Brief Thoughts from Bren

Lamenting is an important part of our faith, even if it isn’t a part of our U.S. culture. Jesus lamented. The Psalms lament. We even have a whole book in the Hebrew Scripture named Lamentations. When we don’t grieve, we don’t heal.

I was struck by Clarence’s words that “you can’t put Christianity into practice. You can’t make it work … For Christianity is not a system you work – it is a Person who works you. You don’t get it; he gets you.”I think if we are so full of ourselves or the words of others, we may miss the Word. So, we listen. We seek fellowship with the Word. We, too, want to be with him, follow him, know him, and love him. We are open to being changed by this fellowship with him. We are open to “being gotten” by the Word.

Dan, a retired Lutheran pastor, gave the reflection in morning chapel today. He shared what the fig tree symbolized in Scripture. It was a sign of prosperity, a comfort zone. He suggested that we think about what our personal fig tree may be. Jesus is calling us away from our fig tree to do what?

Do you ever wonder why people do something so crazy as living in a community with other people? Why would you want to form a family with those whom you have no biological connection? Biology can be difficult enough. I watched the way people cared for Harry through the years. I saw their care at the end. I’ve witnessed both for humans here, too.

Clarence wouldn’t want us to get all silly about his birth, life, or his death. But celebrations are important to community. Celebrations help communities thrive and, truth is, we wouldn’t be here without him. So, I hope he doesn’t mind the tip of the hat we give him from time to time.