Acceptance, not resistance

“For there is a time for every experience and for every happening” (Qoheleth 3:17)

Life is received; from God – or Universe (as some would prefer) and destined for a purpose. That purpose has to be discovered because no one has it spelled out when the journey begins and every happening or experience is designed to shape its realization.

When we resist, oppose and even fight certain experiences – because we “do not like them”, they are nasty or unpleasant - we only delay the actualization of life's purpose. There cannot be joy nor fulfillment when life's purpose is not realized.

Life becomes meaningful and satisfying when we discover and pursue its purpose – and do so relentlessly. Do not give up, despair or be discouraged in its quest. Challenges and adversities are to be met and overcome, not avoided, resisted or fought.

Acceptance versus resistance

“A season is set for everything; a time for every experience under heaven” (Qoheleth 3:1)

We have learned or taught ourselves to “chart out our own course”, to determine which direction to go and which not to go. We have decided which experience is good and which is not good.

We do not want to be sick; for example, and that is understandable. We do not want to lose a job or not have income or enough to eat. These are experiences we consider to be bad and so we spend a lot of time and energy resisting them.

The writer of Ecclesiastes says there is a season for everything. Actually, everything has a purpose.

Think of the seasons of the year. Some people may not like the heat and humidity of summer. (Could it be that some are already complaining?) Others may not like the cold and snow in winter. But we have learned to find joy and fulfillment despite the elements we dislike.

But then, that is the physical world and the physical experiences associated with it. The five senses – touch, sight, taste, smell and hearing – influence our perception and reaction. So does social environment.

Shavuot calls for willingness to be transformed

The Jewish holiday of Shavuot began at sundown on Saturday May 26 and ends at sunset on Monday, May 28. The holiday coincides with the Christian Day of Pentecost observed on Sunday, May 27.

In Jewish tradition, Shavuot commemorates the receiving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and Jews are required to read the Torah all night! Reading does not mean memorization or recitation. On the contrary, Jewish tradition involves discussion and wrestling with questions; and doing this all night.

But why?

Simply stated, it is because the Torah is not static. It speaks anew to successive generations and in so doing transforms. Thus every Shavuot is a call to be transformed. A commentary on Exodus (actually Midrash Shmot Rabba 47) shows that when Moses received the Torah, he also received all questions that would be raised in the future.

It is alright, and indeed, it is encouraged to have questions, to ask God questions and to seek clarity. The willingness to question, to inquire, is what leads to transformation. Society needs to continuously be willing to be transformed or it dies spiritually.

It is necessary to question what has come to be accepted as norm. In dealing with any section of society – for example the poor, the needy, the defenseless – the norm needs to be questioned. Seeking answers is indeed willingness to be transformed.

A guide into all truth

Even before Pontius Pilate snapped at Jesus, “What is truth?” (John 18:38) and to the present, mankind continues to search for truth. There are half-truths, “true lies”, fine prints, “make believes”, distortions and even fabrications; rich vocabulary for the opposite and very little for it.

Speaking of the Holy Spirit in this Sunday's – Day of Pentecost – Gospel Reading, Jesus said to his disciples, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16: 13).

Pentecost is the Greek name for the Jewish holiday, The Feast of Weeks (Lev. 23:15 -22) – Shavuot - which is also believed to be the day the Israelites received the Torah on Mount Sinai. Torah actually means “teaching” or “guidance” which is what comes from a loving and caring God.

As Jews observe Shavuot the entire biblical book of Ruth will be read. Why? Agriculture, the main source of livelihood for the Israelites, is a prominent motif in the story which shows God's desire for the community to care for the poor and the needy in its appropriation of the agricultural harvest.

This Sunday, therefore, Christians and Jews reflect on the received divine guidance for discernment of God's will in a society that is clouded with too many false truths and deliberate distortions. Cincinnati, for one, is witnessing unprecedented economic activity in the urban district: The Banks, Washington Park project, and the Casino development are all of economic vitality.

In the midst of all these good developments, the poor may be forgotten or even trampled upon. Thanks be to God, there is divine guidance, if only we would seek it.

Sent into the world

On this Seventh Sunday of Easter, western Christianity traditionally commemorates Ascension Day which was on Thursday, May 17. It was on that 40^{th day after the Resurrection that Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-11).}

The Lessons for this Sunday speak about witnessing – or testimony – and Jesus' followers' role in the world. In the First Lesson, Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, the Apostles elected Matthias in the place of Judas Iscariot "to become a witness with us to his (Jesus') resurrection". The Apostles' were called to bear witness to Jesus' resurrection.

