Celtic Odyssey

A couple of posts ago , I discussed the meaning of the ministry of reconciliation. And the conclusion was that it means, 'To work through actions and words as a servant (of God) in restoring the harmony between God and creation to form one connected whole.' I like this definition. I like it a lot. But now comes the hard part -- how do we do it? That is what these series of posts are about. How do we do the ministry of reconciliation? Before we get into that I think I should be clear on what has happened. At one time, God and creation were in harmony with each other and creation was in harmony with itself. Then people rebelled against God and all of creation was thrown into turmoil ( Genesis 1-3 ; Romans 8 ). But since that time, God has put in place various things (people, laws, etc.) to bring unity back to everything. Let's look at a couple of passages that will help us see what God has done to accomplish this. Again, 2Corinthians: So if anyon...

Today marks my and Mahina's 19th wedding anniversary. Can you believe it? Nineteen years. Who woulda thunk it? We have had a lot of great times and a few rather scary ones. In fact, today marks the end of a very dark and almost hopeless time. It marks the dawn of a New Beginning. Of our New Beginning. We chose the Spring Equinox because of what it represents in the world around us. We wanted to renew our vows but instead we just started over. Nothing fancy, just some good friends and family, good food and music. We shared some words and asked God to bless us on this New Beginning. If you were one of the lucky ones who could attend, you should listen to the music CD we passed out with all of those wonderful songs and relive that joyous occasion with us. That is what I'm listening to today -- all day long. If you are so inclined, you can head over to my Public Box and look at the pictures that were taken from that very special day. There is something so special abo...

Last night at our men's Bible study group, we read from one of my favorite passages, 2Corinthians 5.17-21. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. New Revised Standard Version The idea of verse 17 is that God's New Creation isn't a sudden event at the end of history. It is a Project that started in the middle of history at the resurrection of Jesus and continues on with each person who ...

On March 11, 2007, I was confirmed in the Episcopal church.  This means that I was admitted, by the laying on of hands from the Bishop (as well as our priest and other leaders and my family and friends), to full privileges of the church.  This is the first step in a long journey toward ordination.  It is from here that I can move more in the right direction of my calling.  I am so excited about this.  I am part of a great local community and an exciting and wonderful (if not sometimes tumultuous) tradition that goes back a long time. The door is wide open now.  And I have walked through it into a whole new world of possibilities.  Please pray that I will listen to the voice of our Father and follow wherever the Spirit is leading me. Peace be with you. +OD