Wednesday of Holy Week: The Betrayal of a Friend

Scriptural Basis

John 13:21-32 (NRSV)

At supper with his friends, Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, "Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me." The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. One of his disciples-- the one whom Jesus loved-- was reclining next to him; Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?" Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, "Do quickly what you are going to do." Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, "Buy what we need for the festival"; or, that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.

When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once."

Blog Reflection

If there is any place in the Gospels that most people can identify with Jesus, this is it.  The betrayal of a friend who sits at the dinner table.

I think most of us are unaware just how "sacred" the dinner table is.  The dinner table is where families come together to share their food, conversations, difficulties and celebrate together as a family.

Most movies that we watch have some amazing drama at a dinner table.  Such as the hilarious family conversation at the dinner table in While You Were Sleeping.  The exchange of gossip at the table where Sissy and Latrelle talk about everyone and anyone in Sordid Lives.  Some of the worst break ups occur at a dinner table in either someone's home or a restaurant. 

Nothing pierces the heart of a person more than experiencing the betrayal of a friend.  The betrayal experienced when a friend or a spouse totally destroys our trust in them, can feel worse than being cut.   The anger and bitterness that comes when we are betrayed by someone we loved or thought loved us is deep and takes a long time to heal.

In our Gospel today, Jesus experiences that betrayal first hand.  As Judas becomes the one who will betray Jesus, all we can do is look and understand.  Jesus has let us know that God walks with us even through the deep pain of being hurt by someone we have cared about.  Yet, Jesus does something that is very difficult for most of us to do.  Jesus loves Judas anyway. 

The betrayal that is portrayed in this Gospel is not unlike what many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer people experience when they come out to their families, friends, church communities, bosses and closest companions.  Many LGBTQ youth have been thrown out of their homes when they come out to their parents. The same parents who always told all their children: "We will love you no matter what."   They turn to their friends for support, only to find that their closest friends betray and abandon them because they become "guilty by association" in school and in the community, or even their own family.   And not to be left out, church communities.  Many pastors will tell distraught LGBT Youth that they can stay, but only if they submit themselves to an ex-gay group, or they keep really quiet about things so as "not to stir the pot." 

The betrayal that Jesus experiences is not unlike what many gay and bisexual men know when they have contracted HIV or any other sexually transmitted disease by someone who told them, that they loved them. 

Many transgender people are told by someone who is interested in dating her or him, that they are accepted as they are, until that someone learns they are transgender and hurts or kills them.

Bisexual individuals feel a sense of betrayal as they struggle with who should they love or form a relationship with, knowing that they want so much more from folks of both sexes. 

Imagine the betrayal that immigrants experience when they hear that America is such a welcoming place that is suppose to be equal for all, only to come here and be interrogated and thrown out of the country by unjust laws. 

The feelings of betrayal experienced by so many women by the man who says that he loves them, only to leave them when they get pregnant so as not to take equal responsibility for the welfare of the woman or the child, are so deep and painful.  And when the woman continues to be rejected by her parents that are oh so "pro-life" leaving her to fend for herself, and a political system that works against her health care, feelings of betrayal are almost guaranteed.

I think the greatest message that we can all read from today's Gospel is that God knows what betrayal is.   In Jesus' experiences God goes through the events of being betrayed right along side us.  God knows the embarrassment, the shame, the fear, the anxiety and the pain we feel when someone we've had deep feelings about lets us down. 

As we follow the events of Holy Week, we will see that these events as tragic as they are, are not the final and only word.  There is new life on Easter Sunday following the events of Good Friday.  God's grace is ever present with us and works with our situation to lead us to a place of peace, serenity and joy.

LGBT individuals, immigrants, women and all others marginalized by the Church and society can find the grace to keep on going and do what is best for themselves, by trusting in the very love and mercy of God.

Prayer

Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Prayer for Wednesday of Holy Week, Book of Common Prayer, page 220).

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

O God, of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for our Enemies, Book of Common Prayer, page 816). 

4th Sunday of Lent: Are We Open to God's Light Present in the "Other" ?

One thing we have been seeing over the past couple years since Barack Obama was elected and inaugurated as President of the United States, is that it doesn't take much for well-meaning people to create an "other" that must be defeated.  The birth of the Tea Party movement and the onslaught of racist remarks and concerns over the President's birth certificate are all designed to make him that "other" that is not qualified for the office that Obama holds.

Through events such as Arizona's horrible anti-immigration law, and the law that takes money away from Medicaid and Medicare transplant patients, and the rise against health care reform all over the United States we see that immigrants and the sick are that "other" that we just cannot afford to assist.

Over the last day or so, we have heard about Gov. Rick Scott of Florida who has ordered immediate cuts to programs that assist disabled people. Disabled people are also the "other" that we just cannot spend money on now.

We have also learned the Pastor Terry Jones of Florida finally carried out his plan to burn the Quoran.  His decision has resulted in the deaths of United Nations employees who were killed as outraged individuals erupted in protest in Afghanistan.  To Pastor Jones and many other Christianists those who practice the Islamic Faith are the "other" who are destroying what America is about.

Today's Old Testament and Gospel are all about God seeing the "other" of a family in the case of Samuel anointing David as King of Israel.  In the Gospel of John, Jesus sees the person in the man born blind.  In the times that Jesus lived in, someone who was born blind was the "other" that people brushed aside.   How times and attitudes still have yet to change.

Scriptural Basis

1 Samuel 16:1-13 (NRSV)

The Lord said to Samuel, "How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons." Samuel said, "How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me." And the Lord said, "Take a heifer with you, and say, `I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.' Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you." Samuel did what the Lord commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, "Do you come peaceably?" He said, "Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice." And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, "Surely the Lord's anointed is now before the Lord." But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, "Neither has the Lord chosen this one." Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, "Neither has the Lord chosen this one." Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, "The Lord has not chosen any of these." Samuel said to Jesse, "Are all your sons here?" And he said, "There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep." And Samuel said to Jesse, "Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here." He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, "Rise and anoint him; for this is the one." Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.

