5th Day of Christmas: Feast of the Holy Innocents

Today's Scripture Readings

Jeremiah 31:15-17 (NRSV)

Thus says the LORD:

A voice is heard in Ramah,

lamentation and bitter weeping.

Rachel is weeping for her children;

she refuses to be comforted for her children,

because they are no more.

Thus says the LORD:

Keep your voice from weeping,

and your eyes from tears;

for there is a reward for your work,

says the LORD:

they shall come back from the land of the enemy;

there is hope for your future,

says the LORD:

your children shall come back to their own country.

Psalm 124 (BCP., p.781).


Revelation 21:1-7 (NRSV)
 

I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,

"See, the home of God is among mortals.

He will dwell with them as their God;

they will be his peoples,

and God himself will be with them;

he will wipe every tear from their eyes.

Death will be no more;

mourning and crying and pain will be no more,

for the first things have passed away."

And the one who was seated on the throne said, "See, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true." Then he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children.

Matthew 2:13-17 (NRSV)

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

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:

"A voice was heard in Ramah,

wailing and loud lamentation,

Rachel weeping for her children;

she refused to be consoled, because they are no more."

Blog Reflection

If you are reading this blog post today, and you are someone who has ever wondered what in the world is so great about this Christianity thing; this Feast is just for you.

If you feel like you have been a good believer in God, and you just do not understand why there is still so much violence, anger, hate and oppression in the world; this Feast day is for you.

If you are someone who had an experience during the Christmas holiday in which your heart was smashed by someone or some thing that happened; this is your day.

If you have been looking for a day on the calendar of the Church, in which political maneuvering happened by a powerful leader, and it seemed like God did nothing to stop it; The Feast of the Holy Innocents is just what you need.

If the Feast of St. Stephen was the spoiler to Christmas Day, then today's commemoration of the Holy Innocents is the double spoiler.

The reality of Jesus' birth, was that He was born into our world of political maneuvering, horror, injustice and brutality that affects us all.  Such a concept is so difficult for us to digest.  We want a Savior who will put an end to all of those things.   All of those prophesies of the coming of a Savior who would be like a mighty warrior and finally bring the kind of justice we are looking for; they just do not appear to be true.

As difficult as it can be for us to grasp, Jesus did not come to end all human suffering.  Jesus came as God's perfect revelation of God's Self to walk with us through all the suffering, so that we would know that we do not deal with it alone.  Jesus came so that we would know that whatever evil may occur in our own lives, communities, nation and world; God is there weeping with us and seeks to console us, so that we may become a healing and transforming people.

At the same time, Christians can and have provoked similar acts of violence with the absurd notion that God condones it.  This Feast Day is transferred from December 28th, which is also the date of the Wounded Knee Massacre.   On that horrible day, Americans guided by a so called Christian ideal that "not all people are created equal in God's eye " committed our own version of the Holy Innocents. We also have in our history the ongoing violence to individuals of different races, genders, gender identities/expressions, sexual orientations, languages, immigration statuses, disabilities, behaviors and more.  We continue to justify things such as taking away funding for food stamps, unemployment insurance, reproductive health care choices for women and worker's rights.  We want people to "rely on God and not the government" in a Nation that boasts of a government "of the people, for the people and by the people."  Yet, a majority of "people" want the ability to decide on the well being and prosperity of people who are wealthy and powerful, over the weak, the lonely, the destitute and the marginalized.   How, then, are we really different from Herod?

On this Feast of the Holy Innocents, may we reflect on the goodness of God to each one of us.  But, let us also ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, so that we may do our part to affect change for the good all of God's children.

Amen.


Prayers

We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy
innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray,
into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your
great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish
your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ
our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the
Holy Spirit,, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Collect for The Holy Innocents, The Book of Common Prayer., p.238).

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

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. (Collect for Social Justice. The Book of Common Prayer., p.260).

First Sunday After Christmas: Oh, That Word Again?

Today's Scripture Readings

Isaiah 61:10-62:3 (NRSV)

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,

my whole being shall exult in my God;

for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,

he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,

as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,

and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

For as the earth brings forth its shoots,

and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,

so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise

to spring up before all the nations.

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.

Psalm 147 (BCP., p.804)


Galatians 3:23-25 (NRSV)

Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian.

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

John 1:1-18 (NRSV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'") From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known.

Blog Reflection

Yes, it is that Word again.  It is the same Word we heard and read about on that amazing Christmas Eve, Day and since.  Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word came among us as God's perfect revelation of Self.  As Christians, we make no excuse or apology for believing in what seems so absurd to the rest of the world.  We do not just believe in a God who is far removed from us.  We believe that we live in relationship with God who is very close to us in God's Son. The Christmas mystery is about how God broke through time, space, matter and what seemed so impossible; and became a human being.

