Ninth Sunday After Pentecost: Proper 12: Let The Hungry Be Fed

Today's Readings

2 Kings 4:42-44 (NRSV)

A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing food from the first fruits to the man of God: twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. Elisha said, "Give it to the people and let them eat." But his servant said, "How can I set this before a hundred people?" So he repeated, "Give it to the people and let them eat, for thus says the LORD, `They shall eat and have some left.'" He set it before them, they ate, and had some left, according to the word of the LORD.

Psalm 145:10-19 (BCP., p.802)


Ephesians 3:14-21 (NRSV)

I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

John 6:1-21 (NRSV)
 

Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?" He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, "Six months' wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little." One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?" Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, "Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost." So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, "This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world."

When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.

Blog Reflection 

We all know the feeling.  Did we do enough with what little we had?  I wish I could have given and/or done more.

This Sunday, we begin our months long reading of John 6.  This chapter from John's Gospel focuses on Jesus as the bread of life.  Jesus came to feed us with the Goodness of God; in the Holy Eucharist and through our participation in Jesus' life in feeding others in His Name.  John 6 is a basis for The Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist, and the Incarnation of Christ present through His flesh and blood.

In this first installment of John 6, Jesus wants to feed all of the people with only what they have.   He is not interest in what they do not have because of wages or material goods.  Jesus only wants to take care of those who are hungering for the Goodness of God through Christ.  Of all the stories that are found in the three synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, the feeding of the five thousand is also found in John.  The common story is told as symbolic of how much God cares about those who hunger; physically, socially and spiritually.

Hunger is a major problem in our world.  Here in America, in Europe and all over the world, the poor who are hungry and go without every day is unimaginable.  The numbers of how many people including children who live in poverty rises every year.  Yet, those in power here in the U.S. continue to decrease spending for food stamp programs and school lunch programs that serves so many people.

If it is not physical hunger, there are those who continue to suffer under the "hunger" of prejudice, oppression and injustice.  A few weeks ago on the 4th of July Weekend, Fr. Ed Bacon who is the Rector at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California spoke regarding the current debate over the removal of confederate flags form public buildings.  Fr. Bacon said it well, when he said the problem is not the confederate flag itself, it is our "confederate consciousness".  The racism that is so out of control over these past years, is the result of two approaches to hunger.  One is a hunger that is interested in power to control minorities, including immigrants.  The other is the hunger of those who are looking for peace from being violently profiled because of their race and/or nation of origin.

The milestones we have achieved towards equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the Church and society is about addressing a hunger.  The hunger to love and be loved by someone so special that our gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression of individuals who wish for their dignity to be upheld is being addressed.  None of them are the least bit interested in violating anyone's religious freedom.  In fact, all LGBT people want is to be able to exercise their own civil and religious freedom without the fear harassment or being proselytized.

The shootings in Charleston, South Carolina, Chattanooga, Tennessee and as of yesterday, Louisiana is a hunger to stop the out of control gun violence without politics or billion dollar lobbying firms more concerned about their positions being our main obstacle.  We are not interested in interfering with anyone's 2nd amendment rights.  We just want the opportunity to let our children go to school, people go to movie theaters and walk in public places without the fear that someone will kill them or someone they love just because the shooter has a point to prove.

Jesus Christ comes to us as He did the hungry people in our Gospel story.  He comes to feed us and nurture us towards a greater love for God, our neighbor and ourselves.  All Jesus wants from us, is to offer our gifts however great or small to play a part to relieve the hunger that permeates all of us in one way or another.

Are we ready to offer what we have?  If there is any doubt in our minds, let us remember the words from St. Paul in our reading from Ephesians.

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Prayers

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom
nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon
us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so
pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Proper 12.  The Book of Common Prayer, p. 231).

 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).

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

 

Seventh Sunday After Pentecost: Proper 10: Martyrdom vs. The Christian Persecution Complex

Today's Scripture Readings

Amos 7:7-15 (NRSV)

This is what the Lord God showed me: the Lord was standing beside a wall built with a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand. And the LORD said to me, "Amos, what do you see?" And I said, "A plumb line." Then the Lord said,

"See, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass them by;

the high places of Isaac shall be made desolate,

and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste,

and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword."

Then Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent to King Jeroboam of Israel, saying, "Amos has conspired against you in the very center of the house of Israel; the land is not able to bear all his words. For thus Amos has said,

`Jeroboam shall die by the sword,

and Israel must go into exile

away from his land.'"

And Amaziah said to Amos, "O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, earn your bread there, and prophesy there; but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king's sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom."

