Brian’s Reflection: Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The great secret of a successful marriage
is to treat all disasters as incidents and none
of the incidents as disasters.
- Sir Harold Nicholson, English author
and diplomat, married to Vita Sackville-West,
born on this day, 1886
It was quite a marriage to be married to Vita! Believe me - read the historical documents! (Or, don’t read them if you are prone to judgmentalism; it will be perhaps too challenging to your inner life.)
And I might have mentioned before the gardens of Sissinghurst, the Sackville-West’s ancestral home. Stunning! Go there, if you like gardens.
I have gotten to the age to realize that Harold is right. We can spend a lot of sleepless nights worrying about what we think are - and might be in some sense - disasters. But you know, before long, they aren’t. Just think of all the “disasters” that occurred between God and the Israelites, and yet, the relationship continued. God choose to consider all the disasters as incidents, which then became non-disasters.
This is because Love allows you/God/us to see what’s important. When you truly love someone, “disasters” don’t destroy anything. One just deals with them, because the gift of the relationship goes on.
So, take Sir Harold to heart. Keep things in perspective and balanced.
Balance and perspective are always characteristics of a wise person.
Brian+
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Brian’s Reflection: Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Mr. Foster, when you beat our teams, it gives us a black eye.
- Kenesaw Mountain Landis, Federal judge (!) and
Baseball Commissioner, born on this day, 1866
I would hope that no one would condemn me as “conventional”! I would hate to think that I was predictable. The worst of judgments, to my way of thinking. Yes, yes, I have spent my Life exulting in the fact that I surprise people, in everything from what I wear to what I think. Does that indicate a jolly wickedness, or a deep seated insecurity? You know, I care not!
Now who who knows me would think that I would ever quote a sports person?! I loathe sports and everything that has to do with competition. Just proves that I can be open and flexible and ….. surprising!
Mr. Landis said these words to Rube Foster, founder of the Negro National League, in 1923. 1923! What I don’t know is, did they know each other or have a relationship? Because it is delightful in its wit! Did Mr. Justice Landis know that when Mr. Foster got this message, he would chuckle???? Did they both know what the joke was?
A “black” eye. Rapier-like, yes. But more ….. human and humane. I like to think that Mr. Landis and Mr. Foster sat and laughed with a beer on a porch somewhere, away from the prying eyes of the Fascist so-called Christian storm troopers.
When people become Buddhists, does that give Christians a “black” eye? When they become Muslims, does that give Christians a “black” eye? Or Jains? Or Pagans? Or Wiccan? Or Atheists?
No, friends. It simply means that people are looking for an inner discipline that makes sense of their Lives. If Christianity abuses them, demeans them, doesn’t answer their questions with respect, they will look elsewhere. It is “our” job to show them, by loving them with the intensity of The Christ, that we, as does God, honour their humanity, their uniqueness, their Mystery. And more ….. Love them.
As we approach Thanksgiving, give thanks for all human beings, in their incredible Diversity.
Better: honour them by saluting their Beauty.
Brian+
Mr. Foster, when you beat our teams, it gives us a black eye.
- Kenesaw Mountain Landis, Federal judge (!) and
Baseball Commissioner, born on this day, 1866
I would hope that no one would condemn me as “conventional”! I would hate to think that I was predictable. The worst of judgments, to my way of thinking. Yes, yes, I have spent my Life exulting in the fact that I surprise people, in everything from what I wear to what I think. Does that indicate a jolly wickedness, or a deep seated insecurity? You know, I care not!
Now who who knows me would think that I would ever quote a sports person?! I loathe sports and everything that has to do with competition. Just proves that I can be open and flexible and ….. surprising!
Mr. Landis said these words to Rube Foster, founder of the Negro National League, in 1923. 1923! What I don’t know is, did they know each other or have a relationship? Because it is delightful in its wit! Did Mr. Justice Landis know that when Mr. Foster got this message, he would chuckle???? Did they both know what the joke was?
A “black” eye. Rapier-like, yes. But more ….. human and humane. I like to think that Mr. Landis and Mr. Foster sat and laughed with a beer on a porch somewhere, away from the prying eyes of the Fascist so-called Christian storm troopers.
When people become Buddhists, does that give Christians a “black” eye? When they become Muslims, does that give Christians a “black” eye? Or Jains? Or Pagans? Or Wiccan? Or Atheists?
