Third Sunday after the Epiphany: Whom is the Gospel Calling Us to Liberate?

Today's Scripture Readings 

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 (NRSV)

All the people of Israel gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had given to Israel. Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our LORD; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Psalm 19 (BCP., p. 606)


1 Corinthians 12:12-31a (NRSV)

Just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot would say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear would say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts.

Luke 4: 14-21 (Common English Bible)

Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news about him spread throughout the whole countryside.  He taught in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been raised.  On the Sabbath he went to the synagogue as he normally did and stood up to read.  The synagogue assistant gave him the scroll from the Prophet Isaiah.  He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
  because the Lord has anointed me.
He has sent me to preach good news
  to the poor,
  to proclaim release to the prisoners
  and recovery of sight to the blind,
  to liberate the oppressed,
  and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.

He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the synagogue assistant, and sat down.  Every eye in the synagogue was fixed on him.  He began to explain to them, "Today, this scripture has been fulfilled just as you heard it."

Blog Reflection

One of my favorite parts of a high Eucharistic Liturgy in an Episcopal church is when during the Gradual Hymn the book of the Gospels moves from the Altar to the middle of the naive to be read among the worshiping community.   It is the written word, growing some legs, moving with a body to be given a voice among common people.  There, Jesus proclaims his work of salvation and redemption among the people of God.  It is such a beautiful moment.

The reading from the Hebrew Scriptures and the Gospel have a lot to say about the word being proclaimed among and for the people of God.  The main point here, is not just that the word is proclaimed in a place so that our ears can hear.  The word is meant to transform our individual lives and overflow into the hurting world around us.

The Priest Ezra in the reading from Nehemiah is reading the Torah at the square by the Water Gate.   He is not reading it from a place of honor, he is reading it among the people who have gathered to hear it.  This is a very special moment in the life of the community.   Their past is behind them, but the work of God, lies before them.  Everyone who has come to hear, have the opportunity to respond with a wholeness of heart and life.  The mission of God for God's people is being presented, now they must respond.  Their response was in humility and a collective ascent to what God has redeemed them to do.

As we wrestle with what our response should be to the violence and oppression that is all around us, what will it take for us to give our personal and collective response?   Is God calling us to give of ourselves in a way that will transform a redeemed culture?

St. Paul speaks of the Body of Christ as an organic element.   One by which there are "many parts, but one body."  Not every part does the same work as another.  Yet, each part doing it's own particular task contributes to the good of the whole.

This sounds a lot like the classic "unity among diversity" kind of thing.   Each person brings something unique and special so that the Body which is the Church continues to build a sense of unity within.    Therefore, to insist that all people who desire to be part of the Church must exist according to a set of criteria organized by a group of people with their own prejudices ceases to be the community of the Spirit that Christians are called to be.  By insisting that individuals who are lesbian and/or gay can be Bishops, so long as they are celibate such as what the laity in the Church of England would like, is to fragment the Body of Christ.  It suggests that only when lesbian and gay people are having sex, is when we are homosexuals.  With all due respect, so now only when a straight man and woman have sex and actually conceive a baby, is when they are actually heterosexual?   I think any one who really thinks about this, will see it as some thing as unwise, let alone impractical.

The reality is, that Christ Himself never stipulated that the Church is only a house of prayer for Caucasian, straight, rich, healthy, employed and English speaking people.  Nor is it a place where LGBT people are require to surrender the essence of who they are and who they love in order to be received before they can participate in the life and ministry within the Church.   The gender of who a person loves, an individuals skin color, or any other what ever, does not classify anyone as a second class citizen in the eyes and mind of God.   Therefore, the Church is failing to be faithful to Christ if we create second classes of citizens.

In our Gospel today, is Jesus' inaugural address.   As Bishop Gene Robinson wrote so eloquently in his book In the Eye of the Storm: Swept to the Center by God, the words Jesus reads from Isaiah is also the inaugural address of every Baptized Christian.   Each one of us who are Baptized into Christ Jesus, were captives to the oppression of our immaturity.   All of us have had those things we have done which have blinded us to the reality of how much we need to grow beyond our limited views of others around us.   Yet, God did not hold those against us.  In Jesus Christ, God came to redeem us out of God's love, so that as God's very own, we can claim our place as adopted daughters and sons of God.  Once again, our response here is very important.  We are being asked by God, do you also accept this call?  How serious are you about what being a follower of Jesus Christ will mean?

