“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:18-21
Reflection
There are times in life when occasions that usually should bring joy do anything but. Two people are married for the wrong reasons. A promotion is accepted, but requires too much time away from home. A new home is purchased, but the debt is overwhelming. A child is born when the pregnancy was unplanned and unexpected. Most of us do our best to make good choices in life, but we all make mistakes, don't we? When those mistakes become realities, we hope and pray with all of our heart that God will transform our circumstances and forgive us in our failures. And sometimes we see that our circumstances, although not anticipated or planned for, turn out to be unexpected blessings from a loving God. Joseph certainly did not anticipate Mary becoming pregnant before they were married. The Bible tells us that he was a righteous man, most likely making good decisions for most of his young life. But yet here he was, facing the possible ending of his relationship with Mary and the ramifications that would affect both of them for the rest of their lives. But being a man of God and knowing and knowing that something unusual was going on, Joseph made the best decision that his human mind could comprehend: he would divorce Mary with as much dignity possible. After all, from his perspective, she had been unfaithful. It was only then that God stepped in to reveal to Joseph that this blessed occasion would not be a burden after all, but an event that would change the world. Joseph made the wrong decision based on his limited knowledge. God revealed that this was not his choice to make, and regardless of the unexpected circumstances, joy would rise from the birth of this unexpected child. Prayer
God, in the midst of our mistakes, bad decisions, our failures and unexpected situations in life, help us to see the joy in all that you do through us. Help us to see that while our circumstances may be unexpected, joy can always come through our trust in you.
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10
Reflection
There is no greater emotion than love. Love can envelop an eclectic collection of emotions that often contradict each other and leave us either elated or completely confused. Love can conjure up a range of feelings from happiness, laughter and contentment, to thoughts of anger, hatred and jealousy. Love can lift us up, and love can bring us crashing to the ground. Love unites cultures and love can also divide communities. Love can conquer all obstacles of life and love can leave us utterly defeated. Love can find us included among close friends and family or leave us feeling abandoned and lonely. Love can be all, or it can be nothing.
Love also generates peace, a peace and joyful contentment that transforms the very essence of who we are. It can catapult us from the often mundane pace of life to an exciting journey that leaves us confident of accomplishing anything that we face. Love can consume us with peace, and most often that peace comes from being loved, rather than loving. Being loved by others is a confirming indication that we matter. That we are worthy of love. That the make-up of who we are, has caused another human being to be moved to this radical and all encompassing emotion: Love.
As we read these words today’s passage, we discover a very simple and yet complex and perplexing truth: God loves us. He loves me. He loves you. And all that God has done through Christ, has nothing to do with how much, or how little we love God, but how much he loves us. His love for each one of us is an overwhelming and transforming mystery; the same mystery that revolves around the incarnation. A love so massive and without limit, and yet it was contained and confined in the limited vessel of a small child. A love that compelled the God of all that is, all that has been and all that will be, to descend into the darkness of this chaotic world and live among us. This is love: Emmanuel, God with us!
Prayer God, your love for us is without limit, without understanding and without end. In our feeble attempts to love you, God, let us receive your love through the blessings of this Advent Season. Let us rest, feel your peace and be loved by you. Amen
(Repost from 12/19/12) Where was your fucking God when those kids
were being shot up?"
I was asked this
question this week in reaction to the shooting in Connecticut. Behind the
question was much anger. Behind the question was sadness. Behind the question
was a lack of faith and frustration. Behind the question was a human being,
hurting and feeling just like all of us. I can imagine that many pastors would
dismiss a question like that. Many would receive this as a personal attack or
an attack on Christianity. Some might be offended by the language and refuse to
acknowledge the emotion. Some might become angry and launch a counterattack,
spouting various scripture verses that give the typical "Christian"
answer. I felt none of this. For in my friend’s pain, anger and helplessness, I
felt the same things. So, I chose to "feel" with him.
