Il Colosseo

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. - Philippians 3:10-12

The Colosseum stands among Rome's most iconic images. On a short list of "things to see" in Rome, you'll find the Colosseum without a doubt. However, the question is often why people want to see the Colosseum. For some, it's a matter of historical wonder. For others, it's another great photo op. However, for many Christians who come to Rome on pilgrimage, the Colosseum represents the persecution of Christians off and on throughout the first centuries of the faith at the hands of the Roman empire.

It is indeed possible that Christians were killed at the Colosseum. Since it was built between 70 and 80 AD it would have been in high usage in the following centuries, during which there were periods of intense Christian persecution. Also, while the Colosseum did host such events as drama, gladiator shows, animal hunts (with real exotic animals), and even possibly mock naval battles, there were also executions. After all, over 50,000 people could attend events at the Colosseum, and they were often political in nature; it would be an excellent forum to remind people of the rule of the state.

However, to believe that the Colosseum was not only where all Roman Christians were martyred but used primarily for this purpose is inaccurate. In fact, the association with martyrdoms and the Colosseum can be traced only as far back as the 16th century; recovered lists of important pilgrimage sites in Rome before that bear no mention of the Colosseum. Furthermore, through even the Medieval Ages, the Colosseum found various uses as a market, stable, and fortress - hardly a carefully preserved holy site. Saint Ignatius of Antioch, a prominent bishop who was martyred during a period of persecution, is often believed to have been killed in the Colosseum; however, his well-documented imprisonment and death only states that he died in "the arena", of which there were many in Rome.

Nonetheless, the church considers the Colosseum an important religious place. Sure, it's always full of secular school groups and wide-eyed tourists, surrounded by a very impious hoard of trinket sellers and panini stands, and subject to a sizable entry fee. It's still the place that the Via Crucis centers on Good Friday services, and still has several crosses positioned both inside and out. Even with the secular historical dimensions, and even without its intense connections to the early Christian martyrs, it is an important place to consider.

I can look at the Colosseum and be amazed by 2,000 years of history staring back at me. The technology at the time used to create it, combined with the incredible manpower it required, astounds me. Even the mass of humanity gathered around the place makes me shake my head. However, when I think about it, I realize that even more incredible to me is the faith of a martyr. I would like to believe that if it was required of me, I would assert my faith to the point of death. But in the face of such imminent physical pain, I cannot honestly say. The memory of the martyrs challenges me and reminds me that I do not come to this faith alone - it is only by the grace of God.

God of mercy, we give thanks for the Spirit's constant work in us, building our faith through the grace selflessly given by your Son's death and resurrection. Forgive us, Lord, when we stumble in our faith and deny you in thought, word, and deed. Remind us of those who have praised your name even to their death; save us from such a trial, and give us courage should we face it anyway. In you we have strength. Amen.

St. Clare of Assisi

For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God's will, than to suffer for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you - not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ - 1 Peter 3:17-21

Ever since I first met her, I have been inspired by Clare. Not only was she a woman with great faith, but she had very sincere dedication to her neighbor, especially those most in need. She was intelligent and persistent in a time when women were rarely heard. Perhaps most amazing is her complete unfailing confidence in spite of all kinds of pain, as long as she knew she was living and serving in God's name.

Much of Clare's life is a shadow to Francis's, something even she allowed. She referred to herself as the Little Flower of Francis, indicating that she had grown up under his instruction. This is indeed true; the friendship between Francis and Clare was instrumental not only in Clare's personal development, but in her influence on a local and even church-wide scale. It is likely that without Francis's notoriety and support, Clare could not have had the influence she did. This continues even today in strange ways. For instance, when an earthquake hit Assisi 10 years ago, Francis's basilica was almost immediately re-built; Clare's, on the other hand, was still in pieces when I first saw it in 2001.

I had guarded expectations for my return to visit Clare this year. I was afraid her little basilica would be just as battered as before, and her tomb (holding her visible remains, which are no longer uncorrupted but still contain her perfectly-preserved skeleton) would be inaccessible. Imagine my surprise when this was not the case! While the frescoes that once decorated the church can never be recovered, those that could be displayed are fully visible. A side chapel allows pilgrims to pray. And perhaps most amazing is the lower crypt where Clare's body can actually be seen at very close distance.

In so many ways, Clare's life has influenced mine. I came to know about her in a very important time in my life, as I discerned my call to ministry. Her passion to service, ability to look past obstacles, and her choice of a humble life in spite of the amazing resources at her disposal, encouraged me to do the same as I best could. Her ability to endure suffering no matter what happened reminded me that I also had been granted the same confidence in Christ. Most amazingly, her feminine nature shown through in what was very much a man's world to no detriment of her ministry; I can hope the same for myself.

It was truly a delight to return to Clare's house. During the weekend in Assisi, I found myself wanting to sneak back into the basilica - and not just because it was a warm, quiet place on such a freezing, busy weekend. Being in her church reminded me of the service she offered and the testimony of her life. I am honored to have her as a sister in Christ, a fellow worker in the kingdom, and another exemplary member of the Communion of Saints.

Gracious God, in baptism you bring us together into one family. Thank you for the unity you offer us, and the opportunity to work side-by-side with such dedicated members of your kingdom like Clare. May her humility and tenacity inspire us to continually serve you through our neighbor no matter what happens. Because of your Son, we can endure all things. We pray these things in his name, Amen.

St. Francis of Assisi

We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints - and this, not merely as we expected; they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to us - 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

If you ask almost anyone who their favorite saint is, there's a good chance they'll name St. Francis. After all, he is the saint associated with animals (it's his feast day that even non-Catholic churches use to hold a ceremony for the blessing of animals) and is said to have even preached to the birds. Indeed, his life demonstrates a yearning for simplicity and a love of the natural order that truly draws people to him. It certainly doesn't hurt that he was a gifted writer and clearly a very religious, deeply spiritual man.

Strangely enough, there is another side to this beloved saint. He had a problematic fixation with the Crusades, wanting desperately to be martyred in battle with the heathens. In fact, he left Assisi several times to try to join an army, but was usually thwarted by disease. His confrontation with a Sultan in Egypt carries strong overtones of presumed Christian supremacy, not to mention Francis's thinly-veiled contempt. Some historians make a big deal of this, as there are always people who like to rip through inspiring tales and show the seedy underbelly. While I don't doubt that Francis had his darker side - he was human, after all, and as tormented as any deeply devout person of God can be - I don't know that this negates his character.

After all, he dedicated his life whole-heartedly to poverty in spite of his family's great wealth. In fact, the Franciscan dedication to poverty was revolutionary for an order at the time, and their service to the poor was above and beyond what others had committed to. He was able to refocus from a life of internal contemplation to true outward dedication to neighbor. He even showed great respect for women, something very unlikely for men of his time. In other words, he might not have been perfect, but that does not make him less worthy of admiration.

