Dead End (a Lectionary reflection by Steve Orr)

We were deep under the earth.

How deep? I don't know. All I know is that we had been going steadily downward the whole time. We started out walking. Then, we had to crouch a bit. Soon enough, we were crawling on all fours.

And always on a slight decline.

Eventually, the cave ceiling became so low the only practical thing to do was to lie down. For most of that journey, we crawled along with just enough room to use our legs and arms to push/pull us. That wasn't so difficult. Even though it was slight, the incline was downward. There was still room to turn over on our backs whenever we wanted to take a break.

The payoff for all of this was the rumored large "cave of crystals" we were supposed to find at the end of the tunnel. Others had been there before us, and they promised the experience was worth all the trouble. So on we went.

In time, the tunnel dimensions were pretty tight. We lost the ability to turn over on our backs; just too narrow. There was just enough ceiling height for us and our gear. We had been told that the last stretch was a bit more of an decline, the end of which would be an opening into the large cave. We got pretty excited when the tunnel turned even more downward.

Until we came to the wall ... dead end.

So there we were, one in front of the other, heads down, feet up. At this point, the tunnel was too tight for us to turn around. We hadn't found the crystal cave. We couldn't go forward. We were out of options. We just wanted to give up.

Are you feeling that sense of claustrophobia? The sense of failure? No room to maneuver. Nowhere to turn. Actually between a rock and a hard place.

The Hebrew word for this kind of situation is "TZOROS." It's the word for trouble. Its literal meanings are dire straits, nowhere to turn, between a rock and a hard place, no room to maneuver, out of options, no margin.

That's the word in this week's Lectionary selection from Psalm 91 where God says, "Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them." (NRSV Psalm 91:14-15)

God knows when we are in trouble (tzoros) and will be with us in it. I like this quote from Anne Lamott's Traveling Mercies, "This is the most profound spiritual truth I know: that even when we're most sure that love can't conquer all, it seems to anyway. It goes down into the rat hole with us . . . and there it swells and comforts. It gives us second winds, third winds, hundredth winds."

That is God's response to no margin, to dire straits, to "out of options," to trouble so bad it needs a special word to describe it.

No matter how much tzoros, God's expansive (and expanding) love truly can conquer all.
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Photo from "California Through My Lens": http://californiathroughmylens.com/lava-tube-mojave-national-preserve

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READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK
Proper 21 (26) (September 25, 2016)
http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/

First reading and Psalm
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15
Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16
Alternate First reading and Psalm
Amos 6:1a, 4-7
Psalm 146
Second reading
1 Timothy 6:6-19
Gospel
Luke 16:19-31
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Join us Friday morning for Lectionary Breakfast. We meet at 8:00 at the Waco "Egg and I" restaurant for an interesting hour of food, scripture, and fellowship.

Blessings,
Steve

Digging A Ditch (a Lectionary reflection by Steve Orr)

When I was in high school, we went through a period where my parents, as many parents before and since, decided we needed to learn the value of money. As part of that process they gave each of us a fixed amount of money each week that we had to manage. We received no other money. And, for a while, that worked pretty well; it covered our lunch money for the week with a small amount left over. I walked to and from school, I hadn’t really started dating at that point, and I was using the public library to supply the lion’s share of my book addiction; I even accumulated a little money.

That is, until they raised the price of the school lunch. Suddenly, our allowance was only enough to pay for your lunches. My father’s solution? No raise. We could take our lunch if we wanted to have some extra money for other things. My parents locked horns over this, and the battle raged for some weeks.

In the meantime, we kids had to just make do. It was in the midst of this situation that I heard Principal Mutchler announce over the school intercom that there was a need for a boy who was interested in earning some money by doing some manual labor on Saturday. As soon as I could, I hurried to the Principal’s office to let them know I wanted that job. I was motivated by my need for money; I really didn’t much care what I had to do. As it turned out, the job was digging a ditch across a private road.

Those who have dug ditches will agree, I believe, that it is not usually a complicated enterprise; you move earth from one place to another. There is another fairly universal truth about ditch digging: unless you have access to some pretty sophisticated equipment, it's hard work!

Let me spare you the hour-by-hour description of my first time to dig a ditch. It was not a great experience; not for me, not for my employer, and not for the ditch. But, at the end of the day (literally … the END of the day), there was a ditch where one had not previously existed. And I got paid.

Uncomplicated, but taxing; simple to understand, but a real challenge to accomplish. Our spiritual walk is much the same. Don’t be fooled by those who tell you different; it is NOT complicated.

“The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.” (‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2:1-3‬ ‭MSG‬‬, http://bible.com/97/1ti.2.1-3.msg)

Again, not complicated.

Yes, it can be VERY challenging. Praying for people we disagree with, people who we don't trust, people we don't like ... people we didn't vote for. That's hard to do.

It helps from time to time to stop and recognize that all we are asked to do are simple things ---hear; believe; repent; confess; walk; stand ...

