The Psalm 51 Miracle

Rock the Commandments X - You Want This Post!

2011-04-14T03:16:00.000-07:00

(This is a re-post of my “Rock the Commandment” series of posts. I’ll be running these on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week as we lead up to Palm Sunday.)

Hollywood has taken over the world. And, if not Hollywood per se, the Hollywood way of doing things certainly has.

The entertainment industry is one of flash and dazzle, glamour and publicity. The goal is to always look successful, no matter how bedraggled you really are.

Fifteen years ago or so, I saw a sharp contrast to this when I did some work in the Cayman Islands. There the culture was the complete opposite. With so many millions of dollars in wire transfers moving through over 200 banks, the bankers had learned one thing – the big talkers with all the flash were probably frauds, crooks or cheats and generally best avoided. The old guy combing the beach was more likely to be worth millions than they were (and not infrequently was).

Today, however, everybody wants us to look successful. Our resumes are supposed to be so full of accomplishments, that employers must wonder why we would ever work for them. Publishers want to see authors who have a “platform.” That is, is the ability to sell books without a publisher selling it for you. In short, publishers and employers want people who don’t need them. Employers want people who deign to work for them.

As a result, we’re becoming a nation of frauds, people who tell less than the whole truth, while exaggerating what we do tell – because we feel that we must. It is that or be left behind.

Why do I bring this up? Well, part of it is that creating a blog is part of “platform building.” It is a way of building an audience. Facebook and Twitter are part of this as well. And if you hang out in the social media long enough, you find people all living the idyllic life. They are great successes with their new post, the conference they just spoke to, the famous person they just had lunch with, the airport they are landing in now.

You never hear that they need a job.

You never hear that their occupation has tough spots, frustrating things they have to do, or that their careers may have stalled. Authors never discuss the fear of being forgotten by their publisher, or that their last title didn’t sell enough copies to meet expectations. The last quarter was never bad. Things are always great – even in the worst economy in 70 years.

I live in California’s Inland Empire. That’s the southeastern region of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, which is larger than most eastern states. The unemployment rate here is around 15 percent. Houses are vacant. Shops are vacant. Whole shopping centers have become deserted. And apparently none of those people tweet. Or, if they do, they put a positive spin on everything.

But there is a difference between keeping a positive outlook, and saying that everything is rosy.

Last year I noted that I wrote an award-winning spec script for a television series. I did not, I don’t believe, later note that the series was cancelled around the same time. No series, no sale, and people don’t pay for awards. This is a minor example.

Job seekers are out there by the millions, and we’re all putting on a successful face. Granted, many job seekers have been highly successful. I know a number of unemployed professionals right now. Those are the times in which we live. In fact – I’ll make an unpardonable admission – I’m one of them.

Yes, I’m a city arts commissioner and host of a radio show. But these are labors of love, not of profit. The night shift at the mini-mart would pay far better. So until my speaking and publishing careers bring in enough to cover the bills, I’m looking for something that does. (And who knows? I might even find something more rewarding.)

But it’s not the situation I expected when I began my master’s program. Things have changed. One prospective employer recently told me that two years ago I would have been golden. Two years ago. This time I left without an offer.

So, what does this have to do with the Tenth Commandment, or the Rock the Commandments series? One, of course, is to trust God through these things. Use difficult times as a way of growing in humility and in holiness. Do not grow angry at the world or with your spouse. Like Job, we need to praise God, and not give in to despair.

But how do we praise God when we don’t have anything left? Or if the future looks so bleak? Begin with the Tenth Commandment. It may seem counter-intuitive, but stick with me.

And if you really are successful, that next quarter is looking really great, the weather is wonderful where you just landed, or you have nothing better to do than hang out by the jaccuzzi – you might want to read this too. Because it ultimately does not matter which way your cash is flowing – God won’t ask you that on judgment day. But why you want it and how you spend it will be on the agenda.

What did God command?

You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or his house, and neither shall you covet his field, nor his male servant, his female servant, his ox, his donkey, any of his cattle, or whatever belongs to your neighbor. (Ex. 20:17).

What we covet changes. If we’re doing well, it might be that fancy car or big television. Maybe a bigger house or a better spouse. If times are tough, we might envy a car that runs well, a phone that doesn’t ring with creditors or a mail box that no longer brings bad news. Maybe, again, we’ll want a better spouse (one that works, or one that isn’t critical that we’re not working).

Oh, how we let the stress get to us.

Consider:

+ Have I envied anything good that has come to others?

I just listed a few. It happens to us all the time – at least it does to me, and over the silliest things. Lord have mercy.

Have I been jealous of another’s good fortune?

Maybe somebody I know just got a good job, or a publishing offer or good representation (I know some amazing writers). You know the things that trip your jealous buttons, too.

+ Have I wished for anything that was another’s?

This can be possessions, activities, relationships, position, respect and many other things. Remember that even St. Paul did not receive all that he asked. God’s grace was sufficient for him – and it is sufficient for us as well.

+ Have I damaged or destroyed the property of others?

Well, if I can’t have it…

Is this not usually out of envy? And doesn’t that envy come from pride? We feel that we deserve better, therefore we rationalize all kinds of things. We need not commit acts of terror to be guilty here. You don’t even need to key somebody’s car. Little things count.

+ Have I wished for things God has not given me, or been discontented with my lot?

I’m always wishing for things God has not given me. The kind of work I think I deserve (note that “I” was two out of three words). The success I think my book and screenplays deserve. The calls for more speaking gigs. Or, a biggie for me, is the desire for a large room to use as a library for all my books. Want, want, want. Ouch.

Once we’ve talked ourselves into want, and into believing we somehow deserve what we want, we then compare our wants against what we have and become discouraged. We may even fall into despair and depression. I battled depression for many years. My most common complaint was “why aren’t things going my way?” And “my way” was always defined by my wants, not my desire to do God’s will in the situation He gave me – or that I fell into through my sin.

+ Have I been stingy?

Guilty as charged.

Carol’s son Anthony recently received orders to go to Afghanistan for a year. His wife and kids are now staying with us. Having them here requires a lot of adjustment, but is a delight as well.

As we were working out the logistics, and trying to get the kids enrolled in the local school before it filled up, a lot of ideas were floated. One was for Carol to use my newly awarded frequent flyer miles to go to Utah to get the right paperwork done. (I’ll spare you the details.)

I was aghast. It took me a long time to earn that ticket, and I was hoping to use it on something “important” like a writers conference. It was utter silliness. If there is a writers conference that I’m supposed to go to, God will get me there. In the end, the ticket wasn’t needed. But I sure made a fool of myself.

The good news? God showed me my weakness and my sin. These are great moments for repentance and for growing in humility and holiness.

+ Have I held back anything due another?

Money? Recognition? Belongings?

We often do this out of spite. Back when I used drama as a mode of discourse, I did this all the time. In preparing to write a memoir, I found a host of items that I had never returned. And the only reason I could remember for keeping any of them was anger. For some people, greed might be a motive. Either way, it doesn’t glorify God.

+ Have I hoped for the downfall of anyone so that I might gain by it?

Well, have you? Maybe you want a coworker fired. Or the star of an opposing team injured. Perhaps you merely fantasize about blasting that car in front of you out of the way. Many people enjoy thinking about the demise of an ex-wife or husband. That is not the way of the Lord, it’s just an easy path to go down.

My old temper – that deep well of anger I used to carry with me – took me down this path on a regular basis. And who got hurt? Mostly me. Those I was angry with got out of my path – and often out of my life.

+ Have I failed to be gracious and generous to anyone?

If you’re not the one people think of when the idea of generosity comes up – you’re probably not doing enough. All those opportunities to do more for those in need fly right by us. Sometimes we’re too busy judging if they really have need, or if they’re “worthy” of our help. Frankly, those questions are best left to God. If the panhandler is a fraud, that’s between the panhandler and God. But if the panhandler is an angel sent to test me, what is my defense?

Here’s a good example of being gracious and generous. I was working a government job not too long ago that required me to access a lot of people’s property. I drove past the gate on one property that had several residences on it. While I was at one residence, the property owners left the main house and locked the gate as they left. I was stuck. Even the local police wouldn’t help me out.

Fortunately, I have a neighbor with a pair of bolt cutters. He drove out to my back country location and helped to free me. That was gracious and generous. For my part, I got to repair the gate and replace the lock. And my wife, Carol, far more gracious than I am, baked the neighbor her famous chocolate cake.

+ Have I expected God to give me that which I would refuse one of my fellow men?

Ah, the evil and wicked servant who threw his fellow servant into prison for a small debt when he had just been forgiven a large one. But let’s not stop there.

It has been said that if you feel like you’re giving 60 percent in a relationship to the other person’s 40, odds are you’re near even. Why? Because we tend to be harder on other people and see our own sacrifices more. We expect to be forgiven more easily, our work recognized sooner, and so on. It’s part of our fallen nature.

We don’t have to throw people into prison to do this. But we do need to be attentive to our thoughts and deeds.

That’s the crux of it – we need to pay attention to our thoughts. That isn’t always easy (if ever). However, paying attention to our words and actions can lead us back to our thoughts. Why do we do what we do? Why did we say such and such? People ask us about those things, it’s good to have an answer.

It’s good also to remember that we have an enemy who whispers thoughts into our ears, hoping we will entertain them and make them our own. And we have a chatty enemy.

The ancient fathers of the church advise that we guard our thoughts. It is good advice. If we guard our thoughts, fast and pray, we can with God’s grace free ourselves of all covetousness.

So even if you don’t flash and glam like a Hollywood star, inflate your resume or tweet about how fabulously wonderful your (stressful and difficult) life is, there is probably room for improvement. After all, there is only one thing it is okay to be greedy for, and that is God. Do you have all of God? Or even all of God that you can handle? If not, press ahead.

