Lenten Reflections: First Sunday of Lent

"Show me your ways, Lord,
    teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are God my Savior,
    and my hope is in you all day long."

Psalm 25:4-5

Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust.

The path that we find ourselves on is filthy. Let's step off for just a while. 

As we look back over the first week of Lent, we see that the ashes are still settling. They settle on you and they settle on me. They settle on everything around us. The ashes mock us as we stand naked; humiliated at the broken and dirty nature of our existence without Christ. They remind us of death, and that it stands ready to eagerly greet each one of us for services rendered. But pride is quick to build a false facade that shields us from the realities of the mess that we are. And pride fuels the fire that makes a fist and declares, "I'm better than you!" Rather than picking up a broom, we fight over the mess that the ashes have made.

Break time.

But don't be so quick to pull out the cleaning supplies! We're just beginning our journey and there's plenty of  filth to come! You think we're dirty now? We're going to need plenty of soap when this journey's over!

Today is Sunday. Today is the first Sunday of Lent. Today we stop and rest. Today we leave the cleaning until tomorrow. Put your broom down for now. Today we feast!

This is a filthy journey, but let's not forget that Christ leads the way, and in Him there's no room for the ashes of Wednesday. No place for filth. 

Through Christ, through His Spirit, He reveals to us a path that is waiting of each of us. It's not a path of dirt, rocks and dying earth. It's a path of life, perfection and peace.

We're are on this path together.

We're on our way to Resurrection, and by the time we get there, we'll have no need to carry these ashes with us any longer. Today is a prelude of what's to come. This Sunday is temporary. Easter Sunday is eternal.

May you find your peace today. Tomorrow we will continue our journey, and trust me; it's going to get worse.

Lord, today we rest. Today we find our joy in you. Let Your love cover us this day. Let the joy of heaven rain down upon us and give us peace. You are our compassion. You are our peace. You are our joy. Comfort us in the mess that we're in and give us strength, endurance and perseverance for the journey that's ahead of us. Amen.   

Lenten Reflections: Fighting

"The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit...." - Genesis 3:12

Fighting began early for humans. Even within the beauty and perfection of Eden, the blame-game began and rages on to this day. "The woman," Adam said, accusingly, "whom YOU gave me." She did it. An because YOU gave her to me, it's YOUR fault, God!

We love to be right and we love to prove others wrong. "I'm right and you're wrong." becomes the declaration and rallying cry of a self-centered culture. Sometimes this position is defended with raised voices, sometimes a fist, a gun and sometimes a bomb. And the wheels on the bus go round and round.....Violence is a downward cycle that only leads to more violence. Blaming others causes disunity and a subtle seed of anger to take root.         

"Am I my brother's keeper?"

"This was all your fault!"

"Those damn liberals!....Conservative!"

"Our finances are a mess, and it's because you can't stop spending!"

"If you showed me the attention that I need, I never would have cheated!"

"I drink because of you."

"If the there weren't so many illegals....."

"It's because of the Jews!" 

"It's because of the Muslims!" 

"..you would betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” - Luke 22:48


Pride demands us to be better than the other person. Pride never takes the blame. Pride never admits wrong. Pride is always right. Pride looks in the mirror and shouts back, "You are right!" Pride wants to pick a fight, because initiating peace means you're weak. You loose. And in a culture of individualism, that's exactly how it appears.  

"I'm going to kick his ass!"


"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with EVERYONE." - Romans 12:18 

"But he betrayed me!"


"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" - Matthew 5:44

"That's ridiculous! They're savages! Sub-human!"

"the message of the cross is foolishness...." - 1 Corinthians 1:18

And a fool for Christ once prayer....

Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that we may not
so much seek to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

St. Francis of Assisi 

Straight Face by Brandon Wallace: A Book Review

The issue of homosexuality is one that has advanced to the forefront of most societal circles, especially within the Church. This has not simply been by course of agenda or political intent, but one that has developed quite naturally as our culture continues to progress in becoming more socially minded. There was a time when one could develop a personal belief on homosexuality, keep it to themselves and within certain circles, discuss it openly and without fear of judgment. Pastors and Christian leaders could remain fairly neutral by virtue of political correctness, and never have to really confront the issue or take a stand one way or the other. While radically opposite ends of the spectrum have continued to stand by traditional positions, mainstream Christianity has been afforded the luxury of ignoring the issue. This is simply no longer the case as an obvious line is being drawn for all to choose a side on which to stand. In the company of authors such as Timothy Kurek and Matthew Vines, with his first book, Straight Face, Brandon Wallace has created yet another instrument that has etched that line even deeper and more defined.

