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).

Easter Day: Rise Again with Christ As Easter People

Today's Scripture Readings

Acts 10:34-43 (NRSV)

Peter began to speak to Cornelius and the other Gentiles: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ--he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (NRSV) 


1 Corinthians 15:19-26 (NRSV)

If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

John 20:1-18 (NRSV)

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, `I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Blog Reflection 

Alleluia.  Christ is risen.

The Lord is risen indeed.  Alleluia.

God has shown us in Christ that there is no power that can keep God from loving us.  Saint Paul in his letter to the Romans wrote,

"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39 NRSV).

The Easter event is a difficult one for our human minds to take hold of.  We live in a world where death and violence claim the lives of countless people every day.  We were all horrified by the violence that occurred in Brussels this week.  We continue to live in our communities, schools, theaters and public buildings fearing the next sting of gun violence may be right next to us.  The language and rhetoric used by our political candidates bombards our senses and confuses us as to what we are actually voting for.

The scene of Jesus' Crucifixion took place in a time and culture where violence, enslavement and conquest was the theme of everyday life.  Hundreds of people had been crucified by the Roman Empire as a way to punish those who would attempt to rebel against what was considered then, the greatest empire in the world.  As far as the Roman Empire was concerned, all of the world belonged to Rome.  

We can understand what Mary Magdalene must have been feeling on seeing that the tomb was empty.  Jesus' Disciples ran to see only linens and an empty tomb with the stone rolled away.  Mary's tears and wondering where Jesus was, left her vulnerable for God to do wondrous things for her.  The Risen Christ comes to her and she enters into the contemplative experience.  She is recognized for who she is by the Risen Christ, and knows His love for her is intimate and complete. 

In the Resurrection, Jesus turns all of the violence into an opportunity to defeat even death with unconditional and all-inclusive love.  Jesus did not stop violence, death or oppression.  In His Death and Resurrection, Jesus set us free to rise up as Easter people and become God's agents to speak up for those who have no voice.  We are able to call on the leaders of the Church and society to focus on those who are marginalized without the means to live their lives with dignity and equality.  The Paschal Mystery ends all reasons to scapegoat the poor and neglected to serve the ambitions of the wealthy and powerful.

Christians also need a resurrection to be Easter People.  Christianity does not hold a monopoly on truth.  The Christian Faith with our many elements of what being a Christian is about, holds for Christians the truth that Jesus Christ came to redeem the world so that God's love for all people may be made transcendent.  Our Creeds, Scriptures and Sacraments are not an excuse to be a people of supercessionism.  Other religions such as Judaism and Islam are not lost to damnation because they do not share our belief in who Jesus was or is.  The Resurrection is our reason to be love others by honoring individuals of other religions, sexual orientations, genders, gender identities/expressions, etc. by "striving for peace and justice" and "respecting the dignity of every human person." 

As we gather with our families, church communities and friends to celebrate this Easter Day, let us pray for one another that we rise with Christ as Easter People.  May we see the challenges around us as opportunities to live into God's mission for our lives.  May we leave behind our sense of certainty and embrace the Holy Spirit's call to move forward to where God wants us to be.

Alleluia.  Christ is risen.

The Lord is risen indeed.  Alleluia. 

Amen.

Prayer

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus
Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of
everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the
day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death
of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, now and for ever. Amen.  (The Book of Common Prayer, p.222).

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. (The Book of Common Prayer, p.823).

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: A Messy Story

Today's Scripture Readings

Isaiah 9:2-7 (NRSV)

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness--
on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. 

Psalm 98 (BCP., p.727).


Titus 3:4-7 (NRSV)

When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Luke 2:1-20 (NRSV)

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

John 1: 1-14 (NRSV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 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 of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.

Blog Reflection

It happens every December the 25th.  We as Christians celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  Each year we read and hear the beautiful Scripture texts about Mary, Joseph and Jesus and the Word made Flesh from St. John's Gospel.  We gather to sing beautiful Christmas Carols and hear Lessons read.  Our churches are beautifully adorned with wreaths, greens, candles, lights and (hopefully) a beautiful creche displaying the scene at Bethlehem.  We gather with our families and friends.  We make phone calls.  We wrap gifts.  We post our holiday greetings on Facebook and Twitter.  People like myself write blogs.  As Christians we adorn and adore the Christ child as we recall how He was born through the womb of Mary, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger.