"I
don't have an answer for you. The world is a fucked up place."was my response to
him. I shared with him that my faith has been shaken. I shared with him that I
was angry as well and asked God the exact same question. He didn't need a
theological dissertation and didn't need me to regurgitate Bible verses that
gave him no consolation. He didn't need me to get angry with him and he surely
didn't need me to judge him. He didn't need me to ask him to watch his language
and didn't need me to negate what he was feeling. Like any of us who witnessed
the horrors of Sandy Hook Elementary on Friday, he was angry, sad, discouraged
and experiencing doubt. His feelings were real. They are real life.
Jesus
would not allow the events in Connecticut to make Him angry with people and
their reactions. Instead, He would weep with those who are weeping. Jesus would
not shut down and retreat Himself from the world, but would surround Himself
with others that felt pain as well. Jesus would not choose to contradict
Himself and encourage more violence, but would repeat His call for us to love
our enemies. Jesus would not choose to hate the gunman, but continue to hate
evil as He encourages all of us to do. Jesus would not choose to point His
finger at others in blame, but would ask us all to point the finger at
ourselves. Jesus wouldn't react in fear, but would trust in His Father in
heaven and encourage us to do the same. Jesus wouldn't arm Himself, and He
wouldn't judge someone if they did and would understand their fear. He wouldn't
criticize gun control advocates, but would encourage them to make their points
known with love, not anger. He would not blame the problems of the world on a
lack of prayer in school, but ask parents why they don't pray at home. Jesus
wouldn't play politics, but would remind us promote His Kingdom, where politics
will not exist. Jesus wouldn't ask where His Father is or why He has forsaken
the world, but would respond as He did when He faced torture and death;"Thy will be
done."
"Where was your fucking God?" He was in a
first grade classroom at Sandy Hook Elementary, taking bullets from a
semi-automatic gun while embracing scared little kids. He was also with the
children in thousands of other schools protecting them. He was preparing
parents for overwhelming pain and He was giving courage to first responders. He
was also with parents that were thanking Him that their children were safe. He
was watching in shock, as we all began to realize the magnitude of this tragedy
and He was welcoming those that died into His Kingdom with open arms. And He
was with those who had no idea what was happening. He was weeping on the
streets of the inner-city where other children were being shot and He was in
poverty stricken places of the world where children are starving to death. He
was also with those enjoying a late breakfast or early lunch. He was with you
and me. He was with our children as well. He was there. He is there. He will be
there.
"Something strange is happening – there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began. God has died in the flesh and hell trembles with fear.
He has gone to search for our first parent, as for a lost sheep. Greatly desiring to visit those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, he has gone to free from sorrow the captives Adam and Eve, he who is both God and the son of Eve. The Lord approached them bearing the cross, the weapon that had won him the victory. At the sight of him Adam, the first man he had created, struck his breast in terror and cried out to everyone: “My Lord be with you all.” Christ answered him: “And with your spirit.” He took him by the hand and raised him up, saying: “Awake, O sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”"
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.
I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth with His baptism,
Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial,
Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension,
Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.
I arise today
Through the strength of the love of cherubim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In the prayers of patriarchs,
In the predictions of prophets,
In the preaching of apostles,
In the faith of confessors,
In the innocence of holy virgins,
In the deeds of righteous men.
I arise today, through
The strength of heaven,
The light of the sun,
The radiance of the moon,
The splendor of fire,
The speed of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of the sea,
The stability of the earth,
The firmness of rock.
I arise today, through
God's strength to pilot me,
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me
From snares of devils,
From temptation of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and near.
I summon today
All these powers between me and those evils,
Against every cruel and merciless power
that may oppose my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom,
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul;
Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me an abundance of reward.
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
"But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him." Luke 22:51 When we come to Christ, we come for healing. Whatever the manifestation of our pain, whether physical, emotional or spiritual, healing lies at the center of our need. When we suffer, our attention is directed to the source of our pain, and with precision targeting, we fixate our desires on one thing: healing. And our prayer rises to the ears of God, "Please, Lord. No more of this!"
"No more of this!", we pray to the Lord
No more violence.
No more death.
No more lies.
No more fighting.
No more destroyed relationships.
No more pain.
No more suffering. No more....
Lord, hear our prayer
"You can say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one." - John Lennon
We hope for a world in which "No more of this" will be and unnecessary cry. We declare these things, but words do not make them true. The enemy stands ready and waiting to respond with delight, "Yes! MORE of this! Much MORE of this!"
