Advent 1 C - Nov 29, 2015

Holy Cross Monastery, West Park, NY
Br. Roy Parker, OHC
Advent 1 C - Sunday, November 29, 2015

Jeremiah 33:14-16
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36 

The Advent wreath in the church

I need to preface my remarks by saying that they’ve been influenced by a sermon preached by Harvey Guthrie at the National Cathedral last October at the dedication of the Jonathan Daniels Carving in the Civil Rights Porch, and also by the writing of Maria Boulding in her book entitled The Coming of God. 

Some of you may be familiar with the weekly cartoon contest which appears in the New Yorker: a cartoon without caption is printed, giving readers the opportunity to invent a caption appropriate to the drawing. Three submissions appear in the following issue of the magazine and in the week after, the winning caption is printed. 

Several weeks ago the contest depicted a bearded patriarchal God in therapy on the clouds of heaven, an angel seated alongside, taking notes. The winning caption has the angel asking, “When did you first realize you were really a woman?” 

That this caption won the poll seems to me a cultural indicator of a kind of sea change in the popular religious imagination regarding God, a change from what might be called ‘metaphysical masculinity‘ to something like ‘compassionate solidarity.‘ That is, a movement away from masculine images of God, images not easily understood nor much in tune with actual experience, images even uninviting and repelling to our sensibilities; a movement away from those sort of descriptions to a more feminine imagery characterized by the Hebrew word chesed, which appears significantly in God’s self-description to Moses in the thirty-fourth chapter of Exodus: The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation . . . 

That key word is variously translated ‘kindness, loving-kindness, mercy’, and ‘steadfast love.‘ No one English word captures its meaning. It seems basically to have to do with loyalty in relationships, loyalty that is considerate of and affectionate toward the sharer of a relationship. It is not used in Hebrew of ‘kindness’ in the abstract. It bespeaks actual steadfast, loving, merciful, kind loyalty toward another. It is rooted in God’s commitment to God’s people, in God’s steadfast, loving, merciful, kind loyalty toward God’s human colleagues in the doing of justice. It is about the kind of relationship God wants people to have with God, and with each and all of their human sisters and brothers. 

It is indeed about sensitivity and responsiveness to the needs and rights of others, indeed about respecting others, but, at root, it is about affectionate, unswerving commitment to others. Which, by the way, will remind us of St. Paul’s gold standard of this in the Letter to the Romans: “(In the utmost adversity) we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come . . . nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

Attending to today’s Gospel, we’ll note that the signs in the sun, moon and stars, the distress of nations confused by the roaring of the sea, the waves, and so forth were originally stage props to bolster the endurance of first century Christians under persecution who were encouraged to raise their heads and greet their approaching redemption. As if those on the way to salvation need not be that concerned about the surrounding chaos. 

Because the femininity of God is about God’s affectionate, unswerving commitment to God’s human colleagues in the doing of justice toward all persons and toward the environment, it signals the realization that now the distress of nations and the roaring of the sea and waves are no longer merely stage props, encouraging signs of redemption, but have become warning signs of imminent global collapse summoning humanity to radical action. 

At the moment, for example, the Pacific is a troublesome place, creating storms and causing problems for people and marine life across the Pacific rim and beyond, including the strong El Nino system that has formed along the Equator, and another unusually persistent zone of warm water sitting off the North American coast, called the Blob. The warming of the Pacific due to greenhouse gases has been linked to unprecedented harmful algal blooms that have toxified shellfish and shut down fisheries in the Pacific Northwest. It’s really worrisome. If this is a window into the future, it’s not a good future. 

Advent is the celebration of three comings: God’s self-gift to the world at the incarnation, God’s self-gift to each believer, and the final coming which is still outside our experience, expressed in the New Testament hope that Christ will come again in some way earthed in our own expectations, fears and desires. If we are to be more than simply agnostic about the long-term prospects for our race, our most fundamental hope must be that it will not end in meaningless destruction.

If we are going to blow ourselves out of existence or make the planet uninhabitable, there is little point in hoping for anything else. To believe that the human race will eventually reach the end of its earthly pilgrimage is one thing; to equate the end with total destruction is another. The hope that we are traveling towards a destiny, rather than a mere collapse, is linked with the faith that our origins were already purposeful. 

If there is a Creator who stands outside the whole cosmic evolutionary process and yet works God’s will within it by a wisdom and love that are present in its every movement, then human life has a purpose. It begins from God and is on its way to a goal which, however unimaginable, will give meaning to the whole adventure. 

We cannot comfort ourselves with wishful thinking. Though we may admire the courage of those who face the possibility that human life is simply absurd, that there is no future, and that the only option is to live with dignity and kindness as we await our meaningless extinction, this view is not convincing because it leaves too much unexplained. Deeply rooted in our experience is a certainty that our best intuitions will prove to have been the truest. We also want justice, however we may fear it or fall short in practicing it ourselves.

