Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost: Love the Cross. The Cross is Love.

Today's Scripture Readings

Jeremiah 15:15-21 (NRSV)

O LORD, you know;

remember me and visit me,

and bring down retribution for me on my persecutors.

In your forbearance do not take me away;

know that on your account I suffer insult.

Your words were found, and I ate them,

and your words became to me a joy

and the delight of my heart;

for I am called by your name,

O LORD, God of hosts.

I did not sit in the company of merrymakers,

nor did I rejoice;

under the weight of your hand I sat alone,

for you had filled me with indignation.

Why is my pain unceasing,

my wound incurable,

refusing to be healed?

Truly, you are to me like a deceitful brook,

like waters that fail.

Therefore thus says the LORD:

If you turn back, I will take you back,

and you shall stand before me.

If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless,

you shall serve as my mouth.

It is they who will turn to you,

not you who will turn to them.

And I will make you to this people

a fortified wall of bronze;

they will fight against you,

but they shall not prevail over you,

for I am with you

to save you and deliver you,

says the LORD.

I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked,

and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.

Psalm 26 (BCP., p.616).


Romans 12: 9-21 (NRSV)

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.

Matthew 16: 2-28 (NRSV)

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

At times, you have to wonder if Christians give any thought to what we look like to those who observe us.  We say our prayers, recite our creeds and receive the Sacraments.  We boast of the word of God.   We say we believe in the love of God, neighbor and self.  Yet, what so many see, are Christians clinging to a faith without evidence of reality.   The more Christians are viewed as supporting injustice and oppression, including violence and prejudice the less real our Christian Faith appears to those looking from the outside in.

Just this past week, there was a horrible story about two Christian parents who beat up their gay son, after they disowned him.   Just the notion that a Christian would justify an act of heinous violence is frightening to say the least.  Not only does the Name of Jesus Christ become profaned by things like this, but the hope that Jesus could make a real difference in the life of that young man might very well be crushed.  In the son's case, any effort to embrace God with the reality of who he is, will seem like that God is just against him.  What he may never know, is that God's love for him does not stop because he is gay. 

As I read from the Prophet Jeremiah, I think he must have felt like that.  Jeremiah was speaking the truth about God to God's people.  They had indulged in acts of injustice.  They had forgotten all the wonderful things God did through out their history.  He was doing the work God gave him. Yet, all he found was resistance, threats against his life, and those who ignored him.  God in this reading does not promise to take him away from all that is happening to him, God promises to be with Jeremiah and that in the end, God's will will prevail for Jeremiah and for God's people.   God gives Jeremiah hope to face his sufferings and his salvation.

When Jesus tells Peter and the other disciples about His coming death, Peter did what I believe we all would have done.  If a man knows he is about to be killed, the proper thing to do is to try to save his life.  How could Peter and the others, get to know this amazing man, see his miracles, hear his words and just let him die?   That would be the case, except Jesus was God's perfect revelation of God's Self.   Jesus came to redeem us from our personal and spiritual immaturity, and return us to our Divine relationship with God.   Our redemption in Christ not only returns us to friendship with God, but also restores the relationship of humankind with the human community.   To experience the contemplative vision into ourselves, with a renewed view of the world around us.

"The function of prayer is to change my own mind, to put on the mind of Christ, to enable grace to break into me. When prayer is privatized religion on a spree, it's not prayer. Contemplative prayer, converting prayer, is prayer that sees the whole world through incense--a holy place, a place where the sacred dwells, a place to be made different by those who pray, a place where God sweetens living with the beauty of life. Contemplative prayer is prayer that leads us to see the world through the eyes of God." (Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB, Wisdom Distilled From the Daily: Living the Rule of St. Benedict Today. p.35).

Jesus accomplishes all that He sets out to do, through the Cross.  Our hope of knowing Christ in our own lives and sharing Him with others, is when we accept our crosses and follow Him in obedience to the will of God out of love.   Our cross as Christians, comes because we see past human labels, the suggestion that some people are first class citizens, and others are secondary and we embrace Jesus Christ and Him crucified as we embrace others because of Christ's love for us.   The love of God comes through laying down our lives for others.  In our relationships, in our communities, in those places where life is anything but certain.  Jesus Christ and His Cross lovingly saves us from our own sense of certainty.   We are saved to live with open hearts, minds and arms to love others as Christ has loved  us.

