Fourth Sunday of Easter: Risen Christ, Shepherd Us

Today's Scripture Readings

Acts 9:36-43 (NRSV)

Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, "Please come to us without delay." So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, "Tabitha, get up." Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.

Psalm 23 (BCP., p.612)


Revelation 7:9-17 (NRSV)

I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, 

“Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing,

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom

and thanksgiving and honor

and power and might

be to our God forever and ever!
Amen.”

Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?" I said to him, "Sir, you are the one that knows." Then he said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

For this reason they are before the throne of God,
and worship him day and night within his temple,
and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them.

They will hunger no more, and thirst no more;
the sun will not strike them,
nor any scorching heat;

for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd,

John 10:22-30 (NRSV)

At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. The Father and I are one."

Blog Reflection

This is one of my favorite Sundays in the Easter Season.  After three full Sundays of celebrating the Risen Christ; here we get to meditate on a very beautiful way to think of Jesus.  

The image of Jesus being the Good Shepherd in a beautiful hill country such as what we see in the image above, fills us with a sense of peace and tranquility.  The green pastures with only sheep and shepherd, beautiful mountains and trees fill us with a sense of wonder.  In these days as events around us seem so ugly with no end in sight; thinking of Jesus as The Good Shepherd feels like the relief we need.

The pastures in which Christians find ourselves are anything but peaceful and serene.  Our Christian Faith continues to be mocked and damaged in the form of "bathroom bills" and bills promoting discrimination against LGBTQ people on a fast track.  Yet, the programs that could help the poor, homeless, disabled and unemployed get their funds depleted and given to military defense programs.  Federal and State legislation that could be used to protect innocent people from the excessive gun violence that plagues our neighborhoods, schools and churches are denied a fair hearing because of lobbyists with very deep pockets.  These and many more issues in our society are being promoted by those who claim that this is what Jesus died to "save us from" on the Cross.  In so doing, our Lord Jesus the Good Shepherd becomes nothing more than a picture on the wall and a story told.  There is nothing more to the story, when our stories are no longer heard.

I want to tell you all a story of what someone I care about very much experienced this past week.

He is thirty-five years old.  Less than two years ago, his husband/partner died of cancer.  A year ago he was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with massive congestive heart failure.  His heart works now, but only at about 46% .  He has to take Nitro for occasional chest pains.  He gets headaches form the Nitro after he takes it.  He also experiences dizzy spells due to vertigo.  He has asthma.  He is obviously unable to work because of his health condition.  He is able to get on a local health care program through Medicaid, but he can only go to certain doctors.  He has applied for disability and has an eighteen month wait for an answer.  He is very fortunate to be in the care of his late husband's family.  He has applied for food assistance, but has recently lost the assistance because of a law that requires him to take classes about how to get employed.  In his health condition, no employer would hire him.  He is too much of a liability if anything happens to him on the job.  

It troubles me deeply that as a society we have come to this point, where helping this unhealthy young man is too much to ask of our political and religious institutions.  As Christians we are called to follow the example of our Shepherd who is Jesus Christ, to seek out the lost and to be an inclusive people who welcome and embrace others.  Other "sheep" may not be in the same pasture with us Christians, but, they are still God's people nonetheless.  As recipients of God's love and salvation through the mystery of Christ's Passion, Death and Resurrection; we are empowered by the gifts of the Holy Spirit to challenge the status quo with the true Gospel of Christ by which the marginalized and broken find a place for healing and reconciliation.  

As we meditate on Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd today, may we spend sometime in holy silence to listen to our Shepherd call us to be His prophetic witnesses.  May we pray for the power of the Holy Spirit that we may welcome all people so that they may find in Christians a safe place to cool their burning feet, wash the sweat off their brows and find some rest in the One who's yoke is easy and burden light.  After all, the Pasture is not only a beautiful place to be.  It is God's atmosphere of limitless possibilities.

Amen.


Prayers

O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people;
Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who
calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with
you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen. (The 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.  (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 815).

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).

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.

Second Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 5: Time for A Refreashing New Course

Today's Scripture Readings

Genesis 3:8-15 (NRSV)

The man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?" He said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself." He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate." Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent tricked me, and I ate." The LORD God said to the serpent,

"Because you have done this,

cursed are you among all animals

and among all wild creatures;

upon your belly you shall go,

and dust you shall eat

all the days of your life.

