Ascension Day?

17 Thursday May 2012

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*the picture above is from the sanctuary of The American Church in Paris

I must be honest…I had never had of Ascension Day before moving to France.  Of course this does not surprise me as I continue to learn how little I knew or experienced prior to moving overseas.

One of the many observations I have made since moving to France is the number of public national holidays celebrated here that have religious origins.  In addition to Christmas and Easter holidays, France recognizes All Saints Day, , Ascension Day, Pentecost (Monday), and Assumption Day.  Schools and shops are closed and churches hold various festivities and services.  I dare say that most French no longer understand the significance of these holidays.  I do find it odd that a “secular” nation still celebrates such important Christian feast days.

One of the blessings for me personally has been the introduction of these days and a deepening of understanding and appreciation of their traditions.

During my tenure in New York, the schools had all of the major Jewish holidays off, and I was able to learn the significance of those days, not only for my Jewish brother and sisters for my own faith as well.

Throughout Christian history, the Church calendar has set aside such feast days as a way of remembering the story and marking the seasons.

Growing up, my tradition would celebrate Christmas and Easter and the rest of the year….well that basically was up for grabs.

Here at The American Church in Paris, we follow the Church lectionary and calendar and I am amazed at how the intentionality of the seasons helps with the continuity of the story of God throughout the entire year.  Certainly there are some “low” periods in the year, but much of our worship planning (and cultural holiday season) is impacted by the legacy of Christianity.  Truth be told, if today were not Ascension Day, I probably would not be focussing as much on the resurrection stories of Jesus and commissioning of disciples.  The nation of France gives me a day for this!

Next week our church will enter probably our third largest “holiday” season of Pentecost. I hope to reflect on that and how serving at a widely diverse and international congregation has also change my views and appreciation.

The “Ascension Window” in the sanctuary at ACP is also our Pentecost Window.  What is interesting is that both are part of a much larger window known as the “Missionary Window”. From a theological perspective, the ascension of Christ and the descending of the Spirit directly impact discipleship and the sending out of missionaries to preach the gospel. The Missionary Window depicts some famous missionaries, covering four regions in four of five columns, starting on the left with Asia, then Europe; the centre shows Christ’s missionaries; then to the right, Africa and the Americas.

These reflections lead me to wonder what I have missed growing up with liturgy or tradition of the Church. *Perhaps another poll question and post for later!

For those of you who, like me, may not be as familiar with today’s Christian feast, here is a brief overview…followed by a Wikipedia excerpt

Ascension Day marks the day that Jesus ascended to heaven following his crucifixion and resurrection, according to Christian belief. It is the 40th day of Easter and is ten days before Pentecost Sunday. It is a public holiday in France.

From Wiki:

The Ascension of Jesus (anglicized from the Vulgate Latin Acts 1:9-11 section title: Ascensio Iesu) is the Christian teaching found in the New Testament that the resurrected Jesus wastaken up to heaven in his resurrected body,[Acts 1:9-11] in the presence of eleven of his apostles, occurring 40 days after the resurrection. In the biblical narrative, an angel tells the watchingdisciples that Jesus’ second coming will take place in the same manner as his ascension.

The Ascension of Jesus is professed in the Nicene Creed and in the Apostles’ Creed. The Ascension implies Jesus’ humanity being taken into Heaven.The Feast of the Ascension, celebrated on the 40th day of Easter (always a Thursday), is one of the chief feasts of the Christian year. The feast dates back at least to the later 4th century, as is widely attested.

The account of Jesus ascending bodily into the clouds is given fully only in the Acts of the Apostles, but is briefly described also in the Gospel of Luke (often considered to be by the same author, see Luke-Acts) at 24:50–53 and in the ending of Mark 16 at 16:19.