The story of Samuel anointing David as king of Israel can easily be compared to Walt Disney's classic animated feature The Sword in the Stone.   The young Wart (actually young King Arthur), is thought to be the dumbest member of his adopted family.  He is young.  He is very skinny and scrawny.   The Wizard Merlin sees in Arthur something very awesome and takes it upon himself to educate Arthur even against the wishes of his foster father.   In the very end during the tournament to decide who should wear the crown to rule all of England, the Wart forgets Kay's sword.   When he runs back to get the sword he pulls the sword from the stone that says: "Whosoever pulleth out this sword shall be crowned King of all England."  The MC of the competition calls everyone to go back to the anvil and see if Arthur can again pull the sword from the stone.  None of the strong armed men in the crowd could pull the sword.  Only Arthur pulled the sword.  And he was crowned King of England.

It is quite fair to say that until Arthur pulled the sword from the stone, he was the "other" that was thought of as insignificant.   After Arthur pulled the sword from the stone, one of the bystanders remarks: "It's a miracle.  Ordained by heaven."

I think the setting for Samuel anointing David as King of Israel is another instance of someone who was thought of as an "other" by those around him was suddenly noticed by God.   Because God did not see David as an "other."  God saw David as the one God had chosen to do great things for God's people in that time and place.  

John 9:1-41 (NRSV)

As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God's works might be revealed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man's eyes, saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, "Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?" Some were saying, "It is he." Others were saying, "No, but it is someone like him." He kept saying, "I am the man." But they kept asking him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" He answered, "The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, `Go to Siloam and wash.' Then I went and washed and received my sight." They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I do not know."

They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, "He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see." Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?" And they were divided. So they said again to the blind man, "What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened." He said, "He is a prophet."


The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" His parents answered, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself." His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, "He is of age; ask him."


So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, "Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner." He answered, "I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" He answered them, "I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?" Then they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from." The man answered, "Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." They answered him, "You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?" And they drove him out.


Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" He answered, "And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him." Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he." He said, "Lord, I believe." And he worshiped him. Jesus said,

"I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind." Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, "Surely we are not blind, are we?" Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, `We see,' your sin remains."

Here in the Gospel we see that Jesus recognizes the beauty and goodness of God in the "other" known as the man born blind.   To the Pharisees and many in that time, the man born blind was some "inconvenient" person who was just in everyone's way.  Taking everyone else's money and not doing a thing for himself.  Kind of like those wanting to take food stamps or collect taxes on money given to people who cannot work through no fault of their own away, because "they are just lazy and are not working because they don't want to.  Why should my money go to people who are not working for it?"

Jesus saw in the blind someone that was so valued by God, that he just couldn't walk by and do nothing for the man, knowing that Jesus could do something to help.   Jesus did not see the man born blind as an "other." Jesus saw and knew the presence of God and honored God's presence by restoring to the man, not only his sight, but the very dignity that belonged to an individual created by God.

Why were the Pharisees so angry with Jesus?

Our Deacon, the Rev. Margy Mattlin in her sermon at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral answered that question so perfectly today.

The Pharisees did not want the man born blind to suddenly be part of society as a man with his dignity restored.  Notice how they treat the man like he is still some piece of garbage.  Even his own family spoke to him in a way that dishonored what had happened to him.   When the marginalized of society suddenly begins to take their rightful place, suddenly the "mighty are cast from their thrones." (Luke 1:53).

This I think has everything to do with why the rhetoric towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer people has been being ramped up.  I also believe that the gains made by the LGBTQ communities with the repeal of DADT, the proposed repeal to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and the enactment of marriage equality in six states, are making our opponents that much more determined to bring us down. 

There is no such thing as a non-personal anti-LGBTQ campaign.  There is also no such thing as a non-personal anti-immigration bill.  There is something very personal about denying people the opportunity to have health care coverage, food stamps, job training programs, public education and collective bargaining rights to workers.  All of these "anti" campaigns are designed to make wealthy people and large corporations as the status quo of society.  While those who are middle-class and low income individuals and families are the "other" that we just cannot help any more.  LGBTQ people cannot have our equal rights, because we are the "other" of society because the Bible according to Christianists reads that people who have sex with members of the same sex are an "abomination".  Even though the word "abomination" really means "culturally unacceptable."

As long as LGBTQ people remain the "other" we can be denied our equal rights in terms of jobs, housing, financial assistance, public assistance, marriage equality, and the right to be part of the military. LGBTQ teens cannot be protected from being bullied in their schools and communities, because they are the "other" that are being "indoctrinated" by "homosexual activists."  As soon as we begin to gain our equal rights, all those who have had their place as the status quo have to move over and share with the group of people, they still consider the "other." 

What is wrong with the picture that Republicans and Tea Party folks have been trying push on America, is that such policies fail to regard all individuals as people of sacred worth.  The assaults on women, LGBT, public workers, the poor, the Muslims and any one else that is different are all designed to remain as the "other" of society. What is worse is that many Christians have grown up or have been converted into thinking of "others" who are not exactly like them have become way too comfortable with their attitudes and actions towards the "others".  It has become the means of scapegoating and justifying the most cruel violence in the Name of God and the Bible.

The readings for today challenge us to see in all people who are different than ourselves, the need for justice, equality and inclusion.  All of us as God's people have a role to play in helping those who are less fortunate than ourselves.   We are asked to open our own often blind inner eyes and see in each person regardless of skin color, body odor, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, religion, behavior, health or wealth status, language written or spoken, and see in all people, God's created beauty and redemptive work. 

Lent is an invitation to look deep within ourselves to see how we are thinking of others who are different than ourselves?   Who is that someone that we are looking down on, as if they are worthless?  Who's ideas are we disagreeing with to the point that we also disregard the person as valued and treasured by God?  What can we do in our prayers and actions to change this world that sees the "others" and to begin doing as much as we can do for them?

The invitation of today's Scripture readings is to see the heart that God cherishes and relishes in each person as a unique masterpiece of God's creation. In God's eyes, there is no such thing as an "other" through which God's light does not and cannot shine.

May Holy Week and Easter find us recognizing the light of God in every human person.  Amen.

Prayers

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Book of Common Prayer, page 219).

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  (Prayer for the Human Family, Book of Common Prayer, page 815). 

Second Sunday After Christmas: Recognizing Jesus in the Refugee, the Immigrant, the Unusual

Scripture Basis

Matthew 2:13-15,19-23 (NRSV)

Now after the wise men had left, 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 died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child's life are dead." Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, "He will be called a Nazorean."