I will put enmity between you and the woman,

and between your offspring and hers;

he will strike your head,

and you will strike his heel."

Psalm 130 (BCP., p.784)


2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 (NRSV)

Just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture-- "I believed, and so I spoke" -- we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Mark 3:20-35 (Common English Bible CEB)

Jesus entered a house. A crowd gathered again so that it was impossible for him and his followers even to eat.  When his family heard what was happening, they came to take control of him. They were saying, “He’s out of his mind!”

The legal experts came down from Jerusalem. Over and over they charged, “He’s possessed by Beelzebul. He throws out demons with the authority of the ruler of demons.”

When Jesus called them together he spoke to them in a parable: “How can Satan throw Satan out?  A kingdom involved in civil war will collapse.  And a house torn apart by divisions will collapse.  If Satan rebels against himself and is divided, then he can’t endure. He’s done for.  No one gets into the house of a strong person and steals anything without first tying up the strong person. Only then can the house be burglarized.  I assure you that human beings will be forgiven for everything, for all sins and insults of every kind.  But whoever insults the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. That person is guilty of a sin with consequences that last forever.” He said this because the legal experts were saying, “He’s possessed by an evil spirit.”

His mother and brothers arrived. They stood outside and sent word to him, calling for him.  A crowd was seated around him, and those sent to him said, “Look, your mother, brothers, and sisters are outside looking for you.”

He replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?”  Looking around at those seated around him in a circle, he said, “Look, here are my mother and my brothers.  Whoever does God’s will is my brother, sister, and mother.”

Blog Reflection

This past January when the Rt. Rev. Libby Lane was ordained as the first woman Bishop in the Church of England, an article appeared in The Huffington Post.  The title of the article was Sexism: The Original Sin of the Church.  The article was inspired by a podcast on All Together, a talk program.  The women who were invited to comment were, The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts, Schori, the current Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church,  Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB,  the Rev. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, and the Rev. Dr. Serene Jones.   As is always the case, Sr. Joan made a most revealing comment about the reading we have today from Genesis 3:8-15. "Let us remember that there were two sets of teeth marks in that apple."

There are two historical interpretations of this chapter from Genesis.  The Catholic tradition, interprets this story to imply that Mary is the new Eve, and in her Immaculate Conception and the birth of Christ, the "enmity between you and the woman" was undone.  The more Protestant interpretation was that Eve started the whole thing by listening to the serpent, eating the fruit and passing it on to Adam.  Thus from this notion came the response so often used in prosecuting criminals, "The devil made me do it."   In either case, the original sin of sexism is blatant, not implied. 

I tend to agree with the current interpretations that the woman was framed.  It was all too easy for a male dominated group of scribes to write this passage of Scripture and point to the woman, and let Adam off the hook much too easily.  This reading is only one among many that have been used to justify the subjugation of women as the second class citizens, between two commonly held genders.  The masculine is understood to be a dominate species, while the feminine is portrayed as the the weaker and submissive.  The man is the commonly accepted "giver" while women are unfairly stereotyped as the helpless "receiver".  

The creation and fall narrative in Genesis were not written and passed on to be the explanation of all scientific mysteries to be solved so that any mention of evolution is deemed as untrue or unacceptable.   This is a faith story written as an allegory of what really happened.  As human beings regardless of our supposedly assigned genders, we were created to love God and one another perfectly and without distinction.  In the original plan of God, we were already made as a masterpiece of God's design.   When we turn that around and make it all about us and satisfy our own arrogance and lust for godlike, we destroy what is good, and it affects everything and everyone else around us.  Including, but not limited to our relationships with those who are different from ourselves.  And so sexism, racism, heterosexism and other means of prejudice and oppression become our means of subjugating others while we benefit from their expense.  Indeed it has been and remains a plague of humankind.  Only by God's grace and our cooperation with it will we really eradicate this sickness out of the Church and society.

Now we turn to our Gospel reading.

Let us not be too hard on those who are suspicious of what Jesus has been doing.  After all, they were taught and became convinced that all religious and theological truth made them the center of the universe.  So long as they kept those they marginalized set aside and ignored them and their dignity, they were safe and secure in themselves.  None of us ever go there, I am sure.  LOL.