Then Amos answered Amaziah, "I am no prophet, nor a prophet's son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees, and the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, `Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'"

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

Ephesians 1:3-14 (NRSV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory.

Mark 6:14-29 (NRSV)

King Herod heard of the demons cast out and the many who were anointed and cured, for Jesus' name had become known. Some were saying, "John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him." But others said, "It is Elijah." And others said, "It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old." But when Herod heard of it, he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised."

For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it." And he solemnly swore to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom." She went out and said to her mother, "What should I ask for?" She replied, "The head of John the baptizer." Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

Blog Reflection

Benjamin Dixon wrote an article in Patheos entitled, Please Stop With The Christian Persecution Complex.  You're Embarrassing The Faith.  Dixon makes a compelling point that there really are Christians in places like North Korea, Iraq and Egypt being persecuted for being Christian.  In Iraq individuals believing in the Christian Faith were beheaded by ISIS.  The Coptic Christians are being murdered, calling out on the Name of Jesus just prior to being killed.  Yet, here in the United States where being Christian has no such consequence, we have fundamentalist and Catholic Christians claiming that their religious liberty is threatened over issues like contraception, abortion, and same-gender marriage.

Today in the Gospel reading according to Mark, we read about the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist.  St. John the Baptist was a man who spoke truth to power.  He called for righteousness and repentance even from King Herod who married his brother's wife while his brother was still alive.  John the Baptist's preaching and popularity was perceived by Herod as a threat to his authority as king.  St. John the Baptist challenged the power of Herod, and for that John was arrested.   Herod, though he was troubled by John the Baptist could not bring himself to have him put to death.  Until a younger girl, namely the daughter of Herodias was asked to dance, with Herod promising her unto the half of his kingdom.  The daughter's request was the head of John the Baptist.  Now Herod is confronted by the consequence he would pay if he did not grant what he swore to give.  So, St. John the Baptist was beheaded.

Martyrdom is not the same thing as a persecution complex.  Martyrdom is what happens when one speaks truth to power and power responds.  Martyrdom does not have to be death, it can be the loss of one's reputation of the one who speaks truth to power by those who want to silence the messenger.  A martyr does not need to bring the martyrdom onto her/his self.  Such a person will experience martyrdom without being self-righteous or arrogant.  Martyrdom comes all too often on an individual who is not only speaking truth to power, but takes a leadership role in changing those who are effected by the corrupt power the most.  Instead of just calling those in power to change, the individual begins making the change from the bottom up.

The great martyrs of Christianity include individuals such as Dietrich Bonhoffer, Thomas Cranmer, the Martyrs of Japan and Uganda.  Individuals such as St. Boniface, St. Joan of Arc, St. Agnes and St. Agatha.  Lastly, Dr. Martin Luther King and Jonathan Daniels. 

Martyrdom can happen when Christians refuse to be captivated by politicians bought by billionaires.  We can experience rejection because we work to reverse the effects of climate change.  When we stand up against out of control gun violence, racism, heterosexism and the social and political exploitation and polarization of all human beings; we will experience all kinds of rejection that can lead to martyrdom. 

More important than martyrdom, however, is the expansion of God's Reign in this world and beyond.  It is more important to concentrate on following the example of Jesus Christ who was obedient even unto death.  Christ's obedience included seeking out the marginalized to bring healing and reconciliation to them.  Jesus calls us to be part of that ministry on His behalf in the here and now.  We are empowered by the gifts of the Holy Spirit that we all have a share in this ministry through our common Baptism.  We have every reason with every possibility of what God may do yet through our faithfulness to the Gospel of Christ.

We all know what Paul told us in the hymn he used in today's reading from Ephesians.  We have been redeemed and called from before the foundation of the world to be part of God's holy people and to rejoice in what God has done for us through Christ.  May each of us recommit ourselves to God's work, speak truth to power and let go of our persecution complex.

Amen.


Prayers

O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who
call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand
what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and
power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ
our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (Proper 10, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 231).

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).

O God our Father, whose Son forgave his enemies while he
was suffering shame and death: Strengthen those who suffer
for the sake of conscience; when they are accused, save them
from speaking in hate; when they are rejected, save them
from bitterness; when they are imprisoned, save them from
despair; and to us your servants, give grace to respect their
witness and to discern the truth, that our society may be
cleansed and strengthened. This we ask for the sake of Jesus
Christ, our merciful and righteous Judge. Amen.  (Prayer for Those Who Suffer for the Sake of Conscience. The Book of Common Prayer, p. 823).

