Another Advent Thought!

The previous post was from Henri Nouwen and was most certainly "A Broader View" (the title of the reflection).  It is a view which we should all reflect upon, especially in this country, as we live in a democracy and even though we sometimes feel powerless the facts are that We Are the Nation.  This nation has been blessed greatly from it's inception.  We have done Some great things for the world but we should also confess our failures as well and try harder from a communal standpoint in the future.  I would suggest once again a book by Marianne Williamson titled "Healing The Soul of America".  To those whom much is given, much is required.
I loved Henri's use of two great metaphors:  Leaving the "House of Fear" and entering the "House of Love", where reconciliation, healing, and peace can reign.
There were just a few words in this piece which bothered me and thought I would mention why.  A lot of scripture as well as theology in general is couched in varying degrees of "Imperial or Kingdom" terminology.  This is understandable considering the world when these lofty concepts were written but today there could be a more accurate choice of wording to reflect the life of our Christ and the Spirit of our God.
To begin with he quotes Matthew "observe his commands".  In my opinion I feel a more accurate word would be to "observe his path"  as what the "red letter text" says is not near as important as how Jesus walked His path.  He modeled the path for us He did not just command us as to what to do.  He walked the walk as well as talked the talk.

Secondly, "The whole world is to be converted!  True, but I feel that a more appropriate word would be "Transformed".  "converted" smacks of the idea that the whole word should be converted to the  "Catholic"/"Lutheran"/"Evangelical"/"Christian"(or another one of the 3,000+ denominations out there) church.  In the "Emerging" perspective the most accurate use of the word Christ is Far greater than Any of the churches which carry His name and  claim to have The truth.  I was recently blessed to get a copy of a Palm Sunday sermon given by a Baptist preacher regarding his study of Mahatma Gandhi, (Martin Luther King Jr. 22 March 1959 in Montgomery, Alabama). It demonstrates the point I'm trying to make much better than can I.   In a nutshell, I present the following quote but if you can google the sermon it would be well worth the read. ""It is one of the strange ironies of the modern world that the greatest Christian of the twentieth century was not a member of the Christian church".

My poor final point here is in reference to the "House of Love" quote above.  While I agree with the word "reign" used here it feels that a better word would perhaps be "Thrive".  Kind of picky I know but in the final analysis this is my blog and sometimes I can be picky if I wish :0)

P.S. - Just another reflection.  Last night a group of us kindred spirits watched a webinar regarding an "alternative orthodoxy".  One of the presenters was Richard Rohr and he made a very intriguing point regarding one of the pillars of conventional orthodoxy, The Nicene Creed ( he did credit the point to a question asked him by a student) .  He stated that not once in this primary document of the Christian faith is the word, Love, used.  Interesting!  Merry Christmas!  RV

    

An Advent Thought!

One of the most read writers for the Christmas Season is Henri J. M Nouwen.  I came across a reflection he wrote in one of his books, Lifesigns, and wish to share it here.  It really ties the mission of Christ to the movement toward Social Justice and Love. It is preceded by:

 Psalm 72:11-12

May All Kings fall down before Him,

All Nations give Him Service.

For He delivers the needy when they call,

the poor and those who have no helper.

We must develop a global spirituality in which the demands of the Gospel guide not only the behavior of individuals but of nations as well.  Many will consider this naive.  They are glad to accept the teachings of Jesus for their personal and family lives, but when it comes to international affairs the consider these same teachings unrealistic and utopian.  Yet, Jesus sent out his apostles to make disciples not just of individual people but of all the nations, and to teach these nations to observe his commands (Matthew 28:19-20).  At the last day, Jesus will call these same nations before his throne and raise the critical question: "What have you done for the least of Mine"? (Matthew 25:31-46).  The life of discipleship goes far beyond individual piety or communal loyalty.  The whole world is to be converted!  Nations, not just individual people, are called to leave the house of fear -- where suspicion, hatred, and war rule -- and enter the house of Love, where reconciliation, healing, and peace can reign.  Lifesigns

As I transcribe these thoughts above, some others have come to mind.  However I value these so much I would like to just reflect on them for a bit and I would like to comment some more from an Emerging viewpoint tomorrow.  Pax Christi!  RV

NOW THIS IS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!

http://conta.cc/1uH66UF.  Please take a moment and read this post by Richard.

Merry Christmas! Or Holiday!

Merry Christmas To You and Yours!

As has been my chosen practice the past few years, my gift giving is in the form of a monthly donation to the relief work of Mercy Corps, based in Portland, Oregon; www.mercycorps.org.  This year  We are adding a bit to provide a “goat“ to a family in need.  By accepting this card in an e-format you are contributing as well and Thank You!

2014 - WOW what a year!  To begin with Veronica and Adam gave birth, OK! Mostly Veronica :0), on January 24 to Reuben Adam Ward, AKA “R.A.W.”.  Welcome to our world Reuben!  And possibly before the year is out Alexandria and Tim will be welcoming a daughter, Charlotte??(not official yet)!  WoHoo!
In April Michael and I ventured over to Kauai.  On the 28 th we put the finishing touches on a Labyrinth  in Sherita’s Memory.  Would have been our tenth.  Special time at Momilani Kai (Pearl Cove).