 

In Memory (A Tribute to Brian Crockett...a message about life and our passing from it)

28 Wednesday Mar 2012

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Reblogged from Emerging youth's Weblog:

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Three years have passed since the untimely death of Brian Crockett.  I suppose people need to move ahead with their lives and “live life to the fullest” as Brian did and would have wanted everyone to do.  I am sure that the pain is just as real and difficult today as it was 3 years ago for his family.  No parent should ever have to bury their child.

Read more… 3,570 more words

an update on this post from 3 years ago

When love goes astray

23 Friday Mar 2012

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Over the past few weeks, like many pastors, I have been following the news coming from Mark’s Driscoll’s church Mars Hill.  Naturally the reactions and responses to online articles and blog posts run the spectrum.  On one side are Driscoll supporters who stand by his actions and on the other side are individuals who vilify the man and his team.

For a good perspective on the most recent news regarding the firing of a pastor from Driscoll’s church, I commend this blog post:

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/tonyjones/2012/03/22/mark-driscolls-house-of-cards/

What strikes me about all of this is the major differences and gaps in how people, especially pastoral types, use the word love.

As Tony’s post referred to, pastors have excommunicated their own children and disowned former members and elders “out of love”.  In their minds, it is precisely out of love for these wayward sinners, that harsh actions are required.  For them, failure to punish or convict is a sign of weakness and, in essence, not having love for someone.

Of course, others (pastors and non-clergy) alike seem to use this same philosophy in protesting abortion clinics and LGBT parades.  Their “love” leads toward the abasement of people with fear, in hopes of repentance so these sinners will avoid the fiery torture of hell. We have all heard sad stories of violent acts and words supposedly done in the name of God and out of love.

Now, truth be told, in my experience many of these people have no love at all.  They may use that language, but it is pure hatred that comes forth in every form.  But I think they are the extreme and do not represent the majority.

The majority of pastors that use “tough love”, as many refer to it, I think in general do love those they are dealing with.  It may not look, sound, or feel like love to others, but only God knows their motivation.

It is their particular theological slant and biblical interpretations that they must come to terms with. For them, loving others and its implications and applications, must come through the lens of biblical interpretation.  Of course, they too realize (to a point) the cultural and contextual boundaries and probably do not follow the letter of the law strictly and literally i.e. stoning to death a homosexual or woman who is having an affair).  Verbal stoning and excommunication seem to do the trick today!

And so, we have examples that are now widely circulated and gossiped about.  Sadly these pastors and churches are lamented for being judgemental, arrogant, close-minded, narrow, and well…just plain mean.  I doubt (or at least hope) that is not their intention.

As always, there are two sides to everything and so another group of pastors out of “love” will open their hearts and doors to all people, specifically to the ones other churches will not. They welcome people and view them not as “sinners” but as fellow humans created in God’s image.  The love of Christ compels them to openly affirm their individuality and uniqueness with a message of acceptance.

For them the love of Christ knows no limits or boundaries and is unconditional, as a good father’s love towards his children would be.  Rather than being gossiped about for excommunication, they are lamented for being too tolerant or inclusive.  These pastors and churches not only allow people, marginalized by society, into their doors, but support them in leadership.   They will interpret the Bible through a lens of love and grace and then make decisions accordingly.  Their theological views compel them to love lavishly, and for that often they are criticized (and also then called “sinners” by others)

Both sets of pastors and churches I am sure claim they love people.

The question and difference are how that love is displayed and received by others.

There appears to be quite a contrast.

Where do you stand?  Is there a clearly right or clearly wrong path?

John 13:35
“By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Jesus was right.  This is still his dream.  How we interpret and act on this command makes all the difference.

Is there a better Love moving forward for pastors and churches and youth ministries alike?

The solution may lie in the middle ground somewhere, but I will reveal my cards on the table and say this:

If excused of anything on that day of judgement (whatever one may believe about that) I would rather God tell me that I loved too much; extended too much grace; was too lavish with acceptance than to be condemned for being too harsh, too critical, too condemning, too exclusive, and too judgmental.

