Where are you taking me?

Based on Exodus 3:1-15

Does anyone remember the story of Narcissus? In Greek Mythology, Narcissus was a beautiful youth who was arrogant, cruel and insensitive to the feelings of others. Hearing the prayer of a maiden in distress, an avenging goddess [Aphrodite] decided that Narcissus would come to feel what it was like to love and experience no return of affection. One day, he came upon a clear fountain where he saw his own image reflected upon the water. Fascinated with the image, he fell in love and came to cherish that which he could not possess or control. He became so absorbed in himself that he eventually drowned in his own reflection.

Myths are powerful because they reflect a truth greater than truth itself. Myths, with their vivid images, and extraordinary tales, expose a psychological reflection of our deepest fears, and our own worries about our self, and our place in the world. Myths, according to Joseph Campbell are, “the experience of meaning” the “clues to the potentialities of a spiritual life.” I would argue that we can’t experience the depth of a spiritual life unless we can find meaning found in the realities of the world around us, to see situations from an inward theological perspective, over and above taking in life’s rawness like the passive shutter of a camera lens. Jesus’ parables are forms of crystallized myths centering on a greater truth, exposing life in its rawness leading towards a deeper experience of meaning. Read More �

As I look at my signed copy of a Single Man, autographed by Isherwood, I regret during our conversation I never asked about his vague ending, did George die or did he simply fall asleep – to this day the debate continues. But for me, there is no debate that Tom Ford should not have written the adaptation of a Single Man, calling to mind inexperience as a cinema-graphic director.

As I watched the film I walked into the theater knowing full well that one could not truly adapt Isherwood’s novella, but I had hoped the movie might at least capture the spirit…..there was no spirit other than another Hollywood “Gay” character drizzling the movie audience with pity tears, and melodramatic cliches. Read More �

Jeremiah 1:4-10
Psalm 71:1-6
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Luke 4:21-30

It was a balmy warm summer evening in Huntington Beach. The courtyard of the church was enveloped by a vibrant palette of sunset colors which slowly evaporated into a blanket of cloud cover.

In the courtyard of St. Wilfrid’s, mixed with audio strains of Gregorian chant, lay a hand crafted labyrinth made from blue duct tape. It was nothing fancy, and was obviously designed from a “how to” book. Placed in various areas of the labyrinth were small half domed candles,  you might know those kind I’m talking about; candles made from glass with cargo netting around the outside, but in the center of the maze was a large white candle glowing by itself – - – - it seemed lonely. Read More �

On Saturday I had the distinct pleasure of preaching at Bloy House, Claremont, CA at a special Recovery Service. In reference to a theme of God’s abundance, I  shared the experience of my own special healing which took place at St. Wilfrid of York Episcopal Church in Huntington Beach one Easter Sunday in 2002. Here is an excerpt from the sermon’s closing: Read More �

I just love facilitating small group discussions.  When I thought of starting a weekly small group two years ago at St. George’s held on a weekday, I was not sure if it would take off, but now that I started up again after the Christmas break, it looks as though it is working, and working well.

This week’s readings suggest God’s love, and acceptance for all with the culmination found in the gospel reading from Luke surrounding Jesus’ baptism. Read More �

As is normal, when a decade comes to an end, a review of the past ten years is in order, and being typical, and average, I had to reflect and attempt to come up with a personal theme, a word to encapsulate the last 10 years on earth.  If I had to choose a reflective word, the one which comes to mind would be Trans-formative. Read More �

God came to earth as a homeless baby

Born from an unwed mother, this child transformed the earth.

May we all be transformed, and spread the simple love of God to all people this day, and ever more.

Recently, Public Broadcasting presented a Nova three part documentary entitled, Becoming Human. The three episodes were dedicated to unraveling the formation of our human species. Not only was this three part documentary enlightening, it also made me wonder about our ontological needs, and how we, as a society, might have disrupted our deeper longing to the detriment of daily living.

In part II, we were told of a great discovery by Tim White and Richard Leakey who in 1984 found a complete 5′ 3″ skeleton of an 8 year old hominid they named Turkana Boy who lived 1.5 million years ago. Due to the wholeness of the skeleton, scientists were able to learn much more about our brain development and the social development of our early ancestors. Read More �

A week ago,  Saturday,  I led the office of Compline, and as an opening Orison (bidding prayer), I chanted the opening strains from Samuel Barber’s opus, The Prayers of Kierkegaard.  This prayer has stayed with me for many years ever since I rehearsed the work as a member of a community chorus.

Contained within the prayer, Kierkegaard writes, “The need of a sparrow; even this moves Thee, and was we scarcely see, a human sigh, this moves Thee, O infinite Love!” Read More �

It was in the year 2004, that I was able to pull together St. Wilfrid of York Episcopal Church’s first service honoring National Coming Out Day.  As one who was always frustrated with Gay Pride celebrations, it seemed logical to choose this day which celebrates a transformation in an individual’s life, a time when a person is re-born into fullness, and authenticity, and to have a church available so that God could participate in this joyous celebration. There are three vivid memories which stand out from this very first service: Read More �