Second Sunday after the Epiphany: Revelation by Identity

Today's Scripture Readings

Isaiah 47:1-7 (NRSV)

Listen to me, O coastlands,
pay attention, you peoples from far away!
The LORD called me before I was born,
while I was in my mother's womb he named me.
He made my mouth like a sharp sword,
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow,
in his quiver he hid me away.
And he said to me, "You are my servant,
Israel, in whom I will be glorified."
But I said, "I have labored in vain,
I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
yet surely my cause is with the LORD,
and my reward with my God."
And now the LORD says,
who formed me in the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him,
and that Israel might be gathered to him,
for I am honored in the sight of the LORD,
and my God has become my strength--
he says,
"It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob
and to restore the survivors of Israel;
I will give you as a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."
Thus says the LORD,
the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations,
the slave of rulers,
"Kings shall see and stand up,
princes, and they shall prostrate themselves,
because of the LORD, who is faithful,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."

Psalm 40 (BCP., p.640)


1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (NRSV)

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,


To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:


Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.


I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind-- just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you-- so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

John 1:29-42 (NRSV)

John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, `After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.' I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel." And John testified, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, `He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God."


The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter). 

Blog Reflection

This past week, my Lectio Divina was very challenging.   As Novices, we are reading and meditating on one verse or a few words per week, taken from The Rule of St. Benedict.   The verse I meditated on this past week, said: "Do not murmur or speak evil of others."   As I meditated on these words, I could not help be confronted by how much I complain, and am so careless with what I say about others.  In Lectio Divina, the goal is to not make it into an intellectual exercise, but to listen to what the Holy Spirit may be saying to our hearts through the words we have read.  How does the Lord change my life as the Spirit speaks to my heart through the words: "Do not murmur or speak evil of others"?

In my meditation, I was brought face to face with my own sense of self-acceptance and image in relationship to God and others around me.  The Holy Spirit spoke with me, about my need to accept myself, with all my human limitations and live in humility with the knowledge and conviction that God is God, and I am not.  That humility, helps me to accept that my human limitations are opportunities for growth, they are not obstacles for God's transforming grace.   When I accept that, I can also accept God's merciful love.  In Christ, I am forgiven and redeemed.   After I have accepted that, I can celebrate who I am.  In Christ, I am God's beloved, with whom God is well-pleased.   Then, I can also celebrate that others are just like I am.  In these words and meditations is a letting go, and receiving in faith that God has forgiven me.  My response is to accept myself, accept others as forgiven, and to forgive myself and others as God's mercy in Christ has redeemed me.

Our problem as human beings, is that our self-image and acceptance is so often rooted in labels, wealth, popularity, our scholastic achievements and so forth.   All of these, become a false source of how we see and accept ourselves and relate to others.  In the end, all they do is lead us to a sense of a loss of self-acceptance.  Our image is dependent on others.  When others fail us, we tend to think that we have failed ourselves and even God.  At that point, we don't need someone to abuse us, we are doing it all on our own.

In this Sunday's Gospel, we see Jesus claiming His own identity.  As St. John the Baptist sees Jesus, he says: "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."   The Baptist recalls the incidents following Jesus' baptism.  The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus, and a voice came and said: "This is my Beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."   Jesus, receives and lives out this identity, that He was destined for in His mother's womb.   His identity as God's Son, is from God and Jesus claims it, and through Him, God is revealed.

Jesus will indeed be popular, but not because he won a Golden Globe award or an Olympic gold medal.  He will not be known because He stayed on every person's good side.  His identity will reveal God who has come to give to all of us a new identity.  Earlier in the Prologue to St. John's Gospel we read:

But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12,13).

St. Paul later affirmed this in his letter to the Galatians.

There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28).

All forms of prejudice and violence on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, language, culture, physical/psychological or mental challenge, employment status, economic class, etc are based on labels that humankind has created to determine who is a first class citizen vs. who is 2nd class.  Our identities get lost, in whether or not we can afford health care, control our own bodies, and where we live.  In our efforts to advocate for ourselves or others, our self-image and acceptance are by no means based on what we can achieve.  What we achieve in making the world is a noble and holy cause, but we don't do it for a better self-image.  We do it, because of who we are.   We are daughters and sons of God, in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Jesus told us all what we must do that can help us maintain our identity, our sense of self-image and acceptance.  In His discourse at the Last Supper before He died, He told His followers:

I am the vine, you are the branches.  Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5).

A really great hymn sums this up very well.

When Christ was lifted from the earth,
his arms stretched out above
though every culture, every birth,
to draw an answering love.

Still east and west his love extends
and  always, near or far,
he calls and claims us as his friends
and loves us as we are.

Where generation, class, or race
divide us to our shame,
he sees not labels but a face,
a person, and a name.

Thus freely loved, though fully known,
may I in Christ be free,
to welcome and accept his own
as Christ accepted me.  (Hymnal #603).

This weekend, we are celebrating the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  He was a man who knew how he and other people of color were viewed by many white Americans.  Segregation brought with it many atrocious laws and behaviors.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and people like Rosa Parks, refused to remain in the background and allow their identity as African Americans to determine their citizenship class in civil society.   Dr. King spoke, acted and called others to organize and speak up about the injustices toward workers, African Americans and many others because of prejudice and oppression.  Dr. King knew his identity as a child of God, by the grace of Jesus Christ.  He was willing to put himself and even his life on the line, as a friend to many who were friendless.   His actions did cost him his life forty-six years ago.  Yet, his legacy, and his sacrifice continue to bear fruit in the face of racial prejudice in many places in the world.

