Archive for the ‘Meditation’ Category
A Pool of Tears
EACH TIME I SPEAK or teach or gather together in some other way with folk from our local congregation, I am aware that each one of us sits next to a pool of tears. Each one of us carries in our hearts personal wounds as well as the wounds of the nation. Each one of us groans, not only with our own painful longings, but also with the painful longings of that part of the world where we live.
- Trevor Hudson with Stephen Bryant
Listening to the Groans: A Spirituality for Ministry and Mission
It’s been a while since I’ve posted reflections based on the quotes like the one above. I know for many people it’s hard to deal with “tears”. We are uncomfortable to feel vulnerable. The pain may be too hard to bear. We might be concerned how others view us. For some, it might be a sign of weakness or immaturity – move on, get over it quickly they say. Well, perhaps it’s easier for those words to come out when we are at a distant (or choose to be distant).
For me, while I must admit I like many are not most comfortable with “tears”, but I’m learning to understand more and more, what “a pool of tears” means for those who carry “wounds” that cannot be simply ignored. There’s something about being human that requires us to feel deeply. Sure, being immobilized with emotions is one thing. But then, shoving them aside or burying them prematurely may not really be a true sign of maturity or intelligence.
We don’t have to fear tears – whether our own or others. One day there won’t be any more tears. For now, we embrace them as part of our pilgrimage.
A Good Day
With so much disturbing news these days, is it too much to pray for at least one good day? And then savor it fully. One for the evening, and for the week ahead.
Instruction Manual for Life [cc]
The whole 8 minutes is worth every second. Jonathan Brink’s words below kind of lead me there:
"Perhaps we will find ourselves drawn to the author who believes in us enough to leave so many pages blank
(HT: Aaron Loy )
Praying for the Enemy
BECAUSE GOD INTENDS OUR ENEMIES TO BE OUR ALLIES and friends someday, Jesus insists that we pray for them. Such universalism is a challenge to any age. People find it far easier to write off individuals, even whole groups, as evil than to maintain a sense that we’re all in this together and need to work out differences.
- Robert Corin Morris
Provocative Grace: The Challenge in Jesus’ Words
I don’t think it’s ever easy. But that’s the least some of us can or are willing to do. It’s not the end, but a start. Enough said for now.
Sebastian’s Voodoo – Award’s Grand Winner
I’m a little more tired than usual. so, less normal blogging. This short animation made me think and feel. I don’t think enjoy is the best word, perhaps pause and see what happens is better.
Goodness and Mercy
MERCY IS NOT MERELY FEELING SYMPATHY. Mercy is extended by one who has the power to condemn or punish but chooses not to. We choose not to criticize, not to say, “I told you so,” not to exact our “pound of flesh” – not to avenge. As Jesus shows us in his interaction with the woman caught in adultery, mercy does not look back at what the person has done but forward to what the person can do in the future.
- Mary Lou Redding
The Power of a Focused Heart: 8 Life Lessons from the Beatitudes
The temptation to exercise that power to punish or condemn is so real in personal relations with those whom have wronged us or simply in our view is wrong. The whole debate on who’s on the right or on the wrong will never end. And whenever possible a particular judgment or position must be made, but that doesn’t stop us from extending mercy.
Recently, as I was asked to step in to help in a conflict situation in a official and organic capacity. This was foremost in my mind, how does one make sure justice and what is right is upheld and yet at the back of my mind recognize that fragile human beings are involved in this. It’s too easy to reduce the “other” or “another” in black and white terms when often it’s not the case, even if what has been done is clearly out of line.
Being conscious of the need to extend mercy at least on a personal level keeps me sane even when on a public official level one needs to operate in a way which seems at first not that merciful.
Walking in the Truth
THE CLASSIC DEFINITION of humility offered by Teresa of Ávila is to walk in the truth of who we are. This means accepting our weaknesses and our limitations as gifts of God as well as our strengths and talents. Given that definition, what does walking in the truth mean for you? How can you regard yourself as God regards you? How can you become more grateful for the way God has created you — in light of both your strengths and weaknesses? Meditate on these words and let them give you the courage to fulfill your calling as a minister of the new covenant. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
- Meeting God in Scripture: Entering the New Testament (via Walking in the Truth)
A lot of the our inner tensions and frustrations stems from the fact that we find it hard to accept ourselves. In our cultural context, especially in one that’s less affirming, sometimes we feel guilty for even appreciating our strengths.