No, friends. It simply means that people are looking for an inner discipline that makes sense of their Lives. If Christianity abuses them, demeans them, doesn’t answer their questions with respect, they will look elsewhere. It is “our” job to show them, by loving them with the intensity of The Christ, that we, as does God, honour their humanity, their uniqueness, their Mystery. And more ….. Love them.
As we approach Thanksgiving, give thanks for all human beings, in their incredible Diversity.
Better: honour them by saluting their Beauty.
Brian+
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Brian’s Reflection: Monday, November 19, 2007
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent,
a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all
men are created equal ….. It is for us the living ….. to be dedicated here to
the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced
….. that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish
from the earth.
- President Abraham Lincoln, at Gettysburg, on this day, 1863
God knows that I do not trust any politician - unless I have had very ample reason. And God knows that I would be loath to connect any political statement to a theological virtue.
But.
The Kingdom of God is a community in which all human beings are members. In It, all who govern do so solely for the purpose of building the community of Love. In It, the common, equal, and non-discriminatory welfare of the People is the grounding principle. In It, the benefit of the people according to God’s Compassion and Justice rules.
Lincoln was right in his vision of the American purpose. Lincoln, and present politicians, may have their own view of what this means. But God’s purpose is, I believe, clear.
Do not vote for anything less.
Brian+
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent,
a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all
men are created equal ….. It is for us the living ….. to be dedicated here to
the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced
….. that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish
from the earth.
- President Abraham Lincoln, at Gettysburg, on this day, 1863
God knows that I do not trust any politician - unless I have had very ample reason. And God knows that I would be loath to connect any political statement to a theological virtue.
But.
The Kingdom of God is a community in which all human beings are members. In It, all who govern do so solely for the purpose of building the community of Love. In It, the common, equal, and non-discriminatory welfare of the People is the grounding principle. In It, the benefit of the people according to God’s Compassion and Justice rules.
Lincoln was right in his vision of the American purpose. Lincoln, and present politicians, may have their own view of what this means. But God’s purpose is, I believe, clear.
Do not vote for anything less.
Brian+
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Brian’s Reflection: Thursday, November 15, 2007
So as this only point among the rest remaineth sure and certain,
namely, that nothing is certain. . .”
- William Pitt the Elder, British statesman, born on
this day, 1708
Very freeing! Well I remember my time in Nicaragua. There were six different points to cover. One day each week, the catechist and I would get in a dugout canoe, dressed only in shorts and a T-shirt. The communion vessels, a stole, bread and wine, and books were stashed in a heavy plastic bag which was tied to the gunwales. We would head up the shore of the sea towards a village (Rio Grande, I think) near the mouth of the river entering the sea. I got used to the sharks circling, looking for fish. But I would often say, “Will we make it?” The catechist, an experienced canoeist, would answer, “Father, nothing is for certain.”
It isn’t. So it’s better just to live with that reality. Make plans, sure. Dream, sure. Definitely strive for good health on all levels. If you wake up to another day, live it fully, loving and laughing and enjoying and singing and weeping with and maybe mourning with. The only near certain thing is the Present Moment.
I have a wonderful calligraphy from the Evening Gatha on my wall that Roy Parker, OHC, did. It says:
Let me respectfully
remind you:
Life & Death
are of supreme importance.
Time swiftly passes by
&
Opportunity is lost.
Each of us should strive
to awaken,
Awaken
Awaken.
Take heed.
Do not squander your Life.
Indeed. Jesus said, “Stay Awake! For you do not know the hour when the Master will come.” If we can live with shifting “certainty”, we will be less likely to be lulled into squandering, and opportunity not be missed.
Brian+
Brian McHugh, priest & vicar
St. Peter's, Casa Grande
St. Michael's, Coolidge
http://www.blogger.com/orrock1946@msn.com
520.705.2689 (telephonitto)
blog: http://brianstakeontheworldfaithandreligion.blogspot.com/
So as this only point among the rest remaineth sure and certain,
namely, that nothing is certain. . .”
- William Pitt the Elder, British statesman, born on
this day, 1708
Very freeing! Well I remember my time in Nicaragua. There were six different points to cover. One day each week, the catechist and I would get in a dugout canoe, dressed only in shorts and a T-shirt. The communion vessels, a stole, bread and wine, and books were stashed in a heavy plastic bag which was tied to the gunwales. We would head up the shore of the sea towards a village (Rio Grande, I think) near the mouth of the river entering the sea. I got used to the sharks circling, looking for fish. But I would often say, “Will we make it?” The catechist, an experienced canoeist, would answer, “Father, nothing is for certain.”
