Back from the Monastery / Now read this!

I 've been back from Mt. Tabor Monastery for a hour or so, and of course one of the first things I did was go to the post box, get the mail, and read it. Always eager to get The Messenger of Faith Lutheran Church (my parish newsleter), I immediately began reading and was stunned, delighted, proud, and astonished while pushing myself through my pastor's monthly encouragement. I'd like for you to read it here (and please read it before you go on!)

Now that I've taken a good second look at Pastor Luckey's words, written "in the disruptive peace of Easter," I'm eager--with you!--to see what I can do to join up with God who stands

defiant and belligerent over any human institution that causes death, be they predatory payday lenders, religious leaders who club gays and lesbians with a heavy Bible, or ambitious politicians who curry favor with the powerful while ignoring the cries of the most vulnerable in their cities (and one might add: in the mountain hollers].

I'm therefore going to take seriously my pastor's urgings. Having already submitted my 2008 tax information to someone who knows how to squeeze every ounce of legitimate deduction possibile, I hope within a few days to find out how much of a refund I will get. And, trust me, a sizeable portion of that refund will find its way to my parish and its support of "Habitat for Humanity, Mission Lexington's healthcare programs, and my Pastor's Discretionary Fund which financially assists people in times of emergency [especially the poor in Haiti]."

If you are a member of my parish, I encourage you to do something similar. And if you're not a member of my parish, I urge you to support financially your church (or some other agency), provided your money goes to undo those who cause harm to the poor or somehow actually helps the poor directly. In fact, I would encourage you not to give to anyone who uses the money to benefit their own institution (no self-aggrandizing building projects, please!); give only to those people who, in turn, help the poor and provide help for those suffering from injustice. If you want to help and are not a member of my parish, I recommend Food for the Poor, Mt Tabor Monastery, or Christian Flights International. You can trust my parish, Food for the Poor, Mt. Tabor Monastery, or Christian Flights International to squeeze your dollars hard and long to help the poor and fight injustice.