I have written a lot about LGBT people, women, racism and many others.  It remains a focus for me in this blog.  The recent event that took place in Newtown, Connecticut with the shooting and killing of 28 people, 20 of them children, has brought very close to my heart a matter no one is really talking enough about.

We as a society and the Church are not doing enough to help people who suffer from some kind of mental illness to obtain the services and help they need to lead productive lives.  The number of people who are affected by some kind of mental illness is not negligible.  Depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, multiple personalities, post-traumatic stress disorder and those who live with any number of these, often suffer in silence.  I just read this week an article in Think Progress of how so many people who live with mental illness do not and/or cannot seek the professional help they need because they cannot afford the services.  As people talk about doing something about dangerous weapon regulation, it is alarming to me how little the issue of helping the countless people who live with mental illness is being addressed.  The silence on this issue by our civil government is an injustice for sure.  However, the deafening silence of Christians and the Church on this important issue, is to be terribly disobedient to the Gospel.  As Christians who are called to serve those who need liberation from the prison of oppression, it is a real scandal that we are not doing more to help people who struggle with mental illness.   The people who do live with mental illness need a better response than: "we will pray for you."   They need compassionate ministers who will listen to them, walk with them through their conditions and guide them spiritually, without fear of exploitation and/or denigration.   Today's Gospel and the events of our time are calling for Christians to become concerned and active on behalf of people who live with mental illnesses.

There is a real spiritual blindness in the Church towards individuals who experience mental illness.  We would prefer to not notice them, or in fear, we turn away from them and further marginalize them by our negligence.   Now it is true, that there is only so much one person or organization can do, but, as people who are called by a radical Gospel message such as today's reading, leaving those living with mental illness to completely fend for themselves, when they are so imprisoned by conditions they have through no fault of their own, is turning the blind eye to a serious issue in our time.

As we are in the middle of a heated debate about addressing the out of control violence brought about by dangerous weapons that remain unregulated, we must commit ourselves to speaking up about the need for better health care for people who live with mental illness.   We must also ask the Holy Spirit to guide us toward a solution that has the Gospel as our guide towards repentance and conversion.

When I think of people who live with mental illness, I think of Jesus when they placed the crown of thorns on his head.  The excruciating pain that his head must have felt, and the emotional humiliation of people laughing at him while he suffers. When we ignore the needs of people who are affected by mental illness, it is as if we are standing around laughing at Jesus while he sits there with a crown of thorns on his head.    Many individuals who live with mental illness can tell you that the pain they live with, sometimes both physically and emotionally is excruciating.   Combined with the isolation and negligence, becomes too much for many to bear.  Again, this is something Christians cannot just sit by and ignore.

As we gather to hear the word of God proclaimed in our midst, let us ask ourselves what role we can play in having our sight restored to people who live with mental illness in the Church and society.    How can we influence the Church to sit up and take notice, and become active in helping people to find the freedom and compassion of Jesus Christ in their lives?

The same Holy Spirit that was in Jesus, is also with us as we discern God's call in our lives.  In this, and any other issue of our time.

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. (Collect for the Third Sunday after the Epiphany, Book of Common Prayer, p. 215).


Gracious Father, we pray for they 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.  (Prayer for the Church, Book of Common Prayer, p. 816).


Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you
all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us
to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick,
and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those
who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow
into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for
our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for the Poor and Neglected, Book of Common Prayer, p. 826).

Second Sunday after the Epiphany: Creation, Marriage, Justice and New Life

Today's Scripture Readings

Isaiah 62:1-5 (NRSV)

For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,

and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest,

until her vindication shines out like the dawn,

and her salvation like a burning torch.

The nations shall see your vindication,

and all the kings your glory;

and you shall be called by a new name

that the mouth of the LORD will give.

You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD,

and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

You shall no more be termed Forsaken,

and your land shall no more be termed Desolate;

but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her,

and your land Married;

for the LORD delights in you,

and your land shall be married.

For as a young man marries a young woman,

so shall your builder marry you,

and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,

so shall your God rejoice over you.

Psalm 36 (BCP., p.632)


1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (NRSV)

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says "Let Jesus be cursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

John 2:1-11 (NRSV)

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

Blog Reflection

Oh to hear those words from Isaiah that God delights in us.   At Compline every night we pray the words from Psalm 17:8.  "Keep us, O Lord as the apple of your eye.  Hide us under the shadow of your wings" (BCP. 132).   The Prophet is so convinced that there are great things coming, that he just cannot keep quiet about them.  God is doing an awesome thing, but it means changing what already exists, and re-creating it into a precious jewel.   