Racism continues to be a serious problem in our time.  It's another one of those labels that injures our self-image and acceptance in relationship to God and others.  Anytime we decide that another person is to be addressed or treated as a second class citizen because of the color of their skin, their country of origin, their religion or any other reason that one group of people benefits at the expense of others, our identity, self-image and acceptance are in terrible jeopardy.   Racism, sexism, heterosexism and the many other social diseases of our time, determine the safety of all of us.   It means that we are all unhealthy, and in need of some serious medication from God to heal ourselves and one another.

This past year, we saw momentous gains for the freedom to marry for LGBT people, but we also saw the issue of racism and sexism receive serious injuries with voting rights and reproductive health care.  Christ's revelation of God in His identity as God's Beloved with whom God is well-pleased must echo the love and acceptance of ourselves and each other if there is to be healing and reconciliation on these and many other important issues facing the Church and society.

I think the words of another hymn are most important to our prayer as I conclude the reflection in this blog post.

Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love,
show us how to serve
the neighbors we have from you.  (Hymnal 1982 #602).

Amen.

Prayers

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light
of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word
and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's
glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the
ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with
you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer, p. 215)

Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you
led your people out of slavery, and mad them free at last:
Grant that your Church, following the example of your 
prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the
name of your love, and may secure for all your children the
blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and 
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and 
forever.  Amen. (Holy Women, Holy Men; Celebrating the Saints, p.307).

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

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany: Are We Pesky Prophets for Our Time?

Today's Scripture Readings

Jeremiah 1: 4-10 (NRSV)

The word of the LORD came to me saying,

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

and before you were born I consecrated you;

I appointed you a prophet to the nations."

Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy." But the LORD said to me,

"Do not say, 'I am only a boy';

for you shall go to all to whom I send you,

and you shall speak whatever I command you,

Do not be afraid of them,

for I am with you to deliver you,

says the LORD."

Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the LORD said to me,

"Now I have put my words in your mouth.

See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms,

to pluck up and to pull down,

to destroy and to overthrow,

to build and to plant."

Psalm 71 (BCP., p.683)


1 Corinthians 13: 1-13 (NRSV)

If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

Luke 4:21-30 (NRSV)

In the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus read from the book of the prophet Isaiah, and began to say, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" He said to them, "Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, 'Doctor, cure yourself!' And you will say, 'Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.'" And he said, "Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet's hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian." When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.

Blog Reflection

At the Sunday Eucharist at Trinity Wall Street Episcopal Church in New York City, Dr. Renita Weems preached on January 20th of this year.   During her sermon she said that not all of us will be called to be prophets, but all of us will be placed in moments when we have the opportunity to be a prophetic witness.  We will all be given an opportunity to say or do something that will give just a little bit of clarity to those who are in darkness.  We will undoubtedly find ourselves in a moment when we are confronted by something going on, or a word someone said.  At that moment, we will have the chance to decide if we are to go with the flow, even though we know otherwise, or challenge the status quo.

When we find ourselves in a moment by which we can make a difference, we may be faced with our own limitations.  We just can't say the right words.  Our personal fears get in our way.  We might feel like Jeremiah or Moses.   The point is, God created and redeemed us for this moment in which we find ourselves.   God planned for each of us to be here from before the foundations of the earth, to accomplish great things.   If God is calling us to do awesome things, it is because, God is equipping us to proclaim the Gospel in our time.

The hard work of prophesying will be that we won't be well received.  Prophets often bring with them news that is good for some, but not for most who like things the way they are.   All of us like to be much too comfortable and complacent in our lives.  The last thing we want is for someone to come along and tell us that the way we have been doing things was all wrong.   When they do, we like to resort to our "old time religion." 

As things in the world and the Church change to be more inclusive of LGBT people, immigrants, individuals of different races, religions, etc., those who want the old comfortable religion that is only for straight, white, male Christians to settle them.  However, God never wants us to be complacent or settled.  God is always challenging us to open our hearts even more.  To receive those who have been labeled by negative stereotypes or kept in the back of the bus into our company.  So God sends individuals like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr or Bishop Gene Robinson to open our hearts.    We have elected and re-elected at outstanding man such as President Barack Obama in the midst of the most vicious of racial hatred and homophobic rhetoric.  The work of being prophetic witnesses in our time, could never be more important. 

The reading from 1 Corinthians 13 has been stripped of much of it's meaning by being over used at weddings.  Michael T. Hiller in Break Open the Word tells us that the love Paul writes about is not a romantic love.  It is the love of God by which there is no mystery that can explain it.  God's love is so awesome and is given so freely for the benefit of all human beings, that no one of us has any business thinking that we are so deserving of such love, that we can treat those different than ourselves as less lovable.  God's love has given us our dignity and integrity by redeeming us by the blood of Jesus Christ.  So that we can be the people of God who share that love with all who are marginalized and hurting.   We can be a source of strength for those who are week.  We can serve the poor and the sick, and be there for those who are dying.  Why?  Because of all of the greatest gifts that God gave us, the most awesome and wonderful is love.

In our Gospel today, Jesus has just proclaimed that the awesome prophesy he read from Isaiah 61 is fulfilled in their hearing.  Those hearing him were amazed, as in there was some acceptance of what they heard.  But, with every wonderful piece of news comes the usual questions.  Where is he from?   Who are his parents?   What did he do for a living?  Suddenly the wonderful news of God coming to liberate the oppressed is clouded up by negative stereotypes.  What do they do in response?  They want to silence the messenger.

