Jesus is a Punk Rocker

The genre and lifestyle of punk rock has been given a bad rap through the years and rightfully so. As a onetime high school punk poser I can tell you that it had its ups and downs, the good and the bad, and (like everything) its dark sides. By definition it is a form of rock music marked by extreme and often deliberately offensive expressions of alienation and social discontent (Webster’s Online). I’m not going to touch the offensive or alienation aspects, but those could definitely apply towards my points later on. But with the little experience I have being a onetime self-proclaimed ‘punk rocker’ and my affection for the musical genre I believe there is nothing more punk rock than Jesus.

When The Clash asked if they should stay or should they go now, Christ decided to come (Incarnation), go (Passion) and then come back (Resurrection) only to go again (Ascension). As the Sex Pistols sarcastically asked God to save the Queen, God saved us all by the death of His only son.

It’s been known that punk rockers tend to be anarchists following a movement to ‘up the establishment’ and to ‘stick it to the man’ for their self-righteous cause. Common punk ideologies and beliefs are progressive to say the least and include anti-authoritarianism, a DIY ethic, non-conformity, direct action and all the while not selling out.

 

Christ created a progressive movement for salvation that challenged the establish order of the day, it encouraged the participation of women when no one else did and it reached out to the sick, adulters and everyone else society turned their backs on. He gave the big middle finger towards conforming to societal sickness and individual ideologies that were causing a moral decline, while refusing to sellout. His cause was noble and it called for a DIY approach through preaching to the disciples and sending them forth on a mission as we are called to do so two thousand some years later. The message was a clear call for authentic action.

It was about the 1960’s when punk took shape and was seen as an innovative and exciting new genre of music. The music was pure, stripped down, no BS rock 'n' roll. In hindsight isn’t that the basic message JC and the boys set out to preach? Sure a lot of it has been lost in translation through the years and tweaked by the old gray hairs down town and even watered down by evangelists and capitalists, but was the original message not pure and clear cut? The fat trimmed and the BS pulled. That’s what has made it so authentic and inspiring for billions to go into action, while challenged the established order of the day.

It’s fair to say by now you’re thinking I’m off my rocker or maybe you’re completely outraged by what I’ve tossed out. Comparing the Big Guy and punk rock is a bit of a stretch let alone calling God's only son a punk rocker. Maybe my image is a bit too progressive or polarizing and it is. But I got you thinking and challenged the norm and that’s punk rock!


Until next time...

Live with Purpose or Die Trying!

Here’s a fun thought: How do you think you’re going to die?

It’s a fact of life. It’s inevitable. Even though we all live different lives, follow different paths and are dealt different cards we all end up dying.

The other day I found myself at the longest red light in town and began reading the airbag warning. As I read I thought to myself I sure hope that I’ll never have to use them. A couple of weeks ago I was informed of someone who had just been diagnosed with cancer and I began wondering what, if any, form of cancer I might one day get or will I have a stroke, develop a form of diabetes or die in a car accident. Which after any thought like that comes the fearful, but honest thought: How am I going to die? Of course quickly followed by the want to just live in a bubble or compound where everything was sterile and outlined in bubble wrap and no one has any violent tendencies or prone to accidents.

Wouldn’t it put your mind at ease to know how and when your end would come or even decide to live life ‘safe,’ free from any risk or to choose to follow every doctor’s report about eating ‘this super food’ or try ‘that new drug’ so you could prevent X?

The sad fact is that there is nothing more we can do to prevent death or rid our lives of fear except to simply make the most of each day and remind ourselves that if we have the Big Guy in our corner there is nothing for us to fear (psalms 118:6). It’s easier said than done, but if we have a belief in Him, and trust in the Holy Spirit in our lives, nothing will be impossible for us. We can move mountains, live life fully and without having to just lay it up. It’s through the Spirit that we have been given the strength to overcome anything by the spirit of power, love and self-discipline (2 Tim 1:7) that we have been given by God. But it comes into our lives, and into our hearts, when we choose to accept this relationship with God and pray for the Holy Spirit to make us stronger – to be more Christ like in all that we do.

It’s a great thought to reflect on this Lenten season. Let go of our fears regardless of what those may be. Whether it’s the fear of snakes, heights, being shot down by a girl, clowns, complacency, falling flat on your ass or even death lift it up in prayer and move mountains with reckless abandon. It is said that one of the greatest fears is the fear of the unknown, but the unknown is also one of life’s biggest adventures and a loving, fruitful one if you just trust you’ll be safely guided along the way.

