The Story of a Father, A Son: God's Inclusive, Transforming Love for A Better World

Scriptural Basis

Mark 9:14-29 (NRSV)

When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and some scribes arguing with them. When the whole crowd saw him, they were immediately overcome with awe, and they ran forward to greet him. He asked them, 'What are you arguing about with them?' Someone from the crowd answered him, 'Teacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so.' He answered them, 'You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me.' And they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the father, 'How long has this been happening to him?' And he said, 'From childhood. It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.' Jesus said to him, 'If you are able! -All things can be done for the one who believes.' Immediately the father of the child cried out, 'I believe; help my unbelief!' When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, 'You spirit that keeps this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!' After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, 'He is dead.' But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand. When he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, 'Why could we not cast it out?' He said to them, 'This kind can come out only through prayer.' 

Blog Reflection 

This Gospel presents us with all kinds of problems doesn't it?

As we read this narrative it sounds a lot like an exchange that might happen in some department store. Some consumer did not get quite what they thought they were paying for.  So they turned to the boss and got what they wanted.  Then the boss told the employees how to solve this problem in the future.

This story has a much deeper meaning then that.

"Despite its length and detail, there is a very clear and simple message that Mark wishes to convey: Anything is possible to one who trusts (v.23), and trust is deepened by prayer (v.29)!" (Collegeville Bible Commentary, New Testament Volume, page 922).

Imagine the trust level of the expected 323,000 workers who will lose their jobs over the next year due to the recent deficit ceiling debt reduction deal that was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President.

It is easy to talk about trust and prayer being a great thing in theory.

In practice when a mother is watching her child die of leukemia, and the medical bills climbing because they do not have enough health care coverage, prayer and trust seem like a waste of energy.

If we take the "all is hopeless" approach and assume that God just pushes those who question their faith aside because of their own experiences or lack thereof, than we miss another important conversation contained with in this Gospel.

The faith of the father of the son who is possessed by a spirit of self destruction and "rigidity", cries out to Jesus with: "I believe, help my unbelief."  Jesus responds by rewarding the faith of the father and heals his son. 

The healing happens not because of a creed or even a set of moral standards set by the local religious convention.  The healing happens as an individual who strongly believes, admits that he is not sure of God's purpose in the situation of his son's condition.  By stating that while he believes, he also does not God is able to use the weakness of uncertainty to strengthen, heal and reconcile.

As I read this narrative, I could almost hear a coming out story taking place.

The spirit that had been destroying the boy is not unlike what can happen to a young man as he struggles with his sexual orientation.

When a young man discovers within his body and mind, feelings and reactions that are not quite like others around him, the fear, anxiety and uncertainty can become destructive.

As he sits in his middle school classes with all of his male peers noticing the breasts on Sarah in the front row, he fears what will happen when his classmates notice him looking at the bulge in the shorts of Ronnie who is fascinated by Sarah.

When he hears what happened to Thomas who committed suicide because he was bullied for the erection he got in the boys locker room, and suspected of being gay, he fears even more for his own safety. 

He goes to the local Nazarene church with his mom and dad and the preacher gives a sermon on 1 Corinthians 6:9 and hears from the New International Version: "...nor homosexual offenders,,,,,will enter the kingdom of God."   To that point re-emphasized by the preacher, his father and mother give a heat-felt "AMEN!"

When sitting at  home later that evening watching TV with his parents, he hears some report out of California about a referendum to repeal the State's new Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful (FAIR) education act to teach about LGBT history in the public schools.  Some anti-LGBT hate group supported by organizations like Focus on the Family, the Family Research Council, the American Family Association and others are supportive of a ballot initiative to repeal the bill.    When the son hears this, his interior hate for the feelings he experiences and the confusion of what to do escalates.

Finally, confronted by the reality of his gay feelings that he cannot escape, he one day just about breaks down emotionally and psychologically.  He reveals to his father that he is sexually attracted to men, not women.  His father and mother being the "Christian" parents that they, tell their son that either he goes into an Exodus International camp along with a reparative therapy program, or he gets the hell out of their home to never return.