Our hearts demand that the very rough and uneven distribution in this life shall be redeemed within a larger justice. We are radically convinced that good, not evil, will triumph in the end. The assurance of the classic fairy tales that the wicked are defeated and everyone else lives happily ever after is reached only through suffering, danger, courage and endurance, and these stories so appeal because they strike a chord in us. 

Perhaps you know the phrase deus ex machina, that originated in the theatrical device of placing a contraption just off-stage to manufacture a god figure who would enter the play at the last minute to save a hopeless situation. Literally: God from a machine. Part of the sea change in the popular religious imagination is that no deus ex machina solution, no machine-made god who simply eliminates problems can be the coming one to satisfy our deepest desires, but only the one who promises to come and be with us especially in the midst of our struggles and uncertainties.

I suspect another part of this sea change is the information I’ve gotten lately from my Jesuit network to the effect that the idea of the priest as one with special powers is not very popular today in theology. Rather the priest is the sacramental minister whose presence in the liturgy ties the individual worshiping community to all the Christian communities, making it possible for the fullness of the church to be present in the local assembly.

Our calling is to go along with God in doing what is right toward all persons and our planet home, in having a passion for lasting human and humane relationships with God, our sisters, brothers, and the entire creation, and to be open to new and unknown and surprising and scary and devastating things that may involve.

Feast of James Otis Sargent Huntington - Nov 25, 2015

Holy Cross Monastery, West Park, NY
Br. Robert Magliula, OHC
Feast of James Otis Sargent Huntington - Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Galatians 6:14-18

John 6:34-38

James Otis Sargent Huntington, OHC

Fr. Alan Whittemore wrote an unpublished work entitled O.H.C. He describes it as “candid camera shots…honest, unadorned impressions and memories of men with whom I have been intimately associated” In the concluding chapter he wrote:

The real reason, the only truly sufficient reason, for becoming a monk is to be crucified. That is what happens. The Religious Life is a contrivance of Divine ingenuity whereby a soul may be crucified with Christ. The vows are the three nails with which we are nailed to the cross. It sounds grim, but it’s true. Do not attempt to become a monk or nun unless you intend from the bottom of your heart to surrender yourself wholly to Jesus, to hang with him on his cross with perfect submission to the will of the Father on behalf of human souls.

Robert, our Superior, gave me this manuscript while I was looking for material on the Founder. It was written between 1947-49.His intention in writing it was to give the youngest members of the Order an intimate glimpse of the men who formed us, we read it aloud in novitiate class. It’s not surprising that Fr. Whittemore, in the concluding chapter, draws from the words of the Rule our Founder wrote and lived in describing our life.  He conveys the flesh and blood reality of the Founder. This is crucial if saints are to serve as models for us in this life, not just for those in authority, but for the whole community. It’s the most moving, humorous, and loving works I have read on the Order. Much of what I want to hold up for us on this feast rests on Fr. Whittemore’s reflections. 

Even though there are photos and paintings of the Founder throughout the monastery and guesthouse, for me, they have never really conveyed James’ physical presence until I read Fr. Whittemore’s description. Physically, he describes our Founder as having a large body with big strong hands. “His head and features were beautifully molded. His lips were full and extraordinarily expressive. His large eyes looked through yours into the depths of your soul.’ For an experience of those piercing blue eyes, stand before the Founder’s portrait in the crypt. 

James Huntington was a born leader. He was holy. His self-discipline contributed an iron element to his sanctity. He had a massive intellect. Reason was his predominate faculty. His every thought and action was expressive of a deep well-integrated thought. As a result, one could always reason with him. In fact, he encouraged the brothers to express their ideas and deepest thoughts and helped to develop them. He had a great respect for liberty. He never tried to compel one to his opinion. He saw the positive element in either side of a question. Even when he presided at Chapter meetings as Superior, he withheld his opinion afraid of smothering the ideas and free choice of others.  

Even as he aged, he was forward reaching, interested in the future, looking for enriching change and development He was more abreast of the latest books, ideas, and gadgets than the youngest brother. His instinctive reaction to a plan or project was affirmative. He led; he never pushed. His ideal for the Order was that of a family, fostering cooperation and teamwork. He welcomed suggestions and criticism. He not only consulted, but also accepted feedback on his sermons, speeches, and articles from the youngest men in the community. He encouraged self-expression allowing individual brothers to develop and contribute their fullest personality to the life and work of the Order. He inspired affection and loyalty in all sorts of people. He never talked down to them, even children, and was skillful in presenting truths to them simply. His memory was inexhaustible, quoting long poems and sermons. His work ethic was strong and focused, working painstakingly to get a thing done. 

