Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost: Proper 21: Remember Your Good Things and Others Without

Luke 16:19-31 NRSV

Jesus said, "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.' But Abraham said, `Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.' He said, `Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house-- for I have five brothers-- that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' Abraham replied, `They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' He said, `No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, `If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"

Blog Reflection 

The words that catch my attention in this Gospel reading are: "Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things" (Luke 16:25).

This parable is one of those that is somewhere between making no sense, to one of the scariest Jesus told thus far.  It paints a picture through words of what heaven and hell might be like.  Or are we over interpreting Jesus and not seeing what He is telling us is in front of us in the here and now?

Abraham reminds the wealthy man of the good things he was given during his lifetime.  The wealthy man's situation in Hades is now opposite of Lazarus: and Lazarus is on the other side from the now miserable former rich man.  This story sounds a lot like those amazing words found in the Magnificat.  "[God] has cast the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly.  He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty" (Book of Common Prayer, p.119).

I think that Jesus is suggesting that we remember the good things all of us are given in the here and now: while not forgetting those who barely have the necessities of life.  In our day and age of economical inequality of those with wealth and power affecting the rest of us; whether we are middle class or at the bottom of the food chain of life.  This does not only apply to the matter of economics and poverty; it also applies to how we view ourselves in light of our relationship with God, vs others who may not share our views or opinions.  

 

Sister Joan Chittister in her book Illumination: Monastic Wisdom for Seekers of Light wrote,

 

Life is not perfect and people are not perfect. Only understanding and compassion--the ability to bear life with the rest of humanity, whatever burdens the bearing brings--perfect us.  When that concept gets lost in the name of religion, gets forgotten in the name of goodness, religion has gone awry and virtue has lost its meaning.  God is compassionate and gives us what we need.  No one can possibly be truly contemplative, truly in touch with the God-Life, truly infused by the spirit of God, who does nothing less for the sake of the other.

 

Contemplation is the mirror through which we come to touch the greatness of God, yes, but contemplation is also the filter through which we discern that scope of our smallness and the potential of our greatness.  The contemplative looks for perfection in nowhere but God.  The contemplative understands brokenness.  And, most of all, the contemplative realizes that it is precisely at the point of personal need that God comes to fill up the emptiness that is us.

 

If we are going to see clearly who God is, we must remember that we live in community with others.  Our relationship with God finds its holiness of life in our relationships with others; including and especially with those who are different from ourselves.  

 

I believe that Jesus is telling us this parable so that we may know that there is just as much heaven and hell for those who are poor as well as those who are rich.  What places us in heaven or hell is what we are doing with the good things we are given in the here and now.   When we remember the good things we are given, we need to remember those who are without such things and share from our abundance.

 

We are called to share the freedom of our lands with the immigrants who come to live here from their oppressive governments.  

 

We are called so seek the safety of every person who everyday face the threat of gun and racial violence.

 

We are called and empowered to give to LGBTQ people that piece of equality shared by those who are heterosexual, cis-gender and know who they are.

 

We are called to share our religious freedom with those who are in the prison of marginalization because they are Muslim, Jewish, Buddhism, Hindu and/or even atheist.  

 

How is God calling you to remember the good things you have, and how you can help others who are not so fortunate?

 

 

Prayers

 

O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing
mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we,
running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of
your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who
lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for
ever and ever. Amen.  (Proper 21, The Book of Common Prayer, p.234).

 

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

Fifth Sunday After Pentecost: Proper 7: Orlando, Prayer and Action

Today's Scripture Reading

1 Kings 19: 1-4, 8-15a

Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow." Then he was afraid; he got up and fled for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongs to Judah; he left his servant there.

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: "It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.  He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God. At that place he came to a cave, and spent the night there.

Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He answered, "I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away."

He said, "Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by." Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He answered, "I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away." Then the Lord said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus."

Blog Reflection

The horrifying and sad events of what took place in Orlando, Florida last weekend has left us all quite depressed, frightened and shaken.  The news that one gun user was able to enter a gay nightclub with an AR-15 rifle and gunned down 50+ people, killing 56 (I do not know if this number is completely correct, but I believe I am close) has gripped us all.  If the news of what happened has not left us feeling hopeless enough; the political commentary along with the usual no further action other than "thoughts and prayers for everyone killed or injured" from elected officials and church leaders can only drive us into a deeper despair. 

The inequality for LGBT people, Latinos and other minorities continues to challenge the heart of what being an Episcopalian and Christian is about.  The further work to use the attack that took place to slander Muslims and/or divide people against one another; leads us into more problems than working towards solutions.   

Among these and many other matters is the question of how can we send a strong but gentle message that resorting to violence and hate to solve our problems is the heart of what we are confronted with here?

This morning I listened to a wonderful radio commentary about the events in Orlando, Florida on State of the Belief Radio.  The program is entitled, "In the Wake of Orlando."   As part of the program, Bishop Gene Robinson remarked about how in Christianity, Judaism and Islam we have hate messages towards LGBT people written into our most our most Sacred Texts.  Those texts are the fuel for the ammunition of hate and violence when used to encourage LGBT people to hate themselves.  They are used carelessly and recklessly to rouse up a militant response to those they condemn.  Is it any wonder why LGBTQ people are just so turned off by any form of organized religion?   What can those of us who know the loving mercy of our God who loves every person for who they are, do to "uphold the dignity of every human being"?

