, is as
powerful now as it has ever been – maybe more so since we live in an age of
hyper-judgementalism and competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>People live in constant fear of being voted off the island, of being
sent home by the judges, by not measuring up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reality Shows remind us over and over that only the minority make it,
and the rest are “has beens”… outcasts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thus Jesus’ message of acceptance of the outcasts can deeply resonate
with a contemporary audience – and a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">grace-centered</b>
church can speak that message with authenticity – we can speak it with word <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">and</b> deed.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">In a modern world where people thought the end goal was certainty,
then legalistic churches could flourish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But we are shifting into a post-modern age where certainty is not the
ultimate, where doubt is expected, where the action of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Love</b> speaks far louder than the shouting of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Law</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grace, costly grace,
meaningful grace, the grace of God resonates with our context. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">4)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are a <b>CONGREGATIONAL</b>
church – and though many might not see the need for community quite yet I
believe the time is coming when being part of a supportive community will
become more and more important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is
still a powerful message of individualism permeating our society, but as the
American dream slowly crumbles – and that is already taking place – people will
rediscover the need for community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
will not be enough to say “me and Jesus are cool” – it will be become <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">we and Jesus</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Belonging to a congregation does not mean
losing one’s identity and uniqueness, we are not a cult – our sense of the body
of Christ means that with us people can belong, be supported, yet be
themselves. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">To sum up – I think the Lutheran church is uniquely positioned to
respond to the spiritual needs of our current culture because we are an <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ancient/Future</b> church.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">So now back to our original questions:</span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span lang="EN-CA">How can they have faith in someone they haven’t heard of?</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-CA">And how can they hear without a preacher?</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-CA">And how can they preach unless they are sent?</span></li>
</ul>
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<span lang="EN-CA">We are preachers, we’ve been sent… but as I asked earlier:</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">How do we preach the good news to those who <b>think </b>they have heard? </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">This is a problem the Apostle Paul never had to face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is problem unique to our time and
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we live in the shadow of
fundamentalism, which has often been the easy target of those who wish to
reject religion, those who wish to reject anything that might make a claim on
their life – anything that might move them out of the center of their
universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The easy way to reject Jesus
is to point to those who claim to follow him, yet mostly display bigoted,
judgemental ignorance and hatred.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">So I ask again, "How can we be heard in such a society?"</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Part of the answer comes in the last verse of the passage Romans referred to earlier: <i>“faith comes from listening”</i>.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Though not exactly what Paul meant, I would like to contend that to
be heard we must listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to
listen, before we share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too often we
are tellers primarily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We who are
preachers have a compulsion to talk, as evidenced here at this study conference
– where people will be talking while someone is presenting.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Thus we might ask “Listening to who?”</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">First, we must listen to God – in scripture, of course, but also in
contemplative prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Richard Rohr
believes that contemplative prayer is the only way significant changes can
happen in one’s life.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Second, we must listen to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>People need to know that we truly, honestly take an interest in them,
that we value them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So few people feel
listened to these days – I suspect that is part of the appeal of texting and
social media – one can express one’s self without being interrupted and cut off
– at least not as obviously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People are
longing for someone to listen to them, and we are called to listen first, then
speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this culture that is the way
to get past the suspicion of hypocrisy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To listen without an agenda, to listen because we honestly want to hear,
we truly want to get to know the other.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Then we can ask others to listen to us.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Donald Posterski once said that in our current pluralistic context
we must give permission for others to share their stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we must <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">take permission </b>to share ours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But it must happen in that order… which requires patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as Paul reminds us <i>“Love is patient”</i>.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">You are sent into your own contexts, into your
own communities, into your own challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But you do not go alone. </span><span lang="EN-CA">God’s Spirit goes with you, this we believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But also we go with one another – we remain a
team even as we are dispersed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We might work in our own parts of the field, but even so we can call out encouraging words to
one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not alone, we are
part of the church catholic.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-CA">The harvest is large, and the workers are few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is not as bleak as we might feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the beginning of the 4<sup>th</sup>
century, when Constantine came to power, the estimate is that Christians made
up 10% of the Roman Empire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But 10% was
enough to turn a continent to Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are at a higher percentage than that, and yes the workers are few but we are
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we are an answer to
prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We preachers are an answer to
someone’s prayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have this special
calling, we have beautiful feet, we have a holy task – to tell the <b>GOOD
NEWS</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a world filled with Bad News,
this is a wonderful gift, an awesome calling, and you are holy people, set
apart to proclaim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So go forth into the future to fulfill your calling buoyed up with hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are sent into the world, our world, with this <b>Gospel</b>. Thanks be to God!</span></div>
Dennis Hendricksenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821644381771351872noreply@blogger.com0