Blog 

I think the Year 2010 will go down in the history books as the year in which the only subject that got more media attention than LGBT issues was immigration.  Arizona's draconian immigration law, and the further action of not allowing ethnic based education in the schools of Arizona brought the subject of immigration to the forefront.  We attempted to pass the Dream Act which would have allowed the children of illegal immigrants to become documented immigrants in exchange for service in our Military or going to school to be educated.  Due to the excessive pressure of conservatives the bill was defeated twice in the United States Senate. 

These and other issues cause me to ask the question: What would America do if Jesus came as a refugee, an immigrant from another place?  What would Christians do with Jesus if we thought he came as an illegal immigrant? 

One of our problems in American and European Christianity is that we have Anglicized Jesus.  Jesus was not Caucasian.  Jesus was not American or European.  Jesus was a Jew, a middle eastern individual. Jesus lived in a time when his country was under the oppression of the Roman Empire.  Jesus was conceived outside of the marital bond.  Shortly after Jesus was born, he became a child of a refugee family.  They fled Bethlehem due to the coming danger in which Herod was about to slaughter the Holy Innocents which we commemorated on Wednesday, December 29.  

Jesus as a refugee and immigrant in a foreign land is not the kind of image we Caucasians like to talk too much about.  It challenges our comfort zones.  It causes us to face our racism, heterosexism and sexism.  When we hear stories of the refugees of Rwandan's, and the Somalians, many Americans both white and black, female and male, gay or straight, Christians and Athiests have said: "Let them stay in their own country.  Don't come here and take our jobs, communities, homes and safety away from us."   What will our response be if Uganda passes their draconian law that being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender is a crime that could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty, and Ugandan's flee to America looking for safety?   Will we tell Jesus in the fleeing refuge "Go back home, we have no space for you here?"

Our Anglicization of Jesus has caused American and even some European Christians, through the concept of colonization, to assume that our prejudices and apathy are somehow the prejudice and apathy of God.   Such practices have led to the slaughter of many Native Americans, African nations and peoples, as well as those of Asian and Eastern territories.  This is the same attitude that has led to the horribly violent rhetoric of Christianists towards the Islamic peoples.   This very rhetoric has led to the murder of Christians in other parts of the world by Al-Qaeda.  Such an attack occurred on New Year's Eve in Egypt.   

Following a New Year's Eve service at a Coptic Church in Alexandria Egypt an bomb (apparently a car bomb) exploded outside the church. Latest reports list 21 people as killed in the attack.

"At least 43 people were wounded in the attack. It happened as worshippers were leaving a new year's service at the al-Qidiseen church shortly after midnight. Coptic Christians and Muslims clashed after the attack, but police moved in and used tear gas to restore order.
President Hosni Mubarak urged Egyptians to unite against 'terrorism'.
In a televised statement he blamed 'foreign hands' for the bombing. 'Wicked terrorists targeted the nation, Copts and Muslims,' he said."

More BBC coverage here.
The Guardian has coverage here.
The Archbishop of Canterbury has released this statement condemning the bombing:

"The new year's eve attack on Christians in Alexandria is yet another dreadful reminder of the pressure of Christian minorities are under in the Middle East, echoing the atrocities we have seen in recent weeks. The Coptic community and other Christian groups in Egypt can be sure of our deep sorrow at this terrible event and our continuing prayers and support for them. We know the long and honourable history of co-existence of Christians and Muslims in Egypt and are confident that the overwhelming majority of Egyptian people will join in condemning this and similar acts."

Pope Benedict, who has been raising the issue of violence against Christians in the Middle East for months now, has called for an Interfaith Peace summit in Assisi later this year.

What all Christians need to comprehend at some point is that God does not exist in our image, nor is God limited to what we think.  God is beyond our human perception, yet closer to us than the most minute cell of our body.  God is not limited to what is written about God in the Bible.  Though what is written in the Bible about God does provide us with some very important truths about who God in Jesus Christ is.   To better understand what the Bible teaches about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and humankind takes more than a face value reading.  It requires some study in to the language, culture and history of what is written there.  As long as we are on the subject of what is written in the Bible.  Let's remind ourselves of what is written in the Old Testament concerning immigrants (also called aliens)

"When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien.  The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God." (Leviticus 19:33).

This here is not some command that is a matter of a cultural taboo as is what an abomination "toevah" is.  This is a command to follow the Law of love your neighbor as yourself.  That is the reason that Jesus came among us.  That is why God gave us the law and the prophets.   To help us draw closer to God through the love of God, the love of neighbor and the love of self.  And Jesus himself said that "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." (Matt: 25: 40).

How are we recognizing Jesus in the refugee, the immigrant and those considered "unusual" in our time?  God became human in Jesus to represent and save all humankind not just a few chosen.  The Apostle Paul wrote: "There is no longer Jew or Greek, male or female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28).  All of us regardless of skin color, race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, immigration status, occupation, gender, gender identity/expression, economic condition, wealth status, language etc, are one in Christ Jesus, because in Christ, God became one of us.  In Jesus, no one is an illegal immigrant.

I would like to close this blog today with the exceptional New Testament reading taken from today's Liturgy.  May we make this our prayer throughout 2011. 

Ephesians 1:3-6,15-19a

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.

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe.

Prayers

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 Second Sunday After Christmas, Book of Common Prayer, page 214).

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for Social Justice, Book of Common Prayer, page 823).

O God, who created all peoples in your image, we thank you for the wonderful diversity of races, cultures, *sexual orientations and gender expressions/identities in this world.  Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, and show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. (Thanksgiving for the Diversity of Races and Cultures (*Sexual Orientations and Gender Expressions/Identities added by Blog Author), Book of Common Prayer, page 840).
 

Fourth Sunday of Advent: Emmanuel: God With Us Turns Traditionalism On Its Head

Jaroslav Pelikan in The Vindication of Tradition: 1983 Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities said: "Tradition is the living faith of the dead.  Traditionalism is the dead faith of the living."  Many of the things and attitudes we have often adopted as part of our faith and way of life are often said to come from tradition, when in fact they are the result of traditionalism.   Because my blog is based on the Scriptures and the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer people, I am going to present the idea here that the virgin birth of Christ which we will celebrate on December 25 and our belief that Jesus was God's perfect revelation of God's Self was an act in which God turned traditionalism on it's head.   That traditionalism extends to an understanding from the Bible that men are strong and dominant, and women are somehow weak and subordinate.  When God broke into human history through the power of the Holy Spirit to conceive the human body of Christ in Mary all labels and attitudes of the weaker vs the stronger were overturned, never to be the same.