Every year, I marvel at how peaceful Christmas Day is for us, while in various places in the country and our world this day is anything but peaceful and joyous.  Way too many children and families live in poverty.  Our neighborhoods are riddled with news of gun violence and racial prejudice.  Each day and year, families are torn asunder by religious fundamentalists who have to use this Christmas Day to plaster the holiday dinner conversations with Scripture verses erroneously used to condemn lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning people, families and couples.  The same folks use the Bible as a weapon of mass destruction on health care reform, why we should not accept the Syrian refugees on the basis that they are Muslims, on women and many other minorities that could be mentioned.  Somewhere in some home, the conversations will include the condemnation of immigrants and the whole notion of helping our neighbors in need as Jesus taught us to do in Matthew 25: 21-46 is being thrown aside as being an example of socialism.

The fact of the matter is, the arrival of the Christ Child is a messy story.  There was no room for them in the inn.  Rose from The Golden Girls was right.  They should have called ahead to make reservations.  Too bad God didn't give them a cellphone.  Maybe there was no signal on the one they had.  What the story tells us, is that God comes to us as one like us, as one so vulnerable with only a manger to lay his new born human body.  The world around Him and the Holy Family was a mess.  The people of Israel were under enormous oppression from King Herod and the Roman Empire.  The religious establishment of the times were in turmoil with leaders who were more interested in their power of the people they served, than remembering that the heart of the Law is about mercy and justice for all people.  The message of the Nativity is a messy story.  There was no glittering lights, except a star.  No joyful singing with the exception of Angels who greeted the shepherds singing, Glory to God in the highest.  The glory of the moment was that God entered our human chaos; bringing the Light of God into our darkness and walking with us in that darkness.  "If I say, "Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light around me turn to night,"  Darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to you are both alike." (Psalm 139:10-11, BCP, p.794).

Whatever mess your life is in.  Wherever you feel chaos, injustice, oppression, discrimination, powerlessness and/or loneliness.  Whether it is the death of a parent, a child, a spouse, anyone that you love or the loss of a meaningful relationship.  Whether it is an addiction or behavior that you feel like you have no control over.  Whether you feel like no one loves you or cares that you are hurting.  Know that God came to all of us in Christ Jesus into our messes and chaos to tell us that "God is with us, Emmanuel." (See Matthew 1:18-23).  All that matters to God, is that you know that you are loved by the God who loves us in Christ Jesus, His Beloved Son, our Lord.  He is Lord not as a slave owner as some suggest the word means.  Jesus is Lord in that He is the source of God's unconditional and all-inclusive love who will raise you up not unlike the symbol of the Phoenix.

May all of us embrace one another in this Christmas Season.  May we be the light in the midst of the darkness for the world around us.  May we be consoled and renewed by the Light who is born for us; the Incarnate Word.  His Name is Jesus the Christ.

Amen.


Prayers

O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth
of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully
receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence
behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 212)

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the
brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known
the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him
perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he
lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 212)

Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to
take our nature upon him, and to be born [this day] of a pure
virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made
your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed
by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom
with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and
for ever. Amen.  (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 213).

Almighty God, who created us in your image: Grant us
grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace
with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom,
help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our
communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy
Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Prayer for Social Justice, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 260).

Second Sunday of Advent: Who Will Prepare a New Way for God?

Today's Scripture Readings

Malachi 3: 1-4 (NRSV)

See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight-- indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?

For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the LORD in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years.

Canticle 16 (BCP., p.92)


Philippians 1:3-11 (NRSV)

I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God's grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

Luke 3:1-6 (NRSV)

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,

"The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:

'Prepare the way of the Lord,

make his paths straight.

Every valley shall be filled,

and every mountain and hill shall be made low,

and the crooked shall be made straight,

and the rough ways made smooth;

and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"

Blog Reflection

John the Baptist is an important figure during the Season of Advent.  John the Baptist represents desert spirituality, strong social justice preaching and prophecy.  He is so close to God by what he has given up that he is absorbed in contemplative prayer.  John the Baptist can see so many injustices going on around him, and he can speak to all of them as a prophetic witness to what God is bringing in the Person of Jesus Christ.