America indeed began as a great nation.  Our founders had amazing plans as they created the new world.  Yet, not everything they brought here was totally good. 

The white Christian settlers did take land that was not theirs to take from the Native Americans, and oppressed them.  In addition, they also brought with them the second class citizenship of black people, whom they kept enslaved.  The negative attitude towards African Americans and individuals of many different skin tones, cultures and religions continues up to this very day.

In to the middle of our continued ignorance and prejudice, came a man with a vision of a different future for America.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr came on the scene as did Mrs. Rosa Parks who refused to sit at the back of the bus because of her skin color.   African Americans through the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. found renewed inspiration to keep calling for civil rights, and believed it was possible.  Forty-five years  after his assassination the work towards a just and equal society for all people remains far from finished.  Yet, the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr continues to inspire us all to keep working and believing in better things yet to come.  Racism is still a big issue in our country.  The racial overtones towards President Barack Obama are a living testimony to the prejudice towards people of different races, cultures, religions, genders, sexual orientations and many more where that came from are heard in all parts of our coutry.

The Prophet Isaiah is so excited about what God is going to do.  What can we do to get people excited about doing more to bring about the establishment of God's reign of justice, equality and peace today?   How do we speak up and act so that America and the Church can be a place that God and all of us delight in?

The Apostle Paul tells the Christians at Corinth that every one has different gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Not everyone is called to do the same thing.  Yet, by taking our place and making use of what God has given each of us, we can use them for the building up of the Body of Christ.   The gifts each of us has are not given to us for our own use, nor are they for abusing others.  They are given to us to continue the work of Jesus Christ in the ministry of radical hospitality and reconciliation. 

The narrative of the Wedding at Cana in the Gospel attributed to St. John the Evangelist and Apostle, is one of creation.   The figures of Jesus, Mary and the people gathered for the wedding, the water and the wine are a New Testament telling of Creation.   The account of creation in Genesis starts with the words: "In the beginning God created."  In St. John's Gospel it begins with "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God...."   As we venture into the Wedding at Cana we are presented with the prominent figure of Jesus, who is the Word made flesh, representing the new Adam.  We also see Mary who is believed to be the new Eve.    Just as creation is not complete without two people coming together to celebrate God's love in both body and mind, so too, we  have a wedding in John's Gospel.   As the waters of the earth flowed to create new life, so does the water at the wedding feast become the new wine, representing the restoration of the life of humankind through God's perfect revelation in Jesus Christ.  

All of this is meaningless and just an abstraction, unless we are willing to allow God to recreate what is within each of us, not only today, but every day.  Each of us have learned some thing in our past about God, ourselves and others that needs a renewal by God's random act of grace.   The events of the wedding at Cana are part of God's manifesting God's glory through the humanity of Christ.   The work of redemption that began with Jesus, continues through to this very day, as the "Spirit of Truth, will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13 Common English Bible).   The tasteless and stale water of our lives cannot become the wine of new life, justice and compassion, unless we allow God to change us from within, and reflect the Goodness of God in the world around us.   

This past election season, we saw three States elect to allow marriage equality for LGBT citizens.   Minnesota rejected a constitutional amendment to limit the freedom to marry to straight couples.  Now, we hear of bills being introduced by legislatures in Illinois and Rhode Island that will grant the freedom to marry for LGBT couples.   The debate on either side of the issue is hot.  There are the usual individuals in the Catholic church and other Christianist organizations who want to continue to suppress LGBT individuals and couples by limiting the freedom to marry.  Thanks be to God, that we have the amazing witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ seeking to transform the Church and society, through letters by Episcopal Bishop Lee in Chicago and Bishop Knisley in Rhode Island. 

Over the last week, President Obama made the announcement of plans he has to work on the issue of out of control gun violence in our nation.  The tragedy of Newton, Connecticut and the courageous people there are bringing people together to take seriously the responsibility to children, families and neighborhoods when it comes to gun violence.  Though the rhetoric of the National Rifle Association (NRA) remains violent and hateful, individuals from various parts of the Country are speaking up and writing about the need to do something about the enormous number of people killed by a gun.  As individuals use the Christian Faith in erroneous ways to defend the use of armed violence towards other people, others who remind us that Jesus was about peaceful solutions to life's difficult moments are speaking up.     

These are just some examples of how ordinary people are taking seriously the work of Jesus Christ, to change the dry waters of injustice, inequality and oppression, into the delicious new wine of justice, equality and freedom for the marginalized of society and the Church.  