Out in Scripture reminds us of something very important to go with the Gospel reading for this weekend of Matthew 1: 18-25.

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

"Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall name him Emmanuel,"

which means, "God is with us." When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

 In spite of the disturbing shifts away from liberation in these texts, we also discovered there is at least one liberating gift for LGBT people in Matthew 1:20b and its portrayal of Mary becoming pregnant by the Holy Spirit.  We hear the passage speak of a female same-gender loving partnership, since in Hebrew the word ruah, Spirit, is a feminine form.  The Greek version of Spirit, pneuma, is neuter in form, which furthers the claim of both Hebrew and Greek traditions that males were not involved at all in Jesus’ conception.  This radical reading shakes up any traditional take on love-making between God and Mary.  God is about something altogether new in creating Emmanuel, God with us.

The Virgin Birth Narrative might also be understood as obliterating the shame of those who have children and create families outside the traditional model.  In this story, God enters the world as the child Jesus, born of a woman who is not married to the father.  In this way God could be saying, “If you want to label such people negatively, you’ll have to use that label on Jesus.”  One problem with this rendering, however, is that readers often get stuck with the sexualized images and miss or avoid the transgressive good news of such a reading.

The Virgin Birth Narratives have been used by traditionalists to establish so called traditions to explain and legislate what the ideal sexual, familial and romantic relationship should or should not be.  Not to mention what the so called proper role of the male and female gender should be.  God broke into human history to turn the dominant and submission understanding that had been perverted by sin and discrimination to bring about liberation and equality.   What traditionalists have done in an effort to save face is worked to return the sin and discrimination back in place.  This is why laws preventing same-sex couples from marriage equality, as well as abstinence only education are so unjust and out of place.  They are based on presumptions that are neither true nor substantiated.  

It is no mistake that this weekends readings are what they are after yesterday's Senate vote to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell passed with a vote of 65-33.  The 14 year Military Ban that requires women and men to serve and die in defense of our country by lying about who they are or be subject to discharge is finally dead.  A law based on the dead faith of living people has been legislatively destroyed.  Thanks be to God.  Yet, even as we rejoice there are already Christianist anti-gay hate groups vowing to force Congress to reverse the repeal of DADT. Traditionalists are planning to return the sin of discrimination that Jesus came to liberate us from, back claiming that it comes from their "Biblical traditions."

When God comes to us, God is known for turning our plans upside down and inside out.  One of the oldest quotes is: "If you want to make God laugh, tell God your plans."  God's use of Mary and Joseph to change the face and direction of human history, by also challenging many religious and social "traditions" is exactly what God the Holy Spirit does.  We cannot be left alone in our Pandoras Boxes of what we think about God, others or even ourselves.  If we are to experience growth in our personal, spiritual and social lives then we must be open to moving from where we are to beyond our wildest imaginations.  The biggest message of Advent and Christmas is no matter how difficult and challenging changes in our lives are, God is with us through it all.  Whether we are ready for God to move and change us and others around us or not, God is there with us and helps us face and endure whatever circumstances that come our way.  We are never alone.   God the Holy Spirit, like a good Mother leads us to Jesus by helping us to understand God's will as opposed to our own.  Even though Jesus came to ultimately go to the cross to die for the sins of the world, he still faced everything with God the Mother Spirit helping him to trust in God for every moment and each step of his journey.  So God the Advocate and Comforter is always with us.

Those of us who are challenging the status quo in terms of sexual and gender diversity are facing enormous political, social and religious obstacles.  We are facing the work of traditionalists determined to make things that are not part of the Christian faith to determine the laws of our country and our churches for each and every person.  We are facing those who tell us that our work for equal rights and full inclusion cannot be done because the Biblical laws rebuke being LGBT or acting on our sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression.  Unlike Christianists, we are taking the opportunity to become more educated and aware of the misinterpretations that are created by intolerance, prejudice and apathy.  It is the same attitudes that are used by the Governor of Arizona to keep terminally ill patients from receiving organ transplants or enacting their horrible anti-immigration law.   The same behaviors are shown as our country continues to show complete disregard for the poor, lonely, discouraged, mentally/physically and psychologically challenged.  The God who came into human history through Mary came to bring all who are forgotten and marginalized into the company and wonder of God's unconditional and all inclusive love.  

No more was there to be the dominance of one person or group of people over another.  That is the tradition that was suppose to be brought about by the Advent and Christmas message.  It is that message that the Church has yet to fully acquire and proclaim.  It is the prayer that Jesus prays for each one of us as he intercedes for us at the right hand of God.  If such a prayer were answered violence would not even be considered.  Discrimination would be permanently outlawed and understood to be unacceptable.  The need for the Christianist capitalistic enterprise designed to destroy any and all individuals and institutions that do not think like they do, would be defunded and put out of business.  And there would indeed be peace on earth and good will toward all.

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, Book of Common Prayer, page 212). 

Eternal Spirit, Lover of our souls and bodies,
        We thank you and praise you for your enduring love.
    May we cherish our own embodiment
        as we do yours – that fleshly-wrap housing the Spirit
        of infinitesimal power and grace.
    May we continue to honor the Temple within,
        and gratefully treat our body
        that reflects your very presence.
    In the name of Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. Amen.  (Prayerfully Out in Scripture).

Third Sunday of Advent: The Empowerment of Those Thought to Be Weak

This Third Sunday of Advent means that we are half way between the beginning of the Advent Season and the celebration of Christmas.  Here in Minnesota we have been braving a massive blizzard, said to be the biggest since 1991.  The huge snow fall with drifts that will go up to and past your knees when walking in the newly fallen snow.  It is as reminder at least to me that the best is yet to come.  Snow is beautiful when it falls, but it is a pain to remove.  We love to look at it, but hate to clean it off of our cars/trucks or other vehicles.  The same can be said for helping the underprivileged of our society.  It is easy for all of us including myself to talk about helping those who are facing racism, sexism, class/economic and social crisis', etc, but don't let us get too close to actually doing something about it.  If we do, the politicians won't have any further excuses to make for not extending unemployment benefits, or repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell. 

