Worship and Check-in
Marilyn presented us with prayers in rhyme by poet Helen Steiner Rice. She asked us for anything we'd seen in the past week that was new or inspiring. We offered: evening trees in a cathedral-like arch, the rush of a family emergency and the way it ended well, the estimated bill for thousands that the company paid fully, the sight of a tall teenaged brother bending over to kiss the top of his little brother's head while they stood in line for communion, and the maintenance man at the hospital who laid aside his mop to escort an elderly couple where they needed to go.
We discussed that last one, and Scott observed that the Greek word ecclesia, "a gathering," is formed from a prefix and verb that suggest being "called out," as in "called out to help." Theologian Richard Rolheiser used the Good Samaritan to show the way that all members of the church are "called out" to serve as Jesus in the world. Pete dropped everything when he was called out for a family emergency, as that man at the hospital dropped everything to answer a quiet call for help. This theme would re-emerge later in the evening.
Living Faithfully in Your World:
1st yr: Scott
2nd yr: Marilyn, Pete, Nuno; 3rd yr, Susan; 4th yr, Christine. Mentors: Susan and Scott. Absent: Susan could see us and hear us but could not be seen or heard. The miracle of Zoom.
Discussion of the Readings
Part of our discussion also had to do with being called out, as the Maccabee rebels in the 1st year texts stepped out in front to rebel against the Greek tyrants. Scott had been reminded of the ranch family who have been in open rebellion against the Bureau of Land Management for years, now. Pete observed that anyone who's "called out" to respond in such dangerous circumstances can be said to be a bit crazy.
Marilyn has had hard time about those who deny prayer for particular sinners in the letters of John. Marilyn likes the testimony section… spirit of water and blood… Trinity of three elements, and so did Pete. He was interested in the history of the letters and the evidence this way and that. Nuno liked the idea that the three letters may have originally been sent together as a pack of communications to different audiences and individuals. Scott picked up on the authorship idea in relation to the book of Daniel, supposedly written in the time of the Babylonian exile, but evidently written centuries later -- when, under the domination of the Greeks, the Jews needed such stories to boost morale. Scott's own morale was boosted, reading those stories.
Christine was moved by stories in My Neighbor's Faith. One outstanding example was a story of fathers from two opposing faiths who bonded through annual meetings for parents of severely disabled children. Another story concerned a father's suicide and the son's understanding that his religious community condemned the man. In adulthood, he found ideas in Hinduism that helped him to deal with his deepseated need. We had some views of our own about that story.
Theological Reflection
Christine told us of her red "power shirt," which she wore out over many years of putting it on to meet challenges. We could all identify, with stories of clothing, stuffed animals, a certain cocky walk, and a pillow case.
When we asked what it's like to have such an object in our lives, we agreed it's like a uniform – all encompassing but also limiting, you don’t have a choice in it – also restricts – you don’t have to think about it! It’s freeing.
From our culture, we thought of "red shirts" in Star Trek but also in sports; police, medics, soldiers; dress codes -- "Dress well to work well!" Christine said --and the codes of conduct that go with wearing a company's brand.
In our tradition, we thought of these: being called to wear the priestly uniform… Ornate vestments v. simple robe and belt: juxtaposition is interesting… Priestly garb in OT… “Wear a simple tunic, simple shoes…) (Jesus had a dress code!) … Soldiers (like the Maccabees)… Scott also brought up Paul's image of the "armor" of faith and the hymn "St. Patrick's Breastplate." We thought again of the faithful being "called out" into service in the ecclesia.
Our insights tended to these thoughts: Costume is a pretend identity; uniform is a DEEPER identity.
Uniform is a role bestowed by authority – it says you have the training, knowledge, ability (and backing of the authority) – unity in the uniform. "Hopefully our faith is a uniform, not a costume."
To apply our reflection, this week we're going to submit the image that comes to mind when we imagine what the "uniform" of faith looks like. Pete has hinted that he'll be showing us actual military uniforms; we hope Christine will show us her famous red shirt.
- Scott: Detail from Mary Cassatt's painting of a mother and child. "The uniform we were born with seems to be a good image for faith and it's corollary vulnerability."
- Christine: "My concept photo is a collage of my photos over time illustrating 'the Light' of faith as a sort of uniform. It surrounds us and reminds us of the light of Christ. These depict light in natural and 'man made' forms…"
- Nuno: "Morning prayer is to me the ritual of donning the armor of God- uniting our hearts and minds in common purpose in daily life."
- Pete: "One page [of photos] has more of a military bent to it, but the other page concerns the marriage uniform & covenant."
- Marilyn: "The Cross is what I think of when considering the 'Uniform of Christianity.' It is known all over the world as a symbol of Love, Peace, and Connection. In its truest sense it brings together the human and the divine into a family. From all directions, from North to South, from East to West; it stretches out its arms, like Jesus on the Cross, reaching out to, and calling all people to remember the center…the Christ…where Christians meet the One Love…calling us to a Christ-centered life…reminding us to live like Christ wherever we may go and whatever we may do. I believe the united form of the Christian faith, its uniform, is the Cross…a sign of our union under God…a true sign of love - the form from Christ's suffering and the promise of eternal life for those who choose to live by his example - and truth - after all, it is a 'T,' what could be more fitting for a uniform than that? (Pardon the pun!) "
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will lead worship.
Scott will bring a source for theological reflection.
