living in coronavirusworld 78: Lynching as virus

6/8

Morningside Park bulletin board

Spend most of the day trying to deal with the Presbyterian Church.  Every two years it has a General Asssmbly made up of equal numbers of clergy and lay representatives, or teaching and ruling elders in Presbyspeak. The GA deals with ecclesiastical  issues, but more seeks to exegete the time we are living in for both the broader church and the general public. There is a long tradition of Presbyterian engagement with social issues as part of the church’s reformed theological perspective self understanding of being commissioned by God to act in stewardship of God’s creation. John Calvin, for example, believed that serving as a civic magistrate was God’s highest calling.  This years’s Assembly was to have been in Baltimore, Maryland, a city much maligned by our current President. 

The onset of the Coronavirus led the church ultimately to shift the church from a week long event in Baltimore to a three day event on ZOOM. (The convention center that was to have housed GA has been turned into an emergency field hospital) However, the Committee on General Assembly, responsible for GAs, decided  that the business needs to be restricted to institutional maintenance only. NO social action. No commissioner resolutions or new business, preventing commissioners from affecting the agenda. My Presbyterian Health Education and Welfare Association believes that this is  a crucial moment in US history, perhaps definitive for years to come for country and church. To us it seems  a dereliction of our commission and violation of our historic identity not to speak. And we have been seeking to find the way to do that. 

A beautiful day for a walk.

Morningside Park pond

Tonight’s Bible Study is the Mathew passage form Trinity Sunday. Which means we’re talking about the Holy Trinity. But also the Great Commission (Matthew 28:20):9 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.1

Which Leila refers  to as the last command…

Russ sees the writer of Matthew trying to present Jesus as the new Moses, who led people to a new reality. And Jesus, too , seeking to create a  whole new way of life. With the outward sign of Baptism as introduced by John the Baptist. Russ sees Jesus as a disciple of John, which seems apparent. i also see John’s Baptism as a propaganda of the deed, an act proclaiming its own meaning. In the use, for John (or Matthew) the traditional institution had become so compromised and corrupted as to require its follwoers to go through a conversion ritual again to begot renewal. Baptism, a for of the Mikva, cleansing bath. 

Marsha sees that commission where things went wrong. She sees and responds to the imperial colossal history pf Christianity with its forced conversions, lacruz y la espada (cross and sword) and Doctrine of Discovery. Both perspectives are of course correct. As Wes Howard Brook pointed out in Come Out My People, the Bible has a constant tension between the religion of covenant and creation and the religion of empire. Christianity has both. 

I share the different aspects of relationships with God….awe and wonder, service and human solidarity and the power of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus’s statement in verse 18 about being ..given dominion links directly back to the prophetic words of Daniel 7: 13-14 and the Son of Man idea. ….a new kind of kingdom, not based on power an control but “…as a human one…” based the best of human community. Long before communism, Christianity had an ideology based on a positive humanist view. 

As we talk about the Spirit, Leila talks about the necessity of breath.  The horror of George Floyd having his breath taking away. And as she says, the centrality of breath issues  with covid19, that’s how we die. This clearly connecting the two critical issues defining our present moment.

I’m very happy that West Park will be returning to worship next Sunday after a very long time. 

I make sure to conquer my fear and return to the Songwriter’s Exchange tonight. At first it feels good just to be back. And I’m feeling relaxed.  But as I hear my colleagues, the anxiety comes back. Most of the songs are responding to the moment. One is George Floyd looking down form above, “Not a good day for me” riffing on Trump’s unbelievable announcement that the job report was “…a great day for George…” These singer-songwriters are good. I envy the discipline, the commitment to craft. I’m almost afraid to share.But I do my remake of “hard rain”…

and I'll call out the man who says law and order over all

and all who stand with him in the congress hall 

and l'll sing for the ones who take a brave knee 

while congress is silent while black bodies bleed

and I'll give it to you straight before it's too late

it will take a strong love to turn back this hate

and it's a hard

it's a hard

it's a hard

it's a hard

it's a....I can't breathe....

hard rain's a gonna fall 

The best criticism starts with the thought that all folk music is derivative, takes from an existing source. And I should write my own song based on this, maybe with a ‘…hard rain..” reference at the end. And we talk about how several  songs came from the perspective, even voice of the back victims and that we cannot do that anymore unless invited to. As allies, we can not presume.    

Did the city do the first step reopen today? Did 250000 go back to work? 

