MONDAY MORNING BLOG

Chapter 49

Good Monday Morning to this new week

Living Faith: Wisdom from Modern Theological Minds

1. N.T. Wright:

“Heaven is important, but it’s not the end of the world.”

2. Stanley Hauerwas:

“The church doesn’t have a social strategy; the church is a social strategy.”

3. John Piper:

“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.”

4. Miroslav Volf:

“Forgiveness flounders because I exclude the enemy from the community of humans and myself from the community of sinners.”

5. Timothy Keller:

“The gospel says you are more sinful and flawed than you ever dared believe, but more accepted and loved than you ever dared hope.”

6. Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger):

“The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.”

7. Elizabeth A. Johnson:

“We are not just stewards of creation; we are also members of the community of creation.”

8. Robert Barron:

“Your life is not about you. You are sent to reflect the glory of God, to act as a conduit of grace to the world, to carry the divine life within you and share it.”

9. Hans Küng:

“No peace among the nations without peace among the religions. No peace among the religions without dialogue between the religions.”

10. Gustavo Gutiérrez:

“You say you care about the poor? Then tell me, what are their names?”

11. John Zizioulas:

“To be and to be in communion are the same thing.”

12. David Bentley Hart:

“God’s beauty is infinite and inexhaustible; its splendor is the measure of all things.”

13. Serene Jones:

“Theology is not an abstract discipline; it is a way of making sense of the struggles and hopes of real people.”

14. Jacquelyn Grant:

“Theologizing about liberation must not become an abstract exercise divorced from the realities of those who suffer.”

15. Kwame Bediako:

“The gospel is at home in every culture, and no culture is the gospel’s permanent home.”

16. C. René Padilla:

“The gospel of the kingdom is good news of total salvation: spiritual, material, social, and ecological.”

17. Mercy Amba Oduyoye:

“In African cosmology, life is the ultimate gift, and theology must affirm its flourishing for all.”

18. Willie James Jennings:

“The Christian imagination must be reshaped by a vision of belonging that disrupts segregation and exclusion.”

19. James K.A. Smith:

Jesus is a teacher who doesn’t just inform our intellect but forms our very loves. He isn’t content to simply deposit new ideas into your mind; he is after nothing less than your wants, your loves, your longings.”

20. Catherine Keller:

“Creation is not an event of the past, but the ongoing process of God’s relational becoming.”

Wishing an inspired start to this new week with these 20 Voices shaping faith in the 21st century.

Philemon

Chapter 48

midweek churnings
wells of wisdom
reservoirs of strength
catalysts for compassion.
#embracing the shadow within

Each of us wrestles with our shadow self. Yet this doesn’t have to undo us. In fact, there are riches hidden in the dark if we have the courage to face what is there. When we confront our fears, weaknesses, and wounds, we begin to realize that even our struggles can become sources of wisdom, strength, and compassion. The shadow isn’t necessarily evil; rather, it holds the potential to lead us to wholeness. By integrating these hidden aspects of ourselves, we not only transform our pain but also discover a deeper authenticity and capacity to connect with others. The journey through the shadow can illuminate the path to our truest and most complete selves.

Ps: In many Western cultures, the shadow is often seen as negative, something to be avoided or rejected. In contrast, some Eastern cultures view the shadow as a natural and essential part of the self, recognizing that both light and dark are integral aspects of the whole. Embracing the shadow in these cultures is often seen as a path to spiritual growth and self-awareness. Indigenous cultures may also perceive the shadow as an important element of the human experience, necessary for wholeness, wisdom, and personal transformation.

I suggest you take a mix of these perspectives in the interpretation of the quote above, as each offers valuable insights into the process of integrating the shadow for spiritual development.

Or the Apostle Paul writes about his shadow in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV), “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Wishing you a good Friday!

Philemon

Chapter 47

Good Monday Morning

Welcome to week 48 of 2024 and chapter 47 of Warapunga.ch.

This week, we reflect on the life and legacy of Anthony (Tony) Campolo, a remarkable sociologist, pastor, author, and spiritual advisor, who passed away on November 19, 2024, at the age of 89. Campolo was a leading voice in the evangelical left, known for his commentary on religious, political, and social issues. In 2007, he co-founded the Red Letter Christians movement, emphasizing the teachings of Jesus as central to Christian living. Campolo’s guiding principle was, “Jesus is the lens through which we interpret the Bible.”