Sin drags us down. We become more and more weak. Ready to give up. And we resolve to ourselves that we are just dreamers.The only one.
Lord, we come to you in need of healing. We're broken in body, mind and spirit. Messed up from the day we were born. Yet you, in your love, grace and mercy, can mend all wounds, heal all of our hurts and repair all relationships. Come, Lord, and heal all that hemorrhages in our lives. Amen
Lent and Advent are spiritual journeys of faith for the follower of Christ. They stand as bookends to the year and give us balance. Yearly milestones to guide us as we walk through this world. One cannot exist without the other.
But as Advent is a carefully manicured path of joy and anticipation, Lent is a rocky trail laden with thorns.
Lent is a journey of tears as we make our way to Resurrection.
"Jesus wept." We weep.
Culture teaches us that tears are to be avoided. We harden ourselves. We avoid tears, because tears equate weakness. Culture teaches that weakness is to be avoided.
"I am a rock. I am an island."
"Jesus wept."
Only two words. The shortest of scripture, but deeper than the ocean of tears cried ever since.
Tears are cleansing. Tears are healing. Tears are release. Tears are strengthening. Tears prepare.
For as with Advent and Lent, laughing and weeping are emotions that cannot exist without the other.
They stand as emotional structure to guide us as we walk through this world.
Lord, as you wept, we weep as well. Remind us that in our sorrow, you join us and weep even now. Let our tears cleanse us as we make our way through Lent. Let us embrace them, knowing that they prepare us and empty us, so that laughter can return once again. Prepare us today for resurrection. Amen
"But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear. “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword."
Matthew 26:51
These words of Christ are much more inclusive than they may appear. Swords don't have to be drawn. Fists not need be clenched in anger. Words can cut far
deeper than any physical weapon. The verbal battles that we wage can
often turn more violent than entire wars. And the wounds that are
inflicted are far worse than amputated limbs, shrapnel scars or
paralyzed bodies.
Violence is violence.
Physical. Emotional. Spiritual.
The antithesis of God's Kingdom.
"Love your enemies", but only if they look like you, sound like you, smell like you, believe like you, and above all else, agree with you 100%.
When we put conditions on love, we create something that's not really love at all. Love has no conditions. Love cuts through the differences. Love breaks down walls that divide. Love transforms.
As I've journeyed through Lent this year, I am remind that our words can do more damage than the sword. Let's encourage one another by our words, rather than tearing each other down. And let us remember that everyone is worthy of our love, even the most despised of enemies. In fact, they may need it more than our closest friend.
Lord, You were met with violence of deed as well as word. Help us to do away with all violence in our lives; whether physical, emotional or spiritual. Pacify our actions, words and hearts that we may live in peace with all.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
"Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered. Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him." Matthew 26:65-67
Escalation. Pride's evil and deceptive ways widen. With each choice that Pride makes, the tensions in our relationships escalate. With each move of Pride, the battle is fueled and the ante is raised. More troops are sent in. We launch more offensives. Relationships don't die; they are murdered. Sin stands guilty as a war criminal. GUILTY.
Anger gives birth to accusation.
Accusation gives birth to action.
Action gives birth to violence.
Violence gives birth to death.
Another relationship causality in the war of selfishness, with Pride leading the way.
We count the costs of the war. We see the destruction. And yet we choose each weapon with great care, hoping for victory.
Pride - 1 Relationships - 0
Lent reveals to us that things are often backwards in the Kingdom of God. Pride has no place at the table. War in our relationships is unthinkable. Escalation becomes pacifism. And death becomes life. By living our lives through Christ, we find less need to slaughter our relationships, and more desire to heal them. We disarm ourselves, dismantle our military and end violence of any kind. Through Christ, we cherish each relationship as something of great value, more valuable than the temporary possessions we accumulate for ourselves. We count the cost of war, and realize that it's not worth it.
Anger gives birth to forgiveness.
Forgiveness gives birth to unity.
Unity gives birth to community.
Community gives birth to life.
