Death the Omnipresent

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)

  

There are several posts in my short history of blogging already addressing the subject of death. I have an inclination to 'talk plain' about inevitable things; better than avoiding what's right before us anyway.  At this point of the life-cycle it's kind of natural, although not everyone agrees - too morbid or negative, or something like that. I come by it honestly. My dad, when he was about my current age, started every conversation with an obituary report. This would be followed by a lineage explanation or anecdotes from that person's life - often quite interesting (he was a good story-teller) but often me wondering is there anything else to talk about? Even beyond the physical reporting, I maintain it's good for body, mind, and spirit to breathe and speak freely about death. Recent readings and retirement experiences for me have also provided some new discoveries from the teachings of Jesus, displaying his attitude to his own imminent death and that followed by advice to followers, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me" (Mark 8:34). Death therefore is undeniable even for Jesus' followers (John 10:10). Ironically the death of Jesus for me of late has become a lively talking point with some of my friends outside the Christian faith. Why would our ultimate teacher (prophet?) go down to death? That's a tough concept not only for Muslims but also for modern spiritually woke type Christians. This is on my mind as I attend or participate in funerals and celebrations of life these days. It's an essential topic as today's generations deal with end-of-life service preferences.

Celebrations of Life are the latest thing. I have just emerged from another one, this a very heartfelt occasion of grief and tribute to an ever so loving wife, mother, friend, suddenly taken by cancer. It was a grand occasion full of love and tears, her family having given excellent attention to details of the event, and very grateful for all who showed on a beautiful afternoon in the backyard of the home she and her husband had built not only for their family but a haven for their church and community. The children, obviously in grief and somewhat bamboozled and confused by us all, hosted a lovely celebration climaxed by a balloon release. They tried hard to incorporate the spirit, the life and the friends and relatives which they knew must be included here. Fascinating to me was an undeniable ‘religion awareness’ which permeated the celebration even though the organizers had not planned for it. It came out in the laughter, the amens, and the spontaneous sing-alongs to some folksy gospel singers. This was, however, not a funeral.

About two years ago I attended a 'different but similar' celebration, this for a relative of mine who was ‘guaranteed’ a place in heaven, so his children put on a “Going to Heaven” party, they also slightly strange to the faith part of the party they were hosting, complete with A&W Buddy Burgers carefully Corona-wrapped for us all! Some of the sounds and images both cheesy and quite touching, especially the ones delineating the remarkable grandpa personality. This occasion, even with many references to God and some good guidance from another relative who happens to be a funeral director, also was party! It is the day - kind of reminded me of my children singing “This is the Day” for my wife and I and many guests at our 50^th wedding anniversary. Party on!

In my previous writings about death, I have come out making a case for funeral rather than these 'celebrations.' Even as many are excusing funerals as ‘old fashioned’ because they do not adequately represent the deceased nor the people grieving, my point has been that this new option - these celebrations of life - are so accommodating of all faith or nonfaith vantages that they can easily become dependent on the celebrators, the performers moreso than the life just lived and her in presence of almighty God. So it becomes a party. I have no problem with parties, but there is a time and a place for everything. Seems to me the occasion of death requires attention to that which is beyond - and indeed can be a life-generating occasion of faith, celebrating both death and life. I wrote a blog about that a few years ago as I was beginning to observe the emerging trend. I offer a piece from that earlier post.  

Obituaries [often] contain paragraph after paragraph of the deceased's career and personality and worldwide travels and hobbies, but hardly a reference to God, to faith commitment or possibly church or other spiritual information even if committed or at least nominal Christians.  In years gone by this religious info was the template of an obituary.  If today's celebrations of life ignore the reality of the spiritual or the afterlife when physical death has just occurred, it is a telling omission. So, this is my case for funerals, not because I am old fashioned or afraid of change. Especially as a pandemic scares the living dickens out of those afraid to die, I posit that the funeral gives better attention to that larger possibility for anyone "with ears to hear" (Matthew 11:15). Funerals of course do not need to be merely a churchy heaven or hell litany. No, regardless of faith or unfaith of the deceased, funerals are the right way to acknowledge life, ahem, especially because the end has just been reached! When I die I hope it will not just be about me.  I will already be "Safe in the arms of Jesus" and that is best represented by a ritual of scriptures, prayers and hymns. AND if deemed desirable there may also be pictures and stories and party at the fellowship lunch (if Corona permits). A funeral is a holy celebration of life (“The need for Funerals,” November 22, 2020).

