When Bilbo Baggins was twice my age he gave his 111th birthday party for the Shire folk.
He had spent most of his life among them, except for some strange adventures.
He now sought to be welcomed into a place that had been awaiting his arrival for years.
And so he prepared (apparently) a speech. And he stood up on a stool and spoke out:
My dear Bagginses, and Boffins, Tooks and Brandybucks...Grubbs, Chubbs, Hornblowers, Bolgers, Bracegirdles and Proudfoots...
Today is my one hundred and eleventh birthday. Yes, and alas...
Eleventy-one years is far too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable Hobbits!
I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half
of you half as well as you deserve.
I have..things to do and I have put this off for far too long...
I regret to announce, this is the end. I am going now. I bid you all a very fond
farewell!!
(and then he whispered)
Goodbye.
Goodbye. We say it with such easiness. We say it with sorrow. We say it with pride.
Shall we say it, at last, in humility, with grace? In abundant joy? In temperate pride?
We can, you know.
For we are the children of God and we go - all of us eventually - to be by his side.
We go together - in every small step we take toward his throne.
When we take the road toward life - when we 'choose life' as Deuteronomy prompts us - we go forward.
We choose life in little ways. And step by step we move forward.
Some of those steps are pretty dramatic. Some are mundane.
The dramatic ones - the ones we notice - we are able more readily to take because we have taken the small steps.
The road away from life, with its soft steady plodding into the darkness (cf. C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters) or its dramatic dives, can be taken in small doses too. But let's not go there.
Let's look at the way of life.
It is the way of God.
Mary Holmes, who taught art history - and life - at UC Santa Cruz, remarked once - and this to a class of young adults in college - that what was missing from religion in our time is
OBEDIENCE
of all things. Obedience.
Obedience to the law of love, the way of life, the way that Moses chose to take, the way the law leads to - and the way Jesus chose to follow, even to the Cross.
The way of life has small steps of behavior - of charity, of celebration, of gratitude.
It is with us whether we are up or down.
The words of the wedding promises almost fit, because this is a covenant relationship too.
for better for worse,
for richer for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
God's covenant lasts forever.
The love of God in which all other loves find their home and origin and consummation, that is eternal.
And we are invited to live into it. Because the way of the Lord is the way of Love.
The way of love - even the way of the Cross - is the way God has laid out for us.
Jesus has pioneered that road. He has taken it - and he is with us as we travel it.
He will be with us always - the end of the ages will find him still with us.
And we will rejoice in that love, and keep to his ways, as we choose life.
Choose life - and the blessing of God be upon you, now and always, together or alone.
Far away or around the corner, God is near.
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Bilbo Baggins gives his farewell speech in The Fellowship of the Rings, a 'fairy-story' told by J. R. R. Tolkien (1954).
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Sunday, February 13, 2011
"I've been to the mountaintop"
Martin Luther King, Jr
"I've Been to the Mountaintop"
delivered 3 April 1968, Mason Temple (Church of God in Christ Headquarters), Memphis, Tennessee
Something is happening in Memphis; something is happening in our world. And you know, if I were standing at the beginning of time, with the possibility of taking a kind of general and panoramic view of the whole of human history up to now, and the Almighty said to me, "Martin Luther King, which age would you like to live in?" I would take my mental flight by Egypt and I would watch God's children in their magnificent trek from the dark dungeons of Egypt through, or rather across the Red Sea, through the wilderness on toward the promised land. And in spite of its magnificence, I wouldn't stop there....
Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop.
And I don't mind.
Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!
And so I'm happy, tonight.
I'm not worried about anything.
I'm not fearing any man!
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!!
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkivebeentothemountaintop.htm
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"I've Been to the Mountaintop"
delivered 3 April 1968, Mason Temple (Church of God in Christ Headquarters), Memphis, Tennessee
Something is happening in Memphis; something is happening in our world. And you know, if I were standing at the beginning of time, with the possibility of taking a kind of general and panoramic view of the whole of human history up to now, and the Almighty said to me, "Martin Luther King, which age would you like to live in?" I would take my mental flight by Egypt and I would watch God's children in their magnificent trek from the dark dungeons of Egypt through, or rather across the Red Sea, through the wilderness on toward the promised land. And in spite of its magnificence, I wouldn't stop there....
Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop.
And I don't mind.
Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!
And so I'm happy, tonight.
I'm not worried about anything.
I'm not fearing any man!
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!!
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkivebeentothemountaintop.htm
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Saturday, February 12, 2011
Moses says Goodbye
Moses said to all Israel the words which the Lord commanded him, "See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the LORD your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you do not hear, but are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, I declare to you today that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the LORD swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob."
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
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Deuteronomy 30:15-20
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George Washington says Goodbye
Washington's Farewell Address 1796
Friends and Citizens:
The period for a new election of a citizen to administer the executive government of the United States being not far distant, and the time actually arrived when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person who is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now apprise you of the resolution I have formed, to decline being considered among the number of those out of whom a choice is to be made. ...
Though, in reviewing the incidents of my administration, I am unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view them with indulgence; and that, after forty five years of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest.
Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that fervent love towards it, which is so natural to a man who views in it the native soil of himself and his progenitors for several generations, I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free government, the ever-favorite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers.
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/washing.asp
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See also
Washington Said Farewell To Officers
At Fraunces Tavern At War's End
On December 4, 1783, nine days after the last British soldiers left American soil and truly ended the Revolution, George Washington invited the officers of the Continental Army to join him in the Long Room of Fraunces Tavern so he could say farewell. The best known account of this emotional leave-taking comes from the Memoirs of Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge, written in 1830 and now in the collection of Fraunces Tavern Museum. As Tallmadge recalled,
"The time now drew near when General Washington intended to leave this part of the country for his beloved retreat at Mt. Vernon. On Tuesday the 4th of December it was made known to the officers then in New York that General Washington intended to commence his journey on that day.
At 12 o'clock the officers repaired to Fraunces Tavern in Pearl Street where General Washington had appointed to meet them and to take his final leave of them. We had been assembled but a few moments when his excellency entered the room. His emotions were too strong to be concealed which seemed to be reciprocated by every officer present. After partaking of a slight refreshment in almost breathless silence the General filled his glass with wine and turning to the officers said, 'With a heart full of love and gratitude I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable.'
After the officers had taken a glass of wine General Washington said 'I cannot come to each of you but shall feel obliged if each of you will come and take me by the hand.' General Knox being nearest to him turned to the Commander-in-chief who, suffused in tears, was incapable of utterance but grasped his hand when they embraced each other in silence. In the same affectionate manner every officer in the room marched up and parted with his general in chief. Such a scene of sorrow and weeping I had never before witnessed and fondly hope I may never be called to witness again."
http://www.frauncestavernmuseum.org/mus_farewell.html
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Friends and Citizens:
The period for a new election of a citizen to administer the executive government of the United States being not far distant, and the time actually arrived when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person who is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now apprise you of the resolution I have formed, to decline being considered among the number of those out of whom a choice is to be made. ...
Though, in reviewing the incidents of my administration, I am unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view them with indulgence; and that, after forty five years of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest.
Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that fervent love towards it, which is so natural to a man who views in it the native soil of himself and his progenitors for several generations, I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free government, the ever-favorite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers.
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/washing.asp
+
See also
Washington Said Farewell To Officers
At Fraunces Tavern At War's End
On December 4, 1783, nine days after the last British soldiers left American soil and truly ended the Revolution, George Washington invited the officers of the Continental Army to join him in the Long Room of Fraunces Tavern so he could say farewell. The best known account of this emotional leave-taking comes from the Memoirs of Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge, written in 1830 and now in the collection of Fraunces Tavern Museum. As Tallmadge recalled,
"The time now drew near when General Washington intended to leave this part of the country for his beloved retreat at Mt. Vernon. On Tuesday the 4th of December it was made known to the officers then in New York that General Washington intended to commence his journey on that day.