Next week, I’ll have a few concluding thoughts on how the Ten Commandments sneak into our lives and how we can grow closer to God. Fortunately, that post will be short.

These prompts come from A Pocket Prayer Book for Orthodox Christians. The commentary is all mine. So if there is any error, it all belongs to me.

Rock the Commandments IX - False Witness

2011-04-12T03:16:00.000-07:00

(This is a re-post of my “Rock the Commandment” series of posts. I’ll be running these on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week as we lead up to Palm Sunday.)

Let's get right to the point. What did God tell Moses?

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. (Ex. 20:16).

False witness, it’s so far down the list of commandments – lower than talking back to your parents. How bad can it be?

So what if we pass the buck a little, blame the guy working in the next department – after all, if she hadn’t done (or failed to do) this or that, or if the delivery had only arrived on time, or … you get the picture. This is not just about framing somebody for murder. And if you think it is, you need to broaden your reading beyond mysteries.

Christ talked about false witness. He said that “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies (Matthew 15:19).” He continued that “These are the things which defile a man (Matthew 15:20a).”

Strong stuff.

So it’s not just about the false witnesses that the Pharisees lined up against Christ. St. James the Apostle dealt with them too. He didn’t stay silent. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

A lot of time, we slip into bearing false witness through a desire to avoid trouble. Of course, we’re only creating more trouble by doing it. John C. Maxwell had a great tweet on Saturday:

To get maximum attention, make a big mistake. To cause maximum damage, fail to admit it!

What if Adam and Eve hadn't passed the buck? That woman you gave me gave me the apple. It was the snake's fault, he talked me into it. And while they were trying to wiggle out of it, the snake laughed his legs off.

In this ninth post in Rock the Commandments, we’re going to look at some of the ways we can fall short, and some of the ways we can bounce back.

First, let’s go through a few prompts:

+ Have I told lies, or added to or subtracted from the truth?

As Americans, we have a unique way of phrasing this – have you told the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? So help you God.

You know if you told the truth or not – if you didn’t make anything up, if you didn’t report what you conjectured into what you know as what you know … okay, let’s look at that. Sometimes we try to understand things. We create a theory to fit the facts as we know them. Fine. Just remember to separate the facts from your theory.

Did you tell the whole truth? Or did you leave out those embarrassing or incriminating tidbits?

Was it nothing but the truth? Oops, those little additions, theories and accusations have a way of sneaking in. And while it’s good to have an opinion, make sure you label it as your opinion, not as hard fact.

+ Have I made careless statements or spoken evil of anyone?

Those easy, little judgments we make of people. Are they more annoying than the people? Probably, at least in the end. We talk about their character, their work ethic, their vanity, their desires, the things they do that grate on us.

Knock it off. This is not an easy thing to do. Because what comes out of our mouths reveals what is in our hearts – we need to cleanse our hearts to stop this from coming out of our mouths. And that is the kind of change that only comes with prayer and effort. Fasting wouldn’t hurt either.

+ Have I told any secrets entrusted to me, or betrayed anyone?

Personally, I try to be a steal trap when it comes to those things people have entrusted to me. But that doesn’t mean that I haven’t found myself mentioning something I shouldn’t. And when you stop yourself, people really want to know more. I don’t think I’ve let loose a major secret in ages. But those little ones? Those things people forget to mention are secrets - but we know they should be? Wow, how they sneak up on us, and out of us.

As for betraying anyone, you know what that means. If you’ve done it, don’t try to rationalize. Seek forgiveness.

+ Have I gossiped about anyone or harmed their reputation?

This is where most of those little secrets sneak out. We’re chatting with someone about what’s going on, and the people involved. Next thing you know, it’s about the people and their goings-on. Oops.

Stay away from the gossip. Don’t share it. Don’t listen to it. How many times have we had our feelings hurt by hearing that someone said or did something – and then found out they didn’t even say or do it. Even if they did – and we don’t find out – it’s one less thing we need to forgive.

This doesn’t mean that ignorance is bliss in all cases. But only respond to the truth. There’s a reason that hearsay is not allowed in the courts.

+ Have I concealed the truth, assisted in carrying out a lie, or pretended to commit a sin of which I was not guilty?

Ever cover for somebody – whether it was a small thing or large? You know where you stand.

As for pretending to be bigger or badder than you are – or were – that’s another issue. Sometimes we do this to seem cool, to fit in, to seem in some way special. Yeah, all functions of pride.

This even finds its way into the churches. People get introduced to speak, and we hear about what enormous sinners they were before they found God. It can seem that if you haven’t been really bad, you can’t be seen as that good, either. It’s easy to feel less special than the people who didn’t do it right the first time. We have to be careful here. We don’t want to be like the Prodigal Son’s brother, complaining about the party and the fatted calf. And we don’t want to play the role of sinner in order to seem cool.

We praise God for redeeming sinners – and we are all sinners. I recall Paul writing that he was first among sinners. When we do a true and fearless inventory of ourselves, we know more sins that we have committed than we know that someone else has committed. So don’t fall for the trick of pride. Don’t pretend. Serve and praise God.

+ Have I tried to see the good in others instead of their shortcomings?

Um, well, er … we can have trouble with this one. At least I can. It’s easy to get mad and simply label people as being [fill in the blank]. Each person is an icon of Christ, made in His image for Himself. No matter how smudged and dirtied that image may be, it is still there. Honor that in people. Rise above the petty complaints that you have. Again, nothing easy here. Prayer, fasting, falling, repenting, praying, fasting and doing it again. Keep going until you finish the race.

Now, back to St. James. After his mission to Spain, he returned to Jerusalem. There he was slandered

…before Herod and among some false witnesses there was a certain Josias. But in hearing St. James' testimony, Josias believed and was condemned to death with James. Before the axe fell, St. James embraced and kissed this repentant false witness and said, "Peace and forgiveness to you.

Talk about a come back. Josias repented of his sin. James forgave him – completely. “Peace and forgiveness to you.” These are the words we want to hear from those we’ve hurt, and need to give those who would be reconciled to us. So much easier to leave the judging to God and to forgive than to be like the evil and wicked servant of Matthew 18 – who after being forgiven 10,000 talents, jailed his debtor for a mere hundred denarii.

James was both loving and wise. The new believer – and martyr – Josias received forgiveness. James also did himself a favor. He did not leave the world with unforgiveness in his heart. He did not place himself in the position of the evil and wicked servant before facing God. And that is a wise lesson for all of us.

These prompts come from A Pocket Prayer Book for Orthodox Christians. The story of St. James is from Orthodox Wiki. The commentary is all mine. So if there is any error, it all belongs to me.

Image: Icon of St. James the Apostle. A man who knew how to deal with false witness.

Rock the Commandments VIII - If It's Not Yours, Don't Take It

2011-04-07T03:16:00.000-07:00

(This is a re-post of my “Rock the Commandment” series of posts. I’ll be running these on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week as we lead up to Palm Sunday.)

Theft. It’s not what it used to be. Sure, we still have the cat burglars, the car thieves and that guy who hangs out in all the darkened alleys. But those guys (and gals) have a whole range of friends from identity thieves, to counterfeit product manufacturers and those who steal intellectual property (you know that great idea you had?). And that’s not all.

Today in Rock the Commandments, we’re going to see how those things can creep into our lives, often unnoticed, and pull us away from God.

It’s something the devil just loves. We take our eyes off of heaven, look at the world, at our own gain, our own fears, and the next thing you know we’re “borrowing” something that’s not ours. It could even be that handicapped parking space that we’ll be in “for just a minute,” while the person on crutches is then forced to hobble across half a parking lot.

What did God command?

You shall not steal. (Ex. 20:15).

Not much wiggle room there. He didn’t say “leave your neighbor’s stuff alone, but take what you want from work,” or “It’s okay to keep that twenty dollar bill you saw someone drop at Starbucks.” Don’t even think about it. After all, adultery isn’t the only thing you can do in your heart.

Consider:

+ Have I stolen anything or wished to do so?

Yes, cribbing answers from someone else’s exam counts. Taking credit for someone else’s work, keeping that nice pen, or that library book with the $42,000 fine that’s still on the shelf? They all count.

+ Have I kept anything that did not belong to me?

Your neighbor’s tools? Video games? Office supplies from the office? That video your kid’s friend brought over? These things have a way of sneaking into our possession, even though they’re not ours. That happens. Just give then back when you notice.

+ Have I tried honestly to find owners of lost articles I have found?

Tell that person at Starbucks that they dropped a twenty. Return the library book – and the video. Don’t do it faintheartedly, make a real effort.

+ Have I cheated anyone?

This can range from overt price gouging to keeping the extra change you got from a cashier. You don’t have to run a major Ponzi scheme to cheat someone.

+ Have I paid my debts?

This is a tough one, especially in today’s economy. A lot of people don’t have the means to make all of their payments. But we have a moral obligation to try. Remember, we are to treat each person with the reverence due to the image of Christ, for each person is indeed made in His image. If we promise to pay, we need to pay. (And claiming that you're dealing with a "faceless" corporation doesn't get you off the hook.)

If you’re unemployed and things are happening beyond your control, and you’re making an honest effort, God knows that. He sees what is in your heart. So no need to rationalize, just talk to Him.

+ Have I lived within my income, and not wastefully or extravagantly?

Okay, let’s face it, this is how so many people got into trouble in the first place. And it’s so easy. Charge this little thing and that little thing and, next thing you know, it’s a huge monthly payment. Be careful out there.

+ Have I given to charitable causes in proportion to my means?

There’s always one that you wonder how it got on my list, right? Well, this is it. When you think about it, though, it makes sense. For instance, Carol and I are looking to replace our cell phones. Some of those new models look awfully nice. But the price on those data plans? It seems rather high – especially when we realized that it would cost less to support a priest in Africa than to tweet from the road. And that’s something to consider - who are we not helping as the price of our convenience? We may not know, but God does. And He wants us to find out.