My housemate returns home . Reports a solid lie of police I riot gear between Adam Clayton Powell and MalcolmX Boulevards on 116.

Living in coronavirus world 76: Trinity Sunday

6/7

Home communion

Sunday morning.  Get my Sunday Times. Make my coffee. Time for worship with the good people of Beverley again. Today is Trinity  Sunday. Here's what I had to say:

It’s been another week.  Protests every day. My boys have been out almost every night in Brooklyn Twice  this weeks marches came right by my building. I've been to a candlelight vigil where the names of all who have died since Trayvon Martin were read. The city “Link” kiosks continue to scroll the names against simple black backgrounds. I was at a commemorate of Brionna Taylor’s birthday at an event organized by young black women focusing on the very special struggles of their lives.  At our music events there are always songs that relate to what’s going on. And yes, we were here 7 years ago, but what’s different now? Some of you may be old enough to remember the Vietnam War and a photo of a young girl who had been hit by napalm. Somehow that photo struck people in a very deep way and attitudes about the war took a serious change.  Likewise, the video of George Floyd’s death, the nonchalant attitude of the officer's keeping his knee on George for almost 9 minutes has struck almost every person with a conscience. The reaction this time is deeper and wider than ever before. That is the context  in which we gather to hear God’s word and to share in the breaking of bread this morning. 

I wish that I could sit down with each of you and ask, so how’s it going? How have you been feeling? What thoughts have you had? It is a bit interesting. I do so many things on ZOOM.  Everyone in boxes like Hollywood Squares. It’s a way to connect, but kind of tiring.  Last week as I started to preach for you over the phone, I could see myself in the Beverley Church pulpit, I could look out and see you all there in your  usual places. And when we shared communion, I could see everyone as we passed the plate. So here we are together this morning. 

This is a unique Sunday in the Christian year. This Sunday, as opposed to most of our special Sundays that feature an event in Jesus’ life or the apostles, like Ascension, or Pentecost, thisSunday we deal with a theological concept, the Holy Trinity. And believe me, that’ still tough one. Our Jewish neighbors can’t understand how we can be monotheists, believers in one GOD, when it looks like we have three.  I remember that chart form when I was a kid with the ‘ises” and ‘Is nots.” So what do we understand?

* God is in three persons, though all are the same God.

All of us are multiple persons at the same time. I can be a son, a husband and a father all at the same time. Each of these is distinct, and yet I am the same. 

* Each defines a different function, or role, of God.

The father is the creator, the source, the essence of being

* The son is the divine as found in one particular human being, as the divine is  always present in humanity.

The source of grace. And the TRUTH. To be plain, in Jesus is seen xx every essence of TRUTH.

* The Holy Spirit is the flowing force that sustains. 

The power that first breathed life into the world breath thorough us, Sustains us. (That’s in part why those words “ I can’t breathe” are so disturbing.)

Our Gospel lesson gives us our ultimate marching orders….make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you….This means when we invite someone to take on the Christian life, we are inviting them to be in relationship with all three expressions of God. And we need to understand what he practical implications  of each person are. Just for an example:

* Father ….awe, wonder….let me also say that we try to be more inclusive in language, however the word “parent” has no emotional resonance. The word “father’ is used for  intimacy. What other word could we use? 

* Son..”obeying all that I have command you…” living in service to others…

* Holy Spirit…..take a deep breath,…what sustains us

Note two other things in this passage…first even after everything,,  resurrection, appearing out of nowhere, etc…still, some doubted…as they will…as we will..it keeps us honest, strengthens us, deepens our faith.  And finally, the ultimate promise…. lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen….that’s worth repeating every day…

Finally, as far as what we do in the days, look at Paul’s benediction…O, brothers and sisters, farewell.  Put things in order,

That’s a tall order…both our nation and our church, not to mention our own lives

 listen to my appeal, agree with one another,

Another tough one….can we figure out what we do agree on? Maybe we start  by listening…making sure we hear one another..

 live in peace; 

Yes Lord, let it be

and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12Greet one another with a holy kiss.

Tough with social distancing, sacred distancing,…virtual hugs, kisses

 All the saints greet you.