And pray.

(A version of this appeared in fall of 2010)
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READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK
Proper 20 (25) (September 18, 2016)
http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu

Jeremiah 8:18-9:1
Psalm 79:1-9
Amos 8:4-7
Psalm 113
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Luke 16:1-13
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Lectionary Breakfast is both a place and an activity. We gather Friday morning at the Waco "Egg and I" restaurant (Franklin and New Road). While there, we eat, visit, read scripture, challenge each other, laugh, and just enjoy each other.

Join us if you can. We would love to share in all this with you.

Blessings,
Steve

The Adam Family (a Lectionary reflection by Steve Orr)

"They're creepy and they're kooky,
Mysterious and spooky,
They're altogether ooky,
The Addams Family." (1)

The Addams Family began "life" in 1938 as a cartoon in the New Yorker, and continued to appear there for the next 50 years. For a portion of the world's population that is The Addams Family. For most of us, though, what springs to mind is the catchy theme song and the finger snaps of the the mid-1960s TV show.

Cartoonist Charles Addams, the creator of this strange little family, did not name any of the characters until asked to do so just prior to casting of the 1964 TV show. Still, for those of us who recall the cartoons, each member of the family was distinctive. To quote their creator:

"Gomez and Pugsley are enthusiastic. Morticia is even in disposition, muted, witty, sometimes deadly. Grandma Frump is foolishly good-natured. Wednesday is her mother's daughter. A closely knit family, the real head being Morticia—although each of the others is a definite character—except for Grandma, who is easily led. Many of the troubles they have as a family are due to Grandma’s fumbling, weak character. The house is a wreck, of course, but this is a house-proud family just the same and every trap door is in good repair. Money is no problem.—" (2)

For many, only John Astin and Carolyn Jones could be Gomez and Morticia. While others are in the Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston camp. And then there's Wednesday ("Wednesday's child is full of woe."): Christina Ricci so inhabited the character, it's almost impossible to find someone who can name the other actors who played her.

I write this thinking of a line spoken by one of the Morticia's (Huston, I believe): "Normal is an illusion. What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly." When I heard her say it, I was struck by the universality of it: perspective is often the most overlooked of things.

In this week's Lectionary passage from Luke, the religious leaders, righteously in their view, criticize Jesus for welcoming "tax collectors and sinners" to listen to his teaching. Jesus responds by telling them a couple of short parables about the finding of a lost sheep and a lost coin, making the point that what we value in this life is what we expend our energy on.

Today, we find what Jesus says next to be very encouraging, but to those critical religious leaders it was a slap in the face: "Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance." (Luke 15:7 NRSV) That's what they should have been thinking: and you can rest assured they felt indicted as soon as Jesus pointed it out.

We humans are kind of like the Addams Family: we can be creepy and kooky, often mysterious, and altogether "ooky" in our relations with one another. And yet, the citizens of heaven are rejoicing each time we turn toward God.

The Adam family.

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READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK
Proper 19 (24) (September 11, 2016)
First reading and Psalm
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
Psalm 14
Alternate First reading and Psalm
Exodus 32:7-14
Psalm 51:1-10
Second reading
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Gospel
Luke 15:1-10

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If you would like to read a 9/11 reflection, click on the Spiritual Reflection on the right titled, "Fireworks on the Charles."

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It's still pretty early for Halloween, but you can expect some real treats Friday morning at Lectionary Breakfast. We're still meeting at 8:00 at the Waco "Egg and I" restaurant. Join us for an unusual hour where we eat, read scripture, and explore those things that make us the Adam family.

Blessings,
Steve

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(1) source: http://www.lyricsondemand.com/tvthemes/theaddamsfamilylyrics.html
(2) Miserocchi, H. Kevin; Charles Addams (2010-03-31). The Addams Family: An Evilution. Pomegranate Books. ISBN 978-0-7649-5388-0.

Fireworks on the Charles (a Lectionary reflection by Steve Orr)

I've watched fireworks from a lot of different locations; among them, my own backyard (at a considerable distance), the 50th floor of the Prudential building (up close, at eye level), a farm team baseball field in Midland, Texas (very loud), the boardwalk at Boston Community Boating "down by the banks of the river Charles." Each had its own caché, it's own pluses and minuses. But it was that last one that I most recall these days.

The date was July 4, 2002. We were sitting in chairs on the boardwalk. It was a very special night. Firstly, we were there because we had purchased tickets from BCB to help fund their program to teach the youth of Boston to sail. The fundraiser was important because BCB will not turn away any child who wants to learn, even if they lack the ability to pay. Those two chairs and the small box dinners that came with them were pretty costly. But we were more than happy to pay the price. It was for a great cause, and it could be argued there were no better seats for what was to come.