It is true that the Wedding at Cana points us to both the Eucharist and the Cross.  For it is in the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ that all of us can and do come into the Presence of Christ and share in his suffering and death on the Cross.  However, in the Eucharist we also receive the nourishment of not only God's Goodness, but also the healing presence of being in community with others to share in the Lord's Supper.   In the Eucharist, strangers are made friends, the outcasts are included and brokenness has the opportunity to be made whole.  

May God continue to make us all into the precious gems of God's goodness, by continuing to renew the life of Jesus Christ within all of us.   As the Spirit of Truth continues to guide us in to all truth, may we with God's gifts in each of us, use them for the building up of the Body of Christ, and bring about the transformation of the world around us.

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.  (Collect for the Second Sunday after Epiphany, Book of Common Prayer, p. 215).

Almighty God, who by the hand of Moses your servant
you led your people out of slavery and made 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 for ever. 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. (Prayer for the Human Family, Book of Common Prayer, p. 815).

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

Today's Scripture Readings

Isaiah 43:1-7 (NRSV)

Thus says the Lord,

he who created you, O Jacob,

he who formed you, O Israel:

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;

when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,

and the flame shall not consume you.

For I am the Lord your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

I give Egypt as your ransom,

Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you.

Because you are precious in my sight,

and honored, and I love you,

I give people in return for you,

nations in exchange for your life.

Do not fear, for I am with you;

I will bring your offspring from the east,

and from the west I will gather you;

I will say to the north, "Give them up,"

and to the south, "Do not withhold;

bring my sons from far away

and my daughters from the end of the earth--

everyone who is called by my name,

whom I created for my glory,

whom I formed and made."

Psalm 29 (BCP., p.620)


Acts 8:14-17 (NRSV)

When the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (NRSV)

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."

Blog Reflection

I would like to begin by pointing out the similarity between the First Sunday after the Epiphany which appears two weeks and five days after Christmas, and Pentecost Sunday.   They are both point us to the Third Person of the Trinity: The Holy Spirit.  They also display another comparison that we might want to pay attention to.  They both talk about the intimate connection between Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and a defining moment in Salvation History.

The Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ appears to be a turning point in the revelation of God.  Jesus who's Epiphany we celebrated last Sunday with the visit of the Magi, now shows another manifestation.   Jesus was no ordinary guy taking a bath.  He was the fulfillment of the promise of God.   Such a fulfillment would not conclude with this revelation of God in Christ. On the contrary, would be one of many narratives of God becoming tangible, while still remaining mysterious.

Though the reading from Isaiah has it's own context and history which should not be disregarded, it does shed some light on Jesus' Baptism and what that would mean for those who would follow in his footsteps.    In the reading, the Second Isaiah is drawing from the historical significance of Israel's redemption through the Red Sea.   He is recognizing that in the midst of hardships and disappointments, we tend to forget that God has acted on our behalf in the past, and is still present now.   Though God is doing something new in the here and now, we need not cling to what is behind us completely, but, we must place our hands in God's and move forward.  We must move forward with God, even though we are approaching what is unfamiliar and what most disturbs us.  Stability in God is about being true to where God is leading us, even if it challenges and/or changes what we have previously understood.

In his sermon on the Baptism of Christ, Saint Maximus of Turin wrote:

I understand the mystery [of Christ's Baptism] as this.  The column of fire went before the people of Israel through the Red Sea so that they could follow their brave journey; the column went first through the waters to prepare a path for those who followed.  As the Apostle Paul said, what was accomplished then was the mystery of Baptism.  Clearly it was Baptism in a certain sense when the cloud was covering the people and bringing them through the water.

But Christ the Lord does all these things:  in the column of fire he went through the sea before the people of Israel; so now, in the column of his body, he goes through Baptism before the Christian people.  At the time of the Exodus the column provided light for the people who followed; now it gives light to the hearts of believers. Then it made a firm pathway through the waters; no it strengthens the footsteps of faith in the bath of Baptism. (Liturgy of the Hours, Volume I, Advent and Christmas Seasons. p.613).  

In the reading from Acts we see an intimate connection between Baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit.   From a Sacramental point of view, we can see the relationship between Baptism and Confirmation.   On a spiritual level, the grace of God through the waters of Baptism that cleanses us from sin and makes us part of the family of God, is later Confirmed by that same magnificent grace through the Apostolic ministry empowered by the Holy Spirit.  As is the case in our Baptismal Covenant on page 416 and 417 that grace is bestowed upon us, but not without our own commitment to Christ and the Church, which includes the love of neighbor and striving fore peace and justice among all people, and that we respect the dignity of every human being.   This commitment is not something we take upon our own accord, but we ascent to do so, with God's help.

