Have You Found God Yet?

My message this Sunday is entitled, "Seekers" . . . and is based upon that pericope in Luke which contains the Lord's Prayer and the Lord's admonition that we should ask, seek, and knock if we are to discover the will and leading of God.

I'm pondering this message deeply this week because I know many congregations that have been built around the idea of offering "seeker" worship services--the idea being that there is a group of people who are seeking and another group of people who have "found" what they are seeking (and are then by definition no longer seekers but true Christians).

I don't see this distinction in the gospel, however.  Jesus told his disciples to "seek first the kingdom of God"...but the Greek verb form here would better be translated, "continue to seek the kingdom" or "never stop seeking the kingdom."

Now here is the spin.  The essence of faith is seeking!  It is not finding. 

Jesus made it clear that when we pray the Lord's Prayer, we are seeking God, the one who is higher and greater than we are . . . seeking the kingdom on earth as it exists in heaven.  When we pray, we are asking.  We are seeking God through our continued knocking, our continuing persistence and attention toward the things of God . . . even that, and especially that, which we do not understand.

We are always seekers.  If we are found, it is God who has found us . . . not us who have found God.

We are always seekers.  

Kind of like that line in the U-2 song:  "I still haven't found what I'm looking for."  

Are you still seeking first the kingdom?  If so, Jesus said all the rest will follow after, not the other way around.
~Pastor Todd 

Summer Breeze

Summer's at Calvary are as busy, or busier, than many other times of the year.  Vacation Bible School, Theatre for Christ, and then subsequently planning for the September Fish Fry are three of the largest events/ministries through the year.  So . . . never a dull moment.

Obviously, it takes many hands and hearts to create a church of size and impact, and we want to send kudos out to the many who helped with:

Vacation Bible School . . . and the hundreds of children who graced our halls and lawns.

Theatre for Christ . . . and the hundreds of people, mostly guests, who found joy and togetherness, as well as the cast and crew, in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

The Fish Fry planning team . . . and the new faces and excitement and energy found in creating this annual event.

And also our Prayer Warriors . . . who pray without ceasing.

Our Funeral Dinner Teams . . . who provide for the needs of those grieving.

The Calvary Learning Academy . . . and the gift of new playground equipment and the hard work of mulching a playground.

Our Calvary Staff . . . who are so motivated, gifted, excited, and capable in their ministry.

And thanks to the congregation, too . . . for generosity, prayers, thoughtfulness and joy in the journey. 

I hope the summer breezes can carry us along into another spectacular Hoosier Fall and the many other life changes we will experience in ministry together.

~Pastor Todd

On the Set

Sunday morning was a new adventure for me, as I actually preached my sermon standing behind Lucy's Psychiatric Booth (The Doctor is "In") from our Theatre for Christ set of You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown.  (In case you don't yet have your ticket, get one!!  Can be ordered online from the Calvary web site.) Show times are:  Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 7 p.m. and Sunday @ 2:30 p.m.

After my sermon Sunday, two people gave me a nickel.  (Remember:  Lucy charges 5 cents for her services.)

Several other individuals did tell me that, while they didn't have a nickel, my sermon was worth more than 5 cents, and one dear lady said that while my sermon wasn't psychological in nature, it did stir some thoughts and helped her to see a few things more clearly.  (How, only God can tell.)

I hope you appreciate Calvary's many gifts in this direction. We did have some spectacular music, with soloists singing "You Raise Me Up" and "Deep River" and, of course, two selections from You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown to boot. As I have pointed out in several sermons of late, we are one of those few congregations that continues to get younger with each passing year.  We have children who offer their gifts of song, and who are eager to go on mission trips.  And with so many of our teens returning from Mountain Top and Soup's On this summer, there is a spirit of excitement and energy in their testimonies and their faith.  And I also note that some of our senior members went out of their way today to pick up neighbors and bring them to church . . . including one dear woman who had recently moved to the area but cannot drive because she is blind.  She received communion on Sunday (by our United Methodist invitation) and was deeply moved by Christ's presence and warmth.  And as far as first time guests go, another woman told me after church:  "We just moved to Brownsburg, and leaving this morning I know this is where I belong."

