Jesus and I-phones?

Someone I knew from Oblate School of Theology who has since become a Roman Catholic priest posted this funny cartoon on Facebook. It shows what people would try to do now if they saw Jesus coming out of the tomb!

Happy Easter!

Today Chuck and I will go to two church services, motivated both by him singing with the choir at both services and by the beautiful liturgies we will participate in. At 7 am there is the Great Vigil of Easter with the new fire lighting the Paschal Candle and the traditional 11 o'clock service with exclamations of joy and the return of  Alleluias as the Risen Christ is proclaimed with everyone ringing bells.

In years past, our children have come home for Easter, but not this year. To see a few pictures of those visits, click on 2009 and 2012. The last pictures show Avery a year ago when she seemed more babyish. Avery looks much older here in a new one opening Easter presents from her other grandparents, Mimi and Pop:

Holy Saturday: The Space Between

Christine Valters Paintner writes of Holy Saturday as "The Space Between."

She starts off her article like this:

Don't surrender your loneliness so quickly.

Let it cut more deep.
Let it ferment and season you as few human
Or even divine ingredients can.
Something missing in my heart tonight
Has made my eyes so soft,
My voice so tender,
My need of God
Absolutely clear. ~ Hafiz

"Holy Week invites us into a world full of betrayal, abandonment, mockery, violence, and ultimately death. The Triduum, those three sacred days which constitute one unfolding liturgy, call us to experience communion, loss, and the border spaces of unknowing. Holy Saturday is an invitation to make a conscious passage through the liminal realm of in-between.

"I love the wide space of Holy Saturday that lingers between the suffering and death of Jesus on Friday and the vigil Saturday night proclaiming the return of the Easter fire. For me, Holy Saturday evokes much about the human condition—the ways we are called to let go of things or people, identities or securities and then wonder what will rise up out of the ashes of our lives. The suffering that we experience because of pain or grief or great sorrow and we don't know if we will ever grasp joy again. Much of our lives rest in that space between loss and hope. Our lives are full of Holy Saturday experiences.

"In their book The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus's Final Days in Jerusalem, Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan write:

Easter completes the archetypal pattern at the center of the Christian life: death and resurrection, crucifixion and vindication. Both parts of this pattern are essential: death and resurrection, crucifixion and vindication. When one is emphasized over the other distortion is the result. The two must be affirmed equally.

"Before we rush to resurrection we must dwell fully in the space of unknowing, of holding death and life in tension with each other, to experience that liminal place so that we become familiar with its landscape and one day might accompany others who find themselves there and similarly disoriented. The wisdom of the Triduum is that we must be fully present to both the starkness of Friday and to the Saturday space between, before we can really experience the resurrection. We must know the terrible experience of loss wrought again and again in our world so that when the promise of new life dawns we can let it enter into us fully in the space carved by loss. As the great poet of Hafiz reminds us, we must let our loneliness "cut more deep" and "season" us, so that we are reminded of our absolute dependence on the Source of all."

Go HERE to read the rest of her piece on Holy Saturday, with these suggestions to try today:

"Much of our lives are spent in Holy Saturday places but we spend so much energy resisting, longing for resolution and closure. Our practice this day is to really enter into the liminal zone, to be present to it with every cell of our being.

"Make some time on Holy Saturday to sit with all of the paradoxes of life. Bring yourself as fully present as you can to the discomfort of the experience. Rest in the space of waiting and unknowing and resist trying to come up with neat answers or resolutions. Imagine yourself on a wild border or standing on a threshold, knowing that you cannot fully embrace what is on the other side until you have let this place shape and form your heart. When you notice your attention drifting or your mind starting to analyze, return to your breath and the present moment. Allow yourself to feel whatever arises in this space. Honor the mystery."

Good Friday: Inner Challenge

Lynn Jericho composed a set of questions to ask oneself today for the Inner Challenge of Good Friday:

As I wrote the questions below, I realized they ask you to experience yourself as a victim or a perpetrator.  A victim has a perpetrator, a perpetrator, a victim.

But the I-beyond-consciousness does not live in stories where there are victims or perpetrators.  Certainly, Christ Consciousness is not about victimhood, shame, guilt, hatred or other feelings, attitudes, or judgments that separate, divide, or kill the heart or soul of anyone, especially your own.

As you look at these questions, can you feel the pain without shame, guilt, hatred, any feeling that is not permeated with love.

False Witness
Do you lie about yourself to yourself, to others?

And when have you silently born false witness on another's soul? Why?

 If we don't offer the dark, selfish parts of ourselves compassion and forgiveness, will we ever be whole - resurrect into a new vital experience of I.

