Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost: Can the Church Face It's Own Evils?

Scriptural Basis

Matthew 16:21-28

Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you." But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things."

Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?

"For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."

Blog Reflection

As soon as I became aware of what the theme and scripture readings for this weekend would be, I cringed.  This past week we saw an earthquake begin Virginia and go all the way up to Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts.  This weekend the whole east coast is facing the devastating affects for Hurricane Irene.

The news stories about the earthquake barely got out of the news stations. Hurricane Irene had yet not made land fall before the Christianists started their tirade about why America is facing the natural disasters.


Joseph Farrar of World Net Daily stated:

"If America doesn't face judgment soon, God will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah. And God doesn't offer apologies. He does, however, offer second chances, third chances, fourth chances. He's trying to get your attention. Are you paying heed? What will it take? Will your world have to be turned upside down before you recognize what's happening?"

On the earthquake Pat Robertson said:

"Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t want to get weird on this so please take it for what it’s worth. But it seems to me the Washington Monument is a symbol of America’s power, it has been the symbol of our great nation, we look at that monument and say this is one nation under God. Now there’s a crack in it, there’s a crack in it and it’s closed up. Is that a sign from the Lord? Is that something that has significance or is it just result of an earthquake?"

A group of "orthodox Anglicans" said:

"We are asking that the kingdom of God would advance into the consciousness of backslidden Christians, atheists and sinners. Lord, let this be an evangelistic hurricane. Let it stimulate Wall Street to cry to You. Father, we ask for this storm to be instrumental in igniting a prayer movement on the East Coast."

The Gospel for this weekend looks not at the evil outside of the company of Christians, but within.

Is it not hypocrisy that Peter who was just said last weekend to be the rock on which Christ would build the Church is now a stumbling block to Jesus?

Hypocrisy is no stranger within the Christian religion.  It is all too often a welcomed and well cared for resident.  The people with the greatest zeal for what Christians believe to be true, can also be the weakest examples of who Jesus was and how Jesus lived. We sing those mighty hymns at our Sunday Liturgies. We pray the prayers, recite the Nicene Creed with devotion and conviction. We receive the Eucharist revived and grateful for the Presence of Christ. Yet, as soon as we turn to see the person who parked in our favorite parking spot or sat in our reserved pew spot, and suddenly we are just like Peter denying Jesus during his passion and death.

There is no greater enemy of Jesus Christ and the Church than the hypocrisy of Christians who pray our belief in the Holy Trinity, while harboring attitudes of bias, violence and condescension for those who are different from ourselves.  Racism, sexism, heterosexism, Islamophobia, the insistence that we let sick people live without health care, a home, the basic necessities of life, yet live with gun violence breaks the heart of Jesus.

The spiritual abuse of women, LGBT people, different religions etc reflect the evils of this world that have found their homes in many Christian church communities keeps Jesus and the purpose and meaning of his going to Calvary to die on the cross from gaining its true fruition. The stone remains at the entrance of the tomb and the resurrection of Jesus remains a dead legend when Christians use Gospels such as this one, as a defense of the evils within the Church.

In the Reading from Paul's letter to the Romans 12: 9-21 says:

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer people continue to experience a love that is not genuine when Christianists greet them with with erroneous interpretations of scripture verses like Leviticus 20:13 or 1 Cor 6:9-10 to condemn the natural love she/he feels for someone of the same-gender.

Those verses in and of themselves do not condemn homosexuality, bisexuality and/or transgender behaviors.  When the authors of the Biblical texts existed there were no abstract words such as heterosexual and homosexual.  Sexuality was a means of violence and domination.  Over the centuries Christians have been understanding and revising what we previously understood about sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression.

When Christians dedicate themselves to scholarly readings of the Bible as the inspired word of God, and not the "infallible word" and seeks to continuously grow in Christ, the evils in the Church lose their destructive power.  Inclusive communities are created and nurtured.  An inclusive Church can face and work to heal the wounds of division, discrimination and violence when Christians practice radical hospitality and reconciliation.

Are Christians facing the evils that exist within the Church?  Do Christians understand that suggesting that God sends earthquakes, floods, hurricanes or tornadoes because of individuals marginalized by the Church and society, is a sin that thinks not as God thinks by any means?