Have you heard of The Confessions?

22 Thursday Mar 2012

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No, not Saint Augustine’s Confessions or French philosopher Jean Jacques Roseau’s Confessions (although a highly recommend both reads if one has the time!)

The Confessions is a new band heralding from the City of Light, Paris France.

They also happen to be members of the youth group here at ACP. The choice of band name is a hybrid of sorts from those works previously mentioned.

Part of my vision in coming to do youth ministry in Paris was to not only promote the arts, but to inspire and equip others to create culture.  It has amazed me the breath and depth of talent in this church…in truth found in all students I have encountered.

They have served as inspirations for me.

I suppose there is something in this Parisian air that seems to promote creativity and expression.  It is in the very fabric of this city and my dream is for the same to be true of our youth ministry.

Two Seniors, who are already accomplished musicians, decided to form a band and having begun the process of producing an album.  I applaud the level of creativity and ingenuity they are hoping to achieve (with possibly using a 100 member choir and 116 pipe organ) in the mixing.

Christian deLooper and Danny Herr

Between interviews,  applications and acceptances to Oxford, Cambridge, the Berkley school of music and other universities I do not know what the next year will hold for them or where each one will end up studying, but I do see potential.

Either way, I am proud and excited to see the outcome of their inspiration and aspirations.

You can now download their first EP “Jumping the Wall” on iTunes

http://itunes.apple.com/fr/album/jumping-the-wall-ep/id509824544

You can listen to samples of their early work on their YouTube channel

If you listen and enjoy, please help spread the word and “share” this link with others who may be interested.

http://twitter.com/#!/theconfessmusic

Women in the Church?

16 Friday Mar 2012

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Thank you to everyone who cast a vote in last month’s poll question on Women in Ministry.  To see the results of the survey, click on the link above.

Much to my surprise and joy, an overwhelming % voted that they do support women serving in ministry. I believe that 5-10 years ago, the results would have been very different and I also believe that in 5-10 years from now the question will no longer be relevant or need to be asked.

Before I share some thoughts and insights, I highly commend a few additional blog posts and books that have shaped my thinking and journey.

One of the up and coming theologians and authors of my generation, Rachel Held Evans is writing some brilliant and provocative pieces  in addition to her prophetic book Evolving from Monkey Town.

http://rachelheldevans.com/masculine-feel-john-piper-tim-challies

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/rogereolson/2012/01/truth-authority-and-roles/

Here are two books that I recommend as well:

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Parakeet-Rethinking-Read-Bible/dp/0310284880/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_4

http://www.amazon.com/Changed-Mind-about-Women-Leadership/dp/B005HKMH2C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329730285&sr=8-1

*This collection of some well-known evangelicals, Tony Campolo, Bill and Lynne Hybels, and John Ortberg to name just a few

The role of women in ministry has, for a long time, perplexed and troubled me.  Truth be told, in my limited personal experience and theological studies I grew up a bit naive to the cause of women.  Believing in the notion that there exists “traditional” roles that men and women naturally fall into to, I assumed these roles carried over into the realm of Christendom and the Church.  Having lived a bit and experienced a bit more outside of my fairly uncultured existence, my journey has opened my eyes to the breakdown of these traditional roles.

Men and women, created in the Bible as equal.

Many men are very capable of performing domestic tasks.  In fact here in France there exists a paternity leave and it is not uncommon for the husband to take off a year instead of the mother and raise the child.

(similarly women are very capable of performing all the tasks that men can do.)

Is there a natural, i.e. physical difference?

Clearly, there is a biological difference in general. However, I personally know many women who display quite “masculine” tendancies and features, and visa versa

The distinctions are much more blurry than I once had thought.

I simply do not buy that women are the weaker sex. Weaker how?

Physically?  I doubt most men would have the strength to give birth and I know of women who can out-lift the majority of the men in the world.