Here comes Jesus.  A young man from Nazareth who has been healing the sick, raising the dead, bringing to the center those conveniently set aside and chasing the evil spirits from those who were considered unlovable, helpless and hopeless.  Jesus is able to do things and say things to build an inclusive community around them, and preaching about the love of God being for everyone.  Those who felt they were in the center had to be disturbed.  Their best answer for what they were witnessing was that Jesus must be possessed by the same evil spirits the He has been casting out.  Their desire to keep their power and popularity was being shaken to its roots.  All this was happening at a time when all Israel was oppressed by a power that dehumanized everyone under a dictatorship kind of law.  

What they do not see, however, is exactly their problem.  Jesus is commanding "Satan to cast out Satan" by the power of God that is in Jesus.  Jesus is casting out the one who continues to keep the blind from seeing, and those in despair from finding hope in God's mercy.  Indeed, they were calling the work of God in Jesus evil, and this is what Jesus responds so sternly to.

Theologians and Biblical scholars of all kinds have and are still wrestling even today with this idea of an "unpardonable sin."  Yet a new possibility is emerging.  What if we see the "unpardonable sin" as not allowing the Holy Spirit to help us see God doing marvelous things before our eyes and hearts, and not letting go of our suspicions about the call to conversion and renewal?   If we are not allowing the Spirit to lead us into a deeper relationship of love with God and one another that changes our attitudes and behaviors; it becomes "unpardonable" not in the sense that we are eternally condemned, but that we are closing ourselves off to the wondrous possibilities of God's work among us.  In other words, we cannot be redeemed in this world and the next one that is being established as God's Reign, until we let go and in faith and trust give it all over to God and follow God's will. 

An interpretation such as that deeply disturbs and displaces us.  Especially when we read in the next paragraph that Jesus expands His family relationships beyond what is a merely biological.  Jesus makes everyone who is obedient out of love for God to Christ as members of His family without distinction.  Everyone is related to Jesus and one another by our common Baptism and our response to God's grace.

This is the answer to what happened in Genesis.  As we read in Galatians 3:28, "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus."

In conclusion, Jesus seems to be calling all of us to make room for things like marriage equality, the equalization of women, African Americans, Native Americans, etc. As well as those who are unemployed, suffering from mental illness, developmental disabilities, sick, lonely and discouraged.   He calls us to embrace the oppressed and the marginalized to celebrate together God's redemption and restoration as members of an inclusive Church and society.  

Now, it is up to us as Christians to stop using the Bible and traditional theologies and foolish reasoning to become partners in Christ to build the Reign of God's love through radical hospitality and reconciliation.  Just imagine what people might actually believe and be drawn to; if all Christians committed ourselves to such a possibility.

Amen.


Prayers

O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your
inspiration we may think those things that are right, and by
your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Proper 5.  The Book of Common Prayer, p.229).

Almighty Father, whose blessed Son before his passion prayed
for his disciples that they might be one, as you and he are one:
Grant that your Church, being bound together in love and
obedience to you, may be united in one body by the one Spirit,
that the world may believe in him whom you have sent, your
Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in
the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (Prayer for the Unity of the Church.  The Book of Common Prayer, p.255).

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).

January 1st: The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Today's Scripture Readings

Numbers 6:22-27 (NRSV)

The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them,

The LORD bless you and keep you;

the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;

the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them. 

Psalm 8 (BCP., p.582)


Philippians 2:5-11 (Common English Bible)

Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus:

Though he was in the form of God,
   he did not consider being equal
     with God something to exploit.
But he emptied himself
    by taking the form of a slave
    and by becoming like human beings.
When he found himself
  in the form of a human,
    he humbled himself by becoming
     Obedient to the point of death,
   even death on a cross.
Therefore, god highly honored him
   and gave him a name above all names,
  so that at the name of Jesus everyone
   in heaven, on earth,
     and under the earth might bow
   and every tongue confess
      that Jesus Christ is Lord,
        to the glory of God the Father.

 
Luke 2:15-21 (NRSV)

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. After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Blog reflection

2013 was a year that I had a serious conversation with God, myself and my Abbot about what name I would take when I was Clothed as a Novice.  Indeed, Philip a nice name.   I wrote quite a bit about my reasons for taking the name Anselm in my blog post: The Prayer of St. Anselm: Why I Took His Name.