I am using only the text from 1 Kings today, because I think it makes an important point.   

God is in the midst of chaos and turmoil.  God is not absent from what is happening in the midst of the grief and sadness of what happened in Orlando; just as God was present to Elijah.  

Elijah had an appointment with God.  Elijah had the worst coming at him with still worse more to eventually arrive.  God wanted to speak with him.  God may have moved in the wind, earthquake and fire; but the fullness of God for Elijah was not in those.  God was in the midst of a silence through which God spoke clearly, drawing Elijah into a gentle, yet convincing way as to what God wanted Elijah to do.   It helped him find the path that God wanted for his life; and he gained the courage and faith to go in the way God planned for him.

If we are to find our way from the violence, hate and disarray in the world, the Church and for a society of peace, justice and equality for all people; we must begin with listening to what God is saying through all of life.  Even the chaos, confusion and screaming that seems to drown all other voices out.  In the midst of what is happening, we must return to that "peace which is beyond all understanding", and know in our hearts the love of God in the Person of Jesus Christ for us and for every person.   We must live into what that love means for each of us, and base our actions moving forward from this tragedy to find the path that God would take us on.  And we must understand that violence of any kind is never the will of God.  Yet, as with the terrible tragedy of what happened on Good Friday came the glorious celebration of the Resurrection on Easter Day; so we must in faith and trust move forward to all the good things God will do in this and every tragedy we encounter.

Peace be unto all who enter here.

Amen.

Prayers

O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your
holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom
you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Proper 7, The Book of Common Prayer, p.230).

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

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn
but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the
strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that
all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of
Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and
glory, now and for ever. Amen. (Prayer for Peace, The Book of Common Prayer, p.815).

Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost: Proper 20: Silence, Listening and Community

Today's Scripture Readings

Jeremiah 11:18-20 (NRSV)

It was the LORD who made it known to me, and I knew;

then you showed me their evil deeds.

But I was like a gentle lamb

led to the slaughter.

And I did not know it was against me

that they devised schemes, saying,

"Let us destroy the tree with its fruit,

let us cut him off from the land of the living,

so that his name will no longer be remembered!"

But you, O LORD of hosts, who judge righteously,

who try the heart and the mind,

let me see your retribution upon them,

for to you I have committed my cause.

Psalm 54 (BCP., p.659)


James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a (NRSV)

Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.

Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

Mark 9:30-37 (NRSV)

Jesus and his disciples went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again." But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.

Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the way?" But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all." Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me."

Blog Reflection

Two of the most important hallmarks of Benedictine Monasticism is silence and listening.  If we take the word silent and change the letters around we will arrive at the word listen.  The purpose of silence and listening is not just for that sake of our personal selves.  It is also for the good of the whole Community.   In Chapter 6 of The Rule of St. Benedict, he writes about that just as it is important to keep silent about many good things, it is that much more important to keep our silence with things that are not so good.  After reading the above sentence, we can easily ask ourselves the question, "By what measure do we decide what is good and bad?"  It is easy to say that we use the Gospel alone, but each of us has a different understanding of what that means.

There is another author who wrote a lot about silence, speech and community.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his famous book Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community, wrote about what we say within community can be a reflection of who thinks they are the greatest or the least.  He also points out, the impact on community when when speak to one another, without listening more deeply to each other.   If we are not listening to one another, what kind of a reflection is it on how well we are listening to God?

Jesus finds Himself with these very issues and more in the exchange between the Disciples argument about who is the greatest or the least.  This argument is all tied up in not so much of who they are, but how they see themselves in relationship to God and each other.  Jesus' answer to all of this; is that as He did not come among us to declare Himself to be the greatest of all, only because of who He is; then those who claim to follow Him must be ready to serve others with the the same humility.  To give of ourselves in serving others, we become the Presence of Jesus in our world.

Christians of all sects, theological and social positions are in a battle of who's version of the Christian Faith is the greatest.  While Christians are doing this, those who really need to see the goodness of Christ in their lives are being left to wonder if it even exists.  The heart of who Jesus was/is is about serving the least among us so that the mercy and love of God can be a living reality for all Humankind.  These include the confused, the sick, the lonely, the marginalized, the dying, the ignorant and the arrogant.   It is about our relationships.  It is not about what we achieve for ourselves.  It is what we give to and for those who are wanting what others have in excess, while they can barely get their hands around a morsel.

Jesus challenges each of us to see and serve each other with respect for the dignity of every human person, and the nurturing of the Community of God's people.  This is a very difficult task.  It means that we must allow ourselves to be displaced by The Holy Spirit and redirected again and again in ways that are not completely comfortable, yet lead us through our opportunities for growth; to the ministry of healing and reconciliation.  The world needs Christians who live this life of Jesus. 

As politicians focus more on their campaigns, their billion dollar donors, and patronizing those who side with them and trashing those who don't; the real people and their needs for equal rights, personal safety, and a sense of belonging get brushed aside.  Today's Gospel invites all of us to be where the need for the unconditional and all-inclusive love of God brings hope with life-giving potential.

Are there any among us ready to fulfill the call of Jesus to serve the community, because we were silent long enough to listen for that call?

Amen.


Prayers

Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Proper 20, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 234).

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

Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you
all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us
to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick,
and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those
who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow
into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for
our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  (Prayer for The Poor and Neglected.  the Book of Common Prayer, p. 825).