There is no doubt in my mind that there is much evil in the world. When the Church pretends there is no evil within our own walls, denominations or activities, the Church perpetuates evil. When Christians continually use rhetoric towards LGBT people, women and people of other races, cultures, languages, abilities, challenges etc that is by itself cruel in nature, so called followers of Jesus become a stumbling block to the real mission of Christ and the Church.

Christians and the Church make a greater impact on the world and other people when we seek ways to repair the damage done by the colonization of Christians upon the Native American communities for example.  At the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 2009 Resolution DO35 was to repudiate the doctrine of discovery. A small step forward, but a significant step.

The Church being an institution that is administrated by human beings will fall short of it's goals and ideals.  But when the Church fails to see hate and violence among it's leaders and people, it is the duty and responsibility of Christians and other people of good will, to point it out and call the Church to be accountable for the actions of it's people.

May all of us play our part in confronting and dealing with evil. But may we all begin with an honest look at our own evils.  God knows we have plenty of them.  That is why God sent Christ.  Why then are Christians pretending like no evil exists in the Church or there is nothing that can be done about it?


Prayers

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen. (Proper 17, Book of Common Prayer, page 233).

Gracious Father, we pray for your 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 your Son our Savior. Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer, page 816).

O merciful God, who taught us in your holy Word that you would not willingly afflict us, look with pity upon the sorrows of those affected by the natural disasters this week for whom our prayers are offered. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their souls with patience, comfort them with a sense of your goodness, lift up your countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, page 831).

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost: The Church Still Under Construction Needs Help

Scriptural Basis

Matthew 16:13-20

When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Blog Reflection

The Gospel for today is among the most controversial between Catholic, Orthodox, Anglicans and Protestants.

Roman Catholics believe the confession of Peter and Jesus giving him the "keys of the kingdom of heaven" and the power to bind or loose things on earth and heaven makes Peter the first Pope.

The Orthodox have believed that the Roman Tradition has misinterpreted this Gospel.  The question of the authority of the Pope for the Orthodox was among the many issues concerning the Filioque controversy in the Nicene Creed.

As for Anglicans/Episcopalians we recognize Peter's confession and Jesus' remarks after suggests that he was the first among the Apostles, but that Peter was no more or less fallible than anyone else.

Peter responded to Jesus' question "who do you say that I am" with a confession that was based on his personal experience (reason) and conviction.  However, it is impossible to notice that the confession was made by the disciple who two weeks ago was afraid of the storm around  him and began to sink.  In the verses following this exchange, Jesus tells Peter "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me:" (Mt: 16:23).  We also know that Peter denied Jesus three times during Jesus' trial and crucifixion.

Even after the Pentecost event in Acts 10: 9-16, God confronted Peter about his own prejudices and helped him see how he can do God's work among people who are different from himself.

The Church is still under construction. The Church has made great strides throughout it's history.  The Church has also failed as the leaders from the Pope on to any local church board have also faced the reality of their own human flaws. Those who lead the Church are just as in need of the redemption Christ won for all humanity as any person.  The Church is full of wisdom and often guided by blind stupidity.

The Holy Spirit has been inspiring many church bodies, denominations and people to a change of heart and understanding with regards to women, LGBT people, folks of other races, languages, etc.  Church's have been opening their doors and hearts with the understanding of Paul in today's reading from Romans 12: 2 to "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds."

The Church cannot be God's representative of mercy and transformation if we continue to rely on Biblical literalism to guide our thinking about sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression.  The Church cannot call for justice and peace on earth by promoting "justifyable wars" that targets Muslims in America and abroad.  The Church does not demonstrate being "transformed by the renewal of your minds" by ignoring the reality of the violence by the Tea Party and pretending like there is no immigration discrimination issue.  As long as there are Church leaders and bodies promoting sexism that denies the equal rights and opportunities for women we are "conforming to this world".

Christians must always be open to learning more about God and others around us.  There are people without health insurance and facing the reality of poverty and deprivation that need someone to love them and help provide for their needs.  The Church is called to bind up social evils and to set justice, equality and inclusion loose to bring about the reign of God's love and holy indwelling.