Lest we despair of our own shortcomings, let’s not lose sight of his. We must remember that he was a New Englander raised in a privileged Victorian family. He had an austerity that was described as coming dangerously close to arrogance. He was cursed with a scrupulosity against which he struggled for most of his life. He was rigorous with himself, with a dread of anything too personal. There was loneliness there, and although he may have discouraged expressions of affection, he didn’t despise them. There was also an aloofness, due in part to his shyness, although he struggled to be gracious. He seemed a little afraid of having too good a time. He was very conscious of his background, his breeding, and his Harvard education. His keen mind could be contemptuous of weaker ones. There was also a streak of weakness in dealing with the more strong willed. 

His exaggerated fear of disease from his youth translated into concern for others even with the slightest malady. It also made him wonderfully understanding in the confessional. His deep sense of filial relation to God was full of love and tenderness, mirroring the attitude toward his human father who was devoted to him. His sense of humor was quiet, reflecting his early training, which discouraged loud laughter. He even developed a way of laughing noiselessly, appreciating jokes, even on himself. Over against these traits of nature was his tremendous humility. Fr. Whittemore wrote: “He was the most utterly pure and innocent adult I have ever known.” 

James believed that the chief hope of helping people was through religion. He never allowed his profound interest and extensive involvement in the economic and social issues of his day to overshadow his evangelistic work. He felt that his prime vocation was to establish Religious Life in the American Church, subordinating his social and political views to that end. For him the spiritual life was understood in terms of organic growth and development. This related to the Order as well. He believed that life and growth involved adjustment to changing conditions. If the time ever came when the Order ceased to change, he believed that it would die. To him, no amount of apparent piety could substitute for the virtues of courage, generosity, joy, and kindliness. He would refer satirically to “a good religious  as a person who never whispers in halls nor is late to an office but whose heart is filled with fear, scrupulosity, indignation, and bitterness”.

For years the leadership of the Order passed back and forth between Fr. Huntington and Fr. Hughson. Each was ablaze with zeal, sincerity, and love for the Order. Their practices, their policies, and their whole outlook on monastic life were diametrically opposite. I believe that it was to the very tension between them, as well as to the positive principles for which each stood, that our Order owes a vast deal of its richness and strength.

No leader is perfect, and there is often a season when one particular set of skills and gifts are required for our common life. Our history proves that the Holy Spirit has a way of bringing life out of our most fearful and less than perfect choices. No leader frees us from accountability or daily responsibility for our own conversion. The best we can hope for is that they inspire, challenge, encourage, and assist in our transformation. Certainly we would not be gathered here today had it not been for James’ faith, courage, and perseverance. For that we give thanks.

Fr. Whittemore, concludes this work, inspired by what he witnessed in the Founder’s life and death:

There is a beautiful secret which I have saved for the last and which makes all the difference in the world. It does away with the grimness and renders the Religious Life the dearest, sweetest, and blessedest thing in the world. The Religious Life is a Love Affair. All souls are invited to become the brides of Christ but the Religious does not wait for the life beyond the grave. He steels a march on the others. They have heard in their hearts the whispering of the Perfect Lover. And it has been their dearest passion and their joy to surrender themselves to him unto death, even the death of the Cross.”

Blessed James, pray for us. +Amen.

Christ the King B - Nov 22, 2015

Holy Cross Monastery, West Park, NY
Br. Randy Greve, OHC
Christ the King - Sunday, November 22, 2015

2 Samuel 23:1-7

Revelation 1:4b-8

John 18:33-37

Jesus before Pilate

They can’t even agree on the meaning of the word.  

Pilate: “Are you, yes or no?”  
Jesus: “Why do you ask?”
Pilate: “I don’t, but your own people say you are.”
Jesus: “But not in the way they or you think”
Pilate: “So ‘yes’?”
Jesus: “That’s your answer, not mine.  How much clearer can I be?”
It’s a strange exchange.  Pilate wanting the answer to a question he has no way of understanding.  Jesus unwilling even to use words that Pilate will misunderstand; Pilate vaguely curious, maybe sarcastic, about this peasant prophet accused of being a king yet without an army, weapons, or seemingly any intent on ruling much of anything.  Jesus is guarded, perhaps knowing that anything he says will just be twisted against him.  The word is king – is Jesus one or isn’t he - seems easy enough.  A king has a kingdom, servants, some military force to defend the kingdom and himself – all the usual stuff that goes with being a king.  That’s a reasonable definition of a king.  One is not a king by wanting to be one or in theory, but one either is or is not.  But if those are the criteria, is Jesus or isn’t he?

In the synoptic gospels the only words Jesus ever says to Pilate are “you say so” when asked if he is a king.  John uses that cryptic and loaded response and builds this exchange that is between two individuals but is really a dialog, or the lack thereof, between kingdom and empire.  In claiming to be some kind of king, Jesus is implicitly rejecting, or at least resisting the Roman Empire and Caesar’s claim to be the only divine power on earth.  For Pilate and all the rest of the empire, Caesar is lord, plain and simple.  Question or challenge that claim and you may well end up beheaded or up on a cross.  The world is clean, neat, and simple.  Just fit in, go along, obey and everything will be fine.  The reign of God of which Jesus speaks introduces big trouble into the picture.
  
