Today's Scripture Reading
Matthew 21: 33-43 (NRSV)
Blog Reflection
It doesn't take much to figure out that Jesus is the Son whom the slaves took and killed. The religious leaders of his time are blinded by prestige and the hunger for greatness. So, they think that by taking out the one who they think threatens their high place, the will some how still get what they think should be coming to them.
Jesus comes not as one who is interested in holding up prestige and power. He comes as One like all of us in all things, except that he did not sin. Jesus gave of himself freely and completely for the benefit of others. In particular, the marginalized and those set aside by the religious and political powers of his time. Jesus is most interested in the hearts and souls of those who are thought of as "push asides" because of their appearance, place of origin, reputation and behaviors.
Christianists and those attempting to make the Christian Faith into one in which God is a psycho-path and Jesus is the mighty judge who will condemn anyone who is not like them, are painting the wrong picture of who Jesus is. Commitment to Christ is about recognizing God's presence and grace in others who are different from ourselves. Even when we think something just doesn't seem "right."
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer people are gifted by God in how we are able to love others. When we give of ourselves for the benefit of others, out of love for them just as they are, the Cross of Jesus Christ shows itself as our peace and integrity. "No good thing will the LORD withhold from those who walk with integrity" (Psalm 84: 11).
In this Lent, let us ask ourselves what and from where comes our peace and integrity?
If our answer is the Cross of Jesus Christ, what does that mean for us, our lives and others around us?
Prayers
Matthew 21: 33-43 (NRSV)
‘Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watch-tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they treated them in the same way. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, “They will respect my son.” But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.” So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?’ They said to him, ‘He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time.’
Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the scriptures:
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
this was the Lord’s doing,
and it is amazing in our eyes”?
Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom.
Blog Reflection
It doesn't take much to figure out that Jesus is the Son whom the slaves took and killed. The religious leaders of his time are blinded by prestige and the hunger for greatness. So, they think that by taking out the one who they think threatens their high place, the will some how still get what they think should be coming to them.
Jesus comes not as one who is interested in holding up prestige and power. He comes as One like all of us in all things, except that he did not sin. Jesus gave of himself freely and completely for the benefit of others. In particular, the marginalized and those set aside by the religious and political powers of his time. Jesus is most interested in the hearts and souls of those who are thought of as "push asides" because of their appearance, place of origin, reputation and behaviors.
Christianists and those attempting to make the Christian Faith into one in which God is a psycho-path and Jesus is the mighty judge who will condemn anyone who is not like them, are painting the wrong picture of who Jesus is. Commitment to Christ is about recognizing God's presence and grace in others who are different from ourselves. Even when we think something just doesn't seem "right."
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer people are gifted by God in how we are able to love others. When we give of ourselves for the benefit of others, out of love for them just as they are, the Cross of Jesus Christ shows itself as our peace and integrity. "No good thing will the LORD withhold from those who walk with integrity" (Psalm 84: 11).
In this Lent, let us ask ourselves what and from where comes our peace and integrity?
If our answer is the Cross of Jesus Christ, what does that mean for us, our lives and others around us?
Prayers
Grant, O Lord, that as your Son Jesus Christ prayed for his enemies on the Cross, so we may have grace to forgive those who wrongfully or scornfully use us, that we ourselves may be able to receive your forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Friday of the Second Week in Lent. Holy Women, Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints, p. 46).
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have
made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and
make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily
lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission
and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen. (Collect for Ash Wednesday, Book of Common Prayer, p. 217).
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