When I went to Assisi, I knew I would come face-to-face with Francis again. The last time I was in Assisi, I didn't know about the so-called "dark side" of this saint. I worried a little if this second visit would be colored by it. The truth is I was still just as inspired by his example and memory as I had been before. Frankly, I'm glad I know this other side of Francis, as it reminds me that in the end, he was human just like me. Perhaps, like Francis, I can serve my neighbor and dedicate my life to service and love for creation, even in spite of my failings.

Our Great God, there are great people in this world who have truly shown us what it is like to be your servant. Thank your for the testimony of saints like Francis, whose compassion for the other - whether human or creature - inspire us to greater love for all your creation. Remind us that no matter our sins and failings, we can turn to you and be constantly made new. We may be poor in spirit, but in your Son, we are rich in grace. Grant us these things in his name, Amen.

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After a few months in exile, this blog is finally fully updated to here and now. If you haven't recently, please scroll down through the most recent posts, and click "older posts" at the bottom right of the page to see if you've missed any. Since I have less than two months left, I will stay more on top of things from now on. Thanks for reading, feel free to leave comments, and be well!

Castel Sant'Angelo

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe. - Proverbs 18:10

If you've read any Dan Brown books, the mythology and lore of Roman art and architecture probably have a much different significance for you than what it really holds. While these ancient sites likely have more than their fair share of secrets and scandals, it's not likely quite the way he depicts it. Perhaps one of the best examples of this is Castel Sant'Angelo. In his book "Angels And Demons", he makes this place out to be the illicit lair of the Illuminati, complete with super-secret passageway to the Vatican. In reality, it's served many purposes throughout history - one of them being safe storage for the Pope, for which the "secret" passageway does indeed exist, albeit very visibly.

The building began its life as a tomb for the Roman emperor Hadrian in 138, and other emperors were also buried there. However, following the fall of Rome it was vandalized and fell into disrepair, as so many things did. It eventually became a military fortress, and by the 14th century it became a sort of Papal castle. It was generally intended to be used to house the Pope in times of crisis - something Clement VII was thankful for in 1527. It was also a prison, as immortalized in Puccini's Tosca, and is now a rather benign museum.

Nonetheless, I can hardly look at an old castle without thinking of the Bible's multiple references to castles and fortresses. Maybe these analogies don't work as well in our day, since we don't really have them around any more. But when I look at Castel Sant'Angelo, I know exactly what Proverbs intends us to hear: God is vast, secure, spacious, and most importantly, unbelievably strong. Just as the Pope would run to this castle in time of greatest need, so we run to our God when things seem most desperate. No matter what the crisis, God will protect. God will shield. When we are granted the faith to claim God as our God, we are granted everything that comes with it, including everlasting security.

One of my seminary professors noted that most people have trouble with this concept seeing as how much goes wrong in life: sickness, injury, war, famine, death. He noted that given all these horrors, it's remarkable that we are able to survive at all. He attributes this to God's eternal protection and guidance. It's the only thing that keeps things going. In a world of danger and disease, our God is a strong tower that gives us refuge.

Lord God, in you we are promised refuge. Your guidance and mercy give hope even when things seem darkest. Grant us the faith to trust you in all things, keeping the faith always. Please shield us from the terrors of life, and give us healing when they attack us. In all things, we praise you and your strength, no matter what. All these things we know and believe in your Son's gracious name, Amen.

The Catacombs of San Callistus

Listen, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled: "Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" - 1 Corinthians 15:51-55

One of the great legends of Rome is its collection of catacombs just outside the old city walls. In New Testament times, the catacombs were a necessity, as burial of any kind was forbidden within city limits. Pagans and Jews alike had to transport their dead outside the city for burial, and since land was an expensive commodity then as now, they tunneled in layers below the surface to make as much room as possible. The land surrounding Rome is a volcanic soil which, once dug out and exposed to air, forms a hard, cement-like layer; this makes digging tunnels, niches, and tombs comparatively easy. After the fall of Rome, these layers of tombs fell into disuse and neglect until 1849 when an amateur Italian archaeologist named Giovanni Battista di Rossi accidentally discovered the entry to one of the biggest ones, San Callistus.

This particular catacomb started and remained a Christian burial place, as the land was donated by a wealth Christian convert to provide Christians (who were not often very affluent) a respectable burial. Nine popes were buried here, giving in the moniker of the Little Vatican, and St. Cecelia, patron saint of music, was originally buried here until she was moved to a different church in Rome. Numerous other bishops, martyrs, and early Christians were also buried here. Do not, however, believe the myth that the catacombs only existed for secret burials and worship. Any Roman was buried in a catacomb - this one was simply particularly Christian. Also, only occasional services were held in the catacombs, particularly on saint days and festivals. This was done without regard to persecutions or lack thereof.

The real mystery of the catacombs, if you can call it that, is the simple representation of early Christian faith. It has its own symbols, showing how early Christians truly believed in a full resurrection of the body. It represents a commitment to caring for the neighbor by providing burial for even non-Christians who couldn't otherwise afford a proper burial. While not as dramatic as some might believe, it also demonstrates the early martyrs in the faith who inspired other believers to be firm.

Inside the catacomb, you cannot but feel a connection to this faith. (Photos are not allowed; great pictures and explanations are available at this site.) The art is simple but evocative. Even the rows upon rows of burial places serve to remind you of an early faith which somehow spoke to the hearts of more and more people, in spite of its lack of popularity or sometimes outright persecution. Most importantly, it reminds you that death is not the end. These bodies might not be living, but as Christians we know that someday they will rise again and be united with Christ. Whether you believe that resurrection will be bodily or spiritual, the fact remains that death doesn't have the last word. We are promised a resurrection like Christ's, and we wait expectantly for that day.

Our powerful God, God of life and mercy, you sent us your Son so that through him we would not truly perish, but have eternal life. Grant that we might one day be together with him in glory, alongside all the saints, worshiping with joy. While we might mourn in death, give us comfort knowing that it is not final, thanks to the work of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Water Fountains

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. - Revelation 22:1-2

Being a thirsty tourist gets pretty easy in Rome. Throughout the city, you find tons of fountains ready and waiting for your empty water bottle. In fact, you can safely assume that any running water throughout the city can be safely consumed unless it is in the vast minority marked acqua non potabile (water not drinkable). You could technically climb into any one of the numerous ornamental fountains, but the bathing pigeons - not to mention your wet shoes and pants - would probably serve as sufficient deterrent.

Instead, you can walk up to any of the constantly-flowing water spigots found in numerous nooks, crannies, piazzas, and street corners in Rome. Being so close to mountain streams and pure springs, these fountains have no shortage of fresh, cool water. People walk up to them to wash their hands, splash some water on their face, fill a bottle, or even plug the end to shoot some water up through the tiny hole on the top, a la American water fountain. Everyone gathers to these fountains, especially on hot days, and everyone is grateful for them.