These past two weeks have been so full of violent news.  The horrible shooting in San Bernardino is another statistic added to the growing number of horrific incidents of gun violence.  What happened not long ago in Paris, France and here in the States, has brought about a surge of islamophobia accompanied by stereo types designed to denigrate those who practice the Muslim Faith.  We continue to see attitudes of heterosexism, and sexism in many parts of our society.  Racism and the refusal to be a welcoming country for those seeking refuge from oppression.  All of these things and many more that we could mention suggest a deep hunger for a vision of God that is not violent, judgmental; but, full of compassion and grace.

St. John the Baptist arrived on the scene with a call to prepare for the new way that God wanted to bring in Christ's Nativity.  It is an era in which every human person's dignity is upheld and the Reign of God is one that is inclusive; while seeking healing and reconciliation.

As Christians today, we are called in the here and now to make a new way in which God will speak to a different generation of how the Holy Spirit anoints all of us to the tasks that are before us.  We can no longer pretend that the Christian Faith is nothing more than quoting Bible verses to prove a political point.  Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the love that He brought at His Nativity, is about being present in all of the messiness of the world as it is, and being the prophetic witnesses that call for real change in the Church and society.  We do not call for it by words and good speeches only, but by living with a genuine devotion to the work of God that shapes how we live and relate with each other.   If Christians will only share the message of Christ by our actions and interactions with God's people that are beyond the doors of our churches; the Christian Faith would inspire people of all generations to become Christians, as opposed to turning people away by nonsense that does no one any good.  It will highlight the goodness of all human kind by disarming oppression, violence and prejudice.  The world will see the Word made flesh, because God impacts the world through Christ present in us and each other.

What does John the Baptist represent for you?

How do you see your role in preparing a way for God?

In what way are you being called and empowered to be a prophetic witness in your daily life?

St. Benedict offers his thoughts in the Prologue of The Rule, while borrowing from Sacred Scripture.  "Run while you have the light of life, that the darkness of death may not overtake you. (RB 1980, p.16, John 12:35).

Amen.


Prayers

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to
preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation:
Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins,
that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our
Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (Collect for the Second Sunday of Advent, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 211).

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).

First Sunday of Advent: A New Beginning with Plenty of Problems

Today's Scripture Readings

Jeremiah 33:14-16 (NRSV)

The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: "The LORD is our righteousness."

Psalm 25:1-9 (BCP., p.614)


1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 (NRSV)
 

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

 

Luke 21:25-36 (NRSV)

Jesus said, "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

"Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Blog Reflection

My Mother passed away last Sunday at 3:25am.  During the last five days of her life, I was able to spend some very precious time with her.  We made peace with each other.  When she died, I was happy for her that she was and is at peace.  It was also a very sad moment for me.  The woman who had given birth to me, nurtured me and helped me all her life had died at least physically.  One of the things I found myself saying to her after she passed, was that all of the times she called and I felt like she was disturbing me; I wanted her to disturb me one more time. I can no longer call to ask her advice.  I now have to rely on God and those who love me to help me at those moments when I might have asked my Mother to help me.  You might say that when my Mom's earthly pilgrimage ended, her new life with God began.  My own life, however, has been changed forever.

The First Sunday of Advent is the moment when the former Liturgical Calendar Year ends, and a new one begins.  Yet, what makes it seem like an extension of the former year, is that the new year begins with Scripture readings that continue the theme of awaiting the second coming.  The most recognizable difference is that we are now reading from the Gospel of Luke. 

Every year on the First Sunday of Advent, we hear from the Gospel to be alert, stay awake for the hour is drawing near.  We are told to stay alert because new things are coming.  A transformation that will impact everyone's lives in a way that we could not have imagined.  It symbolizes a new beginning.  Yet, with every new beginning, the problems that have been with us before are just as relevant in the here and now.