To add fuel to the fire, his parents call their pastor who agrees to meet with their son.  When the meeting takes place, the Pastor affirms the decision of the boy's parents and tells the son that his best and most "faithful" option is to go to the Exodus camp etc.

Sadly, the story I have just written about is the kind of thing that happens to many girls and boys raised by God fearing parents, who confront feelings of homosexuality, bisexuality or transgender.  It is not uncommon for the story like I have just written to end with the child going to the ex-gay group or choosing to go out on their own.  Those who go into the ex-gay camps often wind up in State or Federal legislatures where they work to enact anti-equality legislation.   Those who go out on their own, risk sexual assault, getting HIV/AIDS or other STD's or could even wind up dead by some hate group.

"I believe Lord, help my unbelief."

The reply of Jesus in our Gospel today tells us that God does not leave us to our own destructiveness.

God does not just love those who endorse and embrace the Christianist position.

God is not a God of "rigidity" of moral standards set by those who interpret the Bible literally or from the Tea Party point of view.

God looks at all God's people whom God created and loves us all.

God is just as concerned about the LGBTQ youth who wonders about their future at home, in the world, in their church and beyond as God is concerned about the attitudes of Christians who use the Faith as an excuse to scapegoat LGBTQ people.

God cares about the 323,000 American jobs that will be lost next year.

God cares that there are people who cannot see the doctor because they do not have health insurance.

God cares about Muslims who continue to be stereotyped and targeted for massive discrimination and violence because of their religion.

God is concerned about immigrants seeking a home and a future in the "land of opportunity for all", yet find racism through anti-immigration laws in places like Arizona and Alabama.

God does not approve of so called "pro-life" groups seeking to take away a woman's right to chose what is best for her, in an economy that will not provide for her or her child once she/he is born by way of job training, health care, child day care, housing, nutrition programs and education.

God's love is transforming and inclusive.

God's love and power seeks to transform the evils of society such as prejudice, injustice, oppression and violence, by God's inclusive and all embracing love.

God can do such things when God's people live and pray and work together to promote peace, inclusion, justice and opportunities for each other. 

That is what I believe this Gospel narrative is about.  That is why I believe that we will not see our economy turn around, or the wars stop, or marriage equality legal in all States and countries.  These and many other evils of our time will not stop, if God's people will not come together, recognize the beauty and holiness of God in our sisters and brothers and take seriously our vocation to seek the common good of all God's people.

How are we praying and working together to end the spirits of evil in our world?


Prayers

Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Proper 13, Book of Common Prayer, page 232).

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

Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech you that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion us into one united people. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in your Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in you to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for Our Country, Book of Common Prayer, page 820).

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost: Community and Diversity Are One

Scriptural Basis


Matthew 14:13-21 (NRSV)

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

Blog Reflection

As I write this blog reflection today we are all facing our nerves and frustrations with the gridlock in America's Capitol. 

The debt ceiling needs to be raised.

There is also the need for a deficit reduction plan.

As with any legislation, those who face the most obstacles (those being the unemployed, the middle class, Seniors, the disabled and low income folks) are among those who are first to lose even more.

These are dangerous and perilous times. The economy is still weak. Unemployment is over 9% in all of America.  Most middle class and low income people are struggling to figure out how to pay the bills, put food on the table and maintain the necessities of life. Further losses are detrimental to economic recovery.

Yet, with the super wealthy doing remarkably well, and wanting even more power and money and lobbyists fighting with the big bucks in Congress, it appears that those with the most to lose are about to lose even more.

The readings for this weekend are an invitation for everyone to experience and "taste the goodness of God." (See Psalm 34:8).  The hungry, the outcasts, those who are wounded by religious, political and social classification are invited to enjoy God's generous grace and become one with each other.

The reading from Isaiah 55: 1-5 tells of God inviting everyone who thirsts, who are poor, looking for inclusion and the satisfaction of their senses to come and receive the very best God has to give. 

This is such a great comparison to the Eucharist or Holy Communion.

Through the Eucharist and/or Holy Communion, God invites all who are hungry and thirsty to come and receive the very Presence of Jesus Christ and to become one with God and each other.