Connecting Like Jesus

No one in history has connected with others as Jesus did. He interacted not just with peers but also with those deemed outcasts by society, offering a relational style unlike any other. Crowds from all walks of life followed him—fishermen, Roman soldiers, and government officials—each drawn by his presence and teachings.

The Bible tells us how Roman soldiers, sent to arrest him, returned empty-handed because they were captivated by his words. They explained simply, “Never has anyone spoken like this!” (John 7:46). Fishermen left their livelihoods to follow him, and his charisma drew people who were not only mesmerized by his words but transformed by them (Mark 6:30–33). Even his enemies could recognize the impact he had on his followers (Acts 4:13).

What made Jesus so uniquely compelling? His ability to connect with people transcended communication techniques; it was spiritually charged communication that resonated with both the simplest child and the most elite scholar. This connection held the power to transform lives and change the course of history.

As Tony Campolo and Mary Darling wrote in their book Connecting Like Jesus, spiritually charged communication combines practical skills with spiritual practices to create deeper, God-honoring connections. They remind us that effective communication is not just about skill but also spiritual empowerment that transforms relationships.

Overcoming Guilt and Anxiety

In Why I Left, Why I Stayed, Campolo reflected on two obstacles to living fully in the present:

• “Guilt keeps me oriented to the past, focusing on what I should or should not have done. Anxiety, on the other hand, orients me to the future, preventing me from enjoying life now. Caught between guilt and anxiety, I have nothing left to address the present moment in which I find myself.”

This wisdom encourages us to let go of burdens from the past and fears for the future, freeing ourselves to live more fully in the present.

Spiritual Disciplines for Connection

Campolo also emphasized the power of spiritual disciplines—centering prayer, the prayer of examen, lectio divina, and spiritual direction—as tools for connecting with God and others. These practices invite us to reflect with gratitude, repent of unloving actions, and align our deepest desires with God’s truth.

In the words of Campolo and Darling:
• “Nobody becomes or remains good in isolation. We have to help one another grow.”

A New Week, A New Opportunity

As we step into this week, may we be inspired by Tony Campolo’s legacy to connect deeply, live presently, and grow together in love and grace.

Wishing you a meaningful start to this new week,
Philemon

Chapter 45

Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. Galations 6.2 MSG

When God reveals His name to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14), He shows Himself as the God of Presence: the One who is with us and for us. The incarnation of Christ is the ultimate proof of this presence: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Emmanuel—“God with us”—is not just a name but the essence of God’s closeness to His creation, including humanity.

People of faith face an important challenge: How can we work toward healing and unity rather than deepening division? How can we create spaces of connection, even in times of separation? This calling requires a special wisdom in how we communicate and an openness to each other, combined with spiritual and practical support to bridge relational rifts.

With gratitude, we acknowledge God’s presence in all these efforts and thank those who act as His hands and feet in the mission of presence—partners, friends, and family who walk with us; those who pray and give; those who encourage with words and deeds; those who take risks for others; and those who create spaces from which we can look to the future with shared hope.

These reflections lead me to deeper questions: Who is present in my life? In whose life am I truly present? Who are we, co-present with each other in the mission of revealing Christ’s presence? How can my presence become a space for God’s action and a source of hope for others? Where am I particularly called to be present?

As Christ became the visible sign of the invisible God, our presence in each other’s lives is called to be a visible sign of His unseen but very real presence—a presence that is deeply needed in our world, divided by conflict, where embodied signs of His love and faithfulness shine as a beacon of hope.

Paraphrased and summarized from a text called “Journey Home”.

Wishing a very present start to this new week.
Philemon

Chapter 44

Good morning! I love sharing a bit of inspiration and saw a great text by M. Chironna that captures it well. Inspiration, he suggests, is not just a fleeting spark. It’s a call that stirs something dormant within us, drawing us toward a greater purpose.