Between immersion in the mystical world of emergence and the practical need to “preach” short sermons at Fern Gardens, I have been blessed with a peaceful focus toward relationship and service to all God’s Creation.  At this period of the year, as we celebrate the Incarnation of God’s Love among us, that “Coming” becomes so close to each of us as we rest in that Spirit of Immanuel (God With Us).

Dealing with the beauty and visceral nature of facilitating a weekly communion service brings the sacramental nature to a new and even deeper understanding.  I am beginning to experience the Eucharist as a “Type”, or “Microcosm”, or example of the whole Gospel of Christ;  Caring of each other, Serving each other, Feeding the hungry and thirsty. 
And thereby Loving God with all we are!  

Being Blessed to be able to start installing two more Labyrinths these past two years has been a great joy - These both are the same pattern as Sherita’s Labyrinth at the hospital in Ashland, except larger (7 circuits), with one notable difference.  They both are composed with native materials and are laid out to incorporate the local terrain; I.e. Trees are walked around or between not needlessly cut down .  Because of the aspect of honoring nature, we have come to call these “Franciscan” Style Labyrinths.  One is being installed in the hills above Ashland near the nine mile marker off Dead Indian Memorial Hwy.  The second is on the bluff just above Pearl Cove on Kauai.

May This Blessed Season and The New Year Find You All Well and at Peace!

Love!  Bob / Dad / Gmpa / Chaplain Bob
http://praisegodviathespiritofthechrist.blogspot.com/ 

A Very good expression of Holy Communion

http://conta.cc/1qLoBbr

Richard / Contemplation / and the Labyrinth

http://conta.cc/1uWWtn3  Please access this website for a treat for the Heart and the Feet!

Another little jewel from Richard!

http://conta.cc/1js0UlJ

A Most Beautiful Version!

The Story of a Labyrinth!

Labyrinths

This piece was derived from a requested presentation to our local chaplain’s group.  The goal was to address the “Woo Woo” factor involved with labyrinths.  Specifically the labyrinths at the three hospitals owned by Assante in the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon, one of which I had installed a few years ago.  Please forgive the basic approach as many of you are very tuned into labyrinths for a long time.
In the first place

Labyrinths are no more and no less than a source for meditation and/or an art
form.
They are what you make of them - they may help you (staff/patients/family) to slow down and reflect / release stress.
Every culture and most religious systems have embraced some form of solitude or meditation as a means of achieving balance.  How many of you have never been told to just slow down, take a deep breath, relax.  Supposedly that is the function of a vacation or a holiday but sometimes they can be more stressful than life.

The difference between a maze and a labyrinth is quite simple.
A maze has high walls, no visual of the goal, and many dead ends-
Some examples from ancient mythology would be trapping the “Minotaur” within a maze in ancient Greece; or more recently Jack Nicholson in “The Shining”


I have been involved in the art of building labyrinths in the form of a memorial, specifically to honor my deceased wife, Sherita.
One of the last chances we had to share before the end of her battle with Pancreatic cancer was at a labyrinth in Palos Verdes Estates overlooking the Pacific Ocean



Following her passing I installed the first Labyrinth at Ashland Community Hospital in winter of 2008/09
It is of a 5 circuit Neoclassical Chelsea design incorporating a water feature (symbolizing the life sustaining nature of God) and a granite bench (for reflection) in the center.  The hardscape is *utilizing paver stones and several memorial plaques.



In the last few years I’ve been instrumental in the establishment of two other Labyrinths, the same style but larger (7 circuits),


 and in the “Franciscan style” (blending with nature and using native materials)
One is located at Earthteach Nature Preserve accessed from the 9 mile marker up Dead Indian Memorial Rd out of Ashland.  Earthteach has a labyrinth on site as well, which is actually visible from Google Earth.  The one we are installing will never be seen from the sky as it follows the classical path but winds “between” the old growth timber a mile or so above the other one.



The other, my son and I just completed on the beach in  Southside Kauai.

 We have renamed a portion of this coastline Momilani Kai which translates to Pearl Cove.  Sherita’s middle name is Pearl.  Her ashes were scattered at her request near this spot, where we were married on April 28th 2004.


WWLL lists over 100 labyrinths in Oregon alone mostly in schools, retreat centers, private homes, parks and especially Health care facilities.

Constructions materials
Can be as varied as the developer desires but the most common are concrete inlay or stamped,  Paver stones or bricks, rock or other boarder materials (Logs).  Plants may be also used as boarders in the form of Low hedges or ground cover (Thyme or Lavender).

Labyrinth Shapes
Vary over the world and with different cultures and purposes
You may find examples in virtually every culture and era in human history and prehistory
A few examples are;
the most ancient European/ middle East “classical Greek 7 circuit”
The Mayan culture
The North American Medicine Wheel
A johnny come lately is the French 11 circuit Chartes style (has actually become one of the most popular in the West)  
Other patterns from the “labyrinth company” website include quite a variety most notably a “Baltic Spiral”, which is very useful for a continual flow in and out.


