February 2006 Archives

Lectionary texts for the Last Sunday after Epiphany/Transfiguration Sunday

I haven't been able to take the time I'd like lately to explore and connect the lectionary texts, but I just read an article this morning called "Waking to Mystery" by Kimberlee Conway Ireton that connects to the Transfiguration passage specifically. She talks about how the disciples' response ("Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.") betrays a desire to hold on to the mystery they behold, instead of letting it flow through them and learning to trust in uncertainty.

The Transfiguration is a revelation, but it's a revelation of something amazingly mysterious that we can only hold in trust and contentment that the God of Love will be true to the promise of redemption. An alternative response is to attempt to contain the mystery in our own language and definitions of reality (as in, "Let us build a dwelling for you") and in doing so, we don't diminish the mystery itself, but we miss the experience of it and potentially distort the experience for others--which leads to the Corinthians passage. God is light, but as people who are both darkness and light, we cannot fully comprehend the light. God is not the maintainer of the veil--the "gods" of the world hold that post--but God is the lifter of the veil ("At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom" [Matt. 27:51]).

Let us be vigilant for the mysterious light of the risen Christ that is all around us, not trying to control revelation or explain it away, but trusting that there will be a time when we will see with clarity who we are and who God is.

It's a sleepy evening here in our living room, with two dozing cats and a dozing Rob scattered around to a soundtrack of sleepy music. Yet, somehow, I can't tear myself away from my computer to do nothing. Instead, I'm trying to puzzle through a new mission and vision statement for *cino, since I've been putting off the primer (*cino introductory book) content for a couple of days now while I research bulk fair trade food for World Fare. There really are some exciting bulk dry goods options out there and I can't stop thinking about how we can transition the store toward something a little more useful in a daily sort of way for people in our community. Here's what I've managed to locate so far:

• White Rice


• Red Rice


• Wild Rice


• Quinoa


• Loose tea


• Coffee beans (obviously)


• Raw sugar


• Baking cocoa/hot cocoa


• Dried corn


• Cashews


• "Jungle" chocolate

I like the idea that people could come in with containers to fill up with all kinds of delicious, beautiful goodies to use when they get home. I also like the idea of seeing the containers filled with all of these naturally-occuring, lovely things and watching customers enjoy the act of measuring them out, like precious commodities.

Of course, the big question becomes: why don't we just start a food co-op? We have plenty of space in our store to do foods alongside the handcrafts. Look at how much stuff the People's Food Co-op in Kalamazoo crams into its tiny space, for goodness' sake! Well, something else to look out for, I suppose.

Since I've been posting my notes in process for the service, I thought I'd post the meditation in it's entirety as well, for those who are interested. Rob and I were going to attempt to present together, but it looks like the division of labor will have me behind the pulpit by myself. I don't know if this is any good as far as a sermon goes and I'm a bit frustrated with my inability to improvise, but this is what I have to offer for now.

I just received a transcript of Bono's speech at the National Prayer Breakfast yesterday morning and I thought it was good enough to post here. It's fairly lengthy, so you'll find it beneath the fold (or, rather, when you click the link below). Bono spoke to religious leaders from various traditions, politicians from across the spectrum and President Bush about how the requirements for justice are more than mere charity and set a higher standard for action.

I found this bit interesting:

This is not a Republican idea. It is not a Democratic idea. It is not even, with all due respect, an American idea. Nor it is unique to any one faith.

... which seems to directly respond to a section of President Bush's commencement address at Calvin:

As the Class of 2005 goes out into the world, I ask you to embrace this tradition of service and help set an example for all Americans. As Americans we share an agenda that calls us to action -- a great responsibility to serve and love others, a responsibility that goes back to the greatest commandment. This isn't a Democratic idea. This isn't a Republican idea. This is an American idea.

Precisely, Bono.