Jesus Called Out Political Leaders of His Day, Be Like Jesus!

 

Psalm 82

A Psalm of Asaph.

82 God has taken his place in the divine council;

    in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:

2 “How long will you judge unjustly

    and show partiality to the wicked? Selah

3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;

    maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.

4 Rescue the weak and the needy;

    deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

5 They have neither knowledge nor understanding,

    they walk about in darkness;

    all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

6 I said, “You are gods,

    sons of the Most High, all of you;

7 nevertheless, like men you shall die,

    and fall like any prince.”

8 Arise, O God, judge the earth;

    for you shall inherit all the nations!

Dear Folks,

We live in a world and a society often consumed by the clamor of political discourse, a world where opinions clash, and divisions seem to deepen with each passing day. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to be salt and light in this world, but how are we to navigate the often-turbulent waters of politics? How do we engage in discussions that can be so fraught with tension and disagreement? To find our way, we must look to the life and teachings of our Lord, for his journey unfolded within a political landscape as complex and challenging as our own.

The Gospels paint a vivid picture of first-century Judea, not merely as a backdrop for spiritual pronouncements, but as a land firmly under the thumb of the Roman Empire. This was a world of occupation, where resentment simmered beneath the surface, and power struggles were rife. To truly grasp the impact of Jesus’ message, we must understand this deeply political context. Rome’s presence was not just about foreign soldiers; it permeated the very structure of governance, often through local rulers like Herod, who were seen by many as collaborators with the imperial power. Judea itself eventually came under direct Roman administration, ruled by prefects like Pontius Pilate. This constant presence of foreign power fostered a longing for liberation and a deep-seated tension within the Jewish populace.

Within this framework of Roman dominance, the Jewish religious authorities also wielded significant, though limited, political influence. The High Priest in Jerusalem acted as a crucial intermediary between the Roman prefect and the Jewish community. The Temple, the center of Jewish religious life, also held significant economic and political sway. Moreover, Jewish society was internally divided, with various sects holding differing political and theological viewpoints, adding to the overall instability. Against this backdrop of occupation and division, the hope for the Messiah burned brightly, a hope that carried strong political overtones, with many anticipating a deliverer who would restore Jewish sovereignty. Even the ministry of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus, was not immune to political realities, ultimately leading to his arrest by Herod Antipas.

Jesus’ own ministry emerged within this politically charged environment. His interactions with Roman authorities, particularly his trial before Pontius Pilate, reveal the inherent political dimensions of his life. The charges leveled against him were not solely religious; they were framed in political terms – perverting the nation, forbidding the payment of taxes to Caesar, and claiming to be Christ, a king. When Pilate asked, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Jesus’ response, "My kingdom is not of this world," offers a profound insight into how we, as Christians, should understand the relationship between earthly and heavenly authority. While acknowledging the reality of earthly power, Jesus points to a different, transcendent realm of authority. His teaching on paying taxes – "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" – provides a crucial framework. It acknowledges the legitimacy of secular authority in its own sphere while firmly asserting the ultimate authority of God. This delicate balance calls us to be responsible citizens while never forgetting our primary allegiance lies with the Kingdom of God.

Jesus’ interactions with the Jewish authorities also held significant political undertones. The Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council, possessed both religious and political authority under Roman oversight. Jesus’ frequent clashes with the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians often revolved around interpretations of the law that had direct implications for social order and political power. His criticisms of their hypocrisy and self-righteousness challenged their authority and influence among the people. Even his deliberate association with marginalized groups, tax collectors and those considered "sinners," was a politically subversive act, challenging the established social hierarchies and the authority of those who benefited from them.

The concept of the "Kingdom of God," central to Jesus’ message, carried profound political implications. In a world where "kingdom" referred to earthly rule, Jesus’ use of this term to describe God’s reign was inherently political. For his Jewish audience, living under Roman rule, the "Kingdom of God" evoked hopes for liberation and justice. Jesus’ vision of this Kingdom served as a direct challenge to the "domination system" of the Roman Empire, offering an alternative sovereign authority in God. His teachings, such as "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven," express a desire for God's justice and peace to permeate all aspects of life, including the political sphere. Yet, Jesus made it clear that this Kingdom was not to be established through earthly power or violence, but through love, sacrifice, and the transformation of hearts.

