Deepening our Christianity

the Monday Newsletter of Paul Prins

Edition #13 · 7 August 2023

Blessings Reader,

Extra-Ordinary Jesus

Today was a slice of chaos. I had checked and thought the liturgy and scripture were ready for this last Sunday, but I was wrong. With only 6 hours, I attempted to get through as much of the 12+ hours of work I had before me. I got enough done for the prayers to be lovely. One of the first things I translated was the story of the Transfiguration from Matthew (included below). Sunday was the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. It hasn't fallen on a Sunday since we started Urban Monastics, so none of its special texts were ready.

It struck me. Jesus is really extra-ordinary. This person walked with so many. One so ordinary that he was confused with a gardener or a random traveler by his closest friends. Yet, there was this moment hidden from the view of many. Jesus was transformed. Transfigured. Face shining like the brightest sun. His very clothing looked like pure light. Then the God of all things expresses his pleasure in him! Oh! To have such clear affirmation and praise.

Then it was over. Jesus looked like they knew, but they now knew he was so much more. They were terrified. They needed their friend. Then, with a gentle touch and kind words, Jesus reassured them. Jesus was the same as he had always been. Yet they were granted a glimpse of more. More than they had seen before. In the same way, I know Jesus, and there will always be more to him. More of him. Part of humility comes from honesty. Confidence in what we know. With humility in what we cannot comprehend or see.

Our God is bigger than us, bigger than a moment, a word, and a story. Jesus is with us. He is with us in the ordinary while being extraordinary.

Until Next Week

Matthew 17:1-8 · The Transfiguration of Jesus

Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and his brother John. He led them up onto a high mountain by themselves. There, Jesus was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as pure light. Behold, just then Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus. Peter began saying to Jesus, "Lord it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will make three tabernacles here. One for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud consumed them. Behold, a voice out of the cloud said, "This is My beloved Son with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!"

When the disciples heard this, they fell face down and were filled with terror. Then Jesus came to them, touched them, and said, "Get up, and do not be afraid." They raised their eyes and saw no one there except Jesus, alone by Himself.

Posted since the last Edition

The Church after Consumerism

The realities of consumerism are relatively new to the Church. What kind of future is there for the Church in light of its implications and culture? Where may we find hope in the midst of and after consumerism? I believe we have hope as we elevate the fact that we exist, have our being, and have God's love for us.
~40Minutes

Read/Listen to the Talk

Seeing Monastics Everywhere

The Urban Monastic Gathering for August was a wonderful conversation around what the world may look if our vision takes hold! Plus Vespers and Communion!
~60 Minutes

Watch/Listen to the Gathering

Unpublished Photo for this Edition

Walking across town last week, we happened to see this barge tied up next to Notre Dame. Inside are trusses for the new roof on the church! It is fun seeing these visible signs of progress. We've been following it very closely.
**Captured:** 31 July 2023

Curated Goods just for You

Sharing what I've come across from around the internet that may encourage or help you.

The Misunderstood Reason Millions of Americans Stopped Going to Church (free archive link) ~10 Minutes
The author, Jake Meador, makes a case that it is our culture of work that has pushed many out of church. With 12% of the total American population having stopped going to church over the last 25 years. Once people miss a few weeks or months, there is too much fear and guilt to keep them from coming back. This implies both cultural/structural issues, and issues within our local church cultures.

A Prayer for the Week to Come

Oh, Jesus! How we need you! We need you in the ordinariness of today. To sustain us. To love us. To be with us amidst all things. Help us to need you to be more. More than we know. When you seem to be too much, asking too much and we are too weak. Touch us gently, tell us not to be afraid, and stay with us.