If you are like me, you can read these words and even repeat them.  But, to live them means we have to face our own prejudices, and displace our comfort zones.   To do what this Gospel reading is about, we must let the Holy Spirit lead us away from complacency, so we can be open to conversion.   A conversion that wants to see an end to the racism that has lead to the excessive violence in Ferguson, and calls out the injustice for what it is.   A change of heart and life, that rejects heterosexism that breeds a hate so violent that the beating described above, ex-gay groups and so forth is condoned, and Christianity continues getting a very bad name.

As we journey from the summer into Labor Day weekend, may be all pray and work together so that we may fulfill the vows of our Baptismal Covenant, and bring the honor and glory due the Name of Jesus Christ.   May our efforts be blessed by the Holy Spirit, and what we accomplish give evidence of God's transforming grace.

Amen.



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. The Book of Common Prayer, p.233).

Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another
that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide
us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but
for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for
our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of
other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out
of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen. (Collect for Labor Day, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 261).

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

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost: The True Faith and Ministry of the Church

Today's Scripture Readings

Isaiah 51:1-6 (NRSV)

Thus says the Lord:

"Listen to me, you that pursue righteousness,

you that seek the LORD.

Look to the rock from which you were hewn,

and to the quarry from which you were dug.

Look to Abraham your father

and to Sarah who bore you;

for he was but one when I called him,

but I blessed him and made him many.

For the LORD will comfort Zion;

he will comfort all her waste places,

and will make her wilderness like Eden,

her desert like the garden of the LORD;

joy and gladness will be found in her,

thanksgiving and the voice of song.

Listen to me, my people,

and give heed to me, my nation;

for a teaching will go out from me,

and my justice for a light to the peoples.

I will bring near my deliverance swiftly,

my salvation has gone out

and my arms will rule the peoples;

the coastlands wait for me,

and for my arm they hope.

Lift up your eyes to the heavens,

and look at the earth beneath;

for the heavens will vanish like smoke,

the earth will wear out like a garment,

and those who live on it will die like gnats;

but my salvation will be forever,

and my deliverance will never be ended."

Psalm 138 (BCP., p.793)


Romans 12: 1-8 (NRSV)

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-- what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

Matthew 16:13-20 (NRSV)

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

This Sunday's Gospel text is one of those that I wish we could skip.  It is a text that has been used to say many different things.  

In the Roman Catholic Tradition this is the text attributed to the Papacy.  Evangelical Christians have interpreted these words from Matthew's Gospel to say that it is only by confessing Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Son of God can one be saved.  More progressive theologians would say that this Gospel reflects that Christians confessed Jesus as the Son of God, but Jesus Himself did not.   This Gospel is also used every year on January 18 the Confession of St. Peter the Apostle in The Episcopal Churches' calendar.  It is a Holy Day with it's own collect in The Book of Common Prayer on page 238.

I recently began reading my next book in my formation.  The book is entitled Western Monasticism: A History of the Monastic Movement in the Latin Church written by Peter King.   I was reading through the first chapter about the beginnings of the Monastic Movement in Egypt.  I was quite struck by the following paragraphs.  

The first flowering of christian monasticism occurred at a critical time in the history of the Church.  In 313 the so-called Edict of Milan ended the persecution of Christians once and for all.  The Emperor Constantine soon began to look upon the Church as an important support of his monarchy and to grant it various privileges.  Christianity soon became the new state religion.  Bishops were now looked upon as the emperor's advisers and held important positions at court.  From having been persecuted, they became persecutors of those holding deviant opinions.

The consequent worldliness and lowering of standards did not go unnoticed.  Saint Jerome remarked that as the Church acquired princely might it became 'greater in power as measured by its wealth, but less in virtue'.  'Not all bishops are true bishops', he wrote, 'You notice Peter; but mark Judas as well....Ecclesiastical rank does not make a man a Christian'.  As for christian priests, There are other men...who only seek the office of presbyter and deacon that they may be able to visit freely.... When you seen these gentry, thing of them rather as potential bridegrooms than as clergymen'. (Pages 27,28).

I wanted to quote these words to you, my readers, as part of my own interpretation and application of this Gospel text.  It may or may not work among Scriptural and/or theological scholars, but, no one said it absolutely has to.

