St. Nicholas Day-- December 6 (PartB)

One Nicholas story tells of a poor man with three daughters. In those days a young woman's father had to offer prospective husbands something of value — the larger the dowry, the better the chance that a young woman would find a good husband. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry. This poor man's daughters, without dowries, were therefore destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three different occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home, providing the needed dowries. The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. Sometimes the story is told with gold balls instead of bags of gold. And so St. Nicholas is a gift-giver.

I like this part because my wife's German heritage includes sweet tasting goodies and small gifts today!

Here's my gift for you --
Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

(I use the shape of stockings and coins to honor Nicholas today!)

Ingredients:

½ cup           butter / margarine

1 cup          sugar

1           egg

1 tsp           vanilla

2-2/3 cups           flour

1 tsp           baking powder

½ tsp            soda

½ tsp           salt

¼ tsp            nutmeg

½ cup           sour cream

Recipe:

Heat oven to 425 degrees.

Mix butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla.

Blend dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream.

Roll ¼” thick on well-floured surface.

Use cookie cutters or glass lip (less than 3”).

Place cookies on greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with sugar.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes (less is better!)

Eat with cold, cold milk while they are soft and HOT!

St. Nicholas Day-- December 6 (Part A)

As Bishop of Myra, a seacoast town in southern Turkey, Nicholas lived the qualities that caused his fame and popularity to spread throughout the Christian world. His vigorous actions on behalf of his people and in defense of the Christian faith reveal a man who lived his convictions. His concern was for the welfare of his flock and his stand for orthodox belief earned him respect as a model for bishops and defender of the faith. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church.

Stories tell of Nicholas saving his people from famine, sparing the lives of those innocently accused, and much more. He did many kind and generous deeds in secret, expecting nothing in return. Within a century of his death he was celebrated as a saint. Today he is in the East as wonder, or miracle worker and in the West as patron of a great variety of persons: children, mariners, bankers, pawn-brokers, scholars, orphans, laborers, travelers, merchants, judges, paupers, marriageable maidens, students, children, sailors, victims of judicial mistakes, captives, perfumers, even thieves and murderers!

In 325 Emperor Constantine called the Council of Nicea, which was the first ecumenical council ever held. More than 300 bishops from all over the Christian world came to debate the nature of the Holy Trinity, one of the early church's most intense theological questions. Arias, from Egypt, taught that the Son Jesus was not equal to God the Father. This was the Arian controversy which shook Christianity's very foundations. According to one account, when confronted by the unyielding Arias, Nicholas slapped him in the face.

Other names in Europe: Germany (Nikolaus), Netherlands (Sinterklaas), France (Nicolas), Italy (San Nicola)

In celebration, check out posting "B" for today!

Ramon Paul Vardell - RIP

Ironic (?) that both my mother-in-law and uncle (both about 77) were hospitalized for months with infections of the abdomen due to complications from minor surgery.

My mother-in-law was home for three months before she returned for a repair. She is in the hospital again because of yet another infection, but it seems better.

My uncle never made it back to his home. Hopeful signs arose and he was a fighter (two tours of duty in Vietnam with the Marines), but in the end he succumbed to the infection. I was asked to help with the funeral and offered the Lutheran commital service. What joy and comfort. He now rests in God's hands. He was a great guy and well-loved, and that will be sorely missed. Ironic (?) that the Marine motto is "Semper Fidelis" (Always Faithful)); that was Uncle Ramon's life motto; now Christ will take up the "Always Faithful" banner, as the Lord promises to hold Ramon Paul firm until he is reunited with his loved ones.

No I am NOT still in Minnesota.

You may have wondered -- what happened? Did he get stuck in feet of Minnesota snow and will not be thawed out enough to Blog until after Easter??? No, nothing that dramatic -- just life. I did well at the conference and had a good Minnesota visit. Got home and family were in the hospital (mother-in-law and uncle), so that is the closest thing I have to an excuse.

Lutheran Education on the Texas Frontier

Today, I presented at paper at the Lutheran Historical Conference in St Paul, Minnesota
My title was “Education on the Frontier: The First Hundred and One Years of Lutheran Higher Education in Texas”
I looked at the developments that led to the current two Texas Lutheran-affiliated universities.
I appreciated the opportunity to learn also about historical issues across North America. Plus, it is always good to share with Lutheran historians things that happen in the Southwest -- often basically unknown.

"The Garden of Earthly Delights" - Visited Again

At Madrid's Prado Museum, we viewed the original art work by Hieronymous Bosch, entitled "The Garden of Earthly Delights."