It brings to my mind the utopia in Revelation, where water flows through the city and healing trees grow on its banks. Rome is hardly the pristine New Jerusalem, and its fountains aren't exactly the water of life, but its the reminder and not the reality that counts. The ubiquity of water in this city, and the way it restores everyone from affluent tourists to thirsty beggars, constantly brings to mind the frequent Biblical references to water. Water brings death and destruction in abundance, brings suffering and pain in its absence, and gives life and renewal in simple presence. It's no wonder the river of life is such a powerful, peaceful image - water in this form gives life to life, and reminds us of our dependence on God's gifts.

I drink out of these Roman fountains often, having long since put aside my fears of germs. (You have to get over that pretty quickly in Rome, anyway.) Every time I do, I remind myself of God's graciousness. God provides us love and grace as overflowing as a fountain, and I can fill up at it any time. It washes away my dirtiness, quenches my thirst, and unites me with my neighbor in my need. Just as I was washed in water at baptism, I am renewed by it every time I take a sip. These fountains may not be the river of life, but they'll keep me going until I can sit on its banks.

God of abundance, you bless us with everything we need in this world and in the next. In water you claim us, clean us, and constantly renew us. Remind us of your call in our baptism, and keep us ever refreshed in its waters. Bring us together finally in the New Jerusalem, where we can gather at the shores of the river of life and be in your presence always. We pray this in your Son's name, Amen.

Greenwich Prime Meridian

[The LORD said,] "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements - surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy? - Job 38:4-7

Not being much of a science person, I can't quite explain the difference between the latitudes and longitudes of the Earth. I know that the poles and the Equator have strange and unique characteristics that set them definitively on the planet. Conversely, I know that the same is not said for the lines of longitude. In fact, at the Prime Meridian, you will experience nothing more unusual than many different languages being spoken and a large red line across the pavement. This is because the Prime Meridian set in Greenwich, England was completely set by humans as an aid for navigation and telling time.

Today, this line generally sets the International Date Line and separates the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. The scientists at the Greenwich Observatory took the liberty of setting it, and by 1884 it was nearly globally accepted as the standard for navigation. The reason it goes through England is simply because in 1851, when it was established, English ships still held great influence on the seas and having a central navigational point served them well in their business.

Ironically, this well-marked line does not serve as the zero point in satellite navigation systems; the real center point is just over 300 feet to the east. Since I'm not a science person, I can't explain to you exactly how it was determined that this other line more clearly represented an actual center point on the globe based on star observations, gravity, and continental drift. Apparently, the actual zero point can be found by locating a possibly sarcastically-located garbage can on the Royal Observatory's grounds.

I may not speak science, but I can tell you what this realization makes me think about. When God admonishes Job at the end of his self-titled story, God does some serious head-shaking about Job's presumption that he is indeed the center of the universe and things really, honestly do revolve around him and his piety. God makes things pretty clear: humanity is not the be-all, end-all in creation. Any time humanity tries to do this, odds are things get seriously lopsided. God's reminder to Job is a reminder to us all: God made this world, and even if we think we could have done it better, we're just part of the grand scheme.

It's hard to be put in your place in a grand, cosmic scheme. We want to make it all about us and the way it should work to make things easier - but it's a lie. That's not the way the world works. Even the Prime Meridian, that great feat of human ingenuity, is sort of mostly wrong. No matter how much we don't like it, God sets those boundaries. At the end of the day, it's a job I'll leave willingly to God. After all, I'm not much of a science person.

God of all things, you have made all things and made them so good! We cannot understand everything, and sometimes we challenge you for the role of creator. Remind us gently that you are in charge, and help us to trust you in all things. Even as we try to understand the mysteries of creation, help us to see you as the source active in all of it. Amen.

The Book of Kells

Through [Christ] you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. - 1 Peter 1:21-23

When we took a city break in Dublin, we weren't entirely sure of what we planned on seeing. At the top of almost every list is a visit to the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript from around 800 AD that is housed at Trinity College in Dublin. Being a fan of old books and interested in seeing something so reputedly gorgeous, I was sold. Granted, you can't exactly see the entire book. The four transcribed gospels and their corresponding illustrations are housed in two very fragile volumes, and on display at any given time are only one page out of each volume. Nonetheless, simply being to observe such a book is quite a gift.

Before seeing the book, you spend time in an exhibit that teaches you about the process and artistry of creating illuminated manuscripts at the time. Considering how much work went into putting the book together - everything from stretching the vellum to copying the text - it's almost amazing there were any books around at all. But the care with which these gospels were obviously reproduced and the fact that they have survived to this day are just an example and reminder of how dearly valued the Word of God is for believers.

Today, you can find a Bible in any hotel room, but it's as if its ubiquity prevents us from taking it seriously. Even as a seminarian, I cannot state with certainty if I have entirely read every book of the Bible. How would we consider the written word of scripture differently if books were so rare as to be worth more than a lifetime's earnings? How much more seriously would we take the opportunity to read the Bible? As I looked at the Book of Kells, I realized just how much we can take the written word for granted and just how vital it is for us to remain tied to the Word.

The Word of God is still living and active today. The words of the Bible are still vital for us now; furthermore, God's Word is moving in the preached word and sacrament every day. This Word forms us new every day. This Word brings us closer to God and helps us serve our neighbor more completely. This is not something to take for granted. It is something to treasure deeply and stay in close relationship with. May we each realize how we need to be constantly renewed by God's Word.

Lord of Life, your Word moves through us even today. We are constantly thankful for your presence with us in the sacraments and the preached word. Open our hearts and minds to your scriptures, so that we might come closer to understanding you and your will. Give us the boldness to approach you in study and prayer, as we come with humility to ask the Spirit's guidance. In all things, keep us dedicated to your will and way. We pray this in your Son's name, Amen.

The Pools At Bath

Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay many invalids-- blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me." Jesus said to him, "Stand up, take your mat and walk." At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk. - John 5:2-9a

While England and Italy might seem worlds apart, they are linked in more than a few ways. One of the more interesting pieces is the way they both represent the spread of the ancient Roman Empire, that world power that saw the birth and death of Christ. Roman ruins are not just the realm of Rome, but of much of the European continent. So it should not be any surprise that even England boasts a large amount of remarkable Roman sites. One of these is the spring of Aquae Sulis and the city of Bath.

The spring that bubbles out of the ground here has been likely venerated for over 10,000 years. Keeping a constant temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit and flowing at the rate of a quarter million gallons a day, it's a natural event not likely to go unnoticed. The original inhabitants dedicated the site to Sulis, a goddess of water, and when the Romans arrived they co opted the site for Minerva. While the site had always been revered as a place of healing, it was also believed that the place was so holy that people could use it to communicate with the divine; prayers, petitions, and offerings were often thrown into the hot water. Even after the temple fell to ruin, Bath became the place to see and be seen by those treating the spring as a spa to soak in and drink up.