Today's alternate Psalm response is the Magnificat.  That song that Mary sang when she visited Elizabeth found in Luke 1: 46-55.  In the Magnificat Mary sings of how God has show the strength of God's arm and scattered the proud in their conceit.  God has cast down the mighty and lifted up the lowly.  God has filled the hungry with good things, but the rich have been sent empty.  Mary sings of a society where the privileged no longer dominate the underprivileged, because God has recognized the underprivileged as God's own people.  When God came to us in Christ on that first Christmas, God claimed all of humankind as God's own and those who were rich became poor, so that those who were poor might become rich with God's mercy and goodness.

The readings for this weekends Liturgy speak of a world changed by God's intervention, not by some mysterious episode alone, but by those who have been touched by God's transforming love.  Transformation happens in our human hearts when "Only in God is my soul at rest, in God comes my salvation."  (See Psalm 62).  Yet, God's salvation is not just about the transformation of our own lives by God's grace, it is also the willingness to be about the transformation of a society riddled with prejudice, violence and cruelty.   A society in which violence against gay and lesbian people in Uganda is only growing because of the misinformation delivered there by the Missionaries of Hate.  As a result, Jesus Christ is getting a bad Name.  Rather than reforming society to watch and wait for the return of Jesus with attitudes of inclusion and love, the Name of Jesus is misused to advance the kingdom of darkness and violence.  In Isaiah 35: 1-10 we read about a desert land where the flowers now bloom and water flows.  Those who were once fearful can now find courage and strength.  In a world like that, those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer (LGBTQ) are no longer losing while heterosexuals and those who are single gender minded benefit.  Anti-immigration bills and bills that take organ transplants away from those who need them as has happened in Arizona, just would not happen, because we recognize God's loving creation and presence in every living person.  Unemployment benefits for everyone including the 99er's would not become hostage to tax breaks for the wealthy, because we realize that the underprivileged are also worth taking care of.

In our Gospel today, Matthew 11:2-11 John the Baptist has been taken prisoner by Herod.  He wants to know if Jesus is in fact the one John was sent to "prepare the way for."  Jesus sent word back to John telling him of how those who were previously on the margins of society, the underprivileged now know that God includes them as God's people.  John the Baptist hears that God has not forgotten those that society and the Church seem to have forgotten.  They too are part of God's loving plan for all of creation.  

How do we know that God is active and working in our time?  As we watch and wait for the coming of Christ this Advent, how do we see God acting in our time?  When concerned people literally speak up, either by writing a letter to our leaders, help at a soup kitchen, help deliver hot meals to those living with HIV/AIDS, or push for the repeal of DADT, God is active through what we do.  Because as we speak up or help, the hungry are filled with good things, while the rich are sent away empty.  God scatters the proud of heart, while raising up the lowly, because through our work God has put a name and a face on those who would otherwise go unforgotten.  As Christianist groups work harder and harder to make false statements about LGBTQ people, those of us who are LGBTQ who speak up by telling our stories help push back against those who want to see us disappear in to obscurity.  As we come out to our friends, families, church communities, work places etc, we let people know that the folks that Fred Phelps, Tony Perkins, Bryan Fischer and Paul Cameron bash are us. People that others know and care a lot about.  When we allow people to know that we are here and that we have hearts that love other people very deeply, God releases those who would otherwise be held captive. 

As we continue on our Advent journey to Christmas, let us watch and wait while we give evidence of God's transforming power.  May God transform us and our world around us so that all many know that God has a special place for them and us.  May all around us know and hear of God's unconditional and all-inclusive love by our faith and works that are the result of a world transformed.

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, page 212).

Most gracious God,
        be with us as together we seek to transform
        the systems which oppress so many.
    Strengthen our resistance not to conform to the status quo and
        encourage us to question our own change movements,
        their goals and means, and what it means to lead and follow
        faithfully.
    Amen. (Prayerfully Out in Scripture)

First Monday of Advent: How Have We Been Doing?

1 Thess. 1:1-10 (NRSV)

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.

We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just asyou know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead-Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming.

Forward Day by Day's meditation for this reading has some good points.

Christians of the twentieth century, to Paul, apostle, missionary to the world in every generation: grace be unto you, and peace.

We regret to say we do not deserve your opening remarks to our brothers who lived in Thessalonica. The gospel is received here, and in such numbers that would astonish you. But the Thessalonians received the gospel “not in word only, but in power.” Our problem is that while the word is with us, the power is missing. As a result, we are not “an example to the believers.” You may have had “no need to speak about it” to the Thessalonians, but we need you to speak. We read your letters over and over, but with results that would disappoint you. The Thessalonians imitated the Lord  so well that their lives demonstrated the gospel to the world. It is sometimes said of us that no one can tell a Christian from a non-Christian on a clear day at high noon.

This is our “affliction.” After many years of established Christianity we are being smothered by our own success. (1960)

The  list of 18 anti-gay hate groups profiled by the Southern Poverty Law Center  many of them religious based shows how Christians have been doing.   Promoting violent rhetoric and injustice towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer people.  Is this where the message of the Gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit have brought us?  A place where immigrants face horrible discrimination through Arizona's law?  Where those who are not white, male, heterosexual, single gender minded, able to speak and write in English, Christian, employed, are healthy, wealthy etc benefit at the expense of every person that is not?  How exactly is this receiving the Gospel in such a way that it has been changing our world and the Church to make room for the reign of Christ?

The Church and society are so corrupt that the Prime Minister of Kenya has called for the imprisonment of all homosexuals.  The Archdiocese of Baltimore has started a campaign to "promote marriage" but same-sex marriage should be out of the question.  Many adult LGBT folks are homeless due to employment problems.  What are we doing to correct the problem?   This week we hope the hearings will begin to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT).  Senator's John McCain and Lindsay Graham are determined to block it's vote in the U.S.Senate.  The Senator from Arkansas Mark Pryor wants to keep DADT in place, because he feels homosexuality is a sin.  The American Family Association will not confront the reasons it is considered a hate group by the SPLC.  

The letters to the Thessalonians were written because a group of "End Timer's" had told the Thessalonians that the second coming of Christ had already happened and they missed it.  As a result the people there had lost sight of what it means to be a Christ follower.   The letters were written to help the Thessalonians know that Christ had not yet come, and that they needed to get their act together.  

