What Do We Know - John 3 - Lent 2A

What Do We Know

Tony E Hansen

Sermon based upon John 3:1-21; Psalm 121; Genesis 12: 1-4

Opening prayer: May the words of my mouth, my thoughts, and the meditations of all of our hearts be acceptable to you O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer.

For all of time, the sky conjures imagination. As youth, even today, looking up at the clouds, I make characters of what they look like: a dog, a unicorn, horses, mountains, or otherwise. 

When I say the sky is blue, invariably some might want to challenge that. “That depends upon what time of day or weather” Sometimes, it is gray and white; or mix of yellow, orange and red; or even pure black with white speckles. Everyone likes the comic to point out obvious!

The exchange between Nicodemus and Jesus in John has much in this dialog but folks often focuse upon verse 16. While it is a glorious verse, that focus seems to overlooks richness of the whole conversation. 

This is similar to a philosophy conversation (one that genuinely interests me) where people make proposals of what we know versus mulling what we don’t.

The analogy of the wind blowing, hearing it, but not knowing where it came from or where it goes is understandable. The challenge isn’t in earthly things. 

“If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?”

Jesus challenges very foundations of belief. In knowing what we think we know, however, many dig deep, forgoing possible: a realm beyond our comprehension - beyond logos. 

For some, that is more than one can handle without coffee , maybe impractical to comprehend. What is the aim? 

If we cannot apply logic, what is there to learn from what we don’t know?

When one believes in God, then we strive to understand this being and look for clues to existence. People strive to verify what we want to believe. 

Consider that God and eternal life is beyond logos or clues. I submit there are clues, and there is such a thing as eternal life. 

Still, many try to characterize what God wants, feels and thinks. The scriptures attempt to give us a picture of that, what God has done, what God will do, and more importantly, what humans are in relationship to God. The scriptures give us a history of how humanity has responded to that, both graciously as well as terribly flawed.

Where we have been flawed is when people have attempted to push their agenda in place of the divine plan; where people have built cosy positions  that have more to do with personal ego than divine love and forgiveness.

As Jesus posits here, if I were to tell you about things on earth that you can touch and feel, and you still question empirical truth… (that there is a sky and it is mostly blue.) truth will fail simple tests. 

How, then, could one believe what is beyond tangible - what you can plainly and logically deduce? Is everything, however only tangible to what our senses can attest?

What happens to those who cannot hear or see? They have to trust they are given truthful information about what their senses lack. I have to trust that people can hear what I cannot. (Or don’t because why should I - It is fiction to me after all?) 

When we do this, we dismiss other people, and we reduce what is possible for us. Then, that imagination is frankly quite boring and selfish. History means nothing because one doesn’t try to understand, nor care, what happens beyond the self. If history and imagination are easily negligible, what is happening to us in the present becomes a crap-shoot. That person wouldn’t understand eternal life.

“Light has come into the world and people loved darkness rather…”

That isn’t nostalgia, but refusing to see what the world has given us and refusing the truth that has been passed to us (whether flawed narrations or not.) That is letting a broken world define us and our thinking.  

Nor is righteousness only determined by association with a religion, for people can embody empathy, grace and love (and not be part of religion.)

I submit there is more to life than personal viewpoint or religion , even that of my own. 

Life is more than the tangible logos. 

Even with mathematics, people can write marvelous calculus to describe and understand the volume of energy around us and within everything, but there is still a gap. Some mysteries will remain unexplained. 

We can look at the sky to see stars and planets distributed. Why is one star over here and another over there? Why is one galaxy over there and we over here? Clouds and sunshine may hide their visibility, but they remain nonetheless, whether we see them or not. 

There are truths whether we witness them or not. No science can explain how we personally came into being other than we just did. There are theories, but none can actually articulate precise detailed answers.  

Why me, why this time? Why am I made this way?

No one was around when the universe happened except the One who birthed or breathed it into being. Perhaps, the cosmos is a divine burp or a flick, but this cosmos is full of clues and mystery. 

The cosmos was set in motion and I have place in it, for some reason. You and I are a part of the same divine breath. In that sense, you and I are just as rich as anyone. That is truth.

You and I were born of flesh and through Spirit born into the Spirit, where there is eternal life.

We cannot know definitely what happened before we left the womb without someone describing a history, a story. Of that, are those words any less because we were merely an outcome? 

Aside, I wish I would have listened to more stories from my dad and my grandparents, their history, to learn more about mine because their history is mine too. To the youth, I suggest to soak up those stories as long as you can.

Around us, be willing to listen to the Spirit as well because the Spirit has history too, and Jesus, through the Spirit, is guiding us beyond senses. 

