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When I think about celebrating this Fourth of July, I find myself wondering about where we are and what has got us here. What most fascinates me, and what I am most amazed by, are the stories of people like you and me who have fought for freedom. I don’t necessarily mean soldiers, but ordinary people who became extraordinary because of circumstances. I mean those who stood up against slavery, stood up for women’s right to vote, stood up for workers’ rights, stood up for civil rights, stood up for you and me.
One of the finest works of historical investigation and writing is Howard Zinn’s remarkable A People’s History of the United States. Throughout that book there are challenges on every page, challenges that remind us what freedom really means and what it takes for people to be free, and just how much freedom is truly a deep, deep longing.
Recently there have been public readings of that book. Here are some excerpts:
Brain Jones reads Frederick Douglass
Lili Taylor reads Susan B. Anthony
Steve Earl reads Joe Hill
This country has always been an experiment. Our freedoms are probably more tenuous than we tend to believe. We have freedoms because they were fought for, because they are still being fought for. Those freedoms will, I’m sure, need to be fought for again. I believe the Fourth of July should be more than a commemoration of 1776. I want to remember how so many ordinary people all along the way have struggled to achieve this country’s ideals. And how many still do. Every Fourth reminds us of how we too are part of this on-going experiment. It is a challenge to each of us to do the work of freedom. I do not want to forget that.
May you have a great Fourth of July!
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This is a holy weekend for more than 2 billion people. It is rather remarkable how many people this very day will celebrate something they believe to be true, that is, that the man Jesus of Nazareth, after having been brutally tortured and murdered (on what is now called Good Friday, just two days ago), rose from the dead on this day. Like Christmas celebrates his birth, Easter celebrates his resurrection.
Resurrection is a rather incredible claim. The apostle Paul made a big deal of it: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless.”
It is something to seriously ponder. Even for the cynical. Personally I think a good personal project is to cut through the garbage of so much religiosity (remember it was those hypocritical, self-righteous religious types that murdered Jesus) and just get to know the story and think about it. Wonder about it. It’s rather remarkable.
The apostle John wrote about those who loved Jesus, who new him personally, talked with him, walked with him in life, listened to him teach, saw him perform healings, saw him walk on water, witnessed him feed five thousand and turn water into wine and cast out demons, saw him command the wind to stop, walked with him triumphantly into Jerusalem for the Jewish Passover celebration, then saw him crucified and buried on Friday, and then found his tomb empty on Sunday. John wrote:
Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, while it was still dark, and saw the stone already taken away from the tomb. So she ran and came to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” So Peter and the other disciple went forth, and they were going to the tomb. The two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first; and stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in. And so Simon Peter also came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the face-cloth which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself. So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb then also entered, and he saw and believed. For as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. So the disciples went away again to their own homes. But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.'” Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her.
“I have seen the Lord.” That’s an incredible statement.
Happy Easter!
>Four paintings by Giotto, from his fresco cycle in the Scrovegni Chapel:
The Birth of Christ
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-25)
The Adoration of the Magi
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: ‘AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.’” Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way. (Matthew 2:1-12)
The Presentation in the Temple
And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “EVERY firstborn MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, “A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS.” And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel.” And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed— and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:21-38)
The Flight to Egypt
Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.” So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “OUT OF EGYPT I CALLED MY SON.” (Matthew 2:13-15)
Merry Christmas!
>silent night, jingle bells, we wish you a merry christmas
http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-97222109784774733&hl=en
This group of kids traveled to and sang at about twenty homes, which was a lot given how cold it was getting. They are all part of the same “piano lesson” group. My daughter is in the front row.
What you don’t see is our littlest daughter, who was being held in my left arm while the camera was in my right, and who had just woken up and was quite surprised by the whole thing.
We gave them cookies and candy canes when they finished.
Happy Thanksgiving!
(For those non-U.S. folks, this is what I am referring to.)
So, this pilgrim does indeed give thanks, but…
The Pilgrim Fathers’ first landing 13 Nov 1620, by Mike Haywood
…I have to admit that giving thanks for being an American, or a U.S. Citizen, or someone who has “freedoms” that others “hate” isn’t what floats my Mayflower. I don’t buy into the manifest destiny mythologies like those depicted in the painting above. In fact, that image is outright comical in my opinion. And sometimes, more so now than before, I often feel like someone only visiting this planet. On the other hand, I do have so much for which to be thankful, not least of which is to be born into a country that doesn’t get in the way of a lot of freedoms that I cherish.