We have heard many horrible accounts of what happened in Paris.  We have also been reading of how many Governors of any number of states saying that they will not receive refugees from Syria.  Among the reasons is that they suspect that the refugees are part of a radical group of Islamic terrorists.  Just this week, while we are pausing to give thanks, a gunman opened fire by a Planned Parenthood clinic in Denver, Colorado.  These and many more incidents tell us that while our world is advancing, many of the problems that humankind and even the Church has endured, are still happening today.  There may be different groups of people, with many scapegoats among them.  But, the attitudes of prejudice and supporting oppression of the weak, the lonely and those who are already affected by life's worst woes, are all there.  Until or unless we put our trust in God and open our hearts to allowing the Holy Spirit to do new things in our lives; we will continue to dwell in the grotesque mud in which we are living.

On this First Sunday of Advent, Jesus promises us the opportunity to see Him in His great power and glory.  We are offered a vision of Jesus in a state of pouring the Grace of God into all humankind through a new heaven and a new earth.  A state of existence in which there is only the love, peace and hope that comes from God alone.  It comes with a willingness to let go of our past and embrace God's Grace in the here and now, as we await the promise of God in the future.

We begin Advent with a reflection of hope.  The hope that leads us to a newness of life.  A way of life that is not weighed down by all the things we carry in ourselves and our many relationships.

'Lord, show us your love and mercy.
For we put our trust in you.
In you, Lord, is our hope;
And we shall never hope in vain.'

Amen.


Prayers

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of
darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of
this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit
us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come
again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the
dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.  (Collect for the First Sunday of Advent.  The Book of Common Prayer, p. 211).

At this time, I wish to announce to my readers that next year on the Feast of Christ the King, November  20th, 2016 I will be posting my final reflection for this blog.  I have enjoyed writing this blog year after year, week after week since I began this project in 2009.  Since then, the Church and all of us have traveled together through some amazing moments at which God's Grace became very tangible.   It has been my privilege and honor to write these blog posts and share them with those who have been reading them.  However, the time is coming for me to spend time on my other blog, Simple Reflections for a Deeper Spiritual Life.  I also need to devote my time to my husband, and my formation.  After my final reflection on here, the blog will still remain active so that readers can enjoy all of the blog posts here.  However, there will be no more new reflection entries.  Until then, continue to enjoy the new blog entries.  Let us pray with and for each other.  Peace be with you all.

Twenty Fifth Sunday After Pentecost: Proper 18: Stability, Change and Letting Go

Today's Scripture Readings

Daniel 12:1-3 (NRSV)

The Lord spoke to Daniel in a vision and said, "At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever."

Psalm 16 (BCP, p.599,600)


Hebrews 10:11-125 (NRSV)

Every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, "he sat down at the right hand of God," and since then has been waiting "until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet." For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying,

"This is the covenant that I will make with them
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds,"
he also adds,

"I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more."

Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Mark 13:1-8 (NRSV)

As Jesus came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!" Then Jesus asked him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down."

When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, "Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?" Then Jesus began to say to them, "Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, `I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birthpangs."

Blog Reflection

As I read the Scripture Readings for this Sunday, I feel as though I can identify with them personally. 

Over the past two weeks, I have been very busy as my Mother's personal caregiver.  My Mother has been in an assisted living facility since May of 2014.  She had to live there due to issues she has been having with vascular dementia.  Up until a month and a half ago, Mom was very active.  She went out with the activities director to the store once a month, out to lunch or dinner.  She came over to our home for Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinner in 2014.  I drove her to doctors appointments, and watched over her health care programs.  In early September of this year, my mom called me to say that she was not able to hold food down, and lost interest in eating.  I took her to doctor appointments, as well as to get x-rays of her throat and esophagus, and she saw an ear, nose and throat specialist.  They all found nothing to explain what was happening.  On Monday, on November 2nd, my mother made the choice to not go to any more doctor appointments.  She did not want to go to the ER for an evaluation of her condition.  She made the conscious choice with a sound mind, that she wants to die.  She is not eating and drinking just enough water to keep her hydrated.  Mom confessed to me, that she has been doing all of this to herself, because she is tired of being sick and wants us to let her die.  In as much as I wanted to do everything I could do to change her mind, I do not have the power to over ride her decision.  My only course of action has been to arrange hospice services to care for her needs and honor her decision.  Not only is hospice doing a really great job with providing comfort care services for my Mother, they are also very helpful to my husband, myself and other members of my family as we are grieving what is inevitable.  