Weaker intellectually?  I hope this one seems as ridiculous to you as it should

Weaker spiritually? (this I assume is what most people must mean)

In many cultures it is the women who are the main spiritual heads of the household.  Their insight, compassion, care, passion for the things of God, dedication in prayer and alms giving, etc.. clearly does not indicate any sign of weakness.  Perhaps just the opposite.

But all of this aside the question I ask is this… does the call of God transcend or is limited to gender?

I have known women, clearly called by God to serve and bless his church, full of wisdom, discernment, spiritual insight and leadership who have hearts full of compassion and minds ripe with leadership.

These women are qualified in every way, in fact more qualified than many men I know in ministry.  They fulfill all of the qualifications in Paul’s letters.  But I again would ask, should not the call of God along with the affirmation of a Spirit-lead community trump very culturally specific (and male dominated) prerequisites?

What God has called into being, what God has joined together (a calling and a church) let no man separate. (Because usually it is the men who forbid)

arguably the only real attack is from a fairly limited number of Bible verses allocating for regulated roles of women in the church.  What cannot be overlooked however is the cultural background, context of the time.  We all know the Bible was written in a highly patriarchal time, written by men and mostly for men.

I personally believe that for their time Jesus and Paul were fairly progressive when it came to the role and acceptance of women in their ministries and personal lives.

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man,

there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Both welcomed the support and friendship of women in their lives and partnership in the ministry.  Women were accepted and wanted in the fellowship of their company and treated truly as sisters.

This was just not the case either in the Judean or Roman cultural framework.

Perhaps, for the sake of the reputation of the new church, Paul warned the church in Corinth to be very careful how the  exercise of this new-found and grace-driven freedom should be displayed.

Consider this:  If an unbelieving gentile or Jew walked into a church back then and saw women speaking, teaching, or (heaven’s forbid) leading, the reputation is shattered and the message deemed foolish, unmerited, or downright blasphemous.

In the western world at least, if a person enters a church and sees no women in any forms of leadership and then are told there exists no equality….and then told this is due to a particular interpretation of the Bible, all credibility is lost.  In my former church just outside of New York City, women CEO’s, lawyers, and PhD holders arguably had some real issues with “no women allowed in leadership” positions as one could imagine.

The same holds true for slavery.  We would all agree that slavery was not God’s perfect will for humanity. However allowances were made over time through various cultures.(Paul certainly does not preach out against it, but would he now?)

In his book, A New Kind of Christianity, author Brian McLaren offers a great insight into tracing a maturing understanding of God across biblical history and throughout time.

Another example of this social and spiritual progression is when Jesus told that Pharisees that God allowed men to easily divorce their wives because “their hearts were hard”, but Jesus brought a new and higher ethic. (Matthew 19: 7-9)

Could it be that our hearts were, and possibly still are hard today, when it comes to how we see and view women?

A new ethic is needed.

Especially since our society values and respects women in all leadership roles.

There exists highly capable and wildly successful women in every field of life and careers, but sadly often not in the church.

For the message of Christ to be heard the church has to come around in certain prehistoric and prejudice viewpoints, such as women in leadership, or the lack thereof.

Personally, I believe very strongly that if the Bible were written today, Paul’s advice would be vastly different.

I think Paul would be shocked to see how the church in the 21st century disregards the valid blessing of women in the Church.

It is also hard for me to imagine that great female leaders and missionaries such as Catherine of Siena, Sainte Geneviève, Teresa of Avila, Therese of Lisieux, Monica of Hippo, Mother Theresa, would not be allowed to serve on some pastoral teams or preaching from particular pulpits.

Back to my poll question and results.

What I have realized is that there certainly exists a segment in the Church that has a limited view of women leading in the church.  (and often this translates to the home life as well)

However, there also exists a large and fast-growing population and denominations that view the calling of God not determined upon gender.

God equips those he calls, and God is an equal opportunity caller.