The days ahead are difficult….but this s a very real chance  to make a real difference with a real change…

13The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

Amen

Later, our family gathers for its weekly international gathering. Germany is all but  reopened. Which at some level, doesn’t seem to make a whole  lot of sense. The data is pretty clear that young children just don’t seem to get hit by Covid. On the other hand, there is data that 9% of school age children have bene victims of domestic violence during the lockdown, (And 31/2 % of women have been raped.) The children are  clearly  safer in school than locked in at home. Children in the poorer neighborhoods are getting no food,  no exercise an dare getting left behind. Which is New York City as well.  And you are 19 times more likely to get coronavirus inside than out. 

The heavier converstion though has to do with the global protests over black lives matter. Our son repots that while the German marches may be seen as solidarity marches, in cities like London and Paris black immigrants with colonial imperial histories see their own lives reflected in the struggles of African Americans. It  is their own just treatment they are protesting for. Germany did simply not have the same degree or breadth of empire as the British and French.

Of course the real struggle becomes what do we each do as individuals and with each other to take our own part in the dismantling of white privilege. And how will we respond when it actually begins to hurt. 

A walk to visit a friend at Jackie Robinson Park. Figure out where we are in the whole social distancing dance is not clear. And fear it may take months. A long slow walk home. Street birthday parties, picnics and folks just talk like a normal spring day.

Harlem Tavern

A margarita at Bean & Barley as I talk to my mom. A woman sees my Grateful distancing stay at home tour 2020 t-shirt.

she liked my spirit

I like your spirit, she says, I need more of that in my life. 

Th woman who always asks for my son with warm memories of him playing with the kids in the fire hydrant and summer water balloons. I notice for the first the she works at Montefiore Hospital.

Back home, I ask Eddie to tell the story again. And he does. They set his cousin on fire. And threw him in a house with 14 people in it. He remembers the store that charged “colored” 4 times the prices whites paid. The little girl who looked at him and said, “Look mommie, a gigger.” The people who tried to leave to go to New York and disappeared. Going for a walk into the woods and finding bodies hanging. He takes a drag on his cigarette,  Yes, that’s the way it was…

Tonight is the last night of curfew. 

Trinity Sunday: Does it make any difference?

5/22/16

a table for Trinity Sunday

So what’s new this week? …I attended an Andrew Goodman Foundation update …They currently have ambassadors, IE on 41campuses (https://andrewgoodman.org/ve-ambassadors-directory/)…they are working on registration…especially important in a day where the bright to vote is begin rolled back and challenged every day…In Louisiana, for example, there is a new law requiring photo ids to register. Over  100,000 students have ids with no photo… that’s enough votes to turn an election..

I did two weddings in the park on Friday. It was filled with  tourists.…It was warm, perfect weather… There were at least 3 couples getting married…Back at the church, Dion was on the steps selling his collection of stuffed animals …

Dion and the stuffed animals

I had long conversation with a member, talking about concerns very dear to me.. I began remembering what I enjoy about this work…we are on the very  cusp of summer….

Yesterday…even in the midst of a performance by Broadway Bound Kids, we did our annual tours as part of the Landmarks Conservancy Sacred Sites Open House Tour day.   I love telling our story, the archi-theo-social history of this very special place. (http://www.nylandmarks.org/events/sacred_sites_open_house/)

Today is Trinity Sunday…41 years ago, this day marked the occasion of my first sermon…at St.Paul’s, New Haven..This day is a pause before launching  into the long green season…of Sundays after Pentecost, of ordinary time…which ends with our only other theological theme Sunday…Christ the King..

The question to keep in the back of your mind…does it make any difference?

Russ’ bulletin cover

gives us another Trinity.. racism, materialism, militarism.. (from Martin Luther King Jr’s speech at Riverside Church…) those three up against the Father, Son and Holy Ghost is  like a 3 on 3 streetball game…..

This concept has troubled me since I was a kid …I got in trouble in Sunday school asking questions…there were of course those cool diagrams…is/is not…all of that …

traditional Trinity diagram

and of course the Celtic trinity’s 

Celtic Trinity

with all thee all interconnected circles and lines…

I can give you all the standard  explanations but….

Historically, Thomas Becket (1118–70) was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury on the Sunday after Pentecost (Whitsun), and his first act was to ordain that the day of his consecration should be held as a new festival in honor of the Holy Trinity. This observance spread from Canterbury throughout the whole of western Christendom.

Anglo-Catholic parishes observe Corpus Christi on the following Thursday, or in some cases the following Sunday.

