Third Sunday after the Epiphany: The Light is Calling Us

Today's Scripture  Readings

Isaiah 9:1-4 (NRSV)

There will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who lived in a land of deep darkness--

on them light has shined.

You have multiplied the nation,

you have increased its joy;

they rejoice before you

as with joy at the harvest,

as people exult when dividing plunder.

For the yoke of their burden,

and the bar across their shoulders,

the rod of their oppressor,

you have broken as on the day of Midian.

Psalm 27 (BCP., p. 617)


1 Corinthians 10-18 (NRSV)

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas," or "I belong to Christ." Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 

Matthew 4:12-23 (NRSV)

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:


"Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles--
the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,
and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned."


From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."


As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea-- for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.


Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.

Blog Reflection

If the reading from the Hebrew Scriptures gives you the feeling of having heard that not too long ago, that means you have been paying attention particularly well.   If your response to it is "Oh that again!"  It could mean that you might want to look at how you are inclining the ears of your heart to God speaking within you.  It is all too easy for any of us to ignore the Spirit calling us again and again.  All of us do it.  It is the Holy Spirit asking us to open our hearts just a bit more to hear Her speak more to the ears within us.

I think the times we are living in, could be compared to living in a darkness. 

The frigid temperatures all over the United States are brutal for everyone. 

Unemployment insurance has been left unattended to, many are without funds to care for their needs. 

Coptic Christians in Egypt continue to face persecution. 

The people in West Virginia and Ohio are living with polluted drinking water.  Had the water been polluted as an act of international terrorism, we would be at war with what ever terrorist organization was responsible within days.   We wouldn't get a word in edge wise with Congress or even perhaps our President to stop it.  However, getting our government to respond with a sense of urgency to hold a multimillion dollar corporation accountable, and deliver clean water and health care, is just held up by politics and corporate lobbyists.  

The violence towards LGBT people in Russia, Nigeria, Uganda and in the media in the US continues to be brutal.  An amendment to limit the freedom to marry is being debated in the State of Indiana, with all the venum of heterosexism, with all the fury of Biblical literalists continuing full of smear campaigns with false information about LGBT people.

All of these, and others that I cannot list, speak to us of people walking in darkness, needing to see a light in their own hearts and in the world around us.  You would think that we never celebrated Christmas a month ago.  What has happened?

The Israelites were under assault from surrounding countries in the reading from Isaiah.  It was believed that they were being punished by God for not following Yahweh.  In many ways, I think then, and now, God really does not need to do too much to punish us for much.  We punish ourselves all on our own.  God simply watches, cries, and won't intervene so long as we refuse to put our trust in God to lead us to better ways of being, loving and caring for one another.  So long as we give ourselves over to attitudes of prejudice towards others, and abuses of ourselves, without reaching out for God for healing and reconciliation, God calls, but God waits for us to answer and walk with the Most High to a time and place, where those of us who walk in darkness, see a greater Light and respond in faith and hope in that Light.

The reading from 1 Corinthians is a bit difficult for us Anglicans.  We are the via media. The middle way.  Our practice is that we pray in common, even if we do not believe in common.  Yet, Paul is calling us to a unity of some kind that is not so much based on what we believe or think, but, Who it is we are responding to.  As people who gather for worship with the Eucharist as our center, we recognize that Jesus Christ is the point of our unity.  All of us have been baptized into Christ, and we come together as one people in Him.  Jesus Christ is the focal point of our prayer, worship and Holy Communion.  Through Him, we welcome each other, and that is every one, to join us in praise, supplication and the reception of the Real Presence of Christ in the Bread and Wine that is the Holy Eucharist.  Paul is telling us to listen more deeply to Christ within ourselves and one another.   So that we may grow in Charity and community in Christ, and serve others in His Name.

We continue in this Year of the Gospel of Matthew who focuses us on the connection of Christ with the prophesies of the Hebrew Scriptures.   As Christians, we believe that Christ is that Light that we have seen in the darkness.  St. John in the prologue to his Gospel describes Jesus as the Light that came into the world, and the darkness did not overwhelm it. (See John 1:1-5, NRSV).  