St. Benedict: A Saint of Beginnings

Today's Scripture Readings

Proverbs 2:1-9 (NRSV)

My child, if you accept my words

and treasure up my commandments within you,

making your ear attentive to wisdom

and inclining your heart to understanding;

if you indeed cry out for insight,

and raise your voice for understanding;

if you seek it like silver,

and search for it as for hidden treasures--

then you will understand the fear of the LORD

and find the knowledge of God.

For the LORD gives wisdom;

from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;

he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;

he is a shield to those who walk blamelessly,

guarding the paths of justice

and preserving the way of his faithful ones.

Then you will understand righteousness and justice

and equity, every good path;

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


Luke 14:27-33 (NRSV)

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

Blog Reflection

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer

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

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Forgiveness is Authentic Freedom

Today's Scripture Readings

Genesis 50:15-21 (NRSV)

Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph's brothers said, "What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?" So they approached Joseph, saying, "Your father gave this instruction before he died, `Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.' Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father." Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also wept, fell down before him, and said, "We are here as your slaves." But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones." In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them.

Psalm 103 (BCP. p.733)


Romans 14:1-12 (NRSV)

Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God.

We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written,

"As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,

and every tongue shall give praise to God."

So then, each of us will be accountable to God.

Matthew 18:21-35 (NRSV)

Peter came and said to Jesus, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.

"For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, `Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, `Pay what you owe.' Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, `Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, `You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart."

Blog Reflection

The life of Joseph in the Book of Genesis was full of ups and downs like all of us.  Sold as a slave, yet, he had the ability to interpret dreams.  His abilities gave him a unique relationship with Pharaoh, to the point that after Pharaoh's death, Joseph rose to the throne.  The conversation between Joseph and his brothers in today's reading is enough for us to believe that reconciliation is possible.   All reconciliation needs is the humility to come to terms with what we have done and what we are willing to do to fix it.

Among the things that so many of us who are Caucasian cannot figure out is why African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asians and so forth are so weary of trust that Americans are really prepared to end racism.  Even well passed the time of President Abraham Lincoln when the thirteenth Amendment was passed and the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. America continues to hold that white people are superior.  The shooting and death of Trayvon Martin and now Michael Brown, along with the various slanderous statements made to and about President Barack Obama, show how racist Americans remain.   The many gains of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning people and their equal rights protections are a cause for celebration.   Yet, the tragic losses in terms of no actual immigration reform, equal rights for Native Americans who still cannot vote, African Americans and women fly in the face of what we are all about.   Joseph was able to forgive his brothers, because they were able to see the error of their ways.  If we are to see a better relationship with other races among us, we will have to recognize and seek reconciliation for the many ways in which we continue to deny equal rights to individuals because of their race.  Check out this article about 10 ways in which white people can fight racism. 

It is very interesting that the reading from Genesis, as well as the other optional reading from Exodus that have a connection to the subject of slavery.  It is interesting that these readings are included with the Gospel reading from Matthew.   These readings have two themes moving through them.  Interwoven within them is life has so many challenges that remain out of our hands.  Though we cannot control many of them, we can affect change in and through how we address them.  We can choose how much we allow what happens through the ignorance and/or full knowledge of others to affect our interior relationship between ourselves and our God.  We can also choose how much we allow what others do or do not do, to make a determination on how we will respond either in this moment or as we move forward.

Tomorrow, the Church will celebrate the transferred feast of The Holy Cross.  The death of Jesus Christ on the Cross granted us forgiveness of all our sins.  God in God's infinite love and mercy gave all of us the opportunity to be redeemed from all that keeps us from embracing our true vocation of divine daughters and sons.  We are also sisters and brothers in Christ, our Savior and Redeemer.  The parable in Matthew's Gospel reminds us that no matter how grave our sins and faults may be, God in Christ has forgiven us.   We are asked to respond with gratitude for that forgiveness, by seeking by the same grace through which we have been forgiven, to forgive others.   God is not unsympathetic to the struggles we have in forgiving others who have hurt us so deeply.  God is willing by God's mercy to aid us towards an authentic and transparent experience of that amazing grace that helped us to see, when we were blind. 

Forgive us, Lord as we forgive.  We have heard these words, sung them, and prayed them in the Lord's Prayer. We repeat them, because we are human. Today's Gospel reading tells us that authentic freedom comes because we forgive, and forgive, and forgive again.  May we never stop praying those words.

Amen.


Prayers

O God, because without you we are not able to please you,
mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct
and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.  (Proper 19.  The Book of Common Prayer, p. 233).

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted
high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to
himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery
of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and
follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.  (Collect for Holy Cross Day. The Book of Common Prayer, p. 244).

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.  The Book of Common Prayer, p. 816).

 

Sixth Sunday of Easter: If You Love Me

Today's Scripture Reading

John 14:15-21 (NRSV)

Jesus said to his disciples, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.

"I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them."

Blog Reflection

No!  Your eyes are not deceiving you.   I am only using the Gospel reading for this Sunday instead of the entire Lectionary.   I have had a very busy week behind me.   Tomorrow, I leave for the Spring Convocation of the Companions of St. Luke/Order of St. Benedict held at Conception Abbey in Missouri.   I have a full week ahead of me.  So, rather than write a blog on the whole Sunday Lectionary, I felt that using only the Gospel reading was the best way to go.