So . . . let's continue to make Calvary a people of open hearts and open doors.  We always have guests.  We always have people to welcome.  And one of Calvary's gifts is warmth.  

Didn't John Wesley say something about a warm heart and staying in love with God?  Sort of makes sense now that I think about it. 

 

If I Had a Hammer

In recent days I've been making certain preparations for my mission trip to Guatemala (in mid-October).  This trip will be an opportunity for me to spend some time with my good friend, Tom Heaton, as well as gain insight and knowledge in preparation for our Calvary trip/team going in March, 2014.  

One this is for certain.  Ideology around missions has changed (and rightfully so) over the past thirty years.  United Methodist Missionaries like Tom Heaton (in Guatemala) and Bob Walters and Taylor Denyer (in Congo) are community-builders, leaders, teachers, and most importantly, partners within the communities and constituencies they serve. 

In going to Guatemala, I'm going to strive to leave behind my pre-conceptions and North American ideas about what I have to offer.  My goal, in large part, will be to receive humbly (and even eagerly) those unique Guatemalan qualities and the spirit that makes a mission/ministry work because of the people who live, work and die there. 

Of course, if I can help, and when I can help . . . I shall.  I'll work hard.  I'll listen.  I'm willing to sweat.  I'm willing to eat what the people eat.  But I will also look for the joy and the peace and the healing that is taking place . . . and when and where I can encourage others to use their God-given gifts and resources to further their own communities and build the kingdom of God . . . I'll do that, too.

In essence, I'm keeping it simple.  I have no illusions about being someone's savior, or healer, or teacher.  But I can make new friends.  I can pound a nail.

Seems to me there is something sacramental about this type of missiology.  When we go to a strange place and experience hospitality, friendship, and common bonds of faith and love . . . we get a much clearer picture of what it means to be "one in Christ". 

I hope to experience all of this.  And plan to.  If I have a hammer.  

Doing the Christian Thing

In recent years many people have begun using the phrase, "I just want to do the Christian thing", as an explanation for various kinds of decisions and choices they make.  But sometimes I have to wonder:  "What, exactly, is the Christian thing?" 

Some folks, for example, seem to think that doing the Christian thing is taking a hard-line, or a "stand", or being unwavering in their certainties.  Being a Christian is about defining oneself over-and-against others who are not Christian . . . and even deciding who is and is not a follower of Jesus. 

But I wonder if, instead of asking, "What is the Christian thing to do?" we would not be better served by asking, "How did Jesus act?" or "How did Jesus respond?" or even "How would Jesus have me treat this person or this situation?"

After all, being a Christian--as defined as a follower of Jesus, or one who sets out to live his or her life after the example and teachings of Christ--is principally about relationships (with God and others).  How we treat people, how we accept people, how we work with people, how we greet people, and how we help people are all defined by the spirit of Jesus . . . if we are doing the Christian thing! 

And then here's the real kicker . . .

The gospel teaches us that we should even love our enemies, that we should treat those who might differ from us, or disagree with us, or even hate us, with an even greater love . . . as Christ loved.  This is doing the Christian thing!

I don't have answers for the church.  Never have.  But I do know that much of what passes these days for "The Christian Thing" frequently isn't Christian at all.  And sometimes those folks who tell us they are just "doing the Christian thing" aren't representing the gospel of Christ.

Which makes me wonder . . . am I doing the Christian thing?  Are YOU? 

Glory Sightings At Vacation Bible School

Okay, here's a few glory sightings from Vacation Bible School this past week from the perspective of a pastor who was outside leading the games.

First, lots of gifts and glory evident in the staff and volunteers who created the most remarkable theme I've ever seen at a VBS--a true Medieval castle with all the trimmings and reminders of finding our strength in God.  A lot of love here.

Second, lots of glory in these children . . . about 260 of them, and their enthusiasm for Jesus.  They made crafts, gave more than $650, and collected other goods that will go to International Heifer Project.  So the poor will be helped.