The Church was not built upon the work of dominionism and bigotry that are promoted and encouraged by Christianist organizations.  The stones of the Church become ugly and crumble when Christianists target Muslims, Jews and LGBT people through prayer gatherings to propel the most radical presidential candidate to promote corporate greed and social intolerance.  The Church does not glorify God and help people choose Jesus Christ by supporting "second amendment remedies" towards President Obama and others people supporting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and programs for the poor and impoverished.

The Church must always be open to further construction, correction and the confession of the life of Jesus who sought the marginalized and those who felt hopeless about the direction of their lives.   The Body of Christ comprises of every person including LGBT and others stigmatized by the Church and society with the opportunity to create community and families where everyone is welcomed and reconciliation is consistently pursued with no apology.

How can we help the Church to continue in the work of construction?  What role is God calling us to with Christians and Christianists divided about who to welcome and how to pursue reconciliation?  How can we help the Church fulfill it's sense of mission in the world?

May God lead us all to better days for all who seek peace, justice, equality and inclusion.


Prayers

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, page 232),

Gracious Father, we pray for your 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 your Son our Savior. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, Page 816).


Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, page 833).

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost: Inclusive Communities: The Heart and Soul of the Christian Faith

Scriptural Basis

Genesis 45: 1-15 (NRSV)

Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, "Send everyone away from me." So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence.

Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come closer to me." And they came closer. He said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, `Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children's children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. I will provide for you there-- since there are five more years of famine to come-- so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty.' And now your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my own mouth that speaks to you. You must tell my father how greatly I am honored in Egypt, and all that you have seen. Hurry and bring my father down here." Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck and wept, while Benjamin wept upon his neck. And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him.

Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28 (NRSV)

[Jesus called the crowd to him and said to them, "Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles." Then the disciples approached and said to him, "Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?" He answered, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit." But Peter said to him, "Explain this parable to us." Then he said, "Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile."]

Jesus left Gennesaret and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon." But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." He answered, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed instantly.

Blog Reflection

A couple weeks ago I was attending a human rights commission meeting.  During the meeting a staff person from our local historical society came to talk about what they are doing to help make the stories of new Americans (Hispanic, Somalians, etc) the stories of our City.  She pointed out that whether a resident of our City has lived here all their lives or moved in from another city, town or country, everyone's story of what brought or kept them to decide to live in our City is the story of the entire community.

The historical society staff person also spoke briefly of a conversation had all too often by long-time citizens who visit.  Their group conversations begin with what a great place our City was in the 1940's and 1950's.  The conversation is almost always followed with: "Our City was such a great place, until the black people moved in, etc, etc." (Here you can put any immigrant group, race, religion, sexual orientation and/or gender expression.)   The staff person spoke of the need to try to shift such conversations away and more into the reason many of their ancestors or friends moved into the City, is really the same reasons most minorities move into a particular location.  Because most likely their story is the story of everyone.

The reading from Genesis today could be seen as a coming out story according to Out in Scripture. Joseph was able to do something that no one else in the family could do. So his brothers seeing Joseph getting some preferential treatment by their father, sold him into slavery. Their move was an attempt to take him and is wonderful gifts and put them outside of the family. 

In this story today, we see that the tables are turned. Joseph's brothers are experiencing a great famine and are in need of help. They turn to Joseph who is now a leader in his community. Joseph does not hold the grudge against his brothers, but takes the occasion to serve them, giving them whatever they need to survive.

This narrative contains images of hospitality and reconciliation.  The oppressed becomes the liberator even for those who had oppressed Joseph.

Many of us who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender have experienced rejection and oppression from family, friends, church communities etc when we come out. Parents reject their children. Children reject their parents. Friends who once knew each other in a church summer camp cannot cease to proselytize their camp mate who has now come out and perhaps gone to a more accepting and affirming congregation. These and many other rejections can leave a loving heart very bruised on the inside and outside. Those wounds take a very long time to heal.

