The Word

It’s been a while. What better way to start up Word (of the week- yeah right) with the Word.

"In the beginning was the Word"

This little statement is the opening line of one of the historical records of Jesus of Nazareth's life. It's a funny statement. Not funny "ha ha", funny "owwweee...hmmmm". It means a lot of different things many of which I don't know and some of which I do. But there's something about this one little nugget that has brought me comfort recently. Let me explain.

Isn't it nice to know that something, rather someone, was before you, greater than you, holding it all together? Maybe that's terrifying for some, perhaps even unbelievable. But it's comforting to me. Why? Because it means that I don't need to have it all together. I don't have to create my own existence, my own identity, my own home. There was/is something, someone, greater than me who gives me meaning and purpose.

In a world and city where we're constantly striving...for many things...knowing the Word (Jesus/God) was in the beginning can help us take a deep breath; a deep breath to know that even if we fail there is a God who was before our time that can hold it all together; a deep breath in the midst of suffering and loss because there is a God who outlasts and endures our temporality. In that deep breath is the consolation of the Word saying, "there, there now, don't worry, it's not all about you".

What a liberating breath. What a liberating God.

Break It Down

The fire is out, everyone is asleep and Canadian living lies on the floor. It’s Thanksgiving up at the D’Angelo Cottage. Dave Dewees’s funeral was yesterday, it was a beautiful service.

The lake looks amazing; blue skies and great shadows. By divine intervention or because of a sore back…or both, I am up. Everyone is asleep. I wonder how long before I wake Chris with the laptop. If I did wake him it would be good because then I could brew coffee!

What a bizarre two weeks for me. It is the fall and things are dying; dying with colour, dignity and grace. I live in fear of my changing seasons; of the great and final change, but also the changes I see in myself every day.

God never changes. The presence of the seasons themselves is evidence that God maintains creation amidst the change. But somehow the change must be a part of God’s nature, God’s desire or God’s creativity. It would be pretty boring if things never changed.

I met Roger this week, a “homeless person” at Sanctuary in Toronto. “It’s hard to figure out how God works”, I said. “It is reality that God works with us, in us, through us, around us and in spite of us, but it’s hard to discern when he’s doing what.” While Roger was finishing his second round of pizza and salad he spoke the Word back to me, “Why do we need to figure it out? We just need to let it be and relax.”

The Spirit doesn’t worry, it moves. And although we can’t see the Spirit move like the wind and through the seasons we need to join her. It’s like when you hear a song you love at a dance. No one may be dancing. It’s probably awkward as H E double hockey sticks, but we’re called to break it down.

Death

Death, it’s a funny thing. When I was a boy my grandparents died. My cat died. People died. I sat up late one night bawling, in fear, of death.

It seemed like a great darkness, death. I felt “the nothingness”, like in that movie. When I knew people who died it freaked me out. What happens after we die? What would happen to me or the people I love after we die?

I still fear death. It still makes me cry. It still feels senseless at times. The question of death inevitably leads us to the question of God. Why is that?

When I was a boy crying at night after funerals I cried out to God too. I didn’t know God then or if there was a God but I didn’t know where else to turn. Do we have anywhere else to turn?

I don’t want to believe in a life that ends in darkness; that ends with our lives, individually and corporately, amounting to nothingness. Where is the hope in that? Where is the redemption? No life after death leads to nihilism, anarchy and darkness.

When Jesus died and rose on the third day, I believe that, he conquered death. In Jesus’ resurrection from the dead he conquered death. Jesus was like The Warrior in WWF who comes back in the last round, beaten and bruised, to win the fight. Jesus is like a WWF wrestler layin the smack down on the nothingness in the last round.

Death is a funny thing, I believe, because it leads to life.

Why God?

There are times in life when I question my faith. Walking down the street I wonder, “Am I crazy to believe in God? What if there is no God and I’m wasting my whole life.”

Seriously. I aim to shape my life around a guy who lived thousands of years ago. Tell me that isn’t crazy.

After these sudden “reality checks” when I stop feeling woozy the puzzle pieces come together. I look around at the people on the street and I see the sense of loss, lack of fulfillment, struggles, suffering, emptiness and vanity. I see these things in myself.

