Awesome! Dazzling! Pure! Solid!

Posted in Uncategorized | February 10th, 2010 by Chris

Lectionary Texts for the Last Sunday After the Epiphany
Transfiguration of the Lord

Hebrew Bible: Exodus 34:29-35
Psalter: Psalm 99
Epistle Lesson: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Gospel Lesson: Luke 9:28-36 (37-43)

The transfiguration speaks to us about an “experience” of being in God’s Presence. Its not talk about God. Its not explaining what God requires. Its not a theological exploration. It is standing in the very Presence (Shekinah) of God. It is one of those moments when we are drawn out of ourselves, just as Moses was when he was in God’s Presence, leading to his face shining like the sun. Peter, James and John experienced this kind of “terror” and yet awesomeness. Standing on Holy Ground on the Holy Mountain, they, too, were lifted out of themselves into another state of being. Paul speaks of such a “nearness” because of Christ. It really is an “unveiling.” It reminds one of when Moses wanted to see God’s face and God replied that if a person looked upon his face, that person would die. Seeing Moses, Elijah, and Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, then hearing God’s voice, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen, listen to him,” must have been so overwhelming that in that moment, they, too, were “drawn out of themselves” into The Holy. As we find ourselves in the Presence of the Holy, we are transformed. When we speak of “transfiguration,” Jesus became so “pure” that no one could look upon him. Peter, James and John were on Holy Ground. This is what worship needs to be like for us! But, no one can “program” the Holy Spirit. We can, though, seek God with all of our hearts and in an expectant manner. That can go a long way in God’s transformation of each of us and all of us. Yet there is something more important in these lessons: And that is the Promise of God and the Word of God which once given stands forever. We cannot base our faith on mere feelings. Feelings are subject to change. But, the character of God is not capricious. It is, rather, steadfast. So, as we seek God with all of our hearts, let us also seek him with our minds trusting in God’s promises–based on God’s character. That is the solid ground upon which we build.

Praying The Psalms

Posted in Uncategorized | October 3rd, 2009 by Chris

Years ago a spaghetti sauce company ran a commercial that compared their product to home-made spaghetti sauce. The announcer said, “Tomatoes?” The answer was, “Its in there.” “Garlic?” “Its in there.” “Tomato Paste?” “Its in there.” “Basil?” “Its in there.” Obviously, only the very best ingredients were in the commercially made spaghetti sauce. When we reflect on our lives, with all of the emotional qualities which comprise them, joy, sadness, surprise, hurt, anger, fear, and other emotional states which make up the human condition, the psalms contain them all. Whether the psalm was written by David, or Asaph or another, the honesty, and the transparency of the writers “is in there.” And, the beauty of scripture, and of the psalms themselves, reveals itself not just in the pages of scripture but in our own lives. This is so because the writers are “every man” or “every woman.”

A month after CPE I find myself lonely, intensely in need of finding a way to give the gifts which God has given to me. While some of my colleagues have said that they envy me with the extra time I have for prayer and meditation, being with my family, and singing with St. Matthew UMC’s Praise Team (and playing violin with them, too), there is a deep yearning in my soul, as if the dryness which has been part of my life, is being “exhaled” to you, O God. And, I pray that as I sit at my desk, with the prayer shawl given to me by beloved parishioners from Otterbein UMC, with the Lord’s Prayer on it in Hebrew, wrapped around my neck, that as I pray the ancient psalms, the first “hymn book” of the exiled community of faith in Babylon, that somehow, dear God, I will hear what you have to say to me today.

Psalm 63 has been my prayer for two weeks, now. It is not new to me. But, it speaks to me of exile, of hurt, of anger, and in a darker vein, the desire for revenge. David was honest enough to include this darkness. But, as a counterpoint, the desire for revenge disappears when we realize the common sinfulness, frailties, and sheer humanity which all of us share together. We are really a needy bunch, aren’t we?

A PSALM OF DAVID, WHEN HE WAS IN THE WILDERNESS OF JUDAH.
1 O God, you are my God, I seek you,
my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.
3 Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
4 So I will bless you as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands and call on your name. אמן
Psalm 63:1-4 NRSV

Does What We “Think” Matter?