Teresa of Avila’s definition of humility is good stuff.
to walk in the truth of who we are.
Nothing more. Nothing less. The more we are able to do that for ourselves, the more we are able to offer that kind of space to others. So often, we’re focused on other people’s issues, and get uptight on why they are or are not truthful, the fact is this will always be the case whether we are stressed out or disappointed. It won’t change the fact that it’s more preferable to hide behind the safety of a mask.
But when we start even in small ways an honest assessment of ourselves, and if possible through the eyes of God – whether at our best, or worst, as well as that which we are growing , and other aspects which are stagnant, it’s a better place to start.
Good for meeting ourselves, definitely the place to meet God, and surely others would find it safe to meet us too.
My dear children, don’t let anyone divert you from the truth. It’s the person who acts right who is right, just as we see it lived out in our righteous Messiah.
- 1 John 3:7, THE MESSAGE
Sivin Kit on the Good News
Dream Awakener JR Woodward was kind to invite me to contribute for an on-going blog series called The Good News, which is taking place throughout the Easter Season, from Easter to Pentecost. Please read on below, and check out the others on JR’s site.
* * *
04.17.2009
Illustration by Nidhi Balwada from India
This entry is a part of an on-going blog series called The Good News, which is taking place throughout the Easter Season, from Easter to Pentecost. A full list of the contributors can be found here. Sivin’s local city newspaper is The Sun of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia . Here is Sivin Kit on the Good News.
THE GOOD NEWS
There has been a lot of bad news in Malaysia for quite a while. Perhaps more will come. The fabric of Malaysian society in public and in private are faced with forces pulling people apart and pulling people down, crushing dreams and aspirations, and sowing seeds of distrust or destruction.
We are moving into the 6th By-election in the coming month after a roller coaster ride in Malaysian politics since the last 12th General Elections March 8, 2008. Corruption, power play, law suits, racial religious sentiments played up, political coups and turmoil occupy our newspaper every day until I have concluded subscribing to cable TV is a waste of money when reading the front page has more twists and turns.
We have had a new prime minister sworn in during April 2009. But we don’t know whether it means we are geared to a better future. That is front page news.
Out of the sight of the public eye, there battles with cancer, struggles with credit card debt, shaky marriages, children at risk, no job security, refugees on the run, the list goes on and on. Life must go on, somehow. Of course, there are those who will say it is not that bad. Maybe, but we have to tell it as it is. In all honesty, we all know it is not that good either. Let’s agree it is a mixed bag of news for now.
So, What is the Good News for our city? What is the Good News for the people living in Malaysia?
The story is not over yet.
As a Christ-follower, I do not want to and cannot slip into hopelessness, numbness or worst cynicism. On Easter Sunday, I heard the good news again – in the form of a personal reflection after meditating on the words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to a young church found in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 15:1-11).
“Everything can change, will change, or more precisely has changed because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Every change we desire, or better God desires for the good of the world and all people works through us not out of obligation but from an overflow of the grace of God in us, and working out through obedience and an ongoing re-orientation to the reality of our Living Lord.”
It is good news when after I sat and listened to my new Buddhist monk friend share about how and why she became one, the parting words were, “How did you become a pastor?” We will continue this conversation again as we work together to share strategies on Religion and Society for common good in a project directed to the government and the public.
It is good news when more than a few Muslim friends who are unhappy with the way Islam is used for political mileage in our country, have begun to sit down and work things through with respect in small steps. It begins as simple as an email exchange on a controversial topic on the use of the word “Allah” to translate “God” in the national language Bahasa Malaysia which we have done for ages.
It is good news when two car loads of people could sit with new friends who ran away from their home country and have been stuck here for the past 5 years weaving palm crosses celebrating Christ and God who has not abandoned them. There was no short term possibility yet, mere presence of people who cared enough to be there was sufficient for now.