How do we look to God's help to fulfill our Baptismal Covenant?   How do we love our neighbors and respect the dignity of every human being?

We have witnessed some very powerful events over this past month about how wealth and power are far more important to many, than upholding the dignity of human life.   When it is impressed upon us that it is much more urgent to address the issue of violence on video games, but not reduce the large number of assault weapons and high clip magazines in the hands of those who threaten the well-being of all of us, it is clear that life and dignity are not a priority.   When Christianists continue to use violent rhetoric towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, individuals of different races, classes, cultures and religions, and Christians do not question but accept that kind of thing, our Baptismal Covenant does really mean more than a ritual we do not pay attention to.

As Jesus approached John to be Baptized, the question arises: If Jesus was without sin, why did he need to be Baptized? 

William Barclay in his book: The New Daily Study Bible: The Gospel of Luke gives us some food for thought. 

For Jesus the emergence of John was God's call to action; and his first step was to identify himself with the people in their search for God.

But in Jesus' Baptism something happened.  Before he could take this tremendous step he had to be shure that he was right; and in the moment of Baptism God spoke to him.  Make no mistake, what happened in the Baptism was an experience personal to Jesus.  The voice of God came to him and told him that he had taken the right decision.  But more--far more--that very same voice mapped out all his course for him.

God said to him, 'You are my beloved Son;  with you I am well pleased'.......The Baptism shows us Jesus asking for God's approval and receiving the destiny of the Cross (p.45,46).

As the Holy Spirit confirms Jesus and the voice of God declares him as God's beloved, and approves and gives him a destiny, so does God do for us.   Like Jesus who has the cross as that destiny, so do we.   The Cross which will call on us to surrender our prejudices and selfishness for God's will in others who are different from ourselves.   In other words, once we are given the destiny of the Cross, we also have the hope of the resurrection; meaning, new life.   A life by which the power of the Holy Spirit is unleashed so that She can move on our hearts and the hearts of others to end violence, oppression and the marginalization in society and the Church. 

We are challenged here to recognize others as God's beloved in Christ.  Whether they share our religious point of view or not.  Whether they share our sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression or not.  Our race, cultural background, physical/mental challenge, language, wealth status, economic status do not make us any less beloved of God.   If we are to live up to the promise in our Baptismal Covenant, then with God's help we must recognize in all persons, including ourselves, 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.  (Collect for the First Sunday after the Epiphany, 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. (Prayer for the Human Family, Book of Common Prayer, p. 815).

St. Aelred: Honoring Friendship and Love as God's Gift

Today's Scripture Readings

Ruth 1:15-18 (NRSV)

So she said, ‘See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.’ But Ruth said,
‘Do not press me to leave you
   or to turn back from following you!
Where you go, I will go;
   where you lodge, I will lodge;
your people shall be my people,
   and your God my God.
Where you die, I will die—
   there will I be buried.
May the Lord do thus and so to me,
   and more as well,
if even death parts me from you!’
When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her.

Psalm 36 (BCP., p.632)


Mark 12: 28-34a (NRSV)

One of the scribes came near and heard the Saducees disputing with one another, and seeing that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" Jesus answered, "The first is, 'Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Then the scribe said to him, "You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that 'he is one, and besides him there is no other'; and 'to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,' and 'to love one's neighbor as oneself,'--this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."

Blog Reflection

From: Holy Women,  Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints.

Friendship, Aelred teaches, is both a gift from God and a creation of human effort.  While love is universal, freely given to all, friendship is a particular love between individuals, of which the example is Jesus sand John the Beloved Disciple.  As Abbot, Aelred allowed his monks to hold hands and give other expressions of friendship.  In the spirit of Anselm of Canterbury and Bernard of Clairvaux, Aelred writes:

There are four qualities which characterize a friend: Loyalty, right intention, discretion and patience.  Right intention seeks for nothing other than God and natural good. Discretion brings understanding of what is done on a friend's behalf, and ability to know when to correct faults.  Patience enables one to be justly rebuked, or to bear adversity on another's behalf.  Loyalty guards and protects friendship, in good or bitter times. (p. 166).

St. Aelred was widely known for being gay.  However, in his time the abstract terms we now use to define heterosexuality and homosexuality did not exist.  One thing is quite clear about St. Aelred, is that friendship and love were central to his life as a Religious.   He was not afraid to comfort a brother in a way that communicated God's love.