A name has a powerful impact on our lives.  Each of us are called by our name, by God.  There is a sense of identity and purpose.  Many of the authors who have written their autobiography, write about what pride they might bring to their families name. 

In the time that Jesus was born, the giving of the boy's name was at the circumcision of the son eight days after birth.  His name at that point, linked the boy to the covenant of Abraham.  It gave them a sense of belonging to the Jewish Faith.  Many who worship God through the Jewish Religion, still practice circumcision as an important part of their Faith.  Jesus identified as a Jew.  He was born of the House of David.

There have been many names throughout history that have been so influential to humankind.  Every American knows the names of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.  The mere mention of Judy Garland brings back The Wizard of Oz and Somewhere Over the Rainbow.  Say the name Angela Lansbury and we remember Murder She Wrote.  Whatever these names do to us, there is no Name that has shaped the course of Salvation History as the Name Jesus Christ.   The influence and use of that Name is so widespread, that it brings with it, any number of responses.

As Christians, the Holy Name of Jesus Christ is the human face of God in our world.   The Word Incarnate that we began celebrating eight days ago, came into our world as God made human.  The Holy Name should bring a sense of reverence, respect and acceptance of others in His Name.  His Holy Name should also make us pause in prayer, with adoration, praise and honor.  The Name in and of itself, however, should also make us stop with contemplation about the words from Philippians 2:5-11 that I took from the Common English Bible today.  He was equal to God, but "he did not consider being equal to God something to exploit.  But he emptied himself...."   He was God who came to serve us in Christ.  Not to exist as tyrant God who would judge us all for things we've done, said or thought.  The judgement of God through the Holy Name of Jesus Christ was the Cross by which our sins are forgiven, and all scapegoating in God's Name comes to an end.

There are many who continue to complain about others taking the Holy Name of Jesus in vain, every time they scream some horrible word after they accidentally slam their fingers with a hammer, or spill their coffee.  However, we seem to think nothing of using the Holy Name of Jesus Christ to oppress women, people of different races, sexual orientations, gender identities/expressions, diverse languages, religions, etc.  I think using the Holy Name of Jesus Christ as a reason to scapegoat any person for any reason is a far more severe misuse of His Name.    The difference is, one is used to express distress, human frailty and our clumsiness.   The other is a result of our human frailty, yes, but it is out of ignorance and a resistance to learn the truth about those who call ourselves Christians use the Bible as a means to hurt or dehumanize others.

Today is the beginning of 2014 on January 1.  The holidays end today. The Christmas Season ends on Monday, January 6th.  What will we take with us from this time of focusing on peace on earth, good will towards others, and good wishes and cheers shared with family and friends?   If we will let the love of God through the Name of Jesus Christ to open our hearts to see Christ in others who are different from ourselves, to show reverence and respect so that prejudices will end and the building of new and more inclusive communities can begin; then the meaning of Christmas will live past the taking down of the Christmas tree, and putting the candles away for another year. 

One more thing. 

In the Holy Name of Jesus Christ, God shows us that changing our ways by God's help, so that there can be healing and reconciliation is more than possible.  Through saying our YES to the will of God the mending of the human community, and the reality of God's loving presence among us will finally be real.

Oh please, let 2014 be the Year that happens.

Amen.


Prayers

Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name
of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart,
we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our
Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p.213).

Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of
your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our
hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer, p.213).

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: God's Love in Christ has Arrived.

Today's Scripture Readings are a mixture from the various Liturgies for Christmas.  As with year's past, there are two Gospel Readings here.

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 96 (BCP., p.725).


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

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

Christmas is among the most difficult celebrations to write a good blog post.  Everyone who celebrates this day as the religious holy day that it is, is hearing a lot of what I may write here in their churches.   Others for whom this day is not a religious focus for them, might find my words here to be another Christian trying to ruin their day.  If you are a Christian that opposes the things I have been writing about in this blog for the past four years, this blog post is another opportunity for you to see just how off the left deep end I may have gone.  If you are a Christian who is not so sure of where you are, my blog may add to your confusion.