It is not enough that the Light came to deliver us.  In the calling of those first disciples, we see that Christ came on the scene to ask us to follow Him.  Like many of us, the disciples received their call to follow the Lord while they were busy at the work they were doing.  This in and of itself gives us a very important insight.   God often calls us to serve Christ in one another, in the ordinary circumstances of our lives.  It is up to us to be listening for the Lord's call in our lives in the here and now.  The response of those first disciples to drop what they had in hand to follow Jesus, is indicative of what obedience is about.  When the Lord calls us in the midst of our ordinariness of life, are we listening for Christ, and are we willing to follow Him with a willing and joyful heart?  

I can tell you that from the point of being a Novice Monastic, this is as much a struggle for experienced Religious as it is for Novices and those who are ordained clergy.   In The Rule of St. Benedict, chapter 5, he emphasizes the importance of obedience with a cheerful and joyful heart.  Well, all of us at one point or another, receives a request from a superior of some kind to do something that makes us anything, but joyful.  Most of us are much too weak in the soul, and require a lot of work with the Spirit to reform our hearts and attitudes.   In the book entitled The Rule of St. Benedict: Initiation into the Monastic Tradition 4, by Thomas Merton and edited by Patrick F. O'Connell, Merton emphases the importance of using a weakness of our souls as an opportunity to encounter the transforming grace of God.   While doing what we are told fulfills the Vow of Obedience, it is important to be  honest with God about our "poverty of spirit" that keeps us from following the Lord's will in a spirit of generosity and gladness.  And to allow the grace of God to convert and change our hearts to follow Christ willingly through the instructions of another who is appointed above us. (See page 113).

Here is the challenge for Christians, the Church and society in this Year of 2014. 

Christ the Light comes to call all of us to serve Him in the poor, the neglected, the unemployed, the LGBT person, the pregnant woman, the person experiencing racism or immigration issues.   Christ calls us to serve Him in these, others and each other with gladness and readiness.  He also calls on the poor, the LGBT, the pregnant woman, people of different races, religions, languages, etc to serve Christ in the Church and society.  We may be tempted to just be doing business as usual, which for some of us is making the Church an exclusive social club.  But Christ is most often calling us to make the Church and society into an inclusive and receptive place for diversity.  Christ is challenging us to be a voice for those who feel that they have no voice, to pray and act on behalf of others who cannot for themselves.  For whatever reason.  We are not called to make their burdens greater and heavier.  We are called to serve Christ, by walking with them, as He walks with each one of us.

Are we listening for Christ to call us, to be a light for others in the world?

What fears might we be clinging to that keep us from responding to Christ's call in our lives?

Today and the days going forward from this cold, dark, January of 2014, may we answer with the prayer of the Psalmist in Psalm 27.

The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom then, shall I fear?

Amen.


Prayers

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our
Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News
of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive
the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer, p.215).

O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior,
the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the
great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away
all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us
from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body
and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith,
one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all
of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth
and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and
one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer, p.818).

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so
move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the
people of this land], that barriers which divide us may
crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our
divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p.823).

Second Sunday after the Epiphany: Revelation by Identity

Today's Scripture Readings

Isaiah 47:1-7 (NRSV)

Listen to me, O coastlands,
pay attention, you peoples from far away!
The LORD called me before I was born,
while I was in my mother's womb he named me.
He made my mouth like a sharp sword,
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow,
in his quiver he hid me away.
And he said to me, "You are my servant,
Israel, in whom I will be glorified."
But I said, "I have labored in vain,
I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
yet surely my cause is with the LORD,
and my reward with my God."
And now the LORD says,
who formed me in the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him,
and that Israel might be gathered to him,
for I am honored in the sight of the LORD,
and my God has become my strength--
he says,
"It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob
and to restore the survivors of Israel;
I will give you as a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."
Thus says the LORD,
the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations,
the slave of rulers,
"Kings shall see and stand up,
princes, and they shall prostrate themselves,
because of the LORD, who is faithful,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."

Psalm 40 (BCP., p.640)


1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (NRSV)

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,


To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:


Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.


I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind-- just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you-- so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

John 1:29-42 (NRSV)

John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, `After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.' I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel." And John testified, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, `He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God."


The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter). 