Brandon is well on his way to becoming a leading voice for homosexuality within the Church. Gay Christian leaders are finding their way into the mainstream of Christian culture, although this is still a somewhat of an anomaly. What makes Brandon’s voice so unique on this issue is his deep connection with traditional conservative church culture and his previous personal rejection of homosexuality. Growing up in Arkansas, in the heart of Southern Bible Belt theology, being a gay Christian was not an option, much less for one hoping to enjoy a career in ministry. From all practical and outward perspectives, Brandon experienced a typical upbringing within the Evangelical Church. Finding faith in Christ at a young age, Brandon developed a deep relationship with Christ and began to entertain early aspirations that he was called to a life in ministry. Although knowing the truth of his sexuality from an early age, he began the process of preparing for what he thought his life would look like as a pastor. He jumped through each proverbial Evangelical hoop, dotted each Baptist “I” and crossed every Conservative Bible Belt “T”. From the outside looking in, Brandon was on the ministerial path to become an Evangelical golden boy; as long as the door to his closet stayed closed and well locked. Brandon would need help in achieving what he had always aspired to achieve, and to silence the part of him that he had grown to hate. That help would come in the form of an unusual partner in ministry. A friend that would stand by him, but not exactly in love and support. A partner that would become more of an enemy than ally. Enter Straight Face.       

Straight Face is more than the autobiographical title of Brandon’s story; it is the name of his mask; his alter-ego that helped him navigate the uncertain waters of being a gay Christian living in the closet. Straight Face is the story of what it is like to wear a mask and reject the true self. It’s the story of a Christian leader, with a deep love for Christ, the Church and even the traditional conservative culture in which he was raised. It’s the story of how a talented young leader struggles to not only find his place in ministry, but discovers and accepts himself as God created him to be. And it’s the story of how, upon finally coming to grips with the truth of his sexuality, he finds that in reality the enemies he would face were not those of the typical nature. His greatest foes were not God, not the Church, not his friends and family, but the one person that he had spent years fighting against: Himself.     

   

Brandon writes in a compelling way that draws the reader into his story. It challenges the reader to look at the issue of homosexuality within Christianity from a real, humble and honest perspective. The reader will feel as if they are joining him on this journey, feeling his pain, experiencing his frustrations and sharing in his joys. Each page creates opportunity to feel that you are with him, walking side by side in his struggles. Brandon welcomes the reader into his story as a friend, brother or son, and regardless of your personal beliefs on homosexuality, you will feel compassion. Straight Face is not necessarily intended to convince the reader of changing their views on the issue, but is a humble and respectful entreaty to help the reader come to the realization that we all wear our own masks to some extent. With love and conviction, Brandon gives the reader permission to be who they are, without concern with popular and cultural opinion. 

The Church is rapidly facing a point in history in which it must confront changing societal issues in candid and honest discussion. Despite our comfort zones, we are rapidly moving to a culture that is more focused and concerned with issues that may have previously made many of us uncomfortable. Within the Church, the key to facing and remaining relevant in times of cultural shift is truth. And while talk of transparency and authenticity are common in most Christian circles, the evidence proves that words do not always match actions. Brandon encourages the reader that our first action must be removing the proverbial masks, because only then can we face the other person with the unconditional love and compassion of Christ.  

You can find Brandon's book, Straight Face on Amazon and connect with Brandon on facebook, twitter or his website, The Gay Christian 

A Review of When Saint Francis Saved the Church by Jon M. Sweeney

History is not an easy realm of culture to communicate with the written word. Facts are one thing, but being able to transport the reader into the chronological story is something completely different. Perhaps this is why so many claim to dislike history: They fail to see history as “story”. In essence, history is simply telling the story of what has been, and in ancient times was meant to capture the imagination and enable the reader to travel with the story teller into a place and time of which they were never actually part. The reader becomes part of history and the story becomes part of them. In fact, one could dare say that a true historian is not merely a collaborator of facts, but a teller of stories. This is what author John Sweeney has accomplished with his most recent work, When Saint Francis Saved the Church: How a Converted Medieval Troubadour Created a Spiritual Vision for the Ages.