As people in our time are coming to the awareness that now is the time to do some thing about the out of control violence by guns, those who want things the way they have been are rebelling.  The desire to help those who suffer from mental illness, gets stifled by those who want to protect billion dollar profits for gun manufactures and health care companies.  Protecting the wealthy and powerful, becomes more important than assisting the innocent and weak. 

As opportunities for reproductive health care for women increase because of science, Christianists are determined to shut down clinics that provide health care for women.  They invoke violence of the worst kind, and encourage even more.  Christian charity goes out the window, but misguided zeal becomes the basis for violence and destruction.

The message of the Gospel, and our Baptismal Covenant call us to work towards peace and justice for all people and to respect the dignity of every human person.  We have the awesome responsibility and opportunity to witness to the prophetic message of the love of God and neighbor.   By our daily prayers on behalf of those who are disadvantaged, and our generosity of treasure and talents we can be part of the transformation of the Church and society.   Even in the face of opposition by those who don't want to be disturbed.

As we embark on the last full week before Lent begins, we can spend time in the silence of our hearts and ask God how we can be prophetic.   We can also pray for the courage that the opposition to our prophetic witness, will not deter our faithfulness to what God empowers us to do.

Amen.


Prayers

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in
heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of
your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Collect for Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Book of Common Prayer, p. 215)


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

Second Sunday after the Epiphany: Creation, Marriage, Justice and New Life

Today's Scripture Readings

Isaiah 62:1-5 (NRSV)

For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,

and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest,

until her vindication shines out like the dawn,

and her salvation like a burning torch.

The nations shall see your vindication,

and all the kings your glory;

and you shall be called by a new name

that the mouth of the LORD will give.

You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD,

and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

You shall no more be termed Forsaken,

and your land shall no more be termed Desolate;

but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her,

and your land Married;

for the LORD delights in you,

and your land shall be married.

For as a young man marries a young woman,

so shall your builder marry you,

and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,

so shall your God rejoice over you.

Psalm 36 (BCP., p.632)


1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (NRSV)

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says "Let Jesus be cursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

John 2:1-11 (NRSV)

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

Blog Reflection

Oh to hear those words from Isaiah that God delights in us.   At Compline every night we pray the words from Psalm 17:8.  "Keep us, O Lord as the apple of your eye.  Hide us under the shadow of your wings" (BCP. 132).   The Prophet is so convinced that there are great things coming, that he just cannot keep quiet about them.  God is doing an awesome thing, but it means changing what already exists, and re-creating it into a precious jewel.   

America indeed began as a great nation.  Our founders had amazing plans as they created the new world.  Yet, not everything they brought here was totally good. 

The white Christian settlers did take land that was not theirs to take from the Native Americans, and oppressed them.  In addition, they also brought with them the second class citizenship of black people, whom they kept enslaved.  The negative attitude towards African Americans and individuals of many different skin tones, cultures and religions continues up to this very day.

In to the middle of our continued ignorance and prejudice, came a man with a vision of a different future for America.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr came on the scene as did Mrs. Rosa Parks who refused to sit at the back of the bus because of her skin color.   African Americans through the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. found renewed inspiration to keep calling for civil rights, and believed it was possible.  Forty-five years  after his assassination the work towards a just and equal society for all people remains far from finished.  Yet, the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr continues to inspire us all to keep working and believing in better things yet to come.  Racism is still a big issue in our country.  The racial overtones towards President Barack Obama are a living testimony to the prejudice towards people of different races, cultures, religions, genders, sexual orientations and many more where that came from are heard in all parts of our coutry.

The Prophet Isaiah is so excited about what God is going to do.  What can we do to get people excited about doing more to bring about the establishment of God's reign of justice, equality and peace today?   How do we speak up and act so that America and the Church can be a place that God and all of us delight in?

The Apostle Paul tells the Christians at Corinth that every one has different gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Not everyone is called to do the same thing.  Yet, by taking our place and making use of what God has given each of us, we can use them for the building up of the Body of Christ.   The gifts each of us has are not given to us for our own use, nor are they for abusing others.  They are given to us to continue the work of Jesus Christ in the ministry of radical hospitality and reconciliation. 

The narrative of the Wedding at Cana in the Gospel attributed to St. John the Evangelist and Apostle, is one of creation.   The figures of Jesus, Mary and the people gathered for the wedding, the water and the wine are a New Testament telling of Creation.   The account of creation in Genesis starts with the words: "In the beginning God created."  In St. John's Gospel it begins with "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God...."   As we venture into the Wedding at Cana we are presented with the prominent figure of Jesus, who is the Word made flesh, representing the new Adam.  We also see Mary who is believed to be the new Eve.    Just as creation is not complete without two people coming together to celebrate God's love in both body and mind, so too, we  have a wedding in John's Gospel.   As the waters of the earth flowed to create new life, so does the water at the wedding feast become the new wine, representing the restoration of the life of humankind through God's perfect revelation in Jesus Christ.  

All of this is meaningless and just an abstraction, unless we are willing to allow God to recreate what is within each of us, not only today, but every day.  Each of us have learned some thing in our past about God, ourselves and others that needs a renewal by God's random act of grace.   The events of the wedding at Cana are part of God's manifesting God's glory through the humanity of Christ.   The work of redemption that began with Jesus, continues through to this very day, as the "Spirit of Truth, will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13 Common English Bible).   The tasteless and stale water of our lives cannot become the wine of new life, justice and compassion, unless we allow God to change us from within, and reflect the Goodness of God in the world around us.   