+ Have I been honest and upright?

Oh, those details we leave out. It’s easier not to be embarrassed, or caught or found out. People may never know. But it’s not what separates Christians from the world. Those small deceits are the very way of the world. If you truly don’t want to be of the world, tell the truth. Be that stand up kind of person.

God made His commandment simple, our service to Him and to our neighbor should be simple as well. If it’s not yours, don’t keep it. Be straightforward and honest with everyone and strive to do His work.

These prompts come from A Pocket Prayer Book for Orthodox Christians. The commentary is all mine. So if there is any error, it all belongs to me.

Image: My sister’s St. Bernard puppy Goliath’s mug shot. He got himself arrested, not for theft, but for loitering outside the police station after escaping from our yard.

Rock the Commandments VII - Adultery

2011-04-05T03:16:00.000-07:00

(This is a re-post of my “Rock the Commandment” series of posts. I’ll be running these on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week as we lead up to Palm Sunday.)

Oh, how salacious. Like murder, adultery is good for the ratings. It gets our interest. But instead of wondering whodunit, we’re looking for who’s doing it, and with whom. Then we want to talk about it.

So in quick sequence we’ve gone from titillation to condemnation to gossip. And in many cases, even the temptation to imagine doing it ourselves.

And you know the devil just loves it. His goal is to pull us away from God, and look how quickly – and how far – we can go within moments. Yikes.

So, in today’s post in the Rock the Commandments series, there are a number of prompts regarding adultery and lust and all those things that fall underneath (or lead into) this sin.

It’s difficult in today’s society to stay clear of lust. We are surrounded by images on television, in magazines and on billboards (not to mention what’s a click away on the computer). The suggestion is everywhere. Plus, this is a sin that seems to be more celebrated than scandalized. It almost seems that we consider it good clean fun – unless it’s our own spouse that’s doing it.

What did God command?

You shall not commit adultery. (Ex. 20:14).

That sounds pretty straightforward – rather like the expression “what part of no don’t you understand?” Yet, for some people, it isn’t so plain.

During my bad boy days, I did some research into the subject. It was less out of curiosity than to find ways to justify bad behavior. And there were plenty of people out there who were justifying bad behavior.

Some people tried to equate sex with love. Once the equivalency was made, it was a quick step to “loving” one’s neighbor. For others, it was a matter of the marriage contract. If it’s okay with everyone involved, there’s no problem. No harm, no foul. Except it doesn’t work that way. Plus, there’s that bit about reducing a sacrament to an earthly legal agreement. And for some others, it was a matter of trying to redefine the word adultery itself. I even found someone claiming that the commandment meant that a man’s wife should not sleep with men outside her own tribe. Inside, fine, but outside, no.

It’s pretty crazy out there. But there are some constants. Justifying sex outside of marriage involves certain types of logic. The first is to reduce marriage from a holy sacrament, to take God out of the relationship, and to reduce it to something earthly, not heavenly. The second is to reduce sex, the physical means of becoming one flesh, to something earthly and non-spiritual. The third is to try to redefine marriage and adultery themselves, which involves the first two.

Saying “it’s just sex,” or “my husband is okay with it” won’t cut it. If you say “it’s just money,” and “my wife is okay with it,” the cops won’t let you out of the bank with all the stolen loot. Let’s stop deluding ourselves.

So, how do we keep ourselves from moving towards the way of the world? How do we repent of what has already snuck into us, and move in a godly direction?

Consider:

+ Have I given way to impure thoughts, words or deeds?

Remember those Hollywood hotties we discussed in an earlier post? Get them out of your head. Thoughts lead to actions. It may be a very slow process. Satan doesn’t care. He just wants to get you on the wrong road, then to steer you as far from God as possible. And the moment you think that you can handle it, he laughs at you that much harder. Why? Because, you’ve already left the narrow path. You couldn’t even handle where you were.

+ Have I committed any unworthy actions alone, or with others?

Jesus added to this commandment. The legalists thought they were okay so long as the act itself wasn’t committed. Only five chapters into the New Testament we read “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).

This applies to men and women, regardless of the gender of the people they lust after. So no loopholes there either.

Oh, the alone part? Lust is in your heart. You know about it. God knows about it. And the person you lust after doesn’t even have to be “real.” The girls on the porn sites and the hunks in the romance novels have induced lust in many hearts over the years.

+ Have I degraded myself in any way, or forgotten human dignity?

The first one, that probably flashed through your mind as soon as you read it. If you have anything you need to consider. The second is more subtle. But these things lower your dignity and the dignity of the other people involved. Even if they don’t know what you’re thinking, you are perceiving them in a base manner.

+ Have I read immoral books or magazines, or delighted in obscenity of any kind?

See above.

+ Have I associated with bad companions or frequented unsavory places?

I’m not calling anybody bad. That’s not my call. But a person can be a bad companion if their behavior leads you into temptation and into sin. The same is true about the places you go.

A strip club is probably a bad idea. But for some, the beach or the swap meet might bring sufficient “eye candy” to bring them down. It’s a personal call. It doesn’t matter where your weakness is – it matters if you try to avoid it and keep your eyes on God.

+ Have I eaten, or drunk, or smoked too much?

Huh? How did this get in there?

When we satiate our stomach, we have fed the basic hunger of the flesh. Appetites grow. A well-fed body still hungers for more. And it will expect you to feed its other hungers as well.

Getting drunk also lets down our defenses. “We can blame it on the alcohol.” Yeah, we know it so well we use it as an excuse.

Smoked too much? Sure. There are some who suggest that people who smoke are “easier” than others. Why? Because they already engage in risky behavior. So, if sex is just another risky behavior, it only follows.

+ Have I been lazy, idle or wasted my time?

It’s a lot easier to be tempted when we are bored or have “nothing” to do.

+ Have I led others to commit sinful acts?

Whether you seduce them to commit an act, or even to ponder it, you’ve done this. And it doesn’t even have to be a sexual act. Any act of unfaithfulness qualifies. Which brings us to-

+ Have I been unfaithful to any trust confided in me?

You knew that we’d come back around to that gossiping bit, didn’t you. Well, yeah. If you can’t keep one small part of your body faithful – your tongue – can you really be trusted with the rest of it? That might sound like a stretch, but it’s something to consider.

Your spouse wants you to be faithful in all things. So do your friends, relatives and acquaintances. It seems everyone wants you to be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect. Fortunately, God is not results oriented. It’s what’s in your heart that interests Him.

And, believe it or not, I’ve tried to keep this short. As a former bad boy, however, I learned the traps that are so easy to fall into. (I kept stepping, too, until I was too beat up to take it any more.) So, if you’re wondering about any of these things, let’s get a discussion going. My goal here is to help.

These prompts come from A Pocket Prayer Book for Orthodox Christians. The commentary is all mine. So if there is any error, it all belongs to me.

Image: tinypic.com

Rock the Commandments VI - Murder

2011-03-31T03:16:00.000-07:00

Murder.

The word alone gets our attention. It must, or we wouldn't hear it on TV so often. But is it merely what the TV promos try to entice us with? That unlawful killing of a human being by another with that malice aforethought you always hear about.

While mystery programs don't cover things like unforgiveness or having evil thoughts against people, Who does? Let's look at Matthew 5:21-22:

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' But I say to you that who ever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire." [NKJV]

Now that's a more stringent standard. And who amongst us hasn't called someone a fool - or worse? So let's take a look at the commandment itself, and how it applies in our lives.

"You shall not murder" (Ex. 20:13).

It reads the same in Deuteronomy 5:17 when Moses repeats the commandments. (Note: I'm working from the St. Athanasius Academy Septuagint [SAAS] version for all OT texts.) Some translations prefer the word "kill" over "murder." That makes a large difference which I won't go into much here.

But whatever translation you use, the original does not give much explanation. It's rather like "what part of 'no' don't you understand?" But as we see, Jesus took it much further. It's a good thing He gave us the way to eternal life or, by His definition, we'd all be in a lot of trouble.

So let's see how we can keep from our sins of the heart and truly be know by our love.

Consider:

+ Have I caused the injury or death of any one?

Any one. Injury or death. Intentional or not. In the Orthodox Church, a person who has taken a life - even by accident, even by war - cannot serve as a priest. It's serious business. In the early days of the church, priests would walk rather than ride on horseback. Why? For fear that, in the unlikely incident a shoe would fly off the horse, they might be party to causing someone else harm. Hypocrites' admonishment to cause no harm is not a positive moral statement. It is merely the cessation of evil. Love requires much more.

+ Have I wished I were dead?

I don't know about you, but I have. I spent decades battling depression. As a teenager, I even plotted my own demise. Fortunately, a friend talked me out of it. Many of you have probably fought with the demon of depression as well, and taken for your own many of the hopeless thoughts he told you. While there isn't room to fully discuss depression here, despair is essentially a failure to trust God. And for that, you've just bumped yourself up from the sixth commandment to the first.

+ Have I done anything to shorten my own life or that of someone else by injuring health, or through evil and intemperate living?

You know -- all those things you do that are bad for you. That extra donut, that cigarette, crack pipe, and so forth. But those are obvious. Being stressed out, inflicting stress on others and the many ways we damage our health and the health of others.

+ Have I given way to anger, or harmed others with words or actions?

Yeah, me too. The things we say are powerful, just like the things we do. We get hungry, frustrated, cranky and - blam - we've said something hurtful. It may not be "Raca!" but close enough.

+ Have I defamed others who needed help, or failed to stand up for those unjustly treated?

Maybe we've put down a panhandler to the other person in our car, or commented on that crazy aunt or cousin who may actually need help. People can be frustrating but, like us, they are made in the image of God. We need to love them accordingly.

+ Have I been cruel to anyone?