If we Christians owe the world an apology and/or a better representation of Jesus, the Word; we should begin and become constant in seeking to deepen our relationship to Christ through our relationships with one another.  It is our responsibility to The Word to be better stewards of the earth and it's resources.  Our response to the wonderful Grace of God in The Word should be to build and maintain an inclusive Church and society.  One combined existence of the Church and our communities can give a better witness to The Word by doing more to protect our vulnerable children from senseless gun violence.   If we want other religions to respect the Christian Religion, then we must become agents of healing and reconciliation between the different religions of the world.  Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and many others have something to contribute to the diversity of beliefs.  Christianity makes an important contribution to the good that is in many other religions, so long as we do not use the privilege we have as Christians to disregard the dignity of others.

The Word who is Jesus, wants to make an impact through us with the marginalized and stigmatized.  To accomplish what God wants from us, we must avail ourselves to the Holy Spirit's grace to confront our interior dispositions towards others who are different from ourselves.  We must work to end racism in the Church and the rest of the world, so that each person can find their path to a God who is present among us all in the Word made Flesh.

It is no secret that what I am writing about here, and what I have been writing about in this blog for nearly six years is hard stuff.  It challenges us in ways that not only shake others up, but ourselves too.

The wonder and mystery of the Incarnation is that God came to shake us up not in some all powerful and war like being; but in an innocent and helpless Child born just as each one of us was.  Jesus had His relationship with God His Father up to the point of the Garden of Gethsemane.  At that point, not even Jesus' relationship to God was as so important for him, that out of love for us; He gave up even that to be our Redeemer.  He was God who served us as one like us, with all of God's unconditional and all-inclusive love as His only concern.

If we want to know how to love others as God loves us, the example of the love of Christ is our best teacher.

Amen.


Prayers

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

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.  The Book of Common Prayer., p.815).

3rd Day of Christmas: St. John the Apostle and Evangelist of The Word

Today's Scripture Readings

Exodus 33:18-23 (NRSV)

Moses said to God, "Show me your glory, I pray." And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, `The LORD'; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But," he said, "you cannot see my face; for no one shall see me and live." And the LORD continued, "See, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock; and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back; but my face shall not be seen."

Psalm 92 (BCP., p. 720)


1 John 1:1-9 (NRSV)

We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life-- this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us-- we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

John 21:19b-24 (NRSV)

Jesus said to Peter, "Follow me."

Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; he was the one who had reclined next to Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" So the rumor spread in the community that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?"

This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true.

Blog Reflection

St. John is my favorite of the Apostles and Evangelists.  I have a special affection for St. John.  Christmas just would not be what it is for me personally, without the words of the Prologue of St. John's Gospel chapter 1:1-14.  The first letter of John later in the New Testament is not only eloquent in its form and content, but it's message about the importance of loving God and our neighbor is so very clear. 

St. John's message of The Word and love, while they hold that special attraction for me; they are also the most challenging.  I love to write the words "Love one another as I have loved you", but, when it comes to doing what they mean I am as much a hypocrite as anyone else is.  If I am a hypocrite in any way with these words, it is because of my greatest personal and spiritual challenge.  I often have very high expectations of myself.  When I am not able to meet those high expectations, I become even more self-centered.  Instead of loving another as Christ has loved me, I end up staying even more focused on myself than as I was before .  Thomas Merton in his book The Rule of St. Benedict: Initiation into the Monastic Tradition 4 tells me that in so doing I indulge my "false-sense of self."

In the Prologue to The Rule of St. Benedict, he writes, "the Lord waits for us daily to translate into action, as we should, his holy teachings.  Therefore our life span has been lengthened by way of a truce, that we may amend our misdeeds.  As the Apostle says: do you not know that the patience of God is leading you to repent (Rom 2:4)?  And indeed the Lord assures us in his love: I do not wish the death of the sinner, but that he turn back to me and live (Ezek 33:11).  (RB 1980: The Rule of St. Benedict in English, p.18).

How can I or anyone for that matter "translate into action, his holy teaching"?  

On this Feast of St. John the Apostle and the Evangelist, St. Augustine of Hippo gives to me (and may be you too) some kind of answer.

"Now this Word, whose flesh was so real that he could be touched by human hands, began to be flesh in the Virgin Mary's womb; but he did not begin to exist at that moment.  We know this from what John says: What existed from the beginning.  Notice how John's letter bears witness to his Gospel, which you just heard a moment ago: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.

Someone might interpret the phrase the Word of life to mean a word about Christ, rather than Christ's body itself which was touched by human hands.  But consider what comes next: and life itself was revealed.  Christ therefore is himself the Word of life" (The Liturgy of the Hours, Volume 1, Advent and Christmas Seasons, p. 1267).

In this Christmas Season as we begin returning to the real world, we are confronted with the reality of life.  There is darkness, discrimination, oppression, violence, neglect of the sick, poor and more.  We are equally confronted with our own human limitations that help us to rely more on God and less on ourselves.  We are once again brought to the reality that we are all social beings, and therefore being part of a community that embraces us as we are is essential for our salvation.