It is good news when the life story, convictions and dreams of my 23 year old friend and fellow Christ-follower Markus impacted almost every sphere of society that is fragmented by race, religion, national identity, economic standing, and politics. He died in his sleep on February 4, 2009.
Yes, even death cannot stop this change where glimpses of the kind of world God is dreaming of is caught by those who stop and take notice. A fresh look at Christ’s resurrection invites us to stop and take notice of the influence and ongoing impact of this person Jesus Christ – his life, his death and most of all his resurrection, who’s story is not frozen in the past but continues in the present.
There’s something good in this story of Jesus. The good news is there is something good which can and will happen here and now even in the midst of a world full of bad news, death and destruction. God is not finished with us yet. I think the good Archbishop of Canterbury says it quite well:
“Resurrection has started. How do we know? Not by working it out and adopting it as well-founded opinion, not by deciding that this idea suits us, not by getting all the arguments straight, but because we are dimly aware of something having changed around us.”
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Sivin is the Husband of one wife May Chin, and Father of three children Gareth (7), Elysia (4) and Ewan (1). He’s the pastor of Bangsar Lutheran Church, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia which was resurrected in 2000. He finds some time to be involved with Friends in Conversation and The Micah Mandate. He is wondering whether he will ever finish his part-time Masters of Theology with The South East Asia Graduate School of Theology. Finally, He is addicted to Potato Chips and blogging at his garden. He needs prayer is all areas
Good Friday: From the Heart of God
Good Friday opens up the chance for me to conduct the Tenebrae Service. And we did it with some adaptation with the Seven Last Words of Jesus, relevant passages with prayers tonight. We ended with Psalm 51 and dismissed quietly while singing the Taize Chant I’ll use the full outline from Upper Room Daily Reflections to jot down some thoughts.
Friday’s Reflection
THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS began long before he was born. It began in eternity, with a decision in the heart of God to journey from glory into poverty, from power to vulnerability, from all to nothing. The God of all the universe made a conscious decision to journey downward, to be born as a human baby in a finite world.
- Peter Storey
Listening at Golgotha: Jesus’ Words from the Cross
From p. 64 of Listening at Golgotha: Jesus’ Words from the Cross by Peter Storey. Copyright © 2004 by the author. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission of Upper Room Books. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Share your Good Friday journey. What are you thinking? Feeling? What are your reflections on today’s quote? Share your thoughts.
The day started with a good time of meditation on John chapters 18 and 19. I used the Bible Experience to help me along. Rather than reading it silently, I listened attentively, with a pen jotting down some phrases into my journal. There were quite a few which stood out for me. The most haunting one was then the chief priests shouted, “We have no king but Caesar!” There’s so much to reflect just based on that utterance. Lord have mercy!
I spent the afternoon with a Christian Fellowship group who meets in their workplace. Had lunch with them and then shared from some thoughts on how for us going through death before the resurrection redeems every single moment of pain and suffering we face. We don’t hurry from Palm Sunday and skip to Easter Sunday. We go through Good Friday! Showed them Psalm 13 and shared with them some reflections from Markus Ng’s recent departure. I thought a lot about Markus today and the whole episode around him has drawn me to appreciate Good Friday even more. Through him, I find myself drawn closer to Christ. We still miss you, Markus.
Got some needed rest before the Tenebrae service at BLC tonight. So, I found my heart quite settled and ready to embrace the final darkness symbolized by the final candle being snuffed out.
As I was driving home, I wondered it was similar wasn’t it. The most significant death in history happened on that day, and many people were still doing what they would normally do. The rippled impact of Christ death will take time to spread beyond the confines of its space and time. It’s hard to fully grasp God’s ways and his wisdom in carrying out his will. There’s so much to take in at one go.
Now, more and more I can appreciate why it was only after the resurrection and quite a while before the disciples were “getting” it right. It was a long journey to process all the experiences one has had with Christ. How different would it be for us today?
I know the Tenebrae service is not the most child-friendly as it demands much silence. Furthermore, it forces us to confront death through the symbolism of darkness – utter darkness, but like it or not, this is reality, this is life. And sooner or later, we will have to deal with it. I believe part of Christian formation for parents to children, and the rest of us as Christ-followers is to relate to this. That’s why I see Good Friday as one of the three most important services in the church year. And increasingly, it’s now become part and parcel of my own spiritual growth and maturity.