Posted in Uncategorized | September 4th, 2009 by Chris

Just having finished a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education, and having had a little time to reflect on it, I would raise a question. Does what each of us “think” matter? CPE has a tendency to focus on feelings and what is in the depths of us. That’s what one would expect from a tradition that is rooted in psychology, and to a large degree spirituality. For those of you who have taken time to reflect on this theme, I would ask: “Is the concept of “heresy” still valid?” The word “heresy” comes from the Greek word haeresis, which means “incorrect thinking.” Many of us know that wars have started, slaughters, pogroms, genocide, and “shunning” have all taken place in the name of “doctrine,” or correct thinking, if you will.
During the unit of C.P.E. which our group did at Clarian North, I read a piece of the Sermon on the Mount, a quotation from Jesus of Nazareth, related to where our “treasure” really is as part of our morning prayer at the hospital. This was the quote:
19“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 NRSV

A minority of persons, notably from one religious tradition other than Christianity, were “set back” by the use of Jesus’ words. After all, our hospital was and is a “community hospital,” meaning, it serves all faith groups, and those who do not consider themselves as part of any faith group. Others, from an evangelical Christian viewpoint, thought that the use of this scripture and the prayer used that day were fine.

We struggled as a group with what “kinds” of prayers were appropriate, and which weren’t, not only with patients, but over the early morning devotions. I wonder if the environment in which all of us on chaplaincy carried out ministry at Clarian North, was not a microcosm of our culture? We are multicultural. There is no question about that. But, in another sense, I wonder, as Chris Madison, believer in Jesus as Savior and Lord, God the Son, Second Person of the Trinity, and as a United Methodist clergy person, are we now in danger in saying that no one can express a faith tradition? Are we, as a multicultural group of people, at the point where we must either discard faith traditions in order to make everyone “happy,” or is it still possible to express one’s faith, without starting wars, pogroms, genocide, inquisitions, etc.? In other words, “Is it possible to believe as we do, in all of our traditions, or no tradition, and yet allow others to express themselves as they see fit, as long as no harm is done?” Then one must ask, “What constitutes “harm?” War has started over others thinking differently from others. Is thought, in and of itself so controversial, that we cannot express ourselves at all without stirring up some kind of hornet’s nest?

Doctrine is important because it guides us, in belief and practice. What we think does matter. Our journeys may be different. But, perhaps it would be good if we could simply say, “I stand within this tradition.” “You may see or understand things differently. Can we talk about it, and listen to each other?”

Underneath thought are deep matters of the heart. And these deep matters are inherently “spiritual.” So, can we respect one another, even though our deepest understandings of God, or whatever one considers “God” to be, or even if there is no God in one’s belief system, or must we fall back on millennia of persecution, group murder and intolerance?

It Is Finished! Well, Maybe Just the Next Chapter!

Posted in Uncategorized | August 19th, 2009 by Chris

On August 14, 2009 our group at Clarian North finished its 10 weeks of Summer Intensive Clinical Pastoral Education. On our last Friday, the associates in Pre-Op, one of the units which I worked with daily, had a small going away party for me. There was a cake, a card, and some cd’s. I greatly appreciated working with all of the good folks in that unit, and in Endoscopy, Cardiac Cath Lab, and Adult Intensive Care. Clarian North’s Five Maxims will remain a part of me, and honestly, would be a pretty darned great set of principles for being a Christian congregation. They Are: Show Kindness, Connect Fully, Take Ownership, Create Joy, Do More.

Of course, all of these maxims are found in the Bible and the way that Christians and Christian congregations need to relate to one another and to others. For those of us in United Methodist backgrounds, Bishop Schnaze’s book, “The Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations” contain the same elements for congregational life.

I learned some important but difficult stuff about how I come across at times, but was also very much affirmed for the pastoral work I did in the units to which I was assigned. Clarian North, Elizabeth Price–our CPE Supervisor, and our group, Bill Johnson, Jill Issleb, Teri Ditslear, and Margaret Coggin will have always have warm places in my heart. God bless us all as we take next steps to serve Christ.

What I’ve Learned From C.P.E.