There are many things written in the Gospel of John that can be difficult to understand, put into action, put into a sermon or blog.  This Sunday's Gospel is not one of them.  Jesus is talking plain talk to those who are following Him with a clear and vital message.

Last Sunday, Jesus told us that the life that He lived is the way, the truth and the life guiding Christians to a meaningful way of living the life and words of Jesus.   They do not make Christianity the only true religion for all of humankind; but, for Christians and those who want to be good examples of Jesus and His holy life, know Him, His words are about our true relationship.    Now, in this Gospel that continues what Jesus began last Sunday, He tells us not just what the way, truth and life is, but how to live into it.  It is simply not enough to know the creeds backwards and forwards, or know every chapter and verse of the Bible by memory for the next hot theological debate.   The life that Jesus points us to, does not make us terribly popular or well liked; but, it is a life that loves very differently than how the world around us shows love.

The so called "love" of the world around us is based on what we can see, know and do.   How wealthy and powerful we can become.  It is a love that has as it's roots commercial and industrial development at the expense of the needs of the human person to the point of deciding whom do we include or exclude.  To love Jesus and to follow His commandments is to love others as He loves each one of us.  Jesus is God's love made to live in the Human Person, by loving God, our neighbor and ourselves inclusively and by seeking justice for all human persons.   It is a love that celebrates all love as being from God, so as to be directed to God through our love of others.   It is a love that is prepared to give of ourselves for the sake of others.   It is love shown by seeking healing and reconciliation where there is oppression, violence and prejudice.

This past week was an amazing week for the LGBT Communities.  The States of Oregon, Pennsylvania and Idaho saw rulings on the freedom to marry that gave same-sex couples the legal right to marry the person they love.   The one that I wish to focus on for a bit as part of this blog reflection on love, is Oregon.  

In his ruling that Oregon's Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage was unconstitutional, Judge Michael J. McShane wrote what I received was quite the Easter message at the end of his opinion and ruling.   He wrote:  "Where will all this lead?  I know many suggest that we are going down a slippery slope that will have no moral boundaries.  To those who truly harbor such fears, I can only say this: Let us look less to the sky to see what might fall; rather, let us look to each other....and rise."

I think that is what Jesus' message to us in the Gospel today is.  Rather than looking toward a heaven for more storms to come and show us how evil we are for supporting the equal opportunity to marry, let us look at LGBT couples, listen to the stories of their relationships and lives together and rise together with the Risen Christ, and in love, love Christ by loving each other.

Amen.


Prayers

O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good
things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such
love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above
all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we
can desire; 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, p.225).

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).

Twenty Sixth Sunday after Pentecost: The Christian Faith Is About Endings and New Beginnings

Today's Scripture Readings

Malachi 4:1-2a (NRSV)

See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings.

Psalm 98 (BCP., p. 727-728)


2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 (NRSV)

Now we command you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from believers who are living in idleness and not according to the tradition that they received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, and we did not eat anyone's bread without paying for it; but with toil and labor we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you. This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.

Luke 21:5-19 (NRSV)

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, Jesus said, "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down."

They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, `I am he!' and, `The time is near!' Do not go after them.

"When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

"But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls."

Blog Reflection

If you go to church this weekend, or came to read this blog looking for a warm fuzzy feeling, you are undoubtedly disappointed at this point.   What a set of depressing readings! 

I bet the people in the Philippines feel like all the stones of their civilization no longer stand together.   The terrible typhoon with it's winds, water and destruction have completely toppled any sense of hope for their future.  The photographs of the dead being buried are scary.

In just a few weeks we will already be at the first anniversary of the horrific shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.  The parents and whole community that have lived through this past year, have seen the old world slip away and a whole new one begin.  They can no longer take the peace they once enjoyed in their town for granted.  Or just assume their children going to school will safely return home.

A woman in Indiana who's life long partner lies in the hospital with a serious illness, has been denied her place next to her, because it is a Catholic hospital that will not recognize their relationship.  Their world is turned completely upside down.  And Christians are playing a role in it.  Where is the good news in that?

To appreciate what Jesus is telling everyone in today's Gospel, we might want to read a few verses before it.  Jesus was questioned about the resurrection, paying taxes to the Emperor, and saw a widow offer her last savings in the temple treasury.  Jesus is also aware of the relationship between the Roman Empire and the Jewish people.   The times were not exactly full of stability and promises for a brighter future.

What we must consider is that Luke's Gospel was written well after these events including the destruction of Jerusalem and Herod's Temple in 70 A.D.  The contributors to Luke would have known about what happened years earlier and were telling the story by way of the oral tradition.  Having said that, these stories are being told in the after thought.   In many ways Marcus Borg is correct, we really do not know the historical Jesus before the Resurrection.  Yet, these readings from Sacred Scripture are not without their message for us in 2013.

Almighty God does not promise us a Christian life without endings and new beginnings.  God also does not commit to a life for Christians without the pains of life and death, before we experience the Resurrection.  In Christ, God tells us the most important message we need to hear.  There is no suffering that we are experiencing now and will experience in which God is absent from us in the Person of Jesus Christ, God's perfect revelation of Self.  Though we will experience great evils in our lives, many of them catastrophic beyond description, God walks with us through it, weeping with us, hoping for us and meeting us at the point of our need.  Christianity is a relationship with God, by which the old order of things slip away and a new one that brings about the Reign of Christ in our world begins.  Each day as we begin again, is a new opportunity to face our many life's challenges in the company of Jesus receiving God's compassion and loving guidance.