I would like to share something on a more personal note.  This past October, I was received as a Postulant of the Companions of St. Luke/Order of St. Benedict.  It took place as part of the Communities' Fall Convocation. 

The Companions of St. Luke (CSL) is a Christian Community according to the Canons of The Episcopal Church.  The Community incorporates Vowed Members and Oblates who may be called to celibacy, married or partnered.  It is a "hybrid" of 'Christian Community' and Traditional Monastic Order.   There are members who are dispersed in their local communities, with their families and relationships, and others who live in community together.

One of the things that I could not help notice as I was introduced to the Community in October, is that regardless of who the members are, what kinds of relationships they live in, everyone is so very well accepted.  No one needed to talk about whether someone is included due to someone's sexual orientation or marital status.  Our only interest, was seeking union with God through contemplative prayer and celebrating our time together as a Community under the Rule of St. Benedict.   I could not help but sense an atmosphere of peace and friendship as we shared our time together.  I found it to be healing of the many wounds I have sustained over these many years, as well as giving way to new life with in me. 

I think it is quite possible that St. Aelred's commitment to friendship and love was centuries ahead of his time.  It is a very important hallmark for a Monastic community and/or a 'Christian Community'.   How much more important is it for society and the entire Church as we struggle with our identity as God's people, and whom we will include as leaders, celebrating Sacramental Rites, and seeking equality and justice?   Imagine what society and the Church would be like if we all put aside our prejudices and cruel rhetoric and devoted ourselves to friendship and love with others, including those who are different than ourselves.

Such possibilities could become realities if we would consider the following by Adelbert van der Wielan:

If you want to know whether I am able to bear this responsibility I must check how I meet my brothers and sisters in daily life: whether I love them prayerfully and pray with them lovingly.  Such an attitude is restful and disarming for the other.  So they will be free to be themselves with me. (A Life-Giving Way: A Commentary on the Rule of St. Benedict, by Esther de Waal, p.100).

Perhaps thinking on friendship and love as the opportunity to fulfill the commandments to love God, neighbor and self can help us all to reach out more.  I think we can all fill our heads with understanding of what to do from an intellectual perspective.  But to make it all transparent in our relationships and behaviors takes being open to the grace of God from the depths of our being.   This grace is by no means passive, but it is random and it will come with a cost to us.  It will mean that we do more than just talk about a really good feeling about God in our souls, but it will mean that out of our love for God, we will respond by the conversion of our lives.

Amen.


Prayer

Almighty God, you endowed abbot Aelred with the gift of Christian friendship and the wisdom to lead others in the way of holiness: Grand to your people that same spirit of mutual affection, that, in loving one another, we may know the love of Christ and rejoice in the gift of your eternal goodness; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen. (Holy Women, Holy Men; Celebrating the Saints, p. 167).

The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ

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

Vicki K. Black in her book Welcome to the Church Year: An Introduction to the Seasons of the Episcopal Church wrote:

Epiphany is a Greek word meaning "manifestation, showing forth, revelation."  This feast proclaims our faith that in Jesus, God is revealed to all people--not just to an inner circle or a chosen few, but to all people, in all places, and throughout all time.  Christians believe that in the person of Jesus we see God at work in the world.  The Epiphany marks a series of occasions at which Jesus was revealed as God's Son. (p.40).

As of today, the Christmas Season is over.  "The Season of Advent was waiting for the Light, Christmas celebrated the arrival of the Light, Epiphany is about spreading the Light" (See p.41).

The Incarnation as in God revealing God's Self in Jesus Christ is the one matter of our Faith that makes Christianity different from other religions.  God was made visible through the Person of a human being born just as fragile and innocent as all humans are.  However, Jesus was more than just that Name above all Names.  Jesus was God made present in the flesh and blood of One who changed the course of human history.   How that becomes known is a matter of who searches for God not in just the mysterious or in paradox, but, by seeking union with God in humility with our sisters and brothers with whom we share this world.

The Magi were guided by the light of a star.  A magnificently bright star, made up of any number of things.  It's light was so bright that the moment it appeared, the world was never the same.  It ushered in a new beginning for humankind.  Those who set out to discover what that star meant, were never the same.

Br. Geoffrey Tristram, SSE in Brother, Give Us A Word wrote for today's meditation:

The Wise Men came to Jesus, and bowed down and worshiped him. And then, “they departed to their country by another way.” Yet how could they ever be the same again – for they had seen the Christ and they had believed. 