Blog Reflection

This past week, my Lectio Divina was very challenging.   As Novices, we are reading and meditating on one verse or a few words per week, taken from The Rule of St. Benedict.   The verse I meditated on this past week, said: "Do not murmur or speak evil of others."   As I meditated on these words, I could not help be confronted by how much I complain, and am so careless with what I say about others.  In Lectio Divina, the goal is to not make it into an intellectual exercise, but to listen to what the Holy Spirit may be saying to our hearts through the words we have read.  How does the Lord change my life as the Spirit speaks to my heart through the words: "Do not murmur or speak evil of others"?

In my meditation, I was brought face to face with my own sense of self-acceptance and image in relationship to God and others around me.  The Holy Spirit spoke with me, about my need to accept myself, with all my human limitations and live in humility with the knowledge and conviction that God is God, and I am not.  That humility, helps me to accept that my human limitations are opportunities for growth, they are not obstacles for God's transforming grace.   When I accept that, I can also accept God's merciful love.  In Christ, I am forgiven and redeemed.   After I have accepted that, I can celebrate who I am.  In Christ, I am God's beloved, with whom God is well-pleased.   Then, I can also celebrate that others are just like I am.  In these words and meditations is a letting go, and receiving in faith that God has forgiven me.  My response is to accept myself, accept others as forgiven, and to forgive myself and others as God's mercy in Christ has redeemed me.

Our problem as human beings, is that our self-image and acceptance is so often rooted in labels, wealth, popularity, our scholastic achievements and so forth.   All of these, become a false source of how we see and accept ourselves and relate to others.  In the end, all they do is lead us to a sense of a loss of self-acceptance.  Our image is dependent on others.  When others fail us, we tend to think that we have failed ourselves and even God.  At that point, we don't need someone to abuse us, we are doing it all on our own.

In this Sunday's Gospel, we see Jesus claiming His own identity.  As St. John the Baptist sees Jesus, he says: "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."   The Baptist recalls the incidents following Jesus' baptism.  The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus, and a voice came and said: "This is my Beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."   Jesus, receives and lives out this identity, that He was destined for in His mother's womb.   His identity as God's Son, is from God and Jesus claims it, and through Him, God is revealed.

Jesus will indeed be popular, but not because he won a Golden Globe award or an Olympic gold medal.  He will not be known because He stayed on every person's good side.  His identity will reveal God who has come to give to all of us a new identity.  Earlier in the Prologue to St. John's Gospel we read:

But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12,13).

St. Paul later affirmed this in his letter to the Galatians.

There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28).

All forms of prejudice and violence on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, language, culture, physical/psychological or mental challenge, employment status, economic class, etc are based on labels that humankind has created to determine who is a first class citizen vs. who is 2nd class.  Our identities get lost, in whether or not we can afford health care, control our own bodies, and where we live.  In our efforts to advocate for ourselves or others, our self-image and acceptance are by no means based on what we can achieve.  What we achieve in making the world is a noble and holy cause, but we don't do it for a better self-image.  We do it, because of who we are.   We are daughters and sons of God, in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Jesus told us all what we must do that can help us maintain our identity, our sense of self-image and acceptance.  In His discourse at the Last Supper before He died, He told His followers:

I am the vine, you are the branches.  Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5).

A really great hymn sums this up very well.

When Christ was lifted from the earth,
his arms stretched out above
though every culture, every birth,
to draw an answering love.

Still east and west his love extends
and  always, near or far,
he calls and claims us as his friends
and loves us as we are.

Where generation, class, or race
divide us to our shame,
he sees not labels but a face,
a person, and a name.

Thus freely loved, though fully known,
may I in Christ be free,
to welcome and accept his own
as Christ accepted me.  (Hymnal #603).

This weekend, we are celebrating the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  He was a man who knew how he and other people of color were viewed by many white Americans.  Segregation brought with it many atrocious laws and behaviors.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and people like Rosa Parks, refused to remain in the background and allow their identity as African Americans to determine their citizenship class in civil society.   Dr. King spoke, acted and called others to organize and speak up about the injustices toward workers, African Americans and many others because of prejudice and oppression.  Dr. King knew his identity as a child of God, by the grace of Jesus Christ.  He was willing to put himself and even his life on the line, as a friend to many who were friendless.   His actions did cost him his life forty-six years ago.  Yet, his legacy, and his sacrifice continue to bear fruit in the face of racial prejudice in many places in the world.