Jesus’ actions, like the cleansing of the Temple, were not merely religious acts but also direct challenges to the economic and political status quo. His disruption of the money changers and sellers exposed the corruption and self-interest that had infiltrated the heart of religious life, activities deeply intertwined with the political power structures of Judean society. This bold act enraged the religious leaders, contributing to their desire to see him silenced.

So, how does all of this inform our engagement with politics today? We learn from Jesus that our faith cannot be divorced from the realities of the world around us, including the political sphere. We are called to be aware of the systems of power and to engage with them thoughtfully and critically. We are to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, fulfilling our civic duties, participating in our communities, and upholding just laws. However, our ultimate allegiance remains to God and his Kingdom. This means we must evaluate all earthly powers and political ideologies through the lens of the Gospel.

Jesus’ example calls us to engage with politics not with the aim of earthly domination or the pursuit of self-interest, but with the values of the Kingdom of God: love, justice, mercy, humility, and service. We are called to advocate for the marginalized, to speak truth to power, and to challenge unjust structures. Our political engagement should be marked by respect for those with whom we disagree, a commitment to truth and integrity, and a willingness to listen and understand different perspectives. Just as Jesus challenged the norms of his time, we too may find ourselves challenging the prevailing political and social norms when they contradict the values of God’s Kingdom.

To remain silent or indifferent to the political realities that shape our communities and world can be a profound disservice to the teachings of Christ. To claim ignorance of the impact of political decisions on the vulnerable, the oppressed, and the very fabric of society can be a form of willful blindness, neglecting the call to love our neighbors as ourselves. To shrink back from engaging in the public square with the convictions of our faith, perhaps out of fear of controversy or a desire for worldly approval, can be a form of spiritual cowardice, failing to be the salt and light Jesus called us to be. Indeed, when we consciously choose to absent ourselves from the pursuit of justice and the establishment of righteous governance, we risk aligning ourselves with the forces that perpetuate injustice, a stance that stands in stark contrast to the very essence of Christ's mission to bring good news to the poor, release to the captives, and freedom to the oppressed. Our faith is not a private matter confined to the walls of our churches; it is a transformative power meant to shape every aspect of our lives, including our engagement with the earthly kingdom in anticipation of the heavenly one.

Folks, let us engage in political discussions with humility and grace, remembering that we are first and foremost citizens of God’s Kingdom. Let our words and actions reflect the love of Christ, seeking not to win arguments but to build bridges, to heal divisions, and to work towards a more just and peaceful world, a world where God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Love,

+Br'er Abbot

Finding Abundance in Less through Christian Minimalism: A Personal Story

 Finding Abundance in Less through Christian Minimalism: A Personal Story

In a world saturated with material possessions and relentless consumerism, the concept of minimalism has gained significant traction. But for Christians, the pursuit of a simpler life isn't a trendy lifestyle choice; it's a reflection of ancient wisdom and a core tenet of faith. Examining minimalism through the lens of Scripture and the teachings of the Church Fathers reveals a profound connection between simplicity and spiritual abundance.   

The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of materialism. Jesus himself cautioned, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21).   

This passage isn't a condemnation of all material possessions, but a call to prioritize eternal values over fleeting earthly ones. It highlights the ephemeral nature of material wealth and the potential for it to distract us from our true purpose: a relationship with God.   

Moreover, the story of the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22) vividly illustrates the challenge of letting go of material attachments. Jesus' instruction to "sell your possessions and give to the poor" wasn't a universal mandate, but a specific prescription for a man whose wealth had become an obstacle to following Christ. It underscores the idea that true freedom lies in detachment from material things, allowing us to serve God wholeheartedly.

The Church Fathers, early Christian theologians and leaders, echoed the biblical emphasis on simplicity and detachment. They understood that material possessions could hinder spiritual growth and distract from a life devoted to God.