I first encountered this piece in March 2009, when we attended an off-Broadway play in New York City, based on the painting of the same name.

In this triptych, Bosch gives the viewer a sense of the Creation, Fall, and Hell, though some critics argue about the middle theme.

I actually considered buying a copy on linen (Spain has reasonable prices!), but decided against it. This time the third panel disturbed me most of all. I sensed that Bosch was dwelling on the punishment and not the opportunity for amendment of life or, MOST importantly, the possibility of forgiveness. Perhaps we live in a time that needs to view representations of end-times punishment for sin, as so many seem oblivious to any judgment for personal actions. On the other hand, the church's job, I believe, is not so much to shout condemnations, but to raise the reality of the end and then proclaim the promises of new life in Christ, as well as renewed life for Christ's own. Thanks, Bosch, for the wake-up call. I will try to take it from here and preach the power of Christ to change lives!

I arrived in Spain’s Santiago de Compostela later than planned due to flight delays on Monday evening. Still, the late afternoon sun illuminated the day, so I toured a bit before collapsing with jet lag. Across from this ancient pilgrimage church was a more modern (17th century?) building with decorations depicting the Apostle, St. James. The following morning, my daily devotions included the cryptic mention of the death of James from Acts 12: “After that time Herod the king laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword….” The legend of St. James then continues with two followers rescuing his body and sailing away from Israel to bury James covertly in the northwest corner of Spain. Then in the 8th century a pious monk follows the stars (compostela) to discover the hidden tomb of St. James (Santiago). Once honored, St James then returns to assist Spanish armies in defeating the Moors (North African Muslims). Do the pious pilgrims who have been following this ancient road to the church for penance, healing, reconciliation, or grace for loved ones know about St. James with raised sword fighting Moors? It gives one pause to think of one who dies by the sword (James) would return to live again for the sword. Didn't Jesus say in Matthew 26 (with James listening): “Whoever lives by the sword, dies by the sword?”

Priests in Film "The American" & "Machete"

This past weekend offered two movies in which Roman Catholic priests figure prominently, though not as the main character. In "The American," the priest seems to fill a rather traditional role -- voice of conscience, soul care, and reflective on life. In "Machete," OK, it's a comic book, but the priest performs traditional roles -- present in the church, listening to confessions. However, he is also the brother of Machete, so he violates the seal of the confessional by passing on incriminating evidence, blasts bad guys with twin shotguns, and harbors a naked Lindsay Lohan and her mom-figure.

Which is more real? Which is more what priests wish would be?

Priests would go for "The American," I am sure. But certainly there are moments when twin shotguns could seem like a good solution.

Realistically, if one can say that about a movie, the Italian priest is doing good evangelism -- reaching for the lost soul, and as the movie develops there are hints that Clooney's character is listening or being worked on subconciously as he wants out of his life of death-dealing. Sadly, the priest seems to have lost hope for Clooney's character as he confronts him for the last time. But the Spirit may still be reaching.
Sadly, movie-goers may lose some hope for the real Clooney, as this was not one of his better films. Pretty, but not much substance.

Cheech Marin (Machete's brother, the priest) attempts the role of priest as agent of social change -- maybe. But really, this is just a cartoon, and little positive can be said. The issue, not raised in the film, of violating the seal of the confessional for the greater community good is a difficult one, and deserves more reflection than this movie gives it. But this was a loud, noisy live-action cartoon after all!

"When Schools Flourish, All Things Flourish"

Schools started this week in our area. On our church's drive-by sign, I posted the message: "When Schools Flourish, All Things Flourish -- Martin Luther". It is a good reminder that many of the things we take for granted today had to be started somewhere. Luther was one of the earliest to argue for town-supported schools that would be available for all children. Yes, ALL CHILDREN -- Luther even thought girls should attend. That was an even more radical idea for the time. As parents drive by the church building headed to the local school houses, we are not asking that they stop to express a word of thanks, rather we are just inviting folks to a fellowship that continues not to take the status quo for granted, but find new ways to be faithful to God in response to changing community needs.

"Get Low" with a Lutheran twist.

Robert Duvall continues to be amazing. And Bill Murray pulls surprise after surprise. These guys are good, and the rest of the cast does very well -- especially the "sincere young man"/driver and Sissy Spacek.

The first two-thirds of the movie was fabulous -- what a script. Then the last third just kind of played out with little surprise or insight. I suppose that is why it is a "small film" not a blockbuster.

The Christianity portrayed was realistic -- the sincere minister (Gerald McRaney) shared the religious truth as he saw it and played poker with the community leaders! The older minister did not let the Duvall character escape from the truth, but still showed up in support.