My understanding has changed as I encounter and serve with colleagues from different traditions, Presbyterians, Lutherans, U.C.C, Methodist, Anglican, Episcopalians.

At my current church, there is a long history of women pastors and are current church council (or elder board) is composed of six men and six women.

The spectrum is vast on the practical implications of theology and women’s rights and roles.

Some, on the far right still hold to the cultural dated view that women in church should never speak, wear makeup or dress in pants.  These churches still exist and hold to a particular and literal view of the Scriptures.

Others, who say they hold to a literal view of the Bible really do not exactly, and pick and choose various conditions and terms that seem to best fit their situations and personal opinions.

1) allow women to speak and wear pants

1b) do not allow them to teach

I know of a church that will allow a woman to teach from the pulpit only if there is a man physically seated higher than her on the platform.

This may sound absurd, but they are trying to hold to a literal interpretation and application of the text. I at least give them credit for trying to follow the entire text and not just particular phrases or sentences.

As the poll indicated, some serve at churches that have women in all sorts of leadership positions (music, children’s, education, missions) but not on pastoral staff or not considered elders

Some may have women as pastoral staff but are not allowed to have them as elders

Others only prohibit women from serving as a “Senior” pastor of the church

I have met may wonderful females who are “Senior” pastor, rectors and are leading their congregations in faithful service.  and guess what, the churches are growing and people are being fed spiritually and coming into relationship with Jesus Christ in radical ways.

I would gladly serve under the authority of a women for the record and hope to be part of church that welcome and accepts women in full partnership of the gospel as pastors.

One cannot argue that God is not working in and through his chosen and called daughter and child.

(you may try to argue of course)

i want to encourage the girls in my youth group to pursue the calling of God

I don’t want to say God may be calling you into ministry, but just so you don’t get your hopes up to high you should know that you cannot lead a church someday

My hope is that day is quickly coming when all Christians will validate, value, and see the blessings of freeing all of God’s people for God’s work for God’s glory.

Poll time: Women in Ministry?

24 Tuesday Jan 2012

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Over the next few months I will be asking a series of pertinent poll questions.  Please take a few seconds to answer and feel free to elaborate with comments.  Following each week’s poll question there will be a synopsis and personal reflection.  These questions are coming theologically from my own faith journey and contextually from my new ministry context here in Paris.

This week’s question is about women in ministry.  Over two years I posted my personal reflections about the role of women in youth ministry.

http://emergingyouth.com/2010/10/26/role-of-women-in-youth-ministry/

Since this question is a bit more complex than at first glance, I tried to add a few “optional” responses that seem to come up in recent conversations with colleagues.

The Daily Examen…a new way to enter a new year

12 Thursday Jan 2012

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Perhaps by now, two weeks into the new year, the resolutions made on January 1 have come and gone.  As mentioned in previous posts, for many years I was troubled at my lack of resolve and will power.  The “check list” kind of resolutions never really worked for me.

For me, rather than attempting a new list (perhaps one more manageable), I am beginning to use this time of year to reflect and meditate upon where and how God is at work.

As I look back on 2011 and ahead to 2012, many questions arise, that I believe may be more important than whether or not my check list of do’s and don’ts is complete.

Have I grown in maturity, wisdom, understanding?

Has Faith, Hope, and Love increased in my life?

Am I willing to ask others to speak into my life and be honest with me.

Did I become more irritable?   Less giving?  Has compassion given way to apathy?

I realize the difficulty in trying to discern, but I have discovered that if I take time to sit and ponder (with openness and honesty) I am able to look back on this past year and see ways in which I have grown (hopefully) and other areas that I have not.

This past week I spent a few hours in various cathedrals in Paris.  I love the atmosphere of transcendence and mystery as I embrace the Spirit of Peace.  I gaze at the stained glass, dip my fingers into the baptism fonts to remember my own, and sit looking, praying, and reflecting.  Often I will light a cancel and ask for illumination.