I continue to believe that many of the things that happen like the Typhoon in the Philippines, the horrific gun violence, the religious based discrimination towards women, LGBTQ and others are not God's will.  I do believe,  however, that God does work God's will in our lives through them,  Through them God challenges us to put our faith in Christ and the Holy Spirit to help us to mature in God's grace and commit to the common good of others around us.   When the worst happens to us, God gives us the choice to stay in a place of misery and false guilt, or follow Christ and give the Spirit the opportunity to sanctify us through healing and reconciliation.   We are also given the opportunity to use our pain and anguish to benefit others who experience injustice, oppression and hopelessness.  

Think of the many people who rose up after HIV/AIDS became a living reality and took the lives of so many people.  The sadness and grief of loss got many loving people to work to establish agencies to work on advocacy, prevention and research that led to medicines so that those who live with HIV/AIDS might live healthier and longer lives.  

How many women have worked for a greater awareness of the horrible affects of breast cancer?  More than we can name or number.  That many more continue to work for research and development of treatments for women affected by the disease.

Look at the work of Harvey Milk and how he changed the direction of people becoming involved in the equal rights for LGBTQ people.   We have seen other heroic activists religious and civil who have changed the laws in now sixteen states to grant the legal freedom to marry.  There are now that many more people who read a story like the couple in Indiana with grave concern for both partners.  An old age of settling for such discrimination on the grounds of "religious belief" has been giving way to a new world, where we condemn the outrageous violence in Russia and else where with deep concern.

Next week is already the Feast of Christ the King.  The Liturgical Year is coming to a close.  This is not the time to just sit down to our big feasts and pretend our work is finished.  Our work for equality, justice and peace is only taking on additional tasks and priorities.  Our work that includes prayer, silence, and work on behalf of others must be given some new vitality and purpose over these next weeks.  The advancement of the true Reign of Christ of inclusion, justice and equality must continue through the devotion and vocation of Christians committed no matter what end they may face.

How is God calling us to be part of an old world order ending and a new one beginning?

Amen.


Prayers

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for
our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn,
and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever
hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have
given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Proper 28, Book of Common Prayer, p.236).

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).

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

Psalm Meditation: Psalm 122:9 Because of God's House, I Will Do You Good.

Psalm 122:9 in the Book of Common Prayer, p.780

Because of the house of the LORD our God,
  I will seek to do you good.

These words struck me in an interesting way when I prayed them as part of Midday Prayer (or Diurnum as it is also called) today.   They speak of something very profound when it comes to our relationship with God, in others.   I believe it is imperative to look upon others as being a house of the LORD our God.  

Over the many years, magnificent Cathedrals and church buildings have been built and maintained.  They are rightly referred to as the house of God.  Some refer to them as temples for the Lord.  Within the walls of such buildings is a space where God is present in silence to speak to the soul through various pieces of architecture, art work, music and various symbols.

Matthew 25: 31-46 and the verse from Psalm 122:9 are talking about the house of the LORD our God that is in each of us.   The sacred space that is the heart and soul of the human person.  In spiritual language the heart and soul represents the whole of a person.  Not just the internal organ from which blood is pumped in and out, giving life to the body.  In the heart and soul of a human person is the life and breath of the Holy Spirit providing continual communion with God.  Therein lies the essence of the "sacred vessel" that Esther de Waal wrote about in her book A Life-Giving Way: A Commentary on the Rule of St. Benedict.  

In The Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 64 entitled The Election of an Abbot, he writes about the kind of man who should be considered to be Abbot.  In addition to the monk's spirituality and overall good character, Benedict warns about what kind of disciplinarian the Abbot should be.  Beginning with verse 11 Benedict writes: 

He must hate faults but love the brothers.  When he must punish them, he should use prudence and avoid extremes; otherwise, by rubbing too hard to remove the rust, he may break the vessel. 

Esther de Waal writes in her commentary:

In using that image of the person as a vessel, he (Benedict) is saying something incarnational. Is he not telling us that each person is a Eucharistic vessel? (p.214).

I think the challenge here is to view each person as a vessel, a house of the LORD, our God, and because of that, we must do good for the human person.   An individuals immigration status, race, religion, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, employment status, wealth status, health condition, ability to work or not work, language etc, should not be used by us to determine how we treat an individual who is a vessel, a house of the LORD, our God.   On the contrary, such should be the very reason why we must reverence, care for and respect all persons.   It is precisely because each person is a Eucharistic vessel, a house of God that we must continue the word of justice, inclusion and equality for all people.  Ending violence, oppression, prejudice and malice for all people is more than about liberating people.  It is about striving for peace and justice within the house of the LORD our God that is every human person.

Amen.

Prayer

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).

Ascension Day: Celebration, Displacement and Hope

Today's Scripture Readings

Acts 1:1-11 (NRSV)

In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. "This," he said, "is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" He replied, "It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."

