We just had another meeting of the "discussion group". Don't know what else to call it... we do discuss things about faith, and life etc, but it seems the name doesn't do the time justice.
Anyway, tonight we kept coming back to the questions: How does God show up in your life? How do you experience God in your life?
As a Pastor, theology is interesting. But... where's the real heart of the ministry? It's in the messy life-stuff! The heart of ministry is in the heart!
I remember having a discussion with a fellow seminary student about one month from graduating, and we were in a discussion about the Sacaments. I can't remember how we got to this point, but I mentioned something about... has there ever been a time in your life when you've, for example, (and it really could be anything here, but I used the example of... ) seen a sunset. And for whatever reason, the planets were lined up, the gods were smiling on you, whatever... something happened in you, and your heart opened up to God... to the Divine! In that briefest of moments, where time is no longer "ordinary" but has somehow become Sacred, you feel embraced by... and are embracing... the Sacred Mystery... I told her... THAT'S sacramental as well.
And she responded by saying something to the effect of, that's a nice moment-we've all had nice moments like that - but it's not sacramental. The church has a definition of Sacrament, and it's... and then she went on to explain what we'd leared through our four years of seminary.
She had missed my point. It's not that I'm knocking theology, or things theological. My point is that I'd rather be talking with someone about their faith journey, where they are in their journey with and to God, rather than "theology". Granted what we say about God IS theological, But I'm talking about the heart, and it's embrace of God. This is a much more fulfilling discussion on God.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about sentimentality, about touchy feeling navel gazing! I'm talking sharing stories of the life-altering God expereince, and how that changes our perceptions of life from then on. I'm talking about our daily connection to God, and how THAT changes things over time too.
ANyway, we talked about this... and many other htings as well. Good discussions, and I can't wait to hear more!
Pastor C-
4 comments:
What you described is a very real and valid God experience. I believe that the Sacraments are there to be light spiritual lighthouses in case we are missing those sorts of moments you described. We can trust that we will find God in the sacraments, but not *only* there.
As good a thing as it is to define what sacraments are... it helps us understand them, it helps us make sense of them, etc. I think it can be a trap as well. A double-edged sword as it were.
Here's the trap: Let's say we understand about these "God" moments, the ones that come unbidden, the ones that seem to find us (we walk into them, and if we're ready, we notice them -- which begs the question, I wonder how many God moments we'd notice if we were "on" all the time?)
Anyway, the trap is, once you've "defined" them, then what do you do with the "God" moments that don't fit your "criteria"?
Is there a risk in remaining this open?
Pr. C-
You asked if there is a risk in leaving yourself open all the time to these "God moments" and not trying to define them. I don't find it a risk; rather I find it very freeing. We try to take life as it comes, dealing with the harder times and rejoicing in the good times and it always leads us in the right direction (even if it isn't where I had planned). Even when I see the horrible events in this world I see God. Not that he has done these horrible things, but the reactions that follow. The good that comes from it. The bad seems to bring out a lot of good in a lot of people and, therefore, change. And hopefully change in the right direction. Anyway, my point is that if we see God's work everywhere, we realize that nothing is chance. The choices are constant and never ending and we are free to do as we wish, but they all seem to have a purpose and lead to an ultimate goal. And if we follow, then we are part of that purpose. There is no way to see the end goal or even comprehend its endless possibilities, but that only magnifies the awe for me.
This brings someone to mind. I know someone who has had a difficult life, constantly battling obstacles, not changing easily. Growing up I used to think he had very bad luck. Now I'm not so sure. I'm wondering if, instead, that he was fighting the choices that God wanted him to make. So I decided that I wouldn't do this with my life. I try to "go with the flow" and relax when things don't seem to go my way. Example: I'm in traffic and I'm running late. I used to get upset and stressed out thinking about what was going to happen. Now I try to look at the possibility that I am being protected from something or that I'm supposed to be late for a reason that I don't know about yet (or will never know)And I have to say that since I've started this, I've noticed that my life is easier and more meaningful. (Now I'm not saying that I don't fight for what is right and just let life ride right over me)But I do realize that my actions affect others and vice versa.
So the question becomes, is this what we're supposed to do, see God in every aspect of our lives without definition and just trust, or are we leaving ourselves open to doing the wrong thing or missing the right opportunity? Is it just taking the easy road, or is it really a hard road because it is very hard to completely trust in God?
There is a prayer from Thomas Merton that addresses what you're describing - how do we know if we're doing the right thing?-
Dear God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain
where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself...
and the fact that I think I am
following Your will does not mean
that I am actually doing so.
But, I believe this:
I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. I hope I have that desire in everything I do.
I hope I never do anything
apart from that desire.
And, I know that if I do this
You will lead me by the right road... though I may know nothing
about it at the time.
Therefore, I will trust You always
for though I may seem to be lost
and in the shadow of death,
I will not be afraid because
I know You will never leave me
to face my troubles all alone. Amen
---Thomas Merton
He was a Sistercian monk (they do a lot of meditating, and praying) who brought contemplative prayer back into the western church, US in particular.
Anyway, I think there are two things that help us in moving towards the "right" path (God's will, etc.)
1- Are we desiring to do God's will? The fact that we DESIRE to do God's will doesn't of course, in and of itslf, mean we WILL do God's will, but it's certainly a good place to start.
2- How healthy in mind, body, spirit, emotions, heart are we? The healthier we are in all areas, the more clearly we might be able to distinguish God's voice from our own in the midst of stuff, if you know what I mean.
My 2 cents-
Pr. C-
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