It's the first time I've ever seen something like it, and just being there gave me a better understanding of this story from John. At this particular site in Bath, there were numerous side pools, steam rooms, and cooling baths to be used in combination for the best cleaning and healing effect. However, this was typically reserved for the most wealthy or well-connected. Perhaps others found a way to the waters, but it is not likely. How were these most desperate people to find healing?

One of the most overwhelming aspects of Christ's nature is his ability to heal. Many people tend to focus on the otherworldly aspects of his teachings, making it easy to forget what he promises for us here and now. While he certainly points us to God and righteousness, he also grants healing and wholeness in unexpected ways at unexpected times. When we are most hopeless and broken, Jesus invites us to take up our mat and walk. This is not because we can afford it or even because we deserve it, but simply because God is that good.

Our heavenly Father, in this life our bodies are subjected to great physical pain and sickness. As your Son healed the lame man by the healing pools, so come to us in our need and grant us wholeness. Work through physicians of all kinds to bring this relief, and give patience to those still awaiting your healing. Remind us always that we are in need of the restoration only you can bring through your Son Jesus, Amen.

The Next Recipient

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. When I remember you in my prayers,always thank my God because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ. - Philemon 1:3-6

When you're half a world away from your family, friends, coworkers, and classmates, you can start to feel a little bit lonely. When there's a chance to see a familiar face, even if it's just for a bit, you take it. And if that familiar face is actually an entire family who you've spent a seminary career with, it's more than just a little celebratory. So imagine my delight when Marc, my friend and classmate, let me know that he and his family had a day's layover in London on their way to their year as the next recipients of the Graduate Preaching Fellowship.

Marc and company had just 12 hours in London, but they were going from one overnight international flight to the next, so if nothing else they needed someone to keep them awake. Fortunately, I was up to the task - and the rain managed to hold off long enough for us to explore the heart of the city. We had plenty of time to see Westminster, Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square with a quick stop at a local pub for some lunch. They seemed happy to have someone else think through their steps for a while, and I was happy to have friendly faces to tour with.

But even more exciting than that was the opportunity to connect about this great gift we've both been given. This year of study and travel is, for us both, an opportunity of a lifetime. We compared notes, discussed options, laughed about complications, and dreamed about what it will mean for our future in ministry. The fact that our years overlap a bit is even more exciting, as it feels even more like we're not in it alone. Certainly, his time in Tanzania and Israel with his entire family will be distinctly different than my time in Rome and London, but that's exactly the point. The church is a place of variety, and Marc and I are both called to share our diverse talents and experiences in more ways and places than we could ever imagine. Intimidating though it might be, it sure is exciting.

In lieu of a photo for this post (since I forgot my camera), I give you the link to Marc's family's blog. They've got plenty of pictures and stories already, so there's lots to look at. Be sure to send them a message of support. What an amazing journey!

Good and gracious God, you send us all out on daily adventures where we are constantly called to serve you. Be especially present with those in far-away places learning challenging and sometimes frightening new things, so that they might have the confidence and peace to use their knowledge in your service. Keep Marc and his family safe, and fill them with your joy. Grant us each the ability to see your wondrous world in new ways. Amen.

Tree Of Life in the British Museum

In days to come the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised up above the hills. Peoples shall stream to it, and many nations shall come and say: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples, and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken. - Micah 4:14

In the British Museum, you don't just find culturally significant artifacts from thousands of years ago - although that is a pretty exciting thing for most people. You can also come across information of all sorts about society and culture today. In fact, some areas of the museum focus on this, giving us a better idea about people and places contemporaneous with us that we might not otherwise have the ability to see and learn about. The section on Africa, while small, paints a picture not just of a vast continent of the past, but a diverse region facing many challenges today - challenges that call the world community together.

One of the most powerful exhibits is the Tree of Life, a nearly ten foot tall sculpture made entirely of weapons. Its spreading branches are guns, the animals playing in its shade are guns, even the fish and mammals off to the side are, you guessed it, guns. It was created from decommissioned weapons collected after Mozambique's long civil war. People were encouraged to turn in their weapons for a small profit, while artists were commissioned to turn them into works of art.

A scripturally-inspired bishop first envisioned the project, and the British Museum ended up making a huge event around the installation when it first arrived in 2005. It shows a country and continent that not only faces great political turmoil, but has such abundant hope. This exhibition doesn't focus simply on the war and strife prevalent across so much of the continent, but also a cultural system that makes beauty out of anything available. For those of us who may never physically find ourselves in any part of Africa, we can still see the glorious cultures the continent holds and learn more about the challenges it constantly faces.

Perhaps even more amazingly, it shows that there are those people so inspired by their faith that they can take a singularly violent object and make it into a potently inspiring work of art. This tree shows us that good can come from evil, and we must never give up hope that it can happen especially to those who need it most.

God of peace, we face so much violence. Even though we are made in your image, we constantly reach out in anger and hatred to our neighbor. Be especially with those in Africa, which seems to hold more than its fair share of war, sickness, and poverty. Grant hope and healing to those who most need it, and remind us that our neighbor may be a world away. We pray these things in the name of your Son, who longs to gather us all together. Amen.

The Rosetta Stone

"For I know their works and their thoughts, and I am coming to gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and shall see my glory, and I will set a sign among them. For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, says the Lord; so shall your descendants and your name remain. From new moon to new moon, and from sabbath to sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before me," says the Lord. - Isaiah 66:18-19a, 22-23

Underneath the single roof of the British Museum you will find examples of culturally relevant artifacts from every single major era in history. While some cultures do indeed want their history back, the fact that all these things can be observed and experienced in one place makes an excellent argument for keeping them exactly where they are. Some of these things are so fabled that once you're actually able to come face-to-face with it, you can hardly believe your eyes.

For me, one of these things is the Rosetta Stone. As a kid, I was fascinated with all sorts of ancient cultures and myths, so of course I spent some time with the Egyptians. Their mysterious hieroglyphics and the single stone inscription that finally led to their translation, completely enthralled me. In fact, I suspect that some of my love for language stems back to this linguistic milestone. So it's pretty exciting that one of the first pieces of culture that you practically trip over is the Rosetta Stone itself.

It's not actually a terribly remarkable looking thing. It's only a couple of feet tall, and it's not even totally intact. Plus, since it's very prominent in the museum, it's always surrounded by a throng of tourists. But simply looking at it allows you to look back into history. It reminds you of the obscurity of ancient culture and the amazing fact that scholarship has slowly allowed us to understand our own history. In fact, the ability to read our own scriptures stems from the same kind of linguistic scholarship that opened up Egyptian culture to the world. In a way, the Rosetta Stone represents the partnership between piety and scholarship, language and worship, history and society, that makes faith such a remarkable thing.

While all of the world may not indeed be gathered together in this lifetime, at least there are places, people, and information that can help us better understand each other. Perhaps they can even help us better understand our God. Until then, we pray for enlightenment and patience.

