Anyway...within our discussions we often talk about poetry...which I really do not get. So, I came across this Sherman's Lagoon comic (Best comic strip ever!) which, in reality, summarizes our disagreements.
4/17/2007
Poetry
I often argue with my good friend Anna Flemming (I hope you don't mind my mentioning your name Anna) about art. I personally do not get it. Basically, what I have learned is that art is completely subjective. Anything can be art and it can mean whatever you want it to. Extreme postmodernism?
Anyway...within our discussions we often talk about poetry...which I really do not get. So, I came across this Sherman's Lagoon comic (Best comic strip ever!) which, in reality, summarizes our disagreements.
Anyway...within our discussions we often talk about poetry...which I really do not get. So, I came across this Sherman's Lagoon comic (Best comic strip ever!) which, in reality, summarizes our disagreements.
4/12/2007
Time for Some Yum-Yums!
I have noticed over time in chapels at Asbury that communion is a fixed part of the weekly worship services. Each Wednesday the Eucharist is celebrated as a celebration of the resurrected Lord.
However, I have been disheartened recently at the post-Eucharist actions taken by many...and I do mean many people within the community. Let us first review what takes place after our communion services.
As always...we conclude with a benediction. This is great! However, the problem comes when people begin to dismiss. If you simply sit back and observe, you will find that people begin to approach the table and grab large pieces of the communion bread and...in no uncertain terms...snack. They joke around as they do this and have conversations about a large number of things...which rarely include Christ.
I know what you are saying. Consuming the elements is one of the ways in which we are supposed to "properly" dispose of the elements. Let us take a moment to review what the United Methodist Church says in this regard.
"The consecrated elements of bread and wine are used for distribution to the sick and others who wish to commune but are unable to attend congregational worship. If any bread and wine remain, they should always be disposed of by (1) the pastor and/or others at the pastor's direction consuming them in a reverent manner following the service; (2) returning them to the earth by pouring (2 Samuel 23:16), burying, scattering, or burning." {http://www.gbod.org/worship/thisholymystery/elements.html}
Take a very close look at #1. Notice the term "reverent". The question that must be posed now is whether or not "snacking" at the table is a reverent action. I would give a resounding NO! Maybe some of my problem is that the consuming takes place in such a way at the table itself. It takes place in front of people who are still worshipping. It is as if the elements are consecrated during the service and the benediction somehow unconsecrates the elements.
Why don't we treat the elements the same way after the service as we do during the service? As a friend noted...maybe it is because, for the most part, we are low-church within this community. This would entail a fairly low view of the sacraments. If this is the case...maybe it explains things. But...does it make it right? Maybe it is just easier not to allow our theology to influence how we worship. If we did...we would have to be intentional about things.
However, I have been disheartened recently at the post-Eucharist actions taken by many...and I do mean many people within the community. Let us first review what takes place after our communion services.
As always...we conclude with a benediction. This is great! However, the problem comes when people begin to dismiss. If you simply sit back and observe, you will find that people begin to approach the table and grab large pieces of the communion bread and...in no uncertain terms...snack. They joke around as they do this and have conversations about a large number of things...which rarely include Christ.
I know what you are saying. Consuming the elements is one of the ways in which we are supposed to "properly" dispose of the elements. Let us take a moment to review what the United Methodist Church says in this regard.
"The consecrated elements of bread and wine are used for distribution to the sick and others who wish to commune but are unable to attend congregational worship. If any bread and wine remain, they should always be disposed of by (1) the pastor and/or others at the pastor's direction consuming them in a reverent manner following the service; (2) returning them to the earth by pouring (2 Samuel 23:16), burying, scattering, or burning." {http://www.gbod.org/worship/thisholymystery/elements.html}
Take a very close look at #1. Notice the term "reverent". The question that must be posed now is whether or not "snacking" at the table is a reverent action. I would give a resounding NO! Maybe some of my problem is that the consuming takes place in such a way at the table itself. It takes place in front of people who are still worshipping. It is as if the elements are consecrated during the service and the benediction somehow unconsecrates the elements.
Why don't we treat the elements the same way after the service as we do during the service? As a friend noted...maybe it is because, for the most part, we are low-church within this community. This would entail a fairly low view of the sacraments. If this is the case...maybe it explains things. But...does it make it right? Maybe it is just easier not to allow our theology to influence how we worship. If we did...we would have to be intentional about things.
Do not, therefore, regard the Bread and the Wine as simply that; for they are, according to the Master's declaration, the Body and Blood of Christ. Even though the senses suggest to you the other, let faith make you firm. Do not judge in this matter by taste, but -- be fully assured by the faith, not doubting that you have been deemed worthy of the Body and Blood of Christ.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem (22 [Mystagogic 4], 6)
Reverence, therefore, reverence this table, of which we are all communicants! Christ, slain for us, the sacrificial victim who is placed thereon!
St. Chrysostom (Homilies on Romans 8:8)
4/07/2007
No Easter?
As I sat in a relatives home here in California, I watched the local Los Angeles newscast about a school's new policy in regards to Easter. Their policy: No Easter baskets or Easter celebrations were allowed.
The reason that they gave for such a rule is that they do not want to show preference or a bias toward any one religion. Therefore, they will not celebrate any holidays that are based in religious tradition. How stupid is this? I guess I can understand...from their point of view...what they are trying to do. But...from a Chrisitian point of view...this is not a good thing.
This story got me thinking though. The kids probably just think that Easter is about a large bunny who brings candy and possibly a gift or two. A distant second to Santa Clause I might add. I mean come on...Santa is much cooler and more popular.
If the kids do not think of Easter as a religious holiday, then why punish them by not allowing them to celebrate Easter. After thinking even more...I began to think...maybe this is a good thing. Maybe, if the kids are forced to take their decorations down and take their Easter baskets home...maybe they will ask their parents why. And maybe...just maybe...some of these kids will hear for the first time what Easter is all about. No longer will Easter be about a bunny with candy but rather Easter will be about the resurrection of Christ. Wouldn't that be a welcomed addition to a young childs pool of images?
Besides...is it the school's responsibility to ensure that kids celebrate holidays? Or, is it their responsibility to ensure that the kids learn? Just so you know...I am not on the school's side here. I guess I am just an eternal optimist...hoping that through this the kids will grow closer to the Truth of Easter.
The reason that they gave for such a rule is that they do not want to show preference or a bias toward any one religion. Therefore, they will not celebrate any holidays that are based in religious tradition. How stupid is this? I guess I can understand...from their point of view...what they are trying to do. But...from a Chrisitian point of view...this is not a good thing.
This story got me thinking though. The kids probably just think that Easter is about a large bunny who brings candy and possibly a gift or two. A distant second to Santa Clause I might add. I mean come on...Santa is much cooler and more popular.
If the kids do not think of Easter as a religious holiday, then why punish them by not allowing them to celebrate Easter. After thinking even more...I began to think...maybe this is a good thing. Maybe, if the kids are forced to take their decorations down and take their Easter baskets home...maybe they will ask their parents why. And maybe...just maybe...some of these kids will hear for the first time what Easter is all about. No longer will Easter be about a bunny with candy but rather Easter will be about the resurrection of Christ. Wouldn't that be a welcomed addition to a young childs pool of images?
Besides...is it the school's responsibility to ensure that kids celebrate holidays? Or, is it their responsibility to ensure that the kids learn? Just so you know...I am not on the school's side here. I guess I am just an eternal optimist...hoping that through this the kids will grow closer to the Truth of Easter.
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