Third, have to say I enjoyed the hugs and the kids who identified me as "Pastor Todd" instead of "Sir Todd".  We played tag, red-light, green-light, had relay races, and even launched water balloons.  The big hit was the bounce house on Friday and I don't think I heard anyone cry when it was time to go.  All of these children were cooperative, respectful, a very joyous bunch.

I did get a kick out of one little boy who was crying, however.  When I asked him what was wrong, he said, "I didn't get to touch a water balloon."  We got him a water balloon, the kid was fine.  Must love latex. 

Don't forget to worship at Calvary this Sunday at 9:00 a.m. if you want to see the children and hear their music.  We also have a baptism, commissioning for our Mountain Top Missionaries, commissioning for our service project at Robert's Park Soup's On, a soloist extraordinaire, and with all of this . . . a rather brief sermon entitled "Devotion." 

I love having to make three sermons for the weekend:  Long (Saturday 5 p.m.), Short (Sunday @ 9:00 am) and Medium (Sunday @ 11:11 am).  

See you in the Devotion place this Sunday!

Some Post-Annual-Conference Calvary Celebrations

In the aftermath of our annual conference there were several celebrations that we should note:

* This first day of Vacation Bible School (VBS) saw nearly 300 people in attendance, mostly children, who have come to learn about putting on the full armor of God.  Our Calvary building is decorated like a Medieval castle, complete with drawbridge, barred windows, thrones, family crests, and wall tapestries.  If you want to see Calvary's creativity in full-bloom, make sure you drop by before Friday afternoon. And don't forget that there is a great deal of learning going on.

* Calvary continues to receive the incredible gifts of our young people. Adam Hammerle played Bach on the organ this past Sunday, and Malachi Henry sang "Ride On, King Jesus" (a song in which he recently won a state-wide vocal competition for high school students). 

* And how's this?  I noted that Calvary paid 15% to the conference and district in 2012--one of the highest percentages among all congregations in the annual conference--a tithe and a half!!!!  We did get behind in our conference tithe in 2011, so this percentage reflects our "catch up" . . . but nevertheless, we did go the second mile. And better yet, our giving to missions over-and-above these gifts meant that nearly 25% of Calvary's total revenue went to meet needs outside of our own congregation and community.  And we won't even note the number of people who participated directly in these missions with their hands, time, or individual gifts!

* Finally I want to say a big THANK YOU to the congregation for your generosity in giving to all of these needs, and more.  While we have dipped behind in our mortgage payments for several months now, we are finding that God is able to supply every need, and I am confident we will see our mortgage funds grow from our own frugal prunings.  So, again . . . thanks for your generosity to God's work. 

And remember . . . we are praying and working that the kingdom of God may come on earth as it is in heaven.  YOU are integral to this work, vital to its success, and all of your time, talent and treasure does make a difference!

~Pastor Todd

*  

New Year

For pastors, the "new year" begins July 1, when we each return (or move) to our respective assignments.  This new year for clergy in the United Methodist tradition has always been a part of the annual conference, the annual gathering of pastors and laity.

Having just returned from annual conference I can now say that I am appointed to Calvary (and so is Michelle) for yet another year.  As I begin year number ten at Calvary it is also a good time to look back and reflect on how Calvary has endured, changed, grown, and remained faithful to God's call. 

For example:

In the past ten years Calvary has grown in both size (membership and worship attendance), impact, and influence.  This growth is the result of outreach, of being faithful to making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, and to being good stewards of the resources that God has entrusted to us.

In the past ten years Calvary has also created new ministries and missions. We have allowed other ministries to die (which is also important).  And we have prayed for each other.  We have sent work teams to such places as Mountain Top, Puerto Rico, Belize, and next spring, to Guatemala.   

In the past ten years Calvary has grown ministries to children and teenagers.  We are reaching "down" in age.  And many of our most cherished and impactful ministries are those that feed children, help with back to school, and create a safe learning environment for kids.

In the past ten years Calvary has filled our available space, which has required us to think in new and creative ways.  We've learned that we can do ministry through involvement, helpfulness, and resourcefulness.