Sometimes just being a drama queen can qualify. Driving people crazy or manipulating them is not love. You don't need to stick bamboo shoots under someone's fingernails to be cruel.

+ Have I mistreated animals or destroyed any life unnecessarily?

While squashing that spider in the bathroom may fall under the category of necessary, many things do not. Throw back the fish you won't eat. Eat that deer you shot. And before you head out - remember to feed the dog.

+ Have I failed to forgive anyone or harbored evil thoughts against them?

Wow, now this is a biggie. Some resentments have lingered in my heart for years. And I've been really good at rationalizing how they are righteous anger, "with reason." Truth is, anger was given us to keep us from sin. Yup. Adam and Eve should have been angry at the snake for trying to deceive them. We should be angry at evil - but not judgmental. We need to save judgment for the true Judge of all. Otherwise, we are placing ourselves on His throne. Big oops. So those resentments and that bitterness we carry? Need to dump that as fast as possible and seek the Lord's forgiveness. Jesus, as always, said it best. Continuing from His words in Matthew:

"Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift" (Matthew 5:23,24). [NKJV]

Rock the Commandments V - Honoring Mom & Dad

2011-03-29T03:16:00.000-07:00

(This is a re-post of my “Rock the Commandment” series of posts. I’ll be running these on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week as we lead up to Palm Sunday. Today is also my daughter Ann's birthday. Happy Birthday, Ann!)

Commandment Number Five

This puts us halfway through the Rock the Commandments series of posts. And, as you might remember from Sunday school, this is the commandment with a promise:

Honor your father and mother that it may be well with you, and your days may be long upon the good land the Lord your God is giving you. (Ex. 20:12).

This commandment is not just a help to parents to try to keep their kids in line. The promise of a long life wouldn’t work anyway. A long life seems inevitable when we’re young. After all, the thought of death is so far from us that we might as well feel immortal. But, when we’re not so young, that promise comes back to us.

When Job lost everything, including his children, his thoughts turned to the Lord – and to his mother. Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. As it seemed good to the Lord, so also it came to pass. Blessed be the name of the Lord (Job 1:21). Job refused to blame God and die, as his wife suggested. I suspect he was pretty good to his earthly parents, too.

There is a nice passage in Proverbs where Solomon talks about his parents, David and Bathsheba.

For I was a son, and I was obedient to my father, And beloved in the presence of my mother, Who taught me, saying, “Let our word become firmly planted in your heart; Guard our commandments; do not forget them; Neither disregard the word of my mouth, Nor forsake it, and it shall cleave to you; Love it, and it will keep you. Secure it, and it shall exalt you; Honor it, that it may embrace you, And give your head a crown of graces, And cover you with a crown of delight” (Prov. 4:3-8).

This gives us a peek into Solomon’s relationship with his parents. He plainly held both of them in high regard at the writing of Proverbs. It is also plain that his wise mother Bathsheba held David in high regard as well. Given how their relationship began, we can only imagine the godliness, love and compassion she had. Most of us, I suspect, would be angry and bitter for a great many years, if not for our entire lives. Add to this, David’s humility in repentance (Ps. 51). These are good lessons for all of us.

Now let's consider our own perspectives:

+ Have I respected my parents and been obedient to them?

It’s not just your children’s commandment. Although obedience is a tricky word, have you done your best by your parents? Consider the prodigal son.

+ Have I been guilty of deception, or caused them pain by my words or actions?

Come on, you know what this means. Do you hurt your parents through how you live? Do you bring them dishonor? And – of course – the obvious question: have you lied to them? (I know that there are a lot of issues here. The hole in my bedroom door, put there in a fight with my brother as a teenager, went undiscovered for years after we hid it so well.)

Just be honest. It works.

+ Have I neglected them or failed to help them?

My parents are both in their eighties. This takes on a different meaning with time.

+ Have I done my duty towards my family?

Yes, all your family.

+ Have I been wanting in love towards my husband or wife, or harmed him or her in any way?

You’ve heard it from the psychologists. It’s spiritual, too. We honor our parents with how we honor our family.

+ Have I set my children a good example and tried to bring them up properly?

UCLA’s famed basketball coach John Wooden has a favorite poem that went something along the lines of “A little fellow watches me…” It told of how a child learns through observing and repeating, not by absorbing our words – especially if those words do not match with our behavior. In short, be the person you want your children to grow up to be.

+ Have I corrected my children’s faults with patience – and not with anger?

Okay, we all slip from time to time, anger and frustration getting the best of us. But is that the pattern? Or the exception? I’ll be writing about anger in a future post. It is something we must all be aware of.

+ Have I over-indulged or spoiled my children?

We love those darlings dearly. That means that sometimes we have to hold back. It’s not always about the now.

+ Have I neglected my god-children and failed in my obligations towards them?

The same applies. If you’re a god-parent, you’re not just a decoration at the baptism.

+ Have I worked for my employers honestly and diligently?

Just as you would work for God. Just as you should work for family.

+ Have I treated fairly all those who have worked for me?

As you have done for the least of these…

+ Have I honored God as my Heavenly Father by treating others as my brothers, and have I honored the Church as my spiritual Mother by honoring and practicing my religion in accordance with her teachings?

Every person is an icon of Christ, no matter how much that image has been covered with sin and corruption. Sin and corruption are temporary things, removable through repentance. The image of Christ is permanent. So let us not be amongst the goats, but treat all with the love we have for our Heavenly Father.

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

-Matthew 6:9b-13

These prompts come from A Pocket Prayer Book for Orthodox Christians. The commentary is all mine. So if there is any error, it all belongs to me.

Image: My son Jeremy in Mangum, Oklahoma, honoring the memory of his great-great-grandparents (my great-grandparents).

Rock the Commandments IV - Keeping the Commandments (Re-Post)

2011-03-24T03:16:00.000-07:00

(This is a re-post of my “Rock the Commandment” series of posts. I’ll be running these on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week as we lead up to Palm Sunday.)

"Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: neither you, nor your son, your daughter, your male servant, your female servant, your cattle, nor your stranger who sojourns with you. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath Day and hallowed it." (Ex. 20:8-11).

Got all that?

Yesterday, in the Rock the Commandments series of posts, I looked at what the Sabbath is, considering that as Christians most of us worship on Sunday.

Today is the discussion about how the Fourth Commandment impacts our lives today as we strive to be more like Christ.

Many of us read this Commandment, then move right past it. Why? Because it sounds legalistic, old-fashioned, and like something that just doesn't apply to us in today's world. And that's understandable. I've had exams on Sundays. I've worked on Sundays. I've traveled for work on Sundays. I've even supervised employees on Sundays. Many of you have done the same. So, besides being a convenient day for church and football, what's so great about Sunday?

I'll let you answer that for yourself.

But consider this - what if it isn't about legalism? What if there is something deeper here that can bring you closer to God? Closer to living like Christ? How would you view this Commandment then?

Ask yourself:

+ Have I stayed away from church on Sunday - or prevented others from going?

We've all done it. Maybe you were out too late on Saturday night. Or there's a ballgame on Sunday morning. Maybe you just wanted to sleep in. After all, you deserved it, right? Of course, if you fall into that last one, the underlying logic says that you deserve that sleep more than God deserves your worship.

Ouch.

Christ and the apostles were rather adamant that we worship in a community of the faithful, that we partake in His body and blood on a regular basis. Not even Paul got to be a "cowboy" Christian, doing it all on his own, and doing it his own way. We need the Church. (The Byzantine Rambler wrote a nice post about this recently.)

+ Have I done unnecessary work on Sundays?

You just read how I have worked on Sundays. Many jobs require that. But - and I'm not suggesting that you slack off when you work a Sunday shift - have you undertaken unnecessary labors? Pulling your sheep out of a ditch is necessary. Healing is the loving mercy of God. That's good. If you are working solely for your own satisfaction, to fulfill some want or desire of the self, you might be in trouble. It's not for me to tell you what action is in or out of bounds here. That is between you and God, because only you and God can know what is in your heart. Just consider if your work is for self or out of loving compassion for others. It's a good place to begin when you decide.

+ Have I spent the day in unwholesome fashion or profaned it by improper conduct?

This isn't just about vulgar behaviors. It's about any of the passions. Pride, greed, anger, envy, gluttony and laziness can be as bad as lust or foul language. The nice thing - if I can use the term - about lust and foul language is that they can be easier to recognize. That gives you more opportunity to repent and ask God for forgiveness. Many of the others can grab us in unsuspecting ways. Constant vigilance is important.

+ Have I caused anyone else to profane the Lord's Day?

If we do those things, we are no doubt influencing others. It might be direct or indirect influence, but how we live has an impact.

+ If I could not go to church due to illness or other grave cause, have I prayed at home?

Have you? Or did you just let it be a lazy day? As an Orthodox Christian, it seems that I have an advantage here. We have prayer services that the faithful can pray at home. I missed church a few Sundays ago. I read - actually I chanted - an akathist service at home before an icon of Christ. If you don't have any ready-made prayers, or simply are not practiced in praying alone, I'll bet you still have a prayer book nearby. The Book of Psalms. The Psalter has been called the prayer book of the church from the earliest days. Open it up. You may start with Psalm 1. Or maybe a favorite Psalm, such as Psalm 23. For me, Psalm 51 is a regular (big surprise). But don't read it. Pray it. That's what it's for.

+ Have I kept the fasts and festivals prescribed by the Church?

The Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches maintain church calendars developed over the past two thousand years. For an example, check the Online Chapel widget located on this page. You will see the readings for the day, what saint(s) are remembered, and so forth. Every day is different. The days never just run into each other, same old, same old. Each day is special and unique. Even if your church acknowledges fewer days on the calendar (e.g. Christmas, Pascha [Easter] and Pentecost), do you observe them? Spiritually?

And finally,

+ Have I treated the Lord's Day as if it is about me and the things I want - instead of being about the Lord?