We still live within empire, although it is usually more subtle and unconscious, it is no less real.  Whenever you hear a politician or business leader or thinker of some sort touting the real solution, their solution, to our social problems as the solution that will lead to happiness and prosperity for all, you are hearing the voice of empire.  While our social life is important, the belief that our identity and security can be ultimately located in taxing the rich or building a wall or in more weapons or higher wages is alluring but delusional.  And of course when someone opposes an idea as ideologically defective, the blame and suspicion begins.  Suspicion of other’s motives, suspicion of those in my religion who are not like me or agree with me, prejudice toward those who are different, whose ideology does not line up with mine, whose image of empire conflicts with my image of empire.  Pilate is unable to encounter Jesus with objectivity because once he hears the word “king”, all he can imagine after that is rival, threat, insurrection, danger that must be eliminated, even if reluctantly, for the sake of the good of the empire.

Empire not only comes with political or military force but also comes in the form of atheistic scientific rationalism.  Richard Dawkins, famous atheist and author of The God Delusion says this: 
“The god of the Bible is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully.”  

No Christmas card for Professor Dawkins this year  I quote that to demonstrate that in his hatred of god and religion he is very religious – he goes about debunking the existence of god with righteous zeal for his own cause, his own little empire of science and mind and self.  Life within empire is continually conflict and struggle because my only sense of identity and purpose comes in opposition to or control of the other.  

What both Pilate and Dawkins tell us about the human condition is that we need and seek out someone or something, some kind of authority, some ultimate source of truth to which we can look for our identity and security.  The appeal of empire is to be on the winning side, to make a world that makes sense, to defeat our enemies, whether people or ideas, and to use our brawn and brains to create the society that we want.  So the question is not whether I’m going to live under some rule or not, it’s whose and what kind, which leads us back to our original question, is Jesus a king or not?

Yes, but… Yes, because Christ is King;  “but”, because his existence and relationship with the world upends and upsets our imperialistic reflexes.  His rule is not with force, manipulation, fear, or threat.  This is a voluntary kingdom where everyone is invited.  “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice”, Jesus says.  He rather calmly and confidently says, “Yes, I know that empire will misunderstand, manipulate my words, oppose my way of peace, use me to advance an agenda of dominance, but that does not negate its reality or make it any less true.”  This king wields a power far greater than any puny thing we can manufacture - his voice - which is what defies and ultimately defeats the empire – the power of truth.  Jesus is speaking to the depths of the soul.  Beneath the impulse to be right, to gain control and dominance, is an ache, a longing for a bigger story, a deeper communion, a greater purpose than just what my side can achieve against you here and now.  This longing finds its home and identity in the voice of Jesus – belonging to it, abiding in, listening and watching for it in all the amazing ways that it appears and calls to us.

This kind of feast is rare, Holy Trinity Sunday being the only other of its kind, in that we are not celebrating an event like Christmas, Easter, or Pentecost, but a mystery of being.  There was never a time when Christ was not already King and there will never be a time when he is not King.  We are celebrating an “is”, an eternal reality into which we get glimpses and hints and flashes in this life as we await its closer apprehension in the life to come.  In some ways monastic life is the gift of being a sign to the mystery of being, to the “is”.  Our rhythm of life – of prayer, work, and study in this community and in many other monastic communities is a particular and consecrated response to this mystery of the “is” of Christ the King.  All empire can offer is an “if only”, a fleeting wish that always needs more money, more control, more support.  The Church’s “is” is absolute.

Our prayer nurtures the strength of soul to unmask the “if only” of the empire and embrace the “is” of God’s kingdom.  Thus we fulfill and embody Christ’s words to belong to the truth in listening to his voice.  As we are faithful, our own temptations toward empire become less attractive as we set our hearts toward the time when we shall see Christ face to face on his throne of glory.  While God knows the day and hour when kingdom will be fully revealed, we proclaim the truth of it and choose it through our love and service.  Every prayer, word, and act of reconciliation, of peace, of justice, of invitation is not just about being nice but is an affront to empire and an embrace of Christ’s rule. 

At one of the memorials to the victims of the attacks in Paris, a father and his young son were interviewed about why they had come.  The boy was straining to grasp some understanding of what had happened and the outpouring of these tangible signs of remembrance.  The father was gently prompting him with the words he thought the child might be searching for – evil and pain and grief mixed with caring and togetherness.  Finally, the father spoke not only to his son, but to the church and the world when he said, “They have guns, but we have flowers.” Amen.