The Judging
Do you know the prejudiced judge in your own soul that accuses the part of you that longs to speak the truth, love freely, do powerful deeds?

Have you accused, judged, and condemned yourself or others?

Have you ever washed your hands of standing for the innocence of another or the strength of your own goodness?

The Flogging and Mocking
Have you had to suffer the pain of flogging and the humiliation of mockery?

 What is self-flogging? Is it your constant self-doubt, your food binging, your obsession with knowing everything, your inability to earn enough money? And self-mockery?

What do you do when you look in the mirror? Do you mock your body? Do you write from your heart and then rip it to shreds? Do you tell yourself you are unworthy and undeserving?

The Bearing of the Cross
Often the crosses we bear are the weight of our own defenses and identities we created to hide or avoid or survive.  What are the crosses that you bear?

Does anyone ever offer to help you carry them by listening to your stories, caring for your suffering, seeing the truth of your heart?

The Crucifixion and Death
So often our destiny requires that we suffer and die to ourselves. Each year on Good Friday we can ask ourselves have I died to myself so that I can live for others?

We don't need to say yes, but it is very good to ask ourselves the question and be willing to be surprised by the answer.

Praying at Gethsemane

Gethsemane
by Mary Oliver

The grass never sleeps.
Or the roses.
Nor does the lily have a secret eye that shuts until morning.

Jesus said, wait with me. But the disciples slept.

The cricket has such splendid fringe on its feet,
and it sings, have you noticed, with its whole body,
and heaven knows if it ever sleeps.

Jesus said, wait with me. And maybe the stars did, maybe
the wind wound itself into a silver tree, and didn’t move,
maybe,
the lake far away, where once he walked as on a
blue pavement,
lay still and waited, wild awake.

Oh the dear bodies, slumped and eye-shut, that could not
keep that vigil, how they must have wept,
so utterly human, knowing this too
must be a part of the story.
 

 

Title:	Praying at Gethsemane
Notes:	Dr. He Qi is a professor at the Nanjing Union Theological Seminary and a tutor for master candidate students in the Philosophy Department of Nanjing University. He is also a member of the China Art Association and a council member of the Asian Christian Art Association.
Date:	2001
Artist:	He Qi
Material:	Other
Country:	China

Our Lord of Flaked Paint

Our Lord of Flaked Paint freckling
sallow skin and emerald robes,

Our Lord of Mudpuddle Eyes
that look away in weary irritation,

no one can touch your loneliness,
God cut off from God.

You who flamed a world into being
with only words, stood

in the midst of bickering men,
fig trees dying, and sparrows

falling to the ground.
Were there days when heat and dust,

the smell of stale crowds
pushing you from place to place,

asking for one more resurrection,
food for thousands

or withered hands healed,
made you want to slash the canvas,

fly back to heaven and start fresh
on some new world far away?

Days where your head ached
from sun on sand and water,

where your throat scraped raw
from shouting Blessed are. . . to men

who would go home, forget, and return
to nail you to a piece of wood?

No one understood your stories,
could grasp that you would trade

legions of angels
for nine ungrateful lepers,

the friend who turned you in,
and never enough sleep.

Our Lord of Omnipotent Frustration
with your halo like a setting sun,

your hand is raised as if to bless me,
though I can't imagine why.

~~Jana-Lee Germaine

Christian Century, November 3, 2009.

Giggle and a Thought

I believe that all time is in God, so is this possible?

This Lenting

Breakthrough

This lenting
 
is a longing, looking,

isolating and locating process,

a passing of the time between

what has to be, what may become,

a late, last, solitary lingering

among the soiled and crusted snowbanks

of deep-drifted hurt and disappointment

seeking out those tender-tough new shoots

that pierce the calloused surface

of all losing with the agony

of life becoming green again.

by J. Barrie Shepherd.

Imagine for 1 Minute

Friday Five: Take a Breath!

Deb brings today's Friday Five to RevGalBlogPals:

It's the week before Holy Week. Even if you are the non-preaching type, there's plenty going on in most of our homes religious. I think we all need a collective deep breath. :)

This week's Friday Five is simply a moment to BREATHE. Stop and tell us five ways that you "catch your breath" and then move on in the work God calls you to do.

Are these five things people? places? music? hobbies? chocolate? Or perhaps a memory?

 1. Look at my blooming daffodils, which are a rare sight in Corpus Christi, TX.

When I see them, I feel like the "stones shouting out" (Luke 19: 40); LIFE bursting out! I also feel my daughters love as they sent this little note with the daffodils:

"Thinking of you from rainy Seattle (with love)"

Love bursting out if I only look!

