When You Really Like Your Work. . .

Tony Lepore is a now-retired Providence, Rhode Island police officer who first distinguished himself more than 20 years ago as a man who truly enjoys his work.

While performing the often mundane task of directing traffic, he executed his duty with humor and style. Although he retired from active police work, he still works traffic as a retired police officer. (Click here to see him at work. When finished, hit "backspace" or the "back" button on your browser to return to this blog.)

Few jobs are as mundane, thankless, or dangerous as directing traffic. Motorists are often unwilling participants in a traffic scrum if a traffic cop is needed. The weather is often less than ideal, particularly in New England. And there is the constant risk of getting clipped by an inattentive motorist.

I am happy that Officer Lepore didn't permanently hang-up his whistle when he retired from the police force. He encourages us to find joy in whatever it is we do. And having faithfully pursued joy, one's task becomes lighter; others are positively affected; and God is glorified.

Coach Tony Dungy: NPR Interview

In case you missed it, there is a worthwhile interview of former Indianapolis Colts football team head coach Tony Dungy that first aired yesterday, Monday, on National Public Radio's "Morning Edition." (Click here to reach the NPR page containing the the podcast.)

There is a lot to like about Tony Dungy: He seems to "walk the talk," and was more than willing to give up the spotlight of sport -- while at the pinnacle of his career, no less -- for a less conspicuous, but a more enduring pursuit.

Part of the story, as noted in the radio interview with Steve Inskeep, is the effect of the suicide death of Dungy's son on the coach's view of life.

The Devil's Hand is Tipped

Are people charitable only when it benefits them?

Do people work hard only because they are paid well?

These questions came to mind as I monitored the public discussion about the effect a tax hike on those earning more than $250,000 would have on charitable giving; and the necessity of so-called "retention pay" to motivate highly-paid Wall Street executives.

In the first case, persons earning north of $250,000 a year would not be able to deduct as much of their charitable giving as someone earning less than $250,000 a year. The harm of such a change in tax law, the critics say, would be a drastic reduction in the flow of money to the needy through one's favorite charity.

In the second instance, so-called "retention pay" is deemed essential to keep productive Wall Street brokers from seeking work at financial firms with looser purse strings -- even firms clinging to federal bailout money to stay afloat.

For just a moment, the devil had tipped his hand. If we, indeed, give only because it benefits us; and if it is size of the paycheck that determines the level of our loyalty, or our enthusiasm for the task at hand, then it is time to man the life boats. Civil society is headed to the depths.

Money is a hard task master. When asked, "How much money is enough?," 19th century industrialist John D. Rockefeller replied, "Just a little bit more."

A similar answer, it would seem, is hidden in the devil's hand.

Yet, we need not despair so long as there are those who give as Jesus said we ought: In secret. Not for the recognition of the recipient, nor for the praise of one's peers, not even for the tax break, but only for the secret affirmation of God.

We need not despair so long as there are those who work for the things that money cannot buy: A legacy that lives on in the lives of others; a good conscience before men and before God; a hope that one has truly given to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God the things that are God's.

Lection Reflections: The First Sunday in Lent

"Lection Reflections" is a short review of the themes of the coming Sunday's scripture readings as written in the Common Lectionary, Year B. For more information on the Lectionary, and how it can work to aid your Bible knowledge, click here!

The scripture readings in Lent invite our attention to a God whose work is the salvation of His creatures.

Psalm 25 is a Psalm of David, and is a prayer for protection, but is also a plea for God's guidance and pardon.

Genesis 9: 8-17 recalls the covenant of the rainbow, which is God's promise to never again destroy the earth by water and flood. Having lived for a time in Hawaii -- and enjoying every opportunity since to visit -- I saw rainbows nearly every day. In fact, until sometime around 2000, the University of Hawaii "mascot" was the rainbow!

It is worth noting that the rainbow described in Genesis is set "in the cloud." In the Bible, clouds are significant signs of God's presence, such as the 40-year sojourn of the Children of Israel in the wilderness where, by day, God led them with a cloud. Additionally, Jesus ascended to heaven in a cloud, and is to return in the same manner, according to Acts 1: 9-11.

I Peter 3: 18-22 addresses the "true, saving, baptism." Again, we see the theme of God's saving work as baptism is viewed, both in scripture and in the tradition of the Christian church, as a sign of becoming a part of God's family, and therefore under God's salvation and protection.