Lord, we realize that one of the most tragic losses in the war of Pride is relationships. So often we sacrifice those closest to us in order to protect the self. Help us to lay down our weapons and seek peace. Help us to cherish each relationship we have as more valuable than anything we possess, even life itself. Amen.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28 Lent is a long journey. Four weeks are now in the rear view mirror. Four weeks under our feet. The soles of our shoes are wearing thin. The dust is building up on our hands and our faces are red from the sun.
From Ash Wednesday to this point, most of us have faced many of the difficult aspects of who we really are. That's what Lent is all about. Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust.
Humiliated. Anger. Violence. Darkness. Pain. Guilt. All by simply looking in the mirror. Confronting our demons. Pride. Selfishness. Arrogance. Lies. Deception. Death. Are you tired? Exhausted? Weak? You should be.
But keep going.
We're together.
Unity.
United as one Body: The Body of the One we journey to meet in a few weeks, naked as we are. Resurrected and unashamed.
We unite with Christ on Easter, but we've still got quite a ways to go.
Lent can be such an exhausting journey. We face things that stir up deep emotions within. Whether emotional, physical or spiritual, we all feel the miles that we've covered.
Weary and burdened.
But today we rest....
Breath
Stretch
Sleep
Eat
Drink Laugh Celebrate Embrace
Commune Today we rest. Lord, today we rest and celebrate you. We put aside our burdens, rest our weary bones and reflect on your goodness; your grace, mercy and your love for us. Enable us to rest. Help us to turn off the distractions and refresh our minds, bodies and spirits. Today we rest in you. Amen
"They wove thorn branches
into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in
his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and
taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” - Matthew 27:29
It's quite easy for us to put down another person, isn't it? We judge their thoughts. Ignore their feelings. Attack their very character. By our words, we invalidate. And when invalidated, we weaken the other. When someone is weak, they're vulnerable, and when they're vulnerable, they have no defense. In the line of fire, we target our opponent with precision, selecting just the right weapon. A dagger of words. A knife in the back. Lashing of the tongue. A kick in the proverbial crotch.
We methodically weave our crowns of thorns, careful not to spill any of our own blood. We fasten our weapon to the head, making sure that each thorn is imbedded deep into the skull. We inflict as much pain as as possible, hearing the bone crack and skin tear. We see the blood trickle down and we laugh to ourselves with delight. Mockery is an added bonus.
"If it was good enough for Christ, it's good enough for my friend."
But something stops us in the midst of our persecution. We pause. We reflect. Who is the person that we just attacked? They look familiar. Too familiar. Same hair. Same devious smile. Same blood. Same crown.
Because in the end, we're always the ones who stand accused. We're the ones that stand vulnerable. Weak. bloody. Naked. Invalidated.
Lent is a time for self examination. A time to reflect. When we do, we see our treatment of others, but realize that the judgment always falls back on us. We put ourselves down. We are sickened by our own thoughts. We reject our own feelings and we attack our own character. We stand as an open target. We prepare our heads for the crown we've created for ourselves. We mock that which is reflected in the mirror.
But in our reflection, we come to the realization that Christ bore the same crown. He bore the pain and mockery. He endured the shame, standing naked before his accusers.
Lent reveals to us that we no longer have to see our own reflection in the mirror. Christ reflects back to us.
"It is finished."
Lord, as we examine ourselves during this Lenten season, enable us to accept the pain and mockery that we inflict on others. Enable us to see how we judge, accuse, ridicule and invalidate. But in the midst of our realization, help us also to humbly see our ways in light of You love, mercy and grace. For only then can we begin to reveal Your vision for the perfect Kingdom. Amen
"....many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forwardand declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” - Matthew 26:60-61
"We've got to find some dirt on this guy!" "What kind of skeletons does he have hiding in his closet?"
Imagine how deep those witnesses had to dig in order to dredge up dirt on Jesus. How many people did they talk to? How many stories did they listen to in order to twist the words to fit their narrow minded agenda?And in the end, they didn't do a very good job when you think about it. A simple quote spoken years before, taken completely out of context and made to be "truth". The spiritual made literal.
"Do you think they'll believe it?"
"Are you kidding me? Those followers of his will believe anything we tell them. They're stupid, moronic and uneducated slobs! Filthy sheep!"
But.... "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
"Who said that?"