2. As the whale spouts up above: Take a deep breath!

Long ago, I was taught that panic attacks would be avoided or diminished through deep breathing. Taking some deep breaths, which must be done slowly, brings a sense of peace.

I am glad I no longer have panic attacks. However, deep breathing is helpful in everyday life.

3. Practice the piano--or play the little I have learned since September. I am surprised at how I forget everything else when I start "playing." This would especially apply to better musicians than I!


4.  Pet our dogs and sometimes our cat.

The three dogs are always willing, but the cat only likes her head scratched at her discretion.

5. Laughing with friends in person or via social media like Facebook. Also, looking at my label of CARTOONS that I have collected on this blog since it was started in 2006.

Blooming!

My daffodils from my Seattle daughters are fully blooming and are beautiful! Chuck reminded me that in the northeast they call them "jonquils." However, people don't always recognize them here in south Texas. My housekeeper didn't know what they were when she arrived this morning!

Daffodils!

I love daffodils and took pictures of them during our recent trip to Washington State. And then tonight, I was totally surprised by my daughters from Seattle--they sent me a box of daffodils! Daffodils in Texas seem odd, but I am happy that they are here for a few days.

Here is a picture I took of my friend Terry by some daffodils in Seattle. I never thought to ask her to take a picture of me with them; now I wish I had.

Friday Five: Technology

Although you won't know this, I am pre-posting this ten days ahead of schedule, because my husband and I are going to be in Washington State during his spring break (from teaching at a local community college). His parents have very recently moved into a senior living facility. We will be staying at their home, which will not have some of the furniture and supplies like we are used to. What I am dreading is no computer, tv or telephone, which also means no wifi connection. This is showing my dependence upon these technologies.

For this Friday Five, let us explore our use of and desire for such items.

1. What types of technologies, like cell phones, computers, tvs, etc., do you routinely use? How frequently?
I have an old-fashioned sliding cell phone that seems archaic nowadays. I like using the desk top computer at home, which has been unavailable while we traveled to WA State. I most frequently use it and the Kindle Fire various times during the day, since I am retired.

I don't text. My phone makes it difficult, and we don't pay for texting. I am thinking I need to add this to my phone, as my grown children text more frequently than call, especially our third son who rarely ever calls. Maybe this is a way to say better connected.

Use of the Kindle Fire was radically reduced while we were in Bellingham, with no wifi available. It is nice to be back at a desk top computer (See how old I am??) at our friends Terry and Dennis' home. 

2. What social media and/or games do you like to play? How often? On which device do you occupy yourself? Which method of social media do you prefer?
I am addicted to playing Words With Friends, though I am usually the low scorer in each game. I love that "ding" when someone has played, and I need to go and take my turn! This is on my Kindle Fire.

I like Facebook and to a lesser extent Pinterest.

3. Do you separate online activities between home and work? Or is it all the same everywhere?
Since I don't work, I am separated only by access to wifi.

4. Do you have a smart (or I-) phone?
No.

5. What do you wish you had--or do not have--in relation to these devices?
I halfway desire a smart phone and/or an Ipad, but I have the Kindle Fire. The only thing I don't like about it is lack of internet availability in areas where I cannot access wifi. I guess that's where my desire comes in--I'd like to have internet connection everywhere! But since I don't work, that seems silly.

Bonus: What is the difference between your attitude towards these means of technology and a generation older or younger than you?
An obvious difference between my grown children and eventually grandchildren is the use (or non-use) of texting. My children are between the ages of 33 and 23 and are proficient users of technology. I can already see that my 2 year old granddaughter Avery is adept at finding pictures on her dad's Ipad. They'll have to instruct me for future uses, which I may not "get." 

Chuck and I are able to use a desk top computer well, but that seems to be heading to non-existence. Hope my learning ability continues along with the patience of my children in instructing me!

Thursday in Seattle

I am writing this with my Kindle using one finger to type, so this will probably be short.

• One week in Washington State today.
•  First four days in Seattle: with daughters AE and KA and with  friends Terry and Dennis. Good company and yummy food!

• In Bellingham, Chuck and I stayed at his parents' house, which they left for a retirement community days before. We cleaned some, hopefully helping a little bit, as Chuck's sisters and brother must prepare the house to be sold. 

• We were there for 3 1/2 days and came back to Seattle this afternoon (in the rain).
• One more day here before we fly away on Saturday morning. Chuck goes back to Corpus Christi, and I go to Salt Lake City to visit MJ for two days. 

•  If all goes well, I will return on Monday night and be ready to start the newest Richard Rohr book "THE IMMORTAL DIAMOND" at the Wisdom Class on Tuesday morning. It is such a good book!

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorable.