Jesus, The Word made Flesh and the call to love others by St. John is our alarming wake up call and purpose for "beginning again."

Amen.


Prayers

Shed upon your Church, O Lord, the brightness of your light,
that we, being illumined by the teaching of your apostle and
evangelist John, may so walk in the light of your truth, that
at length we may attain to the fullness of eternal life; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Collect for St. John.  The Book of Common Prayer, p.238).

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully
restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may
share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our
humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Collect for the Incarnation.  The Book of Common Prayer, p.252)

2nd Day of Christmas: The Feast of St. Stephen

Today's Scripture Readings

Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15 (NRSV)

At the beginning of the reign of King Jehoiakim son of Josiah of Judah, this word came from the LORD: Thus says the LORD: Stand in the court of the LORD's house, and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in the house of the LORD; speak to them all the words that I command you; do not hold back a word. It may be that they will listen, all of them, and will turn from their evil way, that I may change my mind about the disaster that I intend to bring on them because of their evil doings. You shall say to them: Thus says the LORD: If you will not listen to me, to walk in my law that I have set before you, and to heed the words of my servants the prophets whom I send to you urgently-- though you have not heeded-- then I will make this house like Shiloh, and I will make this city a curse for all the nations of the earth.

The priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the LORD. And when Jeremiah had finished speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak to all the people, then the priests and the prophets and all the people laid hold of him, saying, "You shall die! Why have you prophesied in the name of the LORD, saying, `This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate, without inhabitant'?" And all the people gathered around Jeremiah in the house of the LORD.

Then Jeremiah spoke to all the officials and all the people, saying, "It is the LORD who sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the words you have heard. Now therefore amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God, and the LORD will change his mind about the disaster that he has pronounced against you. But as for me, here I am in your hands. Do with me as seems good and right to you. Only know for certain that if you put me to death, you will be bringing innocent blood upon yourselves and upon this city and its inhabitants, for in truth the LORD sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears."

Psalm 31 (BCP., p.622).


Acts 6:8-7:2, 51c-60 (NRSV)

Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated some men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God." They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council. They set up false witnesses who said, "This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us." And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
 
Then the high priest asked him, "Are these things so?"

And Stephen replied: "Brothers and fathers, listen to me. You are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers. You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it."

When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he died.

Matthew 23:34-39 (NRSV)

Jesus said, "Therefore I send you prophets, sages, and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town, so that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. Truly I tell you, all this will come upon this generation.

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you, desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, `Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

Blog Reflection

It has always seemed a bit strange to me that the day after Christmas we celebrate the death of a Martyr.  All of the magic of The Nativity of Jesus seems to sag.  It is the spoiler to the happy Christmas spirit.  It is not unlike the ending of that season of Downton Abbey when Lady Mary and Lord Matthew were finally married, the baby was born; and at the very end Matthew is tragically killed in a car accident.

Perhaps the reason for commemorating St. Stephen is to remind us that the Christmas Story does not end at Bethlehem, but is only the beginning.  We may have returned with Mary, Joseph and the Christ Child to the Manger and paused for reflection with the shepherds; but, there is still a world beyond that is full of violence, discrimination and darkness. 

Perhaps we feel uncomfortable at this scene of St. Stephen being stoned to death, because we want that warm cozzy Christianity that does not require us to give ourselves up to serve the poor and the destitute in devotion to our Baptismal Vows. 

Our Christian Faith is an invitation to journey with Jesus from Bethlehem to the Cross.  We will be called to associate ourselves with those whom the Church and society often neglects and/or overlooks.  Doing so will get us into trouble.  We will rock the boat.  We will bring down the worst that humankind can throw at us; because we said yes in obedience to the reality of what the Christmas event is about.  It means we say no to out of control gun violence, racism, sexism, heterosexism and gender violence.  Our visit with Jesus at Bethlehem inspires us to become a positive, peaceful and charitable voice for change in the world. 

The Feast of St. Stephen is the fruit of what happened at the Nativity.  God became human in Christ, so that God could share and walk with us as we proclaim the Gospel of healing and reconciliation.  While everyone else is still digesting the fruit cake and throwing out their Christmas trees (sadly before The Epiphany), we are being called to continue the rest of the story; through our authentic Christian witness.

Amen.


Prayers

We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the
first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed
for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at
your right hand; where he lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.  (Collect for the Feast of St. Stephen.  The Book of Common Prayer, p.237).

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, 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. The Book of Common Prayer, p.815).

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but
first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he
was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way
of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and
peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Collect for Fridays. The Book of Common Prayer, p.99).

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Truly, Christ Taught Us to Love One Another

Today's Scripture Readings

Isaiah 9:2-7 (NRSV)

The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who lived in a land of deep darkness--

on them light has shined.

You have multiplied the nation,

you have increased its joy;

they rejoice before you

as with joy at the harvest,

as people exult when dividing plunder.