St. Paul in his letter to the Romans calls upon Christians to "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-- what is good and acceptable and perfect. "   It would seem to me that the ministry of Jesus was about seeking the lost and lonely, bringing justice to the oppressed, and helped people find their way to God through love of God, neighbor and self.  The basis of such a ministry was the God came to us, as one like ourselves to show us the way to a relationship with the Divine, through a life of self sacrifice and devotion to the reparation of the human community.  It was more than a doctrine.  It was about more than what was decided by a Church council, or political party.  It was because God created all of us with the dignity as God's beloved.  In Christ Jesus, our relationship as God's beloved is redeemed, and with us God is well pleased.  If the Church only ministers to and for the wealthy, the powerful and the most privileged, the Church "conforms to this world."   When the Church works for the poor, marginalized and the lonely, it is being transformed by a renewed mind.

The confession of St. Peter and the words of Jesus to him in Matthew's Gospel are about the faith and ministry of the Church, by the grace of God.   They are not a statement of political and/or universal authority for the purpose of control.  The ministry of the so called Apostolic Succession is not only about twelve men, who declared by Sacred Scripture everything from the ordination of women, to justification for discrimination against LGBT people, Muslims, the Jewish people, African Americans and so forth.  It is precisely because of the faith and ministry of the words between Peter and Jesus that the Church should be more inclusive and abundant with diversity.

The late Archbishop Michael Ramsey said it best when he wrote:

The succession of bishops is not an isolated channel of grace, since from the first Christ bestows grace through every sacramental act of His Body.  But certain actions in the work of grace are confined to the bishops; and thereby the truth is taught that every local group or church depends on the one life of the one body, and that the church of any generation shares in the one historic society which is not past and dead but alive in the present.  Thus the church's full and continuous life in grace does depend upon the succession of Bishops, whose work, however is not isolated but bound up with the whole Body (The Gospel and the Catholic Church, p. 82, 83).

The work of confessing Jesus Christ, and the binding and losing of the Reign of God is the work of all Christians in whatever capacity they are in.  It does not matter what our race, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, wealth, health, etc.   What matters is that we bring the faith and ministry of the Church into where we are, who we meet and what we do.  We bring that faith to our work for justice for Michael Brown, and peace for Ferguson, Missouri.   We live the confession of our faith in our prayer and work, and in respecting the dignity and integrity of every human person, loving our neighbor as ourselves with God's help, in our Baptismal Vows.

Today's Gospel reading from Matthew is a call of grace upon all Christians, and the true hope for those who have been hurt by the Church and society, so that they may find some kind of peace, healing and reconciliation with God.  Whether they believe what they profess in the Nicene Creed or not.

May our faith and ministry as the Body of Christ mean that the Church fulfills it's mission, because we are all faithful to what Christ has called us to.

Amen.


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. (Proper 16: The Book of Common Prayer, p.232).

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

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

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost: The Healing of Human Communites by the Community of Divine Intervention

Today's Scripture Readings

Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 (NRSV)

Thus says the LORD:

Maintain justice, and do what is right,

for soon my salvation will come,

and my deliverance be revealed.

And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD,

to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD,

and to be his servants,

all who keep the sabbath, and do not profane it,

and hold fast my covenant--

these I will bring to my holy mountain,

and make them joyful in my house of prayer;

their burnt offerings and their sacrifices

will be accepted on my altar;

for my house shall be called a house of prayer

for all peoples.

Thus says the Lord GOD,

who gathers the outcasts of Israel,

I will gather others to them

besides those already gathered.

Psalm 67 (BCP., p.675)


Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 (NRSV)

I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.

 
Matthew 15:21-28 (NRSV)

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

There are two major questions that are often asked by theologians.

Question 1.  When Jesus was tempted in the desert for forty days (See Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, and Luke 4:1-13), could He have sinned or not?

Question 2.  Before Jesus was Baptized in the River Jordan (See Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, and Luke 3:21-22) did He know who He was?

Both of these questions hinge on the belief that Jesus was and is of two natures; Divine and Human.   If we say that Jesus could have sinned during the temptation, then was He really Divine?   If Jesus could not have sinned, was He really Human?    If Jesus did know who He was before His Baptism, was he really Human?   If Jesus did not know who He was, then how was He Divine?

Today's Gospel account of Jesus' encounter with the Canaanite woman raises some similar questions.   His answer to her request to heal her daughter seems anything but kind, polite and consoling.  It sounds as if Jesus has been affected by the cultural biases of His time.  What does this say about His Divinity and Humanity?

I have written any number of times on this particular Gospel.  I have sided with those who say that Jesus was affected by the prejudices of His culture.  I would still have to say that, but this time, from a different perspective and reason. 

