No Complaints

Thursday, February 8, 2006 -- Week of 5 Epiphany; Year One

"Morning Reflections" is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117
An online resource for praying the Daily Office is found at www.missionstclare.com
Another form of the office from Phyllis Tickle's "Divine Hours" is available on our partner web site www.ExploreFaith.org at this location -- http://explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/index.html


Today's Readings for the Daily Office (p. 946)
Psalms [83] or 146, 147 (morning) // 85, 86 (evening)
Isaiah 60:1-17
2 Timothy 2:14-26
Mark 10:17-31

It is obvious that the congregation to which the letter titled 2 Timothy is addressed is a congregation in conflict. Scholars see this as a document from the third-generation of Christians written in the name of Paul at a time when he is regarded as an honored ancestor. With warnings and encouragement the author tells them to stop their complaining and conflicts.

"...avoid wrangling over words... Avoid profane chatter... Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome..."

A friend of mine who is a pastor in the Unity Church showed me her wristband yesterday. It is a purple wristband that says "no complaints" (or words to that effect). Another pastor in Kansas City came up with the idea. You wear the band on your arm as a reminder not to complain. The challenge is to go 21 days without complaining. If you catch yourself griping, you move the wrist band from one arm to the other and start the count again. On the website of the congregation that started the "no complaints" wristbands they list the names of 20 members who have successfully accomplished 21 days without complaint.

It's a very Benedictine idea. In his famous rule for communities, Benedict had much to say about grumbling. He's against it. Maya Angelou is often quoted for her saying, "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain." When our kids were young, if they ever began to whine, Kathy would say in a very matter-of-fact tone, " I can't hear you when you whine," and they almost always changed their appeal toward a more problem-solving sound.

How about a suggestion for a possible Lenten discipline? -- Give up complaining for Lent. I've ordered 150 of the purple armbands from the Kansas City church. We will have them available in a few weeks, as soon as they come in. Pick one up and take the 21-day challenge. If you make it, we'll be glad to put your name on our website.
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Here are a couple of old sermons based on today's gospel reading.

http://www.stpaulsfay.org/id179.html
http://www.stpaulsfay.org//sermon101203.html


Lowell
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The Rev. Lowell Grisham
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, AR

The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church is to explore and celebrate
God's infinite grace, acceptance, and love.

Our Rule of Life:
We aspire to...
worship weekly
pray daily
learn constantly
serve joyfully
live generously.