For the yoke of their burden,

and the bar across their shoulders,

the rod of their oppressor,

you have broken as on the day of Midian.

For all the boots of the tramping warriors

and all the garments rolled in blood

shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

For a child has been born for us,

a son given to us;

authority rests upon his shoulders;

and he is named

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His authority shall grow continually,

and there shall be endless peace

for the throne of David and his kingdom.

He will establish and uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

from this time onward and forevermore.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Psalm 96 (BCP., p.725)


Titus 2:11-14 (NRSV)

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

Luke 2: 1-20 (NRSV)

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

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.

John 1:1-14 (NRSV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.

Blog Reflection

As I am typing this blog post, I am listening to a beautiful recording of Cantique de Noel (O Holy Night) written by Adolphe Adam and John Rutter.  Some how, the words "Truly He taught us to love one another" seem so appropriate for us on this Christmas Eve/Day.

All of the readings in the Christmas Lectionary have something to say to us.  We are a people walking through a time of intense darkness.  There are way too many people living in poverty.  People have lost jobs and income at a staggering rate.  The violence on our streets, the execution of African American young people by police, the out of control gun violence all disturb us; and rightly so.  Just like the people in the time of the Prophet Isaiah, there is a light that shines in our darkness.  A cry for peace and justice in the midst of oppression and destructiveness.  As Christians, the Light comes not by a mighty warrior with weapons drawn and an army of tanks.  It does not come in a moral code designed to determine who is in and who is out.  God's answer for the Christian was born as a tiny baby in a Manger.  A baby born in humility surrounded by humanities' refuse.  Jesus Christ is born in our vulnerable human hearts in the Word made Flesh.

The vulnerable Word of God in Jesus the Christ was not born among noble castles with the best of food to eat, a paid wet nurse, or kept warm by wealth and power.  God was born in a stable (or cave) that was cold and drafty.  Christ needed a bed to sleep in, but he got a wooden Manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes.  He was greeted by shepherds, and surrounded by sheep, goats, donkeys and ox.   

Did you notice what happened and what did not?

Jesus was born in the midst of poverty, helplessness and indifference.  Did Jesus end them all?  No.  Jesus was born into all of it so that God could show us how to live among it in a holy and life-giving "way."  Christ comes to walk with us and share our experience with us.  Jesus is born to "teach us how to love one another" in all that is different about each of us.  Jesus was born so that all of us can be reborn in our Baptism "not of the flesh, nor of the will of human beings, but of God."  We are reborn in Christ so that all who "receive Him have the power to live as children of God."  It matters not whether we are black, red, brown or white.  It matters not that we are women, men or another gender.  We are all children of God because of Jesus Christ who is born on this Christmas Day.  Regardless of our sexual orientation and/or gender expression/identity; we are adopted as God's own by reason in the Word made Flesh, who is Jesus the Christ.

We gather in our churches, with our families, friends and communities to celebrate this holy day.  This holy day was made for us to celebrate our God who came among us in Christ.  Yet, in our very neighborhood some where, someone is lonely, cold, without family or friends.

In our own families there is someone who is afraid to reveal the truth that is deep within him/herself, because of how he/she may be received and/or rejected.  She/he may hear someone in the family quoting the Bible while trashing the President, a particular political party, and/or jokes making jokes about legally married same-gender couples and/or bullying LGBTQ people/youth.

Somewhere there is a member of the family with a drinking problem.  Somewhere, a friend or family member is terrified of someone in their gathering who is drunk, and cannot stop themselves.

Perhaps a college student has come home with his/her girl/boy friend who is an illegal immigrant; while someone at the Christmas dinner table talks about the President's executive action on immigration reform.

In a home in our neighborhood, a family is grieving the loss of a family member through gun violence, cancer or dementia.

Why do I bring this up on this holy eve/day?

Because Jesus Christ was born into our uncertainty.  Christ is among us, weeping in the cold and bitterness of our prejudices; to call us to see, know and love Christ present in one another.   He came to teach us "how to love one another."  Jesus was born to call us to the ministry of healing and reconciliation with one another. 

Finally, Christ is born as God's perfect revelation of God's Self among us to show "us how to love one another" in a continuous and self giving relationship.   In this relationship, God pours out God's perfect love for all of us in the Son of God who is Jesus the Christ.

For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).

As we celebrate this Christmas Eve/Day/Night in joy and wonder, may we be open to the relationship of God with us in Christ as He teaches us "to love one another."

A Merry and Holy Christmas Day and Season to you all.


Amen.


Prayers

O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth
of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully
receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence
behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.
 
O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the
brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known
the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him
perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he
lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

 Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to
take our nature upon him, and to be born [this day] of a pure
virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made
your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed
by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom
with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and
for ever. Amen.  (Collects for Christmas.  The Book of Common Prayer., pages 212-213).