St. Basil the Great: Emphasized the importance of moderation and using material goods for their intended purpose, rather than indulging in excess. He advocated for a life of charity and generosity, sharing resources with those in need.

St. John Chrysostom: Spoke powerfully against greed and the pursuit of wealth, highlighting the dangers of allowing material possessions to control our lives. He encouraged Christians to live simply and focus on spiritual riches.

St. Francis of Assisi: While not a Church Father in the traditional sense, his life embodies the spirit of early Christian minimalism. He embraced poverty and simplicity, finding joy in serving God and others, rather than accumulating material possessions. His example serves as a potent reminder of the transformative power of a life unburdened by material desires.

The Desert Fathers: These early monks withdrew from society to live ascetic lives in the desert, focusing on prayer, contemplation, and simplicity. Their emphasis on detachment from material comforts and worldly distractions underscores the importance of creating space for spiritual growth.   

Applying these principles to contemporary life:

Intentional Consumption: Consciously choosing what we consume, prioritizing needs over wants, and avoiding impulsive purchases.

Decluttering and Simplification: Regularly evaluating our possessions and letting go of items that no longer serve a purpose.

Generosity and Stewardship: Recognizing that all we have comes from God and using our resources to serve others.   

Focus on Spiritual Growth: Prioritizing prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers over the pursuit of material wealth.

Finding contentment: Understanding that true joy and peace come from a relationship with God, not from material possessions.   

This has been a personal discovery for me.  My own journey to minimalism began with a profound shift in perspective brought about by my growing monastic faith through the simple Common Rule I have followed for over two decades. 

The contemplative life, with its emphasis on simplicity and detachment, began to illuminate the heavy burden I carried in the form of accumulated possessions. Years of collecting and filling storage units with the detritus of a life lived in acquisition, had created a physical, mental, and spiritual clutter that stifled my growth. Confronted with the stark contrast between the monastic ideal I aspired to and my own reality, I embarked on a radical decluttering process. 

Over several years, I systematically emptied multiple large storage units, releasing countless items that held little true value. I gave much away and was forced to throwaway even more.  This purging wasn't merely a physical act; it was a spiritual cleansing, a shedding of the weight that had held me captive. As the physical space around me cleared, so did the mental, emotional, and spiritual space within me. The shift was transformative, creating room for deeper prayer, greater focus, and a newfound sense of peace. 

My life, once defined by the accumulation of things, now centered on the pursuit of spiritual instead of material richness, a testament to the liberating power of a minimalist approach rooted in my Christian faith.  I have not "arrived" yet by any stretch of the imagination. I am still a work in progress and I will most likely struggle with this until I shuffle off this mortal coil and meet my Maker.  Hopefully I will die empty handed with a full heart and be truly set free.

So you see, Christian minimalism isn't about deprivation or austerity; it's about freedom. It's about freeing ourselves from the burden of material possessions and creating space for deeper connection with God and others. It is about understanding that true abundance is found not in what we own, but in who we are in Christ. By embracing simplicity, we can live more intentionally, generously, and faithfully, reflecting the true treasures of our faith.

Love,

+Br'er Abbot

Reflecting on My Ordination to the Priesthood on the Feast of Saint Melangell

An Icon of Saint Melangell created on the Island of Mull by the monks of Mull Monastery.

 A blessed Feast of Saint Melangell to you and yours in this year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-four!

It was nineteen years ago today that I became a priest within the Free Catholic tradition. I was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Archbishop Robert M. Bowman and Bishop Larry Cameron, of the United Catholic Church, on May 27, 2005, the Feast of Saint Melangell. The ordination took place at Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church, the church of my baptism and confirmation, surrounded by friends, family, and members of my ministry from the four corners of the country.

In many ways it seems like a lifetime ago and in some ways it seems like just yesterday.  The experience of the passing of time is odd, especially as one ages.  The ebb and flow of time seems to move as it will, where it will; collecting in reflective pools of memories, or perhaps murky swamps of vague recollections, and sometimes dangerous riptides of regret.