This is a period of great difficulty as you can imagine.  I am having to allow myself the room to grieve that my Mother will be leaving us to enter into her Eternal Rest.  Everything that I may have thought I had in its stable place is changing. 

I think that is what Jesus was telling those who were listening to Him as He talked about what was to come.  Jesus was not so much as telling His listeners about the ending of the age, as Tradition has concluded.  Jesus was prophesying about the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.  In a moment like that, no wonder they would hear of nation against nation and as if there were earthquakes.  It would seem like birthpangs as one age would give away to another.  Not knowing about what has to come must have been very frightening and unsettling.

By now, we have all heard about the horrible shooting in Paris, France.  We have also heard about the horrible accusations that just because a fundamentalist Islamic group has claimed responsibility for this horrific act of violence, so it is automatically assumed that all Muslims are violent.  It is an interesting analogy, given the many who assume that just because fundamentalist Christians are quite violent with their rhetoric and activities, all Christians must be as well.  I am proud to say that such is not the case with Christians anymore than it is with Muslims.

Whether we are talking about aging parents and siblings, violence, oppression and religion; the heart of the matter is that change is inevitable.  How do we find stability in the midst of that change?

As Benedictines, our Vows are Stability, Conversion of Life and Obedience.  Our Vow of Stability is about finding stability in Christ and our Community.  Conversion of Life is about allowing God to change us through prayer, work and our relationships within our Community.  Obedience is about obeying our Superior out of love, not fear so that we may find a greater Stability in God with purity of heart, submit ourselves to the Conversion of Manners, in Obedience to God's will. 

Whether God does or does not change, whether the Scriptures are the Word of God or not, regardless of the changes the Church and each of us experience; God desires each of us to search for union with God so that whatever changes come our way, we know that God alone is our stability. 

Our world, our country, the Church is changing.  We have been walking and learning together that God wants all of us to strive for peace and justice for all people and to respect the dignity of every human person.  God knows we cannot do this on our own, which is why we respond to the Vows of our Baptism; "We will, with God's help."   We need God's help and the help of one another to find our stability in God as we are changed through obedience to God's will. 

All of this comes down to the point of letting go. 

As I am witnessing my Mother's deep faith, with her finding peace in letting everything as she has known it, by letting everything go; she is teaching me about letting go. 

All of the things we tend to hold on to including the arguments we may have had with our parents while they were with us, our spouses, and one another; as we all journey towards being with God in Eternity, what are they all worth?  

As we acquire wealth and political power, spreading prejudice and the divisions because of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, language, health status, religion and much more; what is it all worth when we have to let it all go to meet God face to face? 

The answers to these questions comes by way of what we read in Matthew 25:40: "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' "

The things we take with us from this life into the next is love, compassion, forgiveness, mercy, goodness, that which we did for others in the Name of Christ, and of course faith through God's Grace.   We receive all of these in this life to take to the next by letting go.

As we hear the Holy Scriptures this week, "mark, learn and inwardly digest them" let us also ponder with the heart of Mary (Luke 2:19), ask the Holy Spirit to help us to let go.  All we really have to gain is the love and mercy of God, if we will all only let go.

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, The 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, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 815).

Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy
never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come,
knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we
can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for Those We Love.  The Book of Common Prayer, p. 831).

Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost: Proper 22: It Is About Relationships

Today's Scripture Readings

Genesis 2:18-24 (NRSV)

The LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner." So out of the ground the LORD God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said,

"This at last is bone of my bones

and flesh of my flesh;

this one shall be called Woman,

for out of Man this one was taken."

Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh.

Psalm 8 (BCP, p. 592)


Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12 (NRSV)

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. But someone has testified somewhere,

"What are human beings that you are mindful of them,

or mortals, that you care for them?

You have made them for a little while lower than the angels;

you have crowned them with glory and honor,

subjecting all things under their feet."

Now in subjecting all things to them, God left nothing outside their control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to them, but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying,

"I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters

in the midst of the congregation I will praise you."

Mark 10:2-16 (NRSV)

Some Pharisees came, and to test Jesus they asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" He answered them, "What did Moses command you?" They said, "Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her." But Jesus said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart he wrote this commandment for you. But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."