Fourth Sunday of Advent: The Great Change of Power Has Come

Today's Scripture Readings

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 (NRSV)

Now when the king was settled in his house, and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, "See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent." Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that you have in mind; for the LORD is with you."

But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the LORD: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?" Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the LORD of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.

Canticle 15 (BCP., p.91-92)


Romans 16:25-27 (NRSV)

Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith-- to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.

Luke 1:26-38 (NRSV)

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

Blog Reflection

Jason and I have a wonderful new parish home.  We have been attending St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in St. Paul, Minnesota since All Saints Sunday.  We are enjoying it immensely.  The Liturgy, the music, the preaching and the community there are amazing.  

On the Subject of preaching, we heard a wonderful sermon about Mary last weekend.  The sermon which you can read here was given by The Rev. Barbara Mraz who is both a Deacon at St. John's and the Writer in Residence.  Among the many things I learned from her sermon is that the Magnificat (Canticle 15), has been banned in many countries throughout the world.  It was not uncommon in those countries, that the Magnificat was a direct challenge to oppressive power within the governments.  The words: "He has cast the mighty from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly" was considered the same as beginning a public protest against the dictatorial power.  It was not uncommon for protestors to write those words on posters and put them up all over the city.

I wonder if the police would respond to the words of the Magnificat put up in protest of racial discrimination with military style violence.  Would they take out their tear gas or pepper spray?  Would they put their police blockades up with shields, clubs and wear protective gear?

What kind of a response would church members get if they recited the words of the Magnificat in an effort to tell the leaders of our church to get their act together on a particular matter of social justice within the church?

On this Fourth Sunday of Advent we read in our Gospel and in the Magnificat, that God is changing things from the way they have been.  In the past, great leaders came from a line of wealthy men.  They were destined for immense power.  In the account of the Annunciation from St. Luke's Gospel, the Angel Gabriel informs Mary, a 16 year old girl that she is full of grace and has been chosen to bear the Savior Jesus in her womb.  Mary would not be with child from having sexual relations with any man, including her betrothed Joseph.  Mary hears the Angel tell her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God."  The hope of all humankind that would change the powers of this world, came through a woman by God's random act of grace.

Two things speak very profoundly.

1. Mary is a woman in a man's world.  In choosing Mary to bear Jesus, God has disregarded the dominant power of her society.  God clearly communicated through the Annunciation, that God wanted nothing to do with that.  All that God did was call Mary to accept God's call on her life to do something that would change the history of the world forever.  Not even the established law of Mary having relations before she would be married to Joseph was as important to God, as it was to call this young girl to her priestly vocation of and doing the very thing that the Holy Spirit was empowering her to do.

2.  St. Bernard of Clairvaux wrote:

"O blessed Virgin, your lips to praise, your womb to the Creator.  See, the desired of all nations is at your door, knocking to enter.  If he should pass by because of your delay, in sorrow you would begin to seek him afresh, the One whom your soul loves.  Arise in faith, hasten in devotion, open in praise and thanksgiving.  Behold, the handmaid of the Lord, she says, be it done to me according to your word" (Liturgy of the Hours: Volume I, Advent and Christmas Season., p.346).

God comes to and calls each of us to our particular vocation through God's random acts of grace.  The choice we have is to respond in obedience or to say no.   Perhaps we would say no because we are too self-centered.  The vocation God is calling us to will change the powers of this world once again and make us very unpopular.  It is likely that if we respond in obedience, we will be sacrificing our reputation, our popularity and even our whole lives to what God is calling us to.  We will be met with resistance.  We will face the prejudices of many who label us as second class citizens because of our race, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, immigration status, political party, religion, language and/or behavior.  There will be those who want to throw stones at us, because we have broken with the common tradition of our time.  We will be called to serve God and others because we are first and foremost daughters and sons of God; adopted by Jesus Christ.  Those labels others use to define us, are not in God's database.

May all of us have the humility and strength that was in Mary to accept God's random act of grace on our lives.   May we hear the Angel's words to Mary said to us, "Do not be afraid, you have found favor with God."  May we all pray for one another and for ourselves, that as we journey from here to Bethlehem; we may welcome God's Incarnate Word born for us in humility and love.  May all of us may know the depth and wonder of God's love for all of us.  No exceptions.

Amen.


Prayers

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation,
that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a
mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.  (Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.  The Book of Common Prayer, p.212).

We beseech thee, O Lord, pour thy grace into our hearts, that
we who have known the incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ,
announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross
and passion be brought unto the glory of his resurrection;
who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Traditional Collect, The Annuciation.  The Book of Common Prayer, p.188).

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.  The Book of Common Prayer, p.823). 

Third Sunday of Advent: Listen, Rejoice, Speak Up

Today's Scripture Readings

Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11 (NRSV)

The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,

because the LORD has anointed me;

he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,

to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives,

and release to the prisoners;

to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor,

and the day of vengeance of our God;

to comfort all who mourn;

to provide for those who mourn in Zion—

to give them a garland instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

the planting of the LORD, to display his glory.