Go see this film!

A note that I was unaware of until the September 2010 "The Lutheran" magazine, p. 10: "Family stories of Elizabeth C. Birkholz, a pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Marietta, Ga., formed the basis of Get Low, starring Robert Duvall as Felix "Bush" Breazeale, a Tennessee man who held a funeral for himself in 1938 while he was still alive .... Birkholz's great-grandfather, Frank Quinn, was the funeral home director, and her grandfather, Frank "Buddy" Robinson, drove the hearse. The movie was co-written by Birkholz's husband, Scott J. Seeke, pastor of The River Lutheran Church, Alpharetta, Ga. Birkholz and her family were extras in the film.

Eat Pray Love -- Sounds Good! But ...

Eat Pray Love -- Sounds like my life plan. I do eat too much, as food is one of my favorite things! And "pray"? Well, I am in the preacher business -- prayer comes up frequently, and I do much of it. Love? I Corinthians states that "Faith, Hope, and Love abide, but the greatest of these is Love." And Jesus himself is connected more times to love than faith or hope in the four Gospels. (Love -- 58 times, Faith -- 33, and Hope only 3!) So, Love is definitely a key word, goal, and blessing for Christians.

But ... This movie that is out right now with Julia Roberts called "Eat Pray Love" leaves much to be desired in my view. The eating is Italian, which has disappointed me in my few journeys to that country recently. The love is probably the strongest part of the movie, but depends on the pray and that is where I find the greatest weakness. OK, maybe I am prejudiced because the pray is in a Hindu context. I do not understand the new Hollywood fascination with Hinduism (after previous brushes with Buddhism, Kabbalah, Scientology, ...). Why is it that so few take Christianity seriously? Most seem to react to childhood experience or a caricature or I guess what gets covered in the media as "Christianity": big, noisy, conservative, and restrictive. Why don't stars go to a regular Sunday morning service at a regular parish -- try my classmate (Pr. Tony Auer) in Pasadena.

Beyond my parochialism, why not try real Christianity? I found the religious message "Pray" shallow. The main message seemed to be -- worship until you can forgive yourself. First of all that message comes across so selfish in this film. Secondly, I couldn't help but think of the monk Martin Luther prior to the Reformation -- sincere, dedicated, cleaning the floor, but finding no release. I think Luther was right -- the answer cannot come from ourselves and our efforts; it must come from outside of us, from God, when we hear "for you" -- the cross, forgiveness, Holy Communion, new life.

But hey, I liked Julia Roberts in Mona Lisa Smile; maybe that is because my daughter is in that film!

3 generations of Vardell men in a field jacket

In his 20's, my father wore this coat when he left the Marine Corps after the Korean War. He decided not to make the USMC a career, and he had no desire to return to driving another man's tractor while he plowed another man's field. So, the coat went with him to college, which led to his career in the food industry.

I wore the coat to college at a time of protest of another Asian war. And then in my early 20's, I took it northward to keep me warm while I attended seminary in Minnesota and began my service in the church.

This past week, my son discovered the same field jacket; so, in his early 20's and in his last years' of college, he is the third Vardell male wearing it -- to keep him warm on his bicycle, as he journeys into his future.

May the field jacket protect him, and may God stay with all the wearers!

AGORA -- is it too open?

AGORA -- is it too open?

The "agora" was the open meeting place/trade place of the Greeks. This movie, entitled "Agora," explores that concept of "openness" (I think) as the Greek world was being eclipsed by the Christian / Roman in the late fourth century in Alexandria. I generally like toga and sandal epics, so I hoped for much from the film. I was generally disappointed. Initially, the rise of Christianity was handled in a fairly balanced way. And in the story, the Christians did not start the attacks on other religions. But very quickly the Christians emerge as dominant and begin severe persecutions -- ultimately crushing free scientific inquiry. (At least, I think that was the point of the movie. I must admit, I thought things entangled as the film moved to a conclusion. Is it a story about freedom? Is it about religious toleration? Is it a love story? Is it a story of mature friendships? Is it a criticism of the church becoming involved in government? Is it all these? If so, it needed to be longer, and it was already too long.) Besides, the predominance of Christianity had already been legislated for the Roman Empire almost two generations previously by Constantine. As usual, Rachel Weisz is amazing, but a better epic could have been made.

