Rev. David Zuniga: Going Forth: Last fall Rev. Zuniga was ordained as a priest in the Taego lineage of Korean Zen. He will reflect on his ascetic training and its practical applications for dealing with suffering and cultivating a more fulfilling spiritual life. [22:51]
Rev. Chuck Freeman: Wanna Live Forever?: Humanity is obsessed with living forever. This desire is expressed in various forms, ranging from spiritual teachings to the Fountain of Youth. Science has set its sights on this Holy Grail and one day we may be able to literally live forever in a carnal body. Whether in the spirit or flesh, what is at the root of this desire? Is it the ultimate narcissism or our true destiny? What does it mean to live eternally? [29:16]
Rev. Chuck Freeman: Beauty is Hard as Hell: Is the notion of enemies a valid one? An eye for an eye? Love your enemies? Have compassion for all beings? Seek the fruit of the Spirit. How do we maintain moral integrity and a pure heart? [28:44]
Rev. Kathleen Ellis: The Gift of Action: As a point/counterpoint to last week’s reflection on prayer, let’s consider the blessing that comes with an active life of work, creativity, and caring. Parker Palmer, who tried the contemplative life of a monastery, came to the conclusion that he is not a monk but an activist. How can our actions add to our spiritual growth?. [14:42]
Rev. Kathleen Ellis: The Gift of Prayer: Whether prayer is a conversation with God, an invocation of the Goddess, or listening to the quiet within one’s own heart and breath, it has a place in contrast to stressful, sometimes frenzied living. For some of us, it is an essential part of our lives. Next week we’ll look at the active life and its relationship to spirituality. [18:05]
Rev. Chuck Freeman: True Patriots: Heroes of Conscience: We live in a time when Americans are being lauded as patriots for all the wrong reasons. Come prepared to name your current hero of conscience and to hear Chuck lift up the name of Ann Wright, who embodies the best of the distinguished moniker, patriot. [24:55]
Gary Schumann: My Trip to Cabela’s: Live Oak congregant Gary Schumann recently visited the new Cabela’s off IH-35 in Buda, Texas. This enormous gun and hunting good store with its full-sized nature dioramas and hundreds of stuffed mounts celebrates a single theme – killing wildlife. Gary’s tour of the store invoked a spiritual reaction. His sermon is not a diatribe against hunting. Rather, it discusses how this visit helped expand his appreciation of the value of our Unitarian Universalist principles in effectuating change in our society and within ourselves. [23:46]
Rev. Chuck Freeman: Long Walk to Freedom: Nelson Mandela is the father of modern day South Africa at the cost of 28 years in prison. He is also the father of six children, 21 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. What can we glean on Father’s Day from this man of vast courage and unbounded moral integrity? [33:01]
Rev. Chuck Freeman: Judge Not, That You Not Be Judged: This ancient wisdom is offered by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount and is reflected in other spiritual traditions as well. What does it mean? Does not life require us to make judgments? Does the sincere religious life handcuff us from doing so? What is the distinction between judgment and judgmentalism?
Rev. Kathleen Ellis: The Rainbow Connection: Kermit the Frog can bring a tear to my eye when he sings the opening song from The Muppet Movie: “Why are there so many songs about rainbows and what’s on the other side?” You may see lots of rainbows this week as we celebrate Gay Pride Week. Feel free to wear bright rainbow colors or multi-colored outfits. “Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers, and me.”