Maybe later, Jesus. But for now, your stupid sheep are going to reject you, spit in your face, stab you in the back and twist the knife as many times as possible.
Truth flies out of the window when you're looking to falsely accuse someone. The only thing that matters is convincing everyone else that your story is "true". Truth becomes relative. We believe what we hear, not what we know. Groupthink. Crucify! Crucify!
What is truth?
We love to dredge up the past in order to wound others, don't we?It's one of our best defenses. Hurt others before we get hurt. DEFENSE!
Forgive and forget?
Stab and twist.
What's in your closet?
"You know, that pervert has a porn addiction, right?"
"She used to smoke pot with me back in the day! She's in church? Freaking hypocrite!"
"Married with two kids? And he's sleeping with another guy? Faggot sodomite!" "He's divorced, but they're letting him pastor this church? Let's get him out of here!" "Was she drinking a beer? She is so busted!" "I'm not saying anything, but I saw his financial statement and......" "That slut sleeps with anyone! Now everyone is going to know!....Hmmm, wonder what my chances are?"
"He's different. He's looks different and dresses weird. He's a freak. Tried to kill himself. See the scars on his wrists?"
And then we pride ourselves on cleansing the Kingdom of God of such filth.
"I'm only doing God's will. If it destroys her family, so be it! If he's fired, too bad! Screw him! He had it coming! Scum bag!"
Are we any different? Jesus would have a tough time in 2016 America. He'd be screwed, and we'd make sure he got what's coming to him. We would just use a semi-automatic instead of the knife in his back. Lethal injection rather than a cross.
Lord, we realize that we are no better than those that falsely accused You. We falsely accuse others all the time. And by our hypocrisy, we accuse ourselves and make ourselves liars. Help us Lord, to not bear false witness to you or anyone else in our lives. Teach us to forgive and truly forget. Amen
David Bowie is not an artist without controversy. Since the release of his
first album in 1967, the sometimes androgynous performer has always possessed
the ability to stir the pot, especially when rock and roll needed it the most.
One of the first patrons of Glam Rock, if not the first, Bowie has taken music
to another level that has satisfied the ears as well as the other senses.
Unlike many of the transparent musician-songwriters of today, Bowie cannot be
contained to a particular box of genre. In fact, just when you think you have
him figured out, you find that he is just as much a mystery as he ever has
been.
When you ponder his lengthy career, the only time that you might find Bowie
without controversy is when he is absent from the music scene. Since the
release of his 2003 album Reality, a few live endeavors and the
appearance in the 2006 British film, The Prestige, not much has been
heard from Bowie save a few occasional mentions guaranteed an artist of his
status. But with the release of his new album, The Next Day, and the
accompanying video for the title track, the 66 year old Bowie proves that he is
still capable of attracting controversy; this time from the Anglican and
Catholic Church.
In the occasional instance that Christianity and pop culture cross paths, my
interest and attention is always heightened. Although Evangelical Christianity
has done is best to meld itself within the realms of post-modern culture, the
success has been short-lived and in some cases destructive. The Christian
concept of being "in the world, but not of the world",
attributed from such verses as John 15:19 and Romans 12:2,
has become somewhat of an anomaly; not particularly appearing in either camp
with much clarity. Post-Modern Evangelicalism has become somewhat of a
caricature of itself, developing it's own image of culture, but not really
obtaining a sustainable manner of functioning within it. Ironically, it is
usually from the secular that arise challenging messages of faith and thought
provoking images of Christianity and the Church. So it is with The Next Day.
Whether considered controversial or not, the video for The Next Day
is not without shocking and suggestive imagery. Upon it's release, The Catholic
League attacked Bowie as being a "switch-hitting, bisexual senior
citizen from London" that "is strewn with characteristic
excess." The League's President, Bill Donohoe, stated that "the
video is strewn with characteristic excess: one priest bashes a homeless man, while
others are busy hitting on women…The lyrics refer to the “priest stiff in
hate” and “women dressed as men for the pleasure of that priest.” The song
concludes with, “They can work with Satan while they dress with the saints.” In
short, the video reflects the artist—it is a mess." Donohoe goes on
to accuse Bowie of not understanding true Christianity and being "confused
about religion."