Racism continues to be a serious problem in our time.  It's another one of those labels that injures our self-image and acceptance in relationship to God and others.  Anytime we decide that another person is to be addressed or treated as a second class citizen because of the color of their skin, their country of origin, their religion or any other reason that one group of people benefits at the expense of others, our identity, self-image and acceptance are in terrible jeopardy.   Racism, sexism, heterosexism and the many other social diseases of our time, determine the safety of all of us.   It means that we are all unhealthy, and in need of some serious medication from God to heal ourselves and one another.

This past year, we saw momentous gains for the freedom to marry for LGBT people, but we also saw the issue of racism and sexism receive serious injuries with voting rights and reproductive health care.  Christ's revelation of God in His identity as God's Beloved with whom God is well-pleased must echo the love and acceptance of ourselves and each other if there is to be healing and reconciliation on these and many other important issues facing the Church and society.

I think the words of another hymn are most important to our prayer as I conclude the reflection in this blog post.

Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love,
show us how to serve
the neighbors we have from you.  (Hymnal 1982 #602).

Amen.

Prayers

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light
of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word
and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's
glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the
ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with
you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer, p. 215)

Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you
led your people out of slavery, and mad them free at last:
Grant that your Church, following the example of your 
prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the
name of your love, and may secure for all your children the
blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and 
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and 
forever.  Amen. (Holy Women, Holy Men; Celebrating the Saints, p.307).

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us
through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole
human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which
infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us;
unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and
confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in
your good time, all nations and races may serve you in
harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p.815).

First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Today's Scripture Readings

Isaiah 42:1-9 (NRSV)

Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my spirit upon him;
he will bring forth justice to the nations.
He will not cry or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
a bruised reed he will not break,
and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will not grow faint or be crushed
until he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his teaching.
Thus says God, the LORD,
who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people upon it
and spirit to those who walk in it:
I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness,
I have taken you by the hand and kept you;
I have given you as a covenant to the people,
a light to the nations,
to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
from the prison those who sit in darkness.
I am the LORD, that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to idols.
See, the former things have come to pass,
and new things I now declare;
before they spring forth,
I tell you of them.

Psalm 29 (BCP., p.620).


Acts 10:34-43 (NRSV)

Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ--he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

Matthew 3:13-17 (NRSV)

Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness." Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased."

Blog Reflection

One of the greatest challenges of our times, is to find an appropriate balance.  This is as true in the practice of our religion as it is with any other part of our life.  St. John Cassian in the Second of The Conferences wrote about the importance of the Monastic grace of discretion.  This act of God's favor, helps us to avoid either doing too much or too little.   It is quite possible to pray too much, fast too much and do other things so much so, that we fall out of balance.   Not only our bodies and our minds, but also our spirit.

What does this have to do with today's feast of the Baptism of the Lord?

In our Christian Faith, we stress too much the need to repent and be redeemed from our sins, or we over do not caring enough about what we do, and the consequences we bring upon ourselves.   Much of what we do in either extreme comes from where our heart is, and what we are listening to.  Are we listening too much to our hectic schedules of things to do, places to be; while neglecting to listen deeply to God within our hearts?

This celebration of the Baptism of the Lord, tells us that Jesus listened much more to God within His heart.   When He first came to St. John the Baptist, he says to Jesus: "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"   Jesus' response: "Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness" tells us that though things were out of order in the deepest degree, God did amazing things at that moment.  God's response to Jesus' obedience to the will of God, was to receive the Holy Spirit, and the voice of God is heard saying: "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased."   In an act of total contradiction to how things ought to be, God's power and grace shows through Christ's act of deep humility.  The glory of God is manifested (an Epiphany) in Christ Jesus.

As Episcopalians and Anglicans, we are so blessed that our tradition values the Sacrament of Baptism.   As I was making the decision back in 1994 to move from Protestant Evangelicalism to Roman Catholicism, one of the driving issues for me, was reverence for the Sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist.   When the time came for me to consider a move to The Episcopal Church after my husband Jason and I met, again, I found myself with the greatest concern over respect for the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion.   In the Episcopal Church, our Baptism is prefaced with our Baptismal Vows and Covenant found in The Book of Common Prayer on pages 292-294.   It is not enough to be sprinkled with holy water, and given a pretty candle.  There is a recognition of our responsibility to the Sacrament we have shared in.  We are received by faith, and in faith, by God's grace we are empowered to live in the hope and knowledge of salvation.  Our faith is evidenced not so much in our words, but in our response of obedience to the will of God.

