Jesus and the Demons
Monday, October 11, 2010 -- Week of Proper 23, Year Two
Philip, Deacon and Evangelist
To read about our daily commemorations, go to our Holy Women, Holy Men blog:
http://liturgyandmusic.wordpress.com/category/holy-women-holy-men/
Today's Readings for the Daily Office (Book of Common Prayer, p. 989)
Psalms 1, 2, 3 (morning) 4, 7 (evening)
Micah 7:1-7
Acts 26:1-23
Luke 8:26-39
When I was living in New York City, the South Bronx was a metaphor for a failed neighborhood. It was a symbol of desolation. It was like the circumstance that Jesus walks into today in Luke's Gospel. Jesus is in Gentile territory, unclean lands. There in the unclean land is a man living among the tombs, unclothed, violent, antisocial and impervious to restraint. It is a demonic setting.
The South Bronx looked like pictures I had seen from cities that had been bombed in World War II. Charred hunks of buildings, broken windows and boarded up doors. It was hard to tell where people lived -- what was inhabited and what was abandoned. I was told that police were reluctant to patrol or respond to calls. They entered these areas cautiously, with careful backup. Drug trade was ubiquitous. Desperate addicts stole anything that might be turned into cash for the next hit.
I learned about how banks would take possession of a high-rise apartment for pennies on the dollar, file for urban renewal funding, contract low-ball construction bids to refurbish the housing, build with such low quality that elevators rarely worked, plumbing leaked, doors broke, and eventually electrical shorts caused fires. Within a few years the building would become uninhabitable, except for squatters. And the bank would take a tax write-off, making money on both ends of the sordid deal. Only to start the process all over again. It was a demonic, cynical system of business.
In the midst of this danger and squalor were families, many led by single mothers trying to raise children. Kids played stickball in a street where few cars, and no taxis, dared drive.
In the middle of this wasteland was a little Episcopal Church, St. Ann's. Inside the close of a beautiful 19th century church there are trees, and the only swingset and jungle gym in the neighborhood. The children's after-school programs are models, featured in Jonathan Kozol's book "Amazing Grace." St. Ann's brings safety, dignity, and hope to children growing up in one of the most impoverished places in America.
The disease and dangers that the children of St. Ann's live with are legion. Yet with quiet strength, the parish has been a beacon of sanity and hope for more than thirty years.
The South Bronx is tucked away. Nobody goes there. You won't see it on a tour of New York. Cabs avoid it; joggers stay away. It's hidden, invisible. Like so many places where the demons prevail.
But Jesus is there. Jesus goes to the tombs. Jesus visits the unclothed, uncontrolled demoniac and brings new life and hope, even when it scares the neighbors and they wish he would leave. St. Ann's is there among the tombs -- feeding, clothing, and restoring people to their right minds. It is a reminder of what faithfulness looks like in the broken places.
Philip, Deacon and Evangelist
To read about our daily commemorations, go to our Holy Women, Holy Men blog:
http://liturgyandmusic.wordpress.com/category/holy-women-holy-men/
Today's Readings for the Daily Office (Book of Common Prayer, p. 989)
Psalms 1, 2, 3 (morning) 4, 7 (evening)
Micah 7:1-7
Acts 26:1-23
Luke 8:26-39
When I was living in New York City, the South Bronx was a metaphor for a failed neighborhood. It was a symbol of desolation. It was like the circumstance that Jesus walks into today in Luke's Gospel. Jesus is in Gentile territory, unclean lands. There in the unclean land is a man living among the tombs, unclothed, violent, antisocial and impervious to restraint. It is a demonic setting.
The South Bronx looked like pictures I had seen from cities that had been bombed in World War II. Charred hunks of buildings, broken windows and boarded up doors. It was hard to tell where people lived -- what was inhabited and what was abandoned. I was told that police were reluctant to patrol or respond to calls. They entered these areas cautiously, with careful backup. Drug trade was ubiquitous. Desperate addicts stole anything that might be turned into cash for the next hit.
I learned about how banks would take possession of a high-rise apartment for pennies on the dollar, file for urban renewal funding, contract low-ball construction bids to refurbish the housing, build with such low quality that elevators rarely worked, plumbing leaked, doors broke, and eventually electrical shorts caused fires. Within a few years the building would become uninhabitable, except for squatters. And the bank would take a tax write-off, making money on both ends of the sordid deal. Only to start the process all over again. It was a demonic, cynical system of business.
In the midst of this danger and squalor were families, many led by single mothers trying to raise children. Kids played stickball in a street where few cars, and no taxis, dared drive.
In the middle of this wasteland was a little Episcopal Church, St. Ann's. Inside the close of a beautiful 19th century church there are trees, and the only swingset and jungle gym in the neighborhood. The children's after-school programs are models, featured in Jonathan Kozol's book "Amazing Grace." St. Ann's brings safety, dignity, and hope to children growing up in one of the most impoverished places in America.
The disease and dangers that the children of St. Ann's live with are legion. Yet with quiet strength, the parish has been a beacon of sanity and hope for more than thirty years.
The South Bronx is tucked away. Nobody goes there. You won't see it on a tour of New York. Cabs avoid it; joggers stay away. It's hidden, invisible. Like so many places where the demons prevail.
But Jesus is there. Jesus goes to the tombs. Jesus visits the unclothed, uncontrolled demoniac and brings new life and hope, even when it scares the neighbors and they wish he would leave. St. Ann's is there among the tombs -- feeding, clothing, and restoring people to their right minds. It is a reminder of what faithfulness looks like in the broken places.
Lowell
__________________
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| The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church is to explore and celebrate God's infinite grace, acceptance, and love. See our Web site at www.stpaulsfay.org Our Rule of Life: We aspire to... worship weekly pray daily learn constantly serve joyfully live generously. Lowell Grisham, Rector St. Paul's Episcopal Church Fayetteville, Arkansas |
posted by Lowell @ 8:15 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Hi Lowell,
I remember reading about St. Anne's when I first found the Episcopal Church. It's a good model for a Christ-like parish. I like your portrait of the demonic -capitalism gone amuck.
Peace, Janet
sounds like most of the liberal cities in America. LOL what stupid person thinks a liberal will fix their city?
good thing Obama is gonna end all business and give us food stamps and unemployment.
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