Among the very difficult things for an LGBT person to do who has experienced so much rejection by religious communities, is to trust those who are part of former congregations.  The painful memories are just too vivid. Yet, among the worst things an LGBT person can do is not accept someone they once knew as an adversary, who tries to make peace and show acceptance. The LGBT individual who's trust is broken needs to be approached with sensitivity. This is one of those moments when good zeal can be mis-perceived and second guessed.  It can be harder for the LGBT person to heal and be reconciled.  But, being reconciled with those who have hurt us in the past is very necessary for the LGBT person to experience interior and social healing.

Whether we are LGBT, straight, or whatever our race, gender, class, language, occupation, health status, etc, we all need each other to build communities of friendship and support.  Those communities are made up of individuals who have experienced the brokenness of racism, sexism, heterosexism. the effects of religious extremism and the like. Yet in order for communities to heal and move on to create maturity and hope for the future each person needs to embrace and welcome each other. Recognizing our own biases and limitations and working with others to change them, is one of the best ways to create and nurture communities where diversity becomes inclusion.

Our Gospel today shows Jesus in a situation that seems way out of place. The Gospel narrative begins with Jesus reminding his followers of what his mission and ministry are about, Yet in the next paragraph, the story of the Canaanite woman Jesus is faced with his own hypocrisy. 

The preacher Siri Hauge Hustad from St. Mark's Cathedral today made the point that the Canaanite woman is already on the losing end.  She is a woman who is faced with the sexism of her time. She is a Canaanite which means she faces the racism accorded to her people. And her daughter is said to be possessed by an evil spirit. She is already down and out.

Jesus in his humanity responds with a rejection. "Jesus, what the hell are you doing?"  Jesus meets the meaning of the previous paragraph looking at him in the face. The woman in her faith and wisdom makes her case and moves Jesus' heart.  Jesus grants her what she most needs.  Jesus' reflection of our broken humanity experiences healing and moves on.

Today in our society and the Church we are being confronted with the meaning of the Gospel. We see Muslims being targeted by radical Christianist groups. LGBT people singled out for violence, cruelty and segregation.  Immigrants labeled as "illegals" to be treated inhumanly. Anthony Makk an Australian who's husband Bradford Wells has HIV/AIDS, and Anthony is Bradford's caretaker. Anthony is being told by the Obama Administration that he must leave the Country by August 25th. You can read the full story here.

The equal rights and opportunities for  individuals of different religions, immigration status, sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression, languages, levels of poverty and gender are the subject of presidential campaigns, legislative debates and electoral results. 

Inclusive communities are the heart and soul of our Christian Faith. Our faith was founded by a middle eastern Jewish carpenter who spent his life seeking out and serving those marginalized and set aside. Jesus welcomed individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities to walk with him and learn from him. Some needed more time to learn and develop an understanding of what being a Christian was about. Yet, at no time did Jesus say that one must conform to a given creed, understanding of what he was doing or not doing, or be of one sexual orientation vs. another. Jesus simply welcomed all, embraced all and yes, challenged all to grow in the knowledge and love of God, neighbor and of self.  

Sadly, the optional first reading from Isaiah 56: 1, 6-8 omits the part about the eunuchs being the ones who gain a "monumental" place in the house of God.  The eunuchs were the gay men of Biblical times.  Jesus had nothing but good things to say about the eunuchs in Mt.19:10-12.  Yet, as much as Jesus welcomes those who are not quite the status quo, the Church remains a place hostile, not hospitable to diversity to become inclusive. 

The Christian Faith can only become better the more inclusive we become. The more Christians work in community with other religions, LGBT, women and many others, the more positive affect on changing the world for brighter tomorrows Christians will have. Accomplishing this means we must face our own attitudes of racism, sexism, class discrimination, heterosexism and ask God's Holy Spirit to heal and move us past them. 

If Jesus who is God's perfect revelation of Self can be confronted by the cultural issues of his time, and be changed for the better, what is holding Christians of today back?


Prayers

Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Proper 15, Book of Common Prayer, page 232).


O God, who created all peoples in your image, we thank you for the wonderful diversity of races, cultures and sexual orientations and/or gender identities/expressions in this world.  Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, and our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Thanksgiving for the Diversity of Races and Cultures (Sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions added by blog author) Book of Common Prayer, page 840).


