Lent ReDonne

What does Burt Reynolds have to do with 16th Century poet/priest John Donne?

Naturally speaking, not much. But, Reynolds filmed a movie called The End with Dom DeLuise where he finds himself out to sea without a life preserver. He starts to swim for a distant shore while making a series of offers to God.

“I want to live!” He cries out.

“I can never make it. Help me Lord, please. Save me and I’ll be a better father, a better man, a better everything. All I ask is to make me a better swimmer.”

“Let me live and I promise to obey every one of the 10 commandments.”

“I’ll be honest in business. I’ll give you 50% of everything I make. No one gives 50% and I am talking gross, God.”

As he gets closer to shore and sees his chances of surviving increased, he changes his offer.

I’ll see my parents more often. No more cheating in business, after I sell those 10 acres in the desert.

 I’ll start donating that 10% right away.

I know I said 50%, but it will start with 10%.

John Donne, born in 1572 was a brilliant poet AND a profound spiritual thinker whose life was marked by a transition from skepticism and promiscuity to deep faith. His life is best known for a scene similar to Burt Reynolds’ character where he also thought he was dying. But, unlike the character Sonny in The End, Donne used his near death to write words which we still quote today.

He composed Devotions upon Emergent Occasions, where he famously wrote, “And
therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee” and "No man is an
island, entire of itself," emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity and the need for
spiritual solidarity.

He had returned to London during an outbreak of the plague while nearly all those capable of fleeing were doing so. He was an Anglican priest and felt his duty was to mimic Jesus by
embracing human suffering rather than fleeing it. I admire his passion to dive in where others ran away!

John Donne's life is a testament to the transformative power of faith. His journey from doubt to devotion, from sensuality to spirituality, continues to inspire readers with its honesty and
depth. Through his works, Donne offers a timeless exploration of the human soul's quest for
God and redemption.

So, why does this matter to you?
Author, Phillip Yancey has worked to reformat Donne’s writings into modern English in the
book, Undone. It is the modern version of Devotions upon Emergent Occasions. At St. Paul’s we say we proclaim Timeless truths, practiced in modern ways. With this motivation, we will use Yancey’s recent book to guide our sermons during Lent  In both the Wednesday night and Sunday morning services. Unlike Sonny in the movie, we will seek God through faith and not bargain with Him through our works. Thank God!

Want to know more?

Donne’s sermons were known for their eloquence, intellectual rigor, and passionate devotion. One of his most famous works, the Holy Sonnets, captures his intense spiritual introspection and yearning for divine grace. Poems such as "Batter My Heart, Three-Person'd God" and "If Poisonous Minerals" reflect his struggle with sin, guilt, and the desire for redemption. In his later years, Donne's writing conveyed a sense of peace and reconciliation with God. His final sermon, "Death’s Duel," delivered just weeks before his death in 1631, stands as a testament to his profound faith and acceptance of divine will.