Then in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it." And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

Blog Reflection

This weekend, we are presented with some of those Scripture readings that are commonly used to defend "the traditional meaning of marriage."  We have heard a lot about marriage over these many years.  As lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender have been gaining the civil rights to marry the person they love, and in many religious organizations; the talk about marriage remains a divisive issue.  People are very passionate about what marriage means.  Whether people are on the side of marriage equality or not, the over riding theme is that marriage matters.  And well, it should.

I can still make the case, that trying to state what marriage means in light of the Bible is one of those things that has not just one, but many interpretations.  Much of this depends on whether the reader interprets what they read in the Bible as literal and the only fact of life.  Others, like myself who are Episcopalians and/or Anglicans use our three legged stool of Scripture, Tradition and Reason.   The Episcopal Church is not now, nor will it be a "sola scriptura" tradition meaning the Bible alone.   Therefore, we tend to view what we read in Scripture to have a meaning that goes beyond the written texts, to the heart of God and listening more deeply to the Holy Spirit.

The reading from Genesis is not a word for word description of how God created all human beings, nor marriage for that matter.  We must remind ourselves that marriage in the times in which these texts would have been produced, marriage was really not about procreation.  They are, however, a glimpse as to how the culture of that term viewed the genders of male and female.  Sexuality and marriage in the original context in which these texts were written, are about the male species dominating and subjugating females.  The mystery of procreation is certainly there, but, it is hidden beneath the historical and cultural context in which they were addressed.

Jesus in our reading from Mark's Gospel is confronting the same problem.  Marriage in his time was about a civil contract by which the woman as property of her father, was transferred to her husband.   Therefore, the context of adultery and bills of divorce are a reflection on how it worked.  Jesus' response while sadly depicted as Him sticking to the property idea; is actually saying something much deeper.   Marriage, regardless of gender or whether the people in the marriage can procreate or not, is about our relationship with one another in love, respect and upholding the dignity of the human person.   Marriage is a vision of the Christian Faith as those who are married (legally or as a matter of a Sacrament, or even symbolically), is a vision of how much God is so madly in love with us, that God gives us the duty and challenge of respecting the dignity of every human person.  It is about seeing in our spouse and every human being for that matter, as living in relationship with God and one another in such a way, that harming that other person at our will, is simply unthinkable.

These truths of our Christian Faith go beyond marriage and family.  They reflect the relationships we engage in (on whatever level), as valuing one another, because we are all a masterpiece of God's creation, redeemed through Jesus Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit.  Jesus, the Incarnate Word shares with each of us, the beauty of God in the human flesh.  "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory of a father's only son, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14. NRSV).  the glory of God came to us in Christ and embodied our flesh so that we may share in the relationship of the Divine God among our common humanity.  In this relationship, we are one with God and each other from the point of God's condescending love which unites us with the relationship of the God-Head in the Most Holy Trinity.

If we really want to support marriage and family, instead of focusing on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, etc.; we would do well to work on things like the equality of women in the work place.  Domestic violence is a far more serious danger to marriage and family than committed same-gender relationships.  Imagine how much better all family life would be, if we helped families and children of low income families get food assistance, better housing and employment opportunities and adequate health care.   Last, but, certainly not least, we desperately need to address this epidemic of gun violence that claims the lives of women, men and children crushing families and communities everywhere. 

In conclusion, let Christians remember that by our common baptism, we are all part of the Family of God.  We all have a responsibility to seek the common good for every person.  Every human being is in need of love, companionship, compassion and a sense of community.  What a different world it would be, if Christians saw relationships of all kinds, as opportunities for a deeper awareness of God's presence in all people, so we work for the ministry of healing and reconciliation. 

Thus freely loved, though fully known,
May I in Christ be free to welcome and accept his own
As Christ accepted me.  (Hymnal 1982 #603).

Amen.


Prayers

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

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

Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost: Proper 19: Our Identity, Our Response and The Cross

Today's Scripture Readings

Wisdom 7:26-8:1 (NRSV)

For wisdom is a reflection of eternal light,

a spotless mirror of the working of God,

and an image of his goodness.

