Secrets in the Dark: A Life in Sermons

Secrets in the Dark: A Life in Sermons

A “best of Buechner” collection of sermons that gathers some of his best sermons from previous books as well as seven new sermons and a new introduction. “Buechner uses words with such transformative power that any comment on them is like the moon palely reflecting the sun.” — Walter Brueggemann, author of The Prophetic Imagination “An elegant and life-giving memoir.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Buechner is one of our best worker of words. Now, in this fine collection, we’ve got the best of Buechner.” — William H. Willimon, Bishop, North Alabama Conference, The United Methodist Church, author of Sinning Like a Christian “The topography of Buechner’s world is beautifully mapped by this set of self-revealing sermons and essays.” — J. I. Packer, author of Knowing God “Brilliant…overflowing with images and questions and honesty and insights that will haunt you for days.” — Rob Bell, pastor of Mars Hill, author of Velvet Elvis “A poignant, practical, deeply philosophical, and powerful work. Highly recommended.” — Library Journal “...his work is a revelation...Here Buechner’s storytelling abilities and eye for detail are at their best.” — The Lutheran “[Buechner] eloquently explores the beauty of language, the joy and pain of being human...and the hope of the Gospel.” — Dallas Morning News “One of the most insightful spiritual writers of our age... - a must for Buechner’s many fans.” — Kansas City Star “[A book] that will inspire or challenge you.” — Chicago Sun Times “Buechner eloquently explores the beauty of language, the joy and pain of being human, and the hope of the Gospel.” — Houston Chronicle “He has the rare gift of taking biblical text and helping us to see it [...] in a completely new way.” — Lexington Herald Leader “This collection of sermons will refresh your soul. I highly recommend this book for your enjoyment and inspiration.” — Canadian Mennonite Foreword by Brian D. McLaren This collection of Buechner’s many sermons delivered throughout his lifetime is organized chronologically to reveal the development of his theology and thinking. Culled from great works such as The Magnificent Defeat, The Clown in the Belfry, A Room Called Remember, The Hungering Dark, and The Longing for Home, this collection also includes a new introduction and several new, previously unpublished sermons. It is through Buechner’s sermons that we glimpse his genius most closely, and these reflections from one of today’s best writers, thinkers, and preachers will inspire laughter, hope, and great peace. Frederick Buechner, author of more than thirty works of fiction and non-fiction, is an ordained Presbyterian minister. He has been a finalist for both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, and was honored by the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His most recent work is Beyond Words: Daily Readings in the ABC’s of Faith. Secrets in the Dark A Life in Sermons By Frederick Buechner HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. Copyright ©2006 Frederick Buechner All right reserved. ISBN: 0060842482 Chapter One The Magnificent Defeat The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. And Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and Jacob's thigh was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, "Let me go, for the day is breaking." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go, unless you bless me." And he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob." Then he said, "Your name shall no more be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed." Then Jacob asked him, "Tell me, I pray, your name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask my name?" And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, "For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved." The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his thigh. -- Genesis 32:22-150;31 When a minister reads out of the Bible, I am sure that at least nine times out of ten the -people who happen to be listening at all hear not what is really being read but only what they expect to hear read. And I think that what most people expect to hear read from the Bible is an edifying story, an uplifting thought, a moral lesson -- something elevating, obvious, and boring. So that is exactly what very often they do hear. Only that is too bad because if you really listen -- and maybe you have to forget that it is the Bible being read and a minister who is reading it -- there is no telling what you might hear. The story of Jacob at the river Jabbok, for instance. This stranger leaping out of the night to do terrible battle for God knows what reason. Jacob crying out to know h