These moments brought me back to an earlier time in my journey when I practiced an ancient spiritual tradition called the “Examen Prayer” or “The Daily Examen”

A practice that I was first introduced to during a course on Spiritual Direction in college referred to then as The Ignatius Examen of Consciousness.

This is a wonderful spiritual discipline from the early church, practiced and made popular by the Jesuit priest St. Ignatius.The prayers and methods of praying suggested here are based on nearly five-hundred years of Jesuit spiritual tradition. They could help you grow in intimacy with God and experience Jesuit spirituality first-hand. St. Ignatius believed that he received a gift from God that not only enriched his own Christian life but was meant to be shared with others. The gift was a “method,” a way to seek and find God in all things and to gain the freedom to let God’s will be done on earth. This way of praying allowed Ignatius to discover the voice of God within his own heart and to experience a growth in familiarity with God’s will. Jesuits call this prayer their daily examen of consciousness.

The Examen of Consciousness

This is a prayer where we try to find the movement of the Spirit in our daily lives as we reflect on our day. This prayer can be made anywhere: on the beach, in a car, on the bus or metro, at home, in the library. Many people make the Examen twice daily: once around lunchtime and again before going to bed. There are five simple steps to the Examen, and what follows is just one interpretation of these five steps in discerning the movement of God’s Spirit in your day. Through this method of praying you can grow in a sense of self and the Source of self; you can become more sensitive to your own spirit with its longings, its powers, its Source; you will develop an openness to receive the supports that God offers.

1. Thanksgiving

Lord, I realize that all, even myself, is a gift from you.

- Today, for what things am I most grateful?

2. Intention
Lord, open my eyes and ears to be more honest with myself.

- Today, what do I really want for myself?

3. Examination
Lord, show me what has been happening to me and in me this day.

- Today, in what ways have I experienced your love?

4. Contrition
Lord, I am still learning to grow in your love.

- Today, what choices have been inadequate responses to your love?

5. Hope
Lord, let me look with longing toward the future.

- Today, how will I let you lead me to a brighter tomorrow?

I have found that depending on the season of life, or simply depending on the mood I am in that day, some themes are more difficult than others.  Some years, Contrition is at the heart of what I need, Others times it is thanksgiving.  Hope is always there.

My professor of Spiritual Formation taught us a simplified version of The Examen, which focusses on the #3 Examination

As a prayer:

1) How have I experienced your love today?

2) How have I loved you well?

3) How have I not loved you well?  (this implies loving others as well. Love God = Love Others.)

This resolution and daily practice is worthwhile and certainly has the potential to transform this new year, for ourselves and those around us.  May we begin this year looking back in reflection to see Go’s love and provision and grace protecting and guiding us.  May we look ahead with anticipation and excitement and pray for God’s spirit to guide us in the upcoming year.
We have begun encouraging our youth and young adults to start this new year, new week, and each new day with these prayers.  During one of our weekly gatherings, we look at the life of Saint Ignatius and set aside time individually to do the Examen.
My prayer is for a renewal desire to be saturated in God’s Word each day and to have fresh eyes and ears to witness His grace all around us.
Take, Lord, and Receive Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory,
my understanding, and my entire will.
All I have and call my own.
Whatever I have or hold, you have given me.
I return it all to you and surrender it wholly
to be governed by your will.
Give me only your love and your grace
and I am rich enough and ask for nothing more.
-St. Ignatius, from the end of the Spiritual Exercises

an Epiphany Epilogue

10 Tuesday Jan 2012

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(the Epiphany mural above was photographed by yours truly at the Saint-Etienne-du-Mont in Paris)

I must confess that before I moved to Paris to work at The American Church, I did not know what Epiphany was, so if you find yourself wondering the same question…no worries!