They shall build up the ancient ruins,

they shall raise up the former devastations;

they shall repair the ruined cities,

the devastations of many generations.

For I the LORD love justice,

I hate robbery and wrongdoing;

I will faithfully give them their recompense,

and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.

Their descendants shall be known among the nations,

and their offspring among the peoples;

all who see them shall acknowledge

that they are a people whom the LORD has blessed.

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,

my whole being shall exult in my God;

for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,

he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,

as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,

and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

For as the earth brings forth its shoots,

and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,

so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise

to spring up before all the nations.

Psalm 126 (BCP., p.782)


1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (NRSV)

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.

May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

John 1:6-8, 19-28 (NRSV)

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, "I am not the Messiah." And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?" He answered, "No." Then they said to him, "Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, `Make straight the way of the Lord,'" as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, "Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" John answered them, "I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal." This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

Blog Reflection

Advent is a wonderful Season for listening.   In their book: Benedict's Way: An Ancient Monk's Insight for a Balanced Life; Lonnie Collins Pratt and Fr. Daniel Homan, OSB suggest that God speaks to us through the events of daily life (see p. 31).  God is not limited to our churches, monasteries, homes or prayer chapels.  God is interacting with us through those many moments when our hearts shake because someone else makes us uncomfortable.  God is inspiring and empowering us with the Holy Spirit to bring the good news to the oppressed and the captives.  The prophet Isaiah heard this word from God and knew that he had news to share.  Those who may have gone without a voice in the past, could look forward to God showing a vested interest in their lives.  It took a prophet to open the ears of their hearts to listen to what God was doing among them. 

St. Paul tells the Thessalonians to rejoice always and to not quench the work of the Spirit.  The Holy Spirit wants the message of the Gospel of Christ to be alive in the Church there.  In 1 Thessalonians, Paul is correcting some messages they received about the return of Christ.  In one of the messages they received, they were told that Christ already returned, but they missed it.  Paul is telling them in the Epistles that they did not miss the return of Christ, and that they need to continue to live holy lives as evidence of the impact of Christ on them.  

When we hear bad news, our spirits are easily dropped because of what we heard.  St. Paul tells us in our day and age to not allow the joy that we have as Christians to be snuffed out because of bad news.  On the contrary, hearing news such as the horrible Senate report about torture should incite in us the power of the Holy Spirit to object to any human being, any where for any reason being tortured.   The Matthew Shepard Act was an attempt to address the torture and violence experienced by LGBT people as hate crimes.  Since then, we have seen many outrageous forms of torture and violence of LGBT people.  One burned outside a bar.  A number of others in New York City and in various places have experienced horrific acts of violence; many of them transgender individuals.  We are right to be outraged about the torture report from the U.S. Senate this week.  We should respond to it with a call for accountability and an end to any kind of torture.  But, that should include the torture of individuals through economic poverty, poor quality health care, unemployment and the racism that has become inescapable.  Holiness of life includes responding to these things out of devotion to our Baptismal Vows.

The voice of St. John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the coming of Christ.   All of us have the opportunity to prepare a way for God to come to the center of our lives and communities.  We prepare a way for Christ by listening ever so carefully to one another.   In Chapter 53 verse 1 of The Rule of St. Benedict we read, "All guests who come should be received as Christ...".  The message of St. John the Baptist is to make a way for God to come by letting go of our preconceived notions and expectations.  Christ often comes to us in the midst of everything about our lives that is not what others think it should be; let alone what we think things should be.  It is in the moments of our deepest questions and fragile emotions that God is seeking us out to hold us closer to God's Self in Christ.

In these last two weeks of Advent, may we take time to listen, rejoice and speak up in preparation for the coming of Christ.  May we be open to allowing Christ to come as He chooses to arrive, ready to greet Him in the marginalized, sick, poor and those who are without their equal place in society and the Church.

Amen.


Prayers

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come
among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins,
let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver
us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and
the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. (Collect for the Third Sunday of Advent.  The Book of Common Prayer, p. 212).

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

   

Second Sunday of Advent: Will You Be The Voice in the Wilderness?

Today's Scripture Readings

Isaiah 40:1-11 (NRSV)

Comfort, O comfort my people,

says your God.

Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,

and cry to her

that she has served her term,

that her penalty is paid,

that she has received from the LORD's hand

double for all her sins.

A voice cries out:

"In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD,

make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Every valley shall be lifted up,

and every mountain and hill be made low;

the uneven ground shall become level,

and the rough places a plain.

Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,

and all people shall see it together,

for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

A voice says, "Cry out!"

And I said, "What shall I cry?"

All people are grass,

their constancy is like the flower of the field.

The grass withers, the flower fades,

when the breath of the LORD blows upon it;

surely the people are grass.

The grass withers, the flower fades;

but the word of our God will stand forever.