God, our great teacher, through you we have all that makes us human. We are especially thankful for the intellect that you gave us, so that we can better understand each other, our histories, and most importantly you. Keep us from using our knowledge to oppress and condemn, but instead to celebrate and unite in your Son's name. Amen.

"Cradle to Grave" in the British Museum

But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the Lord of hosts. - Malachi 4:2-3

The British Museum is one of the most comprehensive collections of culture in the world. That's an extremely broad statement, but one that is hard to contradict. It displays everything from ancient Roman and Greek statuary to South American jade jewelry to Egyptian mummies to precious pieces of British culture. Most of their exhibits are themed by region and era, keeping the Buddhas away from the Sphinxes. This makes each room a country to itself, helping you keep your head straight.

However, one room in particular is a themed gallery, meaning that it has exhibits from all over the globe and different times intended to represent a particular cultural phenomenon. In this room, the museum explores ideas about birth, life, healing, sickness, and death from a distinctly global view. All through the room are object-based descriptions of the ways different cultures deal with these human realities through faith, society, the arts, and medicine. The centerpiece of the room is an exhibit called "Cradle to Grave". It has two lengths of textiles, one representing the life of a theoretical average male and the other a corresponding female, containing the 14,000 pills prescribed to the average Briton. Alongside these pills, which are a life story in their own right, are a variety of photos and notes from real peoples' life stories, causing a compare/contrast of humanity and pharmacy.

The stated intent of this particular display is that "maintaining well-being is more complex than just treating illness". This, of course, is the drive of the entire room: culturally, we understand a healthy life to be more than the pills you ingest and the infections you defeat. Unfortunately, no matter how much we might know this to be true, we so rarely live it out in our lives. Instead of knowing that health has as much to do with family life, social connectivity, work-life balance, and especially faith, we tend to localize physical well-being to the realm of doctors and pharmacies. In fact, in America we don't even treat physical health that well, as easily evidenced by our poor attitude towards a right to health insurance.

Maybe it's therefore no wonder that references to healing in the Bible are passed off. We consider them a metaphor or something that doesn't happen any more. After all, if you're sick you take drugs - and those who pray instead of going to the doctor are crazy. In reality something in between seems to be a little more healthy. God's work in this world clearly has a lot to do with real, palpable healing on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. Our care for these bodies God has given us goes deeper than antibiotics and asprin. Somehow, we have to realize that our responsibility to ourselves, to our neighbor, and to God also pertains to our bodies and how we care for them.

God our creator, you have given us bodies that are indeed very good. Good, but not perfect. When we suffer from disease and injury, we trust in the healing we know you can deliver. Be also present in those who give physical care - doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and all others who use their skills to help heal. Teach us also to care for our lives fully, not just in pills, but in everything we say and do. We pray this in the name of your Son, whose ministry taught us to heal the sick and embrace the outcast. Amen.

Mary Magdalene

Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources. - Luke 8:1-3

One of my favorite Biblical characters is definitely Mary Magdalene. At first, it was because I was deeply drawn to the persona of the repentant sinner drawn close by Christ. After all, what could be more challenging to the religious and political hierarchy than to have a former prostitute in your inner circle? However, I was perhaps even more amazed by her when I learned more about her person and history. As it turns out, there is absolutely no record anywhere of her being a prostitute, or even a sinner any more remarkable than anyone else. She was combined with Mary of Bethany (Luke 10 and John 11) and the woman sinner (Luke 7) into one single person. Pope Gregory I is credited with cementing this via a sermon delivered in 591 where he indeed declared them to be one woman.

There are many theories as to why Mary Magdalene was not only lumped together with two other distinct women, but made into a prostitute. One is that she appeared to powerful for the church at the time. As Luke 8 notes, she provided for Jesus out of her resources; in other words, she was wealthy and independent. Furthermore, she was very close to Jesus - he even chose to appear first to her. Instead of allowing this possible undermining of male authority, later scholars and teachers wanted to give her a dark side. Another possibility is that there were simply too many women, and especially Marys, for them to be all considered different. Finally, it could be an attempt to give women two images to aspire to: the Virgin Mary, who remains pure and chaste, or Mary Magdalene, a sinner who Jesus loves anyway.

The cult of the Magdalene, encompassing everything from numerous depictions of the penitent Magdalene (such as the one pictured here in the museum of Florence's Duomo) to the mythology of her time in France, to even her prominent role in the "DaVinci Code" keeps her present in stories, legends, and popular culture. She is indeed an attractive figure to many people, although it is more often for rumors and conspiracy theories than for what we actually know about her.

I was thrilled when I learned that my first sermon at St. Anne's in London would be on Mary Magdalene's feast day and that the church did indeed want me to preach from those texts. I knew that if there was one thing we knew about her it was that we didn't know much at all. I wanted to teach the congregation the "real story" about this woman, but then remembered that Mary Magdalene isn't an agenda; besides, there's hardly enough information about her to make a "real story". Instead, I reminded myself to lift her up as we do with saints: as reminders of the human ability to love and serve God and neighbor fully.

There are three important things we can know from her story to be inspired by her. She was a woman healed by Christ, showing us his restorative power. She committed herself fully to his ministry, reminding us to do the same. And finally, she had the courage to pay her respect to him and declare his miraculous rising again against all odds, giving us the confidence to do likewise. Whether we make her a hero, a rebel, a victim, or a lover, the simple facts are enough to remind us that she was nonetheless a woman of deep faith and inspiration to us, even today.

(To read a rough transcription of the sermon, go here. Click on "sermons", then "Sunday 22 July at 11.00 [Mary Magdalene]")

God our constant guide, you have sent us inspirations in the faith to help us on our way. Thank you especially for Mary Magdalene, who for all the stories surrounding her was simply and earnestly your dedicated follower. Help us to be bold and committed like her, giving ourselves fully to you and trusting in your mercy. May we always be able to proclaim your Son's rising again, even in the darkest of times. We pray this in his name, Amen.

Mary I and Elizabeth I

When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. - Matthew 10:19-22a

This verse has never sat right with me. Too many people use it to justify their controversial political and spiritual decisions, pointing to this verse to try to make their naysayers into lesser believers. Some try to say that they must be loving Jesus right when everyone else is upset with them, when the exact opposite might be more true. Nonetheless, families have indeed been driven apart because of faith - even if that faith is simply another expression of Christianity. The conflict between Catholic and Protestant faith shows this tension very clearly.

The English church technically separated from Rome in 1534 under the notorious Henry VIII, but that was not the end of the debate. Under his son Edward VI's short reign the church became more radical, and there were some who hoped for greater Protestant reform in the country. This was the main hope of much political turmoil following Edward's death, until Mary I received power and technically rejoined the Roman church in 1555. Her battle to keep control of the country and enforce Catholicism led to her moniker Bloody Mary, as she had 300 religious dissenters executed in her just over four year's reign. Her half-sister (and successor, should she fail to produce a male heir) was the Protestant Elizabeth, who she had imprisoned but refused to execute.