It isn’t. So it’s better just to live with that reality. Make plans, sure. Dream, sure. Definitely strive for good health on all levels. If you wake up to another day, live it fully, loving and laughing and enjoying and singing and weeping with and maybe mourning with. The only near certain thing is the Present Moment.
I have a wonderful calligraphy from the Evening Gatha on my wall that Roy Parker, OHC, did. It says:
Let me respectfully
remind you:
Life & Death
are of supreme importance.
Time swiftly passes by
&
Opportunity is lost.
Each of us should strive
to awaken,
Awaken
Awaken.
Take heed.
Do not squander your Life.
Indeed. Jesus said, “Stay Awake! For you do not know the hour when the Master will come.” If we can live with shifting “certainty”, we will be less likely to be lulled into squandering, and opportunity not be missed.
Brian+
Brian McHugh, priest & vicar
St. Peter's, Casa Grande
St. Michael's, Coolidge
http://www.blogger.com/orrock1946@msn.com
520.705.2689 (telephonitto)
blog: http://brianstakeontheworldfaithandreligion.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Brian’s Reflection: Wednesday, November 14, 2007
People discuss my art and pretend to
understand as if it were necessary to
understand, when it's simply necessary
to love.
- Claude Monet, artist, born on
this day, 1840
Well, here I am again, “borrowing” paintings from the Internet. Claude Monet’s “Row of Poplars” and “A Meadow at Giverny”. Beautiful, yes??
I’ve been a “preacher” for 40 years. I’ve never “used” a sermon twice. Life changes, the World changes, ideas change - so no matter the Scripture, Life makes its demands, and no sermon written years ago can be in any way adequate to this new day. But that has made it easy! New wineskins, new wine! You just need to be alive, with some imagination.
If I had to say what the biggest preacher-ly mistake I’ve made, it’s that I’ve spent too much time trying to get people (including myself) to “understand”. As if understanding would really come from wrestling with the words. Oh, certainly we get somewhere. But, as Monet points out, “understanding” is not critical for any art, including the art of Life.
It is “simply necessary to love”. That’s where the understanding of Life is found. Monet also said, “No one is an artist unless he carries his picture in his head before painting it, and is sure of his method and composition.” The “picture in the head” is Faith informed by heart, mind, spirit. And the surety of method and composition is what Religion is at its best - that which shows us how to structure and nurture Faith.
“Understand”? This is an unexpected gift of Love. Be it Monet’s paintings, the World, Self, Another, all Mystery. Jesus said, in the end, “Love”. It is the only Path to comprehension.
Brian+
People discuss my art and pretend to
understand as if it were necessary to
understand, when it's simply necessary
to love.
- Claude Monet, artist, born on
this day, 1840
Well, here I am again, “borrowing” paintings from the Internet. Claude Monet’s “Row of Poplars” and “A Meadow at Giverny”. Beautiful, yes??
I’ve been a “preacher” for 40 years. I’ve never “used” a sermon twice. Life changes, the World changes, ideas change - so no matter the Scripture, Life makes its demands, and no sermon written years ago can be in any way adequate to this new day. But that has made it easy! New wineskins, new wine! You just need to be alive, with some imagination.
If I had to say what the biggest preacher-ly mistake I’ve made, it’s that I’ve spent too much time trying to get people (including myself) to “understand”. As if understanding would really come from wrestling with the words. Oh, certainly we get somewhere. But, as Monet points out, “understanding” is not critical for any art, including the art of Life.
It is “simply necessary to love”. That’s where the understanding of Life is found. Monet also said, “No one is an artist unless he carries his picture in his head before painting it, and is sure of his method and composition.” The “picture in the head” is Faith informed by heart, mind, spirit. And the surety of method and composition is what Religion is at its best - that which shows us how to structure and nurture Faith.
“Understand”? This is an unexpected gift of Love. Be it Monet’s paintings, the World, Self, Another, all Mystery. Jesus said, in the end, “Love”. It is the only Path to comprehension.
Brian+
Monday, November 12, 2007
Brian’s Reflection: Tuesday, November 13, 2007
If you would only recognize that life is hard,
things would be so much easier for you.