When Jesus came to us as God's perfect revelation of God's Self, He also showed us what human nature is really like, and what it could be.  The relationship of humankind with God suffered then, as it does now because of our immaturity.  Our refusal to grow up and become more like the Divine Person of Jesus Christ.   God came to us in Christ to show us just how broken and childish human nature had become, and how we might follow Christ to the point of our relationship to the Divinity might be restored.   God chose to teach us,  heal us, and restore us through the broken humanity made whole through the humility of God's Son, Jesus the Christ.  

I believe, that the experience of Jesus in His conversation with the Canaanite woman is God's way of reflecting for us in Christ, how wounded and immature our human relationships are.  We are so blinded by the racism that allows Michael Brown to be shot by a police officer, that many Christians and Americans would rather bury our heads in the sand, and say the police were justified in their brutality, than call out for justice.  We should not only call for justice for Michael Brown, but also for the peaceful protestors who were brutalized.

The large number of women, men and children who suffer from mental illness issues, and keep silent because of fear, marginalization and the many consequences that come from telling someone, that only when a beloved man named Robin Williams commits suicide, do more people sit up and take notice.   We continue to pretend like mental illness is not a real situation in our homes, families, churches and communities.   We even ignore the need for dangerous weapon regulations reform, because billionaires in the NRA flood our politics.

People who sit in pews shouting "praise the Lord" because a judge in Tennessee ruled that their Constitutional Amendment banning the freedom to marry in their State is constitutional, because they cannot see how the Christianist groups have brainwashed them to justify prejudice, violence and oppression.  

Others sit in judgment and negative stereotyping of Muslims world wide, because of the horrible massacre of Christians in Iraq.  In actuality, there is very little difference between fundamentalist Christians and fundamentalist Muslims.   The only difference is Mohammed or Jesus as their reason for justifying violent extermination of "others" who are not like them.

Why is this Gospel of Jesus' encounter with the Canaanite woman so important to these and other things going on around us?

Jesus' experience in Matthew's Gospel shows us that the healing of humankind by God's Divine love, does not come without the reconciliation of our relationships with one another.   The scarred and childish relationships, divided by discrimination and inequality won't be mended by God's Divine intervention alone.  They will experience healing and reconciliation because we take the step forward of confessing just how fractured and splintered those relationships are and working together with the Holy Spirit's guidance to bring about real change. 

The message of the Christian Gospel is that our communal relationships and our personal relationships with God are healed and redeemed through the Paschal Mystery as we are restored to our Divine relationship as Daughters and Sons of God.  With us, God is well pleased.

We often forget to look again at the story of our Creation in Genesis 1:26a.   "Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness......"  We were created by God in a communal relationship of God with God's Self.   It is the belief of Christians then, that God heals and restores that relationship through the community of God's relationship with and through the Divine and Human natures of Christ.  The relationship is healed and reconciled by healing the broken community of  humankind, through it's relationship with the Divine community with one another.  In the Ascension of Christ, we celebrate that in Jesus, our broken humanity is always at the right hand of God, interceding on our behalf for the healing and reconciliation to continue through the perpetual sacrifice of Christ.

The Holy Eucharist is our constant evidence of God working among us, through our common humanity infused with the Divine mystery of Christ.   The single host, though it is broken and shared is all part of the one loaf.  So the Body of Jesus, broken on the Cross, and His Blood shed, spills into our diverse human relationships, to heal us in and through one another.   These things happen because of the faith that the Canaanite woman had to keep appealing to Jesus, even humbling herself to serve as a renewed understanding for Him, so that He would grant what she asked.  

How do we allow the broken humanity of Jesus to bring Divine healing to our relationships?

How do we reconcile our broken humanity, with the perfected humility of Christ?

Where do we hear Jesus through others challenging us to mature in our relationship with God through our wounded relationships with others?

Perhaps we are the Canaanite woman looking for help from a broken system.

Perhaps we are Jesus who need to see things from a different point of view.

Whatever and wherever we find ourselves, Jesus is calling out to us through the circumstances of our daily lives, to live by faith and trust.   Through Him and His Divine love, may our many broken relationships be healed and reconciled.

Amen.


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 this 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.  (Book of Common Prayer, p.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, p.815).

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost: Silence, Listening and Faith

Today's Scripture Readings

1 Kings 19: 9-18 (NRSV)

At Horeb, the mount of God, Elijah came to a cave, and spent the night there. Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He answered, "I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away."

He said, "Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He answered, "I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away." Then the LORD said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him."

