SEP 2014

10 SEP 2014

Quote for the Day

We need more of a pop-up camper mentality and less of a fortress mentality. [This quote should make sense after you read the article. - mlt]

Thought for the Day

Each Sunday morning at 5:30 on WFAA (ch.8), the Methodist church in downtown Dallas broadcasts their sermon from the previous week. Blair Thompson, their young, fresh-out-of-seminary associate minister presented the message this past Sunday. She borrowed a story from Henri Nouwen for her concluding remarks. Henry gave up his life of academia (having taught at Harvard, Notre Dame and Yale) to be the live-in priest for the residents of L’Arche Daybreak, a group home for people not able to fully care for themselves.

One day, a resident asked Henri for a blessing. Out of habit, he traced out the sign of the cross on her forehead. She insisted, “No, I want a real blessing!” Henri responded by embracing her and speaking kind words of encouragement to her. The others in the room were so caught up in the moment that they each approached Henri and asked for a blessing, which he gladly granted. Each time he began with, “You are God’s beloved.”

Hearing and then reflecting on the story inspired me to write my thoughts for your consideration. In the Roman Catholic Church, and others with a formal priesthood, the priest is considered to be the embodiment of the church. That is, wherever (s)he goes, there the church is. There is probably a Latin term for this but, hopefully, you get my point. What could we learn from this? Since our fellowship believes in the priesthood of all believers, then we each represent the kingdom (church) of God on this earth.  Are we not empowered, even commissioned, as individuals to be a travelling church – a church on the go? [MAT 28.19]

I encourage each of us to use the power within us given by the Ruach HaKodesh (HS). Like Henri Nouwen, let us speak blessing, forgiveness and hope into the lives of those with whom we come in contact. May we live each day with confidence and responsibility so that, as we go from place to place, we are the tabernacle of God, always ready to move as needed. [1COR 6.19]

May God Bless

Mike Toole
Linda Wise, ed.

 

Editor does not necessarily agree or disagree with the content of the Clothesline.