 Amma-Abba, Mother-Father, in heaven
        let us be like Jesus--
        open to the correction of those
        whom we exclude from our acts of compassion.
    Let us follow your way —
        to go against nature
        when we want to limit access to your

        Welcome Table

        Amen (Prayerfully Out in Scripture).

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost: Justice and Equality: Communities Must Work Together

Scriptural Basis

Matthew 14:22-33

Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."
Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

Blog Reflection

The times we are living in are frightening and disturbing.

The future of our economy is bleak.  Our Supreme Court is handing off elections to the highest bidding corporate giants.  Catholic hospitals that once supported the health care reform act, are now objecting to providing birth control at no charge to their employees. Yesterday a prayer gathering took place in Texas to support the Christian religion as a political action committee that seeks dominionism, capitalism, sexism, racism, religious based bigotry, heterosexism and violence.

The Scripture readings for today are just what the doctor ordered.  They speak of the need to recognize that our work and struggles for justice, equality and inclusion of marginalized people in the Church and society is the work of all communities working together.

In the first reading 1 Kings 19:9-18 we read about Elijah alone and seeking God.   Elijah feels alone and defeated. Elijah has been working to restore Israel to be a community that takes care of those who fall through the cracks of the system.  He is exhausted and feeling abandoned in his work.  God comes to Elijah in his sorry and pain. God comes not in the thunder, earthquake, wind or fire.  God comes to Elijah in his loneliness and despair.  God assures Elijah that he is not alone in the work of justice.  God sends Elijah to anoint others for the tasks that Elijah does. God helps Elijah to establish communities of individuals with different abilities and visions to continue the work Elijah had been doing.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer people continue to experience the effects of heterosexism that feeds the violence of homophobia.  When the National Organization for Marriage, Family Research Council, American Family Association, etc talk their loud and cruel rhetoric, LGBTQ people feel the sting.  We can feel like we are all alone in our quest for equality.

Is it any wonder that African Americans, immigrants, Jews, Muslims, Hispanics, Asians, the disabled, those who cannot speak or write in English experience the same horrible rhetoric?  The Tea Party with it's corrupt view of government and anyone who does not think like they do, have aligned themselves with the dominionists who seek to exclude all others who are not their version of the status quo.

The work of justice and equality is shared by all communities working together to bring about a better tomorrow for themselves and others.

As Peter was walking towards Jesus who's life and ministry was about healing the sick, raising the dead and seeking out those lost by oppression and bias, Peter had his eyes on Jesus who was also walking on water.  As long as he kept his gaze upon Jesus and the life that he led, in the company of the others who work together Peter was able to walk above the stormiest sea. Everything changed when Peter took his eyes of Jesus and began to think only about himself, and his own sense of pride and importance. It was then that Peter's faith faltered and he began to sink.  Jesus being the merciful and gracious Savior reaches out his hand to rescue Peter from drowning. Later, Jesus expresses his concern about Peter's faith and instructs Peter to keep his mind on what is most important.

One of the big reasons that I feel that Christianity has been losing it's appeal to preach the Gospel of Jesus, is because we have all too often isolated ourselves from working together with others to achieve our goals. 

"Christianity does not hold a monopoly on truth." (Dean Spenser Simrill, St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral).  The Christian religion is not a faith of supercessionism.  All other religions, philosophies and governments are not required to reduce themselves to become what Caucasian, male, heterosexual, healthy, wealthy, English speaking Christians decide.  All others are not indebted to Christianity to give up their ideals, cultural practices, worship styles or philosophies about the Bible to become vitally active or successful people. Christianity shows its greatest power and purest meaning when Christians work in the company of others accepting them as they are to bring about a Church and society where diversity means counting people, and inclusion means people count.

The LGBTQ communities show that diversity is our strength when we work with and on behalf of other marginalized persons/groups to find justice and equality. Racism, sexism and even consumerism and capitalism that sadly are all too real in the LGBTQ communities makes working for justice and equality even more difficult than it already is.  Many LGBTQ people who do not share any religious belief or practice are often very judgmental and quite cruel to LGBTQ people of faith. The rhetoric and sentiments, however deserving because of the pain that religious based bigotry has heaped upon our communities, are not called for towards every person of any and all faith backgrounds. 