When I first began to sense my calling, I immediately told my mentor and friend, Fr. James Martin, an Episcopal priest of blessed memory.  His initial response was "what took you so long to figure that out?!"  Before I would start my discernment process for the priesthood he gave me some good advice.  He said, "Brian, if you can do anything else with your life, go do it and don't become a priest. Only follow this path if you absolutely cannot turn away from it."   He knew first hand that the priesthood was not for the faint of heart and that it was simultaneously a heartbreaking and heart-healing vocation.

While I thank God for my calling, I still question God sometimes why He called me and why He wouldn't let me go.  I also thank God for my mentorship and friendship with Fr. Martin, who was one of the most Godly men I have ever encountered.

I am a terrible priest and that is not false humility, just a simple reality.  Too often I fail and I am strong willed when it comes to listening to the gentle call of the Holy Spirit.  More than I care to admit, I want things my own way without a thought for what God wants for me and sadly, sometimes I allow my passions and ego rule my life instead of giving myself over to the simple obedience and grace of Christ. I am my own worst enemy when it comes to my priesthood.

There's a traditional prayer to God and Saint Melangell whenever one sees a hare hopping about, "May God and St. Melangell save thee and may a thousand angels guide your steps!"

A self-indulgent prayer for myself on this auspicious day: May God and St. Melangell save this Br'er Abbot and may a thousand angels guide my steps!

#ChurchLife: Portable Pottery Communion Set

#ChurchLife: Portable Pottery Communion Set

St. Martin's Lent: Litany For Peace

White Poppies For Peace

We would like to invite all of our friends and associates, who feel called, to join us in prayer on November the 11th, the Feast of St. Martin of Tours, praying for the peace of ourselves, our communities, and the world. As is our tradition, we will be offering the Litany For Peace every hour on the hour. Won’t you please join your prayer with ours? 

Litany For Peace By Archbishop Karl Prüter 

Leader: Lord, Heavenly Father help us to become peacemakers, that we may be called, "The Children of God." 

All: Lord, hear our prayer, and grant us Thy peace. 

Leader: Lord, Heavenly Father, help us purge ourselves of those attributes which make not for peace but which set the stage for war. 

All: Lord hear our prayer, and grant us Thy peace. 

Leader: Lord, open our minds to see ourselves as Thou seest us, or even, as others see us, and save us from all unwillingness to know our infirmities. 

All: Lord, hear our prayer, and grant us Thy peace. 

Leader: From all hasty utterances of impatience; from the retort of irritation and the taunt of sarcasm; from all infirmity of temper in provoking or being provoked; from love of unkind gossip, and from all idle words that may do hurt, save us, O Lord. 

All: Lord, hear our prayer, and grant us Thy peace. 

Leader: Grant us, O Lord, the strength to obey Thy commandments, that we defraud our brother in nothing. May we never commit adultery or do anything to disturb our neighbor's home or family. 

All: Lord, hear our prayer, and grant us Thy peace. 

Leader: Lord, Heavenly Father, grant that we covet nothing that is our neighbors, neither his house, nor his auto, his bank account, his job, nor anything that is our neighbors. 

All: Lord, hear our prayer, and grant us Thy peace. 

Leader: Heavenly Father, help us to maintain peace within our own households, with our neighbors in our communities, within our own nations, and in the world. 

All: Lord, hear our prayer, and grant us Thy peace. 

Leader: Lord, Heavenly Father we pray not only for the absence of war, but more especially for Thy peace, which passeth all understanding. 

All: Lord, hear our prayer, and grant us Thy peace. 

Leader: Lord, Heavenly Father, grant us Christ's wish that we may become One with Him, and with Thee; that in union with Thee, we may desire only what Thou dost desire, and thus come to know Thy perfect peace. 

All: Lord, hear our prayer, and grant us Thy peace, this day and for evermore. Amen.

St. Martin's Lent

St. Martin and the Beggar
By Alfred Tethrl 1836

As we begin St. Martin's Lent I just wanted to wish every a happy St. Martin's Day!  May the peace of Christ be always with you and may you always choose to follow the Prince of Peace!