Elizabeth did indeed ascend to the throne in 1558 and re-established Protestantism. In spite of their vast political and especially religious differences, it seems the sisters held no truly ill will towards each other. Mary kept Elizabeth from death during her reign, and it seems that Elizabeth did not fault Mary for her actions. In fact, today the sisters are buried together in the same tomb in Westminster Abbey. Next to the tomb, a plaque noting the religious conflict personified by the two sisters and Queens reminds us that people do truly rise against each other even when they believe to be fighting exclusively for Christ's sake.

Stories like these remind me that Jesus' words in the verse from Matthew aren't carte blanche to stir up trouble and call it faith. Instead, it is a sad statement on the sinfulness of humanity. Even something as unifying and inspiring as Christian faith can be warped in our drive for power and prestige, until we convince ourselves to even fight our brother and sister.

Merciful God, our own brokenness keeps us from worshiping you in spirit and truth. Instead, we fight amongst ourselves and try to prove ourselves more worth of you. Help us instead to seek peace, unity, and shared proclamation of your holy name no matter what church, denomination, or ideal we represent. We ask this in the one name of your Son Jesus. Amen.

Westminster Abbey

When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, "I will set a king over me, like all the nations that are around me," you may indeed set over you a king whom the Lord your God will choose... It shall remain with him and he shall read in it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, diligently observing all the words of this law and these statutes, neither exalting himself above other members of the community nor turning aside from the commandment, either to the right or to the left, so that he and his descendants may reign long over his kingdom in Israel. - Deutoronomy 14: 14-15a, 19-20

One thing that cannot be avoided in England is the connection between church and state. The Queen is constitutionally referred to as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, and the Canons of the Church of England also declare, "We acknowledge that the Queen’s excellent Majesty, acting according to the laws of the realm, is the highest power under God in this kingdom, and has supreme authority over all persons in all causes, as well ecclesiastical as civil." While her role in the church, in much the same way as her political role, is primarily a figurehead, she nonetheless is the highest authority within the church.

She is not only not a person of any religious training or authority, but not elected. She is, as some would declare, chosen by God alone. Anachronistic as it might seem, it's simply the way things work. And since they work that way, there are events and places that clearly demonstrate the connection between church and state in England.

Perhaps most noteworthy of these places is Westminster Abbey. An abbey has stood on the site since the 10th century, and a proper stone building went up in the mid-11th century under the direction of Edward the Confessor. Partly because the church was a sort of shrine to King Edward, it became the site of coronations and burials for English monarchs throughout the centuries. Queen Elizabeth I was the first to have a Protestant coronation ceremony there, and the last coronation was, of course, HRH Elizabeth II. And yes, you read that right - it is indeed a formal church service with prominent roles for clergy, and even has an anointing considered so sacred that it was not televised during the broadcast of Elizabeth II's coronation.

As an American, it seems almost offensive to have these two roles so intertwined. However, the Israelites themselves had a king who was also a spiritual leader. The two roles can indeed be fairly balanced, and a beautiful place like Westminster seems to reflect that. Unfortunately, the human tendency is to declare divine mandate to matter what, turning to personal preference rather than God's will. After all, it was enforced Anglicanism that drove people to America and created the precedent for free practice.

The book of Deuteronomy reminds us that we are each constantly to turn to God as we direct our lives, whether leader or most lowly. This isn't just because God wants it - it is because it helps us live with some semblance of structure and function. When we turn too far to our own desires and forget our Creator, we get violent anarchy, oppressive dictatorship, and all sorts of unethical governance in between. In a place like Westminster, surrounded by tombs of rulers and monuments to war dead, it is easy to remember just how frail the balance can be.

God, our King, we give ourselves totally to your rule. Guide us as we live in your creation, that we might show respect when due and question authority when needed. Give your wisdom to all those who lead and rule, so that your guidance will be in their decisions. We pray these things in the name of your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Return to Rome

Greetings to the few of you who still check this blog out... I have been terribly delinquent about posting lately (I blame it on London's unseasonably cold weather, making my fingers too stiff to type) and therefore have a huge backlog of great posts to get to. I'll be putting those up this week.

In the meantime, my husband and I have made a safe return to Rome for the final three months of the fellowship. We've resettled in a new part of town in a significantly smaller apartment, but we're doing quite well - especially since the weather has been gorgeous! Tomorrow I'll register for another semester of classes at the Angelicum, and we'll hit the ground running from there.

I hope all is well for you, and that you'll continue to enjoy reading along with some of my experiences and thoughts throughout this incredible year.

Ascension Day At St. Paul's

[Jesus said] "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. Acts 1:8-9

When my younger sister was here in London with me, we stumbled across an amazing surprise. Typically, St. Paul's offers a noon service without communion, but as we wandered through the church we knew something special was about to happen. Set up to the side was a huge bowl, which seemed like a punch-bowl sized thurible, and smoke was just starting to rise from it. Communion chalices were coming out as well, so we realized that perhaps we would be interested in this particular service.

Since we hadn't been following the liturgical calendar closely that week, we were surprised to learn that we had found ourselves in church on Ascension Day. So, before we climbed up to the very top of the dome in St. Paul's, we paused with a handful of other tourists to celebrate the mystery of Christ's ascension.

The service itself was lovely, with a special choral ensemble for the occasion and an encouraging sermon which did nothing to help understand the strangeness of the ascension itself but nonetheless assured us it was all a good thing. But most remarkable to me was the cloud of smoke that rose up to the very top of the church's iconic dome. Part-way through the service more incense was added, creating fresh clouds wafting up through the church. After the service, we climbed into the upper galleries where we could not only still smell it, but we could actually still see the smoke hanging in the air. The whole atmosphere of the church had been literally changed.

I wonder what it must have been like for the disciples on the day that they saw Jesus ascend into heaven. I can't even picture their level of surprise; it certainly doesn't even register on the same scale as my pleasant surprise at the noon worship. But their world was changed, too. I wonder how they felt Christ's presence around them, palpable and thick. Was it comforting to some, oppressive to others, and unsettling to still more? Did they wonder if the memories of their teacher would fade with time? Did it get harder to feel close to him the further their travels took them?

Most importantly, the atmosphere of their lives had been changed as well. While the smoke hanging in the church was temporal, the affect Christ had on their lives - and continues to have today - is not. His grace envelopes us completely and never washes off. Even though we cannot see him in the flesh today, his Spirit still remains with us, guiding and encouraging us at all time.

Most Powerful and Amazing God, with your Son's birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension, the world was completely and permanently changed. Give us the grace to daily live that change, serving you and our neighbor with complete dedication and joy. Send us your Spirit, that we can always be encouraged by your presence in our lives. We pray these things in the name of the Risen and Ascended Lord, Amen.