Calvary's best days are ahead.  And YOU make God's work possible through your commitment and faithfulness. 

So . . . thank you for making a new year exciting for this pastor.  I'm ready to lead Calvary through even more exciting ventures in the near future.

A Tale of Two Cities

Now and again I feel compelled to "market" a sermon . . . and over the next two weekends I'll be relating some inspiring stories about two towns.

First, this weekend . . . we'll have a look at a centurion who invites Jesus to heal a servant in his home. It's a story of radical hospitality on many levels: social, cultural, religious.  And I have a wonderful story about a small Michigan town that displayed remarkable hospitality to strangers back in 1937.  And better yet, if you attend worship this weekend, you will receive a warm invitation from Jesus himself, who invites you to his feast.

The following weekend, we'll visit the prophet Elijah as we find him visiting the home of a poor widow who, seemingly, has run out of oil and meal.  But there's a miracle and the oil keeps flowing.  Just shows what God's abundance can do.  And I'll also tell you about a person from San Diego, California who learned some of these life-lessons of abundance and hospitality the hard way . . . or perhaps the best way.  He actually lived it from the streets up--and began when he was nineteen years old.  Tell our teens.  But it's a message for everyone.

Hope to see you in the welcoming place this summer!  Calvary is not the same without YOU.
~Pastor Todd

Memorial Day

Memorial Day has a history in America born of equal parts patriotism, pride, and of course, memory.  The latter portion of the triad now being the structure upon which the day is built . . . a day to remember sacrifice, devotion, and those departed.  Some of this memory may hearken back to distant wars, even contemporary ones . . . but "Memorial Day" is first and foremost about remembering.

There is, of course, much to remember.

And the older we become, the greater the portion of our lives that is caught up in memory rather than projection.  Or, in other words, as we move past the half-century mark for sure, we begin to glimpse most of our life as behind us, and thus our memories take on greater weight and import. Memory is foundation.  The future is lived out of the security of the past.  This is often why we find change difficult as we grow older.  Our threads to the past are longer, stitched in tighter.

But Memorial Day is a time to remember.  We may remember past heroes, yes . . . but we are more likely caught up in trying to dredge up memories that have grown overcast or pixilated by the passage of time.  We may discover that memories of grandparents, parents, or even children have taken on a lustrous pallor.  We have a tendency to remember only what is pleasing to us.  We rarely speak unkindly of the dead.

This latter reality, of course, has ancient roots and is milled into our DNA.  While some cultures actually venerate the ancestors, American culture has tended to erect shrines and memorials instead.  We believe that our memories can be preserved in limestone or bronze.  In other cultures, these memories are preserved in story, in legend, in tales told around the hearth.  We have a tendency to chisel names in stone and forget about them.  In other cultures, the ancestors live on in story.

Perhaps this is one way that we can understand the gospel of Jesus more powerfully.  The gospels are ancient memories . . . the stories told around the hearth:  Have I told you about the hero, Jesus?  Let us recall what he said.  What he did.  How he died.  How he lived.  

So now, on this Memorial Day weekend, we remember. This is difficult business for most of us.  Memories don't come easy.  

But they are there if we sit and wait for them.   

Whether the Weather

There is a passage in the books of the Kings where the prophet Elijah, depressed and running for his life, has retreated to a cave.  His intent is to flee from the wicked queen Jezebel, but he discovers that he cannot, in fact, flee from God.

God finds Elijah in the cave . . . but not in the expected fashion.

There is fire, but God is not in the fire.  There is wind, but God is not in the wind.  And at last there is stillness . . . and God is there.

I think of this stillness whenever I ponder natural disasters like the tornadoes in Oklahoma City where, it always seems, people want to make theological pronouncements about the tornadoes being "the finger of God" or "God's will" or even "God's punishment".

And yet, if we take a lesson from Elijah, we will not find God in the wind, but in the stillness following . . . and especially in the helpfulness of the church, the acts of compassion, and the peace that follows acts of charity and embrace.

Regardless of the weather, God is with us.  Or, as the apostle Paul once noted, nothing in heaven or earth can separate us from the love of God in Christ.