The work of justice and equality requires that all communities work together.  No one is excluded or un-needed in the work of helping to make our economy, courts, public policies and churches better places for everyone.

As Christians, our God is with us to help us know that we are never alone. God is with us as we work with others in whatever capacity to heal those wounded and broken with hospitality and reconciliation.


Prayers

Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, page 232).

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, 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, page 823).

Lord Jesus, for our sake you were condemned as a criminal: Visit our jails and prisons with your pity and judgment. Remember all prisoners, and bring the guilty to repentance and amendment of life according to your will, and give them hope for their future. When any are held unjustly, bring them release; forgive us, and teach us to improve our justice. Remember those who work in these institutions; keep them humane and compassionate; and save them from becoming brutal or callous. And since what we do for those in prison, O Lord, we do for you, constrain us to improve their lot. All this we ask for your mercy's sake. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, page 821). 

The Transfiguration of Our Lord: Tragedy, Triumph and Hope

Scriptural Basis

Luke 9:28-36

About eight days after Jesus had foretold his death and resurrection, Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"--not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

 Blog Reflection

"The Transfiguration is not to be understood only as a spiritual experience of Jesus while at prayer, which three chosen disciples, Peter, James, and John, were permitted to witness.  It is one of a series of supernatural manifestations, by which God authenticated Jesus as [God's] Son." (Holy Women, Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints, page 508).

Traditionally, the story of the Transfiguration is celebrated at the end of the season after the Epiphany, just before Ash Wednesday.  The Transfiguration is considered a revelation of God's perfect revelation in Christ.  The event symbolizes a vision of Jesus after the resurrection and ascension that celebrates the Lordship oChrist.

Those of us who are removed from a time and culture of kings, lords and dominionism have some difficulty with the Transfiguration.  The event remembered today celebrates that Jesus is Lord as sung about in the famous hymn found in Philippians 2: 6-11. 

As Christians we have every reason to celebrate the triumph of Christ's death, resurrection and ascension as they are important to our Faith.  Our Baptism is a sharing in the events of Christ's saving mysteries as pointed out in Romans 6: 1-14.  

The Transfiguration is a celebration of Jesus' work of salvation. It is also a reminder of our responsibilities as followers of the Transfigured Jesus.  It is not enough to celebrate these awesome events as mere abstractions.  We must incorporate the life of the transfigured, crucified and risen Jesus into our own.

We may say with Peter, James and John: "Lord, it is good for us to be here."  We also know that as Jesus, Peter, James and John could not just stay on the mountain top taking in the majesty and wonder of God's mighty power.  We must go on with life with it's many ups and downs.   Jesus says to us as he does to those three disciples: "Do not be afraid."

The events that make the Christian Faith what it is, as wonderful as they are, are not an excuse to scapegoat the marginalized and oppressed.  Nor are they given to us to make the Christian religion into an institutionalized supercessionism by which all other religions, cultures, philosophies, sexual orientations, genders, gender identities/expressions must now upgrade to the views and ways of the Christianists.

Today in Texas, a horrific display of what the Christianist movement has become has taken place.  Gov. Rick Perry of Texas held his prayer gathering with some of the most oppressive names in the Christianist and Dominionist movements as among his supporters and speakers. See the Fact Sheet with it's long list of hate groups here.

One of the many speeches and spokes persons has already sounded off the call for "Israel's Jews to stop promoting Judaism."

This is why on Holy Days such as this one of the Transfiguration, I cringe.  I get very concerned about the health of the Christian religion and our relationships with other faiths, traditions, governments and the like.  Many Christians use a celebration of the Transfiguration to promote dominionism and Christianist ideologies.  Anti-Semitism, Anti-Islam and other anti's towards other religious practices, beliefs and cultures are sadly not uncommon on days like today.  The Christian religions name and founder get a bad reputation when such attitudes and behaviors get promoted and codified in our society.

The Transfiguration is an opportunity for Christians to exemplify the loving mercy, compassion and grace of our God and God's Son, Jesus.  God's powerful and gentle grace seeks inclusion, justice and equality among all people.

