Time to shine

It is no coincidence that the three major world religions of the Abrahamic line have light as a central image of their faith. Think about it, in the Christian tradition, one of the earliest songs we learn as children is that "oldie but a goodie," THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE, I'M GONNA' LET IT SHINE...(for those of you reading this, recalling the song, and doing the accompanying choreography you get bonus points) Nor, is it surprising that the beginning and ending of worship has the acolytes bringing the light into the sanctuary and at the conclusion of worship leading the congregation out with the light.

This Sunday's lectionary passage is always the same on this the worship service before the beginning of the season of Lent. It's Transfiguration Sunday and persons will hear the story of Jesus taking Peter, James, and John with him to a mountaintop where Jesus becomes transfigured and transluscent, bathed in light. For the rest of the story go to Mark 9.2-9.

Even though Sarah Palin can see Russia from her house, the fact that Alaska and the section above the Arctic Circle has months without sunlight makes this a no-go for me. I like light. During the work week, I awake while it is still dark and one of my favorite times is watching how softly, quietly, and unassumingly dawn breaks out. Perhaps one of my favorite sights is sunlight on water.

As we too go about our "light work" of living our faith, I think we are called to reflect (pun intended) on the light efforts of creation. Mostly, we too are to be steady and constant and unassuming. There definitely are times when we must be bold and bright like the summer sun. And, we know that the light which shines during the storms brings us the rainbow and the reminder of the Divine Presence abiding still and always.

Referencing an earlier post, yes, the BASE CAMP has begun. What say you?

Are you "one whould rather light one candle than curse the darkness?"

sj;

Still a long way to go

Today is the birthday of Susan B. Anthony. Let each woman (and each man) say, "Thank you."

Yes, women have the right to vote.
Yes, women have served and are serving as U.S. Secretary of State.
Yes, a woman has served as Speaker of the House.
Yes, women have ran as serious presidential candidates.
Yes, women lead some major companies.

Yet, how far do we still have to go?

There is a wonderful documentary that I saw recently called "MISS-REPRESENTATION" (Great title). The film explores how the media still portrays women more from their sexuality than their intelligence; more from their looks than their lives. This film was recently released and in light of all the "yes's" mentioned above.

While driving home this evening, I was listening to a local sports talk show (no shocker there) yet, what really drew me into the show was the young, male talk show host discussing his disdain for the recently released "Sports Illustrated" swimsuit edition and how degrading it is to women. I almost had to pull the car over.

The next line of conversation, turned to female athletes (a round of applause for Title IX) and how they are still more celebrated for their beauty and physical attractiveness than for how many goals they score, points they average, and championships they win.

One of the callers, a 50 year old troglodyte (too harsh?) made the comment, "Women will always be viewed based on their sexuality and men will always be viewed based on their athleticism." At that point, I did pull the car over.

It is telling, that many, many countries have elected a female president or prime minister and in the USA only 17 (out of 100) women serve in the Senate and 76 (out of 435) serve in the House of Representatives.

How far do we still need to journey?
Are we up for the journey?
Does the journey still matter?

sj;

Filling the bag

On this Valentines Day Eve, I am thinking back, lo those many years, to my elementary school days and how I, along with many, would spend this evening signing and sealing Valentines for my school classmates.

It was one of the highlights of the school year. First, one went to the local 5&10 store to purchase your valentines. One wanted something cool and hip. I remember being drawn to the "Scooby Doo" or "Peanuts" themed valentines.

Even though everyone received a valentine from me, I gave the valentines I thought were the coolest to my friends --- yes, I made valentine value judgements. Keeping it uniformed was key. If you placed a lollipop with one valentine, you, had to place a lollipop with every valentine.

In our personally-decorated, brown paper bags with our name featured prominently, there was no surface, preferential treatment of valentines. Every member of the class received the same number of valentines -- one from each student.

Looking back, there was a comfort in that system. In a world that even then and now wants to rate you on popularity and relationship status, there was a relief in knowing you and all your classmates would each have the same amount of valentines --- everyone was sufficiently covered when it came to expressions of care signed hurriedly, licked closed, addressed with your own name, and stuffed into your own brown, valentines bag.

What would our world be like if we made some small effort to make sure everyone in our community received some tangible reminder that they are a part of something, they matter, we see them?

sj;

A Blog-Based Base Camp

One of my favorite authors is Nora Gallagher. I recommend her books: THINGS SEEN and UNSEEN: A YEAR LIVED IN FAITH; PRACTICING RESURRECTION: A MEMOIR OF WORK, DOUBT, DISCERNMENT, AND MOMENTS OF GRACE ---both of these are so excellent and such a spirit strengthener that I've read them several times --- and, THE SACRED MEAL, her recent book which I am currently reading.

Gallagher writes realistically about faith and her experience and living her faith as a laywoman in a liberal Episcopalian congregation in Southern California. She frequently references a practice her congregation offers which is called "Base Camp."

One evening a week, a small group of persons gather to share how they are doing with the living of being a disciple of Christ and together they read the coming Sunday's lectionary passage and reflect on how the word impacts their living as disciples. For example, it was the reading of Matthew 25.31-46 that prompted them to start a soup kitchen in their parish.

I'm not sure if it's possible to do this via a blog or electronically. Yet, I want to give it a try. As Lent is soon to begin (22 February is Ash Wednesday) this could be a good time to do a little spiritual group exercise.

So, here's what I'm thinking, one blog a week will be dedicated to the upcoming Sunday's lectionary readings, notably the Gospel passage. I will share where I am at and, as always, folks are invited to post a comment directly to the blog in regard to where they are in light of the scripture passage. NOTE: One does not have to use one's actual name to post. Pick a name or nickname and go for it!

There is no pressure to post.
There is no pressure to write in some "stained-glass font."
Honest and real insights and sharing is what the invite is about.

So, we'll give it a try and see how it goes.

In closing, how wonderful was this blast of winter?!!?!? Seriously, didn't it feel good to have cold air and snow that draws you to hearth and home, to a warm beverage and a good book?

sj;