Today, we have all kinds of groups telling people especially LGBTQ people that if we do not change the essence of who we are, when Christ comes we will be damned.  And they wonder why they are considered hate groups. God has gifted LGBTQ people with the unique gift of loving people just a little bit differently.  We have been created just as we are, and when Jesus came to us in the form of a human being, he came for all of humankind.  Jesus came to bring those who have been marginalized by the Church and society into the company of God's reign.  Those considered outcasts, would be welcomed as among God's holy people.  Diversity in the eyes of God is a wonderful and awesome thing.  It is how God reaches out to all of humankind and challenges us to do the same.   Yet time and again, we see those who lead or are part of the Church trying to stigmatize those who look different, talk different languages, are from different countries, of sexual and gender diversity, and so forth.  Rather than work to find room for all of God's people, many who lead and worship in the Church look for reasons to keep diversity outside of God's house.  LGBTQ people more than most. The work of ex-gay groups is to exterminate lesbian and gay people, by forcing us through so called "compassionate counseling" to "change" what is not meant to be changed.

As Christians we receive the message of the Gospel and show forth the power of God's Holy Spirit when we "reach forth our hands in love" to those who are homeless, poor, hungry, marginalized and oppressed.  When we as a Church confess our sins and look to the Holy Spirit that she might help us realize that the Bible does not condemn homosexuality or transgender people, but calls us to embrace everyone as a daughter or son of God, we are indeed preparing a fitting and loving home for God's reign.  As we recreate a world and a Church where there is equality and justice for all people with no exceptions or reasons for prejudice and violence, we will see Jesus in every person living among us.  

How have we been doing?  We can always do better. Advent is a time to look into our hearts and see our actions as they are. It is an opportunity to seek the grace of God in Jesus Christ to transform our hearts by God's Holy Spirit.  So that when Christ comes he will find us watching and waiting, because we have been working to bring the reign of God on earth by God's will for each and every person.  Accepting each other as good, diverse people all of whom have something good to offer that has been given to us by a loving and gracious God.  

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, page 211).

O God, who created all peoples in your image, we thank you for the wonderful diversity of races and cultures in this world.  Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, and show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of yoru love is made perfect in our love for all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  (Thanksgiving for the Diversity of Races and Cultures, Book of Common Prayer, page 840).

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for the Human Family, Book of Common Prayer, page 815).

We Are Commanded to Love One Another

John 15:17 (NRSV)

Jesus said to his disciples, "I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

Today is the commemoration of Sts. Simon and Jude who traditionally have been known as "Apostles to Persia". Because these two men were Apostles today is what we call in our Episcopal Church calendar a red letter day. 

We do not know as much as we would like to about these two Apostles.  We know that Catholics have offered novena's to St. Jude and often we will see devotions to the Saint in the classified section of the newspaper.  We know of the incredible work of St. Jude's Children's Hospital.  A facility known for its outstanding work on behalf of children who have cancer.    St. Simon is most likely the Zealot, whom that is pretty much all we know.  It is said that both actually died very peaceful deaths as opposed to others who were beheaded, crucified or tortured in other ways.  

I am having one of those days when I have a lot on my mind.  The elections are coming up.  The Tea Party has many people scared to death.  Last night Keith Olbermann on MSNBC gave a wonderful special comment about why we all need to go out and vote next November 2.  I have things to do, people to call and responsibilities to my husband.   Yet, in the midst of all this stuff to do, I have to stop and write this blog today.  Because in the Gospel for today's commemoration are the words: "Love one another."

The words of Jesus: "love one another" are hard words for me to read/hear.  I like things to go my way.  I might not be so loving of others next week if Republicans or Tea Party folks win elections on Tuesday.  I have a real hard time trying to convince people who have been so offended by Christians like Sharon Angle of Nevada promoting attack ads against immigrants and African Americans and others who are not white, Christian, heterosexual or other wise, that someone like her should be loved, because Jesus said to "love one another."   I have a very hard time with "love one another" with Minnesota Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Emmer having participated in a Christian Rap group that sings a tune saying: "You Can Run, But You Can't Hide" aimed particularly at me, a gay man and my husband, and many of my good friends here in Minnesota.  Being told by Jesus to "love one another" is real difficult for me to do with Archbishop Nienstedt and his anti-marriage equality DVD and that fact that a number of my good friends will be refused Communion this upcoming  Sunday because they will be wearing a rainbow colored sash at St. Paul's Cathedral.

The fact that Jesus tells me I must love them as Jesus loves me, does not in any way mean that I must agree or approve of what they do.   Being asked to love them means it is my responsibility to call them out when they are imploring "spiritual malpractice and doctrinal abuse" upon myself and others like me.  Jesus gave us the commandments to love one another even toward those who misuse the Bible and their pastoral authority to abuse LGBTQ people and other minorities.  It is a very loving thing to tell Archbishop Nienstedt that he and his Priests as St. Paul's Cathedral are using "spiritual malpractice and doctrinal abuse" when they refuse the Presence of God in the Eucharist to people wearing a rainbow sash.  As is the authority that came from Cardinal Arinze in 2005 from Rome that told former Archbishop Harry Flynn to do that.  It is quite loving to not vote for Sharon Angle, Christine O'Donnell, Tom Emmer, Carl Paladino, and so many more because of their outrageous homophobic statements.  It is very loving to disagree with the Archbishop of Canterbury's statements towards LGBTQ people and the Episcopal Church when the Diocese of Los Angeles ordained Suffragan Bishop Mary Glasspool.   It is a very loving thing to tell the Anglican Bishop of Uganda and the leaders of Uganda that their bill to "kill the gays" by hanging and/or putting them in prison for life is so wrong that it should not even be printed on Government paper.  It is quite loving to tell Lou Engle that he sounds like Adolf Hitler when he rallies his crowds against any group of people that are not quite like him.  When Christians insight violence and influence hate, they are doing wrong to Christ and the Church.  

We are commanded to love one another.  That means that we tell Church leaders that when they or anyone for that matter scapegoats, LGBTQ, immigrants, people without health care, poor people, people of different races, women, Jewish, Islam and other people for their personal, financial and political gain, they are profaning the Name of Jesus Christ and violating the commandment of love.   Love demands that we sacrifice our popular stature to take a lash or two rhetorically or even literally for standing up for the truth, that all human beings are created in the image of God, and that we "strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being. with God's help." (BCP 294).   That is why the work of the Church to accept and include LGBTQ, women, and all people within our doors, and to share in the Sacraments is so very important.  It is just one way in which we fulfill Christ's commandment to "love one another."