“At the heart of what inspires us lies a deep, often unspoken search for meaning—one that is as much spiritual as it is psychological. Inspiration doesn’t simply happen; it awakens something dormant within us, calling us toward a greater sense of purpose or a fuller understanding of ourselves. Spiritually, inspiration can be seen as a divine spark, a moment of givenness where something transcendent touches our lives. It is as if God momentarily lifts us out of the ordinary, inviting us to glimpse a reality greater than ourselves. In this sense, inspiration is often about revelation—it reveals something we couldn’t fully see before, shedding light on a new perspective or possibility. Psychologically, inspiration resonates because it satisfies a deep-seated human need for growth, transcendence, and transformation. We might speak of Maslow’s construct of self-actualization, yet apart from the impartation of the Creator and our progressive partaking in His image and likeness, this remains an ideal that falls short of the actual glory of God. As Irenaeus reminds us, “the glory of God is a human being fully alive.” Christ Himself embodies the fullness of potential for the entire human race, a reality we are invited to embrace in Him. It is Christ—by way of the Cross—who leads us toward the fullest realization of our potential and enables us to transcend the broken limitations of the human ego. The Cross, through the inwrought work of the Spirit, moves us beyond self-centered desires and calls us to a life congruent with the Divine intent. Truly transformative inspiration often comes when we encounter the One who can do “exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think.” It is the Spirit who calls us into the mediatorial presence and work of Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who alone does all things well, calls those things that are not as though they were, and promises to make a way where there seems to be no way. Abiding in union with this One—before whom prophets and sages fell as if dead in reverent awe at His “otherness”—we are invited into a life that not only transcends our limitations but reflects the unbounded, resurrected life of Christ.” M. Chironna

Wishing you an inspired unbounded start to this new week! “
Philemon

Chapter 43

Yes, escapism can actually be found in various forms in the Bible, where individuals or even communities try to avoid their current reality through distractions, isolation, or by seeking out imagined futures instead of facing their immediate issues. Here are some interesting biblical examples that resemble escapism:

Jonah the Runaway Prophet – Picture this: God tells Jonah to go preach to the people of Nineveh. Jonah’s response? “Nah, I’ll just take the world’s first Mediterranean cruise instead!” Cue Jonah booking it to the nearest port, hopping on a boat to Tarshish, and telling himself, “I’m totally not avoiding my problems. Just… travelling.” But even on the high seas, God has a way of finding you—so in comes the storm, a panicked crew, and an enormous fish ready to give Jonah a serious (and slimy) wake-up call.

Israelites’ Love Affair with Egypt’s ‘Fine Cuisine’. So, the Israelites escaped slavery in Egypt. Freedom! The open desert! …and the realization they’re all out of snacks. Almost immediately, they start romanticizing the “good old days” back in Egypt. “Ah, remember the fish? The cucumbers? Sure, we were slaves, but at least the food was decent!” Turns out, wandering the wilderness really makes you forget the whole “brick-making-under-the-whip” part.

False Prophets Selling Fairy Tales – Enter the false prophets, strolling in with messages like, “Everything’s fine! Peace is coming! Trust me!” Imagine them as ancient infomercial hosts: “Are you tired of doom and gloom prophecies? Try Our Super Peace and Prosperity Solution!” But behind the hype, things weren’t exactly rainbows and butterflies, and prophets like Jeremiah had to roll in with a reality check, breaking it to the people that ‘peace’ might not actually be “just three easy payments of some $ away.

The Prodigal Son’s Great Escape, is hardly the glamorous escape he envisioned. In a moment of clarity, he realizes that sometimes, the road back home is the true escape from the chaos we create for ourselves.

Elijah’s Wilderness Retreat, After a showdown with the prophets of Baal, Elijah finds himself on the run, consumed by fear and despair. But God, ever the compassionate caretaker, sends an angel with food and encouragement, showing that true refuge often comes not from isolation but from divine support.

Peter’s Return to Fishing – After the chaos of Jesus’ crucifixion, what does Peter do? He goes back to his old life as a fisherman, soothing but ultimately unfulfilling. Jesus eventually meets Peter on the shore, cooking breakfast and inviting him to step out of his comfort zone.

Sometimes, the urge to escape our challenges leads us back to places we thought we’d outgrown, but growth often happens when we face our calling head-on.

Escapism is often a journey toward deeper understanding. While each character sought to escape their reality, their encounters with God, whether through storms, wilderness, or reminders of purpose-led them back to the path of growth and fulfilment.

Let us neither embrace the chaos nor seek to escape it, but instead strive to navigate through it as the path becomes uncertain, drawing upon faith in God’s great mercy to guide us forward.

Philemon

Chapter 42

BeingHuman #OnTheRoadAgain #BrutalHonesty

I truly need to share this with you. It comes from Ukraine, but it could just as easily be from pastors in Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, or Sudan. I admire the honesty of this man as he shares his grief and helplessness in his role as director of a theological faculty. I’m sharing it unedited… God have mercy – Phliemon

I am ashamed to look into your eyes through Zoom, and I am unbearably ashamed when you ask, “How are you?” I cannot articulate this overwhelming sense of powerlessness. A burning shame engulfs me as partners, you… expect heroic resilience while I wake in the night’s depths, gripped by panic attacks, unable even to respond to your earnest emails.