8.9.10

8.9.10 -- Today's date: a reminder of the regularity that creeps into our chaotic lives, and a reminder that the chaos is starting to clear enough that I should get more regular with this Blog again!
1) "Summertime, and the living is easy" -- that song was NOT true this year. Sylvia's mother has been in the hospital or an assistance center for three months. We had planned on a week stay, starting back in April when she entered the hospital. So, the change in plans necessitated by the prolonged stay has certainly changed the Summer. It was not easy.
But, ...
2) She is out! Recovery continues at home and we need to get used to that rhythm. Lots of home health care workers come and go, but Ingrid (my mother-in-law) keeps the schedule straight, so things can return to a new normal.
3) Thank God for modern medical care! And pray God continue to watch over my Uncle Ramon who entered an Oklahoma hospital shortly after Ingrid, and he has basically the same complications. He is now recovering in Oklahoma City, and is headed for his own three month stay. (Word to the wise: ask your doctor to avoid nicking the bowel, when operating on the abdomen area. It greatly complicates life!)

"Don't nobody know my troubles but God."

Sunday afternoon, Sylvia and I attended a play/musical called "Black Pearl Sings" at the Watertower Theater in Addison.
This was probably their best play of a rich season of offerings. I was captivated by the 1930's Texas and New York City settings, and the themes of a musicologist capturing songs for future generations. "Black Pearl," a paroled Texas convict, is the singer who reaches back through time for songs of the African-American experience in the Americas and before. I was particularly captivated by an early song, "Don't nobody know my troubles but God." The soulful, blues tune accompanied by periodic stomping of the feet spoke volumes of the experience of oppression.
I am worried that we don't have such experiences any longer. I am not asking for oppression, but sometimes the relative success/excess we enjoy in 21st century America seems to drive persons further from God. One would perhaps think that blessings would drive one to seek the Blesser, but more often the reality seems to be that suffering drives one to seek the Comforter. I would pray that all life, bane and blessing and in between, would send us to the one God in charge of it all.

Clothing Exchange Event at First United

On Saturday, June 5, we did not celebrate the D-Day Landing of 1944 early, but the Clothing Landing at First United Lutheran Church in Dallas! The Clothing Exchange (check this out: http://www.theclothingexchange.com/) is an official Green Event, which encourages folks to pass on outgrown and no longer needed clothes to others AT NO CHARGE! At First United, a local community volunteer (Meredith) organized everything, as she has done this for years. We members of the church served cookies and lemonade and orange slices and good cheer to the overheated "shoppers." Persons come in with bags of unwanted clothing and get the same number of bags to fill from others' discards (which the volunteers have carefully categorized). What wonderful Stewardship, caring for resources responsibly, plus helping out the community. As Meredith pointed out, it is also a kind of "loaves and fishes" event because there are always many bags of left over clothing that go to shelters and other non-profits for their use. Thanks "The Clothing Exchange" for letting us host! Watch for a late-Summer/early-Fall Back-to-School event.

Margaret Luttrell - Lutheran History in Action!

Margaret Luttrell stopped by this afternoon to check out our History Hallway. (More details in later posts.) The 1925 Dallas newspaper photo caught her eye BECAUSE SHE WAS IN IT!

There she is at age 8, meeting for Saturday Bible story time. She shared her memories of early activity in the church and early Dallas life. Welcome, Margaret! Come back and see us again!

Russell Times 2 -- Russell Vardell, Russell Brand 5/19/2010

Russell Brand (not really much like me -- have you seen a guy with thinner legs?) was on David Letterman tonight. He claimed his long, uncontrolled hair restricted him to trying out for acting roles of either a homeless man or Jesus. Dave asked if he had tried out often for Jesus. Russell's curious response -- his whole life has been a try-out for Jesus. Interesting faith comment from an odd, but talented actor. As a Lutheran, I might want to tell him that all the trying will end in frustration, then I would invite him to trust in God's love for him.
But as a Christian looking for faith affirmations in the public square, I will say "Thanks, Russell, for the plug for Jesus!"

Babies!

A new movie -- Babies -- is opening this Mothers' Day weekend. It seems like such a joy from the trailers I have been seeing for months at the Angelika Theater here in Dallas. I hope to get to see it; I hope it lives up to the trailer!
This is a pensive reflection on the movie trailer at this point, as I have been reflecting on life and death this week since I have been visiting my mother-in-law in the Intensive Care Unit at a Dallas Hospital after she suffered complications from abdominal surgery. So, even the Babies movie for all its joyousness reminded me of a life-and-death experience in Zimbabwe in Southern Africa 20+ years ago. Our family arrived and settled into a spacious house. My new son, Alex, looked much like the blue-eyed "Hattie" of the movie poster; our gardener, Bernard, had a new child as well, not quite as tribally-attired as Ponjiao, but just as cute. I was talking with Bernard about being a parent one day. He reflected on the joy they bring. He also shared that another child had been born previously but died days afterward. When I asked him about the cause of death. He said he did not know. The child just died.
In the joy of the Babies movie and its revelation of baby-raising similarities, I hope we can also realize the need to extend health care, clean water, adequate food, and health education across this globe -- on behalf of Babies, on behalf of the parents who love them.