This past election season, we saw three States elect to allow marriage equality for LGBT citizens.   Minnesota rejected a constitutional amendment to limit the freedom to marry to straight couples.  Now, we hear of bills being introduced by legislatures in Illinois and Rhode Island that will grant the freedom to marry for LGBT couples.   The debate on either side of the issue is hot.  There are the usual individuals in the Catholic church and other Christianist organizations who want to continue to suppress LGBT individuals and couples by limiting the freedom to marry.  Thanks be to God, that we have the amazing witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ seeking to transform the Church and society, through letters by Episcopal Bishop Lee in Chicago and Bishop Knisley in Rhode Island. 

Over the last week, President Obama made the announcement of plans he has to work on the issue of out of control gun violence in our nation.  The tragedy of Newton, Connecticut and the courageous people there are bringing people together to take seriously the responsibility to children, families and neighborhoods when it comes to gun violence.  Though the rhetoric of the National Rifle Association (NRA) remains violent and hateful, individuals from various parts of the Country are speaking up and writing about the need to do something about the enormous number of people killed by a gun.  As individuals use the Christian Faith in erroneous ways to defend the use of armed violence towards other people, others who remind us that Jesus was about peaceful solutions to life's difficult moments are speaking up.     

These are just some examples of how ordinary people are taking seriously the work of Jesus Christ, to change the dry waters of injustice, inequality and oppression, into the delicious new wine of justice, equality and freedom for the marginalized of society and the Church.  

It is true that the Wedding at Cana points us to both the Eucharist and the Cross.  For it is in the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ that all of us can and do come into the Presence of Christ and share in his suffering and death on the Cross.  However, in the Eucharist we also receive the nourishment of not only God's Goodness, but also the healing presence of being in community with others to share in the Lord's Supper.   In the Eucharist, strangers are made friends, the outcasts are included and brokenness has the opportunity to be made whole.  

May God continue to make us all into the precious gems of God's goodness, by continuing to renew the life of Jesus Christ within all of us.   As the Spirit of Truth continues to guide us in to all truth, may we with God's gifts in each of us, use them for the building up of the Body of Christ, and bring about the transformation of the world around us.

Amen.


Prayers

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light
of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word
and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's
glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the
ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with
you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.  (Collect for the Second Sunday after Epiphany, Book of Common Prayer, p. 215).

Almighty God, who by the hand of Moses your servant
you led your people out of slavery and made them free at last:
Grant that your Church, following the example of your 
prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name 
of your love, and may secure for all your children the blessed 
liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you 
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (Holy Women, Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints, p. 307).

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, p. 815).

Saturday of First Week in Lent: Loving And Forgiving When It Is Difficult

Today's Scripture Reading

Matthew 5: 43-48 (NRSV)

 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. 

Blog Reflection

If you opened this blog post and found this Gospel reading about loving your enemies and just want to turn away, because it pisses you off, you are not alone.  This Gospel reading can really make me sick in the head.  If the Gospel itself doesn't make me angry telling me that I have to forgive my enemies, the often poor spiritual abuses that come from pulpits all over Christendom using this reading, does.  

Loving your enemies, is easy when you are a white, heterosexual, Christian male who has been privileged just because since the day you were born.  For those of us who have lost while they all gained, asking us to love our enemies is not so simple.

Often the hardest thing for children who have been abused by their parents, is that they love them very much. As they get older and the reality of how devastating the abuse was, it becomes really hard to forgive and to love those who were so cruel.  How difficult it is for us to love those whom God entrusted to love and nurture us.  Many of us, have wounds so deep, that we just cannot forgive God or those who have abused their relationships to us.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr once said:

First, we must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. It is impossible even to begin the act of loving one's enemies without the prior acceptance of the necessity, over and over again, of forgiving those who inflict evil and injury upon us. It is also necessary to realize that the forgiving act must always be initiated by the person who has been wronged, the victim of some great hurt, the recipient of some tortuous injustice, the absorber of some terrible act of oppression. The wrongdoer may request forgiveness. He may come to himself, and, like the prodigal son, move up some dusty road, his heart palpitating with the desire for forgiveness. But only the injured neighbor, the loving father back home, can really pour out the warm waters of forgiveness.

Forgiveness does not mean ignoring what has been done or putting a false label on an evil act. It means, rather, that the evil act no longer remains as a barrier to the relationship. Forgiveness is a catalyst creating the atmosphere necessary for a fresh start and a new beginning. It is the lifting of a burden or the canceling of a debt. The words "I will forgive you, but I'll never forget what you've done" never explain the real nature of forgiveness. Certainly one can never forget, if that means erasing it totally from his mind. But when we forgive, we forget in the sense that the evil deed is no longer a mental block impeding a new relationship. Likewise, we can never say, "I will forgive you, but I won't have anything further to do with you." Forgiveness means reconciliation, a coming together again.

Without this, no man can love his enemies. The degree to which we are able to forgive determines the degree to which we are able to love our enemies.

Second, we must recognize that the evil deed of the enemy-neighbor, the thing that hurts, never quite expresses all that he is. An element of goodness may be found even in our worst enemy. Each of us has something of a schizophrenic personality, tragically divided against ourselves. A persistent civil war rages within all of our lives. Something within us causes us to lament with Ovid, the Latin poet, "I see and approve the better things, but follow worse," or to agree with Plato that human personality is like a charioteer having two headstrong horses, each wanting to go in a different direction, or to repeat with the Apostle Paul, "The good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do."