This is what it all comes down to. Who is your day - your life - about? You or God? If I'm honest, most of my day is about me. With God's help, I need to align myself more with Him. I suspect some of you may need to as well.

Blessed is the man

Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,

Nor stands in the way of sinners,

Nor sits in the seat of the troublesome;

But his will is in the law of the Lord,

And in His law he meditates day and night.

-Psalm 1:1-2

Most of these prompts come from A Pocket Prayer Book for Orthodox Christians. But the commentary is all mine. So, if there is any error, it all belongs to me.

Image: Christianphotos.net

Rock the Commandments III - Keep the Lord's Name Holy (Re-Post)

2011-03-22T03:16:00.000-07:00

(This is a re-post of my “Rock the Commandment” series of posts. I’ll be running these on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week as we lead up to Palm Sunday.)

Part Three in a review of the Ten Commandments, and the different ways we can use the commandments to grow in our walk with God, to grow in our love for both God and for neighbor. It's not about legalism.

Being part three we're looking at - yeah, you guessed it -

The Third Commandment

"You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain." (Ex. 20:7).

If you don't swear like the characters in Hollywood movies, you probably think you are all right. And in one sense, you are. But is that all there is to this? You know God. He's pretty deep. So let's see what else might be going on here.

Let's consider:

+ Have I profaned the holy name of God in any way?

This is not just about swearing. It's about bringing scandal, mockery and a bad reputation to the name of God. As believers, people look to us as reflections of the God we follow. If we follow the ways of the world - lying, stealing, fornicating, committing adultery - they will consider our God a fraud. So by doing those things (and others), we who have put on Christ, bring His name to shame.

+ Have I cursed anyone or anything?

Living in Southern California, I spend a great deal of time on the freeways - even if I don't go very far. And for some reason, it seems that the little things most easily bring out the worst in us. Bad drivers, red lights, endless road work, all take a toll. And whether you use swear words, so-called by-words or just think evil in your heart - God knows. And He knows your heart, no matter what words you present to the world.

+ Have I sworn a false oath?

"I swear I didn't do it." You probably uttered those words as a child, hoping to get out of trouble. Do you still do it, or a variation of it? This is not just false witness against your neighbor (that's coming up in a few weeks). These can be all those little things where you've sworn "that's my story and I'm sticking to it."

+ Have I failed to give proper reverence to holy persons and things?

How do you treat the people of God? How do you trust that which belongs to Him? We live in a culture that disdains formality and prefer to treat people like they are all our buddies. But is God just the Holy Buddy you go surfing with? Is that the laid-back 'tude you'll have while standing in the crowd, waiting for Christ to divide the sheep from the goats? When He asks you to answer for your sins? (That answer is much too large a subject for this post.)

Some years ago, a man I went to church with had been invited to an event at a nearby mega-church by some friends. In the middle of the wide stage was the table they used as an altar. During the message, the famous preacher leaned back onto the altar and rested there. The man from my church said it took everything he had within him not to stand up and yell "get your ass off the altar of God!" Now, whatever word you would choose for the preacher's unfortunate body part, this man had a point. The holy things are for the holy. We need to treat God with reverence.

+ Have I had due respect for the clergy of the church? Have I hindered them in performing God's work?

You can consider the above story here. Or you can consider the backbiting and politics that go on in far too many congregations. Remember, it's not about you. It's not about the preacher. It's about God, and about us doing His work.

+ Have I broken any solemn vow or promise?

We take promises very lightly these days. It used to be that if someone gave their word, you knew that they would follow through, regardless of what happened. On the other hand, people were far less likely to make a promise - knowing that if they may not be able to deliver, it would be foolish to give their word. Children understand this. If you break your word, they will remind you "but you promised." Of course, we need to teach them that "might," or "looking into it" are not the same as promises - but we need to keep our word.

+ Have I entered into any unlawful contract or made an unlawful promise?

Hopefully, if it's against the law - man's or God's - you have not agreed to do it. And it's not just about running drugs or prostitution rings. It can be smaller things. How often do we see corrupt politicians or businesspeople on the news, caught doing what they shouldn't? And some of what they do, if you think about it, starts out very small, pushing against what seem like inane rules or regulations. Sometimes it's tempting to find an easier or more profitable workaround. But it's not a good idea. And when you're caught? As a believer, it's not just your name you've brought scandal to.

Sure, this seems like a lot to think about. But it's all part of leading a holy life, which is the greatest witness we have.

O Lord, You shall open my lips,

And my mouth will declare Your praise.

-Psalm 51:17 (50 LXX)

These prompts come from A Pocket Prayer Book for Orthodox Christians. The commentary is all mine. So if there is any error, it all belongs to me.

Rock the Commandments II - False Idols (Re-Post)

2011-03-17T03:16:00.000-07:00

(This is a re-post of my “Rock the Commandment” series of posts. I’ll be running these on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week as we lead up to Palm Sunday.)

Last week I started a ten week series on the Ten Commandments. This is week two.

This isn't about legalism, either. The point is to learn how we can use the commandments to grow in our walk with God, to grow in our love for both God and for neighbor.

Last week we looked at the First Commandment. You can find that post here. Today we'll look at - yeah, you guessed it.

The Second Commandment

"You shall not make for yourself an idol or a likeness of anything in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them..." (Ex. 20:4,5a).

This one sounds so easy. Sure, there's no golden calf in my living room. I don't bow down before some woodcarving of a goat. Move on to the next.

Wait.

There's more to this than meets the eye - or the woodcarving. We have ways of making false idols of all kinds of things in our lives. For me it tended to be the women in my life. For others it may be success, money, fame, food or a favorite sports team. Anything we place before God. For each of us it might be different, but many have struggled with this.

Let's consider:

+ Have I made an idol of any person or thing?

This is the one that got me, in a most obvious way. But we can do this in other ways, too. Sports heroes, celebrities, and those we love. Things? Houses, cars, big screen televisions come to mind. Other things may come to yours.

+ Have I given to anyone or anything the worship that is due to God alone??

Take the one above - and go just that one more step.

+ Have I set before myself the holy life of Jesus and tried to imitate Him?

Have I surrendered all those things I want in this world to His will? Really? Do I treat everyone I meet as though they are Christ? Remember, as we do to the least of these...

+ Have I read the Holy Scriptures regularly?

Dust on the Bible? Pull it out, open it up and read. Listen to it on audio in the car. Make a regular schedule. It takes three weeks to form a habit - so start now.

+ Have I been irreverent during church services, let my attention wander, or been insincere?

How many times have I been in church, listening attentively and thinking about something else. Oh, that means I wasn't attentive at all - just looking like it. And it's usually the silly thoughts that get us. Sometimes it's even good thoughts. The enemy doesn't care - just so long as he can distract us and separate us from the Lord.

+ Have I neglected to receive Holy Communion regularly or without proper preparation?

Tradition on this differs in different churches. In the Orthodox Church, this is the center of the liturgy - the reason we gather. It is not just a legal point to do as the Lord commanded. It is the very life of God within us. (Orthodox vs. Catholic vs. Protestant views are a discussion for another day.) As for proper preparation, consider St. Paul's warning in 1 Corinthians 11:27-32. The point is: be at peace with your neighbor before you come before the judge.

Bet you didn't think of all that when considering the commandment. I hadn't. These questions come from A Pocket Prayer Book for Orthodox Christians.

Next Monday we will consider the Third Commandment. But I think there's plenty here to last for a week.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

-Psalm 23:1 (22 LXX)

The Writers Launch Pad is Back on Saturday!

2011-03-16T03:16:00.000-07:00

The second annual Writers Launch Pad will be held on Saturday, March 19th at 10 a.m., and I’m excited. Thriller writer Graham Brown will be back after an amazing talk at the inaugural launch pad. He’ll be joined by Kimberly Keilbach, the author of Global Warming Is Good for Business. This is gonna be good.

Sure, writing seems like a quieter life than those lead by our heroes and heroines. But that's only true until it comes time to get into print. At the Writers Launch Pad, writers can learn what it takes to go from writer to published author from those who have already done it.

Tuscon-based thriller writer Graham Brown (Black Rain, Black Sun) is winging back in to tell how he navigated the jungle of agents and publishers to go from an unknown author to a multi-book contract.

Kimberly Keilbach is the author of Global Warming Is Good for Business. Learn how a book develops from initial concept to final publication. The research, the writing, the book proposal, the agent, the sale – and then the work begins.

The Writers Launch Pad is focused on helping writers bring their work to market, and launching their careers.

We’ll be launching at the March Field Air Museum from 10:00 am until noon. You can find the museum entrance off the I-215 Freeway at Van Buren. Just exit at Van Buren and turn east. Yes, it may look like you’re driving off a cliff, but don’t worry. The drive into the museum is on your left.

Most events of this type cost 20 to 40 dollars. But thanks to the Moreno Valley Arts Commission, the Writers Launch Pad is free. Plus, the first 100 who pre-register will receive free admission to the museum following the event. That's a ten dollar value. (Many thanks to the Air Museum for their support.)

It is my privilege to host and organize this event, and I hope to see you there. To pre-register, just let me know that you'll be there. It's that easy.

Rock the Commandments (Re-Post)

2011-03-15T03:16:00.000-07:00

This is a re-post of my “Rock the Commandment” series of posts. I’ll be running these on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week as we lead up to Palm Sunday.

You can be holy.

Sure. Why not? Be holy as I am holy (1Pt 1:16). Must be simple, right?

Think about it. Ten commandments - how hard can they be? And Christ broke it down to the two biggies: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matt 22:37-39).

Simple.

Then why is it so hard? That's what we're going to look at for ten straight Mondays, starting today. Beginning with the First Commandment, and working our way through, we'll be looking at a number of prompts. These will help us to see what we're doing, and how to keep better to the straight and narrow.