Truth is, I could have been born anywhere, in any time, part of any ethnic group, raised in any religion or any culture, into any family. But I was born who I was with what I was given. I am certainly fortunate to have been born into the country I was, very imperfect though it is. And I am grateful to live in a country whose economy provides opportunity. So, besides my wonderful family, freedom of religion, a country with some significant semblance of democracy, the U.S. Constitution, the fact I have a job with good health benefits, and a lot more of the same stuff for which we’re all thankful, what else is it that I am thankful for?
Lately I have been thankful for suffering. I know that sounds like the dumbest thing to say. But only through suffering do I seem to grow as a person. In fact, though I do not feel particularly connected to those early pilgrims who came to the North American shores so many years ago, I do feel a strong affinity to another pilgrim, that of Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress.
That famous pilgrim struggled to find his way, made wrong turns, got lost, was often confused, sometimes trusted in those who he shouldn’t, and was helped a great deal along the path. In the end he reached his goal. I hope to do the same, but I have to confess that my hope is tempered by a great amount of fear and trembling. And yet, as I struggle, as I suffer, I plumb the depths of my soul, I learn about myself, my weaknesses, my pride, my fears, my true hopes. Suffering crystallizes what I need to know and shows me in what or whom I have been placing my trust. In short, suffering is a bright light that helps to illuminate the path. Though I do not ask for suffering, and I certainly do not enjoy it, I have to say I would not trade any suffering I have had for the world. I am thankful and grateful for what it has wrought.
I also have to say that my suffering, though often painful to me, pales in comparison to the suffering experienced by so many others. I wish for a world of no suffering. And yet, I long even more for a world in which people honestly, naturally, from the depths of their souls, love each other truly.
These thoughts may seem to be an odd way of celebrating Thanksgiving Day, but it reflects the season I am in. And honestly, I find myself wanting to get away from the shallow expectations of mere food and football. Those are good things, but when I consider what I am thankful for I find myself considering foundational things, not the gloss. I wish the same for you.
May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. More importantly, may you grow in wisdom and love.
And just in case you’re wondering, we will be doing the traditional Thanksgiving Day feast with some very good friends. So don’t get the idea that this post represents some kind of holiday gloom. There is too much to be thankful for.
Finally, I found this meaningful Thanksgiving video:
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May today be a good day for you and your soul!
Blessings.
>Sunday, Labor Day weekend, was beautiful. The family went out for breakfast to one of our favorite haunts, and then we decided to take a walk around the University of Oregon campus which was next door. I had not been on campus for years.
I graduated from the place in 1989 with bachelors degrees in film studies (the old Telecommunication and Film dept.) and in art history, then again in 1993 with an M.A. in film studies (emphasis on independent film aesthetics). I also used to take portrait photos there when I was a professional photographer. I have to say the campus was perfect for strolling and just enjoying the surroundings on this quiet weekend.
But I also became a little contemplative. As we passed by so many of the buildings in which I spent so much time many years ago I couldn’t help but think about how important some doors can be in one’s life. These are some of those doors for me.
Lawrence Hall
Many times did I walk through this entrance to the Art and Architecture building. Most of my art history bachelors degree came in one year as I crammed five courses a quarter of memorizing slides, dates, painters, architects, styles, and historical periods. I loved it. I have always loved art, but studying art history opened my eyes to how magnificent the breadth and depth of art has been.
150 Columbia
150 Columbia is a large lecture hall. Although I had some science courses there, this is also where many of the films shown by the student forum (or was it student union?) were exhibited. This is also were visiting filmmakers might show their wares. For example, I saw a two-night presentation of Stan Brakhage’s films with Brakhage introducing each film and talking about his life as a filmmaker.
Villard Hall
Villard Hall was where the old Telecommunication and Film department (now defunct) resided. I spent many hundreds of hours in this old building, and hundreds upon hundreds of times going through this side door. This is where I studied film history and aesthetics, created videos, and taught film courses as a GTF. I figured out how to “sneak” through this usually locked door late at night and on the weekends so I could spend extra hours editing my projects.
180 Prince Lucien Campbell
Every Tuesday and Thursday evenings I spent a couple hours or so in this large lecture hall watching films for my film history courses. This is where I was introduced to the cinematic “cannon.” Here I saw Griffith, Renoir, Godard, Sembene, and so much more for the first time. Here is where my world opened up and I became a person of the world, with my mind expanded and heart grown bigger. Words cannot really describe how big of an impact this door has had on my life.
So that was part of my Labor Day weekend. I’m sure in your life you have had, or still have, doors that are more than just doors.
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pilgrimakimbo 