Posted in Uncategorized | August 2nd, 2009 by Chris

There are only two weeks left. Being part of an interpersonal group is a lot like being part of a family. We express ourselves honestly, sometimes emotionally intensely, and we give one another valuable feedback, which can help others grow. Interpersonal Group was a time when we came to know one another, often on very personal levels. Laughter with my colleagues was sometimes side splitting! Those corny jokes and goofy things we say to help get us through tough times really made my day.
My favorite part of CPE was ministering to patients in Adult Intensive Care, Cardiac Cath Lab, Endoscopy, and Surgery Pre-Op. Getting to know the nursing staff, some physicians, and unit secretaries was a honor. As in all hospital ministries there are joys and sorrows. A lot of babies were born this summer. At Clarian North the song “Lullaby and Goodnight” is played when a baby is born. Wow! I quit counting how many babies were born. And, there seemed to be a lot of twins born.
As in all ministry, some people were receptive to a chaplain, while others were not. That’s life. I learned that I’m an old dog. I was not as pliable as some of the younger folk. But, I believe did learn. I came face to face with things in me which I am comfortable with, and face to face with things that interfere with the ministry I am trying to carry out for Christ. Some folks expect clergy to be perfect. It’s not going to happen in this life.
When associates died, or former associates, the Clarian North community pulled together and reached out in support. It felt really good to be part of such a caring community.
I missed preaching and sharing the sacrament of Holy Communion with a congregation, though. And, I missed teaching Bible study. And I missed the challenge of raising funds for ministry. And, I missed being a pastor. Last night Ginny (my wife) and I spent an evening at a hotel one mile from the hospital. I was on call for my last really long weekend (all day Friday, Friday night, all day Saturday and Saturday night). I will not miss this. But, it was good to have some time with Ginny in a comfortable hotel. At the front desk when the associate there asked what I did as I was checking in, I said, “I’m a hospital chaplain.” She said, “What’s that?” I said, “I’m a pastor working at Clarian North. I visit people going into surgery, in adult intensive care, and in other areas of the hospital.” She said, “That sounds sad.” I said, “Sometimes it is. But, we’re all happy when people go home well and when babies are born. Those are happy times.” Hard to believe she didn’t know what a hospital chaplain does.
I learned that I miss parish ministry, at least the aspects of it that I love to do. I still don’t know where God will lead next. Thanks for praying for me and my family.

What I’m Learning At Clarian North

Posted in Uncategorized | July 4th, 2009 by Chris

Clarian North Hospital in Carmel, Indiana offers a unit of summer intensive Clinical Pastoral Education. And, intense it is! There are five us as serving as interns, with ages ranging from 25 to 56, 3 women and 2 men. I’m the oldest in the group. If ever there was a time when I have come face to face with the fact that I’m no longer 40, this is it!

The wonderful thing about Clarian North is that everywhere one goes in the building there are inspirational sayings which go the very heart of faith, humanity, and loving service.
Last night on rounds I came across a saying by George Elliott: “It’s Never Too Late to Be Who You Might Have Been.” That’s the essence of the quest which I’ve undertaken. Interpersonal Group is a real eye-opener. I’m relearning some important things about myself and how I come across to others. Whoa! Its been painful, laughable, amazing, and growth producing. I would recommend a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education for anyone who wants to improve caring skills, listening skills, and human relations skills. Please continue to pray for me and our family as I continue to follow this quest.

Post Modern Christianity-A Shaper of Culture, Shaped By It, Or Both?

Posted in Uncategorized | April 27th, 2009 by Chris

16    For you are our father,
though Abraham does not know us
and Israel does not acknowledge us;
you, O LORD, are our father;
our Redeemer from of old is your name.
17    Why, O LORD, do you make us stray from your ways
and harden our heart, so that we do not fear you?
Turn back for the sake of your servants,
for the sake of the tribes that are your heritage.
18    Your holy people took possession for a little while;
but now our adversaries have trampled down your sanctuary.
19    We have long been like those whom you do not rule,
like those not called by your name.

Isaiah 63:16 NRSV

To allude to H. Richard Niebuhr, in Christ and Culture, the Christian faith can do a few things related to the way it interacts with the culture in which it is planted.  We can become “counter-cultural,” and transform the culture from within, we can openly engage it with the gospel and call for its transformation, or we can be transformed by it.  There are many articles appearing in various media venues that more and more Americans are saying that they “have no religion,” perhaps meaning organized religion, perhaps meaning, no religious faith.  What are some of the practical things we can do to address this dynamic?

The text from Isaiah 63 portrays a profound sense of abandonment by God and an immense sense of loss due to the loss of the sanctuary in 586 BCE.  Are we living in a time, where we are becoming “strangers in a strange land?”  Or, are we beginning to realize that while American has had a cultural veneer of Christianity, those of us who believe really are “strangers and exiles” on their way to the New Jerusalem and the City of God, Mount Zion?

How can we connect with our culture and share the gospel message with the special cultural dynamics of our time?

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

1 Comment »

A Theology of Solidarity

Posted in Uncategorized | March 16th, 2009 by Chris

Thanks, Carol, for your response.  Your honesty is refreshing.  In your journey its obvious that you have been “in and out” of church.  Your roots have been shaped by Methodism and your family’s strong commitment to Christ.  We now live in a time when a lot of people are “out of church” more than in.  The original post from Yahoo speaks to that.  It may be that persons will discover that God is seeking them, if they will but listen.

My prayer for you is that as you continue to lead and serve in the congregation where you are, that you know that God stands with not only, you, Carol, but with everyone in your congregation serving Christ.

God bless you to be a blessing,

Chris Madison

Is Religion Part of the World’s Problems, or Part of the World’s Solutions?

Posted in Uncategorized | March 9th, 2009 by Chris