That was my thoughts taking shape a couple years back. Turns out I said it as I still sees it! Death awareness offers the best perspective for funerals or celebrations of life. Death awareness also is the best way to live life. I remember a conversation once upon a time in the southern U.S. during my trucking years. A driver was speaking with bravado about his approach to life and death. "I have a gun in my truck," said he. "I don't carry a gun," said I, "and I feel safer going about my business without a gun." His initial skepticism turned into agreement as this Canadian trucker explained to him (and a roomful of listeners) that my unarmed truck may make me vulnerable to die, but less likelihood of initiating or perpetuating threatening incidents, and therefore a better and safer way to live my life! It was a good conversation. Nobody took offense.

Generosity and Inequity

Do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward your needy neighbor (Deuteronomy 15:7b).

Several years ago my wife and I entered the shop of our neighborhood vacuum cleaner dealer/repair shop. After the cheery greetings we presented him with our latest project which needed a bit of his expertise. It was a well dated machine which had received some abuse; children of our church's Syrian refugee family trying to 'help around the house.' He responded with no hesitation. “I fix it for free.” His response to our grateful surprise was like this. “Oh I must do it. This is time to give Zakat [alms], and I do it if I want to enter heaven.” His cheerful friendly smile clearly confirmed his intentions. Hmm, this was just a bit more than what we had been thinking at that particular moment. Needless to say, we accepted his charity and it is now a part of our ongoing neighborly relationship with him. My fascination with this continuing friendship is that it seems to include an understanding that charity works best if we work at it together. There's a satisfaction in supporting this local businessman.

This last Sunday we had a Sunday School lesson in our church entitled, “Keeping Up with God’s Generosity.” It is based on the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, including the famous catchphrase quoted almost universally, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7b). I cannot but think of the truthfulness of this lesson, nicely perched at the end of a series “Disciples and Stewards” (MennoMedia.org/SL). I especially appreciate this series coming along after that nice experience with our Muslim neighbor. The very good title gives pause for thinking way way way beyond some thoughts we might have about how much of our hard-earned salaries and pension benefits should we be giving to church these days! Stewardship is a subject no longer contained within the narrow confines of me and my little budget. It is about me in all the world which I am a part of and which is all around me. Yes, all the world!

Both the Qur'an and the Bible’s Old Testament teach the importance of the ‘collection’ or gathering of funds for the needy, not as an occasion of patronage, but of tithing. Patronage was the Greco-Roman way; it maintained the power and prestige of the patron through giving of gifts, granting prestige (nowadays often advertised as sponsors) to the patron and of course material assistance to the needy one. Tithing, on other hand, was more a matter of redistribution of that which belongs to Allah – to God. Within Islam it is mandatory, the third pillar of their faith requirements (obviously why our Muslim friend put it his way). Within Christianity it is not exactly a legalism, but in fact a moral responsibility of anyone who claims to be a follower of Jesus the Christ. I love the way it’s put in the Bible, “ ¹³Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. ¹⁴ At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, ¹⁵ as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little” (2 Cor.8:13-15). Stewardship, almsgiving, tithing, potlatches, whatever we may call it in different faith traditions, in my mind is best understood as a sharing or redistribution of wealth, rather than merely helping the poor. As a Christian of the socialist persuasion I find this to be a consistent way of life for people of faith. See also Acts 2:44-45.