Psalm 47 (BCP. p.650)


Ephesians 1:15-23 (NRSV)

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Luke 24:44-53 (NRSV)

Jesus said to his disciples, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you-- that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

Blog Reflection

The Ascension for me has always been one of bitter sweet.   The bitterness of Jesus leaving us forty days after His Resurrection.  Why couldn't you have stayed with us, Lord Jesus, as we prayed for you to stay?   The sweetness is found in the answer Jesus gave us in John 16: 7-13a.

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgement: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgement, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.

‘I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 

Jesus also goes to the right hand of God the Father, taking our wounded humanity in His crucifixion, perfected in His resurrected body, before the throne of God to intercede for us.  All of our brokenness is before God through the timeless intercession of Jesus Christ our only "mediator and advocate" (1 Timothy 2:5).

The Ascension is a day of celebration, displacement and hope.

We celebrate Christ taking up His throne in heaven. Jesus Christ has completed his mission in the work of salvation. Now He goes to God to send us the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.  Jesus Christ reigns on high with Angels, Cherubim and Seraphim serving Him in worship and adoration in the Holy Trinity.

The disciples however, experienced a great displacement.  A displacement from having Jesus alive and with them.  A displacement that leaves them wondering what comes next. They have heard Jesus' words in John's Gospel, but as we have seen before, they are quick to hear, but slow to understand.  The sense of displacement leaves them confused, lonely and wondering what to do.  The angel in Acts is almost no help.  They stand there gazing in to heaven, because their best friend just left them for a better place.  They want the heavens to open up and Jesus returns right that moment. Who wouldn't want it that way?   However, it is in displacement, that God does God's best work in and through us. That is what is about to happen on Pentecost.  But, for the time being they have to settle for being displaced.

Displacement is a good place for Christians to be.  It is from a place of displacement that we as a Christian Community can learn trust in God, as well as be open to what God does next.

I have been thinking a lot about displacement since I read a terrific chapter on the subject in the book entitled Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life by Henri J.M. Nouwen, Donald P. McNeil and Douglas A. Morrison. 

Many Christians have the disillusion that Community is about a cozy, warm and non-confrontational existence.   No change is necessary.   As long as we have our favorite pew, sing our favorite hymns and we use the most modern forms of worship to make us comfortable, we are creating a Christian Community.   However, the Christian Community of the Church cannot exist in an atmosphere of static, stoic and being abstract.  It must become a living, breathing and ever changing entity.

As the Church continues to move towards equality, inclusion and acceptance of all people, the resistance we are experiencing is due to the displacement many are experiencing with the changes.   If we have been taught to take the Bible literally in terms of homosexuality, then the moves by church groups and States across the Country to legalize the freedom to marry for LGBT people is a major displacement.  It means becoming unsettled for them, and learning to adapt is no easy task.   We must remember our own displacement when we came out, and had to re-establish our own lives around a new understanding of ourselves.  We were displaced.  Just as those who embrace the anti side are experiencing displacement.  The displacement in and of itself is a wonderful thing.  However, moving Christians to acceptance of displacement and seeing it as an opportunity for growth, takes a great deal of doing.  The resistance to displacement is no reason to discontinue educating people about why ending heterosexism, racism, religious based discrimination, violence and oppression is so very important. 

In his Prayer to Christ, St. Anselm of Canterbury prayed: "Most merciful Lord, turn my lukewarmness into a fervent love for you...."  Displacement is one of the ways by which God answers that prayer.  By displacing us from ideas and beliefs we previously had, and allowing God to remake us into more mature followers of Christ.  When we think of ourselves as settled Christians, we become lukewarm by not allowing the Holy Spirit to move us towards conversion and renewal.   Displacement put into the hands of God in prayer, gives God that opportunity to transform displacement into a fervent love of Christ in all people.

In the Ascension we have hope on the other side of displacement.  In Christ is our hope that the Holy Spirit will come and lead us into all truth.  One of the dangers that Christians must avoid and end, is believing that we have God all figured out. The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth. The moment we become complacent in our spiritual and communal life, we are no longer a growing organism.  We become a withered and useless weed.  The Holy Spirit wants to continually refresh us with the living water that is Jesus Christ, to help us reach out to one another in charity and love. To see in each other the presence of Christ, so as to practice radical hospitality, to foster healing and reconciliation.   The hope we find in Jesus Christ, becomes the hope of all humankind as we become His living Body, the Church.

St. Teresa of Avila wrote in her famous prayer:
Christ has no body now, but yours.
No hands, no feet on earth, but yours.
Yours are the eyes through which He looks
with compassion on this world.
Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good.
Yours are the hands, with which He blesses all the world.
You are His Body.

May the Ascension bring us all celebration, while we embrace displacement and look to Christ as our hope.

Come, Holy Spirit, come.

Amen.


Prayers

Almighty God, whos blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ
ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things:
Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his
promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end
of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory
everlasting. Amen. (Collect for Ascension Day, Book of Common Prayer, p. 226).


O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior,
the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the
great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away
all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us
from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body
and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith,
one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all
of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth
and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and
one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. (Prayer for the Unity of the Church, Book of Common Prayer, p. 818).

Sixth Sunday of Easter: Peace, Compassion and Community Gospel Style

Today's Scripture Readings

Acts 16:9-15 (NRSV)

During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.


We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home." And she prevailed upon us. 

Psalm 67 (BCP., 675)


Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5 (NRSV)

In the spirit the angel carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God.