VanLife: Day 6 or The Shoes of the Fisherman

Today was Sunday and that meant going in later to the glass shop, Crystal Revelations, and getting off earlier because the mall's hours are shortened on Sunday.  Most malls in the United States follow this pattern: opening around noon and closing just before dinner time.  It's a throwback to the old Blue Laws that were in effect for many years which either prohibited outright or limited shopping on Sundays.  I always look forward to Sundays in malls because of that.  It's almost like a day off.

After work and a lite dinner and retired to the Kraken.  For the first time since I've been in the van, I felt like watching a movie or something on my Chromebook.  Always before I've tried to be very quiet because my windows were open and I didn't want to draw any attention to myself nor the van.  Last night I finally felt comfortable enough to do the movie thing.  There was no popcorn but it was a swell movie on a fantastic screen.  Being only a few inches from my face it seemed like an Imax theater screen!

The movie I settled on was an old favorite, "The Shoes of the Fisheman" a 1968 film adapted from a novel of the same title written by Morris West.  In short it's about a newly elected Roman Catholic Pope who sells the Vatican's treasures to help a starving China and prevent a nuclear world war.  There are some side plots and stories as well that are worthy in and of themselves.  You can read a synopsis of the movie here.

One of the things that's memorable to me from that story line is the idea of the Christian church living into its vows, to care for the "least of these"  written about in the Gospel of St. Matthew 25:1-46

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 

2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 

3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 

4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 

5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 

6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 

7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 

8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 

9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 

11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 

12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 

13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. 

14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 

15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 

16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 

17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 

18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. 

19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 

20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 

21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 

22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 

23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 

24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 

25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 

26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 

27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 

28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 

29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 

30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 

31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 

32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 

33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 

38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 

39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 

41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 

42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 

43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 

44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 

45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 

46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Now, I don't pretend to be a good Christian and in my embrace of minimalism I don't for a moment think I'm saving the world nor is that even a consideration of mine.  My motives are purely selfish: in embracing minimalism, I'm saving myself.

Now it is true I'm part of a tiny religious order.  On a good day there are about half a dozen of us scattered around the country.  We're members of the Order of the Shepherd's Heart, an ecumenical Celtic catholic religious order.  We follow a Common Rule that, among other things, encourages us to live simple, thoughtful, authentic, and intentional lives.  I'm not very good at that either but it's what I strive towards.

In my minimizing I think I worried people and I think they asked others around me questions such as, "Is he dying?" "Is he having a midlife crisis?"  "Is he selling things off because he's going broke and needs money?"  Some even asked me these questions themselves.  My answer was most always the same,  "No," I'd say, "I'm just trying to live into my vows."  And that was a true statement because what I was saying is that I'm trying to live authentically as myself, my whole self.

There's something to be said about living simply so that others may simply live and there's also something to be said about living into your vows, or perhaps living into your values so that your life takes on an intrinsic authenticity.  You are who you say you are.  That's part of the notion of one identity that I've spoken of before.

That's the thing that comes to my mind when I watch the film "The Shoes of the Fisherman" and see Pope Kiril, played by Gregory Peck, living into his vows as Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and as a Christian.  He put his money where his mouth was or rather he put the money of the church where its mouth was.  And for that, crowds cheer in St. Peter's Square.

Now it's easy to pick on institutions whether it's the Roman Catholic Church, Walmart, or some other corporation when they're doing something we perceive as wrong or that goes against our particular values.  How much harder is it to turn that discerning eye upon ourselves?  You know, those institutions are made up of folk and folk are folk and there's nothing queer as folk and that's you and me!  There is no us and them.  There is only us.

Thomas Merton wrote,“For the world to be changed, man himself must begin to change it, he must take the initiative, he must step forth and make a new kind of history. The change begins within himself.”

I think that's the only authentic change we can offer - our own.  And it we strive to do that, we may not change the world on a grand scale the way Pope Kiril did in the movie, but we'll change our world and that's real.  That's authentic.