Now, granted, the review is easy. It's walking the walk that can be hard. But our struggle with the flesh - and the temptations of the enemy - will be discussed later. Right now, let's just do the inventory. No point getting ahead of ourselves.

I'm putting these up on Mondays so the start of the week doesn't blow away everything we did and learned on Sunday. Also, reviewing these for a few days can be very effective. I don't know about you, but repeating things like this help me a great deal.

Most of these prompts come from A Pocket Prayer Book for Orthodox Christians. If you're familiar with these, you may find I've adapted some, added a few and may even comment from time to time. But I think you'll come up with plenty of thoughts on your own.

And, as always, if any error slips in, it's all mine.

Let's take a look.

The First Commandment

"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me" (Ex. 20:2,3).

We worship the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit - one God. At least we try. But now consider these thoughts. They cut me to the heart every time I read them - and never in quite the same way.

+ Have I believed in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit?

+ Have I failed to trust in God and His mercy?

+ Have I complained against God in adversity?

+ Have I been thankful for God's blessings?

+ Have I doubted the Christian faith and the teachings of the Church?

+ Have I tried to serve God and keep His commandments?

+ Have I given way to superstition?

+ Have I frequented the religious meetings of heretics, those who would divide the church or those who follow false gods?

+ Have I neglected my duties to God through fear of ridicule or persecution?

+ Have I failed to pray to God faithfully?

+ Have I put myself before God?

I've been guilty on all counts at one time or another. More often than I care to admit - and that's pride. So I keep on trying. Of course, no one can achieve holiness on their own. It requires the grace of God - and our cooperation with that grace, so generously given.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

And everything within me, bless His holy name.

-Psalm 103:1 (102 LXX)

Lent May Not Be Easy...

2011-03-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

Whatever Christian tradition you follow, Orthodox, Roman or Protestant, it is now Lent. Many of you are thinking of the thing or things you "give up." The word lent is an ancient word for Spring, the time of renewal and rebirth. So perhaps we're not giving up anything. Perhaps we're gaining.

Consider this: If you give up certain foods, you learn to control the appetites of the flesh rather than to be controlled by them. That’s freedom, my friends. But it’s not just about fasting. After all, the demons don’t eat – and they gain nothing from the fast. Not that fasting isn’t important. The fall came when Adam and Eve broke the fast and ate the only item they were to fast from. So what are we to do? How do we convert this “giving up” into spiritual growth, into a greater relationship with Christ?

St. John Chrysostom had a few thoughts on this. Named the Archbishop of Constantinople just as the fifth century was just about to dawn, I like to picture him preaching to a full church. The congregants would have included peasants, merchants and even the emperor. It didn’t matter one’s earthly station, the goal was (and is) communion with Christ.

Do you fast?

Give me proof of it by your works.

If you see a poor man, take pity on him.

If you see a friend being honored, do not envy him.

Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eye, and the ear, and the feet, and the hands, and all the members of our bodies.

Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice.

Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin.

Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful …

Let the ear fast … by not listening to evil talk and gossip …

Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism. For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers?

And that might be the greatest fast of all, from biting and devouring our brothers. Giving up our grudges, forgiving those around us, loving those whom we feel don’t deserve it – even our enemies as Jesus taught. And if you wait for your anger to subside before forgiving someone, you haven’t truly forgiven them at all. True forgiveness comes when it is hard to do so. True love comes when it is hard to love. We are not all called to be nailed to a cross and forgive those who hold the hammers and nails. But that is the example we are called to follow. And how can we ever be like Christ if we can’t take a few weeks of Spring to let go of earthly things? To even take those steps in His direction?

St. John Chrysostom pray for us as we struggle to grow closer to our lord!

I'm on the Radio!

2011-02-09T03:16:00.000-08:00

Tonight at 8:30 I will be interviewing poets Gerald Locklin and Patricia Cherin on 90.7 KPFK-FM Los Angeles. I occasionally host the Poets Cafe program, and this is my second interview with these poets. Locklin is a SoCal legend whose collected papers are housed at Cal State Long Beach. And Cherin heads the writing program at Cal State Dominguez Hills. (She's also my cousin). It should be fun.

You can listen on the radio or on the internet via live streaming. With good fortune, the show will be archived on the station's website, but this is somewhat hit and miss. Hope you can all tune in.

Your February Calendar is Here

2011-02-01T03:16:00.001-08:00

February is here, bringing with it the Super Bowl of football, the Super Bowl of Romance (St. Valentine’s Day) and the start of Lent. And a few more important days as well.

To that end, I’ve gathered up things that are celebrated on each day of the month. So remember, there is always something positive for someone somewhere.

This month’s birthstone is amethyst, and the flowers are viola and primrose.

If there are any celebrations that you think should be on here, just let me know.

February – Black History Month / International Dadaism Month

February 01 – Edward III crowned king of England (he is later killed by his mother) (1327)

February 02 – Groundhog Day / Meeting of Christ in the Temple (Orthodox)

February 03 – Colony of Massachusetts issues first paper money in America (1690) / Sovereignty of Greece confirmed (independence from Ottoman Empire) (1830)

February 04 – Independence Day (Sri Lanka)

February 05 – 1917 Constitution of Mexico

February 06 – Waitangi Day (New Zealand) / Super Bowl Sunday

February 07 – Synaxis St. John the Baptist (Orthodox)

February 08 – Mary, Queen of Scots executed (1587) / Birth of a Nation Premieres (1915)

February 09 – Haiti invades the Dominican Republic (1822) / Independence Day (Jamaica) (1962)

February 10 – Holy Martyr Haralambos (Orthodox)

February 11 – Weiberfastnacht (Germany) / National Foundation Day (Japan)

February 12 – Abraham Lincoln born (1809)

February 13 – Sunday of the Publican & the Pharisee (Orthodox)

February 14 – St Valentine’s Day

February 15 – Founding of St. Louis, Missouri (1764)

February 16 – Stephen Decatur leads raid to burn the pirate-held USS Philadelphia (1804) / St. Nicholas of Japan (Orthodox)

February 17 –

Congress elects Thomas Jefferson President to resolve electoral tie between Jefferson and Aaron Burr (1801) (Burr would go on to become vice president and to kill Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton) / St. Anthony the Great (Orthodox)

February 18 – Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn published (1884)

February 19 – Apostles Archippus & Philemon of the Seventy (Orthodox)

February 20 – John Glenn becomes first American to orbit the earth (1962)

February 21 – Presidents Day

February 22 – Apostle Timothy of the Seventy (Orthodox) / US buys Florida from Spain for five million dollars (1819)

February 23 – St Polycarp of Smyrna (Orthodox)

February 24 – Pope Gregory XIII announces the Gregorian Calendar (1582)

February 25 – Oregon levies first gasoline tax in US (1919)

February 26 – Napoleon Bonaparte escapes from Elba (1815)

February 27 – Independence Day (Dominican Republic)

February 28 – St. Isaac the Syrian (Orthodox) / First telecast of a basketball game (Fordham v. Pittsburgh) (1940)

Image: Johntex at commons.wikimedia.org

(Yes, this did accidentally post early, for those of you who notice such things.)

9-11

2010-09-11T03:16:00.001-07:00

(This is a re-post of my column from last year. There really isn't much more to say.)

Last night I was pondering what to write for today’s post. Finally, something came to me – and I’ll write about that later. Today is 9-11 and I feel the need to be more subdued, quiet and reflective.

As I was getting ready this morning, somewhere around 5:30, I reached for my Toastmasters pin – the one I wear to my 6am meeting. There was another pin beside it that I put on instead. It’s a pin of the Twin Towers with an American flag and a ribbon. It was given to me by a fellow USC alum. He designed them, ordered them and gave them free to people who would wear them.

If we forget the rest of the year, at least today we remember. Pray for those lost, that their memories will be eternal. Pray for those who lost them, that their lives have meaning and purpose. Pray for our country, that we may live in peace and prosperity. Pray for those who serve, that God will keep them safe. And pray for ourselves, that we will remember God, not knowing the time of our own deaths. Pray that when our souls are required, we will be ready.

And may all our memories be eternal.

(Image: 9-11 Survivors.)

The Writers Launch Pad Flyers Are Here

2010-03-03T10:41:00.000-08:00

I've recently received the flyers for the Writers Launch Pad - and they look great. Kudos to the great graphic artists of MoVal for such a fine job.

Along with the Moreno Valley Arts Commission, I'm organizing the Writers Launch Pad, which will be held on Saturday, March 20th at 10 a.m.

The Writers Launch Pad is focused on helping writers bring their work to market, and launching their careers.
While novel writing seems like a quieter life than those lead by our heroes and heroines - that's only true until it comes time to get into print. At the Writers Launch Pad, writers can learn what it takes to go from writer to published author from those who have already done it.

Tuscon-based thriller writer Graham Brown (Black Rain) is winging in to tell how he navigated the jungle of agents and publishers to go from an unknown author to a multi-book contract.

Madelyn Cain is the author of three non-fiction books, the most recent being 2009's Laffit: Anatomy of a Winner. But she didn't write the book until she sold it. Selling a work of non-fiction is as much an art as writing the book itself. And Cain is a master of the non-fiction book proposal - so much so that she teaches the subject in USC's Master of Professional Writing program. Come learn what it takes to impress agents and publishers before your book is even finished.

Although most events of this type cost 20 to 40 dollars, thanks to the Moreno Valley Arts Commission, the Writers Launch Pad is free. Plus, the first 100 who pre-register will receive free admission to the museum following the event. That's an eight dollar value. (Many thanks to the Air Museum for their support.)

To pre-register, just send an e-mail to launchpad@ericvonmizener.com before 5pm on March 19th.

Celebrating March

2010-03-01T17:46:00.000-08:00

March is here and it’s the middle of Lent. So don’t get too rowdy, folks.