How has the Christmas Season and this Epiphany made a difference in our lives?

Are we ending Christmas and beginning Epiphany as we usually do, thankful that they are over, but leaving the message of the arrival of Christ behind?

How has the mystery of God becoming human in Jesus Christ helped us to evolve in our understanding of God, others and ourselves?

If by our prayers and celebration of Advent, Christmas and now Epiphany has made a difference in our lives,  how can we make that change transparent as the star above Bethlehem did for the Magi?

I would like to make three recommendations.

1. Prayer

Jesus reveals Himself to us when we spend time in prayer.  Albeit, Liturgical prayer, personal prayer and/or Lectio Divina. Our prayers may not be limited to these. It is very difficult for God to manifest God's Self in Jesus to us, if we do not take time to draw closer through the Holy Spirit in a prayerful relationship with the Holy One.  The importance of using the Psalms as a means of prayer cannot be overstated.  Through the Psalms we can praise God as well as tell God that we are angry, frightened, let down and feeling like our enemies are winning over us.  We can also find strength to put many things into God's hands.

As part of our prayer, we need to listen not only to God, but also to what is going on inside of us.  You never realize how much noise is going on inside of you, until you take some time to cool it down.  Just let all thoughts go by.  Let everything that sounds alarms in you, go silent.  Become, calm and totally focused on a presence that cannot be explained, yet it is very real.

2. Learn to look for God in places and situations around you.

The desire to search for union with God does not end with our prayer time by ourselves.  Our prayer is meant to help Jesus "manifest" or "reveal' God in all aspects of our lives.   God is found in the our routine activities and relationships.   God is found when we struggle the most, and when we are on an emotional high.  God is searching for union with us as we for union with God as we struggle with relationships, people and things that do not make sense.   

3. Don't just complain about how things are, become someone who becomes part of the solution.

There is so much oppression, prejudice, violence and injustice all around us.  I could name any number of them as I normally do.   Everything from debt ceiling negotiations that could include cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, the continuous assault on the health of women, cuts for those who are on the margins of society, etc.  Yes, these things bother me too.  I too, am limited as I am only one person.  But, I am not completely helpless.  I can write an email to a legislator.   I can volunteer at a local food shelf or agency that assists those in need.   I can participate in a community advocacy organization, participate in a lobby day,  organize folks in my community who feel the same as I do, and I can encourage others to do these too.   When I write the word "I' I am not just talking about me, I am using the word in the second person.  Just put yourself at one of those I's and you can become part of the solution.

The other thing we can all do, is take some time to address our own prejudices and attitudes towards others who are different from ourselves.  We do this through interaction and conversation to appreciate the view points of others, and allow them to challenge our own way of thinking and doing things.   One of the ways that prejudice towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer people changes, is because LGBTQ people interact with others around us, so that they may find God in us.   This can also be so with immigrants, the physically/emotionally and developmentally challenged, individuals of other races, religions, cultures etc. 

This Feast of the Epiphany is about how strangers from a foreign place came to find Jesus and walked away completely different.  It is a revelation of how God is not localized to one country, people, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, etc.  God goes beyond names, labels and so forth and seeks to uphold the dignity of all human beings.  So too, should this be what Christians do that can change the world for the better.

As we leave with the Magi, may we take a different road back, because going back the way we came, just is not the right thing to do.

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. (Collect for the Epiphany, Book of Common Prayer, p. 214).


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, you Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns
with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen.  (Collect for the Second Sunday after Christmas, Book of Common Prayer, p. 214).


Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn
but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the
strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that
all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of
Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and
glory, now and for ever. Amen.  (Prayer for Peace, Book of Common Prayer, p. 815).

The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ: What are We Treasuring and Pondering?

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.592)

Philippians 2:5-11 (NRSV)

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

who, though he was in the form of God,

did not regard equality with God

as something to be exploited,

but emptied himself,

taking the form of a slave,

being born in human likeness.

And being found in human form,

he humbled himself

and became obedient to the point of death--

even death on a cross.

Therefore God also highly exalted him

and gave him the name

that is above every name,

so that at the name of Jesus

every knee should bend,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue should 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

My readers might recall my post on St. Thomas the Apostle at which I wrote about using the Common English Bible (CEB).  The CEB is said to be "A fresh translation to touch the heart and mind."

