Sacred Head Now Wounded

What language shall I borrow
To praise Thee, heavenly friend,

For this my dying sorrow,

Thy pity without end?

Lord make me Thine forever,

Nor let me faithless prove

Oh let me never, never

Abuse such dying love

- Bernard of Clairvaix

Brian Wren uses the first line of this sacred hymn's fourth verse as the title of his book. The book explores metaphors and images within our worship and formation practices. As we move into Lent, indeed, what metaphors are most appropriate? Is Jesus' lynching by Roman occupation soldiers, metaphorically speaking, an atonement sacrifice. The Gospel of John speaks of Jesus as the passover lamb, but historically for Israelites, this particular festival is not primarily about forgiveness, but about liberation. Might we begin to see the events of the passion narrative about inclusiveness and justice - then indeed, "What language shall we borrow?"

For more info about Brian's book, see Barnes and Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9780824509071&itm=8

Ash Wednesdy 2007

"Remember, you came from dust, to dust you will return!"

So you say "I want to pick up Jesus' apostolic project"

You say "The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and Believe the good news."

- that is, in the battle between good and evil, even though it looks like evil is winning, the outcome is certain, evil will end and God will reign. Now if your past loyalties are a little questionable, then this would be a good time to rethink them!

But you say, "someone needs to watch my retirement account." - Jesus reminds us that it is very hard for the rich to enter....

But you say, "I must honor my family obligations." Jesus reminds us to let the dead bury the dead....

"Remember, you came from dust, to dust you will return!"

Note: Picture from Trinity on Wallstreet.

Noah's Pudding vs. Chains and Flagelation

Food is so central to all the great religions - it symbolizes community and the depths that only emerge in sacred kononia. In celebration of Ashura, my Turkish Muslim friends from the Cosmos Foundation brought all of our staff here at the Food Bank bowls of what is called Noah's pudding - the myth (and of course, it is a myth - facts could never be so profound!) recalls Noah on the ark making the pudding to celebrate the receding of the waters. My friends took bowls to several shelters and meal programs as well - a symbol of renewal. In obedience to, yet as a transformation of older atonement traditions thatrequire the slaughter of bulls at the close of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting - the meat from the bulls was processed and donated to the Food Bank for delivery to a variety of food pantries and shelters.

I confess, there are traditions around the Muslim holiday of Ashura that make me less celebrative. Radical adherents who process to Holy shrines beating themselves with chains to share the pain and suffering experienced at the murder of Mohammed's grandson, an event that has divided the Muslim world ever since, may need in our time to be substituted by the ways of truth and reconciliation.