Webers, Oroweat, Or Jesus?

Reflections
August 23, 2009

One of my favorite hymns for Communion is One Bread, One Body. An original composition by John B. Foley written in 1978. It appears on page 620 of The United Methodist Hymnal. Using 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; Galatians 3:28 and 1 Corinthians 12, Mr. Foley provides a beautiful musical setting for understanding the meaning of a gathered community.

The refrain of the hymn both invites into and offers us a way to live. One bread, one body, one Lord of all, one cup of blessing which we bless. And we, though many throughout the earth, we are one body in this one Lord."

When we gather in worship, we each bring (as the tortoise) our very lives on our backs. We come from different places with different frames of reference, and different understandings and perhaps expectations of life. Yet, we come with a common hunger. A similar hope. A like desire. We seek to nourish a spiritual need. We want to know the will of God for ourselves. We yearn to be more complete as people of faith. In worship, (especially when we celebrate Communion), we can accomplish all of those things and more.

We come knowing all have been invited. The Open Table we celebrate as United Methodists is based in the belief that the invitation comes not from the household of faith but from The Lord of Life. We come knowing we are not alone. Others, like ourselves, frail, and fractured people, come seeking grace and assurance. We, are believers within the Body, stand with and for one another; thus strengthening the fabric of faith, individually and corporately. We come knowing our differences make no difference to God. Our ancestry, income, real estate holdings, schooling, or station in life is not the question God asks of us. Whether we seek justice and act in loving kindness is more likely.

When we gather in One Spirit, one in God, we can become one in deed, indeed. Then we, as many, can go throughout the earth proclaiming the hope of a God who gathers us at table, then sends us forth to share the love and hope we have known in the breaking of the bread and sharing of the cup.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Your Heart's a Jukebox, God Has The Quarters

Reflections
August 16, 2009

In the play, Twelfth Night, by Shakespeare, the line is uttered "If music be the food of love play on." Indeed music would seem to be that which nourishes humanity. Old songs can bring back memories. Love songs can bring a tear to an eye. Music has a way of getting inside of us and sometimes comes out whether we want it to or not. Sociologists tell us that all societies and cultures have a central place for music especially in the gathered community. For those within the faith tradition this meant gathering and singing the Psalms. As modern worshipers this might seem a bit arcane, yet this was the common style of liturgical worship until the sixteenth century. At this time in the throws of the Protestant Reformation new styles of music began to be written and performed for Church settings.

As you might imagine not everyone was delighted with the "New Music." This is no less true today. Every once in a while a person will ask why we sing modern music in Church. The answer is twofold. First, if all the music we sing is from a long past century, we are liable to forget the era in which we reside, and more importantly, if we are to witness to the current generation we must do so in a manner relevant to modern ears. "Be though my Vision" is a moving hymn to me. It was part of the liturgy used when I was ordained so it touches me deeply every time I sing it. "Star Child," from The Faith We Sing hymnal is a Christmas hymn which I cannot sing without tearing up. Another from The Faith We Sing hymnal which touches me is "Cry of My Heart." Composer Terry Butler writes: "Teach me your holy ways, O Lord, so I can walk in your truth. Teach me your holy ways, O Lord, and make me wholly devoted to you. (The refrain) It is the cry of my heart to follow you. It is the cry of my heart to be close to you. It is the cry of my heart to follow all of the days of my life."

There exists within notes and lyrics a transformative and mysterious element. How else can I explain that at certain times, in certain seasons, when I sing certain songs I hear my parents' voices and sense their very presence. The why of music having such power is not very complicated for me. It seems to me that the gift of song is one bestowed on creatures by our creator. An internal blessing which when fed by grace comes out naturally.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Of Dust Bunnies And Designer Faith

Reflections
August 9, 2009

In Ephesians 4:25-5:2 we see how to, what for and why of Paul's understanding with regard to faith and practice. He is writing to a community struggling with pagan practices and other believers who believe their teaching is greater than his.

Paul begins by telling the readers what to do in faithfulness. Don't lie, steal or use anger inappropriately. For by behaving differently, believers distinguish themselves from those living falsely. In addition, he urges believers to not grieve the Spirit. His understanding being that the Spirit protects and nurtures believers, thus inappropriate behavior would interfere with the work of the Spirit. He includes, in the instruction, the suggestion that people of faith are to imitate God in the way they respond to life.

Charles Caleb Colton, the nineteenth century English minister, authored the phrase, "Imitation is the sincerest of flattery." Since flattery can be defined as insincere, of excessive praise stemming from self-interest, why would the Holy need our imitation of flattery? Of course God needs neither from us. However, when we repeat in our daily existence, the love, grace, and forgiveness we have known from God; the blessings of faith become real. When we act as forgiven people and in turn forgive others, healing happens and hope abounds. When we act as if we are loved and treat those around us with love; the atmosphere in which we live becomes more rich and full.

We are called, according to Paul, to imitate God, not to become godlike but to become more human, effective and able as children of God. In the retail world, copies of expensive items are called "knock offs," a polite word for a good fake. The love of God made real in Jesus is meant to inspire real change in us and from us. Anything less is a poor imitation.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Between A Baker and The Bread of Life

Reflections
August 2, 2009

What is the most nourishing thing we can do each day? Health and nutrition experts tell us we need to start each day with a good breakfast. In the movie Forrest Gump the main character runs across the United States and back. A news reporter asks about his routine and Forrest responds in a simple thoughtful manner that he sleeps when tired, eats when hungry and breaks for the rest room when needed. Without elaboration or profundity we are told how the journey is possible.

The life and ministry of Jesus works just so. In the sixth chapter of John's Gospel, Jesus, after feeding the five thousand in Galilee, is followed to Capernaum by a large crowd. When they ask him how long he has been there his response is unusual. "Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life..." vv. 26-27

So begins the saying, "there is no free lunch." Jesus reminded the listeners that the signs and wonders they witnessed did not impress them as much as the dividing of the loaves and fishes. He goes on to say that "the bread of life," he offers endures long past the need for physical sustenance.

We've all seen the bumper sticker or kitchen magnet that says, "Life is a journey not a destination." This scripture passage reminds us that this is especially true for a life of faith. Too often we become stuck by what we believe we can or cannot do, or locked into an understanding chiseled in stone leaving no room for revealed truth, forgiveness or hope.

We all need bread for the journey of life. I personally need ice cream and peanut butter cookies as well. For nourishment in our daily walk of faith, all that is required is the Bread of Heaven and our open hearts willing to partake. Now let's eat!

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601