This simply means that there is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies. When we look beneath the surface, beneath. the impulsive evil deed, we see within our enemy-neighbor a measure of goodness and know that the viciousness and evilness of his acts are not quite representative of all that he is. We see him in a new light. We recognize that his hate grows out of fear, pride, ignorance, prejudice, and misunderstanding, but in spite of this, we know God's image is ineffably etched in being. Then we love our enemies by realizing that they are not totally bad and that they are not beyond the reach of God's redemptive love.

Now if a man like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who faced the racists of his time can come to an understanding like this, so can all of us.  Dr. King knew death threats on a daily basis.  Eventually, he was shot and killed by an individual who demostrated the worst of us, when carrying prejudice with violence as a solution in our hearts.  

Forgiving someone does not mean that we do not continue to "speak the truth in love" (see Eph. 4: 15)..   It means we continue to speak out so as to help one understand.  Loving our enemies does not mean we sit back and allow them to spread further injustices at our expense.  It means that we continue to enlighten others by telling our stories of how we came out as LGBT people of Faith, and found Jesus Christ to be our best friend and Savior, while the rest of the Church was trying to shame us and tell us we need to change who we are.  We need to tell about how God continues to inspire us to holiness and wholeness by living in healthy and life-giving relationships with our partners, friends and families.  Even while Christianist groups continue to spread false information,and corrupt politics in the Name of their god who hates and judges.  We need to live our own lives, as in the presence of a holy and inclusive God, who in Jesus Christ redeemed us through his death and resurrection and continues to sanctify us and call us to be examples of God's hospitality and reconciliation.

Prayers

O God, by your Word you marvelously carry out the workof reconciliation:  Grant that in our Lenten fast we may be devoted to you with all our hearts, and united with one another in prayer adn holy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Collect for Saturday of the First Week in Lent. Holy Women, Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints, p. 41).

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have
made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and
make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily
lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission
and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen. (Collect for Ash Wednesday, Book of Common Prayer, p. 217).

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, p. 815).

 O God, the Father 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, p. 816).

 

 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: Prejudice and Injustice: The Social Diseases Continue

Today's Scripture Readings

Genesis 37: 17-20 (NRSV)

The man said, ‘They have gone away, for I heard them say, “Let us go to Dothan.” ’ So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them at Dothan. They saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them, they conspired to kill him. They said to one another, ‘Here comes this dreamer. Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams.’

Ephesians 6: 10-20 (NRSV)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak. 

Luke 6: 27-36 (NRSV)

Jesus said: ‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 

Blog Reflection

Shortly after I came out, I began to consider dating a man.  He was handsome.  Downright sexy.  He was intelligent and like me; quite opinionated.  As we got to know each other there came in me some doubts as to whether he was the right man for me to date.  I was not sure exactly what I wanted to do just yet.  That decision was made very clear when in a phone conversation with him, this handsome, sexy, intelligent and opinionated man announced to me that he felt that black people should not be afforded the same rights and opportunities as white people.  He further stated that he felt that most African Americans were trying to "screw the system" with their playing of the race card all the time.  My reaction was one of shock, disbelief and one of the few times I was totally speechless.  I could not even respond.  After a brief period of silence, the individual told me I could say good bye if I wanted to.  I responded to him: "I have to at this point.  I just cannot date a man who like me is already experiencing the discrimination and inequality on the basis of our sexual orientation, yet feels that he is justified with having the same attitudes of discrimination and inequality towards African Americans." 

I have said on many occasions that if someone had told me that there was racial discrimination in the LGBTQ communities before I came out, I would never have believed it. 

At the same time, over these past years I have had to confront within myself; my own attitudes and behaviors passed on to me by my own family with their own racist opinions and behaviors.  I like to say I am not a racist, but there are still those messages of inequality in my own attitudes and behaviors that show up from time to time.  When I find them, I am totally embarrassed and ashamed.  I have to pray to God to help me to notice them and route them out of my life.

This yearly commemoration of the Late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr on what would have been his 83rd Birthday today, reminds us that there is prejudice and injustice in our world.  These are not good for ourselves, society or any community worldwide.  These are social diseases that must be routed out of us with Godspeed at our backs.   They do not reflect a Christian Church or society by any means.

Prejudice and injustice are not new to the Christian Faith.  The Christian Church has played out roles of prejudice and even violence towards people of different races, religions, sexual orientations and/or gender identities/expressions, genders, cultural backgrounds, languages, wealth status, health status, etc.   There are many Christians who make use of the Bible and/or the basic doctrines of Christianity to justify prejudice and violence towards those who are different.  The Church still has much work to do as well as take up the cause of equality and justice for all peoples.   No single Church denomination or body is exempt from the need to continue to work on these and other issues.

We read in Genesis today a portion of the story of Joseph's brothers planning to trap Joseph and sell him to slavery.  The wickedness that is in the hearts of Joseph's brothers has played itself over and over as many European White Christian countries took it upon themselves to decide who should have the opportunities to be free and prosper and who should be "owned" by them.  The scenario played continuing versions as the English Empire sought to colonize Africa, Asia and also the Native Americans as they came to the shores of the new world that is now America. 