Until next time…

Discipleship Doesn’t Mean Crisp If You’re Blowin’ Smoke

As a Spin instructor and self-proclaimed gym rat I have an opportunity to teach and track people’s discipline towards their physical gains. Some folks want to bulk up, train to compete in figure competitions and some are determined to simply lose weight. Regardless of reasons they try tirelessly with early mornings, extra reps and ‘just one more lap’ to achieve their goals…often times coming up short.

 

Two examples come to mind right off the bat and frequent the gym. One is a middle aged man who I’ll name Johnny Gym. Johnny looks like he used to be a Haas back in the day, but years removed from his physical prime he has gained weight and lost his gains from his glory days. He is disciplined on the weights, takes his pre and post workout protein and is attempting to eat healthier now, but his biggest barrier he can’t break through…smoking and drinking. The moment his jacket comes off he smells like the Lucky 7’s he puts away all day long. Then there’s Jeanie Gym who exemplifies more devotion than some competitors. The discouraging thing about Jeanie is that she smells like Crispy Cream donuts. It could be her perfume or the fact that at 5:30 in the morning I’m hungry, but as most people slam a protein shake after a workout you can see her walking to her car slamming a fresh fried lump of dough. A decision, which although pleases our taste buds is not the complimentary move after dominating such a grueling regiment.

 

Johnny and Jeanie's devotion and decisions made me think about our devotion as Christians, especially during the season of Lent. Like most people who attempt to achieve physical success through weights and training in the gym we as believers typically fall short in our spiritual goals as well. I'll be the first to say that I fall into this as well and especially recently. We’ll put in extra time at Church, attempt a few added prayers or grab a hold of hope that we will live a pure and perfect life and that’s completely understandable. But like Johnny and Jeanie we put in all that work to quickly turn to our bad habits and teeter with temptations that take us back a step or two.

 

That’s why during Lent it’s the ideal time to not just put in the extra effort, but focus on further gains. During this season we’re called to prayer, fasting and alms giving. It’s the sacrifices we make, and the surrendering of ourselves during this season that pushes us to that next threshold. Remembering all along during the six weeks of sacrifice that we are called to pray, fast and perform righteous deeds humbly and between you and the Big Guy. We are to make sure we’re not like the hypocrites that the Ash Wednesday Gospel reading (Matt 6:1-6, 16-18) speaks of. Those people who publically seek reward and acknowledgement of their efforts. In common with those making sacrifices in the gym it is important that we remain humble through the process, push hard, focus on form and put off the 'selfies' that showoff the good work you're doing.

 

There is no better time to begin a new prayer routine or cut back on the countless decisions that dilute our discipleship. In a way, Lent gives us the opportunity to refocus our goals, set our sights on the greater purpose and strengthen our weaknesses. Avoiding the setbacks of Johnny and  Jeanie Gym who put in all the work only to resort back to the decisions that keep them from reaching the next level. Now’s the time to put in the extra reps, push harder, stronger and do the appropriate steps…if not, I’ll just expect to see you in class at 5:30 a.m. sitting in the back of the room, getting nowhere!

 

 

Until next time…

Prayer: Put Up and Shut Up

To whomever is listening:

It’s me again. It seems like life is tossin’ me a bunch of crap and I'd much prefer you toss me something better, like a well deserved break or even a nice cold one from time to time. Aside from my personal problems you know already know about the Browns are forcing me to lose hope, the Buckeyes defense failed to show up in the big game just like my ‘A game’ failed to show up on my last date and all this reading for school is making me go mad; not to mention, now that I’m 28 my knees seem to be cracking more and my hair is thinner (Just out of curiosity why didn’t you create man to have a flawless mane like Beckham?).  I digress, you know this is all starting to become pretty overwhelming…

Too often we pray as if The Big Guy is our own personal therapist who is on call 24 hours a day. We unload our problems and ramble on about what’s on our minds. We act as if we’re talking to Dr. Phil who will magically give us instant feedback on how to get our life put back together. Our prayers often become a wish list of good health for the ones who are hurting and all the ‘what if’s’ in our lives, but when it comes down to it how often do we pause in prayer and let the One who is always lending an open ear add it’s two cents worth?

The beauty about prayer is that it’s powerful and the amazing thing about God is that there is always someone listening, but like any healthy relationship there must always be two way communication. It’s impossible to hear anything when we’re making all the noise and unfortunately it’s too easy for us to forget that. Do you hear what I'm saying?