The topic of stewardship, although well endowed with many points of view and political persuasions and denominational variations including professional consultants, may not be quite as daunting as often appears. The included subjects of charities and generosity, of socioeconomic realities and humanitarianism become considerably easier if taken from the vantage of God being the owner. It all belongs to our Creator God and it most certainly is not a matter of us Christians being the fixer-uppers. It's a matter of participating with all of God's creation including the Indigenous peoples. Koodos to many Christian churches who have begun the practice of beginning worship services with a land acknowledgment. 

During these last two years it has been my privilege to participate as an Interfaith representative in our Calgary Interfaith Council. While the tasks and challenges of an interfaith organization may seem monumental and facilitated by very skilled and educated persons, I also note that the stress level there seems less than within administration and leadership responsibilities of my Christian denomination, and those perhaps even less than the details and constraints within local congregations. Speaking to representatives from within other faith communities, lo and behold, that apparently also true there! Strange camaraderie and information often gained when hobnobbing with others! The devil is in the details, so I once heard. Also among Christians is a similar saying, "It's hardest to show Jesus' love to those who are closest." [One little proviso here which can be understood as an exception or confirmation of the above. A recent 'neighborly' Interfaith project included collecting and sharing fast food "Gift Cards" with the homeless. This well-intentioned 'collect' yielded many gift cards and they are oh-so convenient for both the giver and the receiver! This can become kind of a mechanical encounter 'with the least of these' (hello, thank you, good-bye), or it may provide excellent occasional opportunities to hear the story of others within our communities. See one of my last year's blogs, "Hey What's Your Name," April 15, 2021]

Oft-times the things which seem most overwhelming from local perspective (like how are we going to make budget in this post-corona season? or how get people to serve on committees? etc.) actually are probably less daunting if looked at from farther out. In other words it's a good idea to ask the occasional question, what is it we're stressing about? 😏 So on stewardship topic, why not look at it as God's generosity, ever present, in season and out of season, and yes available to all and that means all faith communities. 

From this larger vantage I see the tithes and offerings that I contribute in my local church as a part of my relationship with the neighbor next door, whom I know to also be within God's creation. That in turn provides opportunity to be recipient of the neighbors' charity to me, which in turn contributes to our learnings of a great big wonderful God, possibly even sharing in the experience of our God. Within God’s world we are privileged to be givers and receivers.

In the beginning God…(Genesis 1:1) …and… I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End (Revelation 22:13).

 

Through those Doors

The season of Easter seems to have come and gone rather quickly this year. No, I refer not to ongoing wintry weather or Easter basket hunts slightly awry. I refer to my ‘faith addiction.’ In my experience – and therefore by deep conviction - Easter is the climax or centrum of the church year, and it is an occasion I am reluctant to let go  of. At any rate, I am relieved, and even inspired to have receive some further Easter resurrection teaching this last Sunday, a full week after Easter! 

Easter Sunday the Gospel reading (John 20:1-18) was about Jesus’ appearance to Mary Magdalene, who immediately recognized him as Rabonni, “Teacher,” and hastens to go tell the others, those disciples hiding away trying to make sense of the horrible ending to their three-year apprenticeship following this life-changing inspiring still confusing rabbi. Now this 2nd Easter was the latter half of that same gospel chapter (20:19-31). Those very disciples squirreled away in a nearby room, suddenly Jesus standing among them, “Peace be with you!” (:19). This twofold descript of Jesus appearing to the women and to the disciples cannot be ignored. 

First off, it is women who receive the first look. Why? Because they were tending to what needs doing; the spices, the burial rites. No matter the horrible indignity committed against teacher, against friend, against son, their grief put them front and center. Not only were the women present at the crucifixion (eg John 19:25), but also on hand as first witnesses. Not only in John but the other gospels, it is Mary mother, Mary wife of Clopas, Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James, Joanna wife of Herod’s household manager (yes!), and Salome wife of Zebedee, these women are there. 