As Benedictines, our Vows of Stability, Conversion of Life and Obedience are intimately linked to our Baptismal Vows.  Our life grounded in God, with the commitment to allow the Holy Spirit to change us, by obedience to the will of God in our Superior, is living into our Baptismal Covenant.   Yet, it is important for us to understand that The Rule and all of the things we do, is to help us to search for union with God in a life of continuous prayer.

It is easy for us to focus on the work of striving for justice and peace among all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being as an end in itself.  The work of inclusion of LGBTQ people, ending racism, sexism, religious based discrimination, and the many other issues I write about here, are not ends nor are they means to an end.  They are part of deepening our relationship with God, by learning to serve one another out of reverence for Christ, present in all persons.  When Jesus heard the words: "This is my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased" those words were meant for each one of us.   In Christ, we are God's Beloved, with whom God is well pleased.

Our life of prayer, praise, living with our spouses, our friends, communities, working for a greater equality of all people, is because in Christ, all of us are God's Beloved, with whom God is well pleased.

We balance our life of prayer, study, work and leisure as God's Beloved, with whom God is well pleased.

In Christ, we are adopted as God's own, and given new life with new possibilities.  If we are to know what those are, we must be listening to God within ourselves, and in Christ as we meet Him in one another.  

Even when we fail to live in obedience to God, God's grace in Christ forgives and redeems us, again and again, because in Christ each of us have been claimed as God's Beloved, with whom God is well pleased.

Therefore, no violence, bias, oppression or scapegoating is appropriate.  All of us are a sacred space in which God in Christ has chosen to dwell by the power of the Holy Spirit.   We are God's Beloved, with whom God is well pleased.

Amen.


Prayers

Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River
Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him
with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his
Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly
confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy
Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer, p.214).

Grant, Lord God, to all who have been baptized into the
death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ, that, as we
have put away the old life of sin, so we may be renewed in the
spirit of our minds, and live in righteousness and true holiness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.  (Prayer for All Baptized Christians, Book of Common Prayer, p.252, 253).  

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the
earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those
who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people
everywhere may seek after you and find you, bring the nations
into your fold, pour out your Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten
the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.  (Prayer for the Mission of the Church, Book of Common Prayer, p.257).

The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ: The Light that Shines in the Darkness

Today's Scripture Readings

Isaiah 60:1-6 (NRSV)

Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
For darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the LORD will arise upon you,
and his glory will appear over you.
Nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Lift up your eyes and look around;
they all gather together, they come to you;
your sons shall come from far away,
and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses' arms.
Then you shall see and be radiant;
your heart shall thrill and rejoice,
because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,
the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
A multitude of camels shall cover you,
the young camels of Midian and Ephah;
all those from Sheba shall come.
They shall bring gold and frankincense,
and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD.

Psalm 72 (BCP., p.685)


Ephesians 3:1-12 (NRSV)

This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles-- for surely you have already heard of the commission of God's grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God's grace that was given me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.

Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSV)

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

`And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Blog Reflection

The Christmas trees have been taken down.  The holiday light displays have been turned off and put away for another year.   How interesting that our Scripture readings for this feast of the Epiphany begins with the canticle about light, which we pray whenever we use Canticle 11 on page 87 in The Book of Common Prayer.  The Light that has dawned upon the world is Jesus Christ. 

This yearly Season of the Epiphany, celebrates the manifestation of God in Christ to all of humankind.  The visit of the Magi, and their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh is just one of the mysteries through which Christ revealed the glory of God.  The Epiphany also includes the Baptism of Christ which we will celebrate this upcoming Sunday, and the miracle of Jesus turning the water into wine at the marriage of Cana found in John 2:1-11.  The Season of Epiphany will conclude eight Sundays later when we recall Christ's Transfiguration.  The antiphon we use during Matins for the Invitatory Psalm is: The Lord has shown forth his glory: Come let us adore him. (BCP., p.81).