A oneness by which community and diversity meet together as one people.

Individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and/or queer have all too often been given the exclusion ticket because of our sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression.

Individuals who support a woman's right to chose what is best for herself, or marriage equality, the ordination of women have been told that they will be denied admission to the Sacrament of God's Presence.   Such exclusions go against the words of God in Isaiah, and Jesus in today's Gospel narrative.

God, the Eucharist and the Christian religion are not a matter of privilege based on our biases and preferences.  Being a Christian does not give Christians a free pass to dominionism or supercessionism to the total exclusion and oppression of everyone else that do not measure up to our preconceived ideas of God and those different from ourselves.

People who struggle to accept their sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression wrestle with their existence and purpose before God and their communities.  Such is referenced in the reading from Genesis 32: 22-31 as Jacob wrestles with the mystery of God, himself and his identity. 

Transgender individuals know that they are born either male or female with the opposite gender existing with in themselves.  They struggle with the depths of who they really are, with all of the social, political and religious obstacles in their way.  When a transgender person finally makes the decision to have their physical bodies transformed to be who they are on the inside, they are often left with the scars associated with their struggles on every level. 

Lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals experience a similar situation.  Though we may finally accept ourselves and work to gain marriage equality and finding relationships and communities that embrace and affirm us, the wounds we carry from all the rejection of family, friends and pastors are deep and painful. 

God invites all who are thirsty, including the illegal immigrant, the Native American and the African American still wounded by racism and political exploitation to come and drink of the love that God pours out through the precious blood of God's perfect revelation of God's Self.   God does not require them to convert to a single understanding of the Christian religion, nor leave behind the cultural heritage that have blessed and nourished those affected by racism, in order to find peace within themselves.

God calls the young students who are LGBT and/or questioning who experience bullying in their schools to come to God and be nourished by sharing in God's community that is one with diversity.  God does not call them to attempt reparative therapy or to attend an ex-gay conversion camp, nor be subjected to the spiritual violence and abuse of Christianist individuals and organizations.

To these and many more affected by economic hardships, political, social and religious oppression, God invites us to come to God, and calls on God's ministers to "give them something to eat."

God is able to take the minimum of what we bring, multiply it and share it with all who come to experience the healing goodness of God and a community that embraces and affirms who we are.

God is the one who transforms what is small to us and uses it for the common good of all.

God wants to feed all who are hungry, thirsty, feeling neglected or marginalized with compassion, understanding and inclusion.

Let us remain vigilant in our prayers for our Congress and President.  That people may set aside their gluttony for huge pay outs to advance those who already have more than enough, for the benefit of those who live in poverty and face further isolation and deprivation.

Let us also pray for and challenge the Church including those who lead and minister in Jesus' name to honor God's invitation for all who are thirsty, hungry, poor, LGBT etc to come to receive and celebrate God's Presence, in the community and diversity of God's people.  May the Church learn to allow the Holy Spirit to challenge our preconceived notions of God and those different than us, to make room for all who come to seek God's peace and saving grace.


Prayers

Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, page 232).

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.  (Book of Common Prayer, page 101).

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

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. (Book of Common Prayer, page 821).

You Give Them Something to Eat

Scriptural Basis


Mark 6: 30- 46 (NRSV)

The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. When it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, "This is a deserted place, and the hour is now very late; send them away so that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy something for themselves to eat." But he answered them, "You give them something to eat." They said to him, "Are we to go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give it to them to eat?" And he said to them, "How many loaves have you? Go and see." When they had found out, they said, "Five, and two fish." Then he ordered them to get all the people to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and he divided the two fish among them all. And all ate and were filled; and they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. Those who had eaten the loaves numbered five thousand men. 

Blog Reflection


Although today is the commemoration of the Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and I have great appreciation for this day, I feel that there are things happening in our country and world that need more attention.  

I can easily include that among the great things that Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary did was to feed and nurture their daughter so that she might play an important role in God's work of changing the framework of the world's attitude.  The attitude I speak of is that of one person or group of people dominating another that is supposed to be submissive.  