Easter and Texas wildflowers

Texas Wildflowers, especially Bluebonnets, bloom profusely in the relative cool of our Spring. It seems that Easter is the highpoint of beauty. Many years I have seen carloads of families and friends pulled off to the side of the road to photograph a child or friend in the Bluebonnets. I have several such shots myself of my two kids at various ages.
The wonderful thing is, that much as the wildflowers linger after Easter Sunday, the blessings of Easter continue.
What a wonderful creation we have been gifted. What a wonderful Resurrected Lord is given!

Heading for Amarillo

I am heading for Amarillo bright and early Friday morning. Help me out. Is this Cadillac Ranch all there is? OK, besides the 72ounce Steak challenge?

Robin Hood Sneak Preview - April 21

We Texans are into heroes. On San Jacinto Day (4/21), celebrating the final battle of the Texas Revolution and the surrender of the dictator Santa Anna, I attended a preview screening of the new Russell Crowe vehicle "Robin Hood" -- an English hero. Interesting movie, dealing with the pre-Robin Hood days -- why he moved into Sherwood Forest as an outlaw. As one might expect from a Ridley Scott production, the film was well-crafted, but I must say it seemed to be missing a "spark" to engage the viewer. It is no Medieval "Gladiator."
We Christians are targets in Medieval times. And "Robin Hood," though not anti-church totally, took several shots at the church of time. True, there is an engaging Friar Tuck who can relate to the people, but primarily he is into bees and mead, not his churchly duties. The "church" is often lumped in with the nobles as oppressors of the people -- not particularly worse than other oppressors, but an oppressor all the same. At the same time, the church is a target for society destroyers and it suffers from that. Is there hope in Tuck and the shared experience of oppression? In the end though, the Sherwood Forest dwellers live peacefully in the greenwood under the beneficent spirit of a deceased Loxley, not God.

What Would Jesus Do? The Handgrenade Question

I like Garage Sales. You just never know what treasure will be waiting.

This is indeed a treasure:

The question now is -- can I put it on my desk in the church office? It may be funny in an odd way, but I am unsure about "church funny." (Despite the Monty Python "Holy Hand Grenade" moment.) Honestly, this item is not about peace and charity and welcome and forgiveness. OK, I answered my own question -- inappropriate. I think I know what Jesus would do -- keep it out of a church setting.

But what do you think? Inappropriate? Humorous enough to get away with it? Who cares?

More on "The Pacific" -- HBO World War II series

I commented earlier about the beginning of the HBO series, "The Pacific." It is now into the mid-point and I am not sure what I think about it. I continue to tape episodes and share them with my WWII veteran uncle. And he says he appreciates it: he lived through the New Britain conflict (and was wounded); he recovered from his wounds in the same back area hospital compound that was the backdrop for one character's recovery of health. I am particularly interested in his comments on the episodes of Peleilu that have begun.

But I am trying to figure out my own discomfort with the series. I think, but this may still change, that what seems weak about the series (especially compared to the earlier "Band of Brothers" effort) is that there is too much individualism, not enough about the unit cohesion, the importance of comrades-in-arms. Even "Band of Brothers" had strong individual characters but overall one followed the unit. There seems too much about just key individuals in this "Pacific" series. Generally we Americans focus on individuals, but at least the myth of WWII was that it was about mutual efforts on the battlefield and at home. But I shall follow the series to the end and see if that evaluation remains true for me.

Resurrection of God's People

A well-meaning relative gave me, as a Christmas present, the recent best-seller, 90 Minutes in Heaven.

Spoiler alert -- it recounts the experience of a Baptist minister, Don Piper, who was declared dead by EMTs for some 90 minutes at the scene of a car accident.

I figured the Easter Season was the time to tackle this book and read it in a long afternoon. Interesting account to be sure, but the "90 Minutes" was brief -- not much could be related beyond the memory of heaven. The book was more about how the author dealt with the experience and included helpful illustrations of sharing the promise of the resurrection.

At the very end of the book, the author shares a final comment about his research of near-death experiences. He reports that they do vary widely, but most persons share this factor -- marked changes in personality. With no fear of death, survivors became more compassionate, more giving, and more loving.