We are told in Scripture that as we pray we must find that ‘inner room’ and close the door and pray to God in private. Meaning, that we are to find that place where we can be away from friends, foes and fears and find that place in our hearts to cry out to him sincerely and in secret. When praying we don’t need to babble or use many words because our Father already knows what we need before we even think to ask him (Matt 6: 5-8).

If we can just remember to simply pray and then listen we are eventually destined for hope, for guidance and for so much more. Maybe not today or tomorrow or when we'd like it to be 'due' by, but eventually. On God's time. First we must conquer praying with simplicity and with devotion so we can avoid a rambling ‘woe is me’, Dear Abby prayer. Then as we find that simplicity and purpose we have to shut our trap and listen…probably the hardest part. But hey, remember the Big Guy already knows what we need before we ask so let’s just start listening.

Until next time…

God the Comedian: An Eternal Last Laugh

An adaptation of my first major grad school paper, ‘Ideal Image of God,’ including references to the Incarnation, Trinity and Gift of Grace.

Every day it appears that a lot will take place that we don’t understand. Whether it’s another broken heart, a failed project at work or just a discouraging chapter of your life, there is a lot that is thrown our way that we ask “why” or question how God could allow it to happen to us. Like when you’ve begun dating someone and everything seems to be going so well. You pray that you’re making the right decision of being with her or that something can grow from this and that she might be blessed with clarity in her decision as well. Only to learn she met someone prior and things progressed, see you later dater or for unexplained reasons you decide to skip a show you’ve been waiting to come to town and you end up getting drinks, consoling a friend in need. It seems that we have times in our lives where we are berated by bad jokes by the Big Guy and when you least expect it, it all makes sense…eventually.

That is why God can be seen much like a really bad comedian. The kind where joke after joke you struggle to understand what’s going on. The type where you’re unable to comprehend the point and fail to grasp the purpose, but at the end of each set He closes with a real zinger – a real doozy of a joke that leaves you hungry for more and motivates you to go out to proclaim its greatness.

As Christians we know that God has done a lot of unexplainable things for the world, for the Church, and in our daily lives; many things we can’t even fathom when we experience them. The author of our Divine Comedy gave us the always confusing endowment of Free Will, created the Heavens and the earth, gave us the sun and the moon, and at one time experimented with the concept of the duck billed platypus. But what may be one of the most impressive of God’s contributions towards our lives is what I’ll refer to as the opening act of the routine: The Incarnation.
The Incarnation was the moment when the Word – God’s message – was made flesh so that we might know His love for all of us. The Word became the model of holiness; a real life model to emulate. We passionately profess this belief in the Incarnation when we confess in the Nicene Creed “for us men and for our salvation He came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit, he became incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and was made man.”

According to the Catechism, the Word became flesh for us “in order to save us by reconciling us with God, who ‘loved us and sent His son to be the expiation for our sins’” (Catholic Church 457). Because there would be many times in our lives where we would falter to our fears and cave to our temptations we were given this real life example of how to live out our lives. Much like a 3D version of “The Idiots Guide to Living a Holy Life”, God gave us The Teacher of all teachers; the most righteous of role models for us to imitate in our daily lives. So that not only would we have the Word to follow, we were given the way, the truth and the life in His only son, Christ. We as one Church are called to live the life that God showed us in word and in flesh, which brings us to God’s shtick of the great comedic routine.
It is through the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) that we experience God in three forms. This can be seen not just as the shtick, but as the avenue in which the punch line and routine are lived out throughout the entirety of the routine. God knew we would struggle throughout our lives with many of the hurdles put before us and the word became flesh so that we might know God’s love. Instead of sitting in the comforts of His apostolic palace in the clouds, laughing at our regular bouts of ridiculousness, we were given God’s love through The Word, His only son and through the Holy Spirit. We know that God chose to reveal Himself and make known to us – and for us – the hidden purpose of His will. The Vatican II document Dei Verbum tells us that it was through Christ that the Word was made flesh so through the Holy Spirit, we as followers would have access to the Father and ultimately come to share in the divine nature of God’s presence in our lives (DV #2).

As we struggle to grasp our shortcomings, we are given all the tools to attempt to handle the difficulties. With the help of the Father’s Word and the example of His son, it is the Holy Spirit that can guide us to a better understanding of what mountains lay before us; never leaving us on our own to conquer them. Although at times it will feel like we are inching closer to the edge of that mountain or that we’re to go it alone on a deserted island to fend for ourselves, we always have our Mickey yelling at us from the corner of the ring as we go fifteen rounds with life (Rocky Balboa reference #1) it just takes time to hear it.