Day Seven The Seven Days of Creation: Day of Rest

"Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. " -Genesis 2:1-3

Day 7 of Creation: "Day of Rest"

"Day of Rest"

24" X 36" Acrylic on Canvas

By Brian Ernest Brown, OSH

"The Painting Bishop"

When was the last time you rested? I mean, REALLY rested? I bet you don't know do you?! Or if you do remember it was more than likely some time ago. God thought it was important enough to do it and in fact He thought so much of it that He blessed the day and made it holy. It should be equally important to us. One day of the week to enjoy creation, one another, and ourselves. What's that worth? Priceless! Take time off and keep the day holy. None of us own our next breath. I know that I'm really bad about taking time off but I intend to turn over a new leaf and would invite you to do the same. It's never too late until it's too late! Enjoy!

Day Six The Seven Days of Creation: From His Hands

"And God said, 'Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.' And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.' So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'

Then God said, 'I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.' And it was so.

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. " -Genesis 1:24-31

Day 6 of Creation: "From His Hands"

"From His Hands"

24" X 36" Acrylic on Canvas

By Brian Ernest Brown, OSH

"The Painting Bishop"

From His hands we were made, in His image, and he said we were very good. God delighted in our creation even with the certain knowledge of our culpability in His crucifixion. I imagined the nail marks in those life giving hands as He sculpted us from the earth and the bittersweet moment of our creation as I worked with the paint on the canvas. If God has such unconditional love for us, and we were made in His image, why do we find it so hard to have unconditional love for one another, also made in His image, regardless?

Day Five The Seven Days of Creation: Feathers and Fins

"And God said, 'Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.' So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them and said, 'Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.' And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day." -Genesis 1:20-23

Day 5 of Creation: "Feathers and Fins"

"Feathers and Fins"

24" X 36" Acrylic on Canvas

By Brian Ernest Brown, OSH

"The Painting Bishop"

Being a great lover of the ocean I really enjoyed this painting and all the things that happened to pop up as I went. I kept envisioning the great "sea monsters" of the deep and what fun God must have had creating the myriad of birds that live on this planet and the exotic, almost mystical, sea creatures that swim the oceans. For me, this painting not only delights my vision and encourages my imagination but it also it seems to have a way of conveying a symphony of sound to my ears. If I try hard enough I can just hear the wind and the waves...

Day Four The Seven Days of Creation: Final Frontier

"And God said, 'Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.' And it was so. God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day." -Genesis 1:14-19

Day 4 of Creation: "Final Frontier"

“Final Frontier”

24″ X 36″ Acrylic on Canvas

By Brian Ernest Brown, OSH

“The Painting Bishop”

The Sun, the Moon, and the Stars created on the fourth day. Can you imagine, in the words of Carl Sagan, the billions and billions of stars out there? Growing up with science fiction all around me, space captured my attention like nothing else could. The possibilities of life on other planets enthralled me. The depth and beauty of space awed me. As an adult and as a Christian God’s joy and creativity in the creation of the universe captivates and astounds me. I hold dear a dream of exploring the final frontier after I pass from this life someday: to walk barefoot on the moon, with moon dust between my toes. What a treat!

Day Three The Seven Days of Creation: Groundbreaking

"And God said, 'Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.' And it was so. God called the dry ground land, and the gathered waters he called seas. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, 'Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.' And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning the third day." -Genesis 1:9-13

Day 3 of Creation: "Groundbreaking"

"Groundbreaking" 

24" X 36" Acrylic on Canvas 

By Brian Ernest Brown, OSH 

"The Painting Bishop" 

Imagine the forces in gathering the seas and creating the earth! The shear heat as the core of the earth forms, spills over and gives birth to dry land. The primal forces of rocks and mountains shoved toward the heavens creating cliffs, caves, plateaus, and valleys!

I tried to capture the movement, shear power, and controlled chaos of the third day while seeding the readied ground with the very beginnings of the wild growing things, vines, flowers, grass, and trees.

No front loaders, bulldozers, earth-movers, or the like. Just the awesome hand of God and His unlimited imagination. God of Power, God of Might!