That is an Easter message for us all to carry. After Jesus death then life, and the promise that we shall have it too, dare we all become more compassionate, giving, and loving indeed!

Easter! Alleluia!

Easter 2010 -- No idle tale, but a moving report that changes the world!
"Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen." (Luke 24:5b)

Sunday -- Happy Hour All Day

A new place opened down the street from my house. To gather new customers in, they have posted banners on the building "$5 lunches." That was enough to get me in there. It is really a bar mostly, I think, but the lunch was good -- certainly worth the $5. While eating there with my wife, Sylvia, we noticed different features of the place, but my favorite sign stated simply: "Sunday -- Happy Hour All Day."
Now, that is what every preacher hopes for -- the hour of worship will bring joy, help folks be happy "All Day" even All Week! What do you think, shall I borrow the sign and post it at church? "Sunday: Happy Hour All Day"

First Day of Spring -- Snow in Texas!

It is odd to think that Jerusalem in Israel and Dallas, Texas are at almost the same latitude on the globe. Is our weather that different then? Israel is not all that familiar with snow either -- the word "snow" is only in the Old Testament and New Testament less than 30 times, and that usually is as a comparative of how white something can be.
Well, every now and then in Texas and Israel it comes down hard! Psalm 147: 16 "[The Lord] gives snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes." That must have ben written after a storm like our First Day of Spring -- Sunday morning. Some asked if we would even be having church. But by Noon, snow was fading. Psalm 147: 18a "[The Lord] sends out his word, and melts them...." This Texas boy was glad to see the blue sky, glad to know God stays in charge!

"The Pacific" (Hanks/Spielberg share more of World War II)

As a child, I was raised on World War II. Although my father was a Marine involved in the Korean War, he had a brother and brother-in-law captured at Wake Island. And another uncle was wounded at Cape Gloucester and served later at Peleilu. (http://www.purpleheartaustin.org/bankston.htm) So, I waited with anticipation for the beginning of the 10 part miniseries from Hanks/Spielberg called "The Pacific."

In the closing minutes of the first episode, a young machine-gunner on Guadalcanal reflects on a particularly fierce battle in which he killed many Japanese. He asks the very difficult question faced by warriors -- though one might reconcile these actions with God, how does one square it with oneself for participation in such actions?

It may be exactly because we have difficultly forgiving ourselves AND one another, as well as living from that forgiveness, that we need the voice of God from outside our lives, outside even our own experience, to speak that forgiving word.

Lord, save me from faint, really faint, praise

So the old story goes --
When asked how he liked the new minister, an older member replied that he supposed the preacher was all right, although six days the pastor was invisible and the seventh day incomprehensible.

"This is the beginning of the end of the Word."

Well, that title seems dramatic indeed: "For an hour this week, I thought, 'This is the beginning of the end of the Word.'" I ran across this October 2009 quotation from Newsweek's religion editor, Lisa Miller, in another publication. She was commenting on an electronic Bible, and its potential to replace the Scriptures as we generally know it -- a bound Bible book. It is an interesting argument, though I think we are quite a ways from such a day. Technology is attractive, but not all (by a long shot!) have bought in.
Miller's sentiment is an interesting contrast to a recent movie "The Book of Eli" in which Denzel Washington's character protected the last Bible (in an alternative format), so it could be REPRINTED. (Spoiler alert: He dies as the Bible rolls off the press.)
I think the church can handle an all electronic Bible, as the technology people of faith have known has certainly shifted -- oral tradition, papyrus and scrolls, codex, hand-copied book, the printing press, and mass market product. Why not electronic some day?
But hardly, even then, "the beginning of the end of the Word."
How does Isaiah 40:8 say it? "The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever."

The Large Catechism -- largely for Lent

This year for my Wednesday evening Lenten service meditations, I have be using a reading from Scripture and a reading from Martin Luther's Large Catechism.

Last night I was struck by Luther's argument that the Creed should follow the Ten Commandments because the Ten Commandments tell us how we should live, but we cannot so live without God. And the creed reminds us of which god that is, or, who the God is that promises to enter our lives so that we might live with hope! It is refreshing, even in Lent, to remember that our shortfall, our sin, is not so much what we fail to do, but who (God!) we fail to believe in. Hence, the Lenten journey is to draw nearer to God's call, rather than to busy ourselves in doing better. In fact, it is in that very drawing nearer that we are able to do better!

Texas Independence and a Blue-eyed Alien in the Land!

Today is Texas Independence Day! A true Texas day of celebration of freedom from despotic rule (Santa Anna in 1836). As a Texan I will wear my Texas tie with pride today!