In the liturgical worship of the Christian calendar, Epiphany is celebrated on January 6 to mark the arrival of the wise men or “magi” to worship the infant Christ.  Of course we do not know how many of them came to visit Jesus, but we do know that at least three signficant and symbolic gifts were presented.  We also do not know when precisely they arrived, but most scholars maintain it was probably a few months (or even over one year) after the birth of Christ.  Either way, it is important to celebrate their arrival of these first Gentiles to worship the Savior of the nations.

Epiphany also concludes the 12 Days of Christmas, which contrary to some, is the 12 days of giving gifts after Christmas, not before. Epiphany is celebrated among liturgical denominations and Orthodox Christianity. In fact, a number of students and young adults from ACP who are from places like Russia and Greece, wait until January 6th to give and receive their Christmas gifts.  Epiphany also marks the end of Christmastide and when the decorations are stored and festivities conclude, thus ushering in a new season of preparation for Lent.

The actual word Epiphany can be translated “manifestation”, “striking appearance” or ”vision of God”, and as mentioned  traditionally falls on January 6. It is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God the Son as a  human being in the person of Jesus Christ. Western Christians commemorate principally (but not solely) the visitation of the magi to the baby Jesus, and thus Jesus’ physical manifestation to the Gentiles. Eastern Christians commemorate the baptisms in the Jordan River, seen as his manifestation to the world as the Son of God. Many of the Eastern Churches follow a different calendar and so may observe this feast on January 19.

I rather enjoyed rethinking my normal Christmas traditions and assumptions and appreciate the continuation of the season and spirit into January. I was always one who wanted to keep up decorations at least through New Year’s day, but now I actually have a theological reason to do so!

Concerning the magi, we do not know much about their story (background, beliefs, or future faith journey), but we know that they were guided and lead by light.  They responded in faith with what they had.  a vision. a desire. a star.  hope

Many of us are on a similar journey.  We do not know where it will end up but we hope to encounter the Christ along the way.

As I reflect back upon the story, part of the beauty  for me is the journey of the magi.  People in biblical times were accustomed to rather long and tiresome journeys.  Hoping on a plane and traveling from Asia Minor to Bethlehem in 2 hours was not an option.

i  wonder what they were thinking during the day, week, and months of their pilgrimage.  These individuals were scholars, astrologers, and cosmologists.  They were intelligent, observant, and rational people I assume.  They were men of science…and faith it appears and God revealed himself to them in means they could understand and interpret.

A reasonable conclude from this story is that God worked, and works, in mysterious ways and we should not limited God to work only within traditional “religious” or even “Christian” parameters.

Many questions come to mind looking back upon this fascinating story

What the magi were hoping to find?

How much of God’s story did they know or understand?

Did they fully grasped what kind of Savior-King this would be?

Unlike some of our Christmas gifts, which I am sure were returned on “Boxing Day”, how much thought actually went into their gifts.

Did they really know that this baby would be a King unlike any other?  Did they ever come to understand or know that his baby ould serve as God’s High Priest eternally, and would die on behalf of the human race.

Did they know this on their journey towards Nazareth?

Did they leave their visit with this knowledge?

I suppose we cannot know.  But we do know that God spoke to them in amazingly clear and directive ways.

Is God speaking to you?

Might this new year be one of many “epiphanies”?

Are we prepared to hear the voice of God is strange and unusual ways?

At the same time ready to discover God in the commonplace, in arts, culture, and sciences.   It has become clear to me that God desires to be discovered in all and through all things.  He is self-revealing God and we should not limit him by our own expectations and limitations.  God will come to us.  The question is…we will let him on his own terms?

Dispersing the gloomy clouds of night, Putting dark shadows to flight, The Dayspring has come to cheer us. The Lord has come to be near us. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel has come to thee, O Israel!