I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. Its gates will never be shut by day-- and there will be no night there. People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

 

John 14:23-29 (NRSV)

Jesus said to Judas (not Iscariot), "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.

"I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, `I am going away, and I am coming to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe."

Blog Reflection

This past week we witnessed major victories for LGBT couples and families as Rhode Island became the final State in New England to pass marriage equality.  Bills to grant the freedom to marry are now in the Minnesota State Legislature and Delaware.  They are small steps forward, but, important steps.  More and more people are understanding that regardless of one's religious beliefs and/or affiliations, it is not proper to use the Civil Governments of States to deny the freedom to marry for LGBT people.  Yet, as more States move forward and people evolve on this issue, organizations such as the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) continue to use religion and the whole "religious freedom" thing as their weapon of choice as a reason to deny the freedom to marry.  Just after Rhode Island's Governor signed the marriage equality bill into law, NOM made some silly statement that "People of faith are being ghettoized."  

We also saw Jason Collins, the first NBA basketball player come out as a gay.  Following his coming out, Chris Broussard on ESPN gave the standard Christianist response, suggesting that Jason Collins is now living in sin.  A channel that is suppose to be about the competition of professional sports became a vehicle for erroneous Biblical interpretations to be used to justify prejudice.  David Person offered his own commentary in USA Today reminding ESPN that the NBA is not a theocracy, and that Broussard's opinions are just opinions, and not every Christian agrees with Broussard's opinions about LGBT people, including Collins who is also a Christian.

On a completely different front, the Native Americans in the area of the Wounded Knee Massacre where many of those who were slaughtered, are concerned because a land owner is trying to sell their sacred land for a profit.  A people who to this day still have not been granted their full rights, and are oppressed, continue to experience tragedy and horror.   When will it all end? 

All of these events have something in common.  They show Christians making progress, and yet being held back.  There are doors opening for the Church to continue our Apostolic ministry of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ through striving for peace and justice among all people, and respecting the dignity of every human person.   Yet, we also see examples of the Gospel being used as an excuse for cruel language and behavior that is so contrary to who Jesus Christ is and was.  There is a real need for a Gospel understanding of peace and compassion to become the means by which we do our ministry.

Every one of us, including myself is attracted to what the word peace means in modern culture.  Peace is that thing we all want.  No more wars, gun violence, street gangs, rape etc.  We want that peace that lets us be safe in the streets of our cities and neighborhoods.   We want a peace that is passive, one that does not disturb us, but lets us lock ourselves up in our own small world with our ideals, decisions and comfort zones.

The peace and compassion that Jesus speaks of in today's Gospel is the kind of peace that calls us to put the love of God, neighbor and self before all else.  It is a peace based on loving one another as Christ loves us, as we heard in last weeks Gospel.  It is a peace that will bring us face to face before the Cross on which Jesus suffered and died for the sins of the world, to carry our own crosses in our daily life, work and relationships.  The peace and compassion that is based on the Gospel is about allowing ourselves to be displaced as Christ was, to the point of living a life of service on behalf of God towards others in need.

The kind of peace and compassion that Jesus offers us, is not based on individualism.  Though it can certainly do a lot for us as individuals.  The peace and compassion offered to us is the kind that is expressed through community.  Community in which there is acceptance of each other, the willingness to struggle together through our opportunities for growth, and a sincere desire to serve one another in humility.  The very humility through which Jesus Christ "though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death--even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:6-8 NRSV).

In just a few days we will celebrate the Ascension of Christ.  That moment when Jesus took our wounded humanity to the right hand of the throne of God, where He intercedes on our behalf.   As God accepts our broken humanity through Christ, and continually pours out God's grace and mercy upon all humankind, we need to respond to all of that with the willingness to serve others in God's Name.   It doesn't mean doing everything. It means doing what God calls us to do in our communities where the Holy Spirit is constantly displacing us, and calling us to serve Christ in one another.  It means being open to learning that no discrimination or violence is ever the will of God.   And, responding to prejudice and cruelty with a call to work for the justice, inclusion and equality for all people.

Amen.

Prayers

O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good
things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such
love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above
all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we
can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Collect for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Book of Common Prayer, p. 225).


Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, "Peace I give to
you; my peace I leave with you:" Regard not our sins,
but the faith of your Church, and give to us the peace and
unity of that heavenly city, where with the Father and the
Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and for ever. Amen. (Collect for Peace, Book of Common Prayer, p.107).


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, BCP p.815)

The First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Today's Scripture Readings

Isaiah 43:1-7 (NRSV)

Thus says the Lord,

he who created you, O Jacob,

he who formed you, O Israel:

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;

when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,

and the flame shall not consume you.

For I am the Lord your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

I give Egypt as your ransom,

Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you.

Because you are precious in my sight,

and honored, and I love you,

I give people in return for you,

nations in exchange for your life.

Do not fear, for I am with you;

I will bring your offspring from the east,

and from the west I will gather you;

I will say to the north, "Give them up,"

and to the south, "Do not withhold;

bring my sons from far away

and my daughters from the end of the earth--

everyone who is called by my name,

whom I created for my glory,

whom I formed and made."

Psalm 29 (BCP., p.620)


Acts 8:14-17 (NRSV)

When the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (NRSV)

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."