Finally, Mark 1: 9-13 (a portion of which was in the 1st Sunday after the Epiphany reading, so it may sound familiar) addresses the progression of baptism to affirmation to temptation to companionship with God -- even in the wilderness!

This scripture, which records Jesus' temptation by Satan in the deserted place, provides a model for Christian disciples. Beginning with baptism, Jesus is affirmed His father, but it doesn't end there. He is led into the wilderness by the Spirit of God and faces temptation by the master tempter along the three primary temptations of humanity: Pride, power, and sensuality (also known as the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life).

What is worth noting here is that although in the wilderness, facing temptation and deprivation, God is with Jesus, and offers His protection from the "wild beasts," and his comfort through His angels. The implicit message here, I think, is that God will do no less for us -- even while we face temptation and are undergoing trial.

All together, a great lesson for Lent!

Have a great Sunday!

The Party is Over; Bring on the Ashes

Today is Ash Wednesday, and it could not have come at a better time.

Of course, Ash Wednesday occurs every year, but until recently, most of us were not much interested in self-reflection, self-denial, and repentance for our trespasses against both God and others.

In a teleological sense ("teleology" being a 50-cent philosophical word for "end purpose"), we are all headed to the ash pit. It is the common denominator of human existence: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return," are the words one usually hears during worship services as ashes are imposed on one's forehead. It is a solemn reminder of our common origins, our common humanity, and our common mortal destiny.

I understand why some people do not like days like Ash Wednesday, where fasting, self-reflection, and repentance is expected. No one wants to go hungry, or confront the private ugliness we've conveniently overlooked, or to turn our back to the things that give us temporary pleasure at the expense of our eternal destiny.

Whomever it was who scheduled President Barack Obama's televised address to the United States Congress on Mardi Gras - the last day of Carnivale -- is a communications genius. With growing numbers of American homeowners at risk of foreclosure, a banking sector with foundering confidence, and state and local governments on the brink of insolvency, it is clear that the "good times" of easy credit, opaque banking operations, and "best case only" government financial calculations have rolled to a stop.

We will yet again find the path to prosperity. Just as the "party" did not last forever, neither shall our time in the difficult task of getting out of the hole we've created for ourselves.

But, today, we are in a fix: Socially and spiritually; metaphorically and literally. In each sphere, the solution is the same: Self-denial, self-reflection, and repentance. So, for the sake of our temporal and eternal salvation: Bring on the ashes.

Not Only the "Heathen" Got Burned

One lesson of the Washington National Cathedral (see photo) that was lost on several other Washington-area churches is the wisdom of pay-as-you-go.

According to this morning's Washington Post newspaper, more than a few local congregations are in a bad way because of partnerships with property developers that -- in this challenging economic time -- have delivered far less than was promised. (Please click here to see the Post story.)

On a recent visit to the Cathedral, I was reminded that its construction was never permitted to get ahead of its financing. It may have taken 83 years to complete the job, but there is something to be said for both having a great house -- and no house payments.

I am more sympathetic than was one reader to the plight of the property-rich, but cash-poor, congregants featured in the newspaper story. Posting a comment in the online version of the story, "Bill," quoting Psalm 7:15, said: "He has dug a pit and hollowed it out, and has fallen into the hole which he made."

This story also reminds us that the current economic reckoning is adversely affecting even the kindest, best-intentioned, of souls, and that not only the "heathen" have gotten burned.

OOPS: Comments and Calendars!

My apologies to those of you who have been trying to post comments: In the set-up for the blog, I inadvertently set the feature so that even I couldn't leave a comment! It has now been corrected, so you may -- if you wish -- register your comments on my old postings, and leave your comments on any future postings. (To leave a comment, click on the "comment" line at the end of the post, and you'll be on you way!) I am really looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

I also apologize for getting lost in the church year. As you know, each week I post a synopsis of the coming Sunday's readings from the Common Lectionary. Somewhere along the way, I lost a couple of weeks, and posted the wrong readings for the coming Sunday. Imagine my surprise this morning when the readings in worship were different from what I had said on Friday were the readings for the 7th Sunday after the Epiphany! I know, I know, if only the comment feature were working properly. . .

Sorry for the inconvenience! Thank for your patience!