In the Second Reading from 1 John 5:9-13, the writer points out that Jesus' teaching was testimony from God, and believers, consequently bear God's testimony in their hearts. In many ways, this is reassurance to every believer that faith in Jesus comes from God.

The second role of the Apostles, and every believer, can be seen in Jesus' prayer in the Gospel Reading from John 17:6-19. "I am no longer in the world, but they are...I am not asking you to take them out of the world...As you have sent me...so I have sent them..." The task of continuing Jesus' ministry, here on earth, now resides in his followers.

These two roles go hand in hand.

Jesus touched individuals and transformed them and society. Today, each one of us is called, first to be transformed, and then help transform our society. In so doing we bear witness to Jesus and his truth which is in us.

That is, really, what discipleship is all about.

In harmony with nature

Residents and visitors to Cincinnati will celebrate Mai Fest this week-end, May 18 – 20. It is the celebration of the arrival of Spring.

Much as Mai Fest may be associated with some forms of revelry – German-style – with beer drinking, Spring is a season of new life, literally, springing from the ground. In a spiritual sense, Spring symbolizes renewal. After the doldrums of Winter, this is a time of vibrancy and transformation.

Most people are cheerful in Spring, certainly more so than in Winter. What is external on faces and even moods, stems from inner spiritual exuberance. It is possible to maintain the same transformation every day of life. This week-end could be the best starting point.

How can this continual life transformation be maintained?

The week began with The Days of Rogation, or “Days of Prayer” where the prayers focus on harmonious functioning of nature. Our transformation as human beings begins with connecting and seeking harmony with nature.

Indeed, the events in Cincinnati point in the same direction, for the International Butterfly Show, which began on April 21, continues through Mai Fest to June 24. Like many insects, butterflies are the final stage of a transformation (metamorphosis) which goes from eggs to larvae to pupae before becoming butterflies.

The Creator of nature - and humans too - must have designed the process of transformation for all creatures. There are metamorphoses that go unnoticed in human organs. Thus, transformation is necessary for life to be complete.

This week-end, and the days ahead, can jump-start all of us on this journey of perpetual transformation and fullness of life.

Connect with nature and all the creation

Contemporary society has been so far removed from the natural world to the extent that some do not even know that humans are, like all creatures, totally dependent it. Picking up food and supplies from the supermarket creates an illusion – and indeed obscures the fact that everything comes from the earth. If one does not intentionally seek to connect with nature, one is misled into believing that humans are in control.

Historically, the church observed Rogation Days – meaning, “Days of Prayer” - in Spring. April 25 is the Major Rogation and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before Ascension Day (Thursday) are the Three Minor Rogations. During these days petitions are offered, for rain - enough and not too much - because Spring is the planting season. Similarly, prayers are offered for protection against natural forces that are beyond mankind's control – earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.

There is news of drought – and therefore, hunger – in the Sahel Region of Africa. There are also wild fires raging in the west of the United States. Winter did not show up this year in most of the United States.

An imbalance in one season creates ripples in the other season. Cumulatively, the whole ecosystem is put off balance. While we have control over how we treat our environment, we hardly have control over the ripple effects. We can expect harmony if we deal with our environment harmoniously.

How can one be connected or close to the Creator if one is removed from the creation? If we are disconnected with the environment and the natural world around us, we can hardly be connected to the Creator.

Mothers and Peace: The true cost of motherhood

In one Cincinnati neighborhood, the tone for this year's Mothers Day was set in the backdrop of peace marches (Who Killed our Kids: Marching for Peace). Although in most neighborhoods mothers are probably being pampered with manicure in beauty salons – or something similar, dinner outings with families, or flower presents in appreciation, the issue of safety is always of concern to mothers.

Mothers everywhere bear the pain of sons and daughters - and husbands - killed in war.

How about the teenagers and young adults killed daily in senseless violence? That has to be the most excruciating pain of motherhood. And Cincinnati has its share of street violence and young lives cut short prematurely. Gunshots are regular noises day and night in Over the Rhine, Avondale, West Walnut Hills and Price Hill is fast becoming a trouble spot.

When it comes to peace and co-existence among individuals and nations, mothers seem to have a sixth sense which is lacking in the male species in general. The latter easily resorts to violence for conflict resolution and the cycle of conflict and pain never ends.

The best present to mothers on this, and every Mothers Day, would be for every community to intentionally come together to work for justice and creating conditions that promote peace among individuals, communities and the nations of the world in general.

　

What is TAE and who is a Transformation Author?

During a webinar earlier this week, Arielle Ford who facilitated the event asked Christine Kloser, "What is Transformational Writing?" In response Christine outlined what she calls Four Levels of Transformational Writing.