In addition to front row seats for one of the (if not THE) best firework displays in the country, we were just a few yards from the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade. From there, The Boston Pops would provide patriotic musical accompaniment to the colorful explosions, including pairing the riotous 1812 Overture with the visually stunning fireworks finale.

But something else made it more special than usual. It was the first celebration of Independence Day since the horrific events of 9/11. As a nation, we needed to send a message to the world, a message that clearly communicated our determination to continue living our lives. And what better way to do that than to celebrate the anniversary of our Declaration of Independence out in the open, with bright fireworks and loud music.

Yes, armed soldiers stood on the decks of gunships plying up and down the Charles River that night; more than a little unnerving to see as they cruised by just a few feet off the boardwalk, but also strangely comforting as the celebration rose in intensity.

We needed to be, unmistakably, seen and heard. By everyone. So, all across the nation that night, we were bright, colorful, sparkly, and, oh so loud. I can't imagine anyone, anywhere, did not receive THAT declaration.

All of this came to mind when I read the Matthew selection from this week's Lectionary scriptures. Now, I KNOW I can't write a Lectionary reflection about one of Katy Perry's song. I get that. Too much controversy. But if I COULD write such a reflection, I know which song I would choose. And I bet YOU can guess that song without TOO much difficulty [a clue is cleverly secreted somewhere in the title of this reflection].

The bottom line: People need to be able to identify us, without having to turn over a bushel in order to check the strength and quality of our light.

We need to be obvious. We need to be, unmistakably, the people of God

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http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu

READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany (February 9, 2014)

Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)
Psalm 112:1-9 (10)
1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16)
Matthew 5:13-20

"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16 NRSV)

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16 MSG)

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I hope you can join us for Lectionary Breakfast, Friday morning. We gather at 8:00, enjoy colorful and tasty food, bright and sometimes raucous conversation, and the pleasure of each other's company.

Bushels checked at the door 😇

Enjoy the week!
Steve

Should I Stay or Should I Go? (a Lectionary reflection by Steve Orr)

Way back in 1981 when The Clash first released "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" it was ... well, maybe not greeted with yawns, exactly, but let's say it was ahead of its time. A decade had to pass before the audience caught up with the music. In 1991, the band garnered it's only Number One single with the song. Eventually, Rolling Stone ranked it as 228 on "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time." Later, VH1 ranked it as 42nd on its list of "100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs."

I was not listening to popular music back in 1981; too busy being a young husband and father. I suppose it's possible I heard the song in 1991 when it got more air play, but I don't recall becoming a fan of The Clash, so probably not. Somewhere along the way, though, it registered; maybe only that one piece of the chorus that repeated often throughout the lyrics, but it stuck.

Recently, I heard that one line from the song resurrected in a hotel commercial. Perhaps you've seen them; people are trying to decide whether to attend a wedding or class reunion, or whether to invest in traveling to see clients in person. They always sing "Should I stay or should I go?" before deciding. (Not that anyone's asking, but we like the bridesmaids the best)

"Should I stay or should I go" is not just a catchy lyric married to a catchy tune. It also gets at the heart of many pending decisions. It's certainly central to the passage in this week's Lectionary scripture from Luke. When I hear people discussing this passage, I find most get snagged on whether they are allowed to have possessions AND be disciples of Jesus. Taken out of context like that, I think they are missing the main, and far more important, point of what Jesus says to the large crowd of followers.

Jesus was a popular guy. As he went about preaching and teaching, more and more people began to follow him. This was not least because many believed he had come from God to throw off Israel's oppressor, Rome, and restore Israel to its former glory. That, as Jesus well knew, was not a good reason to follow Him. He knew what was coming; hard times for his followers. He needed them to be ready, to have already made the tough decisions in advance of those hard times. And so he asked:

Have you counted the cost?

That's the real message of this passage. When the time comes, can you separate yourself from all that is dear to you if that is what is required? You need to decide that, now, well before the moment when the choice must be made.

Should you stay or should you go?

Depends.

If you've already made your informed choice to follow Jesus, then "stay" the course. If you're still trying to decide ---or more likely, only just now realizing the seriousness of a choice you made some time ago--- let me encourage you to "go" with Jesus.

Just so you've counted the costs before you go any further.

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If you would like to read a reflection that goes with this week's Jeremiah passage, click on the top Spiritual Reflection listed to the right, "Pain Heals. Chicks dig scars. Glory up lasts forever." Or, if I can get this link to go live, you can try clicking on this:


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READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK
Proper 18 (23) (September 4, 2016)


Jeremiah 18:1-11
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Psalm 1
Philemon 1:1-21
Luke 14:25-33
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Will you be at Lectionary Breakfast Friday morning? If you're a fan of The Clash and you're humming "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" right now, choose "go." We still meet at the Waco "Egg and I" restaurant at 8:00 for an hour that is different from most. We eat, we read scripture, we kick it around, and, quite often, we laugh. You'd like it.

Enjoy the week!
Steve