Thoughts after Lent, Holy Week, and the Resurrection
Topic: Neo Liturgical Praxis
We slept out, denied ourselves earthly pleasures, involved ourselves in some of the terrible life circumstances of others, rejoiced over the closeness of God, while being heartbroken in understanding the terrible price paid for us, and were given people to be God's hand of mercy toward.
In some ways it feels like a lifetime lived within 40 days. I'm tired.
Through all of this, it seems as though we have more of a resolve, moving into the real work of reconciliation; having a keen awareness of some of the crap that God lovingly puts up with from His church, and also wanting better (hopefully like Him).
We have truly been shown where people's loves lie through their actions, both good and bad.
It is a bit startling to realize that the people who claim understanding show little to no regard for God and His worship, evidenced by their treatment of Him through a lack of worship, and ignoring His people; exhibiting a very dim understanding of life outside their own narcissism.
At the same time, those who you'd might think care very little for God, came through this time looking like, and loving Jesus; again, evidenced by their worship and careful reflection during this time.
I had posted before, how taking the journey through the Lenten Desert changes things. I didn't think so much could become so clear in such a short time.
We will be writing more about this in our March Newsletter "Beside Still Waters."
Until then, blessings...
Posted by Pastor Kork
at 12:01 AM EDT
Updated: Monday, 17 April 2006 12:21 PM EDT
Maundy Thursday
Topic: Neo Liturgical Praxis
How do we talk about this...?
Holy Week is terrible. It is a time when we intentionally remember the suffering of our LORD; both physically and mentally. As lent draws to a close, we continue to find ourselves in the desert experience of self denial—embracing, the obedience to God found only through suffering.
I am certainly not speaking of self mutilation, or a doctrine of works as a way to acceptance by God, but in very real tangible ways, embracing God’s journey through picking up our own cross, following Jesus, and in reverent ways finding the things that we hold higher than Him; putting them away as an act of worship.
Joy is found in the closeness of God as we draw
nearer to Him, but this joy is very conflicted. There is a terrible agony realizing the deadly seriousness of God’s love for us. The physical pain that Jesus endured is emotionally painful for us as we realize the physical cost; but as we draw near to the end of our “Lenten Desert,” our heightened awareness and sensitivity to the spiritual seriousness of our lack of “acceptance” of God and His priority in our lives; our consideration of Him and His mission, is staggering.
Not staying awake with Him for one hour, pales in comparison to the things that we hold in higher esteem than Him. I am feeling the personal conflict of the joy of appreciation to Him, and the pain of knowing the agonizing price he paid for me.
I do know that there are folks who are part of us, who simply didn’t want to do this—with reasons galore—telling themselves, “what’s the point…this won’t change anything.” True, for those unwilling to place one foot closer to our risen LORD, this exercise was futile. It is impossible to steer a parked car… But, I know of a few, whom through this observance, life as they once knew it is ending and a new journey – a new life – is beginning.
I am still conflicted by the joy of drawing close to Jesus at this time, and the heartbreaking reality of what Jesus suffered as we observe the last leg of our journey through Holy Week. This is another kind of pain which we will embrace anew – looking forward to the real thrill of Resurrection.
Today is Maundy Thursday Service at the Moyer’s 7:00 pm. Tomorrow —Good Friday— we will show “the Passion of the Christ” on the corner of York and King Sts in the courtyard. Sunday will be the Victory Celebration!
Until then, please consider what it cost God to let you know how deadly serious is His love for you...
Posted by Pastor Kork
at 12:01 AM EDT
Updated: Monday, 17 April 2006 9:41 AM EDT
If Only There Were More Songs about ... Life!
Topic: Worship
As a Worshiper, Gerrit Gustafson is a giant—teaching a generation the lost art of worshiping God – not only through music, but as a matter of life. This is the real business of our existence. It is something so vulnerable, yet so powerful, and yet the delicacy of understanding its nuance is a life long journey. As we put it at Still Waters, God cares about our “Want To,” the rest is a loving expression of that want to.
This makes our lives beautiful, and noticeably connected to the God who loves the world. We become a reflection—a light.
Gerrit’s words are completely fitting with our Lenten conversation.
Click here to read:
If Only There Were More Songs about ... Life! by Gerrit Gustafson
Posted by Pastor Kork
at 12:01 AM EDT
Updated: Monday, 17 April 2006 1:24 PM EDT