Day Two The Seven Days of Creation: Water From Heaven

“And God said,’“Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.’ So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault sky. And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.” -Genesis 1:6-8

Day 2 of Creation: "Water From Heaven"

“Water From Heaven”

24″ X 36″ Acrylic on Canvas

By Brian Ernest Brown, OSH

“The Painting Bishop”

I really enjoyed this one, capturing the separation of the waters from the heavens was a task I wasn’t sure I was up to but I turned up one of Liam Lawton’s cds , “The Could’s Veil” and away I went. This also seems to be among the favorites of the series but I’ll let you be the judge.

When we think of creation often our thoughts are caged by ages of interpretation of Holy Scripture and the familiarity of the story but can you imagine the creative forces? Can you imagine the power? Can you imagine the joy? Can you imagine the love? I did, if only in my limited ability. God is indeed an awesome God!

Day One The Seven Days of Creation: Let There Be Light

"And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light day, and the darkness he called night. And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day." -Genesis 1:3-5

Day 1 of Creation: "Let There Be Light"

"Let There Be Light" 

24" X 36" Acrylic on Canvas

By Brian Ernest Brown, OSH

"The Painting Bishop"

I hadn't painted in years when I picked up the brush and began this next series of paintings.

My friend Juanita had encouraged me to set up a painting studio at the Branson Mill Craft Village in Branson Missouri many years ago and we'd paint together. We had just watched some YouTube videos of a fantastic artist in Asheville, North Carolina by the name of Jonas Gerard. He was just so lively and it looked like so much fun and boy did we need to get a little wild and sling some paint!

We got excited! And others around us got excited too and wanted to paint with us. We invited them to do just that, as they were able or wanting. Some took us up on the invitation and we developed a wonderfully fun little painting studio. We hoped our little studio might become a place for other crafters and people to unwind and let loose.

We both had always wanted to try our hand at abstract painting and so I dug out my brushes, put together my easels, and we both bought lots of acrylic paint and many, many canvases. I also bought a new cd player to crank up praise music by which to paint. What fun!

I'll be showing some of the paintings here on the To Love So Well The World blog but I wanted to start with this particular series on The Seven Days of Creation from the Book of Genesis in the Holy Bible. These paintings are 24" wide by 36" tall and are primarily acrylic on canvas. Enjoy!

Charter For Compassion

Compassion is in short supply these days and is sorely needed in every aspect of our lives. Sadly it is often lacking most in our churches and seldom expressed through our faith. Please join me in signing the Charter for Compassion and during this new year let compassion be a clear expression in your life while also reflecting it in the lives of those around you.

 If you do nothing else today, please visit the Charter For Compassion.

The Easter Resurrection: Grace Spilling Over

"Dancing Jesus" Sterling Silver Pendant Crafted by Brian Ernest Brown

We’ve all heard the Easter story many, many times. We’ve heard it told at least every Easter throughout our childhood and hopefully if we’ve been faithful attendees at church we’ve also heard it on into our adulthood. We’ve heard it so many times that, dare I ask, has the story has become less inspiring and awe-filled and simply repetitive and sadly maybe a little more mundane to us? Or am I wrong and we’re all moved to tears every time the crowd yells, “crucify him” as the Passion narrative is re-enacted?

I myself am moved to tears and near speechlessness during the Passion narrative year after year but even so, I am left with the question that I imagine haunted the minds of the apostles and friends of Jesus, the question of “okay, what now?”

I have a sterling silver cross I crafted many, many years ago while in college that I call, “The Dancing Jesus” and I think this image is part of the answer to the question of “okay, what now.” Unlike so many other representations, the crucifix pendant I crafted is somewhat abstract and demonstrative rather than a creation of representational realism. Christ’s body forms the cross in an almost sensual way and if one looks hard enough one can see life, movement, triumph, and celebration within this small silver interpretation of the crucifixion, an interpretation I call “The Dancing Jesus.”

The inspiration for the pendant came after reading a passage from the Gospel of St. Matthew 27:51-53. Never before had I realized that others were resurrected during that time! How had I missed that? Well, as it turns out many of us have missed that little fact all of our Christian lives. Wow!