Lift up your eyes to the hills. There is Eternal who made all things and all people. Eternal life is the living Christ in you! 

How do we use what we know in conjunction with what we not know to help us be better people - better neighbors? 

Perhaps, sit and listen, let that be revealed. Jesus has something to say here.

We aren’t going to answer everything in one sitting, but we can listen for possibilities in our own lives and believe in the One who came for us.

Learn via what you read, see, observe, and through stories of others that are around us and before us. That is learning about the divine world through community. We learn history is stories; we learn these understanding viewpoints are present. My dad would tell a different story (about my birth) than my mother, enduring the labor pains. 

When we don’t give space for peoples’ stories, we limit ourselves and our growth. If we don’t give space for the Spirit, from which we know neither where it came nor where it goes, when we don’t give space for the Spirit, we lose the possibility of revelation or forget being born of that Spirit. 

This is not just clouds in the sky, a horizon painter, or stars twinkling but perhaps, a reminder that God manifests everywhere and all times.

When we are so concerned with our point of view, our expectations or our judgments, we forgo possible of the divine to truly be with us. 

Let Spirit teach us to be better people, better neighbors, and more in tune with the blessings given to us to share. We know we have flaws (our ancestry had flaws). There is revelation to us about the eternal.

Discover Jesus and eternal life in you; that in the divine and possibility. 

The divine is there always - in the particles we name as well as the gaps we will never understand. Find the divine in mystery. Find possible because the divine is always speaking. 

The question is whether we actually listen.

Thanks Be to God. Amen.

Addendum to Epiphany 6A - a reflection and commentary

Addendum - reflection about sexuality

Part 1 can be found at this link : Epiphany 6A

I don’t want people to think I am vain in suggest that my point of view about sexuality is perfect nor is it even the only valid point. Far from it. I realize that is my point of view and has its flaws on in its own.  I discover reasons why all the time. 

I also see flaws in traditional views that get overlooked. I could talk extensively about that, but I will admit there are some things that the traditional ways give us. 

Familiarity: most people know the concepts and understand them. I don’t even have to qualify my words because this is the general “norm.” It isn’t perfect but it is perfect enough for many. There is nothing wrong with being happy here.

Legacy: the traditional view is rooted in religious ideas of posterity and heirs. What I have today, I certainly want to pass to my son and his future. The blessings of Abraham include his long life, he becomes a rich man and is able care for his brother Lot, but more importantly he is able to pass those gifts well beyond his physical life to posterity. However, traditional is not the only path for this.

For my viewpoint, I don’t identify as straight. It is part of why I left the church for a while. I have experienced, written and said what it is like to live with a bi identity. God made me the way I am for some reason, and even as a child of our Creator, at times I question often, “why pick me?”  

I am attracted not necessarily to gender up front, but something about someone draws me into that person, whether physical, intellectual or spiritual. As a person who does not identify as straight, however I get challenges from both straight and from queer communities as somehow not having made up my mind or not able to be clear.

One, I will not be constricted arbitrarily by some idea that “the we have always done it…” because that has not been the truth for me.

Two, I would counter that also with being in a marriage for over twelve years while many others have not made it past one year or even a month. Not that time is the tell-all because we can endure plenty to stay in a spot that may not be the most enjoyable but is instead merely familiar. That is a challenge for many people, not just Tony. Relationships are works in progress. 

Of scripture, there are plenty of examples of marriages with many as different flavors of relationships that one could scarcely call monogamy. For example, Abraham, Jacob and David, each have multiple partners despite being in marriages and having children with said multiple partners. 

That isn’t to justify having multiple partners, as that is simply a deal breaker for many - I know. (Further the way they treat some of the women is downright mean and even criminal.)

That requires a conversation, if that is the path couples take. One that has to be genuine thoughtful discussion, adhere to basic respect, and be ongoing (because things do change) and not be one that disregards feelings on the matter. These kinds of questions and conversations likely raise other concerns that need attention. Talking through these with a counselor maybe necessary here.

What are the expectations of each other and are they achievable in the current and future context?

In those same scriptures, women are pretty much treated like property with some exception to Hannah in Judges and Ruth, although she bears the burden of a society that treats women like this. For my possible partner, I don’t want property. If I am to have something more than a companion, I want a partner with equal agency. Even someone just as a companion, equal agency is desired over subdued or restraint. Let’s have, as Wilda Gafney describes, “midrash.” There is something truly sacred and valuable in that.

That will bring more into the intimate and accentuate anything the physical can do, whether the touch, the hug and more. That wholistic approach to a person can pay soulful dividends in the intimate, in the good times, and in the bad times.