Get you up to a high mountain,

O Zion, herald of good tidings;

lift up your voice with strength,

O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,

lift it up, do not fear;

say to the cities of Judah,

"Here is your God!"

See, the Lord GOD comes with might,

and his arm rules for him;

his reward is with him,

and his recompense before him.

He will feed his flock like a shepherd;

he will gather the lambs in his arms,

and carry them in his bosom,

and gently lead the mother sheep.

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 (BCP., p.708-709)

2 Peter 3:8-15 (NRSV)

Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.

Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.

Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.

Mark 1:1-8 (NRSV)

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,

"See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way;

the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:

`Prepare the way of the Lord,

make his paths straight,'"

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

Blog Reflection

I am listening to a recording of Handel's Messiah as I write this blog post.  The words of Isaiah 40:1-11 are written all over part one of the historic oratorio.  The music that is played and sung to those words, "Comfort ye, my people" is so wonderful.  It sounds victorious with a lot of hope.  It is full of expectation and prophesy of the amazing things God will do.  Yet, it is clear from the text that not all is well at the moment.  God promises through Isaiah that a new prophet will come who cries in the wilderness to prepare a way for God to come, bringing justice and holiness.  So many more amazing things are on the horizon, that the Canticle is full of symbolism of the sky, the rain, the grass, the sheep to make the point that everything will be different than how they were.

This past week, the issue of institutionalized racism got another opportunity to become more visible.  The grand jury in NY deciding not to indict a police officer for killing unarmed Eric Garner by the means of a choke hold.  The raw emotions over the issue of racism in Ferguson, MO became only that much more viral with the Eric Garner case.  Before the ink dried in New York and we got a chance to breath after Ferguson, an unarmed black man in Arizona was shot and killed by a police officer.  The racial injustice is growing and destabilizing with every passing day.  The fact remains that those who are not white and/or Caucasian are the underprivileged on the basis of the color of their skin.  Even after a prophetic witness named Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was shot forty six years ago; African Americans, immigrants, Native Americans and so forth remain disadvantaged even more so than lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and/or queer people.  Such is the case in the Church and even more so in society.

On this Second Sunday of Advent, we traditionally remember St. John the Baptist as that "voice in the wilderness" calling out for the people of his time to prepare for the coming of Christ.  St. John the Baptist was not the typical prophet.  He was dressed in camels hair, had a leather belt around his waist, he ate locusts and honey.  In his time, St. John the Baptist would have been the outcast of outcasts.  He was the loud outsider calling those on the inside to recognize the need for repentance.  Repentance means to turn away from one's current direction in life and live for God in righteousness.

As soon as I wrote those words, I am immediately in trouble.  I am in trouble because, there is this part of my life that seems so contrary to the "Infallible Word of God" that when I write about repentance, I am considered a liar or even a fake.  That part of my life gets me and others like me a label and a stereotype that classifies me as a second class citizen.   A second class citizen who should not have the right to be married to my husband as I am, serve in the Church as a Benedictine Monk, write about the Scriptures or any other such thing.  That is all because fundamentalist Christians with a one sided view of the Bible cannot see in that view a bias based not on actual Biblical fact; but based on ignorance and fear driving their hate.  Thankfully, over these many years members of The Episcopal Church and other church bodies, along with those who began The Companions of St. Luke/Order of St. Benedict opened themselves to the Holy Spirit and the possibility that their previously held understandings of homosexuality and the Bible were not correct, or sustainable.  They allowed themselves and others to experience conversion that led to a new repentance; and allowed the Spirit to breath a whole new air into the lives of LGBTQ people and the Church. That air continues blowing through all of society as in one state after another marriage equality bans are being overturned by the courts. All of this happened because of the prophetic witnesses that raised their voices in the wilderness of their time.  Yet, for all of these many strides, the same heterosexism that is driven by Christianists with their own version of who Jesus is, continue their reckless violence in rhetoric and action.

The same racism that lived through the days of the enslavement of African Americans and other racial groups is still living and goes on burning through what is good about America.   It still rages on in many states, in the courts, in our police departments and sadly in the LGBTQ communities, and the Church.  The same can be said for sexism, religious discrimination, bias on the basis of disabilities, languages, economic classes and those who live in poverty.

We need prophetic voices who will continue to cry out in the wilderness through prayer, work, activism and/or other peaceful, yet effective means.  We all need to continue to educate ourselves and others around us about people we are ignorant about, and learn how to respond to their needs with compassion and respect for their uniqueness that brings vitality to any community.  Among the ways we can do this is to express our concern either through letters to newspaper editors and/or legislators, and/or talk with our neighbors in respectful, but candid ways.

It cannot be said enough, apparently, that our Baptismal Covenant as Episcopalians (and all Christians for that matter) places on us the responsibility to respond with a strong sense of commitment and urgency to these issues.  Every human person is created as an image of the Holy Trinity, that is the relationship of God's oneness of Community with all persons.  When the human community in any particular community experiences violence, neglect and oppression; all communities are equally affected.  No community is completely safe.  That is because God has given each of us our place in the Sisterhood and Brotherhood of the human family, to be a voice crying in the wilderness that calls us all to prepare for a place for Jesus Christ to be born and reborn in all of us.