The time Jesus spent in prayer throughout the Gospels and even today in the Transfiguration Gospel, was to reset his ministry of hospitality and reconciliation among God's people who have been oppressed by social, religious and political corruption. Even those who do not share our creeds, sacred texts and ideals.

Many months ago, Dean Spenser Simrill of St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral said: "Christianity does not hold a monopoly on truth."  Christians do not hold anymore reason or right to dominate the world through violence, bias and suppression than anyone else.  The Christian religion is not an excuse for suggesting gun violence towards President Obama or progressive politicians and their supporters.  Christians holding tight to the Bible as God's inspired word, does not give Christians the go ahead to condone the targeting of Muslims, immigrants, women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and/or queer people.  The Christian view of "faith and grace alone" are not the okay to ignore the sick, the poor and neglected through budget cuts to programs that help these people.

Christians do have the opportunity through the goodness that our Faith is about, to inspire others to care for our neighbors in need.  The heart and purpose of Christ's saving work gives us every reason to embrace those different from ourselves and find those paths towards dialogue. Despite our differences of opinion, understanding and practice of life and belief. 

I think it would be a great use of today's celebration if we could all pray that God's holy people work together to eliminate fear based on ignorance that leads to violence and oppression.  We don't all have to have all the answers.  All we need to do is be faithful to seek God's lead towards making the world a better place for everyone.  The Holy Spirit will take care of the rest.


Prayers

O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with you, O Father, and you, O Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, page 234).

Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, page 833).

Look with pity, O God, upon the people in this land who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us to eliminate our cruelty to these our neighbors. Strengthen those who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law and equal opportunities for all. And grant that every one of us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this land; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, page 826).

The Story of a Father, A Son: God's Inclusive, Transforming Love for A Better World

Scriptural Basis

Mark 9:14-29 (NRSV)

When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and some scribes arguing with them. When the whole crowd saw him, they were immediately overcome with awe, and they ran forward to greet him. He asked them, 'What are you arguing about with them?' Someone from the crowd answered him, 'Teacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so.' He answered them, 'You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me.' And they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the father, 'How long has this been happening to him?' And he said, 'From childhood. It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.' Jesus said to him, 'If you are able! -All things can be done for the one who believes.' Immediately the father of the child cried out, 'I believe; help my unbelief!' When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, 'You spirit that keeps this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!' After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, 'He is dead.' But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand. When he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, 'Why could we not cast it out?' He said to them, 'This kind can come out only through prayer.' 

Blog Reflection 

This Gospel presents us with all kinds of problems doesn't it?

As we read this narrative it sounds a lot like an exchange that might happen in some department store. Some consumer did not get quite what they thought they were paying for.  So they turned to the boss and got what they wanted.  Then the boss told the employees how to solve this problem in the future.

This story has a much deeper meaning then that.

"Despite its length and detail, there is a very clear and simple message that Mark wishes to convey: Anything is possible to one who trusts (v.23), and trust is deepened by prayer (v.29)!" (Collegeville Bible Commentary, New Testament Volume, page 922).

Imagine the trust level of the expected 323,000 workers who will lose their jobs over the next year due to the recent deficit ceiling debt reduction deal that was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President.

It is easy to talk about trust and prayer being a great thing in theory.

In practice when a mother is watching her child die of leukemia, and the medical bills climbing because they do not have enough health care coverage, prayer and trust seem like a waste of energy.

If we take the "all is hopeless" approach and assume that God just pushes those who question their faith aside because of their own experiences or lack thereof, than we miss another important conversation contained with in this Gospel.

The faith of the father of the son who is possessed by a spirit of self destruction and "rigidity", cries out to Jesus with: "I believe, help my unbelief."  Jesus responds by rewarding the faith of the father and heals his son. 

The healing happens not because of a creed or even a set of moral standards set by the local religious convention.  The healing happens as an individual who strongly believes, admits that he is not sure of God's purpose in the situation of his son's condition.  By stating that while he believes, he also does not God is able to use the weakness of uncertainty to strengthen, heal and reconcile.

As I read this narrative, I could almost hear a coming out story taking place.

The spirit that had been destroying the boy is not unlike what can happen to a young man as he struggles with his sexual orientation.