Psalm 85: 8-13 (BCP., p.708)


Romans 10:5-15 (NRSV)

Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that "the person who does these things will live by them." But the righteousness that comes from faith says, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down) "or 'Who will descend into the abyss?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say?

"The word is near you,

on your lips and in your heart"

(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

Matthew 14:22-33 (NRSV)

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 experience of Elijah in today's narrative from 1 Kings is a favorite among contemplatives.   The experience of Elijah finding himself at a point of being unable to do anything more is the basis for an attitude of prayer.   Michael Casey writes about this in his book Toward God: The Ancient Wisdom of Western Prayer.

Once I have confronted and accepted -- as far as possible--that I am a needy person, the act of turning toward God is relatively easy.  It is not faith in God that is hard, but the renunciation of illusory faith in myself.  To turn toward God means, first, turning away from whatever is untrue or delusory -- no matter how much comfort it brings. (Page 5).

Elijah accepted that he was at the end of his rope.  He needed an experience that would set him free from the fear and lack of faith he had.   He also had a heart that was open to what God wanted from him.   When he was finally on the mountain with the wind, the earthquake and the fire, he did not find God there.  God was in the silence, speaking to him with the truth about what was happening around him and giving him a sense of direction.

Our world is full of all kinds of noises.  The brutal massacre in Iraq by ISIS and the further threat of violence in that part of the world terrifies us right our heart strings.   Our hearts are already broken and frightened by the images of the killings in Gaza because of Israel's attacks there.   This coupled with the news of rising violence in Ukraine and Russia can be compared to earthquakes, fires and violent winds.   The national news media over excites our sensations and rings the compassion out of us like one squeezes water from a wet sponge.

What is most important during times like these, is to withdraw from the news media on the television, radio and computer and listen to God in the silence of our hearts.   The more we talk and debate and try to analyze what is going on, the more our hearts are drawn from what is most important.  What is most important is that we listen for God in silence and continue to be drawn into a deepening relationship with God within.   We must also surrender any prejudices we may experience, such as assuming that because ISIS is a group of terrorists based on fundamentalist Muslims, all Muslims must be the same.  That is simply not true, anymore than thinking that all Christians are fundamentalists.   The more we are able to listen to the truth about who God is within ourselves, the more we can improve how we respond to God's presence in others. 

Peter experienced that same kind of fear that I think all of us are at this point in time.  The storms are shaking the boat of our faith all around us.  We feel as if Jesus is distant or non-existent.   When we read blog articles about the experience of a Baptist church in Florida, canceling the funeral for a man because they learned that was gay; our hearts are tossed by the stormy winds of anger, frustration and wondering where Jesus is.  We may feel as if we are sinking when Jesus tells us to walk on the water.  Our faith is shaken.

In response, Jesus says: "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."   When we cry out in faith, Jesus reaches for us and calls us to put our faith in Him to bring us healing and reconciliation.  We need to do more than just pray for Jesus to get us out of the danger.   We need to listen more closely to the Holy Spirit draw our hearts back to Jesus to grow closer to God in a bonded relationship that includes the reparation of our community. 

When we are feeling the rising tempest around us, how do we call out to Jesus?

When we are confronted by what we must do to overcome an addiction, communicate in a relationship where we have been quiet too long, or get help, do we lose faith and just sink?

How are we responding to Jesus calling out to us?

If we are going to make an impact on the Church and society to address the needs of the marginalized and the needy, we need to give ourselves the time to withdraw and let Jesus heal us to continue on.   We have to see the storms inside us and around us as they really are, and listen intentionally to what Jesus may be saying to us in through them.  If we are going to call out to Jesus, we need to let go of our fear and trust that what God does in our lives will be for our good.   We may have to confront our false sense of self, and allow Jesus to teach us humility through His Death and Resurrection.  But, Jesus calls out to us saying: "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."

May we all take some time to be silent and listen to God the Holy Spirit and in faith trust God to help us with all our fears and concerns.


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.  (Proper 14, Book of Common Prayer, p.232).

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).

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

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost: Jesus said: You give them Something to Eat

Today's Scripture Readings

Isaiah 55:1-5 (NRSV)

Thus says the Lord:

"Ho, everyone who thirsts,

come to the waters;

and you that have no money,

come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk

without money and without price.

Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,

and your labor for that which does not satisfy?

Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,

and delight yourselves in rich food.

Incline your ear, and come to me;

listen, so that you may live.

I will make with you an everlasting covenant,

my steadfast, sure love for David.