Anglican Evensong

I call upon you, O Lord; come quickly to me; give ear to my voice when I call to you. Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. - Psalm 141:1-2

One of the great things to experience here in London, in the heart of the Anglican faith, is Evensong. Almost every church offers it, but it is especially amazing to experience at Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral. Both churches have incredible male choirs complete with young boy choristers who are taught and trained in on-site schools. The hard work certainly pays off. As soon as they open their mouths, you realize what choirs of angels might actually sound like.

Not only am I raised in the Lutheran tradition, but I swear I learned how to read by following hymns and liturgies in the big, green Lutheran Book of Worship. Therefore, I learned my place in a service: respond in the bold type, sing every verse of a hymn, and even if you're not actively vocalizing you should at least follow along. This is not the case in Evensong. In fact, the point of the service seems almost to be complete exclusion of the congregation. There are scripture readings and a sermon, and there's usually at least one hymn that the congregation joins in on, but otherwise the service is performed almost completely by the choir. Sometimes, it almost feels like a concert and not a service.

However, this does not necessarily bother me. Sometimes, I need to simply sit back and allow myself to be filled. Instead of worrying if I've found the right page or am pronouncing words correctly of even if I'm supposed to be speaking at all, I can revel in the gorgeous surroundings and resonant music. It gives worshipers space to pray, meditate, and be inspired to start another week fresh. The inspiration may come from the choir, but the prayers are nonetheless my own.

Even if you don't have access to a historic Anglican worshiping community, you can allow yourself time and space to open up and put everything before God. Too often, our days fly by so quickly that instead of lifting our hands in prayer and sacrifice, we let our heads hit the pillow heavy with worries and frustrations. Perhaps we would all do better if we took a step back, found music or a devotional that inspired us without demanding too much for us, and created a space to allow the Spirit to ease our burdens.

God of mercy, come to us in the evening and grant us rest. We offer you all we have, and ask that you take from us our fears and our frustrations in return. We can give you only our love and devotion, and in return you give us your everlasting grace. Grant that we might be still in your presence and turn to you faithfully in prayer. In Christ's name, Amen.

Penetecost Sunday At St. Paul's Cathedral

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. - Acts 2:1-4

What a fantastic and mysterious experience is Pentecost! Even as a child, I can remember being entranced by the event. Tongues of fire? Instantaneous linguists? Even the derisive on-lookers later in the story that determine all the disciples were drunk simply add to the allure of the story. Later in my life, preachers made me smile by focusing on the female aspects brought to the Trinity by the language used surrounding the Holy Spirit and her action through the Scriptures. Today, my Pentecost Sundays are filled with my prayers for the same to happen to me - especially if it means I could speak better Italian.

I knew I would want to experience this great event in a great place, and since I had a visitor in town, we went to St. Paul's Cathedral in London. This is an impressive space, rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666 and iconic to the London skyline especially as it stood firm among the rubble during World War II. With its renowned choir and illustrious staff, I was sure we'd be in for a treat. I especially held out hope that I would be treated to a sermon that gave me a new perspective on an event that holds great importance not only for me, but for Christianity world-wide.

As has been the case more and more for me here, this was not exactly the case. Certainly, the service was amazing. After all, the space inside the cathedral soars and glows with mosaics, arches, domes and stained glass. The choir, complete with its boy's choir, simply danced through a series of classical and contemporary works that showcased their ability. The service itself was rich in Anglican pageantry, something I have come to truly appreciate. There was, however, an emptiness to the service in the spot I treasure most: the sermon.

After all, it is in the sermon that the preacher has the opportunity to take the scriptural stories and concepts and flesh them out. Not only does this aid comprehension, but it creates a space where each listener is invited in to the mystery and connect it to his or her own life and faith. Here, the Holy Spirit itself breaks in and opens hearts and minds. Granted, this can be done regardless of the quality of the sermon. Even if (God forbid!) we only ever preached boring, dry, rambling, expository sermons for the rest of the life of the church, somehow the Spirit would still break past our glazed-over eyes and yawning faces. However, if we take seriously the call to preach, we know that we are called to not just go through the motions but give everything we have.

The trend I seem to notice here, especially in churches that see mostly tourists for a congregation and draw crowds based primarily on their history, is that the style and structure of a sermon's delivery is more important than its content. This leads to a great deals of sermons written in perfect three-point style, carefully written to include an educated vocabulary, spoken with impeccable diction and clarity. After about three minutes, the sermon is completely dead - but at least it sounds nice. Unfortunately, this sermon was no different. I had to simply bide my time until the choir started singing again, since at least they brought passion to the Word.

I realize that preachers all have different gifts, and for everyone who is moved by a fervent, witty sermon there is someone who needs a deliberate, methodical sermon. I thank God that there is this variety in preachers, as we would otherwise be a very boring lot. But I do hope that the Holy Spirit would indeed fill each and every preacher with a palpable fire that not only gives them style but substance, not just form but function, not only clarity but conviction.

Triune God, as you came to the disciples in tongues of fire, light up our hearts today. Give our words and actions the fullness of your grace so that we can live with the fire of your love. May our words be full of not only wisdom but passion as we share your Word in this world. We pray these things in your holy name, Amen.

Wesley Day

When [Jesus] came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." Luke 4:16-21

Living in London, at a different end of the Reformation from Rome, offers a different set of possibilities and options for a seminarian. One of these was Wesley Day, a day of celebration for the conversion of John Wesley. They do indeed use the word "conversion" in this strongly Anglican city, although Wesley always held that his beliefs were within the bounds of Anglican faith. Held by Wesley’s Chapel & Leysian Mission in John Wesley's chapel, the event was to celebrate the life and faith of an influential man and his family. The event was well-attended by representatives of many denominations across London, and all seemed to be

We began with a service of Eucharist at Wesley’s Chapel, which was wonderful in its own right. Especially delightful was the impromptu hymn-singing during distribution, where the organist simply picked up when the congregation started. The service was followed immediately by a procession to Susanna Wesley’s Grave in Bunhill Fields Cemetery for a wreath-laying. The cemetery is just across the street from the chapel and made a fitting tribute to a wonderful woman whose husband and sons played a very influential role in the development of the protestant belief system, not just in England but in the United States as well. I was honored to be a part of the ceremony.

However, seeing as I'm on a preaching fellowship, I was most particularly interested in hearing the sermon for this service. After all, Wesley was known for his preaching, a style and delivery that seemed to galvanize people. Part of me truly hoped that the preacher would even haul us outside Wesley-style to hear the Word in the open air. Indeed, the preacher did know quite a bit about John Wesley and his brother Charles, and spent a great deal of time outlining their lives. Unfortunately, that is the only thing he did. He took no time to bring us the Word, he simply paid tribute to an important family.

I have heard it said that you know you're headed the right direction in a sermon if Christ had to die for your words. To put it another way, when we preach, we do not deliver a eulogy. We don't talk in niceties or focus on earthly matters. We can use these things, but they are means to an end. When we preach, we preach Christ and him crucified. It may be a whole lot easier to talk about smart people or academic concepts, but these great things do not a sermon make. Wesley would likely be very frustrated if a service in his honor focused on him and not the Word of God.