O God, we thank you for the glorious company of the apostles, and especially on this day for Simon and Jude; and we pray that, as they were faithful and zealous in their mission, so we may with ardent devotion make known the love and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Collect for Sts. Simon and Jude, Book of Common Prayer, page 245). 

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen. (Prayer for Mission, Book of Common Prayer, page 101).

Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.

Lord, keep this nation under your care.

To all who have executive authority and to all who have administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To those who make our laws give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name. For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen. (Prayer for Sound Government, BCP, pages 821-822).


Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States (or, of this community) in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for an Election, BCP, page 822).

  

Jesus Is Getting A Bad Name. LGBTQ People Can and Must Give Him a Good Name

Luke 8:40-56 (NRSV)

Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. Just then there came a man named Jairus, a leader of the synagogue. He fell at Jesus' feet and begged him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, who was dying. 

As he went, the crowds pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years; and though she had spent all she had on physicians, no one could cure her. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his clothes, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. Then Jesus asked, 'Who touched me?' When all denied it, Peter said, 'Master, the crowds surround you and press in on you.' But Jesus said, 'Someone touched me; for I noticed that power had gone out from me.' When the woman saw that she could not remain hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before him, she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.' 

While he was still speaking, someone came from the leader's house to say, 'Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher any longer.' When Jesus heard this, he replied, 'Do not fear. Only believe, and she will be saved.' When he came to the house, he did not allow anyone to enter with him, except Peter, John, and James, and the child's father and mother. They were all weeping and wailing for her; but he said, 'Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.' And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and called out, 'Child, get up!' Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then he directed them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astounded; but he ordered them to tell no one what had happened. 

Last night I engaged in a conversation with a group of people.  I felt the need to become involved, because the individual who began the conversation began by making her Facebook Profile Picture a Cross that was crossed out, meaning no Christianity.  I started my remarks by stating that not all Christians are like the Christianists and arch-conservative Catholics who are literally waging a war against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer people.  The remarks that have followed from politicians and Christianist groups following the tragedies of the past weeks have been gross to put it politely.  As I continued through the conversation one young man remarked: screw you to the Bible, the Church and all of Christianity.  Why should they care what the Bible says?  I attempted to explain to him that I too am outraged by what I read, but that not all Christians are like that.  There are Christians who embrace LGBTQ people, youth and all.  I further stated that the issue is not Christianity, but how it is being used.


Jesus and Christianity have been getting a bad name over these last few months.  Between the Christianists fight over the Islam, Arizona's immigration law, the Tea Party, and the recent suicides among LGBTQ youth.  When issues like these demonstrate a closed mindedness, a refusal to love beyond our own biases, an attitude that Christians hold a monopoly on truth, Jesus Christ and all of Christianity gets a bad name.  When the Roman Catholic Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis sends out a DVD against same-sex marriage to all Catholics in Minnesota at a cost of $4 million with $1.4 million coming from the Knights of Columbus, Jesus Christ and Christianity get a bad name.


Today in our Gospel from the Daily Office we read about two people who gave Jesus a really good name.  They were not the most popular of society.  They did not run for a public office.  One of them was an elder of the local synagogue.  The other was a woman who was suffering from hemorrhages.   This woman who was considered by many as a piece of property that was worthless.  She was a woman, and an unhealthy woman.  So she would have been a second class person because she was a woman, almost a third class person because of her illness.  Yet this woman knew that there was someone who could help her.  She knew that she did not have to talk to Jesus, but only touch the hem of his garment and she would be made well.  She didn't care how great the crowd was.  She did was not concerned with speaking to him.  She had a faith that Jesus later recognized, through which she knew that all she had to do was touch his garment.


When Christanists give Jesus a bad name, what happens is people who want to get close enough to Jesus just to be able to touch him through Christians, are shamefully chased away through "spiritual malpractice and doctrinal abuse".  LGBTQ people have been created as we are and are invited by the Holy Spirit to approach Jesus in prayer, worship and faith.  Christianists and arch-conservative Catholics, and even members of groups like the Anglican Church of North America, tell LGBTQ people that they should only approach Jesus to change our sexual orienation and/or gender identity/expression.  They make the false assertion that sexual and gender diversity grieves the heart of God.  Rev. Susan Russell said: 

 Jesus said love your neighbor – not love you neighbor unless your neighbor is gay.

Homosexuality doesn’t grieve the heart of God – homophobia does. Bullying does. Violence against any beloved child of God does.

And you are a beloved child of God. Created in God’s image exactly as God intended you to be.
God who doesn’t just want your life to get better – God wants your life to get fabulous. 

LGBTQ people have the opportunity to help Jesus get a good name.  As we face the tragedies and call on Church leaders, our Government and ourselves to work towards equality and justice for LGBTQ people, Jesus Christ walks the road with us.  We are never alone.  Jesus knows what it is to work for justice and sometimes get half baked justice in return.  We have the opportunity to challenge our Church leaders, Priests, Bishops, Vestries, Diocesan Conventions and so many more to keep working towards a day when no child of God is refused Communion, Baptism, Marriage, Orders, Confirmation or any rites, or responsibilities for any reason.  By challenging the Church and society to become more accepting and affirming of the equality for LGBTQ people, we help Jesus Christ get a better name.   All we want is to be able to touch Jesus and experience the goodness of God's blessing in our lives so that we find love and meaning in new and wonderful ways.  We are all tired of asking and feeling like we are getting no where.  However, Jesus challenges us to keep seeking, knocking and asking through which all of God's children will abundantly receive. We are never helpless, we are never alone and with God as our guide and helper, we shall prevail. 

As we continue to celebrate this Coming Out Week, we are all called to continue to pray for and work for safe and healthy environments for everyone.

Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Proper 23, Book of Common Prayer pages 234-235).

Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love.

We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side.

We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us.

We thank you also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone.

Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdome.

Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know Christ and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things.  Amen. (A General Thanksgiving, Book of Common Prayer, page 836).

The Role of Women in the Proclamation Of and By the Word

Luke 8:1-15 (NRSV)

Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.