At my home, there is another reason to celebrate: 44 years ago my wife became an American citizen when her family was sworn in on Texas Independence Day, 1966. I thank God that they journeyed from Germany to Australia to Milwaukee to Texas; otherwise, Texan or not, I would find my life to be far, far less and have much less reason for celebration!

“Venus and Mars and Percy Jackson?”

There is a movie out right now called “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” which has the teenage son of a Greek god and human mother on a quest to save the world. Well, it is very entertaining, but entertaining fiction, to be sure. I have been fascinated since childhood by the ancient stories of the Mediterranean people trying to make sense of the world before Christianity arrived with its answers. And that reminded me that we have two subsequent months that honor Greek/Roman ideals – love and war: Venus and Mars. You might even remember that several years ago there was a series of books about “Men Are from Mars and Women Are from Venus.” I actually think we humans are all probably from both Mars and Venus.
Last month was the big Love festival of Valentine’s Day, and Love moved through the culture – music, movies, money. The goddess of Love, called Venus by the Romans or Aphrodite by the Greeks, ruled the nations’ attention. We will shortly be entering March (named for the Roman God Mars, called Ares by the Greeks -- the god of war). Are we similarly dominated by war? There is a war, a couple of wars, half a world away, often called to mind only when we hear of soldiers who are wounded or killed in action or civilians caught in the combat crossfire. And we are still in the middle of Lent when we remember the war that is internal for many of us, a war that the Apostle Paul noted: “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.” (Roman 7:19)

This two-fold, Love-War, Good-Evil, are realities indeed for human life. We do not need a modern half-god, half-man like Percy Jackson to solve the problem. And the Greeks and Romans though instructive do not solve things for us. So, we have a good Lutheran concept that recognizes “Simul justus et peccator” – simultaneously saint and sinner – the very human nature we share, the very human nature that the true God, true Man, Jesus Christ solved for us, a solution we ponder in the Christian faith which has made its way beyond the Mediterranean to Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Americas – that is, to us!

So, we draw close to the end of the Lenten season in March (this month of warfare) and we look forward to the Easter promise, when Divine Love erupts from the tomb in April! “Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7: 24b,25)

Ash Wednesday 2010

This year my Lenten Wednesdays will emphasize basic catechetical themes -- Confession, Sacraments, Creed, and Lord's Prayer. Today, for Ash Wednesday, we began appropriately with Confession. I read a portion of Martin Luther's Large Catechism, in which he addresses the need for Confession. I appreciated his reminder that the Reformation maintained the practice of Confession but shifted the focus from the abrasive scrutiny of the soul in pursuit of every transgression (large, small, and minute!) to an emphasis on the liberating freedom of forgiveness. It is a powerful gift of God to release us from guilt, worry, and animosity between ourselves and other Christians.

Susan Briehl's 2010 Hein Fry Lecture on Feb. 12

Rev. Susan Briehl presented the 2010 Hein Fry Lecture at 1:30 p.m., Feb. 12 at Texas Lutheran University. It was an "exciting" ride leaving the Dallas snow and ice that morning to drive the 250 miles down there. But the journey was smooth and the presentation ("Hearing the Word: Teaching the Bible in the Parish and Beyond") was encouraging. Pastor Briehl, an English major in college who took a Bible literature course from "the Lord" (her teacher's name was Dr Lord!), has a wonderful way of presenting with almost hymnic or poetic words as well as directly to the issues. I hope I can incorporate even a portion of the ideas in my regular Sunday morning Adult Bible Study.

Olympic Celebration

Tomorrow the Olympics are officially beginning with the Opening Ceremony. I will probably watch, though I cannot imagine the Canadians trying to match the pageantry of the Chinese opening just two years ago. Whenever the Olympics are held nowadays, I remember our family's journey a dozen years ago to Atlanta. (See photo!) What a wonderful opportunity -- gathering so many from throughout the world in peace for a moment. That Olympic ideal has existed since the ancient Greek games -- but the ideal has been disrupted: the bombing in Atlanta just days before we arrived and, of course, the horror of Munich in 1972.
I treasure that photo from my family trip to Atlanta as it captures a moment of celebration, joy, and common adventure. I treasure the Olympic ideal of celebration, joy, common adventure, and peace. And I lean on God when the realities of this world disrupt our ideals. May the Lord's peace reign, especially in Vancouver.