“I don’t read many books about history,” a friend of Sweeney tells him as they discuss his new book over breakfast. “It isn’t a ‘history’,” was his reply, and so the book begins. This is not a book of history. It is a story whose seeds were planted many hundred years in the past; in a time that was very different, but also so similar that it could have been written on events that have only just transpired. This is what makes this book so accessible. Sweeney writes in a way that brings the history of Francis of Assisi, not only to life, but to reality. 

The author tells the story of Francis in such a way that captures the reader’s interest and communicates how his life, teaching and ministry are just as relevant today as they were over 800 years ago; possibly even more so. In a personal manner, Sweeney takes us on a journey, not so much by vehicle of history, but conversation. The reader will feel as if they are sitting across the table from the author in a favorite coffee shop, listening intently to a story that they want to be a part of. In light of the popularity of the Catholic Church’s newly elected Pontiff, Pope Francis, and his refreshingly simplistic and holistic approach to the Gospel, the understanding of Saint Francis’ impact on the Church is even more significant for us today. In fact, one might say that this impact is being felt even more in our time than it was when Francis walked the earth.

Sweeney has created a very accessible and understandable book in the structure in which he has chosen to present it. In three parts, he tells the story of Francis in a realistic and demythologized manner. 

Part One: A New Look at Francis

In order to clear the air, Sweeney immediately puts to rest some of the myths and misconceptions about Francis and reveals who he really was. It is much easier to relate to a man than a statue, and it is quite possible that this is the point at which the myths began. There is no real commitment to be made in following a fantasy. But to learn and follow the actions of a man is something that requires more than sentimentality.

So why is the life of a man living on the cusp of a world transitioning to modernity so significant to a culture awakening to the postmodern? Even more specifically, how is this particular segment of “Church” history important to the active work of Christ and a Church that seems to be evolving each day? In a powerful way, Sweeney reveals the deep significance of Francis’ life in the strikingly similar aspects of faith and the critical issues that he confronted within the Church and culture. It is one thing to see a historical figure’s impact on the past, but it is quite another to see that impact being made manifest in the present. The author makes this clear by immediately connecting Francis’ vision for 13^th century Christianity with ours in the 21^st. What the reader will realize is that the reality of his life and vision for the Church are just as relevant today as they were in his time. The very same problems that Francis confronted are many of the same problems that the postmodern Church faces today.

Part Two: Six Way Francis Quietly Created a Spiritual Vision for the Ages   

            

Building on the deconstruction of some of the myths of St. Francis, Sweeney elaborates by focusing on his humanity. The reader will become familiar with Francis’ high regard for friendship and his all-inclusive holistic view of embracing all of humanity as a gift from God. Even before his conversion to Christianity, Francis had a love for others; a love that eventually found its roots in a friendship with God. Francis’ life was intertwined with friendships and this extended to all aspects of his life, faith and view of the natural world. The author elaborately describes how Francis not only embraced the familiar, but challenged his followers to also the reach out to the “others” of life, the marginalized within society and even the non-believers; most significantly Muslims. 

Sweeney also illustrates how Francis’ spiritual vision embraced poverty and living a life that was radically different to the religious leaders of his time. These were the same religious leaders that he insisted did not have a special divine link to the spiritual, but that all people had access to a deeper and more fulfilling spiritual life. The practices of the spiritual were not religious mandates that only pious clergy were called to, but holistic disciplines that each human could live out.

Going further, the author touches on Francis’s natural view of humanity’s spiritual unity with nature and all living things. Francis saw that humanity was not only being called to love one another, but having the natural instinct to care and love nature and the living creatures that populated the earth. This was an active and fluid love that called for care, not simply sentimental emotions. There was a oneness in Francis’s vision to the created order as something to be embraced, a vision that he held to ever in the facing of his own death. Life, death and all of creation was not inherently evil to Francis, but a unity of life created by God in which each human is an intricate part of.