Weather changes.  But the grace of God does not.

Home Sweet Home

There are a great many sayings that evoke strong feelings for home.  A few of these might be:  "Home, Sweet, Home" or "There's no place like home" or "As for me and my house . . . ."

In recent years, as people have lost homes due to foreclosure, or natural disaster, or personal tragedy, the home has risen to the forefront, once again, as one of life's greatest blessings.  Everyone needs a home--and we often forget about those who have been displaced, or who do not have adequate housing, or who are, indeed, seeking a home or a homeland.  There is, in fact, no place like home.

Likewise, we may often take for granted our sacred space--that space we call "church" or "sanctuary" or "classroom".  A church is a spiritual home and inside the walls God's people gather for worship, learning, serving.

At Calvary, we dare not forget the blessings of our home--our building we call Calvary.  When we moved to our present location in December of 2006, we moved with the vision of making disciples, of being a growing church and embracing new families.  God has granted our prayers, as we have nearly doubled in size since we moved into the present facility--the fifth in Calvary's 185-year history.

Our $17,000 a month mortgage represents our home--a place shared by all and offered to all with open minds, open hearts, and open doors.  Our mortgage makes it possible for us to keep our home.  And so, it does take "all" or everyone to make our home complete. 

Just like the homes we all live in, we need to cherish our spiritual home by maintaining it, cleaning it, repairing it, and paying for it . . . endeavors which, of course, cost money. 

As you consider your gifts of time, talent and treasure . . . and your gratitude for our spiritual home . . . consider what your contribution will be.  Perhaps you have never contributed to Calvary's mortgage.  Or perhaps you have a special gift of gratitude to offer?

Now is the day for gratitude . . . may God move mightily in the hearts and bank accounts of the people called Calvary as we care for our home, our sacred space, in the months ahead!

~Pastor Todd

The Sacrament of the Empty Chair

Last weekend we experienced over-crowded conditions at Calvary during our confirmation.  Many people.  Few vacant chairs.  A full house.

But there was still room at the inn.  We were plush, but there were seats.  

And yet, especially in the crowd, we may not consider how significant an empty chair is to a guest or first-time visitor at Calvary. An empty chair is an invitation.  An opportunity.  An opening.  An empty seat can be sacramental--if sacrament be defined as a sacred invitation containing the presence of God.

Likewise, when we occupy a chair, we want to do more than just sit in it.  Our presence should have sacred significance, as we have created a sacred space with God.  We need to participate, to place our whole selves in the chair, as we dare not take a space that could be occupied by a participant, by someone who is bringing their whole heart, their whole being, to God.

I think about this as I sit up front in "my chair" during worship.  I dare not just "be there".  I need to bring something. . . some gift of mind, of body, of word.  I need to occupy my chair, not just sit in it.

When guests arrive at Calvary, I hope they will not only find an empty seat, but open hearts, open minds, and open doors.  I hope they will be able to participate, to feel welcomed, into God's presence.  I hope they will feel, by the time they depart, that they have truly experienced God's grace and are ready to face their life's deepest challenges.

The empty chair.  Is there one near the seat you occupy?  Are you aware of the new faces around you?  Could that one empty chair be filled by someone you might invite to Calvary next week?    

Excitement

In the late 1950s a writer by the name of Ted Geisel submitted a first grade reader to a school board for consideration.  The school board ultimately selected a different reader that went by the title, Dick and Jane.  For many first graders of the 1960's, this reader was the standard text from which first graders learned.  The book read like such:  "See Dick run."  "See Jane run."  "See Spot run."  "Run, Spot, run."

The reason the board selected Dick and Jane was because they believed that children should not be excited when learning to read.  The story, they contended, should be secondary to the words that children needed to learn by sight.  Story didn't matter.  Only the words mattered.  And the simpler the better.

Excitement, however, is an amazing phenomenon when we encounter it.  Employees who are excited about their work create great companies.  Athletes who are excited about practice produce championships.  Spouses who are still excited about each other have great marriages.  Students who are excited about learning gain superior knowledge.