Blog Reflection

I would like to begin by pointing out the similarity between the First Sunday after the Epiphany which appears two weeks and five days after Christmas, and Pentecost Sunday.   They are both point us to the Third Person of the Trinity: The Holy Spirit.  They also display another comparison that we might want to pay attention to.  They both talk about the intimate connection between Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and a defining moment in Salvation History.

The Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ appears to be a turning point in the revelation of God.  Jesus who's Epiphany we celebrated last Sunday with the visit of the Magi, now shows another manifestation.   Jesus was no ordinary guy taking a bath.  He was the fulfillment of the promise of God.   Such a fulfillment would not conclude with this revelation of God in Christ. On the contrary, would be one of many narratives of God becoming tangible, while still remaining mysterious.

Though the reading from Isaiah has it's own context and history which should not be disregarded, it does shed some light on Jesus' Baptism and what that would mean for those who would follow in his footsteps.    In the reading, the Second Isaiah is drawing from the historical significance of Israel's redemption through the Red Sea.   He is recognizing that in the midst of hardships and disappointments, we tend to forget that God has acted on our behalf in the past, and is still present now.   Though God is doing something new in the here and now, we need not cling to what is behind us completely, but, we must place our hands in God's and move forward.  We must move forward with God, even though we are approaching what is unfamiliar and what most disturbs us.  Stability in God is about being true to where God is leading us, even if it challenges and/or changes what we have previously understood.

In his sermon on the Baptism of Christ, Saint Maximus of Turin wrote:

I understand the mystery [of Christ's Baptism] as this.  The column of fire went before the people of Israel through the Red Sea so that they could follow their brave journey; the column went first through the waters to prepare a path for those who followed.  As the Apostle Paul said, what was accomplished then was the mystery of Baptism.  Clearly it was Baptism in a certain sense when the cloud was covering the people and bringing them through the water.

But Christ the Lord does all these things:  in the column of fire he went through the sea before the people of Israel; so now, in the column of his body, he goes through Baptism before the Christian people.  At the time of the Exodus the column provided light for the people who followed; now it gives light to the hearts of believers. Then it made a firm pathway through the waters; no it strengthens the footsteps of faith in the bath of Baptism. (Liturgy of the Hours, Volume I, Advent and Christmas Seasons. p.613).  

In the reading from Acts we see an intimate connection between Baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit.   From a Sacramental point of view, we can see the relationship between Baptism and Confirmation.   On a spiritual level, the grace of God through the waters of Baptism that cleanses us from sin and makes us part of the family of God, is later Confirmed by that same magnificent grace through the Apostolic ministry empowered by the Holy Spirit.  As is the case in our Baptismal Covenant on page 416 and 417 that grace is bestowed upon us, but not without our own commitment to Christ and the Church, which includes the love of neighbor and striving fore peace and justice among all people, and that we respect the dignity of every human being.   This commitment is not something we take upon our own accord, but we ascent to do so, with God's help.

How do we look to God's help to fulfill our Baptismal Covenant?   How do we love our neighbors and respect the dignity of every human being?

We have witnessed some very powerful events over this past month about how wealth and power are far more important to many, than upholding the dignity of human life.   When it is impressed upon us that it is much more urgent to address the issue of violence on video games, but not reduce the large number of assault weapons and high clip magazines in the hands of those who threaten the well-being of all of us, it is clear that life and dignity are not a priority.   When Christianists continue to use violent rhetoric towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, individuals of different races, classes, cultures and religions, and Christians do not question but accept that kind of thing, our Baptismal Covenant does really mean more than a ritual we do not pay attention to.

As Jesus approached John to be Baptized, the question arises: If Jesus was without sin, why did he need to be Baptized? 

William Barclay in his book: The New Daily Study Bible: The Gospel of Luke gives us some food for thought. 

For Jesus the emergence of John was God's call to action; and his first step was to identify himself with the people in their search for God.

But in Jesus' Baptism something happened.  Before he could take this tremendous step he had to be shure that he was right; and in the moment of Baptism God spoke to him.  Make no mistake, what happened in the Baptism was an experience personal to Jesus.  The voice of God came to him and told him that he had taken the right decision.  But more--far more--that very same voice mapped out all his course for him.

God said to him, 'You are my beloved Son;  with you I am well pleased'.......The Baptism shows us Jesus asking for God's approval and receiving the destiny of the Cross (p.45,46).

As the Holy Spirit confirms Jesus and the voice of God declares him as God's beloved, and approves and gives him a destiny, so does God do for us.   Like Jesus who has the cross as that destiny, so do we.   The Cross which will call on us to surrender our prejudices and selfishness for God's will in others who are different from ourselves.   In other words, once we are given the destiny of the Cross, we also have the hope of the resurrection; meaning, new life.   A life by which the power of the Holy Spirit is unleashed so that She can move on our hearts and the hearts of others to end violence, oppression and the marginalization in society and the Church. 

We are challenged here to recognize others as God's beloved in Christ.  Whether they share our religious point of view or not.  Whether they share our sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression or not.  Our race, cultural background, physical/mental challenge, language, wealth status, economic status do not make us any less beloved of God.   If we are to live up to the promise in our Baptismal Covenant, then with God's help we must recognize in all persons, including ourselves, God's beloved, with whom God is well pleased.

Amen.


Prayers

Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River
Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him
with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his
Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly
confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy
Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.  (Collect for the First Sunday after the Epiphany, Book of Common Prayer, p. 214).


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).