There is another scenario that has also played itself out from the story of Joseph and his brothers in societies repetitiously.  Later in the narrative Joseph becomes appreciated for his ability to dream and support the king of where he had been enslaved.  Joseph eventually ascends to the throne and then the two brothers who had sold him into slavery come to him seeking help when they are experiencing severe famine.  Joseph does not take revenge, but instead exercises mercy and forgiveness.  The tables are suddenly turned. The "slave" becomes the one who frees those who are also enslaved.  

Last year when I attended Creating Change 2011; those of us who were part of Practice Spirit, Do Justice experienced an amazing healing as Native Americans led us through exercises to help us understand what the oppression of their people was like under the white Christian settlers.  They also showed us through an amazing ritual dance how all of us can become part of the healing of all humankind, by simply recognizing that all of us are connected to each other. 

Paul in his letter to the Ephesians invites us to put on the whole armor of God.  He reminds us that what makes us Christians, gives the ability to do the work of reconciliation and hospitality.  It often seems like a great war.  Rather than focus on the imagery of a battle field; I believe St. Paul encourages us to see the conflict of social injustice and inequality to be a struggle with the spiritual forces that are trying to stigmatize.  Using all of the great elements of what makes us Christian; truth, righteousness, the Gospel of peace, faith, salvation and the Holy Spirit's voice as we listen to the Scriptures.  The challenge is to not read the Bible with our prejudices intact; but to let our Mother the Holy Spirit rip open our Pandoras Boxes and help us see new insights.

This past year, we have witnessed some amazing attacks against people because of their race. 

The moves by States to enact laws that require voter ID's to exercise our constitutional rights to vote, impact those who are already disenfranchised because of race, income background and/or even age.

Those who are already marginalized by a broken system, experience deeper infringements as laws are passed to deny immigrants the opportunity to not be unfairly profiled or imprisoned.  Such was the case with the anti-immigration law in Alabama by which illegals faced the possibility of losing their water for bathing and drinking.  

The further divide of the economic classes of people have at their core a resilient stench of keeping people who are oppressed by a bad economy as far down the totem pole as they can go. 

The Rev. Al Sharpton has an excellent article in the Huffington Post about these and many other issues related to remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  

Jesus Christ commands us all to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us.  That is a pretty tall order.  One that those of us who experience violence, discrimination and injustice on a daily basis have a very difficult time with.  Except that Jesus is one who is also experiencing bias and oppression just for being someone who loves others just a little bit differently. 

I do believe that at the center of the Gospel is a call to remember that violence of any kind is never the will of God.  If we act in response to hate with hate and violence, our work towards justice and equality becomes counterproductive. 

Harboring unhealed grudges and withholding forgiveness towards our foes only allows their work of hate and inequality to gain traction in our lives and communities.  Unforgiveness destroys our individual selves and makes further injuries on a society that is already driven by hate and violence.  More importantly, it is not worth handing our opponents the unnecessary satisfaction of seeing us and our relationships with others destroyed at their benefit. 

Forgiveness does not mean that we excuse their actions.  It also does not mean that we no longer work to expose their injustices and the need for all of us to work to change hearts and attitudes to be more accepting and less violent.   It does mean that we do not hold them and their actions between us and our relationship with God and the Holy Spirit. Our Mother the Spirit so wants to heal us and help us to move on. 

The Benedictine message of radical hospitality and reconciliation are a part of the message of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  We are to called to see Christ in one another.  Including those that we struggle the most with.  We are called by God to welcome one another and allow ourselves to be challenged to address our own interior biases to become a people who embrace and cherish one another.  In reconciliation we are invited to work out our differences with others in the quietness of our own hearts and lives in attitudes of prayer; but also to become active in making the world wide community more inclusive of everyone.


Prayers

Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you lead your people out of slavery, and made them free at last:  Grant that your Church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reighs with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Holy Women, Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints, page 307).

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).

O God, the Father 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).

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know
you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend
us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that
we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of
any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.  (A Collect for Peace, Book of Common Prayer, page 99).  

Second Sunday after Epiphany: Come, See, Learn and Love

Today's Scriptures

1 Samuel 3:1-10(11-20) (NRSV)

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD under Eli. The word of the LORD was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.

At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. Then the LORD called, "Samuel! Samuel!" and he said, "Here I am!" and ran to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call; lie down again." So he went and lay down. The LORD called again, "Samuel!" Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call, my son; lie down again." Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. The LORD called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, `Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

Now the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening." [Then the LORD said to Samuel, "See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. For I have told him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be expiated by sacrifice or offering forever."

Samuel lay there until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the LORD. Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. But Eli called Samuel and said, "Samuel, my son." He said, "Here I am." Eli said, "What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide anything from me of all that he told you." So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. Then he said, "It is the LORD; let him do what seems good to him."

As Samuel grew up, the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was a trustworthy prophet of the LORD.]

John 1:43-51 (NRSV)

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, "Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" Nathanael asked him, "Where did you get to know me?" Jesus answered, "I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you." Nathanael replied, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."

Blog Reflection

I enjoy reading the Hebrew Scripture Reading from 1 Samuel.  The text is very profound.

Samuel was born of Hannah a woman who was barren.  When God answered her prayers and gave her Samuel, Hannah responded by giving him to Eli who was a local Priest.  Though Samuel was raised by Eli, Samuel had not yet encountered God.  Samuel was awoken by a voice that he heard and thought it was the voice of Eli.  After discovering that it was not Eli, Eli tells Samuel to go back and the next time Samuel heard his name called to say: "Here I am, Lord, your servant is listening."