I’ve rounded up a number of interesting celebrations and memorials that happen in March. So whatever else happens this month, you can’t claim that one day is just like another.

This month’s birthstons are Aquamarine, Bloodstone, and the flowers are jonquils. If there are any that you think should be on here, just let me know. (And, honest, I didn’t make these up – not even Make up Your Own Holiday Day.)

March – Indian Month of the Year (2010) / Women’s History Month / Irish-American Month / Music in Our Schools Month / National Craft Month / National Frozen Food Month / National Nutrition Month / National Peanut Month / Red Cross Month / Social Workers Month

March 01 – Shushan Purim / St. David’s Day (

Wales

) / National Pig Day / Peanut Butter Lover’s Day

March 02 – National Reading Day / Independence Day (Texas) / Old Stuff Day / Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) born. (1904)

March 03 – I Want You to Be Happy Day / If Pets Had Thumbs Day / National Anthem Day

March 04 – St. Daniel of Moscow (Orthodox) / Hug a GI Day

March 05 – Employee Appreciation Day / Multiple Personality Day / National Salesperson Day (First Friday)

March 06 – Soul Saturday (Orthodox) / Dentist’s Day

March 07 – Sunday of the Holy Cross (Orthodox) / National Crown Roast of Pork Day / Last Quarter Moon

March 08 – Apostle Hermas of the Seventy (Orthodox) / International Women’s Day / Commonwealth Day (Canada)

March 09 – Forty Martyrs of Sebaste (Orthodox) / Panic Day

March 10 – Middle Name Pride Day

March 11 – Johnny Appleseed Day

March 12 – Girl Scouts Day / Plant a Flower Day

March 13 – Soul Saturday (Orthodox) / Pluto Planet Day (New Mexico) / Ear Muff Day / Jewel Day / Learn About Butterflies Day / National Potato Chip Day

March 14 – Sunday of St. John Climacus (Orthodox) / Pi Day / Save a Spider Day / Daylight Savings Time Begins (USA / Canada)

March 15 – The Ides of March (Beware) / Hungarian Revolution (1848) / Everything You Think Is Wrong Day / Incredible Kid Day / Dumbstruck Day / New Moon

March 16 – Everything You Do Is Right Day / Freedom of Information Day

March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day / Submarine Day

March 18 – Supreme Sacrifice Day

March 19 – St. Joseph’s Day / Poultry Day

March 20 – Extraterrestrial Abductions Day / National Quilting Day (Third Saturday) / Proposal Day / Spring Equinox (1^st Day of Spring)

March 21 – Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt (Orthodox) / Human Rights Day (

South Africa

) / Fragrance Day

March 22 – World Water Day / National Goof Off Day

March 23 – Pakistan Day / Day of Polish-Hungarian Friendship / National Chip and Dip Day / Near Miss Day / First Quarter Moon

March 24 – National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day

March 25 – Annunciation of the Theotokos (Orthodox) / Greek War of Independence (1821) / Pecan Day / Waffle Day

March 26 – Prince Kūhiō Day (Hawaii) / Independence Day (Bangladesh) / Make up Your Own Holiday Day

March 27 – Lazarus Saturday (Orthodox) / National “Joe” Day

March 28 – Palm Sunday (Orthodox / RC / Protestant) / Clocks Forward One Hour (EU)

March 29 – Holy & Great Monday (Orthodox) / National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day / Miracle Day / Full Moon (USA)

March 30 – Holy & Great Tuesday (Orthodox) / St. John Climacus (Orthodox) / Take a Walk in the Park Day / First Day of Passover / Full Moon (EU)

March 31 – Fiscal Year Ends (Japan) / School Calendar Ends (

Japan

) / Bunsen Burner Day / National Clam on the Half Shell Day

Image: The Entry into Jerusalem

The Red Elvises

2010-03-01T13:11:00.000-08:00

We don’t get a lot of celebrity sightings here in Moreno Valley, so any opportunity that presents itself must be pounced upon.

Yesterday I spotted the Red Elvises driving through town. Right down the 60 freeway. They may never have known they were here. I told Carol, “Look, there go the Red Elvises!”

Carol said, “The what?”

Oh, well. We got off the freeway before I thought to have her take a picture. But the pics you see are the very van we saw, just these come off of their website.

It’s a good thing neither of us work as paparazzi.

Pants on the Ground

2010-02-05T14:55:00.001-08:00

This is all very silly – and a lot of fun. (This is also three-year-old Jacob's favorite song. He sings it all the time.)

Thanks to Bridget Chumbley for the link.

Super February

2010-01-31T20:06:00.000-08:00

February is here, bringing with it the Super Bowl of football, the Super Bowl of Romance (St. Valentine’s Day) and the start of Lent. And a few more important days as well.

To that end, I’ve gathered up things that are celebrated on each day of the month. So remember, there is always something positive for someone somewhere.

This month’s birthstone is amethyst, and the flowers are viola and primrose.

If there are any celebrations that you think should be on here, just let me know.

February – Black History Month / International Dadaism Month

February 01 – Edward III crowned king of England (he is later killed by his mother) (1327)
February 02 – Groundhog Day / Meeting of Christ in the Temple (Orthodox)
February 03 – Colony of Massachusetts issues first paper money in America (1690) / Sovereignty of Greece confirmed (independence from Ottoman Empire) (1830)
February 04 – Independence Day (Sri Lanka)
February 05 – Last quarter moon (US) / 1917 Constitution of Mexico
February 06 – Last quarter moon (EU) / Soul Saturday (Orthodox)
February 07 – Meatfare Sunday (Orthodox)
February 08 – Mary, Queen of Scots executed (1587)
February 09 – Haiti invades the Dominican Republic (1822) / Independence Day (Jamaica) (1962)
February 10 – Holy Martyr Haralambos (Orthodox)
February 11 – Weiberfastnacht (Germany) / National Foundation Day (Japan)
February 12 – Abraham Lincoln born (1809)
February 13 – New moon (US)
February 14 – St Valentine’s Day / New moon (EU) / Cheesefare Sunday, Forgiveness Sunday (Orthodox)
February 15 – Presidents Day / Lenten Fast Begins (Orthodox) / Flag Day (Canada)
February 16 – Mardi Gras
February 17 – Ash Wednesday (RC)
February 18 – Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn published (1884)
February 19 – Apostles Archippus & Philemon of the Seventy (Orthodox)
February 20 – John Glenn becomes first American to orbit the earth (1962)
February 21 – First quarter moon (US) / Sunday of Orthodoxy (Orthodox)
February 22 – First quarter moon (EU)
February 23 – St Polycarp of Smyrna (Orthodox)
February 24 – Pope Gregory XIII announces the Gregorian Calendar (1582)
February 25 – Oregon levies first gasoline tax in US (1919)
February 26 – Napoleon Bonaparte escapes from Elba (1815)
February 27 – Soul Saturday (Orthodox) / Independence Day (Dominican Republic)
February 28 – Purim / Full moon / St Gregory Palamas Sunday (Orthodox)

Image: www.2010calendar.ca

Remembering Bishop Job

2010-01-27T08:54:00.003-08:00

Forty days after the unexpected death of Bishop Job of Chicago, I wish to honor his memory with these photos.

Way back in the 80’s, I believe it was ’86 or ’87, Bishop Job visited the small Orthodox school supported by our mission parish, Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission in La Habra, California. All Nations Orthodox School met at St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church in Anaheim, a short distance from Knott’s Berry Farm. These photos are of that visit.

May his memory be eternal!

On the Air - Wednesday 01/13

2010-01-12T15:56:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note. A new Poets Café program will air tomorrow with me interviewing the talented Alba Cruz-Hacker. The author of No Honey for Wild Beasts, she also teaches poetry in the MFA program at UC-Riverside.

The program will air at 2pm on KPFK, 90.7 FM in Los Angeles. You can also listen via the internet at kpfk.org at the time of broadcast. And if you miss it, just go to the station's archives on the website. It will be posted there for a limited time.

Happy New Year - January Is Here

2010-01-01T16:24:00.001-08:00

January is here. Another day, another decade. Around here we’re hoping the new year will begin better than the old year ended.

To that end, I’ve gathered up things that are celebrated on each day of the month. So remember, there is always something positive for someone somewhere.

This month’s birthstone is garnet, and the flowers are carnations.

If there are any celebrations that you think should be on here, just let me know.

January – Eye Care Month / Hot Tea Month / National Blood Donor Month / National Braille Literacy Month / National Hobby Month / National Soup Month / National Staying Healthy Month / National Thank You Month / Oatmeal Month

January 01 – New Year’s Day / Betsy Ross born (1752) / Abraham Lincoln delivers the Emancipation Proclamation (1863) / Restoration Day of the Independent Czech State (Czech) / Independence Day (Haiti) / Day of Establishment of the Slovak Republic (Slovak) / Independence Day (Sudan)

January 02 – Berchtoldstag (Switzerland) / New Year’s Day Holiday (China) / Ancestry Day (Haiti)

January 03 – J.R.R. Tolkien born (1892) / Bank Holiday (Taiwan)

January 04 – Independence Day (Myanmar)

January 05 – Twelfth Night (Sweden)

January 06 – Heilige drei Könige (Epiphany) (Germany) / Three Kings Day (Mexico) / Christmas Eve (Montenegro)

January 07 – Christmas Day (Old Calendar) / Teacher’s Day (Albania)

January 08 – Elvis Presley born (1935)

January 09 – Richard M. Nixon born (1913) / Martyr’s Day (Panama)

January 10 – 1^st Meeting of the United Nations (1946)

January 11 – Eugenio María de Hostos (Puerto Rico 2^nd Monday)

January 12 – Jack London born (1876) / Zanzibar Revolution Day (Tanzania) / Memorial Day (Turkmenistan)

January 13 – Poetry Break Day

January 14 – St Vasilis Day (Serbia)

January 15 – 1^st Super Bowl (1967)

January 16 – Day of Stephanie (UK)

January 17 – Benjamin Franklin born (1706) / Anton Chekhov born (1860)

January 18 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day / A.A. Milne born (1882) / Winnie the Pooh Day

January 19 – Epiphany (Old Calendar) / Edgar Allen Poe born (1809)

January 20 – St John Day (Serbia)

January 21 – Errol Barrow Day (Barbados) / Dia de la Altagracia (Dominican Republic)

January 22 – National Blonde Brownie Day

January 23 – National Handwriting Day

January 24 – Gold discovered in California (1848)

January 25 – Robert Burns born (1759) / Virginia Woolf born (1882)

January 26 – Australia Day (Australia) / Duarte Day (Dominican Republic) / Republic Day (India)

January 27 – Lewis Carroll born (1832) / St Sava Day (Serbia)

January 28 – Ernie’s (Sesame Street character) birthday

January 29 – Thomas Paine born (1737) / William McKinley born (1843)

January 30 – Franklin D. Roosevelt born (1882)

January 31 – Jackie Robinson born (1919)

Image: www.2010calendar.ca

Remembering Mother and Child this Christmas

2009-12-18T09:49:00.000-08:00

In this Nativity season, as we all hurry off to find presents, trees and décor, rush to make arrangements – who will visit whom, where and on Christmas Eve or Christmas – it is often easy to forget Jesus at the center of it all.