I do like being with someone and only that person. I have and will in the future when I meet that someone. I look forward to conversations and possibilities as I said. I may have met them already or perhaps I won’t. Questions for me are, “When do I give it a chance? When is it just a chase?” Maybe, I am imagining a phantom or ghost. 

Yet, I don’t want to chase after “no chance” (nor would I want to be stalked.) I really don’t have time for that, but I do have to relearn some things about starting possible relationships if one is to be in my future.

Of attractions, as I mentioned, physical is maybe one doorway to me and my attraction but not the only door. Someone who can laugh, have a thoughtful conversation and who is empathetic, then I am interested, then I am in. I enjoy people who think about others, and then we build dialog about things we read, watch or just ordinary - even when we disagree. Can you, will you, take me as I am? I as well for you.

For when the times are tough, when the chips are low, the physical isn’t going to get us through there when one or both are sick, trying to figure payments, when there is death (as I get older, these are more frequent) or even happier, where should we go for vacation. We need more; I want more. Further, a healthy conversation is going to be much better than argument, scorn or otherwise. 

When we are walking the wilderness with all of the questions and possibilities, we don’t have to do it alone because someone, and friends around us, (I submit the Spirit as well) can help us to understand what question I should even be asking . I also know that it is not about the result or outcome that should be the focus because there so much life to live and so much to learn on the way - when we open ourselves to the now and present, the Spirit speaking. 

For people (whether friends or more or less) that choose to be around me, I have plenty of reading material to find out what has been my mind if one so chooses. That might make potential someone scared or overwhelmed. 

Still, I have laid it out for all to see and read. I have made mistakes; and I have evolved over time. I am not the same person I was in my 20s, my 30s nor even since the divorce was settled. 

Yet, people will discriminate what they don’t know and especially what they don’t want to know. Some don’t want to believe that people can be attracted to people regardless of gender. Some don’t want to look beyond the horizon of traditional. Additionally, I tend to see more social acceptance of bi female versus that of bi male. There are industries designed to accommodate that. I cannot change that, and I don’t really have an objective to do that.

People will discriminate me and judge me. I can’t change that. I can only do my best. I can only give you me and be authentic in what I give of my flawed self. No one is perfect nor do I claim to be such.

I have reduced my use of social media apps and very much detest the dating app way of effortlessly approving or disapproving people without meeting them. 

Even so, if people want to know more about me and my thoughts on things without reading, you merely can ask, and as well, I am interested in your take on the same. We may not necessarily agree on particular points, but we see where each are, hopefully without being dismissive. Then, we are having conversation and dialog; we are communicating.

For love and trust to exist between a couple, there has to be true and honest communication, much like I say about true and honest faith. Do I really just say these words and wave my hand around with all-knowing-purpose or do I embody this and do my actions match that rhetoric, that faith even?  

Let me not be the fake nor the hypocrite but be willing to discern and to listen with authenticity: “speaking truth in love and operating with humility.” As Jesus teaches in Matthew, let my treasures not be stored up in needless things, pretentious boasting or false ideas, but let genuine treasure be what my heart is. Let me be one who helps others do the same. Then together let us grow in what we can do together.

Amen

Temptations - Matthew 4 - Lent 4A

Temptations 

Tony E Hansen

Reflections based upon Matthew 4:1-11

Opening prayer: May the words of my mouth, my thoughts, and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, O Lord, our rock and our redeemer (Ps 19:14)

This weekend is state wrestling in Des Moines. As a guy who competed in wrestling and taekwondo, I have a history of managing (or rather cutting) weight. Trying to make a weight class, you workout and eat less (sometimes painfully less). 

I know guys whose diet would be little more than ice, gum and once in a while, tomato or watermelon because it provided both water and something tasty to chew. That has led to interesting ways of trying to lose weight today.

No matter whether for a competition or health goal today, losing weight usually involves fair amounts of temptation. For anything I have now, there are consequences. 

Do I get regular coffee or thick mocha with layers of cream on top? Do I really need the Waffle House all-star platter: (a yummy calorie-loaded feast, which is probably more like gluttony?)

Temptation is not unique to athletes but universal to all of humanity. It is not just about dieting because we see it in addictions, finances, learning, relationship/marriage, athletics itself and more.  Especially concerning topics from last time of sexuality is most intimate temptation that deserves thoughtful consideration. What I do today has ripple effects well past now. 

Further, we could take easy routes for now, but those are usually deceptive in their own ways. We know that following Jesus is not easy because that involves challenges in a world that constantly celebrates winners over losers, whoever has money gets toys, and whoever has access can do big things.