You may perceive us as unbreakable warriors of light, heroic Christians standing upon the frontlines of a spiritual battle, real “People of the Bridge”… And yet? I flinch at every air raid siren. I weep at photographs of yet another funeral… I freeze in stupor upon hearing of another brother or sister’s death… in Christ or without Christ… or an atheist who is going the Hell… being predestined by God of “calvinists” before the creation of the universe…

“We’re praying for you!” many write. And I feel unworthy of these prayers. For you think you pray for a courageous warrior of faith, when in reality, your prayers fall upon a broken vessel barely holding together… Your intercessions reach one who oftentimes cannot even pray, as words lodge in the throat alongside unshed tears…

You marvel at how we are “holding up.” But I know the bitter truth – sometimes we are not holding up at all; we are merely falling more slowly than others… At times, what keeps me from utter collapse is not heroic faith, but mere human stubbornness and the deeply ingrained habit of rising each morning… to fulfil “job description” for survival sake…

It is unbearably shameful to confess that I sometimes envy your peaceful sky, in Europe… in the US… When you speak of your “challenges” with fundraising or team building, I must restrain myself from crying out: “What difference does it make! We are at war! My people… my family members perish daily!”…

Yet what brings the deepest shame is this very shame about my personal weakness… But did not the Apostle Paul teach that God’s power is made perfect in weakness? Did not Christ Himself demonstrate that true greatness lies in acknowledging our vulnerability before the Father?… Maybe, I mis-read the Gospel…

Perhaps our true strength resides not in our capacity to remain unbreakable, but in our courage to be honest? I do not know… You decide… Not in our ability to conceal pain, but in our willingness to share it with others? I do not know… You decide… Perhaps when we find the courage to say: “I am terrified. I am in unbearable pain. I know not how to continue” – it is then we most resemble Christ in Gethsemane?… I do not know… You decide…

And perhaps our very brokenness serves as the most authentic testimony to our brothers and sisters abroad? Does it reveal to you not some imagined pantheon of faith superheroes, but the true visage of the Church Militant – beaten, bloodied, yet alive? A Church that perseveres in service and love even through tears and all-consuming fear? Does it?…

So perhaps the time has come to cease being ashamed of our weakness…? Time to tell our partners with complete honesty: “Yes, we are broken. Yes, we are frightened. Yes, we often feel utterly helpless. Yet we remain. Still praying when strength allows. Still serving when energy permits. And herein lies the true miracle of God’s grace”…?

For in the end, perhaps what glorifies God most profoundly is not our strength… What an evangelical heresy! … but our willingness to be weak before Him and before one another? … The courage to acknowledge: “We are not heroes. We are simply people clinging to Christ amidst a devastating storm”… We… I…. simply a broken evangelical… Peace be with you, and keep your children away from war…

—
Taras M. Dyatlik
Ukraine
972nd day of Russia’s full-scale war

Chapter 41

Albrecht Dürer’s The Four Horsemen is part of his renowned woodcut series The Apocalypse (1498), inspired by the biblical Book of Revelation (6:1–8). In this dramatic artwork, the Four Horsemen symbolise Conquest, War, Famine, and Death, forces of destruction unleashed as divine judgement upon the world. Viewing this piece today reminds me of the daily images of war, famine, chaos, enslavement, and destruction that fill our news feeds.

Dürer’s depiction of the horsemen, with their powerful, galloping figures trampling everything in their path, resonates with the unstoppable forces of turmoil we see around us. Yet, we must remember that these four figures might also represent people in power, those who cause destruction, but also those who can prevent or overcome it. They remind us that even in the face of such evil, there is always the potential for change and restoration.

In contrast, I recently saw an image by Banksy: a young Arab boy and a Jewish boy, together, planting and caring for a tree, nurturing and protecting life amidst a world torn by conflict. This simple yet powerful scene reflects a different vision, one of hope, healing, and shared responsibility.

Our understanding of the world, and the way we respond to the challenges we face, is deeply influenced by the times we live in and the perspective we choose to adopt. Just because we are surrounded by the chaos of wild horsemen wreaking havoc doesn’t mean that this is the only future available to us.