Celebrating Saint Genevieve

03 Tuesday Jan 2012

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Today, January 3 is the Feast of Saint Genevieve, the Patron Saint of Paris.  Since my time here in Paris, I have spent many hours visiting cathedrals and learning much about the historicity and example of Saints.  There is much to learn from their life of obedience, sacrifice, and dedication.  Often, in the midst of great difficult and persecution, their faith remained steadfast and resolute.

These saints are certainly revered here in Paris, especially the French Saints.  True, some many lean towards worship of them, but in my experience that is not the case.  They are honored for what they accomplished on earth and admired as an ancestor of the Christian faith.  I am constantly being challenged and inspired as I read the writings and stories of many of these saints.

Here is a blurb about Saint Genevieve

Childhood and Calling

She was born of wealthy parents in Gaul (modern France) in the village of Nanterre, near Paris, around 422. Her father’s name was Severus, and her mother was called Gerontia. According to the custom of the time, she often tended her father’s flocks on Mt. Valerien.

When she was about seven years old, St Germanus of Auxerre noticed her as he was passing through Nanterre. The bishop kissed her on the head and told her parents that she would become great in the sight of God, and would lead many to salvation. After Genevieve told him that she wished to dedicate herself to Christ, he gave her a brass medal with the image of the Cross upon it. She promised to wear it around her neck, and to avoid wearing any other ornaments around her neck or on her fingers.

Years later, when she was fifteen, Genevieve was taken to Paris to enter the monastic life. Through fasting, vigil and prayer, she progressed in monasticism, and received from God the gifts of clairvoyance and of working miracles. Gradually, the people of Paris and the surrounding area regarded Genevieve as a holy vessel (2 Tim. 2:21).

Historical Involvement

In 451 she led a “prayer marathon”that was said to have saved Paris by diverting Attila‘s Huns away from the city. When Childeric I besieged the city in 464 and conquered it, she acted as an intermediary between the city and its conqueror, collecting food and convincing Childeric to release his prisoners.

When it was reported that Attila the Hun was approaching Paris, Genevieve and the other nuns prayed and fasted, entreating God to spare the city. Suddenly, the barbarians turned away from Paris and went off in another direction.

Shortly before the attack of the Huns under Attila in 451 on Paris, Genevieve, with the help of Germanus’ archdeacon, persuaded the panic-stricken people of Paris not to leave their homes and to pray. The intercession of Genevieve’s prayers caused Attila’s army to go to Orléans instead. During Childeric‘s siege and blockade of Paris in 464, Geneviève passed through the siege lines in a boat to Troyes, bringing grain to the city. She also pleaded to Childeric for the welfare of prisoners of war, and met with a favorable response. Later, Clovis I liberated captives and showed greater lenience to wrongdoers after Genevieve urged him to do so.

Spiritual Legacy

St Genevieve considered the Saturday night Vigil service to be very important, since it symbolizes how our whole life should be. “We must keep vigil in prayer and fasting so that the Lord will find us ready when He comes,” she said. She was on her way to church with her nuns one stormy Saturday night when the wind blew out her lantern. The nuns could not find their way without a light, since it was dark and stormy, and the road was rough and muddy. St Genevieve made the Sign of the Cross over the lantern, and the candle within was lit with a bright flame. In this manner they were able to make their way to the church for the service.

There is a tradition that the church which St Genevieve suggested that King Clovis build in honor of Sts Peter and Paul became her own resting place when she fell asleep in the Lord around 512 at the age of eighty-nine. Her holy relics were later transferred to the church of St Etienne du Mont in Paris. Most of her relics, and those of other saints, were destroyed during the French Revolution. I have included pictures I took at the church.

Saint Genevieve believed in the power of prayer, fasting, and charity.  She trusted in God for intervention and provision and certainly believed that the miraculous still happened.  An entire city (Paris) celebrates her life of piety, purity, and prayer and believed that it was because of prayer that the city was spared.

May that be believed today for Christians praying and seeking the welfare and salvation of towns, cities, regions, and nations.

Saint Genevieve Saint Etienne du Mont

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