As I read this story and read what it was that God told Samuel, my instant reaction was: YIKES!  Why don't you wake up Samuel to tell him some good news?  Why wake him to tell him some news that sounds so horrible to the person who has been raising him all the years?

There is more to the story.

Eli's sons were Priests who had violated a ritual rule in the worship of the Israelite people.  "The ritual allowed the Priests to have some of the sacrificial animal, in particular the breast and the right leg. (See Lev. 7:29-36)."  However, "Eli's sons demanded their portions before the ritual burning of the fat had taken place, and even before the meat had been cooked--hardly the dignified control one would expect of Priests."  (Paula J. Bowes, Collegeville Bible Commentary, Old Testament Volume 1, page 296). 

As a result, Eli's sons were no longer going to be permitted to continue the line of Priests from Eli's family.  Samuel's experience of God was to be told what God was going to do about Eli's sons.   Samuel was simply telling Eli what God's decision was. 

One of the messages I get from this portion of the Hebrew Scriptures is to pay attention to what we are doing.   God has shared God's goodness with all of us.  We have all been given that special ability and/or characteristic that is unique to what God is going to call us to do in our lives.  It is important to not be too persuaded to give away from what God has called us to do with what we have been given and that includes a good witness of the movement of God's Spirit in our lives.

Among the things to consider is that diversity is something that God gives to our world.  God has given this world such a magnificent rainbow.  Each color of the rainbow represents each one of us in our unique color and ability to light up the sky and the world.  There are shades of color that look alike, but no two colors are exactly the same.  Each color serves a purpose that no other color can do.  There is no color greater than another.

Whether we are black, white, copper skin, grey, green or almost yellow.  Whether we are female, male or any other gender.  Whether we are lesbian, gay, straight, metro-sexual, a sexual, bisexual or transgender.  Whether our culture is Native American, Pacific Indian, European/American Caucasian.  Whether our religion is no religion, Muslim, Jew, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Pagan, Wicca etc,.  And what about those with behavioral, emotional or psychological challenges and those who are perfectly healthy? The point is all of us including many I have not named or listed, are given an opportunity here and now to serve humankind, our Higher Power and ourselves in a way that no one else can.

There are Christianists who want to say that America and the European civilizations are being destroyed by the "homosexual agenda" or the Muslims.  But, Christians have been destroying cultures and taking away the goods of others for centuries.  One needs only to read a history book or two of how whole countries in Africa and Asia were invaded and expected to be turned into a colony of England.  The United States would have been too, had the American Revolution not taken place.  Yet as we go into the 1800's we saw the build up to the Civil War.  Beyond that, we have seen countless acts of oppression towards peoples of all kinds. 

In our Gospel reading today, we see Jesus meeting his disciples and others who are noticing Jesus for the first time.  I think it is a fair interpretation that Jesus and his soon to be followers getting acquainted with each other and making plans about where they would go from there. 

Nathanael apparently has a stereotypical problem.  "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"  Philip answers Nathanael: "Come and see."  Rather than give Nathanael a long answer or challenge him on what he said, Philip simply invites Nathanael to "come and see" for himself.  As the Jesus and Nathanael exchange conversations it just so happens that Jesus already saw Nathanael.  Nathaneal's eyes are open, but Jesus challenges him to look for even better things yet to come.

Tomorrow we will remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  A minister.  An African American.  A civil rights leader. One who spoke on behalf of the racial divisions he and others were experiencing.  Dr. King also marched with workers seeking better living wages and opportunities for growth and prosperity. 

Over the years too many Americans and Christians have subconsciously asked the question: Can anything good come from someone who is black?  Such a question is still being asked today as there are not too few in America who just cannot accept a black man being President of the United States. 

Americans and Christians have also asked subconsciously: Can any thing good come from Muslims, Jews, LGBT people, Native Americans, women???  We have stereotyped people based on our ignorance and allowed that ignorance to fuel prejudice, violence and in many cases death.

Today's readings challenge all of us to see the glory of God revealed in Jesus Christ in and through all that is different about people who are different from ourselves.  Jesus calls us to "come and see" and look for even greater things than what we currently know or think about someone who does not fit our status quo. 

We have all been given our uniqueness that others cannot make sense of.  Why then should we be surprised that there are things about others that just seem a bit unusual to us?  Does that really mean there is no goodness in anything or anyone else except those who are not such misfits?

Jesus invites us to walk with him and be part of all the marvelous things God is going to do.  God is going to draw the marginalized closer to God's heart by God's perfect Self revelation in Jesus Christ.  God the Holy Spirit is going to infuse God's people with wonderful opportunities to embrace the unlovable, help the poor and lonely and welcome the stranger and find a home for those who have no place to lay their heads.

Are you ready to continue along on the journey?


Prayers

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light
of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word
and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's
glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the
ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with
you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.  (Second Sunday after the Epiphany, Book of Common Prayer, page 215).

Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last: Grant that your Church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Holy Women, Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints, page 307).

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

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Diveristy and Inclusion: America and the Church Have A Long Way to Go. Part 2

Scriptural Basis

Luke 6:27-36

Jesus said, "I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."

Blog Post

Today in cities all across the United States, middle class and low income families will be marching in memory of where Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated 43 years ago.  We will remember that while fighting the issue of racism and segregation, Martin Luther King also marched with Public Workers who were garbage collectors.   King understood as we need to understand today, that if we are going to speak up and act in the cause of justice and equality for one group of people who face marginalization and discrimination, we must be willing to join others in the same cause.

