John Pentland’s
Second Gaze
So often in life we react to someone or something we have read or seen and our reaction isn’t “ the best “.
I think we need space to reconsider or space to say “ on “ Second Thought….”
Richard Rohr, my Wisdom Teacher calls us to develop the practice of Second Gaze. This is call to a deeper, more wise response in life. Second Gaze is where contemplation and compassion come together. Here we see more fully and truthfully. We have had space to reconsider our position. Here we see life, the other, and even God with eyes of compassion. I will use this space seek for deeper reflection, wiser thought or second gaze on my work and invite you along to reflect and share your thoughts and questions. I welcome you to respond - or not - and offer your own Second Gaze.
Thanks for joining the conversation. I value your presence.
Hope
The first Sunday of Advent brought an opportunity to reflect on Hope and how it relates to our community.
Nic P.’s reflection offered a meaningful, 10,000-foot view of the insights shared during the Listening Circles in October.
I believe we need to find more ways to eat together and deepen our community connection.
The quote I shared by Carl Jung has stuck with me:
Take me to Church?
Luke’s Gospel, chapter 21:5–21, felt like a fitting parallel to our own temple and building challenges at HUC. Using the song Take Me to Church added a haunting tone. This song is often seen within the LGBTQ community as a commentary on institutional hypocrisy and the harm done by the church.
Go to Heaven
Sunday, I played with a text about the afterlife.
I reckon it depends on your context how this reflection lands. It was meant with grace and perspective. Some I know are literally planning their MAID; others have never known a loved one to die. For some, life after death is simply a non-issue. It’s a sensitive topic, and I recognize that.
I like Zacchaeus
I like Zacchaeus - ( think George Costanza from Seinfeld ) he was a wheeler dealer, a schemer, a person who was according the the Bible “short of stature”. But this characteristic didn’t stop him.
As I proposed he was someone who had the courage to “ go out on a limb “ to see Jesus , to catch a glimpse of the much talked about prophet - and to his surprise- Jesus says, “tonight I will dine with you at your house !”
“Let Them”by Mel Robbin’s
This Sunday, I looked at the parallels between “Let Them” (a number one bestseller in Canada, by the way) and Christianity. I held the Bible in one hand and the book in the other.
To be honest, I had a hard time figuring out what to say. I read the book and couldn’t shape the sermon until 7 a.m. on Sunday. Phew! The real struggle was understanding the “why” behind it.