John XXII (1316–1334) ordered the feast for the entire Church on the first Sunday after Pentecost. A new Office had been made by the Franciscan John Peckham, Canon of Lyons, later Archbishop of Canterbury (d. 1292). The feast ranked as a double of the second class but was raised to the dignity of a primary of the first class, 24 July 1911, by Pius X (Acta Ap. Sedis, III, 351). Since it was after the first great Pentecost that the doctrine of the Trinity was proclaimed to the world, the feast becomingly follows that of Pentecost. (from Wikipedia..)

The key quote…the only one in the Gospels is Matthew 28: 19

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

 Notice it took nearly 400 years to be established as a doctrine..

The three persons are distinct, yet are one "substance, essence or nature".^[4] In this context, a "nature" is what one is, while a "person" is who one is.^[5][6][7]

The Fourth Lateran Council declared, "it is the Father who generates, the Son who is begotten, and the Holy Spirit who proceeds")

“Whitsunday”….simply means ”white”…the color we use today….

What difference does it make?

The Father (or Creator)  …..leads us to respect for/care for “creation”…ongoing partners with the creator in the ongoing work of creation…

Son (or Human One)….leads us to see the sacredness of our lives…seeing the  face of God (and Christ) in all people

Holy Spirit (or Wisdom?) is what flows through and sustains us…informs and supports our friends and community…

They are different ways for being for us, all ways of being a community of faithful believers…but all the same substance of the Holy One who is our God…

And so we go out…to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…

AMEN

Trinity Sunday 2015: Invitation to Community

5/31

Adam and Andre

It’s Trinity Sunday. Adam is back for one more Sunday and Andre has arrived, ready to sing.  We open our service by singing Santo, santo santo. Holy, holy.holy in Spanish.

Then the traditional Holy, Holy Holy. We read the classic Isaiah passage 6: 1-8 and then Psalm 29:1-11, with the response: Glory, glory, glory! Our gospel lesson is John3: 1-17,  the story of Nicodemus which we do as a readers’ theatre.

The first real sermon I ever preached was 40 years ago on Trinity Sunday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in New Haven, Connecticut. I had just graduated from Yale Divinity School. I wish I could remember what I said back then. I just remember the morning and how it felt.

This is one of those Sundays that lead us into a new season, that deal with a theological concept, not an event, like Christ the King. And today, I’m less concerned with theological concepts than being.

Trinity Sunday is an invitation to community. As we ponder a God whose three persons are at the same time one, let’s also reflect on how our many varied persons are at the same time part of a whole.

In all our passages, we are listening for a voice. All our passages speak of calling and all our passages speak of sending. Isaiah’s very specific reference, in the year King Uzziah died,  is specific, is right now. And so we think of our right now: in the year of Eric Garner and Michael Brown, and black lives matter, that people rose up across the country, in the year Oscar Romero was canonized, in the year…fill in your own year, time, day…

Those  triple holies tells us something is going on beyond us..and somehow glory is connected with fear.

Isaiah, perhaps the best spoken of the prophets, speaks of himself in this way, “Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”

He clearly sees and recognizes his own brokenness and at the same time acknowledges the brokenness of his community, however that might be defined.

And watch the process, after the searing act of healing, of forgiveness, his unclean lips touched with a burning coal, his story moves from the awareness of forgiveness to the sense of calling and being sent.

The Nicodemus story also has this sense of calling and being sent. Come to think of it, we are all born in water and spirit. We’re born in a burst and rush of water and immediately breath comes in to us. Jesus is calling Nicodemus to acknowledge his own brokenness, claim his forgiveness and go into the world.

In the end, the idea is that proclamation is not about what goes on in here but what we take out there, to the streets.

But wait…we do have to take care of here in order to go out there…

What happens in here has to be a visible sign of what we want to proclaim. And I’m less concerned with what we say than with what we do.
What is seen when someone comes in here?

What do they feel?

How do you feel?

I almost want to stop preaching and ask you to talk to one another, to learn one thing you didn’t know before. (And we do that…)Is it possible to be a place where we start with this number to truly care about one another, to rest in the knowledge that we will be there for each other?

Then there is this…

⁸ The wind^[a] blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Before we pray, we sing Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me. Andre sings a solo on O for a 1000 tongues to sing as we collect the offering. And our closing hymn is Here I am Lord.

We have a congregational meeting after worship. There is much to celebrate as to our successful reconstruction…more than a quarter million dollars’ worth. There are more rentals than ever…but…there is still this income gap…what are we going to do?