St. Benedict: A Saint of Beginnings

Today's Scripture Readings

Proverbs 2:1-9 (NRSV)

My child, if you accept my words

and treasure up my commandments within you,

making your ear attentive to wisdom

and inclining your heart to understanding;

if you indeed cry out for insight,

and raise your voice for understanding;

if you seek it like silver,

and search for it as for hidden treasures--

then you will understand the fear of the LORD

and find the knowledge of God.

For the LORD gives wisdom;

from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;

he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;

he is a shield to those who walk blamelessly,

guarding the paths of justice

and preserving the way of his faithful ones.

Then you will understand righteousness and justice

and equity, every good path;

Psalm 119:129-136 (BCP., p.774)


Luke 14:27-33 (NRSV)

Jesus said to the crowd, "Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, `This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions."

Blog Reflection

I have written my share of blog posts about St. Benedict.  He has been an inspiration to me since 1993.  St. Benedict is known as the Father of Western Monasticism.  His Rule continues to speak to women and men in all times and places for over 1500 years.  Many names have passed through the history of the Church.  Monastic communities have come and gone, their founders forgotten.  St. Benedict's name is Latin for the word blessed.  How blessed the Church and much of Western Civilization is that St. Benedict's Monastic communities and influence in any number of things such as the Liturgy of the Hours, higher education, graduation garments, art, music, books, prayer, spirituality and labor.  The prayer and work of St. Benedict, The Rule and his emphasis on community gave birth to The Church of England and The Anglican Communion.  The Book of Common Prayer has Benedictine Spirituality all throughout its many pages.  

Among the many ideas that come from St. Benedict, I would like to focus on the idea that Benedict is the Saint of beginnings.  Throughout The Rule of St. Benedict he tells us that we are at a beginning point.  He either says so directly, or suggests it on not so many words.  Benedict tells us so in the Prologue, Chapter 4: The Tools of Good Works,  5: On Obedience, 7: Humility, the chapters about the Divine Office and so forth.  His over all message is that wherever we are, whatever we do, whatever we fail to do; we always have the opportunity to start over.

In the Gospel chosen for today's commemoration, Jesus is telling His disciples to pick up the cross and follow Him.  It is a beginning point.  Taking up our cross, taking an account of our lives and choosing to follow Christ as a disciple, requires us to commit ourselves to a fresh beginning.  To begin, we will have to let go of many things; our possessiveness, power, positions, prejudices and self-centered egos.  We will have to let go of our desire to hang onto our grudges hoping to get revenge.  If we are going to seek union with God in prayer and work with our devotion to justice for the oppressed and marginalized; we must begin with letting go.  We start to change the world around us, as we allow the Holy Spirit to begin to change us.

May all of us pray and work together by meditating on God's word in the Scriptures, and responding with compassion and mercy on ourselves and others around us.  St. Benedict gives us encouragement and direction.  Even when we are faced with difficulty because of our insecurities and limitations, Benedict tells us to keep on moving towards the goal in the here and now.

Do not be daunted immediately by fear and run away from the road that leads to salvation.  It is bound to be narrow at the outset.  But as we progress in this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the path of God's commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love.  Never swerving from his instructions, then, but faithfully observing his teaching in the monastery [or any other place we may be in life] until death, we shall through patience share in the sufferings of Christ that we may deserve also to share in his kingdom.  Amen.  (RB 1980: The Rule of St. Benedict in English. Prologue, vs. 48-50, p.19).

Prayer

Almighty and everlasting God, your precepts are the wisdom of a loving Father: Give us grace, following the teaching and example of your servant Benedict, to walk with loving and willing hearts in the school of the Lord's service; let your ears be open to our prayers; and prosper with your blessing the work of our hands; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Holy Women, Holy Men: Celebrating the Saints., p.457).

Sixth Sunday After Pentecost: Proper 9: Jesus Teaches and Sends Forth

 
Today's Scripture Readings

Ezekiel 2:1-5 (NRSV)

The Lord said to me: O mortal, stand up on your feet, and I will speak with you. And when he spoke to me, a spirit entered into me and set me on my feet; and I heard him speaking to me. He said to me, Mortal, I am sending you to the people of Israel, to a nation of rebels who have rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have transgressed against me to this very day. The descendants are impudent and stubborn. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, "Thus says the Lord GOD." Whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house), they shall know that there has been a prophet among them.

