Dusting the Furniture and Clearing the Cobwebs
So it's been quite some time since any new content has been entered into this blog. According to the last thing I posted, I've had the shudders closed on this place for over 3 years. That's quite a bit of dust to clear out. However, this time I'm hoping to actually have a purpose for this blog as opposed to it's previous usage as just a place for me to talk about stuff and connect with my friends. Because, let's face it, blogging as social media is pretty much dead. But enough with the prelude.
This week a lot has happened. More on that in a minute. But it occurs to me that it might be a good idea for me to start reflecting on my week and placing my thoughts somewhere. Since I've got something already set up, why not use it? Even if no one reads it, I think the exercise is worth it. I'm beginning a journey on what could be a new ministry. As that ministry develops, I'm open to how social media might be used in the service of that ministry. So perhaps what I begin here will evolve into what that is. We shall see. So, without further ado:
This week has been quite interesting. First and foremost, I attended my first formal class on the path to becoming a Roman Catholic deacon. This is a four and a half year discernment to not only educate myself, but also to verify if this call is truly where God is leading me to go. Many have asked me the question on why I want to be a deacon. My answer has been consistent. I never wanted to be one. Honestly, I'd never seriously considered it until the day last February when I came home and told Ellen "I think I'm going to go to the deacon information meeting tonight. Want to go as well?" I had the feeling I was being called to some greater ministry and the Holy Spirit smacked me in the head. And off I go.
This first class is an introduction to theology. One of the many things that struck me (and that resonates with my week) is that the arts (literature, music, movies, art, etc), even if they are secular works, can teach us theological lessons. In other words, you can find God in the arts, even if God is not the subject of the work.
This ties into two other major news items of the week: the deaths of David Bowie and Alan Rickman. I'll be honest, David Bowie's death had more of an impact on me than Alan Rickman's. It's probably because I'm more in tune with the impact of music on my life and spirituality than movies. However, I'm a fan of Alan Rickman's work and think he was brilliant in a great many films. However, I think what got to me more than the impact on myself was the impact on others I know.
These two people touched so many lives. And it got me thinking of how true artists reflect the nature of God. Another blogger talked about how the deaths of these two artists affected her. The thing that really got me was how truly devastated she was by the death of two people she had never met. My first instinct was to reach out and try to comfort her. Here's what I responded:
"I understand what you mean that the loss of people like Bowie and Alan Rickman can have such a personal impact on us. They were artists. And true artists are important to us as human beings. Their work transcends the ordinary and helps us to glimpse the Divine. They pick us up when we’re down, and they lift us higher when we’re joyful. The experiences in our lives are more meaningful and powerful to us because their work becomes personal to us. It’s difficult to find the words that truly express the impact these artists have on us. That’s why the loss of these artists and heroes is so tragic and devastating even though their work will live on. It’s the realization that what we have is all there is and we will no longer share new moments."
She thought that was beautifully put and I'm glad that I was able to express my self correctly. And reflecting on the loss people feel and being able to (hopefully) comfort someone even just a little helps me to reflect on the role of ministry. I've always been drawn to interacting with people. It's part of who I am to collaborate with and learn from others. Hopefully part of whatever ministry I eventually undertake will bring me into contact with others and allow God to lift them up through me. Not in a self important way, but the way Jesus did it. Modelling the love of God through the loving of others.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace
(Numbers 6:24-26)
This week a lot has happened. More on that in a minute. But it occurs to me that it might be a good idea for me to start reflecting on my week and placing my thoughts somewhere. Since I've got something already set up, why not use it? Even if no one reads it, I think the exercise is worth it. I'm beginning a journey on what could be a new ministry. As that ministry develops, I'm open to how social media might be used in the service of that ministry. So perhaps what I begin here will evolve into what that is. We shall see. So, without further ado:
This week has been quite interesting. First and foremost, I attended my first formal class on the path to becoming a Roman Catholic deacon. This is a four and a half year discernment to not only educate myself, but also to verify if this call is truly where God is leading me to go. Many have asked me the question on why I want to be a deacon. My answer has been consistent. I never wanted to be one. Honestly, I'd never seriously considered it until the day last February when I came home and told Ellen "I think I'm going to go to the deacon information meeting tonight. Want to go as well?" I had the feeling I was being called to some greater ministry and the Holy Spirit smacked me in the head. And off I go.
This first class is an introduction to theology. One of the many things that struck me (and that resonates with my week) is that the arts (literature, music, movies, art, etc), even if they are secular works, can teach us theological lessons. In other words, you can find God in the arts, even if God is not the subject of the work.
This ties into two other major news items of the week: the deaths of David Bowie and Alan Rickman. I'll be honest, David Bowie's death had more of an impact on me than Alan Rickman's. It's probably because I'm more in tune with the impact of music on my life and spirituality than movies. However, I'm a fan of Alan Rickman's work and think he was brilliant in a great many films. However, I think what got to me more than the impact on myself was the impact on others I know.
These two people touched so many lives. And it got me thinking of how true artists reflect the nature of God. Another blogger talked about how the deaths of these two artists affected her. The thing that really got me was how truly devastated she was by the death of two people she had never met. My first instinct was to reach out and try to comfort her. Here's what I responded:
"I understand what you mean that the loss of people like Bowie and Alan Rickman can have such a personal impact on us. They were artists. And true artists are important to us as human beings. Their work transcends the ordinary and helps us to glimpse the Divine. They pick us up when we’re down, and they lift us higher when we’re joyful. The experiences in our lives are more meaningful and powerful to us because their work becomes personal to us. It’s difficult to find the words that truly express the impact these artists have on us. That’s why the loss of these artists and heroes is so tragic and devastating even though their work will live on. It’s the realization that what we have is all there is and we will no longer share new moments."
She thought that was beautifully put and I'm glad that I was able to express my self correctly. And reflecting on the loss people feel and being able to (hopefully) comfort someone even just a little helps me to reflect on the role of ministry. I've always been drawn to interacting with people. It's part of who I am to collaborate with and learn from others. Hopefully part of whatever ministry I eventually undertake will bring me into contact with others and allow God to lift them up through me. Not in a self important way, but the way Jesus did it. Modelling the love of God through the loving of others.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace
(Numbers 6:24-26)
Comments
Looking forward to reading about your experiences as you work towards becoming a deacon!
I'm glad I was able to be there for you in some way. I want to support my friends in good time and bad. Anything you need, let me know.