Who are the persons providing good pastoral leadership in today’s churches? It is women. Although sometimes stated as an evidence of shortage of preachers, the significance of women in leadership roles is palpable, definitely more than supply and demand. It is God providing the ministry needed. My seminary years were in the season of introduction to ‘women's lib,’ forefront of a new awareness, many of them angry academics providing new challenge for administrators and of course still resisted in churches. By now, fifty years later, women leaders are not the angry ones. 

No, quite the opposite. Many are providing the quality pastoral care – considerable relief from the ego consciousness of the male persona. Needless to say, not all male clergy are position anxious, and neither are all females the warm nurturers. There is the anima and the animus, masculine and feminine energies of varying degree in both male and female persons, so says Carl Jung (1875-1961), a famous psychiatrist who established analytical psychology. My intent here is not to pretend my way into the field of 'shrinks,' but I touch on it here only to emphasize the very significant fact of women the first ones to encounter the resurrected Jesus!

Secondly, this matter of men in hiding. 😓 These fellows, overwhelmed with the things just happened, desperately trying to make sense of it all, and of course 'afraid of the Jews' suddenly have Jesus standing among them, "Peace be with you" (:20). There is no "Aha I told you so," no gloating, no censure or scolding for their sleepiness in Gethsemane, or those siblings James and his younger brother John jockeying for position, or Peter’s recent hypocrisy in the high priest's courtyard pretending he did not know Jesus, for their shameful fearfulness, their running away. Jesus breathes on them (:22) and they are enabled to do that which they had said they would do. Even Thomas who was absent at the first reveal, after he gets the full satisfaction of touching the nail holes, receives the full assignment just like the others. These were the wimps; they receive the challenge. Go!  

All of us uniquely created, there are differing ways of spiritual encounter. The resurrection of Jesus, as described in the scriptures is a most convincing display of God having come among us and absolutely equally available for all. If in doubt, read John 20 again! The feminine way (anima), not exclusively the way of women, and the masculine way (animus) certainly not the exclusive ticket of menfolk. Myself apparently wired with some anima energy, I find Apologetics or Systematic Theology - the discipline of explaining how God gets things done - quite boring. 😏 Of greater interest to me is the appearance and the presence of the resurrected Jesus (Yes, walking in through closed doors in his peaceful demeanor). So, without going into the politics and opinions of gender ministry, I conclude simply with the following.

Christian ministry cannot happen without encounter with the risen Christ Jesus, this also well illustrated in a recent devotional which I read (Rejoice: Vol 57, No.3, MennoMedia). Peter one of those earlier scared disciples now the apostle Peter is involved in ministry that is resurrection driven - he himself now an on-scene participant, Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up (Acts 9:40). Resurrection living seems kind of optional in some church circles these days. In the effort to give credence to demographic realities or 'do good publicity' we read catchphrases like "Remembering Re-Membering," "The Hour has Come," "Encountering, Embracing, Embodying Christ in life, in community, in the world." etc. etc. These words are excellent articulations for growth plans, conferences and gatherings, based on meetings and consultation with specialists and event planners. Unfortunately words are only words, unless there is significant experience (or re-experience) with that risen Lord Jesus who may be appearing in surprising places just outside the meeting rooms or the church sanctuaries. 

This encounter with the risen Jesus excludes no one, not doubting Thomas, fast running John, impulsive Peter, wrong profession Matthew, Mary Magdalene, fussing mother nor loving mother. If the leaders, the assigned ones, remain huddled behind closed doors, diligently seeking new strategies and new ideas, they may not notice the risen One standing among them. Perhaps the risen One has already appeared among new immigrants, among strange new neighbors, among young people or perhaps the very old, or the indigenous who already know the Creator. 

More important than success or rank or employment in the church of the future is new life in Jesus,“I am the way and the truth and the life." (John 14:6) And more important than whether it's men or women preaching the sermons is the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. He promised it before he died, "the Advocate, the Holy Spirit ... will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26) Jesus continues to come through doors.

“Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:21-22)