This picture is inspired by the passage in Scripture from Revelation, which has sparked numerous intriguing interpretations among scholars. However, I won’t go into those interpretations here and now. So, in moments of despair, we might ask ourselves: WWJD—What would Jesus do or say? His vision of love, peace, and redemption is always a reminder that there is another way forward.

Jesus might say: “Love your neighbour, forgive others, seek peace, serve selflessly, treat others as you would want to be treated, trust in God’s provision, and don’t worry about tomorrow, live with love, humility, and faith.” All 4 verses of the gospel of Matthew.
In this regard, Jesus’ vision of the future was centred on the Kingdom of God—a new reality marked by justice, peace, love, and righteousness, where humanity would be reconciled with God and one another. He envisioned a time of renewal and restoration, where evil would be overcome, and God would wipe away every tear, making all things new. Jesus also spoke of a day of judgement, where justice would prevail, and His vision included a future of peace, where swords would be turned into ploughshares, symbolising the end of conflict and the beginning of a new time.

As I reflect on the themes of the four horsemen and the power of vision, I invite you to consider your own perspective. What is your vision of the future? Where do you draw your inspiration from in times of uncertainty? In a world filled with chaos and division, what anchors you and gives you hope?

Wishing you a good start to this new week.
Philemon

Chapter 40

Didn’t we just read of this Elijah … we see Elijah at the pinnacle of his ministry. There he is on Mt. Carmel taking on the whole army of the prophets of Baal single-handedly in the name of the living God of Israel, and achieving a stunning, fiery victory. … yet, so soon after ….

Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. 1. Kings 19; 1-5

This past week, on the 10th of October, we observed World Mental Health Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting mental well-being around the globe. 🌍

Elijah’s experience of exhaustion, fear, and despair, followed by divine restoration, mirrors the struggles many face today. Drawing from Dr. Christopher Wright’s insights, here are four key aspects of God’s tender care that can guide us through moments of emotional and mental distress:

1️⃣ Rest and Nourishment

In Elijah’s darkest moment, God didn’t immediately demand action or deep introspection. Instead, He provided the essentials: rest, food, and water. Often, our first steps toward healing are to attend to our physical needs—sleep, nutrition, and hydration. Self-care, sometimes overlooked in its simplicity, can be the foundation for emotional recovery.

2️⃣ Back to Basics

After Elijah’s physical needs were met, God reminded him of his core mission and calling. He brought Elijah back to the basics of his faith, grounding him in what mattered most. In moments of mental struggle, revisiting our values, beliefs, or passions can help us reconnect with our sense of purpose.

3️⃣ Gentle Reflection

Through a quiet, gentle whisper, God asks Elijah, “What are you doing here?” This moment of calm reflection is an invitation to pause and reassess. Elijah’s story teaches us that reflection doesn’t have to be harsh or critical. Sometimes, gentle introspection leads us back to clarity and self-understanding.

4️⃣ Recommissioning

God doesn’t leave Elijah in his despair. Instead, He recommissions him—giving him new direction and purpose. Importantly, God also ensures Elijah knows he isn’t alone by providing him with a companion. In the same way, we are reminded that in our moments of struggle, finding support, community, and renewed purpose can be the path to restoration.

This World Mental Health Day, may we be reminded that even in our darkest moments, healing is possible. Just as Elijah experienced, we too can find rest, reflection, and renewal. Let us extend compassion, both to ourselves and to those around us, as we navigate the complexities of mental health. 🌿

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

For more insights into Elijah’s journey and its relevance to mental health, read the full article: Elijah and the Healing of Depression and Fear

Wishing you a good start to this week.
Philemon

Chapter 39

This week, I’ve been listening deeply and often to the song “Prophecy” by David Brymer through INRI. “Prophecy” is a cinematic, ambient, forward-looking instrumental that takes you on a profound journey. INRI, the musical expression of David Brymer, offers fresh, experimental spiritual instrumental music—truly the soundtrack for a new world!

As I listen, I’m reminded of the beautiful verse from Isaiah 43:19: “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Wishing you moments of peace this week as you navigate the beautiful yet challenging journeys many of you have shared with me.

blessings
Philemon

On Spotify and Youtube
https://youtu.be/Qr0xUUymx8Q?si=y6f6ELV3jdHtPwof
https://open.spotify.com/album/6A74h926ihwvh6mW4b5XBC?si=O9K0ge9xTZuAiHuNF6IK5g