The vision I was given was one of dance, of celebration, of triumph, of empowerment, and of love. It was as if a light, unable to be contained, spilled out of the darkness and brought light to the dark corners of the world, to the darkest corners of our souls. In the moment of Christ’s death, overpowering grace spilled out upon the entirety of creation and changed the whole world. The joy and permeating grace couldn’t be contained and it seeped into the depths of rock and soil and transformed or re-created men and women long dead, raising their bodies from the earth and empowering them to go out and proclaim the Good News – the earth shattering, death defeating, empowering love of God: Christ is risen!

While it is important to recognize our own sinfulness and need for grace during this time of the church year let us not stop there, soaking up grace and reveling in our own individual salvation. Let us not neglect the empowerment that is offered to us as Christians to “raise the dead” in celebration and remembrance of what Christ has done for us, indeed for the entire world!

"And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." -Marianne Williamson from her book A Return to Love

That is the meaning of Easter! That is the empowerment that Christ offers each one of us! That is what we are called to do by virtue of His crucifixion, death, resurrection, and ascension! As Christians we are called to love fiercely and sacrificially, we are called to preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth, we are called to baptize, and we are called to empower others to do the same. That’s what Christ did for us and is still doing!

I invite you to do the same this Easter season. May the overpowering grace of this Easter Resurrection pour over you and forever change your life! May Christ illumine the darkest corners of your soul and shine through your life in this broken world and may you go out and change the world for the love of God! Let your light shine so that you may empower others even as you have been empowered by the Light of the World.

Blessings upon you and yours this Resurrection Day!

Amen!

The Coming of the Son: Sunrise on Bear Mountain

The Coming of the Son: Sunrise on Bear Mountain Eureka Springs Arkansas

In the darkness that is winter and the depth that is Lent, behold, Easter draws near when the Light of the World will rise again!

I awoke to a glorious sunrise this morning and was immediately reminded of the imminent coming of Easter and all that resurrection means in this broken world.

As a society we are faced with change on a global scale not only in regards to our understanding of community but also in our finally coming to terms with our own culpability in affecting weather patterns and global climate change. We're changing as a country as we struggle to further define our mission, refine our vision, and find our way in a new global understanding while championing compassion, justice, liberty, and happiness for all. We're changing as a society as we continue to embrace greater and greater diversity, expression, and plurality of human beings, made in the image of God. And as that leads us to another reformation in the Church, the various mainstream churches "shuffle the deck" to offer new leadership hoping to either thwart or engage the challenge while seemingly the faithful wonder and wander in the darkness of twilight looking ever forward to the coming light.

The internet is ripe with folks who claim we are living in the end times and it's easy to see disaster all around us, in the form of mass shootings, an unhinged would-be American president, and the senseless bombing of communities and the killing of children around the world.  It's easy to see disaster in climate change and then end of the earth as we know it, in the form of extreme weather patterns that leave communities and families fractured and in dire need of assistance.  Yes, it's easy to see an end is near.

To some extent the doomsayers are right of course, this is the end, when the veil is torn asunder and hell is broken loose. However, if this were the end, I mean really the final end, what a pointless graceless world it would, be but it's not. The end that I speak of is the end of the way things were and not the end of things in and of themselves. It is like the end just before the Resurrection, the end before the Easter moment, the end of the dark night just before the return of the morning light, an end that forever changed the world.  The kind of end that when you're in it, is black as night and often sobering if not darn right frightening.

We are at an end and the new day is dawning, just as the sun arose this morning out of the darkness of last night. The hell that is breaking loose is not unlike Jesus's descent freeing those in hell trapped by the grave. As a world, as a community, and as a church we are being freed once again from the grave, the grave or our own digging.

We're on the brink of wonderful possibilities.  The world is changing in a big way.  Our societies are moving forward even if at times they seem to be regressing, technology is evolving at almost light-speed even as we struggle to catch up with it, and yes, climate change is real but so is our ability to adapt, evolve, change, and thrive.  Yes, these times are a changin' and change can be frightening but it is inevitable.  How we respond to it is not, however, inevitable, it is a choice.

The question is, will we arise from the tomb and dance in the streets with the Resurrected as in times of old, proclaiming the Good News, or will we flee back into the familiar darkness of the grave, hiding from the coming Son and the new day that is dawning?

I think I'll dance!