Will you be a voice in the wilderness to prepare that place for Jesus?

Amen.


Prayer

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to
preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation:
Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins,
that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our
Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Collect for the Second Sunday of Advent. The Book of Common Prayer, p. 211).

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.  The Book of Common Prayer, p.815).

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the
earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those
who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people
everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the
nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh;
and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.  (Prayer for Mission.  The Book of Common Prayer, p.100).

St. Andrew the Apostle and World AIDS Day

Today's Scripture Readings

Deuteronomy 30:11-14 (NRSV)

Moses said to the people of Israel: Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, "Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?" Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, "Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?" No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe.

Psalm 19 (BCP., p.606)


Romans 10:8b-18 (NRSV)

"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!" But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?" So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.

But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have; for 

"Their voice has gone out to all the earth,

and their words to the ends of the world."

Matthew 4:`8-11 (NRSV)

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

Blog Reflection

Forward Day by Day has an excellent reflection for us today.

Have you ever stepped into the unknown? It can be scary. There may be much that’s unknown when you make a new beginning. The fishermen took a giant step into the unknown when they got out of their boats to follow Jesus. Where would he take them? What would they do? What would happen? There was no way for them to know. But they knew enough to trust Jesus and to accept his invitation.

It was costly discipleship for the fishermen to follow Jesus. They let go of important things. But they were ready for the new life that Jesus offered them. They were ready for a new beginning, even if they didn’t know all it would mean or everything that would happen.

We make a new beginning this Advent. Jesus calls us to step into a new life and an unknown future. We can trust and not hold back. He will find us there.

The other Gospel Reading for St. Andrew is taken from the Daily Office at Vespers.  In John 1:35-42 we read that Andrew went and found his brother Simon and said, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated "Anointed").  He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter)." 

In Matthew's Gospel, Andrew is among the newly called who have to step forward in "a new beginning."  In John, Andrew is the one who goes and brings Peter to Jesus.  They seem to contradict each other do they not? 

This is why I think that the Feast of St. Andrew and World AIDS Day being on the same day could not be more profound.  Jesus called those first Apostles among them Andrew while they were doing their usual daily work.  They left behind what they had in hand and followed Him, even though they were full of uncertainty.  Jesus does not call us when it is convenient or even comfortable.  He speaks to the depths of our souls and makes us downright uncomfortable.  God does not want us to become complacent in our own little world while pretending that there aren't other things to take care of. 

The very first word in The Rule of St. Benedict is "Listen."  Cyprian Smith, O.S.B. in his book, The Path of Life: Benedictine Spirituality for Monks and Lay People wrote, "The whole spiritual life of the Christian....is a process of listening to God, "inclining the ears of the heart,"   Lonni Collins Pratt and Fr. Danieal Homan, OSB in their book, Benedict's Way: An Ancient Monk's Insights for A Balanced Life talk about the need to listen to God through all of life's events.   

It is amazing that even in 2014, well after thirty years since we first heard the word AIDS or HIV that so many in the Church, society and even the LGBT communities pretend that the issue no longer exists or effects us.  We have drugs that help people with HIV/AIDS live longer and healthier lives.  Yet, the negative stereotypes regarding HIV/AIDS and those who live with the threat of and/or the disease itself continue with all the toxicity of stigmatization.  Many Christians still live in ignorance stating that HIV/AIDS was and still is "God's punishment for homosexuality."   Yet, if we listen to God through life as St. Benedict tells us, we are all being called as St. Andrew was to see the face of Christ in our sisters and brothers who live with HIV/AIDS.  Ignoring them is to be tone deaf to the Gospel message of what the Season of Advent is all about.   We were told in the Gospel Reading for the First Sunday of Advent to "Keep awake."   The more we ignore and pretend HIV/AIDS is not a real issue in our time, the more it appears as if we are asleep while the real world passes us by.

May we like St. Andrew respond to the call of Christ to follow Him, and bring those closest to us to love and know Him in faith.   Let us see HIV/AIDS and those who live with the effects of it as the presence of God among us, calling us to compassion and concern through prayer and work on their behalf.   May we embrace individuals with HIV/AIDS with sincere love and open minds; letting go of the stereotypes so that the Kingdom of God already here, but not yet; may bring about healing and reconciliation for all.

Amen.


Prayers

Almighty God, who gave such grace to your apostle Andrew
that he readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ, and
brought his brother with him: Give us, who are called by
your holy Word, grace to follow him without delay, and to
bring those near to us into his gracious presence; who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.  (Collect for St. Andrew.  The Book of Common Prayer, p. 237).

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of
darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of
this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit
us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come
again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the
dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.  (Collect for the First Sunday of Advent.  The Book of Common Prayer, p. 211).