When I look into the eyes and hearts of our world the truth, for me, settles in. Christians for centuries have called the message of Jesus the “gospel”. Sounds weird eh? Like gospel hour or gospel truth. But the word means good news…really?

It’s funny how Jesus’ message gets lost in translation. We often hear the Christian message and feel guilt, manipulation and power with no regard for individuals. It’s anything but good news. Try depressing.

Recently I read the mission of a Christian organization, which was to “save souls”. Really? That’s all people are…souls? That’s the good news of Jesus, a transfer of funds, from hell to heaven with no regard for us as people? Is that the kind of God we believe in?

It’s too bad that the person of Jesus and His message gets lost in translation. As I read about Jesus and know Him personally I am convinced that He is “good news.” Who doesn’t need mercy, forgiveness, grace, healing and a new start in life, again and again?

When I think, “am I crazy to believe in God”, the answer is yes. It is crazy, totally. Any kind of faith is crazy. The only thing that makes faith reasonable and worthwhile is what we have faith in.

Politics

The other day I saw Jack Layton on T.V., Canada’s most popular politician with “social” interests. It made me sick.

When will politicians ever learn? Especially in Canada. When I turn on the TV, when elections are in full swing, I always feel the slime. Lies covered up with jargon and fake half smiles. These are the people leading our country? People who don’t know how to tell the truth?

Different people have different views on Barack Obama. Whatever your stance, it’s fair to say he’s done well so far. Why? Because he actually believes in what he is communicating to the public. Sure, there is some maneuvering going on. Political maneuvering is necessary in all arenas, but how we do this maneuvering makes the difference.

I never believe politicians in Canada. I don’t hear honesty in their voices. I don’t trust them. From what I’ve seen, Pierre Trudeau, although not perfect, seemed like a trustworthy man; a leader of influence.

What does this have to do with God or our spiritual lives? Justice: leaders are called by God to lead justly. God asks leaders to govern with wisdom, honesty, integrity and transparency. Samuel was one such leader…one of a few.

Are we seeking Justice in our own lives? Do we have others best intentions in mind? How are we communicating those intentions; with love or ulterior motives and intentions?

Imagine what our world would look like if people led like Jesus:

Matthew 5
The Beatitudes
1Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying: 3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Duck Tape

How far do you think duck tape can stretch...metaphorically speaking?

Last week I helped out with a youth talent show near the Church I work at. It was an amazing event. Really cool.

One of my first tasks was to duck tape a hazzardas extension cord down to the ground. Next I help put up a tent. Then I broke up a fist fight between two teenagers. Then I dealt with a VERY angry disabled resident who didn't want "all the noise". Then I handed out food while some of the youth volunteers snuck food over to their friends who weren't in line.

The needs in this community are huge. But how far will taping a cord down to the ground go to advance God's kingdom; for people to see a minister on his hands and knees while people walk about not noticing my good deeds?

Duck tape isn't about me, or ministers or good deeds. It is about joining God in His work in the world.

As I volunteered at this community event with hundreds of needy people looking for food, entertainment, direction and friends, I wondered to myself, "where is our Church? Why isn't our Church here volunteering, serving our community?"

Next year I hope we can all dust off our duck tape and join God in His mission in the world.

Dirty Work

Okay. So I know you've all been in suspense this past week wondering, "I wonder how Matt's tennis game is?" Thanks for asking.

I played again shortly after writing my last post. I split the match. Won a set and lost a set. For those of you not into sports stick with me. In the set I lost we were tied at two games a piece. I lost the next game and lost it mentally. Glorifying God is hard to do when you're losing or when you make mistakes. This got me thinking.

What tools, what reservoir, do we have to live out God's hopes for us? Especially when living for God goes against the grain of our human nature and sin.

Our culture and hence us demand results...NOW. But what impact does this presupposition have on our understanding and ability to form spiritual habits and disciplines?

What's your plan to stay spiritually strong in times of weakness and temptation?

Here's a verse to chew on from the Apostle Paul:

2 Timothy 2
1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. 5Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.