The Lovely Bones movie

Yesterday, technically my day off, I went to see a movie that ostensibly dealt with a religious topic: life after death.
First off, the movie just tore my heart out. As the involved father of an out-going daughter (like the deceased movie narrator character), I was just deeply saddened by the harsh reality that is child abduction and murder. Peter Jackson successfully explored that and dissected the family fraying that could accompany it. (And I thought Wark Wahlberg was fine in the role, contrary to many critics.)
The heaven part, the unsettled spirit part convinced me much less. The whole "in between" place part was not successful for me, though it allowed the story to progress well. I must remember it is fiction, but for an America that is less and less connected to the church and its teachings, the "in between" could serve as a confusing after-death image. After leading over 60 funerals and having a personal relationship with the surviving families in almost all those situations, I believe that an "in between," even to pursue justice, is not the desire. What the faith allows us to say is that God is now in charge when all else is loss, guilt, gone, pain, sorrow. The world offers little consolation, an "in between" even less. I prefer to share I Corinthians 15:19 -- "If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied."

La Vida de Fe

January 25-27, I attended our annual Tri-Synodical Theological Conference in San Antonion, Texas. The Theme was "La Vida de Fe." These conference times are usually opportunities for reconnecting with pastor-professional contacts and clearing one's head to think about the forthcoming year, as well as listening to the topic presented. At First United Lutheran Church we are not currently involved in the main theme -- Latino ministry, but, after the presentation by a demographer, it is apparent that ready or not, we are challenged for Latino ministry. Texas is already "Minority Majority" -- that is, Anglos (aka Whites) are already a minority in the state when all the "minority" groups are added together. Add to that, the likelihood is that by 2020, Texas will be Latino majority and by 2050, the whole of the United States will be Latino majority. (I may not live to see that.) So, the presentations were good awakenings to key concepts and ideas about the Latino experience of the life of faith. Gracias!

One year and counting!

Well, I have been here a year today. My first anniversary.
Is the honeymoon over? More importantly am I prepared to work at making this relationship happen? Yes. Or as they said up north in my seminary days -- You Betcha, ya sure!
Here are some review items from the year:
We took a photo at the former church location on Cole Avenue for the 86th birthday of the congregation. A new Men-ghetti (Men Who Love Spaghetti) fellowship group was started. A few folks tried their building skills with a Habitat for Humanity house in Old Plano. We shared special worship services for Lent and Advent besides our regular Sunday morning celebration of prayer, singing, Scriptures, sermon, and communion. In addition, we celebrated two special German-language services for Mid-Summer and Reformation Sunday. And some seven languages infused our Pentecost celebration. For Thanksgiving we joined with two area Lutherans congregations for worship. We also hosted the synod-wide Reformation Day “Marty Party” on October 31.
We spruced up the building a bit, especially our long hallway. We offered film festivals of Bible-themed movies as well as the Life of Luther. I also started leading a Thursday morning Bible Study at the Classic Residences, a Senior High Rise nearby. Plus Confirmation classes were initiated.

I Timothy 1:5: “But the aim … is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith.”

Happy First Anniversary, indeed!

Haiti News

Such tragic reports are coming out of Haiti -- the sheer number of deaths is almost overwhelming, almost unreal. Sometimes it helps to narrow to one person. In my case, I just heard about a young Lutheran seminary student, Benjamin Larson, killed while training lay people for leadership in the fledgling Haitian Lutheran Church. You can read more from CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/01/14/haiti.seminarian.killed/index.html (You have to paste this link into your browser.)
Now I have connections -- he is about the same age as my oldest child; I am a pastor and still remember the excitement of internship and preparing for a first call; I now teach a class for lay leadership development.
Now I can connect with one of the thousands; now the thousands become more real.
How can our hearts reach out to even more families at the loss of many more young men, many more servants of God, many more mothers and fathers and children and ... ?

https://community.elca.org/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx?pid=538

Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. The people of God have mercy.

Post-Christmas in Ireland

I took off for Ireland the Sunday after Christmas with wife, daughter, son, and mother-in-law in tow.
What a surprisingly wonderful country! Also, what a freezing cold country! (Coldest winter in a 100 years.) I enjoyed discovering so much. Perhaps I will comment more fully later, but for right now, I want to reflect on the "Celtic" cross.
Much has been made of its shape -- cross with round circle. Debate has been if that was a way to incorporate pre-Christian beliefs. But I want to say, I was amazed at its presence in the country. I saw ancient crosses (from about 1000 AD) through modern gravestones with the motif. I was especially impressed by the Monasterboice crosses I saw the first day in country. Photos are attached. Huge structures affirming the crucifixion, but other space with pictures of other Christian stories. Amazing design and execution. Enjoy the photos.