In a way, Christ's sermon in Luke seems to defeat this logic. After all, he's just talking about himself - something novice preachers are warned to stay away from. However, this is the Son of God we're talking about. He is trying to reveal God's own presence and promise to those around him. No matter how revolutionary this message is, it is essential to the life of those listening. In these days, when Christ is no longer physically here to teach us directly, it is left to the preachers to bring the Word of God to worship. Even in an individual's daily life, we are called not just to be good people and to say nice things, but to actively proclaim Christ in our lives.

Our Gracious God, we are weak. Your Word is so great that sometimes we are unsure how to proclaim it. Forgive us for taking the easy way, for beating around the bush, for considering ourselves unworthy of Your Son's gift. Send your Holy Spirit to inspire us, so that our words might be your Words. Bless especially those who preach, that they might continue to have the courage to speak the truth in love. In Christ's name, Amen.

We Are Safe

If you have heard about the bombs found around London today, know that my husband and I are fine - most importantly, so is everyone else. If you haven't heard this news yet, there's a CNN article here, or a BBC article here. At any rate, at 2 am this morning London time, a nail and gas bomb was disarmed outside a nightclub in London. Later today, the area around Buckingham Palace and Oxford Street, both very popular spots for tourists and locals, was shut down due to a second suspicious vehicle. No one was hurt and no one has claimed responsibility.

In these frightening times, we ask for your prayers for the people of London as they try to stay safe and sane. Please also keep in your prayers those across the world who live in constant threat of terror, danger, attack and suffering. In spite of all the evil we confront daily, we have a good God on whom we can always trust.

Stonehenge

Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, "Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, "To an unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. - Acts 17:22-25

Stonehenge stands in the middle of a field in the Salisbury plain, surrounded on three sides by grazing sheep and, unfortunately, on one side by a major highway. Still, the ancient site holds a huge draw to tourists, historians and conspiracy theorists alike. While I had already been here once, we decided having a guest in town was a good reason for us all to go.

The site is now carefully fenced off and direct access to the stones is only allowed by specially approved groups, occasionally tourists but usually school groups. During opening hours, paying visitors are allowed to get within about 50 feet of some of the stones. This is to prevent not only the usual vandalism, but also attempts to pull down and destroy the stones. As it turns out, Stonehenge carries with it all sorts of legends and rumors about who built the circle and why - as you can imagine, most of them involve myths about pagans and the devil. Some have taken these myths so seriously that they want the place razed.

The thing is, building on Stonehenge began in 3100 BC and didn't finish until 1500 BC, long before Christ was even born, much less Christianity existed. Even the ancient Hebrew faith had a long way to go before it could even think of spreading; for that matter, the British Isles are a long trip from the Middle East. In other words, these people had no way of being Christian, much less anti-Christian. Instead, what they built was simply representative of what they had at the time, whether it was their ancient religion or a way to follow the seasons.

Something about the careful construction of the site, delicate selection of obscure stones, and astronomical line-up of its stones speaks of some kind of recognition of a higher cause. After all, working for over 1500 years on the same site seems to indicate its importance to the people of that time. Its correlation with movements of the sun seems to reinforce its possible religious indication. When humans build things worthy of a higher power, humans want those things to be significant and glorious.

In many ways, the ancient people that built Stonehenge are not much different from us today. In one very big similarity, they were clearly searching for that power greater than them that created all things and guides all things. Somehow, they were searching for that God which we now know throughout history and in the person of Jesus Christ. This might be dangerously universalist for some, but I don't see it as such. Just as Paul knew that the Athenians were searching for the final, true identity of God, perhaps the ancients at Stonehenge were doing the same. Today, people reach for money or fame as illusive gods, looking for anything to fill the void that only the Creator can.

I admire Stonehenge for the immense work these ancient people put into it, building their altar to an unknown god, with great respect for the ways humanity has tried to recognize its Creator. I lift up my prayer that one day, we will all be joined together in faith on the last day.

God of all things, we are constantly searching for you. Sometimes we go astray and put other gods - whether material or immaterial - first in our lives. Let your Holy Spirit guide us to truth and remind us that you are always greatest and first in all things. Let the searching of others teach us how to better see and hear you in our daily lives. We pray all these things in Christ's holy name, Amen.

Salisbury Cathedral - Prisoner's Candle

Then [the Son of Man] will say to those at his left hand, "You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, "Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?' Then he will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' - Matthew 25: 41-45

Having been to Salisbury Cathedral the last time I was in the UK, I didn't expect to see much that would surprise me. The baptismal font (see post below) was the first indicator that I was wrong. Since the church is, as I mentioned, a living and active congregation, it makes some changes in its architecture and decoration as well. For instance, I recall the last time I was there the Cathedral had set up one of its chapels as a special place to pray for the farming families affected by hoof and mouth disease, which was destroying livestock at that time. Since the epidemic has passed, the memorial is dismantled.

One thing I cannot recall seeing before is a candle in barbed wire, the symbol of Amnesty International and a general symbol for remembrance of prisoners of conscience. In fact, the gorgeous blue stained glass window at the back of the church, right behind the candle, was only constructed in the 1980s as a memorial and tribute to prisoners of conscience around the world. (Apparently its illusory, modern design is a bit of a scandal to some.) In all, the set up in the oldest part of the church makes for a very moving place of reflection and prayer.

For most people, prisoners are people who deserve what they've gotten. People go to prison for crimes they've committed, and whether you think jail is punishment, rehabilitation, or prohibition, if you end up there you broke the law and deserve little mercy. But what if the law itself is unjust? What if jail accomplishes one of its purposes and you are rehabilitated - only to await your death, either imposed or eventual? And what of the fact that we are all created good by God and deserving of mercy, no matter our crimes?

Nowhere are these questions more painful than in the face of prisoners of conscience. Because of their beliefs - usually against corrupt governments or painful oppression - these people are locked away. In countries where free speech and dissension have some kinds of protections, these kinds of prisoners sound like myths. But they are real, and we are called to defend and protect them.

Better yet, Christ calls us to help those imprisoned no matter what their crime. Jesus' story in Matthew 25 doesn't qualify only non-violent prisoners, he simply says "in prison". While it is exhausting, sometimes self-destructive work, those who serve and minister to people in prison are doing some of the most important ministry at all. This candle in Salisbury reminded me not only of those in prison unjustly, but those in prison at all - and especially, those who give everything they have to reach out to those prisoners.

Gracious God, who loves sinners, we know we all fall short of your intent for our lives. We point fingers at those who the world punishes more harshly for their sins, all the while ignoring your command to love them no matter what. Forgive us all our sins, and grant us each the strength to serve you through the least of these. Be with those jailed for whatever reason, that they might know of your love and forgiveness no matter what. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.