That might give us some context into the passage that we read this first Sunday of Lent. 

Jesus goes into the wilderness: a mysterious place invoking curious with anxiousness, fear and awe juxtaposed together. Walking along a desert road from the mountains of Palm Springs, there were plenty of beautiful trees, mountains, and brooks - but also what lurked around the bush, birds eating dead, and isolation - all mixed together. There is something open and inviting but also unmistakably unforgiving here. (You realize quickly how much we are a part of the Earth and how much she can take.)

The devil taunts “if you are …,” and deceives with visions of hunger, power and glory. 

My temptation for morsels when trying to manage health has little consequence to humanity vs that presented here.

We understand Jesus is human with temptations like us, however for people with great power and ability, there is responsibility to those we serve and respect for boundaries. Knowing when, how and where to use such. Knowing when ego is being massaged is when we have to look deeper into what is proposed.

This passage is a lesson for all of us, especially those in power. For Jesus’s power is a different kind of power than what the devil devises - nor is there a quest for honor and status. The tricks are tests and lessons at the same time.

At the end, we see the devil leaves but is assuredly not done. We know that temptations don’t just last few days but happen over a lifetime. This isn’t the last. We witness it in the words of hypocritical elders, anxious kings, careless governor, taunting soldiers and common criminals on crosses. These were situations that could have begged more response.

Temptations don’t lurk around corners causing mischief and raising anxiety. They arrive in quiet stealth or sometimes overtly and unquestionably.

What do we do when they arrive? Will we recognize? When we fail, what do we do?

For Jesus, who embodies power and ability, these are tests of boundaries of using those gifts. These are testing the ego. 

To be able to change anything/anyone to get anything one wants. 

To demonstrate power. 

To have the ability to change corrupt systems. 

These could be met with well intention, but they are deceptive traps that turns ethical change into manipulation, coercion and greed for more, ultimately becoming that which we despise.

The fog of hunger (whether physical, mental or spiritual) can make most people very susceptible to suggestion - I know.

These are false pretenses, and Jesus recognizes these impostures.

The power that Jesus embodies can do majestic feats. Yet, there is reason, a how and a when for them to be used. 

What I eat is my doing, but when I interact with people, lead or consult, I have responsibility. I have to consider boundaries what I can vs what I should do.

I personally have failed to recognize that, and subsequently, I paid a price for it. Once is too often, but more means we aren’t learning the lessons. A price is little bit of our soul, how people see us, and more. 

Ignorance of that turns into arrogance and mocking.

Even then, there is a path.

Lent can help us recognize that we do fail - help us turn. We can remember those lessons; we can change to better paths. 

When we realize we were wrong about something, we are on unsustainable path or we know should do something different, we could think, “one more for ole times sake.” 

Is temptation running your life?

Let’s not! Change today and now!

Lent isn’t just about what we exclude but also what we choose to include and the why - remembering we have agency over what we do, our beliefs and our faith in our Creator.

Remember we are not just spoon-fed algorithmic vitriol and hate, but instead seek to learn and know truth - real sustenance. That is revealed through the Spirit when we listen to God instead of ego and negativity. Leave space for God to reveal.

When Jesus chooses to use power is when people have revealed genuine humility, faith, caretaking, love, and forgiveness. That is when you witness healing a person to see, one to hear, one to walk, another to life, another forgiven and for all to bear witness to the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. More powerful than any vision portrayed here!

I can choose to eat whatever I want and I can behave however I want, but my health suggests I should pay attention to what I eat and what I throw away. I should choose respect and welcoming over rudeness and neglect; discerning and empathy over careless and apathy.

Our small temptations are perhaps a small way to remember our lessons. A walk on a physical or imagined desert path of discovery and uncertainty is way for some to reconcile and discern questions. Listen to God, along the way, speaking to you - guiding you.

I don’t have to include negativity, resentment, ego, selfishness, or pretense. I can be living example of welcoming, humbleness, faith, caretaking, love and forgiveness. 

Be genuine in those efforts and let God provide what is revealed rather than your ego's expectations.

We can’t avoid temptation, but we can listen to the Spirit. Whatever we think we can do doesn’t always translate to that which we should. Whatever we have in our means ought to be for the good of our neighbors and not just for personal enrichment and status. 

Whenever we use our many blessings, we ought to find the blessings in each other first and to be forgiving - even to the last.

Let the little lessons help us to learn and to have the moral courage to detect the bigger questions and choose accordingly.

That Beloved is…

Thanks be to God, Amen.