At 12 o'clock the officers repaired to Fraunces Tavern in Pearl Street where General Washington had appointed to meet them and to take his final leave of them. We had been assembled but a few moments when his excellency entered the room. His emotions were too strong to be concealed which seemed to be reciprocated by every officer present. After partaking of a slight refreshment in almost breathless silence the General filled his glass with wine and turning to the officers said, 'With a heart full of love and gratitude I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable.'
After the officers had taken a glass of wine General Washington said 'I cannot come to each of you but shall feel obliged if each of you will come and take me by the hand.' General Knox being nearest to him turned to the Commander-in-chief who, suffused in tears, was incapable of utterance but grasped his hand when they embraced each other in silence. In the same affectionate manner every officer in the room marched up and parted with his general in chief. Such a scene of sorrow and weeping I had never before witnessed and fondly hope I may never be called to witness again."
http://www.frauncestavernmuseum.org/mus_farewell.html
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Bilbo Baggins says Goodbye
Bilbo stepping on a stool...he bows in gratitude at the
applause.
FRODO
Speech!
BILBO
(clearing throat)
My dear Bagginses, and Boffins, tooks and
Brandybucks...Grubbs, Chubbs,
Hornblowers, Bolgers, Bracegirdles and
Proudfoots...
ANGLE ON: A HOBBIT WITH PARTICULARLY BIG FEET
ODO PROUDFOOT
Proudfeet!
BILBO
Today is my one hundred and eleventh
birthday. Yes, and alas...Eleventy- one
years is far too short a time to live
among such excellent and admirable
Hobbits! Tremendous outburst of approval!
BILBO (CONT'D)
I don't know half of you half as well as
I should like; and I like less than half
of you half as well as you deserve.
SCATTERED CLAPPING as the guests try to work out if that was
a compliment or not. CLOSE ON: FRODO AND GANDALF smiling to
themselves. CLOSE ON: Bilbo...a strange hum seems to fill his
head. A bead of sweat rolls down his brow.
Bilbo's hand pulls something out of his waistcoat pocket and
holds it behind his back.
BILBO (CONT'D)
I have..things to do and I have put this
off for far too long...
CLOSE ON: BILBO'S
knuckles turn white as he tightens his
grip on the small object behind his back.
BILBO (CONT'D)
I regret to announce, this is the end. I
am going now. I bid you all a very fond
farewell!! Bilbo looks across at Frodo,
hesitates... then...
BILBO (CONT'D)
(whisper)
Goodbye.
Bilbo instantly vanishes. The party explodes into an
uproar... the crowd leaps to its feet.
http://www.imsdb.com/scripts/Lord-of-the-Rings-Fellowship-of-the-Ring,-The.html
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applause.
FRODO
Speech!
BILBO
(clearing throat)
My dear Bagginses, and Boffins, tooks and
Brandybucks...Grubbs, Chubbs,
Hornblowers, Bolgers, Bracegirdles and
Proudfoots...
ANGLE ON: A HOBBIT WITH PARTICULARLY BIG FEET
ODO PROUDFOOT
Proudfeet!
BILBO
Today is my one hundred and eleventh
birthday. Yes, and alas...Eleventy- one
years is far too short a time to live
among such excellent and admirable
Hobbits! Tremendous outburst of approval!
BILBO (CONT'D)
I don't know half of you half as well as
I should like; and I like less than half
of you half as well as you deserve.
SCATTERED CLAPPING as the guests try to work out if that was
a compliment or not. CLOSE ON: FRODO AND GANDALF smiling to
themselves. CLOSE ON: Bilbo...a strange hum seems to fill his
head. A bead of sweat rolls down his brow.
Bilbo's hand pulls something out of his waistcoat pocket and
holds it behind his back.
BILBO (CONT'D)
I have..things to do and I have put this
off for far too long...
CLOSE ON: BILBO'S
knuckles turn white as he tightens his
grip on the small object behind his back.
BILBO (CONT'D)
I regret to announce, this is the end. I
am going now. I bid you all a very fond
farewell!! Bilbo looks across at Frodo,
hesitates... then...
BILBO (CONT'D)
(whisper)
Goodbye.