Part Three: Why Francis Matters Right Now

Sweeney concludes by connecting Francis’ vision for ministry and the Church to the here and now. As he does throughout the book, he reiterates that Francis is just as relevant for the post-modern Church as he was in his time. The revolutionary life that he lived is being lived today because of the spiritual simplicity of his message and his example that has transcended time and space. Sweeney calls the readers to reflect on their own “Francis”, in the radically unusual leadership of Pope Francis I. The author calls us to ask the difficult and urgent questions. Is the Church facing the same state of complacency that it faced in the time of Francis? Are we seeing the very beginnings of reforms and deep transformations that will “save” the Church of 2015? Are Christians asking the same questions and desiring the same refreshing wind that blew in the 13^th century?

When Saint Francis Saved the Church is a book for anyone who finds themselves trying to find their place in the construct of the post-modern Church. Christianity faces many struggles and complex issues; calling pastors, leaders and the countless faithful who follow Christ to change the way we view the Church. The chaotic world in which we live is forcing us to take a fresh look at the Gospel message and the essential words that Christ has for the world. Francis saw and embraced a similar chaotic world and chose to return to the simplicity of God’s message for all of creation. Is it possible that the message has not changed, but only being rediscovered once again?      

   

Peace and All Good Things!     

You can connect with Jon on facebook, twitter or his blog AlmostCatholic.   

  

The Day the Angels Fell by Shawn Smucker: A Retrospective Review

It's no secret that 2014 was somewhat of a chaotic twelve months around the world. As we find ourselves facing the dawn of a new year, it's natural for most of us to seek opportunities to increase hope in our lives. Unfortunately, it's often difficult to escape reality while we witness the tragedies that life throws at as. Each of us seek ways of escape; momentary distractions that allow us to regain focus, strengthen our resolve and find our footing on our foundations of hope. For many of us, the escaping into a book is a powerful and effective vehicle to distract the mind and encourage the soul. It's easy to get lost in a good story, but even the best and most creative literary narrative will take the reader nowhere without an effective storyteller. The successful storyteller is one who can temporarily transform reality into what is seen through their creative mind's eye, transporting the reader into another world that engages and stimulates all the senses. This is what Shawn Smucker has accomplished with his first novel, The Day the Angels Fell.

With incredible detail and compelling imagery, this gripping novel of adventure and fantasy, follows the story of Sam Chambers, a twelve year old boy who experiences tragedy in the unexpected death of his mother. Twenty four hours before, attempting to escape a violent thunderstorm, he finds himself seeking shelter in an old antique shop, where he discovers the pivotal words that encompass this book: Find the Tree of Life, carved on an old shop table. With the help of his best friend, Abra Miller, these two young protagonists begin a journey that revolves around this unusual mandate and Sam's keen intuition that it is somehow mysteriously connected to the death of his mother.

Embarking on a quest reminiscent of the Lord of the Rings, these two are tested beyond their limits as they journey through an ancient story that intertwines with each human being who has walked this earth. Confronting both the very crux of both life and death, hope and discouragement, love and hate and even to the very confrontation of the origins of good and evil, Sam and Abra eventually come to realize that they are on a journey that transports them from what they know as real and rapidly thrusts them into the realms of the supernatural. Finding themselves being led toward a final and all encompassing conflict, Sam and Abra begin a struggle of choices that threaten their friendship, as well as the very balance of the world and all created history.  Learning lessons way before their time, they begin to understand the permanence of decisions and consequences, as well as the stark realty that quite often, the desires of our heart are not always the blessing that we hope them to be. It is within this realty that Sam comes face to face with the natural truth that some of things we hope for, although well intended, can result in disaster and border on the essence of confronting evil.

The Day the Angels Fell is a novel that is both engaging for preteens as well as adult. Older children will find the pages of this book to be exciting, thought provoking, and cause them to contemplate the issues of life, faith and finding their place in this world. Adults will discover the same, but will also find themselves recalling memories of nostalgic youth and the simplicity of childhood. While "Finding the Tree of Life", all readers will discover the proverbial message that lies within, as well as be reacquainted with the beautiful story of redemptive history. This is a novel that restores hope, deepens faith and challenges the reader to engage in life for what it offers each day and live each moment to the fullest.

The Day the Angels Fell is available at shawnsmucker.com as well as Amazon. You can also connect with Shawn on facebook and twitter.