A story comes to mind that I recently heard from a young woman who is working as a missionary with NET. She had mentioned that her younger brother, who once was a believer and devout Catholic, turned away from his faith just as many young adults do. For years she prayed for him to come back to his faith and would frequently encourage her brother to open his ear to God’s call. Then one sleepless night he had a dream where Jesus made a guest appearance. Christ entered his dream that night and told the young man that He is with him wanting him always and to come back the Lord. The next morning he awoke and with no explanation, aside from the dream, believed once again.

It is moments like that dream which exemplifies God’s presence through the Holy Spirit. It is through a dream, a moving conversation with a friend (even when missing a quality show you were dying to see), or a gracious act of a stranger when we least expect it, that reminds us that the Holy Spirit is present in our lives always. It is the Holy Spirit that humbles us at the end of a bitter onslaught of craziness that comes our way. Just another way the Lord will continue to throw so much our way, but be there for that last laugh as it hits us that He is along for the rollercoaster ride with us.
Like every good standup routine there comes the closer, the takeaway, the spirit of the set that stays with you after the experience. In this case it comes in the form of God’s grace. In order for us to grow in our faith “the grace of God and the interior help of the Holy Spirit must precede and assist, moving the heart and turning it to God,” (DV #5) which opens our eyes in time of need and fills our hearts with joy in times of sorrow. We all come across rough patches in our lives that leave us empty and lost, afraid of what might be, but according to Gaudium et Spes it is only by the aid of God's grace that we can bring such a relationship with God into full flower (GS # 13).

It is through experiencing God fully in the Trinity that we can receive His grace and like a good joke we then take it to share with others. As we proclaim the joke or an experience of God in our life, we share God’s grace. “Grace works in an unseen way” (GS #31) in the hearts of all those we meet. Since our calling is to live a divine life here on earth we are to believe the “Holy Spirit, in a manner known only to God, offers to every man the possibility of being associated with this paschal mystery” (GS #32).

Too often do we as followers of God find ourselves blinded by the hesitations and disbeliefs of what is taking place in our lives. Yet God calls out in the Gospel of John “my sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10: 27-28). How many times do we fail to hear the punch line and see the point? We bear to withstand a barrage of bad jokes only to be struck in our heart the passionate punch line of God’s hope and joy.

A couple of years ago I found myself out east backpacking the White Mountains. A month removed from being a youth minister and recently out of a devastating relationship I questioned God every day. One day as I sat meditating at the summit of Mount Washington I found myself engulfed in a thick afternoon fog so I closed my eyes and prayed some more. I asked “Lord, how can I continue going on if I don’t ever get a sign from you that I’m doing what you want me to be doing?” What felt like hours later I opened my eyes to find that the fog had lifted, the sun shone brightly and a bald eagle flew before me. There was my sign and there was God ending His set for me with the zinger that left me breathless and my veins full of His grace after taking on a bitch of a beating for months. It was as if Christ spoke not just in Scripture but to me through the Holy Spirit on the mountain and said, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matt. 14:31).

Whether God is actually the greatest comedian of all time, but we fail to understand the buildup before the punch line, or if it’s simply that God is just a really bad comedian who ends with a real zinger - one thing is for sure, we are loved. No matter what is tossed our way we are never to go it alone. Through the Grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit we are continually led by our Creator and shown the way through the Word, examples Christ lived for us, and in the grace shared through those around us. Although there is still a lot of questions left unanswered and what feels like lonely mountains to climb, I'm assuming the punch line of the second coming can only be pretty epic.



Until next time...

An Ode to Grad School...and a lack of a social life

The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask.

This fall I began grad school to study theology. Through the next couple of years of late nights studying, countless hours with my nose in books and spending money I don't have, I will earn a piece of paper saying I am a theologian. For me this will be a journey that will truly test my faith, strengthen my relationship and make me question my Church. Unlike other grad programs this will be a field that will encompass more than just one's self academically, but so much more. It will shape the essence of my whole self in the most authentic and spiritually demanding ways that I can think of.

Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, said in one of my favorite documentaries 180 Degrees South something I'll carry with me through this next chapter of my life. He said that while on a journey you must engulf your whole self in the the truest sense to fully experience all it has in store for you. He brought up the hard truth of those who fake their way through the ultimate journey (in this case climbing Everest) saying that many high powered plastic surgeons and CEO's shell out loads of money to take an easy way up Everest; getting everything from ropes laid out in advance to mints on their pillows. He goes on to say that "the whole purpose of planning something like Everest is to effect some sort of spiritual and physical gain and if you compromise the process, you're an asshole when you start out and you're an asshole when you get back."

Today I face my Everest. I stand at the foot of this massive mountain of doubt, struggle and reward, and currently I am unable to see the summit or anything that resembles my mountaintop. As I begin to build upon a sturdy foundation of my faith I am challenged to climb my Everest, the study of theology. It's time for me not just to purchase books and write papers, but have my spiritual and physical gain, remaining authentic through my experiences and disciplined during the process or I risk beginning as an asshole and walking across that stage in a couple years to be handed a piece of paper reminding me I'm still an asshole...and broke.

The fear of the unknown is the greatest fear of all...when the journey seems to throw switchbacks your way and it all becomes too much, that is when the adventure begins. As I begin to take on my Everest I am thankful for the support of friends and family, the grace flowing freely through this process and for having a hell of a good pair of hiking boots to tackle such a mountain.

Goodbye social life. Hello opportunity. Farewell fun weekend and greetings coffee shops and hipster baristas (oxymoron?). This is grad school. This is my Everest and I intend not to compromise the process.



Until next time...

The Crosswalk Conundrum

Last night I was riding my bike home from the library along one of the area's busiest roads. Anyone who knows me can vouch that I choose to ride as much as I can to complete errands, work out or just for fun. Although I was crossing the street with the 'walk' symbol, I nearly got taken out by a car turning on red that ironically sported a bright yellow "Look Twice for Bikes" bumper sticker on the back window. I'm not sure what stuck out more about the driver's interest in biking, his cautionary bumper sticker or his bike that was in tow, securely fastened to the bike rack. None the less my near brush with death came from the same tights wearing, Lance Armstrong wannabe who shares the love of the open road like me. A kindred spirit who understands the frustrations and dangers of cycling on the cement raceway of back country roads, yet who failed to practice what his bumper sticker - and ultimately his overall personal belief - preaches: Look twice for bikes.

It's like when you are driving on the highway and a Mom in a minivan comes blaring past you and shoots you a mean glare and a few choice words, because you were only doing five over in the fast lane. Yet as she speeds past you her silver fish emblem on the back of her four wheel chariot stares you down in joyous, loving humiliation and her bumper sticker asks "What Would Jesus Do?". In similar fashion, we all have folks in our lives who broadcast their faith by acting all high and mighty while leading committee after committee at Church, school and in other extracurriculars, but on Saturday morning are the ones going nuclear on the soccer ref because their little Messi doesn't know a goal from a hole in the ground.

Just the other day a friend had mentioned to me how a close girlfriend of hers had been involved in her Church years ago. She said that her friend and her husband had been on committees, helped at Mass almost weekly and knew most, if not all, of the parishioners. Her friend's husband cheated on her and ultimately left her...so did her Church "friends."

The sad truth is we often forget what we have had preached to us and what we preach towards others. Much like the bike enthusiast who nearly drove me off the road in his Volvo, we forget the things we try to live out daily (i.e. Look Twice for Bikes...unless I'm in my own car). We've all heard these stories of reasons why friends or family members have left a Church because the Church turned on them. When in all reality the Church never did anything. The dutiful 'disciples' of the Church did. It's the ol' mentality of "I'll practice what is preached only when it is convenient for me...or else I'll do what I want."

If we are truly called to love one another (John 13:34) and know that love is of God; and every one that loves is begotten of God(1 John 4:7) then it is time to live it. Not when it fits into our schedule or helps us to gain support, but in all circumstances. It's time to live out what we broadcast to others. Live. A. Life. Worth. Loving.

So your bumper sticker says "What Would JC Do?" I'll tell you what he'd do, he'd love always, often and upon everyone. Your JC bling you wear every day broadcasts for all to see your unyielding love and admiration for the guy and that you are not just invested in a lot of accessories, but you're a disciple. Committed to his teachings, a believer in his ways and a lover of all. Great, now live it. And let's say your car sports a bike rack, fancy road bike and a bumper sticker that says "Look Twice for Bikes"...then I strongly suggest you look twice for bikers. Don't preach it when you're on your bike and forget it behind the wheel of your Volvo. It's time for us all to look twice, live once and love always.


Until next time...