The essence in transformational writing is that the story comes from inside, from within the author. While research may be involved, it is essential that it the writer who is telling the story.

As such, the first level is the author's willingness to embark on a journey of personal transformation as a prerequisite to effecting it on others.

If one is willing and ready to be transformed, the second level is the identification of the transformation which the author desires in his/her readers.

What about the whole enterprise the author is involved in? A business, career or profession: What kind of transformation does the author want?

Finally, how will the transformation impact the world? Yes, one must be bold to want to change the world! After all the nucleus of any global transformation has always been in an individual's passion for it.

So, what is the Transformational Authors Experience (TAE)? Simply put, it is "22 LIVE Teleclasses With Leading Experts On Writing, Publishing and Promoting Your Transformational Book" offered FREE from Monday, May 21 through Friday, June 1, at 1:00 and 2:30 PM EST weekdays.

Detailed information is available at: http://bit.ly/KVbqKx

How are commandments, obedience and love connected?

Laws and commandments make people cringe. Indeed, Christians see the “Law” with negative lenses.. Similarly, for some people, Christianity is a burdensome system of laws and commandments: “Don't drink!”, “Don't smoke!”, “Don't dance!”, “Don't watch movies (except “The Passion of the Christ” - with a church group, by the way)”, “Be nice to people – even those you don't like” and so on.

For Jews, the Christian “Law” (Torah) is nothing negative nor burdensome, but the loving instruction, guidance and teaching of God for God's beloved. It is the expression of love.

The scripture readings for this Sunday, the Sixth Sunday of Easter, point in the same direction. In the Epistle Reading from 1 John 5:1 -6, the writer notes: “For the love of God is this, that we obey God's commandments. And God's commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world”.

In the Gospel Reading from John 15:9 -17, Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer...but I have called you friends...”

Obedience therefore, is a love relationship not a legal commandment. Jesus' followers obey him because he is a friend, not a taskmaster.

In every walk of life there are heroes or “saints” - people whose lives inspire or challenge the rest in the true meaning of living. Some earn recognition while others may not be acknowledged or even noticed.

Karl Barth (May 10, 1886 – December 10, 1968) is acknowledged as one of The Ten Most Influential Christians of the Twentieth Century. Yet, not many Christians necessarily recognized him as they recognized some of the other “nine greats” who made up the list: Billy Graham, for example; John XXIII, Martin Luther King, Jr, Mother Teresa, John Paul II, or C.S. Lewis.

Karl Barth was a theologian – one of those academics whose influence is felt by other academics, not quite consequential to the ordinary Christian! Or was he?

It was his intellectual faculties that propelled him to champion for the distinction between the divine God and the forces of humanism of his time. His academic examination of the Epistle to the Romans enhanced, for all Christians, the contrast between the power of the Gospel and that of the state in its oppression of the poor.

His opposition of the Nazis and their “German Christian Church” is certainly exemplary for everyone. The Theological Declaration of Barmen, which he drafted (with Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Niemoller) is a testament of the Christian virtue of defending the defenseless.

There is so much at stake for the poor, the needy and the marginalized in today's society. In the neighborhoods of Cincinnati and in the halls of Congress, there are risks of the defenseless being discounted.

On this anniversary of Karl Barth's birthday, his life's example can serve as a reminder of our duty to our Creator and to one another.

Overstressed, overweight and over-drugged

The week began on Monday with the television networks' reports of a nation heading to a 42% of its population obese (overweight, to put it mildly) by the year 2030. According to other sources, one third to two thirds of Americans are overweight. On the other side of the scale, nearly 49 million people - 1 in 6 of U.S. population- live in hunger.

It is well accepted that these are physical outward symptoms of inner spiritual imbalances.

Stress in life causes anxiety, dissatisfaction and even despair and hopelessness. External or physical well-being is the result, not the cause for peace, tranquility, joy and purposefulness.

There is a need, therefore, for society to realign itself. In the New Testament, Jesus teaches: “But seek first God's kingdom and God's righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Mtt. 6:33). Horace, the Latin poet, wrote: “They change their clime, not their frame of mind, who rush across the sea. We work hard at doing nothing: we look for happiness in boat and chariot rides. What you are looking for is here...if only peace of mind doesn't desert you”.

Let our goal be the healing of the spirit and soul of every human being so that all humanity can experience wholeness.

Spirituality in a Marathon

May 5-6 is a very special week-end in Cincinnati. It is the Flying Pig Marathon week-end. This marathon is a hallmark of Cincinnati for many years now and it gets bigger and bigger every year.

The Step Forward Team is participating in this week-end's events for the 4^th year. Launched in 2008, Team Step Forward has grown in strength and in numbers in sync with the marathon itself.