And a “ceremonial style”, which is designed to allow two individuals to take separate paths into the center and then to exit a third entry together.



Thank You!
“Mahalo Nui Loa”
Bob Vlach http://praisegodviathespiritofthechrist.blogspot.com


I just have to repost these two great shots from Michael

Back Home Again!

They say that home is where the heart is....but can your heart be in many places at once?  Sure seems that way to me right now.  The Rogue Valley is beautiful, as is the beautiful island of Kauai, as is Laguna Beach California, as is Denver Colorado.  I am so Blessed!  Just hope the Lord shows me the best way for me to give back a bit of those blessings and the strength to do so.  Got some great pictures of Momilani Kai from Michael and also from Denis(a visiting photog fm New Zealand).  These shots say much more than my feeble words!  Pax Christi!  RV

MomilaniKai!!

Here I sit in the PDX airport on May 1st.  Headed back to the Rouge Valley after a week and a half of visiting with Michael and Gary in Laguna Beach.  Great time but must say that the greatest time was with Michael as we headed off to Kauai for five days of finishing up a memorial labyrinth at Pearl Cove.  We, especially Michael, worked hard but had some great moments during the installation.  Met some really nice people, some of whom actually stopped and helped our efforts.  The spiritual energy of this place is really wonderful.  There are a few pictures posted here with more to come.  Our host at the Motel Lani, Dwayne, gave us some great input as to Hawaiian lore and helped us to come up with a more appropriate name for this special spot.  Turns out that "Pearl" in Hawaiian is "Momi" and by adding "Lani", heavenly, to it we end up with Momilani.  Then we add the Hawaiian word for oceanside, Kai, and we get the new name "Momilani Kai", Heavenly Pearl Cove.
As well as all the hard work we found time to eat some great fish and a few "Poipu Pinas".  We also gave ourselves a very nice selfguided tour of the new Hindu temple on the Wailua River.  Hindus may be vegetarian but it appears that Hindu mosquitoes are not.  Looking forward to returning again someday soon but also to getting back home to the Valley and my loved ones.  Mahalo!  RV

http://conta.cc/1iyj7so

http://conta.cc/1iyj7so

Sometimes I feel that maybe the daily meditations from Richard can be a bit repetitive, still good but repetitive, then he drops one like this on you!  I just find it beautiful how he ties suffering and pain into the best lense for viewing and seeing the ministry, euchrist, the ultimate earthly mission of Christ.  If there is in fact an authentic authorization for the mission I practice at this point of my life it is tied to my path through some of these factors, especially the great Love and Pain of Knowing Sherita.  Michael and I will be going back over to Pearl Cove next week.  We hope to essentially finish setting up her labyrinth on the bluff.  I am very excited to be going back again, especially with his help.  More cool pictures to follow!  RV

  

A New Card for The Bob!

So here are the front and the back of my new card.  I enjoyed putting it together and I hope it can convey the message I wish to bring to those to whom I have been blessed to minister.

So a brief explanation of the card above:  The left symbol is in the shape of the Yin/Yang .  As I understand it this is a symbol of the parts of a whole coming together to form a complete unit.  It comes from the East and as well is used to express the left and right sides of our brains as well as the male and female aspects of life.  I like it and feel that it very much portrays the Non Dual look at life which I am attempting to experience in my life, and is presented by many of the writers within the Emergent Movement.  As well the two pictures present the blossoming of a Lotus /or Lilly (think Nature here) as well as the prayer structure of the West (my Orientation).
As to my "Title" "Fr.I.T. Chaplain "T" - Stands for Franciscan (not Father :0)) In Transition and the "T" is the symbol for the Tau Cross.  The picture in the lower right is that of a Celtic Cross which is a traditional cross as well as incorporating a circle in the center.  This, as I've mentioned earlier in this blog, is tying All Creation together with the Cross of Christ which is a far bigger picture than just the symbol of Roman execution in the first century.  The reverse references are to spots in the blog which relate to 1. A look at life and death and the connection between the two. 2. An answer to my daughter as to the reason for the "Blog". and 3.  A list of other greater resources for study.  I had a lot of fun putting this card together.  Pax Christi!  RV

"The" Microcausm!

http://conta.cc/1iAC3YN



This is a very good post of Richard's which I wanted to share with my little world.  Hope you enjoy. 



The last few weeks at our "Morning Manna" Book Club have been especially full of blessing.  It seems that it takes us forever each meeting to "get into" the chapter of the week.  In reality that book, "Why Did Jesus,....?"by Brian, just has so much meat in in (including the footnotes) that it is hard to not find the book relivant in any meaningful conversation.  Is that an excuse or what? :0)  Pax Christi! RV

So here I am also entering a picture, I hope,  of my new Grandson, Reuben Adam Ward.  So Why would I put his picture here under the Title "The Microcausm"?  Because I believe that it is in the birth of one of God's most precious gifts that we see a small view of All we are meant to be in this world.  Maybe that is why God chose to bistow His greatest gift, Jesus, to the human world in the form of the Incarnation of a baby? 

Welcome to the world Reuben!  You and your brother have a big job ahead of you.  Hope and pray I can be some help to you in the task.  Grampa!