And the same holds true for the church.  

Are you excited about being a member at Calvary?  Are you excited to see what God is doing?  Are you excited to be a part of God's work?  Are you excited about participating?  Are you excited to invite others?

I hope you are.  Excitement is catching, it is life-changing.  In fact, we can't do our best or create our best without it.

Excitement.

And by the way . . . that book that the school board rejected?  It was The Cat in the Hat.  And Ted Geisel wrote under the pen name, Dr. Seuss.    

Confirmation

This Sunday, May 5, at the 11:11 a.m. worship hour, several young teenagers will confirm their faith in Christ.  I hope you can be there.

Confirmation, perhaps, is the most important "witness" we can share in the company of the faithful.  It is at once a verbal testimony, a sharing of belief, a historic rite, and a personal confession that binds us together with the great cloud of witnesses.  Confirmation is not the last step of learning, but the first step of a life-long commitment to learning:  about God, our discipleship, and a life of faith.

This year, perhaps, I was least involved in the lives of these disciples.  But while I was not present for most of the classes, the retreats, the work days, the worship, and the fun . . . I know that Pastor Michelle, Andrew Attwood, Trevor Farmer, the mentors, and the parents were learning alongside these remakable kids.  Confirmation is one of the ministries we do best at Calvary--and if you don't believe that, ask one of these students what they have learned about Christ.  We have phenomenal teens at Calvary--and equally remarkable leadership and families!

My message to the confirmands, in particular, and to the congregation, in general, will be a simple one next weekend:  We are being sent.  Jesus, in fact, used that word a great deal in the gospels.  Jesus said that he had been sent by his heavenly Father.  He also told his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to be with us forever.  And the final instruction Christ gave his disciples was:  I am sending you into all the world. 

So we are sent.  Christ was sent.  And we follow Christ.  We are sent.

Now the question:  As you have confirmed your faith in Christ . . . where is Christ sending YOU?  Is it to a friend or neighbor in need?  Is it into some work?  Is God sending you to lead a ministry in your church?  Is God sending you blessings so you can be a blessing to others?  Is God sending you wealth so you can send more to God's work?  Is God sending you across the street?  Across the continent? 

Only you and God can answer the question.  But you are sent!

    

Pastoral Thoughts

In recent months I have been writing a series of essays about pastoral ministry--primarily from the perspective of a guy who has been preaching since he was nineteen and who has been engaged in the work, now, for over thirty years. Some of these essays have been published, or are forthcoming, in preaching and ministry magazines . . . and I'm still producing them.

Not that we need other thoughts about pastoral work.  There are many titles out there.  More than enough to fill most pastor's shelves.  But there is no doubt that pastoral ministry continues to evolve, as each generation adds new expectations, needs, hopes, demands, and difficulties to the ecclesiastical plate.

And as we continue to engage in our size-transitional work at Calvary, much of the conversation eventually comes round again to the role of pastor(s) in the congregation and, in our more lucid moments, reminds us that this role is, and has always been, adapting and morphing into new approaches and, well . . . transitions.

I believe the church in America is experiencing another such transition currently, and the role of pastor is changing yet again (while, of course, keeping the appearance and vestigial function of the old appendix and gall bladder).  Pastoral work is still about the gospel of Jesus, leading and comforting, challenging and envisioning . . . but there is no doubt many of the old methodologies will not work well in the new world.

I am aware of this even more as I do research on Calvary's past.  Reading the journals of the early pastors (the circuit riders) who established Calvary back in the late 1820's, I see that their lives were marked by many of the same charges:  preaching the gospel (good news!), creating a vision of God's future, organizing the church for ministry, and raising funds. 

Pastors still do all of these things (and much more), but the tools we use and the expectations of the church are now far more varied and broad.  Calvary is no where near the same congregation she was in 1828.  I am not Joseph Tarkington.  I do not ride a horse.  (Though I do drive a car that is just as sluggish and undependable as his borrowed mare.)