He may be cleaning you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from the beyond.

~~Rumi

Mindful

Every day I see or hear something that more or less kills me with delight,

That leaves me like a needle in the haystack of light.

It was what I was born for--to look, to listen,

To lose myself inside this soft world--

To instruct my self over and over in joy, and acclamation.

Nor am I talking about the exceptional,

The fearful, the dreadful, the very extravagant--

But of the ordinary, the common, the very drab, the daily presentations.

Oh, good scholar, I say to myself,

How can you help but grow wise with such teachings as these--

The untrimmable light of the world, the ocean's shine,

The prayers that are made out of grass.

~~Mary Oliver

From You

It is when we are still
that we know.
It is when we listen
that we hear.
It is when we remember
that we see your light, O God.
From your Stillness
we come.
With your Sound
all life quivers with being.
From You
the light of this moment shines.
Grant us to remember you at the heart of each moment.
Grant us to remember.

"Praying with the Earth" by John Philip Newell

If. . . . .

If we are to take risks,
to be free,
in the air,
in life,
we have to know
that when we come down from it all,
we're going to be caught,
we're going to be safe.
The great hero is the least visible.
Trust the catcher.

~~Henri Nouwen

Lint as Lent

From Roberta at Spiritually Directed. . . is this darling story:

WHAT IS LENT?
On the way to All Saints

"Lent Event 2009"a mother

listened to the conversation

between her two children.

One child wondered aloud:

"What is Lent, anyway?"

The sibling responded:

"It's the stuff on your clothes."

taken from here.

What is sticking to you like lint sticks to clothes?

Happy Birthday to AE!

Today is my daughter AE's birthday! And I will get to spend all day with her as she is graciously taking the day off from work so I can see her before she and KA leave for Ohio tomorrow.

Leaving on a Jet Plane!

This morning I am leaving on a jet plane, hoping that the second jet plane (from DFW) will get to Seattle on time this afternoon!

Then I will have the adventure of finding the light rail station which is a long walk from the airport. I will take that new contraption to meet my daughters in downtown Seattle! Yay!

Then tomorrow Chuck will fly here. He and I will spend Friday, which is AE's birthday, with her and then we'll spend the weekend in Seattle with our friends Terry and Dennis. We've known Terry since high school, which was over 40 years ago.

Then next week we'll be in our hometown of Bellingham, WA while two young men take care of our pets. We will be seeing Chuck's family, especially his parents who moved into an assisted living facility only a few days ago.

Chuck and I will be staying in the newly-departed family home, with its depleted furniture and other items. We're not sure what we'll find there, though we know there will be beds! Sadly, there will be no tv or internet available.

The Soul Wants to Love

Look how the Creator
in the form of a mother or father
can then love the created, a child,
even more than themselves.

Look at the salvation and purpose
a person can find
in that devotion of caring.

A day is too great a force to bear 
without the heart open.

Time will slay your body
no matter what,
but with love,
the impetus of your final movements
will make eloquent your demise.


Could God care for the created
more than He cares for Himself?
The soul, and I think any being,
really wants to love, 
more than be loved.

  -- Hafiz

With thanks to Diane Walker at Contemplative Photography.

Problems!!

We have been thrown into a tizzy with an email this morning from the friend who always house-dog-sits for us when we travel. She cannot be here for us during the upcoming trip to WA State, even though we asked her months ago. In three days we need someone taking care of our pets, because Chuck will depart. (I am leaving the day before, which I have already pre-posted for Thursday.)

Chuck reserved spaces at our vet's kennel, which is expensive and not our first choice for our dogs. We'd prefer someone staying at our house. Calling people and friends today brought frustration and worry. What to do?? Finally, we found the sons of church members who are willing to help us out.

They just left after getting to know our dogs, including leaping Maisie (our Lab/hound mix). One is in college and the other is in high school, and they will take care of the dogs in partnership. They may even sleep here. That makes it nicer for our dogs and for our cat, who will not indicate her pleasure.

Chuck and I feel great relief. Whew!

Avery Pictures

DC and Avery

Avery and AA

Avery and Chuck

Avery and Jan

 Chuck and I went to Austin this past weekend. We had not seen Avery and her parents since Christmas. Avery has grown taller and much more talkative in the past two months. She sings songs and talks in almost-sentences. Chuck loved finding her each morning when she called, "I want get out!"

Wealth Inequality in America

My daughter KA shared this on Facebook, and I keep thinking about it. Please watch:. Then you can tell me what you think.

Excuses for NOT Going to Church!

Well, today we probably won't go to church because we are visiting our oldest son DC, his wife AA, and our wonderful 2 year old granddaughter AVERY!

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