Bilbo instantly vanishes. The party explodes into an
uproar... the crowd leaps to its feet.
http://www.imsdb.com/scripts/Lord-of-the-Rings-Fellowship-of-the-Ring,-The.html
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Thursday, February 10, 2011
Forward to Freedom: From Exodus to Easter
You are invited on a journey of the spirit -
Forward to Freedom: From Exodus to Easter
David Adam has written a wonderful book for Lent. In a series of forty meditations, one for each day of Lent, he invites us to reflect on the story of Moses in the book of Exodus.
The people of God set out from bondage in Egypt to follow the promise of God to a new place. On the way through the wilderness they experience God in new and profound ways. The story of this great journey provides inspiration for us to follow the Israelites’ example – to launch out into new adventures, freeing others and ourselves from slavery and seeking God’s Promised Land.
Containing a Scripture reading, a short meditation, and a prayer for each day of Lent, this is a book to challenge our relationships to the world, to each other and to our God.
David Adam was vicar of St Mary’s Church on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, and writes prayers in the Celtic stream of our common faith.
We have chosen “Forward to Freedom” as our Lenten theme this year. We will use the book to start our conversations in the adult education hour between services. Please join us for the discussions – and consider making this book your Lenten reading for the year.
If you would like a copy of the book you may find one through a lending library or buy one from a used bookseller in person or by mail order. Look online (www.bookfinder.com).
–Fr. John, Eric Hanson, and Karen Ford
(Amazon.com lists many used and new copies at low prices; so does amazon.co.uk)
http://stalbansedmonds.org/2011/02/forward-to-freedom-from-exodus-to-easter/
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Forward to Freedom: From Exodus to Easter
David Adam has written a wonderful book for Lent. In a series of forty meditations, one for each day of Lent, he invites us to reflect on the story of Moses in the book of Exodus.
The people of God set out from bondage in Egypt to follow the promise of God to a new place. On the way through the wilderness they experience God in new and profound ways. The story of this great journey provides inspiration for us to follow the Israelites’ example – to launch out into new adventures, freeing others and ourselves from slavery and seeking God’s Promised Land.
Containing a Scripture reading, a short meditation, and a prayer for each day of Lent, this is a book to challenge our relationships to the world, to each other and to our God.
David Adam was vicar of St Mary’s Church on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, and writes prayers in the Celtic stream of our common faith.
We have chosen “Forward to Freedom” as our Lenten theme this year. We will use the book to start our conversations in the adult education hour between services. Please join us for the discussions – and consider making this book your Lenten reading for the year.
If you would like a copy of the book you may find one through a lending library or buy one from a used bookseller in person or by mail order. Look online (www.bookfinder.com).
–Fr. John, Eric Hanson, and Karen Ford
(Amazon.com lists many used and new copies at low prices; so does amazon.co.uk)
http://stalbansedmonds.org/2011/02/forward-to-freedom-from-exodus-to-easter/
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Saturday, February 5, 2011
There is no peace along the way of safety.
There is no peace along the way of safety. For peace must be dared, it is itself the great venture and can never be safe. Peace is the opposite of security. To demand guarantees is to want to protect oneself. Peace means giving oneself completely to God's commandment, wanting no security, but in faith and obedience laying the destiny of the nations in the hand of Almighty God, not trying to direct it for selfish purposes. Battles are won, not with weapons, but with God. They are won when the way leads to the cross.
--Dietrich Bonhoeffer, "Peace Speech", Ecumenical Christian Council for Life and Work, Fanø, Denmark, 28 August 1934.
Eric Metaxas, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy (Thomas Nelson, 2010) p. 241.
Renate Bethge, Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Brief Life (Fortress Press, 2004) p. 33-35.
http://bonhoefferblog.wordpress.com/
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--Dietrich Bonhoeffer, "Peace Speech", Ecumenical Christian Council for Life and Work, Fanø, Denmark, 28 August 1934.
Eric Metaxas, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy (Thomas Nelson, 2010) p. 241.
Renate Bethge, Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Brief Life (Fortress Press, 2004) p. 33-35.
http://bonhoefferblog.wordpress.com/
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