There are more than 120 pastors who have served Calvary over the years.  Most stayed a year or less.  But now we are engaged in a much different conversation as a people:  How are we doing God's work together as a congregation of 1000 members (and supporting ministry with time, talent and treasure) . . . and how committed are we to this work of God?

What do you think?   

House of Prayer

Recently I received a call from someone who wanted to know if I was connected to the "Retreat House and Work Center".  I suppose any church could be described as such . . . but I was intrigued.

After a bit of research, I did discover that there is, indeed, an "Outcelt Retreat House and Work Center" (though not certain about the location...and note spelling difference of my name).

I do find this description compelling, however.  Calvary can, at times, be a retreat center . . . a place where God's people come apart to pray together, to find an energizing center from which to go forth to serve.  And that's the second important ingredient of our faith, no less important than the first:  that we are to be a "work center". 

The church isn't a movement of God unless we move for God.   Movement implies labor.  Energy.  Commitment.  Work.

Indeed, we should pray before we move.  But we should move!  We should be moved to work for God. 

Where are you moving for God right now?  What is the work that you are doing that is crucial to God's work through Calvary?  What are you contributing?  What is it that cannot be accomplished unless YOU accomplish it? 

Easter Isn't for Wimps

Funny thing about most of the resurrection accounts in the gospels:  the disciples are usually huddling behind closed doors, hiding in living rooms, or traveling to distant mountains before Christ appears to them.  Their old fears did not evaporate quickly, and that first Easter was filled with anxiety and trepidation on many fronts.

I wonder if our own Easters have become too tame?

To proclaim that Christ lives is, after all, a proclamation that the powers of this world (political, social, economic) no longer hold sway over our existence and that, since Christ has been raised, we need not put our trust in princes or armies or feel the need to create a future based on the temporary--which is, of course, passing away.  God has already won the battle and nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ.

Easter, at least at the beginning, was revolutionary--and a revolution.  The gospel changed so many lives that it eventually changed the world.

This Easter can be a revolution if we would have it.  It could be a revolution built on love and grace and life.  We might find that our old fears can be cast out by the greater love of God.  We may discover that we don't have to live in fear, but as the scriptures attest . . . when our love is perfected, love casts out fear.  We may discover that the church is a resurrection people and when we work together to be Christ's hands and feet . . . the kingdom comes.

As Mother Theresa once said:  "We cannot do great things . . . we can only do small things with great love." 

Sounds like Easter to me.  And I hope you will know that "Christ is risen, indeed!"

The Path

Much has been written through the centuries about the path that Jesus walked.  It was a path, however, that did not begin at holy week--but a path that began along the footpaths of Galilee and the water's edge. 

St. Augustine wrote about the path to the city of God.  Dante had the Divine Comedy.  John Bunyan wrote Pilgrim's Progress.  And there have been many others.  Catholics still commemorate the final path leading to Calvary through the stages of the cross.

Now we walk the path of Holy Week.  But we cannot forget that Christ walks with us through the hardships of life.  And we dare not forget that if we are following his lead, it is Christ's path that we are following, not our own. 

The path of Christ leads us to our full humanity--where we can serve, grow and give to others in ways as Jesus did.  This is the path of service.  And there are other paths of grace, where Christ himself bears our sorrows and sufferings.

As we enter holy week, take stock of your path . . .

What path are you on?  Is it God's path?  Is it fulfilling?  Are you finding strength, grace and sufficiency in it? 

The path of Jesus always leads to life.

Who's In Your Court?

Now that the NCAA brackets are set we can begin to enjoy the various stories and sub-plots that develop.  There will be great teamwork, superb execution, and "cinderellas".  And after some games, people will storm the court in celebration.

The game of basketball also provides some insightful ponderings for faith.  It takes, for example, great teamwork to be a church.  Everyone needs to "practice" well in order to play well.  And we may also consider who is in our court.

Who would you include?  Who are those who have taught you, impacted you, inspired you, challenged you, mentored you to greater faith?  

Most likely we can all name people who have coached us in the faith, mentored us through times of stress or difficulty.

Take a moment to consider the people on your team.  I'll bet you have more people in your court than you might realize.