As the Church approaches her two thousandth birthday, we once again celebrate the birth of He Who deigned to leave His heavenly throne to be born a poor boy in a backwater town, His mother delivering Him amongst farm animals in a cave.

In the two thousand plus years since His birth, many icons have been written of Him with His mother Mary. According to tradition, St Luke was the first to depict the infant Christ with her.

This video does not portray all of those icons, but the many styles are well represented. So just take a moment, click play, and remind yourself of why we celebrate. Say a prayer. Give thanks. And marvel at what God did for us.

As St Thalassios the Libyan writes, “There is a new wonder in heaven and on earth: God is on earth and man is in heaven.”

How to Worship

2009-11-04T03:16:00.000-08:00

This is all in fun, folks. But having come from an Evangelical-Pentecostal background from my days with John Wimber at Calvary Chapel/Vineyard Christian Fellowship – (go ahead, take a breath) – I couldn’t help but laugh aloud when I saw this.

Props to Fr. Joseph Huneycutt for posting this on his Orthodixie blog. That’s where I first saw it.

A Few More Thoughts After Halloween

2009-11-02T13:28:00.000-08:00

Following the responses to my post about Halloween – there was a nice discussion on it on Facebook – I have a few more thoughts.

The excursion to Hallelujah Night at Harvest was pleasant enough. It was essentially a volunteer run carnival with lots of booths where the kids could play games and come away with candy. Mostly harmless. Most of the costumes on the kids were tame, too. Superheroes, fairies, etc. There were a few teenagers with skulls or excess cleavage – I don’t know if it was more than the outside world or not. But there was still very little to redeem the evening.

Harvest, like most Evangelical churches, could hardly be distinguished from a secular business campus. The buildings – save for one, small and easily-removable cross on the concert hall, er, sanctuary – was the only thing to denote it as Christian. The building interiors were sufficiently devoid of Christian markings to stave off Roman or Soviet persecution.

There was a play, an adaptation of Hairspray. Except in this version the girl wanted to tell the world about Jesus. When she got nervous she repeated “I will only think of Jesus.” I don’t believe she ever did think of him, only that she was going to. Same with telling the world. She only told the cameras that she would tell the world. And, the truth is, God is in the present moment, not our intentions for the next.

One of the commentators on Facebook noted that her family has celebrated All Souls Day in keeping with Roman Catholic tradition for the last several years. I like that. It connects to the origins of the holiday. Halloween is All Hallows Eve, after all. And Hallelujah Night is just a by-word for Halloween. No tradition, nothing particularly Christian, just a Hebrew word with similar phonemes at the front end.

Of course, it might just be that I missed our own tradition. I put the light-up vampire Tigger in the yard, and Carol’s students from past and present knock on the door. It’s a neighborhood thing. And maybe that’s what it should be. At Hallelujah Night people gathered away from home next to those they didn’t know. And here, we see our neighbors and friends. Scary.

November Is Here

2009-11-01T03:16:00.001-08:00

November is here. The pumpkins are going in the pies and the turkeys are getting nervous.

I’ve rounded up a number of interesting celebrations and memorials that happen in November. So whatever else happens this month, you can’t claim that one day is just like another. Black Friday alone should tell you that.

This month’s birthstone is topaz, and the flowers are chrysanthemums. But my favorite part is Turkey Day, er, Thanksgiving.

If there are any that you think should be on here, just let me know. (And, honest, I didn’t make these up – not even National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day.)

November – American Diabetes Month / Epilepsy Awareness Month / National AIDS Awareness Month / National American Indian Heritage Month / National Long Term Care Awareness Month / International Drum Month / Peanut Butter Lover’s Month / Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month / National Novel Writing Month / Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month / Lung Cancer Awareness Month / National Homeless Youth Awareness Month / Crohn's & Ulcerative Colitis Awareness Month / Movember (Australia & New Zealand)

November 01 – All Saints Day (RC) / End of Daylight Savings Time / National Author's Day / Stephen Crane born (1871)
November 02 – All Souls Day (RC) / Day of the Dead (Latin America) / Election Day (US) / National Deviled Egg Day
November 03 – Sandwich Day / Housewife’s Day
November 04 – Waiting for the Barbarians Day
November 05 – Apostle Patrobus of the Seventy (Orthodox) / Guy Fawkes Night (Britain/New Zealand) / Gunpowder Day
November 06 – William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury (Anglican) / Saxophone Day / Marooned without a Compass Day
November 07 – National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day / National Bookstore Day
November 08 – Synaxis of Archangels Michael, Gabriel & All Heavenly Hosts (Orthodox) / Dunce Day / Bram Stoker born (1847)
November 09 – Chaos Never Dies Day
November 10 – National Heroes Day (Indonesia) / Forget-Me-Not Day
November 11 – Veteran’s Day / Air Day
November 12 – National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day
November 13 – St. John Chrysostom (Orthodox) / National Indian Pudding Day
November 14 – Apostle Philip of the Twelve (Orthodox) / Children’s Day (India) / Operation Room Nurse Day
November 15 – Nativity Fast Begins (Orthodox) / National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day
November 16 – Apostle & Evangelist Mathew (Orthodox) / Button Day
November 17 – Take a Hike Day
November 18 – Martyrs Plato, Romanus & Barulas (Orthodox)
November 19 – Prophet Obadiah (Orthodox) / International Men’s Day / Great American Smokeout (Third Thursday) / International Philosophy Day (Third Thursday)
November 20 – Revolution Day (Mexico) / Absurdity Day
November 21 – Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple (Orthodox) / World Hello Day
November 22 – Apostles Philemon, Archippus & Onesimus of the Seventy (Orthodox) / Start Your Own Country Day
November 23 – National Cashew Day
November 24 – Great Martyr Catherine (Orthodox)
November 25 – National Parfait Day
November 26 – Thanksgiving Day
November 27 – Black Friday / National Pins and Needles Day / James Agee born (1909)
November 28 – Make Your Own Head Day
November 29 – Square Dance Day / C.S. Lewis born (1898)
November 30 – Apostle Andrew, the First Called (Orthodox) / St. Andrew’s Day (Scotland) / Stay at Home Because You’re Well Day / Jonathan Swift born (1667)

Image: "The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth" (1914) By Jennie A. Brownscombe

Halloween and Church Unity

2009-10-30T15:42:00.001-07:00

As part of being grandparents, Carol and I are attending the Hallelujah Night celebration at Harvest megachurch in Riverside. You know, Greg Laurie, Harvest Crusades – that Harvest. And for our grandkids, I’m happy to do it. But honestly? I don’t get it.

The Vatican has come out against Halloween as anti-Christian, now that the event is appearing in Europe. Many Protestants agree. Maybe some Orthodox agree, too. I don’t know. But I do know that the modern event of Halloween is more Great Pumpkin than pagan. It’s more treats than tricks.

When my grandfather (1900-1981) was a teen, they would do such tricks as disassembling autos and rebuilding them on peoples’ rooftops. He used to tell me that one. Watch Meet Me in St. Louis sometime. The film takes place in 1903-4 and the tricks are just as mean. Yet, for all of that, there is no practice of the occult.

When my children were young, I explained the difference between pagan witchcraft and the mythical witches of cartoons and much literature. We had fun and ate chocolate. That’s the point.

Also, complaining of the holiday’s pagan origins supports an anti-Christian argument. Many have attacked western Christians for celebrating Easter. After all, Easter was a pagan celebration of the spring equinox. The claim is that Christians merely co-opted the holiday, the Osiris myth, and applied their own Galilean twist.

In the east, of course, we have never used the term Easter. The celebration of Pascha (Passover) has always been known by that name. Does the western term sometimes slip into vocabulary among the Orthodox living here? Sure. But it’s only to avoid explaining the term to people who already look at us like we’re evil, or worse, Catholic.

And that’s my big problem. Orthodox, Roman or Protestant, we’re all Christians. Yet we have knee jerk reactions over Halloween, Pascha vs. Easter, or if someone is a pre-tribulationist or not. (This last is a line of belief under 200 years old, and strictly western and Protestant.)

Oops, there I go. I’m guilty too.

While being dragged to Rome to be martyred, St. Ignatius of Antioch wrote that “wherever Jesus Christ is present, we have the world-wide Church.” That’s still true. It always has been. So let’s not freak out about pagan origins, whether of Halloween or the term Easter. Let us show people that we are Christians – and they will know this by our love, not our infighting.

So now let’s go out there and show some love.