Comfort and Challenge

Good ministers are often said to "comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable." While actually a misappropriation of a quote about newspapers by Irish journalist Finley Peter Dunne (see it in context here), this sentiment still strikes a true chord. Could it be because that's just what Jesus accomplished with many of his parables and teachings? The most succinct example of this may be when he ends the parable of the workers in the vineyard by saying "So the last will be first and the first will be last" (Matthew 20:16).

At the end of each day's devotional you will be offered both a comfort and a challenge, because they are woven together in the fabric of the Gospel. This feature was one of the most popular with the readers of Celebrate, because it helped them put the Gospel into action. When the regular postings begin on July 5, I would encourage you to try both - especially the ones that may seem a little uncomfortable.

Peace,
Joseph

Why "Approaching The Table?"

There are at least two answers to this question. The first addresses why I chose this particular name for the blog. The congregation I attend is a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), or DOC for short. Traditional DOC liturgy includes not only communion every Sunday, but also a very intentional invitation to communion. My congregation is Open and Affirming, so the invitation extends to many people who are unwelcome at – or have been explicitly expelled from – other churches. The theology of a truly open table, a table like the one Christ offered, has become a very powerful influence on my life. In this modern era we can easily lose sight of the symbolic and cultural importance that breaking bread with someone held for Jesus and his contemporaries. Such an act could transform enemies into allies by creating a binding relationship of mutual trust and responsibility, regardless of differences. Like other aspiring Christians, I struggle to understand and live in such relationship with Christ and my community. How am I (or should I be) transformed by sincerely accepting Christ’s invitation? If the communion table is the culmination of such a relationship, I spend my life preparing to approach the comfort and challenge of that table.

This brings me to the second answer, about why I would create this blog in the first place. In 2009, our worship team created a dynamic yet introspective program for the Lenten season. I was invited to author a daily devotional as part of that program. The theme of the program, as well as the name of the devotional, was Celebrate. In preparing the devotional, I found myself writing about subjects that challenged me, subjects that were easy to speak of but difficult to live out. Celebrate connected with the congregation, and I found their feedback very encouraging. My own spiritual journey has never been so rich or creative as during the time I spent immersed in the responsibility of generating something I hoped and prayed would be meaningful for others. A little over a year has passed since the completion of Celebrate, and the idea of continuing its outreach calls to me quietly but persistently.

In the days ahead, I hope we can explore themes of community and inclusion, of the responsibilities and rewards of life lived in the love of Christ.

Peace!

Joseph

You Are Invited!

Welcome to Approaching the Table. Beginning Monday, July 5, you can stop here for a daily devotional. For the most part these devotionals will be based on the daily readings from the Revised Common Lectionary, though topics may wander where the Spirit leads. A link to the scripture readings will always be included.

Apart from some introductory material over the next couple weeks, this blog is not intended to be an autobiographical journal. Nor is it intended to endorse specific politics or dogma. My own views are probably more progressive than not, but the spirit of this blog is one of community and inclusion so I will do my best to honor both.

Comments are welcome. Because this is a place for spiritual reflection, I ask commenters to be respectful even when disagreeing with me or others. Comments will be moderated only to maintain a respectful atmosphere.

Next time I will write a little about why I’ve chosen to create this blog, and what it means to me.

Peace!
Joseph