Racism and heterosexism continue to dominate our society and the Church in ways that many prefer to ignore.  Just as many turn the other way and ignore things like LGBT youth committing suicide due to bullying in their schools, families and communities, so many Americans including LGBT are looking away from racism and gender exclusion, the issue of working class America being bombarded day in and day out by the Corporate States of America, with the news that their working wages and collective bargaining rights are up for grabs.

To ignore the issue of racism and the issues the individuals of different races, classes, religions, working and/or economic class discrimination, gender bias, bias against Native Americans, the poor and disenfranchised and the list goes on and on, is to ignore the same issues that LGBT people face as well.

In the Gospel for today, Jesus reminds us that we are to love those who hate us.   We cannot love those who hate us, if we do not act on behalf of others who are stigmatized because of the color of their skin.  To love our enemies means we do our very best to help them understand why their prejudices and choices to pretend like there is no racial or gender issue, is such a crime against humanity. 

Whether we are marching or sitting at home because of family or personal reasons, let us all take a moment today to give thanks to God for the example of someone like Martin Luther King.   Let us also be thankful for the work of LGBT activists and others who have given of themselves to the point of shedding their blood so that justice, inclusion and equality may advance for the marginalized of society and the Church.

Prayers

Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last; Grant that your Church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Prayer for Martin Luther King. Holy Women, Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints, page 307).

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Diveristy and Inclusion: America and the Church Have A Long Way to Go

Scriptural Basis

Luke 6: 27-36 (NRSV)

27 ‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, ²⁸bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. ²⁹If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. ³⁰Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. ³¹Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32
‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. ³³If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. ³⁴If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. ³⁵But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return.^* Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. ³⁶Be merciful, just as your Father

Blog Reflection

Does it suck to read this particular Gospel today or what?  Yes!  It does suck.  This upcoming Wednesday the Republican controlled House of Representatives will hold a vote on repealing the new Health Care Law. I don't particularly want to be told I have to love those who are about to vote to take health care away from seniors and people with pre-existing conditions and give health insurance companies free will to do as they please.   I certainly don't feel like loving the Illinois Family Council who today is accusing LGBT people of "willing to exploit the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement in order to achieve their morally dubious and intellectually vacuous goal."

These are difficult days to love people.  Over this past week we have heard of how violent rhetoric has catastrophic consequences in the attempted assassination attempt of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and the others killed and wounded in Tucson, Arizona.  As horrific as those acts were, the rhetoric and the finger pointing continue.  Have we learned anything?

The legacy and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr continues to live on even 43 years since his assassination in 1968.   His work on behalf of our African American sisters and brothers is one worthy of our consideration.  Here in 2011 we still have many people today who still cannot see past the color of another persons skin, or the differences in cultural practices, religions, sexual and gender diversity, languages, economic status, health or lack thereof, age, etc.  Here in the beginning of the second decade of the 21st Century we still have an American nation and a Christian Church with those who struggle to see past our own prejudices.  There are those who suggest in the name of Martin Luther King we should launch a campaign for the Nation's unemployed.  The struggle for the civil rights of all kinds of diverse peoples should take place in honor of Martin Luther King.  I agree with both of those.

Loving our enemies and doing good to those who hate us is not the same as loving what they do and/or approving of what they say and promote.  Spreading violence, hate and malice has deadly consequences as we saw last week.  Continuing to divide groups of people against each other, using the words "blood libel" carelessly that offends our Jewish sisters and brothers, and the scapegoating of other people to avoid taking responsibility for our own actions or lack thereof is as much against what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is about as failing to love even those who use such ideological rhetoric.   Love is not necessarily only in our emotions, or our willingness to go along with what is easy.  Love is expressed in actions or lack thereof in order to protect and appreciate the common good that is a part of every human person.  That is precisely what has been missing in much of the rhetoric used this past week and over these many years before and since Martin Luther King.  Our concern for our neighbors needs to move beyond our limited thinking and become apparent in our actions and even our activism on behalf of the poor, marginalized, sick and oppressed among us.  When individuals use the Gospel as an excuse to keep people poor, marginalized, sick and oppressed it is our obligation to respond out of loving concern for the poor, marginalized, sick and oppressed.  It is also a commandment of the Gospel that our response be as much about telling our enemies they are wrong as our "speaking the truth in love." (See Ephesians 4: 1-16).  It is a tough task, but "somebody's got to do it."

America and the Church have a long way to go on the road to accepting and dealing with diversity and inclusion.  Like Martin Luther King we need to be willing to take our steps together and keep on the journey. The people who's lives we touch and those who will join us and oppose us are among God's chosen people as anyone else.  While we must "speak the truth in love" and even love those with whom we disagree, we must nevertheless keep up our activism and prayers for the conversion of a world of hate into a world of love.  Seeking the common good of all people, especially those oppressed by the incorrect use of the United States Constitution and the Bible by well meaning individuals and now corporations is why Jesus Christ experienced his Epiphany.  As God manifests God's presence through a diversity of ways, may we be as open to expressing God's love in diverse and inclusive ways to make our nation and the Church a more welcoming and healing place for all.  Amen.

Prayers
  

Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last: Grant that your Church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Collect for Martin Luther King, Jr.  Holy Women, Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints, page 307).


O God, the Father 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).

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. (A Prayer Attributed to St. Francis, Book of Common Prayer, page 833).