Psalm 123 (BCP., p.780)


2 Corinthians 12:2-10 (NRSV)

I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven-- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. And I know that such a person-- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows-- was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

Mark 6:1-13 (NRSV)

Jesus left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. Then Jesus said to them, "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house." And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them." So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Blog Reflection

This past Friday, our Presiding Bishop-elect The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry delivered a stunning sermon at the closing Eucharist for the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church.  The text he preached from was Matthew 28:16-20 also known as The Great Commission.  The context used from Matthew is not all that different from Today's Gospel text from Mark.  You can listen to Bishop Curry's sermon here.  Among the most powerful things he said, was that Jesus came to show us the way to God, and to each other in the work of reconciliation and healing.  He said it much better than I just wrote it.

During the General Convention, we saw many individuals; Bishops, Clergy and Laity come together on so many issues.  Liturgy, Canons, gun violence, race relations, alcohol and drug addiction, beginning the work towards a revision of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer and Hymnal 1982, and of course marriage equality.  The House of Bishops and the House of Deputies did something incredible during the discussion and debate about many of these issues.  They talked to each other, they listened to each other and when they voted there was a majority decision.  They did all of this with respect with those who disagreed.  When the matter of changing the Canons to allow Bishops and Clergy to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage for same-gender couples, there was an effort to accommodate the Bishops who do not want the Liturgies for same-sex couples used in their Dioceses'.  On the other hand, they still have to find a way to make sure the liturgies are available to those couples who would like to use them.  The news from a Washington Post article suggested that it was a "compromise."  Rev. Tobias Holler cleared up much of that with his blog post Comprehensive Not Compromise.

Some have characterized these resolutions as compromises. I prefer to see them as comprehensive. The resolution on liturgies authorizes trial use as provided for in the Constitution, with the mandate that bishops will see to it that all couples have access to the liturgies, while at the same time affirming that the bishop is responsible for directing and permitting these liturgies. This may be too subtle for some, but I believe it will allow the minority of bishops who are personally opposed to marriage equality sufficient conscientious cover, while at the same time requiring them to find ways to provide for couples in their dioceses who wish to make use of the liturgies. This will be a time for creativity and generosity.

How does this relate to our Gospel and the celebration of the 4th of July?

The Gospel narrative certainly suggests that long before the Church found themselves in controversy with traditionalists and more liberal people, Jesus did it first.  He is reading and preaching in his home town.  As those who are hearing Him question what Jesus said, it comes down to where He is from and who His parents are.  Jesus was not able to do too much, because they did not believe in Him.

The second half of our Gospel is about Jesus sending forth those who are following Him to do what He has been doing.  As Jesus sent them forward, so He sends all of us.  In the sermon that Bishop Curry preached, he said that it doesn't matter who we are, how old we are, what our politics are, etc.  If we are Baptized into Christ Jesus, we are part of the Jesus movement.  The Jesus movement is sent to heal our friendship with God and each other.  Christians are not only called to worship God in nice buildings with beautiful music.  We are Baptized and sent forth in Christ's Name to make the world a better place for all people.

While all of the good news was coming out of the General Convention this week, we saw some real tragedies too.  Several churches in which African Americans worship in were burned.  While we have been celebrating the Supreme Court's decision on June 26th regarding Marriage Equality, the issue of racism continues its poisonous sting of violence with all the hate to energize it.  It goes beyond taking the Confederate flags down, as important as that is.  It is about the attitudes and behaviors that continues to make judgements based on skin color and/or immigration status.  This social disease has been on the rise since President Obama was elected, and over these past years with the shooting of innocent African American men.  The language in the news media is terrible.  The attitudes in many of the blog writers is appalling.

Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral in St. Louis, MO is collecting funds to assist the church communities that lost their church buildings to fire.  I encourage my readers to consider assisting a donation to Christ Church Cathedral by clicking on their website Rebuilding the Churches Fund.

As we reflect on all that has happened over these past two weeks, may we all celebrate by giving thanks to God.  God has indeed blessed us with so many wonderful things.  Among those things we are blessed with, is the opportunities to go forth in the Name of Christ and to change the world so that the dignity of every human people is upheld and protected.  May all of us discover the gifts God has given us and put them to use so that the Reign of God in Christ can be established and expanded.  May we never give up, and never give in.  May we spread the love of Jesus in our homes, churches and communities.  May those in darkness find the light of God's inclusive and unconditional love, because we showed them what true Christianity can be like.

A blessed 4th of July to all of you.

Amen.


Prayers

O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments
by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your
Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole
heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Proper 9: The Book of Common Prayer, p. 230).


Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this
country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the
torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and
all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our
liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Collect for Independence Day, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 242).

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).