I like what Jesus did. He noticed what was going on for others, did what he could and moved on. Jesus did what he did as a matter of faith. He lived for what he believed and he died for what he believed. But his last words indicate that he did not know if it was worth it: “My God why have you forsaken me.” Jesus understood that when you know the right thing to do, but are not certain of the outcome, do it anyway. That’s all any of us can do.
A challenge of ministry is the futility of it all. If it weren’t for so darn many flawed human beings, clergy would be out of business. More congregations would be extinct and forming community would be left to amateurs. Professionally—or not—the key is to minister. Show up. Be present. Be in the practice of ministry, not the ministerial business.
The major religions of the world have one thing in common. No one knows anything. Religious practices are based on faith and belief, not proof and knowledge. We all are just trying to figure out where we come from, why we are here, and where we are going. The best we can do is employ words and symbols to express such concerns.
I like who Jesus was, and is. He still is, and will continue to be, for as long as he is remembered, thought about, and talked about. Jesus was anointed as the messiah by those who recognized him as the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace, the Lord of Lords, and the Son of God; not the Caesars, who claimed those titles for themselves.
When Jesus was confronted by the law-givers, who were out to do him in, he did not say he was the ‘only’ way to be in relationship with God. Jesus said: “I am the way.” I take that to mean, I am the way to be. Be the way I am.
Jesus is not some sort of magic man who did things we can’t do. He was not being modest when he said: “You will do greater things than I.” Jesus understood, hoped for, and trusted that every person is capable of being and becoming the soul that God intends for them to be.
It is tempting to give up on humanity, or to blame God in the context of overwhelming tragedies, horrors, and sorrows. It is seductive to settle for a life of distractions that prevent us from thinking about that which matters most.
I am a person of faith. I believe there is more to life than life itself, perhaps experienced in the afterlife as manifestations of consciousness and energy. I once told an atheist who ridiculed my faith, to try to be gracious should he meet God face to face.
God has given all of Creation everything we need. Everything in this world that is wrong, unfair, hostile, and unjust is on us. Trust the Spirit that is Holy within you. All that you experience and all that you do is part of the Eternal.
There is no my god, your god, or our god. There is one God, by a variety of names. The Church is a flawed institution, not the Kingdom of God. Individuals that understand the basics, fundamentals, and particulars of their own faith—and the faith of others—give me some hope.
It’s scary to contemplate our fate and to wonder where we came from, why we are here and where we are going. But do it anyway. When you are satisfied that you have all the answers start over. Think about what you believe. Then see if you believe what you think.
Over 25 years of ordained ministry the Reverend James Briney served congregations in Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Arizona. Early on, Jim earned degrees in Philosophy and Theology. He is retired and living in Oro Valley. (Photo by: Lou Waters.)