- Justice Louis Brandeis, Associate
Justice of the Supreme Court for 23 years,
born on this day, 1856
Most of us live in a fantasy. We think that Life is going to be perpetually lovely. Without pain, physical or emotional or whatever. We think that every child will be born perfect. We think that doctors will fix everything to our own fantasy….. or God will ….. or prayer will. The highest form of repression and delusion is that, when experience proves all this wrong, we continue to live in a state of childish unreality. The God who has promised to “walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death” becomes the Good Fairy God whose failure to make everything right will be rationalized away with the most appalling stupidity ……. but secretly we harbor deep resentment, and how this makes a mockery of the God who above all things wishes to help us to live Life in its reality.
Life is hard, in a sense. But Life, lived in the context of Its Reality, is also stunningly amazing and fun and hilarious. Making a fantasy of Life only makes Life more difficult! And a fake.
Reality is always easier. Always.
Brian+
p.s. The Justice also said:
To declare that the end justifies the means, to declare that the government may commit crimes, would bring terrible retribution.
And:
We can have democracy in this country, or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can't have both.
You think this is politics and not about the inner life of the spirit and of America?
Think again.
If you would only recognize that life is hard,
things would be so much easier for you.
- Justice Louis Brandeis, Associate
Justice of the Supreme Court for 23 years,
born on this day, 1856
Most of us live in a fantasy. We think that Life is going to be perpetually lovely. Without pain, physical or emotional or whatever. We think that every child will be born perfect. We think that doctors will fix everything to our own fantasy….. or God will ….. or prayer will. The highest form of repression and delusion is that, when experience proves all this wrong, we continue to live in a state of childish unreality. The God who has promised to “walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death” becomes the Good Fairy God whose failure to make everything right will be rationalized away with the most appalling stupidity ……. but secretly we harbor deep resentment, and how this makes a mockery of the God who above all things wishes to help us to live Life in its reality.
Life is hard, in a sense. But Life, lived in the context of Its Reality, is also stunningly amazing and fun and hilarious. Making a fantasy of Life only makes Life more difficult! And a fake.
Reality is always easier. Always.
Brian+
p.s. The Justice also said:
To declare that the end justifies the means, to declare that the government may commit crimes, would bring terrible retribution.
And:
We can have democracy in this country, or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can't have both.
You think this is politics and not about the inner life of the spirit and of America?
Think again.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Brian’s Reflection: Friday, November 9, 2007
By the time we hit fifty, we have learned our hardest lessons.
We have found out that only a few things are really important.
We have learned to take life seriously, but never ourselves.
- Marie Dressler (Leila Marie Koerber), actress, born on
this day in Canada, 1869
By the time we hit fifty, we have learned our hardest lessons.
We have found out that only a few things are really important.
We have learned to take life seriously, but never ourselves.
- Marie Dressler (Leila Marie Koerber), actress, born on
this day in Canada, 1869
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Oh Lordy! Who could forget Marie Dressler as “Min”, alongside Wallace Beery as “Bill” in that great film! She won the Academy Award that year (1930) for her performance. She was great as the owner of a tough dockside hotel, struggling to know what to do for the young girl she took in and raised. I’ve seen the movie three times - I just love Marie’s strong character and her gutsy acting.
Marie might better have said, “By fifty, we ought to have learned our hardest lessons ….”. I don’t think I can say that I have. O, I know what’s important, I think, at least for me. But I continue to allow all sorts of other things to take up my time and energies. I’ll have to take some quiet time and really think about why that is. Why is it that I still find myself in a rush all day long, doing several things at the same time, not leaving enough time, dashing to appointments having left just seconds to get there – and being in a fury when someone or something (perfectly predictable, of course!) gets in my way. Sigh.
Could it be that ….. oh, surely not! ….. that I take myself too seriously?? That I really think that I need to be doing all these things at breakneck speed because I think this means I’m taking Life seriously?? Yikes!
I think I do know, in the center, what’s really important. By 50, most of us probably do. We have learned what is genuinely serious in Life.
If we can just learn not to take ourselves too seriously, we can see all the distractions for what they are. We can let them go. I think this is what Jesus meant in saying, “Take up your cross” - He meant, Live and Die for what’s really important.
After 50, that’s the goal!
Brian+
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