When a great crowd gathered and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: 'A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered for lack of moisture. Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. Some fell into good soil, and when it grew, it produced a hundredfold.' As he said this, he called out, 'Let anyone with ears to hear listen!' Then his disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, 'To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but to others I speak in parables, so that "looking they may not perceive, and listening they may not understand." 'Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones on the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a while and in a time of testing fall away. As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance.

The Gospel for today comes after the Gospel that was part of yesterday's Daily Office.

Luke 7: 36-50 (NRSV)

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. ³⁷And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. ³⁸She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. ³⁹Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—that she is a sinner.” ⁴⁰Jesus spoke up and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Teacher,” he replied, “Speak.” ⁴¹“A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. ⁴²When they could not pay, he canceled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?” ⁴³Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the greater debt.” And Jesus said to him, “You have judged rightly.” ⁴⁴Then turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. ⁴⁵You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. ⁴⁶You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. ⁴⁷Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” ⁴⁸Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” ⁴⁹But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” ⁵⁰And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

 The times in which Jesus lived were times very much like our own when women were very poorly stereotyped.  Women were property and some-thing to be paid for to own.  In the case of those women who were prostitutes they were particularly scandalized and stigmatized.  In this Gospel Simon the Pharisee said of the woman washing the feet of Jesus and drying them with her hair: "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—that she is a sinner.” ⁴⁰Keep in mind of course that this woman would not have been where she was had someone in the company of that home not invited her to be there.  Nevertheless while Jesus was there having to prove who he was to the others who were there, this woman already knows.  She knows that before her is someone so unique and powerful that he has the ability to see the value of who she is and release her of the guilt and sin that she feels so deep in her heart.   While the men in the crowd of this house question the validity of Jesus, this wonderful woman, just loves him and serves him, because she knows that serving this man who is God will set her free to be the woman God created her to be.  Jesus recognizes in this woman the beauty and power of God's creation, the strength of someone who has endured so much, yet willing to totally loose herself in loving God that she serves God in Jesus while she weeps at Jesus' feet, wipes them with her hair and anoints them.

In the beginning of today's Gospel among the disciples of Jesus are women serving with and for Jesus and the others. Throughout the Gospel of Luke we see the importance of the role of women in the life and ministry of Jesus.  In the story of the Canaanite Woman (see Mark 7:24-30) we see Jesus struggling with his own culture, and even to the point of allowing a woman outside of his common culture to teach him.  It is by no accident then, that the Parable about the seed and the word follows after these two Gospel accounts of women.  There is something about a woman's ability to listen and respond with a sensitivity and a sense of understanding that can open even a man's heart and help him comprehend things from a completely different point of view.

This afternoon I enjoyed a wonderful lunch with Debra Davis of the Gender Education Center of Minnesota.  She is a transgender woman who took the time and opportunity to correct me about my use of the word transgendered vs. transgender.   I thank her for teaching me that invaluable lesson.  I had never given thought to what I might be writing in so many of my blogs when I have used the word transgendered.  To the transgender members of our communities, I apologize and ask your forgiveness.

I truly believe along with other members of our communities that the problem with working for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer people is our societies problem with respect for women.  Just as in Biblical times women were thought of as the "weaker gender", today the idea that a man would want to place himself in the position of being a woman is something that terrifies a lot of men.  Such a position puts us men in our places to recognizing women as equal and vital to the function of society and the Church.  This is one of the reasons I no longer oppose the ordination of women to be Bishops, Priests and Deacons.  This is why I cannot be part of a church that does not respect and recognize the role of women.  Men would not be where we are, were it not for the strength and courage of women.  Those of us men who have chosen in our sexual activities to take the role of being a bottom are doing a world of good in a society men that marginalizes women.  I do believe that is one of the major reasons why Christianists and the Roman Catholic hierarchy rejects women and homosexual activity.  The fear of women.  The fear of men placing themselves in a role that is different then the idea of being masculine to being totally feminine and receptive but assertive is more than many men can take.  This could also be among the reasons why the many transgender people that were part of the Stonewall Riots have often been left out of the LGBTQ communities many history books about that famous day in 1969.

If Jesus in his day allowed himself to be served and to be in service with women and Jesus was God's perfect revelation, then we need to continue to challenge both the Church and society to continue the work of justice for women among other minority groups.  I cannot over state the damage and injustice that much of society and the Church heaps upon all women, including but not limited to women of different races and religions.   The recent ruling by France that will not allow Islamic Women to wear their head coverings.  Work places that will not honor an Islamic woman's right to wear her head coverings.  How many times the local media stereo types black women with the news that women of color have a higher percentage of diseases and victims of violent crimes.  Local police departments who consistently profile black women more than any other women.   The profiling of lesbian women and transgender women is just as much of an issue.  And of course the issue of a woman's reproductive rights.  Many so called "pro-life" groups are against a woman's right to choose, but doing nothing about holding men accountable for their sexual carelessness with women. The recent news of Arizona's anti-immigration law hits women particularly hard, especially those caring for small children.  That is hardly a "pro-life" attitude.

The Church that seeks to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, cannot ignore these important issues.  We are called to support everyone who seeks justice and peace from oppression and subjugation.  Our role as the Church is to never make peace with oppression or subjugation, but to continue to share a Gospel of unconditional and all-inclusive love for every human person.  That is what I believe is the difference between someone who hears the words and puts them into practice in our lives, and others who just listen and let the cares of the world choke out whatever we have heard. 

God the Holy Spirit, the Mother representing the feminine nature of God, knows that we need reform.  She waits patiently to teach us and help us learn her ways of love and justice.  There is always room and opportunity for our human hearts to learn from our Mother the Holy Spirit if we will just spend some time in quiet solitude listening to her speak and share with us how much God loves each of us.

Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Proper 22, Book of Common Prayer, page 234).

Jesus, as a mother you gather your people to you:
You are gentle with us as a mother with her children;
Often you weep over our sins and our pride:
tenderly you draw us from hatred and judgment.
You comfort us in sorrow and bind up our wounds:
in sickness you nurse us,
and with pure milk you feed us.
Jesus, by your dying we are born to new life:
by your anguish and labor we come forth in joy.
Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness:
through your gentleness we find comfort in fear.
Your warmth gives life to the dead:
your touch makes sinners righteous.
Lord Jesus, in your mercy heal us:
in your love and tenderness remake us.
In your compassion bring grace and forgiveness:
for the beauty of heaven may your love prepare us. Amen
(A Canticle of Anselm, The Daily Office Website).