Although she is but one, she can do all things,

and while remaining in herself, she renews all things;

in every generation she passes into holy souls

and makes them friends of God, and prophets;

for God loves nothing so much as the person who lives with wisdom.

She is more beautiful than the sun,

and excels every constellation of the stars.

Compared with the light she is found to be superior,

for it is succeeded by the night,

but against wisdom evil does not prevail.

She reaches mightily from one end of the earth to the other,

and she orders all things well.

Psalm 19 (BCP., p.606)


James 3:1-12 (NRSV)

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.

How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue-- a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.

Mark 8:27-38 (NRSV)

Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" And they answered him, "John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Messiah." And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things."

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

Blog Reflection

It must have been a very interesting show with Jesus, the Disciples and in particular Peter.  Jesus: "Who do you say that I am?"  Peter, " I say you are the Messiah."   Jesus, "I am going to Jerusalem and there I will be put to death and rise again."  Peter, "No do not do that.'  Jesus, "Get behind me, Satan."   Jesus, "If you want to be my Disciples, deny yourselves, take up your Cross and follow after me."

The scene may suggest that in the heat of the moment Peter's faith shined like the sun, then his own head might have gotten a bit big.  Jesus humbled Peter, by telling the devil in him to get behind Jesus and do not tempt Jesus.  Then, tells every one what they must do to follow Him." 

What would our response have been?

Would our response be anything like Peter's?

Can we really understand and take up our Cross and follow Jesus?

In claiming Jesus to be the Messiah, Peter took risked a lot.  It would mean that Peter and the other Disciples now see Jesus as something that those to whom they were meeting and healing and so forth, would have to be very careful with.  To say who Jesus is according to Peter, was to essentially change everything around them and become like the social outcasts that Jesus was delivering right in front of them.   As Peter learns, this proclamation on his part cost him big.  It was a change of identity, that required a particular response that would ultimately lead him and those who agreed with what he said to the Cross that Christ was to carry.

Jesus asks each of us today to identify who He is for each of us.  Jesus asks us to identify ourselves in relationship to who we know Jesus to be for us.  Jesus tells us to put aside who and how we think of what Jesus should and should not do.  Jesus then tells us to pick up what is ours to carry, and to lose ourselves in service to God for the glory of God's Reign.  Those are pretty tall orders.

Among the many points in this weekends readings, we find an opportunity for us to make decisions and to make them count for something very important.  It is no longer just about ourselves.  It is now about something much bigger with the potential to gain something wonderful by giving up what we think is important to us.  It is about serving the community of faith, in faith and seeking union with God through our relationships with one another.  It is there that we will know our essence and find ours infused with the Holy Essence of God that leads us into a life of fulfillment and purpose.  This fulfillment and purpose cannot be found in this world based on things such as wealth, fame, power, control and a determination to benefit at the expense of others who are already underprivileged beyond their capacity.

As issues of race, trying to curb the gun violence that threatens every one of us in one way or another, sexism, heterosexism, immigration, refugees and more; the question for Christians is to know the identity of Jesus, our own identity in Jesus, and to allow the loving mercy of God to shape us so that our faith becomes that living reality that so many long to see, touch and hear.

Who do you say that Jesus is?

Who are you in relationship to Jesus?

What will your cross be like as you pick it up and follow Jesus?

The good news for this Sunday is, you do not have to do it correctly the first time, and you are never alone no matter how you answer those questions.  Each of us has God's love and grace, and we have the investment of the community of faith to nurture, help and sustain us. This is a Christian Faith that lives beyond the death of the grave, and is among us because of the presence of the Holy Spirit.  All we have to do is answer the questions and live by that new life that Jesus gives to all of us and by faith, put one foot in front of the other, and God will do the rest.

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 The Holy Cross Day.  The Book of Common Prayer, p. 244).

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

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

Today's Readings

2 Kings 4:42-44 (NRSV)

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

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


Ephesians 3:14-21 (NRSV)

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

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

John 6:1-21 (NRSV)
 

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

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

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

Blog Reflection 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayers

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

 Almighty God, who created us in your image: Grant us
grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace
with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom,
help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our
communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy
Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (Prayer for Social Justice.  The Book of Common Prayer, p. 260).

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