Defying Definition

Last weekend, our family had pictures taken for Christmas. It's something we always do. And Sheri wisely scheduled said photo session very early this year. She also insists that I wear my clerical collar for said pictures. Which makes things interesting. Whenever I am out in the community with Sheri or with the girls or with all of them, people look and I can tell the gears are just grinding in the head trying to figure it all out. According to common definition, guys who wear clerical collars are supposed to be Roman Catholic priests - which means they are supposed to be celibate. So they see me walk into Portrait Innovations with Sheri and the girls and I can just imagine: "Wait, he's a priest (and a young one at that) but is that his wife? Or is that a mistress? And they have kids!! Priests are pedophiles! Does he have a wedding ring? Yes, he has a wedding ring! So this is a priest, who's young and not old, is married, and has kids!" Sometimes they ask me if I'm a priest, and then I explain to them I'm a Lutheran pastor. "What's a Lutheran."
It's fun and a good thing not being defined by anyone's common assertions and preconceived notions. I will not be defined by popular viewpoints or pollster and marketing categories. And I am certainly not self-defined. The definitions I have been given are given by God - child of God, husband, father, U.S. citizen, and yes, a Lutheran Pastor.
And it's just hilarious when Sheri and I exhibit a public display of affection.

Saints Marching In

Yesterday we celebrated All Saints' Day at Hope. Hope tends to do this service big - only Easter and Christmas are bigger. Just before the 8 o'clock service, I was standing in the Narthex at the entrance to the nave greeting people as they came in. At one point, there was a "rush" of some of our members who are closer to sainthood than most - slowly pushing their walkers or being pushed in a wheelchair. With choir rehearsing in the background I was suddenly struck with this insight: this is the Pastoral office - greeting the saints God has appointed since before time - welcoming them into the kingdom of God with the words of Jesus such as what we heard that day, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God." My task is to proclaim to them that they are saints because of their savior Jesus who welcomes them into the kingdom by his Word.
As I watched those who have many physical tribulations right now, the words from Revelation came to me as well: "These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." One great day, these and all the saints of God, a great multitude, from every nation and tribe and people and language will be standing before the throne and before the Lamb without their walkers and their wheelchairs, clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands worshiping the God who has created them, redeemed them from their sin, and made them his holy people.
For now, greeting them with a smile in the narthex will do.