As we were waiting for Midnight Mass to begin on Christmas Eve, I took my CEB along with me to do some brief Lectio on some of the Christmas texts.   I was most interested when I came to Luke 2:19 that in the CEB reads: "Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully."  I began to think about the differences between the text from the CEB vs.the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)  which reads: "But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart."   In my mind there was a big difference between "Treasured all these words" and "committed these things to memory and considered them carefully."   As I thought about this, I was more drawn to treasuring and pondering.   When we treasure something, it becomes so valuable, that we will do whatever it takes to protect it.   To commit them to memory is just not quite the same.  We can remember something, and when we do, we make it very present.  When we treasure something, not only do we remember and make it present, we never quite put it away.  If we do it is only in those safe places where we can "ponder" it and keep some silence about it.

On this New Year's Day, we are treasuring and pondering the Holy Name of Jesus Christ.  We are bringing it to the forefront of our memories and making that Name especially present today.  It is very interesting to me that on this day, Roman Catholics celebrate Mary, the Mother of God.   We Episcopalians celebrate the Holy Name, while reading about Mary as giving Jesus that Name, as she and Joseph were instructed by the Angel who greeted them.   This Feast used to be called the Circumcision.  It almost appears as a Christening.  But, what is most important about this Holy Day during our celebration of Christmas, is that the Christ-Child's Name is Jesus.

What kinds of things are we treasuring and pondering as we consider the Holy Name of Jesus Christ?

I have spent much of my life in the various movements within Christianity.  I remember hearing the Name of Jesus Christ used by those who consider themselves Charismatic, to have the power to drive out demons and dark forces.  I have also seen this Name used to inflict the worst of spiritual and pastoral violence on people.  I know of one such instance in a Pentecostal church where a minister brought a 10 year old girl forward during the service and nearly beat her to get her speak in tongues in the Name of Jesus Christ.   Many who oppose lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people accepting and celebrating who they are, will invoke the Name of Jesus to try to change their sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression and/or prevent equal rights from moving forward.   I remember while the health care reform bill was in debate a prayer service being held and invoking the Name of Jesus Christ to prevent it from being passed.

What are we treasuring and pondering in the Name of Jesus Christ?

At the 42nd Trinity Wall Street Institute on Radical Christian Living, Sr.Joan Chittister, OSB said: "What we believe about God is how we relate to God."   If we believe that the Name of Jesus Christ is about shaming people or preventing the sick from getting affordable health care, or Social Security benefits, then that Name has very limiting power.  It is only available to us to bully and hurt people who are different from ourselves.   The way we use the Name of Jesus Christ, is how we relate to who Jesus Christ is.   

The hymn from Philippians suggests that the Name of Jesus Christ was given to him, because instead of seeking equality with God, Jesus was a servant of humankind on behalf of God.  The honor and exaltation of the Holy Name of Jesus Christ is so, because he suffered along with suffering humankind, and sought to help the marginalized.  Jesus was a healer of broken relationships.  Jesus sought to include the outcasts and those suffering from prejudice and oppression, to help them know of God's unconditional love for all people.

What are we treasuring and pondering in the Name of Jesus Christ?

It appears to me that to use the Holy Name of Jesus Christ to invoke any kind of militaristic hate towards any person or group of people, is to use his Name in vain.  To suggest that God allowed twenty eight individuals, including twenty children to be shot to death was because we have forbidden prayer in our public schools, and that we should all invoke the Name of Jesus Christ is quite the misuse of that wonderful and glorious Name.

To suggest that it was through the Name of Jesus Christ, that natural disasters happen to certain parts of the world because of marriage equality or parties for LGBT people of any kind, is to presume things about Jesus Christ that do not exactly fit his description.

On the other hand, to suggest that it is because of the Holy Name of Jesus Christ that we need to pray and seek union with God, so that we might do what we can to alleviate religious based prejudice and violence; now that is really honoring the Son of God.   If we will carry the Holy Name of Jesus Christ by walking with those who suffer due to poverty, economic injustice and sickness; we are not only worshiping Christ, but carrying out his commandment to love others in his Name.

As we begin 2013, may we treasure and ponder the Name of Jesus Christ by looking at the example of Mary and Joseph, as well as many other Saints who have and continue to demonstrate what it means to serve on behalf of that incredible Name.  May we spend time in prayer to Jesus, as well as reading and studying the Scriptures, but also be willing to do some thing that makes Jesus Christ a good Name among humankind.

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. (Collect for the Holy Name, Book of Common Prayer, p. 213).

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. (Prayer for Social Justice, Book of Common Prayer, p. 823).