Br. Mark Brown of the Society of St. John the Evangelist comments today.

The Magi have an epiphany of Jesus—they see an infant that is more than an infant. The disciples have epiphanies of Jesus—they come to see a man that is more than a man. We might call the entire New Testament a book of epiphanies and the Christian religion a religion of epiphanies.

This Epiphany for many of us in the northern Midwest of the United States occurs on the coldest days in many, many years.  Minnesota right now has a temperature of -20 degrees outside, but it feels like -42.   Many places all over the US are feeling colder temps than normal.  Yet, a greater injustice still, is that the U.S. Supreme Court has just put a stay on marriage equality in Utah.  The cold weather brings with it more heterosexism.

The good news of Epiphany is that Jesus Christ is that Light that shines in our darkness.  He comes bringing the manifestation of God's glory, so that all people every where may come to God and find salvation and hope.  Jesus is not just for us Christians, and His revelation of God reaches far beyond our prejudices and sins.  The Light of Jesus, illuminates the darkness in the bitter cold of our hearts and lives, as God reaches out to humankind in unconditional and all-inclusive love.  

Like the Magi, it is important that as we leave the Manger, that we too return home by a different route.  Let us not return to our homes by the way of the tyranny of oppression, injustice and discrimination towards any person because of racism, sexism, heterosexism or any other reason.  All of those, lead us into a deeper darkness.  In the Magi's visit with the gifts, we have seen an immense Light revealing the glory of God as shepherds were welcomed, the poor and those considered outcasts found a place to welcome the Christ Child.  Therefore, let us leave with our eyes opened to others around us who are in need of community, friendship and an inclusive Church and society.

Amen.


Prayers

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son
to the Peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by
faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to
face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer, p.214).

Almighty God, who created us in your image: Grant us
grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace
with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom,
help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our
communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy
Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p.260).

Second Sunday after Christmas: The Christ Child: The Refugee, The Immigrant

Today's Scripture Readings

Jeremiah 31: 7-14 (NRSV)

Thus says the LORD:

Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob,

and raise shouts for the chief of the nations;

proclaim, give praise, and say,

"Save, O LORD, your people,

the remnant of Israel."

See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north,

and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth,

among them the blind and the lame, those with child and

those in labor, together;

a great company, they shall return here.

With weeping they shall come,

and with consolations I will lead them back,

I will let them walk by brooks of water,

in a straight path in which they shall not stumble;

for I have become a father to Israel,

and Ephraim is my firstborn.

Hear the word of the LORD, O nations,

and declare it in the coastlands far away;

say, "He who scattered Israel will gather him,

and will keep him as a shepherd a flock."

For the LORD has ransomed Jacob,

and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.

They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion,

and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the LORD,

over the grain, the wine, and the oil,

and over the young of the flock and the herd;

their life shall become like a watered garden,

and they shall never languish again.

Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance,

and the young men and the old shall be merry.

I will turn their mourning into joy,

I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.

I will give the priests their fill of fatness,

and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty,

says the LORD.

Psalm 84 (BCP, p.707).


Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-19a (NRSV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe.

Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 (NRSV)

Now after the wise men had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, "Out of Egypt I have called my son."

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child's life are dead." Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, "He will be called a Nazorean."

Blog Reflection

Among the hottest issues in our time, immigration seems to ignite passions of emotional proportions like no other.  In a country in which our own ancestors migrated anywhere from Spain and England, and displaced the Native American people to claim land as their own, the conversation that suggests that we "own" what is not even ours, and our passion for hording it, cannot be justified.  But, it is the unspoken attitude behind calling the Dream Act a bill about amnesty.  The conversation that this land belongs to Caucasian, Christian, men, who speak English, and are wealthy and powerful dominates every debate about topics such as immigration, as well as marriage equality, a woman's right to make her own health care decisions and health care reform itself.  

The readings on this Second Sunday after Christmas, and the Twelfth Day of Christmas, give us some insights in to the Person of Christ as a Child, a refugee and an immigrant. 

The reading from Jeremiah is his earnest desire to see the north and south countries in Israel that have been divided, to come together and make peace.   It is as if those who were weeping, would at last be able to laugh and live in happiness.  It is the story of Jeremiah wishing for the relief of the people who have been separated from each other.  It is a division that Jeremiah prays for God to heal.

