I love the last line here Kathleen. Yes, we imagine life can be different than what we know. But also, the realism of choosing where and when and with whom we will be vulnerable. You are reminding me I need to check out Brene Brown. She says we set our boundaries for ourselves first so we can then be vulnerable.
Looking forward to the rest of the series. One of my goals is to get people together in neutral settings where conversation is about the activity and not politics or our differences. I’m trying to do this through art at the art center I work at. Thank you for the new insights into Nicodemus. Very helpful. I also didn’t realize until I read the footnotes that Jesus addresses a larger audience. Not just you - Nicodemus but you plural. A message for all then and now.
My main medium is fabric. I am an avid quilter and am just beginning to explore my creative and artistic side with fabric and other fibers. I’m a poet and photographer. I am also taking watercolor painting classes.
You have a very open mind, Bette. Jesus did not take the time to listen and converse with every Pharisee. He found the one who was open enough to have a real conversation. That is my takeaway. I don't have to put myself through verbal abuse or every angry person in a MAGA hat, but watch for the openings. (Happy Birthday, by the way!)
“The spiritual life is not an accomplishment but an encounter. It is not what we achieve but what we receive.” And “Come find out who I really am, and let’s meet God together.”
My dad’s brother is a retired minister from the northeast (J. Martin Bailey) and he had a small book on a coffee table in his home titled, “Nicodemus”. It might have even been a children’s book, I can’t recall but as a kid visiting him I do recall picking it up on several occasions and having my uncle tell me about Nicodemus’s open mind. Such an important figure in the Bible, with so little “playing time” so to speak. Thank you for giving him more through this beautiful essay. 🙏
Nico is too often treated as a narrow-minded straw man of a Pharisee who is too literal and too rule bound. But what changes him for me is seeing that the author brought him back two more times, especially as the one who came to claim Jesus body. As in the Acts of the Apostles, it is always surprising who gets it. A Pharisee named Saul, Cornelius the Roman centurion, and an Ethiopian eunuch. The Spirit works in places where we can't or won't.
Curiosity in conversation helps me listen better. My mind is open to what others are saying and I want to know/learn more. Curiosity suspends judgement allowing connection to occur. Limits? Is curiosity limited by self-protection? Perhaps we allow ourselves to be vulnerable when we express curiosity? Curiosity requires us to imagine life can be different than what we know.
Thank you, Todd. Best Sunday sermon in a while! I do listen a lot, and I'm curious about others. Where I get timid is when someone wants to know more about me. It is hard to be vulnerable, even though I want the connection. It is almost automatic, I shift the conversation back to them.
I love the last line here Kathleen. Yes, we imagine life can be different than what we know. But also, the realism of choosing where and when and with whom we will be vulnerable. You are reminding me I need to check out Brene Brown. She says we set our boundaries for ourselves first so we can then be vulnerable.
Looking forward to the rest of the series. One of my goals is to get people together in neutral settings where conversation is about the activity and not politics or our differences. I’m trying to do this through art at the art center I work at. Thank you for the new insights into Nicodemus. Very helpful. I also didn’t realize until I read the footnotes that Jesus addresses a larger audience. Not just you - Nicodemus but you plural. A message for all then and now.
Art can be a real bridge-builder. What kind of art are you working with?
My main medium is fabric. I am an avid quilter and am just beginning to explore my creative and artistic side with fabric and other fibers. I’m a poet and photographer. I am also taking watercolor painting classes.
What a blessed and new perspective of a series.
I agree that transformation in the conversation. I would also submit that transformation happens in the liminal space, as we pause and be still
Yes, we have to be willing to hold the space.
Good thoughts. Your words “learn to listen deeply” reminds me of David Brooks new book.
I feel I have an open mind, and I believe people by doing this can be transformed.
Yet I am at loss on how to have a conservation with the people who support Trump , and the White Christian Nationalist. So I am at a lost
This scripture reminded me of the first time I heard Marcus Borg speak. I listened and I felt transformed. Why me and not others.
You have a very open mind, Bette. Jesus did not take the time to listen and converse with every Pharisee. He found the one who was open enough to have a real conversation. That is my takeaway. I don't have to put myself through verbal abuse or every angry person in a MAGA hat, but watch for the openings. (Happy Birthday, by the way!)
Todd, oh the journeys you take us on. 😀.
“The spiritual life is not an accomplishment but an encounter. It is not what we achieve but what we receive.” And “Come find out who I really am, and let’s meet God together.”
My dad’s brother is a retired minister from the northeast (J. Martin Bailey) and he had a small book on a coffee table in his home titled, “Nicodemus”. It might have even been a children’s book, I can’t recall but as a kid visiting him I do recall picking it up on several occasions and having my uncle tell me about Nicodemus’s open mind. Such an important figure in the Bible, with so little “playing time” so to speak. Thank you for giving him more through this beautiful essay. 🙏
Nico is too often treated as a narrow-minded straw man of a Pharisee who is too literal and too rule bound. But what changes him for me is seeing that the author brought him back two more times, especially as the one who came to claim Jesus body. As in the Acts of the Apostles, it is always surprising who gets it. A Pharisee named Saul, Cornelius the Roman centurion, and an Ethiopian eunuch. The Spirit works in places where we can't or won't.
Curiosity in conversation helps me listen better. My mind is open to what others are saying and I want to know/learn more. Curiosity suspends judgement allowing connection to occur. Limits? Is curiosity limited by self-protection? Perhaps we allow ourselves to be vulnerable when we express curiosity? Curiosity requires us to imagine life can be different than what we know.
Thank you, Todd. Best Sunday sermon in a while! I do listen a lot, and I'm curious about others. Where I get timid is when someone wants to know more about me. It is hard to be vulnerable, even though I want the connection. It is almost automatic, I shift the conversation back to them.