I must admit that as a minister, I was a bit apprehensive in viewing the
video based on what I had previously heard. The pointless and ignorant
ridiculing of any faith system, especially within the obscene and offensive, is
one of the only arenas in which I don't have much tolerance. I have always been
a fan of David Bowie and his music, but after reading other commentary and
discovering that even Youtube had given the video an adult only "Content
Warning" for being "Explicit", I began to wonder if Bowie had
possibly pushed the limits and that no redeeming aspects would be found in this
endeavor. Again, I cannot stress the fact that the video is shocking and what
many would consider offensive, but what I discovered in The Next Day
was just the opposite of what I had expected, and what many views might expect
as well.
The video not only features Bowie, but also actors Gary Oldman and Marion
Cotillard. It opens to Gothic imagery with the sound of church bells
outside of what appears to be a church converted into a nightclub. The plot
begins with a priest, played by Oldman, punching and knocking out a homeless
man begging for money. One would be tempted to immediately draw a connection to
the Pharisees of Jesus time, but there is no concealing the lack of compassion.
He is accompanied by what appears to be a nun as they enter into the club and a
scene of complete Christian hypocrisy and debauchery. The priest's nun
companion apparently has had her eyes gouged out, perhaps from the excessive
sin that she has been forced to witness, or perhaps to protect her form the
truth of her surroundings. "...if your eye causes you to sin, gouge
it out and throw it away." (Matthew 18:9). Was this her own doing or
the priest; done to protect her salvation, knowing that the removal of one eye
would not suffice? The head of the Baptist? Righteousness on a platter?
David Bowie portrays a Christ-like lead singer of the house band, appearing
to vocally chastise the clubs patrons, particularly Oldman's character, who
chooses a scantily clad woman (Cotillard) to join him on the dance floor. The
room begins to spin out of control as Bowie continues his accusing, reminiscent
of Christ's charge to the Pharisees as being "whitewashed tombs"
(Matthew 23:27). Cotillard's character's eyes begin darting around the
room, apparently becoming disturbed, and possibly spiritually convicted, by the
blatant sin that fills the room. Her emotional state eventually becomes
physical as she develops stigmata. Blood gushes from her wrists and onto the
clubs patrons as Oldman directs his anger toward Bowie, "This is your
doing! You call yourself a prophet?!"
As Christ's message of repentance was rejected, so is Bowie's as he is
attacked by the crowd of priests, Cardinals, nuns and patrons; pummeled and
beaten to the ground. The video's climax and most glaring images of Christology
lie in the obvious redemption of Colliard's character as she rises to her feet,
the stigmatic blood flow ceased. With hands still scared and stained with
blood, her eyes become fixed on a distant light, as if receiving some sort of
divine revelation. Bowie takes notice of this and joins her with the other
religious leaders, all realizing that something miraculous has occurred. Bowie
addresses the room, thanking them as if his mission has been accomplished, and
then vanishes to the stunned surprise of all.
The question remains: Is The Next Day UN-Christian, anti-religion,
sacrilegious or antagonistic of the Church in general? Can we learn anything
about ourselves, faith or theology? Ultimately, that determination needs to be
made by each person that views the video on their own. However, is it possible that
the negativity directed toward Bowie and this video has developed not because
of the underlying message, but the shocking imagery itself. Let us not forget:
Stigma is a bloody spiritual condition, one that not even St. Francis would
have had an issue with in terms of the offensive nature. Could there be a
positive message found beneath the shocking storyline; a story that just might
emulate reality more than fiction?
We live in a culture of hypocrisy that permeates all compartments of life,
including the Church. This is made clear by Bowie's video which represents the
negative and destructive worldview held by believers and non-believers alike.
Bowie's Christ-like character calls out the hypocrisy of Christian leadership,
resulting in the apparent repentance and redemption of Colliard's character and
possibly the collective group as well. None the less, shocking, vulgar and
violent though it may be, so lies the reality of our world. Are we not all
hopeless sinners in need of redemption? And let's face it; when was the last
time you witnessed repentance and stigmata provoked by the convicting words of
a worship leader? I prefer Bowie's attire as well.