What does this mean for Christians?

Our Christian Tradition suggests that before Christ, the relationship of God with God's people was estranged.  Let's be clear so as to avoid antisemitism, God's People, Israel were not lost.   The message of the Christian Faith is not a statement against Judaism.  It is a message of how God saved us through Christ, and those who draw closer to God through Christ find their salvation.   In Christ, God's perfect revelation of God's Self, God draws closest to us, so as to draw us closer in relationship with God.  If we read Jeremiah in that context, it is God reuniting our wounded humanity, in Christ to live in Community with God and one another.  Even those, who do not understand or believe in Christ as we do.  It is still God's work to save humankind.

In Ephesians, we read that the salvation we find in Christ was prepared for us from the foundation of the world.  We are God's children by adoption through Christ.  In that relationship, we are also in relationship with each other.  All of the labels that we pin on ourselves and others, do not make any one of us, any less of a daughter or son of God.   

The Gospel reading from Matthew has two meanings.  First, Matthew's Gospel uses for it's theme, the connection of Jesus Christ with the prophesies of the Hebrew Scriptures.   Jesus Christ, for Christians, is the central figure that connects us with the narratives and prophetic discourses in what is commonly called the Old Testament. Handel's Messiah makes this connection in exquisite Baroque music of choruses, instrumental music, arias and recitatives.

The particular narrative in this Sunday's Gospel Reading, is an interesting "slice."  It is the story of Joseph picking up the Child Jesus, and Mary and fleeing to Egypt before Herod slaughters the Holy Innocents.   The second paragraph for this reading, is after the Holy Innocents have been killed, and the Holy Family returns.   In the first paragraph, Jesus, Mary and Joseph are the Holy Family, the refugees, the immigrants.  In the second paragraph, the Holy Family returns to their home land of Nazareth to raise Jesus into adulthood.

The finer point here, is that Jesus, the Incarnate Word needs to protection of his mother and father to escape an early death.  He also needs a foreign nation to keep him safe until He can return home.  He needs His mother and father to be taken home, to be nurtured, taught and matured into a functioning member of His community.  If Jesus Christ, who was God needed help to be safe and mature, than each of us needs the help of each other that much more.  In this Gospel story, Jesus is the refugee and the immigrant.  In our own time, Jesus is present in the refugee and immigrant who comes to us for help.

Women, men and children leave wherever they come from, and flee to America for hope, opportunity and some kind of future.  They come here with their own language, culture, customs and even their own religion.   It is important for Christians to welcome Christ in the stranger, who may be a refugee and immigrant, and to make room for Christ in our hearts and communities. 

The Christmas story is about welcoming Christ, the Word Incarnate into our world, into ourselves and into each other.  Jesus Christ was born in the middle of our human disorganization.  He came, looking for room in the inn's of our overcrowded hearts and lives.   He comes into our country seeking refuge of countries like Russia and Uganda as the violence towards LGBTQ people escalates.   Jesus seeks a home in America and the Church, as they persecute the Coptic Christians in Egypt and Syria.   Jesus the refugee and immigrant will displace us.  We will be uncomfortable with Him not understanding how we observe traffic lights, driving laws, employment and housing laws.  

Tomorrow, we will celebrate the Epiphany. The manifestation, the revelation of God in Christ.  

As the story of Christ unfolds in our Liturgy and in our debates about immigration reform, may we decide that welcoming Christ in others is important, because our relationship with Christ in one another is priceless.  Even better than all that stuff we can buy with a Mastercard.

Amen.


Prayers

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully
restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may
share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share
our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns
with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p.214).

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us
through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole
human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which
infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us;
unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and
confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in
your good time, all nations and races may serve you in
harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer, p.815).

Gracious Father, we pray for thy holy Catholic Church. Fill it
with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt,
purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is
amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in
want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake
of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior. Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer,  p.816).

January 1st: The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Today's Scripture Readings

Numbers 6:22-27 (NRSV)

The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them,

The LORD bless you and keep you;

the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;

the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them. 

