Revision, Reformation, Transformation: Thursday's Reflection

Three words have been running in my head like a Taize' chant:

                               Revision,
                               Reformation,
                               Transformation.

In some ways, the reasons I am focused on revision and reformation are obvious. 














First of all, this is the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, and as a genetic Lutheran, it is glorious to see our church swathed in festival red and to sing "A Mighty Fortress," Luther's famous hymn, with gusto and pride. How even more astounding to attend a concert at The Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis in observance of the 500th anniversary. Yes, Catholics and Lutherans singing and praying together. We've come a long way. 

The word "revision" feels a bit more personal. I have started a major revision of my spiritual memoir, a humbling and taxing process, but also a process of deepening, of discovery. A spiritual practice of opening my heart to what is struggling to be born into its fullest being. Along with moving methodically from sentence to sentence, I am trying to know the fullness of the story, to see how the pieces fit together. This is hard work.


A Deeper Knowing
Reformation was not just an event a long time ago. 

Revision is not just finding the right word and adding in a comma here and there. 

Both words are active. Both words reflect an evolutionary before and after and an in-between that keeps growing and expanding.


A couple weeks ago I attended a drop-in writing session taught by  Elizabeth Jarret Andrew at Wisdom Ways. The theme for the session was mysticism, and we were all invited to write about a mystical experience in our own lives. I wrote about an experience I had while practicing T'ai Chi many years ago. I was moved by the memory of that experience--how I felt and how surprised I was by the event itself. I vividly remember many details of the experience, and eagerly and easily wrote about it. 

Andrew challenged us, however, to reflect on what led to the mystical experience. What led to the moment of mystery? Why then and not at another time in our life's timeline? What was going on in our everyday lives that created a context, a willingness, an openness, perhaps to receive something not quite real and yet oh, so real. 

And furthermore, what were the fruits, the consequences? How did our souls grow because of this experience? How does that one experience continue to show up in the ongoing days? How has the movement of God, the presence of God, continued to be revealed?  What is beyond?

The mystical experience or vision is not enough. The defining moment of reformation is not enough. Revising what seemed just right when it was first written is not enough. 

And here's where the word "transformation" enters the scene. Reformation and revision must lead to transformation. Ongoing transformation, rather than a been there, done that, it is finished attitude. Transformation happens moments at a time, one page at a time, one word at a time, one heartbeat at a time. One after another after another after another--often invisible and soundless, but the breath is there. The breath of Spirit is there. 

Living Reformation, Revision and Praying for Transformation
On Reformation Sunday we prayed the following prayer of intercession:

          We pray for continual reformation in this and every
           assembly. In new beginnings, impart wisdom. In
           established traditions, inspire creativity. In all ministries,
           revive our hope in the one who makes all things new.

Yes, the breath of transformation, but this is not enough. Sometimes, actually often, if not always, transformation also involves atonement and repentance. 

            We give thanks for your saints. On this anniversary
             day, we remember those who died in the Holocaust.
             We confess our church's complicity in anti-Semitism.
             Until Christ returns in glory to unite all faiths into
             one merciful love, give us strength to challenge
             misunderstanding, determination to stand against
             hatred, and courage to make amends for the sins of 
             our heroes.

May transformation may flow around and within us.

An Invitation
How have you experienced reformation, revision, and transformation in your life? I would love to know.