See, I made him a witness to the peoples,

a leader and commander for the peoples.

See, you shall call nations that you do not know,

and nations that do not know you shall run to you,

because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel,

for he has glorified you."

Psalm 145 (BCP., p.801)


Romans 9:1-5 (NRSV)

I am speaking the truth in Christ-- I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit-- I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

Matthew 14:13-21 (NRSV)

Jesus withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves." Jesus said to them, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." They replied, "We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish." And he said, "Bring them here to me." Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Blog Reflection

A few of my readers are going to think I have flipped my lid when I share with you an experience I had over the past two weeks.  

A dear friend of mine who is a new Episcopalian began a group on Facebook called Progressive Christian Mysticism.   I joined the group with much enthusiasm, and I do applaud his efforts.   As time went on, the owner of the group put up regular posts by Marcus Borg and other progressive Christian authors, along side works by Thomas Merton.   I also saw a post entitled "Are you one" that had a list of the things that the particular progressive Christian man holds.  I deeply honor the faith of the individual and believe his intentions and purpose is good.   At the same time, I began to have a bit of an issue within my own heart.

I continue to be a progressive when it comes to politics.   I can also be labeled a more progressive theologian in some ways.   Yet, there is another side of me that remains very conservative when it comes to things like what is written in the Apostles and Nicene Creed are things I do truly believe.   I make no bones about being very Anglo-Catholic when it comes to worship, spirituality and the like.   At the same time, I do and have embraced Universalism in that I believe whether one is a Christian or not, there is still hope for salvation.  

When it comes to basic Christian spirituality in terms of contemplation, mysticism and prayer,  I believe whole heartedly they are neither political, nor are they based on one's theological opinions, arguments or school of thought.   When it comes to the movement of the Holy Spirit within our hearts and how we respond to the Spirit's gentle nudging, all that is important is being open to hearing what She has to say.

I think the message of today's Gospel reading is that what mattered most to Jesus in the feeding of the five thousand, is that they were hungry.   They were physically hungry and spiritually hungry.  They heard about this man who had been preaching the news of God's reign, healing the sick and casting out evil spirits.  They wanted to see this man, but they also needed Him to give nourishment to their bodies and souls.  They wanted to know if God was truly listening to the hunger in their stomachs and hearts, and they wanted a reason to respond.  

Jesus' response was not to ask them about their theological or political opinions.   Jesus was not concerned about whether they were illegal immigrants, or baptized or if they had gone to seminary and passed the General Ordination Exams.  Jesus fed them with the Goodness of God.  And I do believe if there had been a person who had a gluten allergy, or if the fish had mercury, or there was someone who was a vegan, the Goodness Jesus fed them with would have met them where they were, and healed them in body and soul.   I also believe that their hearts would have been changed, because everyone was welcome to eat, and receive God's blessing through Christ.

I think the message for Christians, is to see beyond what people think, or how they exercise their responsibilities as citizens, to show reverence and respect for the presence of Christ in all people.  This is a hard teaching for me to live by, as I am sure my many of readers find it difficult.   But, through the daily attentiveness to the Word of God who is Jesus the Christ in our hearts through the Holy Spirit; in that place where it matters not whether one is a democrat or a republican, a progressive or a conservative; God draws each of us closer to God's Self and one another.  The labels that are used to divide and permit prejudice and justify a first class and a second class of citizens are human made.   They may be necessary for us to know so that we learn to respect one another in some way, shape or form.  However, as far as God is concerned, with in each of us, is there room for the Goodness of the Lord to come, speak, heal and call?   Are we willing to "incline the ears of our hearts" enough to notice how much we each hunger for God's Word, with a need to respond in a way that brings healing and reconciliation us and the world around us?  As far as God's Word is concerned, the only label God is concerned about, is that we are Beloved of God, and with us, God is well-pleased.

Jesus said: "You give them something to eat."   We can only give from that which we have received.  If we are open to God's Word in our hearts, we will be able to give of, and share from that Word with in us, to others who are abandoned, war torn, and experiencing violence    We will respond to issues such as the second class citizenship of women, LGBT, African Americans, Native Americans, Muslims, Jewish people, Atheists and more, not because it is politically correct; but, because we are God's people giving reverence and respect to all of God's holy people.  We will feed them with what we have, because we have so graciously received with thankful hearts and open hands.    And the People of God will together say with one voice, one response:

Amen.


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.  (Book of Common Prayer, p. 232).

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