When a young man discovers within his body and mind, feelings and reactions that are not quite like others around him, the fear, anxiety and uncertainty can become destructive.

As he sits in his middle school classes with all of his male peers noticing the breasts on Sarah in the front row, he fears what will happen when his classmates notice him looking at the bulge in the shorts of Ronnie who is fascinated by Sarah.

When he hears what happened to Thomas who committed suicide because he was bullied for the erection he got in the boys locker room, and suspected of being gay, he fears even more for his own safety. 

He goes to the local Nazarene church with his mom and dad and the preacher gives a sermon on 1 Corinthians 6:9 and hears from the New International Version: "...nor homosexual offenders,,,,,will enter the kingdom of God."   To that point re-emphasized by the preacher, his father and mother give a heat-felt "AMEN!"

When sitting at  home later that evening watching TV with his parents, he hears some report out of California about a referendum to repeal the State's new Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful (FAIR) education act to teach about LGBT history in the public schools.  Some anti-LGBT hate group supported by organizations like Focus on the Family, the Family Research Council, the American Family Association and others are supportive of a ballot initiative to repeal the bill.    When the son hears this, his interior hate for the feelings he experiences and the confusion of what to do escalates.

Finally, confronted by the reality of his gay feelings that he cannot escape, he one day just about breaks down emotionally and psychologically.  He reveals to his father that he is sexually attracted to men, not women.  His father and mother being the "Christian" parents that they, tell their son that either he goes into an Exodus International camp along with a reparative therapy program, or he gets the hell out of their home to never return.

To add fuel to the fire, his parents call their pastor who agrees to meet with their son.  When the meeting takes place, the Pastor affirms the decision of the boy's parents and tells the son that his best and most "faithful" option is to go to the Exodus camp etc.

Sadly, the story I have just written about is the kind of thing that happens to many girls and boys raised by God fearing parents, who confront feelings of homosexuality, bisexuality or transgender.  It is not uncommon for the story like I have just written to end with the child going to the ex-gay group or choosing to go out on their own.  Those who go into the ex-gay camps often wind up in State or Federal legislatures where they work to enact anti-equality legislation.   Those who go out on their own, risk sexual assault, getting HIV/AIDS or other STD's or could even wind up dead by some hate group.

"I believe Lord, help my unbelief."

The reply of Jesus in our Gospel today tells us that God does not leave us to our own destructiveness.

God does not just love those who endorse and embrace the Christianist position.

God is not a God of "rigidity" of moral standards set by those who interpret the Bible literally or from the Tea Party point of view.

God looks at all God's people whom God created and loves us all.

God is just as concerned about the LGBTQ youth who wonders about their future at home, in the world, in their church and beyond as God is concerned about the attitudes of Christians who use the Faith as an excuse to scapegoat LGBTQ people.

God cares about the 323,000 American jobs that will be lost next year.

God cares that there are people who cannot see the doctor because they do not have health insurance.

God cares about Muslims who continue to be stereotyped and targeted for massive discrimination and violence because of their religion.

God is concerned about immigrants seeking a home and a future in the "land of opportunity for all", yet find racism through anti-immigration laws in places like Arizona and Alabama.

God does not approve of so called "pro-life" groups seeking to take away a woman's right to chose what is best for her, in an economy that will not provide for her or her child once she/he is born by way of job training, health care, child day care, housing, nutrition programs and education.

God's love is transforming and inclusive.

God's love and power seeks to transform the evils of society such as prejudice, injustice, oppression and violence, by God's inclusive and all embracing love.

God can do such things when God's people live and pray and work together to promote peace, inclusion, justice and opportunities for each other. 

That is what I believe this Gospel narrative is about.  That is why I believe that we will not see our economy turn around, or the wars stop, or marriage equality legal in all States and countries.  These and many other evils of our time will not stop, if God's people will not come together, recognize the beauty and holiness of God in our sisters and brothers and take seriously our vocation to seek the common good of all God's people.

How are we praying and working together to end the spirits of evil in our world?


Prayers

Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Proper 13, Book of Common Prayer, page 232).

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, page 815).

Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech you that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion us into one united people. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in your Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in you to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for Our Country, Book of Common Prayer, page 820).