I have found myself listening to more classical music this year. It started with listening to classic Christmas Carols on the radio, and now Mindi and I find ourselves tuning back to the classical station. My expertise is within theology, church, and Bible, among other passions; however music education is limited to my grade school years. While I have a rudimentary understanding of the written notes, some of the history (for I know the term classical itself is misleading), and I have been exposed to great performances, I am no expert. This is truly one of the reasons I enjoy music, the mystery.
As a minister and theologian, during Lent we are preparing for the celebration of the greatest, life changing, world changing event: the Resurrection! We have many terms, theologies and explanations for how the Cross and Empty Tomb, save us all from death and sin. It is great to explore, wonderful to delve deeper into these ideas—some that were present with the early followers of Jesus, and many that were developed at various times during our history. I believe each has validity, for looking at the cross itself from one angle, the other side may not be visible, but it certainly still exists. And it is difficult to imagine that the human mind can completely see the full meaning of the cross, for it is God’s ways of saving us, a God whose love surpasses all understanding.
When a piece of beautiful music is heard by my ears, I know my heart is moved even if I do not have a complete understanding of how it was created and preformed. It still moves me. I encourage exploring different and known theologies of the cross; I am a great proponent of greater education on all levels. However, during Lent I also turn inside to open myself up for the glorious and mysterious power of the Cross and Resurrection, that has changed my life and will continue to change.
As a church we are also discerning God’s vision for our specific congregation, and there will be events to participate in the coming months, leading to a strategic plan next fall. It is a journey of heart and head, but it is the proven process to discern the mystery of God’s wonderful composition, sending His Son, for our specific locale.
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