Previously, it’s full of busyness because we’re all gearing up for Easter. And therefore, tend to bypass Lent and the Holy Week with a skip and a hop. But, since so many jump firsts, and fears later … I have found the Holy Week season and Lent as one which has slowed me down enough to Sit first, and reflect on the former and the future, with the leading of the Spirit and the guidance from Scripture.
Part of this has brought me to a place to understand maybe a little bit better what this “journey” downward” is all about. Not fully, but a little bit more.
And as a result, I find myself more open to whatever is coming from the heart of God. Remember, whatever. I trust him.
Today’s Scripture Reading
When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Resurrection and Life
JESUS IS “the resurrection and the life.” Is your perception of the future determined by the certainty of your death or by your faith in Jesus? Is your life determined by the ability to make life “happen” or by the power of Jesus’ presence within you to give you life? Find a quiet place and a quiet moment. Quiet your body and slowly breathe the life of Jesus’ presence in. Hold your breath and let your mind and heart say, “Jesus, my life!” Slowly breathe “death” out. Hold your breath and let your mind and heart say, “Jesus, my resurrection!” Repeat these phrases a few times. Let Jesus speak to you of resurrection and life.
- Meeting God in Scripture: Entering the New Testament
It’s good to spend this time to practice what is suggested here, Quiet place, quiet moment, quiet the body, and allow “Jesus, my life! Jesus, my resurrection!” to occupy this space.
[pause . . . repeat phrases prayerfully]
Death, destruction, damnation . . . and a whole lot of other dark forces are still unleashed in the air. One phone call, or make it two. A friend is in need, there are bullies at work. Calling people difficult people or trouble makers won’t do it justice. Years ago, I remember reading a book which called them “dragons”.
[pause . . . repeat phrases prayerfully . . . "Jesus, my life! Jesus, my resurrection!" ]
There are times when you do not choose your friends, but your friends choose you. There is a deep sense that trust is present, and that is a good feeling. It’s assuring, it’s affirming. But it’s also painful. Not because of the trust another person gives as a gift, but because of the bearing of pain one needs to enter as a result of that trust, and furthermore when one chooses to step in deeper into the mess.
[pause . . . repeat phrases prayerfully . . ."Jesus, my life! Jesus, my resurrection!" ]
Maybe one might ask, “Why should we get involved in this whole Jesus liberation movement business?”, “What’s the point?”, “Shouldn’t I be doing some thing better with my time?”
No one will fully understand. Okay, there would be some. But only those who’ve faced these forces of darkness within and without head on. Suddenly, the relevance of the whole compressed intensified holy week becomes alive in one’s consciousness.
[pause . . . repeat phrases prayerfully. . . "Jesus, my life! Jesus, my resurrection!" ]
I pray that things will be better for my friend and for those around her. But we are ready to slay some dragons if necessary. If they are still breathing the fire of destruction, then we cannot stand aside and do nothing. A cry for help has arisen.
At times, the circumstances chooses us to face a critical choice- to face or not to face the damning forces before us.
No one said this is going to be a smooth job. These stories in detail are best reserved for memoirs before one’s death, or close friends who won’t sell you for 30 pieces of silver.
[pause . . . repeat phrases prayerfully. . . "Jesus, my life! Jesus, my resurrection!" ]
For now, the breathing is slowed down. I heard thunder and it’s going to rain cats and dogs in no time. Almost every holy week in Malaysia is characterized by this kind of weather. Fits the mood.
[pause . . . repeat phrases prayerfully. . . "Jesus, my life! Jesus, my resurrection!" ]
Death does not have the final say. Resurrection life does. That is what draws me from the future to reengage the present. It’s a totally crazy way of living but it’s amazing.
[pause . . . repeat phrases prayerfully. . . "Jesus, my life! Jesus, my resurrection!" ]
Strange to get this phone call today. It’s Spy Wednesday. The mind spins off into intriguing tangents. As I breath deeper again, the words re-center me to a greater reality.
[pause . . . repeat phrases prayerfully. . . "Jesus, my life! Jesus, my resurrection!" ]