Psalm 8 (BCP., p.582)


Philippians 2:5-11 (Common English Bible)

Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus:

Though he was in the form of God,
   he did not consider being equal
     with God something to exploit.
But he emptied himself
    by taking the form of a slave
    and by becoming like human beings.
When he found himself
  in the form of a human,
    he humbled himself by becoming
     Obedient to the point of death,
   even death on a cross.
Therefore, god highly honored him
   and gave him a name above all names,
  so that at the name of Jesus everyone
   in heaven, on earth,
     and under the earth might bow
   and every tongue confess
      that Jesus Christ is Lord,
        to the glory of God the Father.

 
Luke 2:15-21 (NRSV)

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Blog reflection

2013 was a year that I had a serious conversation with God, myself and my Abbot about what name I would take when I was Clothed as a Novice.  Indeed, Philip a nice name.   I wrote quite a bit about my reasons for taking the name Anselm in my blog post: The Prayer of St. Anselm: Why I Took His Name.

A name has a powerful impact on our lives.  Each of us are called by our name, by God.  There is a sense of identity and purpose.  Many of the authors who have written their autobiography, write about what pride they might bring to their families name. 

In the time that Jesus was born, the giving of the boy's name was at the circumcision of the son eight days after birth.  His name at that point, linked the boy to the covenant of Abraham.  It gave them a sense of belonging to the Jewish Faith.  Many who worship God through the Jewish Religion, still practice circumcision as an important part of their Faith.  Jesus identified as a Jew.  He was born of the House of David.

There have been many names throughout history that have been so influential to humankind.  Every American knows the names of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.  The mere mention of Judy Garland brings back The Wizard of Oz and Somewhere Over the Rainbow.  Say the name Angela Lansbury and we remember Murder She Wrote.  Whatever these names do to us, there is no Name that has shaped the course of Salvation History as the Name Jesus Christ.   The influence and use of that Name is so widespread, that it brings with it, any number of responses.

As Christians, the Holy Name of Jesus Christ is the human face of God in our world.   The Word Incarnate that we began celebrating eight days ago, came into our world as God made human.  The Holy Name should bring a sense of reverence, respect and acceptance of others in His Name.  His Holy Name should also make us pause in prayer, with adoration, praise and honor.  The Name in and of itself, however, should also make us stop with contemplation about the words from Philippians 2:5-11 that I took from the Common English Bible today.  He was equal to God, but "he did not consider being equal to God something to exploit.  But he emptied himself...."   He was God who came to serve us in Christ.  Not to exist as tyrant God who would judge us all for things we've done, said or thought.  The judgement of God through the Holy Name of Jesus Christ was the Cross by which our sins are forgiven, and all scapegoating in God's Name comes to an end.

There are many who continue to complain about others taking the Holy Name of Jesus in vain, every time they scream some horrible word after they accidentally slam their fingers with a hammer, or spill their coffee.  However, we seem to think nothing of using the Holy Name of Jesus Christ to oppress women, people of different races, sexual orientations, gender identities/expressions, diverse languages, religions, etc.  I think using the Holy Name of Jesus Christ as a reason to scapegoat any person for any reason is a far more severe misuse of His Name.    The difference is, one is used to express distress, human frailty and our clumsiness.   The other is a result of our human frailty, yes, but it is out of ignorance and a resistance to learn the truth about those who call ourselves Christians use the Bible as a means to hurt or dehumanize others.

Today is the beginning of 2014 on January 1.  The holidays end today. The Christmas Season ends on Monday, January 6th.  What will we take with us from this time of focusing on peace on earth, good will towards others, and good wishes and cheers shared with family and friends?   If we will let the love of God through the Name of Jesus Christ to open our hearts to see Christ in others who are different from ourselves, to show reverence and respect so that prejudices will end and the building of new and more inclusive communities can begin; then the meaning of Christmas will live past the taking down of the Christmas tree, and putting the candles away for another year. 

One more thing. 

In the Holy Name of Jesus Christ, God shows us that changing our ways by God's help, so that there can be healing and reconciliation is more than possible.  Through saying our YES to the will of God the mending of the human community, and the reality of God's loving presence among us will finally be real.

Oh please, let 2014 be the Year that happens.

Amen.


Prayers

Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name
of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart,
we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our
Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p.213).

Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of
your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our
hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer, p.213).