All of this is true.


The Gospel that was to be part of today's Daily Office takes the event of the parents of Mary, but is an event that we are all invited to participate in.


"You give them something to eat." Said Jesus to the disciples.


Jesus did not say, "Alright take them somewhere else.  Make sure they get their food.  Pass on this responsibility to someone else."


Jesus said: "You give them something to eat."


Jesus never said: "Give them something to eat, but first find out if anyone in the crowd is lesbian, gay, bisexual and/and or transgender.  And if you do find that out, don't feed them."  


Jesus also did not say: "Be sure you don't give anything to a woman who has had an abortion, or supported the ordination of women."


Jesus also did not say: "Be sure everyone you give something to, is a Christian, a white person, a fundamentalist, employed, totally healthy, wealthy, speaks and writes in English, etc, etc, etc."


No!  Jesus did not say any of that.


Jesus said: "You give them something to eat."


So it is also inconsistent with our commemoration to assume that Mary was born and nurtured by parents who would have insisted that she only be a submissive slave to some God who must condone a male dominated society where not only women, but the sick, the prostitutes and the illegal immigrant were to be ignored.


God feeds all of God's creation with the goodness that comes from God.  All that God has created and blessed was created good.  


Yes, we all know the story from Genesis of how the earth and humankind were created good, but fell victim to sin.  

Too bad Christianists insist on looking at the sins of people who have the least to worry about, rather than taking care of their own.   Attitudes of dominionism, supercessionism, heterosexism, racism, and sexism and supporting the violence in Norway is hardly evidence of having dealt with sin.  It is in fact, a cooperation with sin, with attitudes and rhetoric like that.


Jesus in this Gospel is not concerned with anything, but feeding those who are hungry.  Jesus wants the disciples to feed the hungry people with the bread of compassion, hospitality and reconciliation.  Such are traits Jesus would have learned from his mother Mary, who would have learned them from her parents.  Here Jesus is calling on his followers to do what Jesus would do. You know the old saying "What would Jesus do?"  Jesus would say: "You give them something to eat."


As good Episcopalians we believe that Christ is present in the Eucharist.  We also believe that it is most important that the presence of Christ in the Eucharist become real in us as the Body of Christ.


As we hear the news that the United States will default if the debt ceiling is not raised by August 2nd, and that such a disaster would affect the most vulnerable such as senior citizens, the unemployed, low income and disabled people the most.  How do we respond as the Body of Christ?


Do we respond by saying "Let others write our legislators and the President to do something now, for the benefit of all?"


When we hear that budget negotiations are at a place where they would suggest cuts to programs like education, higher education, health care, Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security.  How does the Body of Christ respond?


"Let it happen. Who cares anymore?"

How do Christians who are the Body of Christ follow Jesus' request "You give them something to eat" with Christianist organizations vowing to stop marriage equality in New York, or rolling back the Fair Education Act in California?

How do Christians respond to the violence in Norway that is being blamed on Muslim extremists, when it was done by a "Christian Terrorist".  Why aren't Christians protesting those two words being used in the same sentence?  Same-sex love and marriage is about love and service.  "Christian Terrorist" gives Jesus Christ a bad name, that somehow God condones religious based violence.


Do Christians respond with: "Well, maybe it is God's will that it happen that way?"


All Jesus said today is: "You give them something to eat."  Something that will nourish them with God's goodness and caring concern.  Not destruction and prejudice, justified as religious conviction.


Here Jesus raised by Mary, who was raised by her parents, tells us "Give them something to eat."


It is up to us to speak up on behalf of those marginalized by the Church and society.  It is our duty to feed those who are hungry for justice, equality and inclusion.  It is our business to respond to people losing their health care, or retirement through Social Security with the utmost concern for their welfare as well as our own.


When Jesus says "You give them something to eat" how is the Body of Christ answering Christ's request?



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, Book of Common Prayer, page 231).

Almighty God, heavenly Father, we remember in thanksgiving this day the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary; and we pray that we all may be made one in the heavenly family of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Holy Women, Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints, page 487).


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. (Book of Common Prayer, page 823).