The team brings together men of City Gospel Mission's Exodus Program, the women of Having the
Courage to Change, staff, volunteers, family members and friends of the Mission. So, what is behind this team effort?

First of all, when people come together, in agreement for a common cause, tremendous energy and power is released. It is the very principle that guides corporate prayer. The men and women of City Gospel Mission's Exodus Program and Having the Courage to Change, recovery from addictions is their first goal.

Many are haunted by memories of past failures: Uncompleted education, sporadic employment, broken family relationships and so forth. Training for the marathon involves commitment, discipline and determination. Those are some of the principles involved in recovery.

Furthermore, crossing the finish line announces a completed endeavor. For some that may very well be the first or only thing they have completed in many years. It is a tremendous source of inspiration and encouragement to keep focused on the task at hand.

The whole community therefore, has reason to turn up and be part of this spiritual experience.

United in Faith?

On Friday, May 4, 2012, the Amos Project is organizing a day-long summit focusing on race, faith and justice, under the heading: “United by Faith?”. It will take place at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center from 9 am to 4 pm.

First, what is the Amos Project? According to its website, it is “a federation of congregations in Greater Cincinnati dedicated to promoting justice and improving the quality of life for all residents”. Justice is a major theme in the biblical book of Amos and the practice of Judaism and Christianity – or any faith at all – is empty without the pursuit of justice.

In addition to this fundamental pursuit, one of the keynote speakers at the summit will be Prof. Michelle Alexander, a faculty member at Ohio State University, a legal scholar and an experienced civil rights advocate.

In her book, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, Prof. Alexander argues that mass incarceration of black Americans by the criminal justice system – which brands them felons – has undermined the gains of the civil rights movement. In an interview on NPR's Fresh Air on January 16, 2012 she remarked: “Today there are more African-Americans under correctional control – in prison or jail, on probation or parole – than were enslaved in 1850...”

Much of this injustice, partly, or to a large extent, goes back to Ronald Reagan's policies on the war on drugs which relegated black Americans to a subordinate status.

There should be plenty to ponder during and long after the summit.

Violence: The focus on National Day of Prayer in Cincinnati

Thursday, May 3, 2012 is the National Day of Prayer. Different communities around the nation will pray for different issues relevant to them. It is not uncommon for some communities to pray for peace or their own in the military while others pray for those impoverished or struggling to make ends meet.

Violence in Cincinnati is of special concern. There is not a day that goes by without news of young people's lives being claimed in gun violence. A culture of despair and hopelessness prevails in the inner city. There are no easy solutions available.

Data from the past 11 years reveal an upward trend in violent crime, and the rate in 2012 will be higher than in 2009.

Look at the statistics:

Cincinnati's violent crime rate in 2009 was 177.56% higher than the national average and 258.93% higher than the Ohio rate. Property crime was 103.22% higher than the national average and 88.63% higher than the state average.

Clergy, pastors and religious leaders will therefore join in a caravan ride to specific points in Cincinnati for prayer stops. The starting point – at 10 am - will be Church of the Living God and proceed to Avondale, Winton Terrace, Price Hill, Over the Rhine and end on the steps of City Hall.

The pain of violence is too great on the community. God answers prayers. Every person of faith and good will is urged to participate at one of the stops for this special occasion.

Germination of seeds is beyond the sower's ability

On May 1, 1873, Dr. David Livingstone died after spending more than 33 years in Africa. He had been both a missionary and an explorer. In those days exploration and missionary work were closely related.

Dr. Livingstone is the epitome of a missionary, in most people's minds. Yet, perhaps not many people know that in all those years in Africa, he won only one convert, who later forsook the Christian faith. Nevertheless, this information will not, in the slightest, change the view that Dr. Livingstone is the epitome of a missionary!

Almost 140 years after his death, Africa is experiencing the fastest growth of Christianity. Indeed, demographically, the center of Christianity is no longer Europe or the West. This, despite the fact that the exemplary missionary did not win one convert in those many years.

He sowed the seed, he had no control over it's germination.

There are many individuals, churches and non-profit organizations in Cincinnati and all around the world that devote their energy, time and every resource to help the poor, the needy, the disenfranchised and the homeless. One can name almost any church or synagogue, or City Gospel Mission – for example – Mary Magdalene House, St. Vincent dePaul and many similar charitable organizations.

Perhaps there have been times when some have been discouraged because they have witnessed no change in those they serve. It may be disheartening to see the same faces every day.

It is important to remember that the call is to sow seeds. Germination is in the hands of the Lord who calls. Dr. David Livingstone is comforted as he looks at his work in Africa today.