The Christmas mystery is so full of beauty, celebration, memories both good and bad, that to write about what the Scriptures are about today, seems almost unnecessary.   As usual, I beg to differ.  The mystery of the Word made flesh is always being born a new in us.  Being born again is not a matter of a once in a life time event, it occurs every time Jesus reveals more about Himself to us.  As He draws us closer to His Presence in each other, the Christian Faith becomes a renewed part of how we live, how we talk, and hopefully how we act.

There is little question that there is much darkness in our world.  It is not a darkness that is a matter of physical light vs. blackness of night.  It is an absence of solitude.  A denial of the need to understand one another.  A loneliness experienced because of an emptiness.  A desire to be fulfilled, but, not being validated.
 
I think Mary and Joseph must have felt that darkness, loneliness and desire as they wandered their way into Bethlehem.  A young girl in labor.  A husband, with the duty to protect her and to see the safe arrival of the baby ready to come out, ready or not.  There is no room in the local inn.  There was no telephone or email to search for the nearest hospital, doctor or Super 8 motel.  No grand ball room, or Cathedral church prepared to dance the Christmas night away, after the Child was born.   Those came after, and rightly so.  Returning to the Nativity event, Jesus was born in the midst of confusion, disarray and life's messy moments.  Whether it was a Manger stable or a cave, does not really matter as far as I am concerned.

Composer John Rutter, set to music the beautiful words that Christiana Rossetti wrote about the wonder that happened.

Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, love Divine,
Love was born at Christmas,
Stars and Angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead,
Love Incarnate, Love Divine,
Worship we our Jesus,
But wherewith the sacred sign?

Love shall be our token,
Love shall be yours and Love be mine,
Love to God and all men,
Love for plea, and gift and sign.

The Love of God was Incarnate right in the middle of our darkness, loneliness, unfulfilled desire.   The long awaited Messiah came not like a mighty warrior or a King leading armies into battle.  He came as one so small, helpless and vulnerable.  A Child born of a young, poor mother and carpenter of a father.  Into the midst of our human mess.  Yet, He was a King.  He was a ruler.  Yet, He was merciful, loving, accepting, inclusive and He changed the world for all time.

John Rutter set his own poem to beautiful music in the Christmas Lullaby with these words.

Where are His courtiers, and who are His people?
Why does he bear neither silver nor gold?
Shepherds His courtiers, the poor for His people,
with peace as His scepter, and love for His crown.

In our age of billionaires controlling everything from the initial roll out of the Affordable Care Act's web site, keeping back a vote for the thousands who will lose their unemployment benefits at the end of this month, and food stamps for those who are most vulnerable; Jesus Christ, God's perfect revelation of God's Self is born as one who gives Himself, vulnerable, helpless and yet at the will of His Father.   He comes not to end poverty, injustice or even oppression.  He comes to empower us to do these things, and to walk with us in our efforts. 

If there is one Scripture that I wish were included each year in the Christmas Liturgy it would be 2 Corinthians 8:9.  "For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich."   If I were to reword this to reflect our Christmas meditation, it would read something like this.  "For our generous Lord Jesus Christ though he was rich in that He had everything and could do anything, for our sakes became poor, without anything and could do nothing, so that we who think we can do nothing will know that through Him, we can do just about anything we set our mind to."  Including, but not limited to, bringing the light of truth, the hope of justice, liberty from prejudice and violence all because our Lord Jesus Christ loved us so much, He gave it all up for our salvation.

As we join our church communities, families and friends to celebrate the coming of Christ among us as one like us, let us pray and discern together how we might greet Him on this happy morning, in those who are poor, lonely, disenfranchised and in need of being included. 

May every daughter, son, grand daughter, grand son, step son, step daughter, sister, brother, father, mother, cousin, niece, nephew, etc. be welcomed to our dinner tables regardless of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression. 

May every person find a place to receive the Incarnate Word in the Holy Eucharist, and praise God with their voices and lives.

May Christ truly bring peace on earth through our efforts this Christmas Season and all through out the New Year. 

A blessed and holy Christmas Season to you and those whom you love.   And may everyone, because of God's love, be loved today.

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.

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.

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.   (All Christmas Collects are from the Book of Common Prayer, p. 212, 213).

Twenty Fifth Sunday after Pentecost: Building a New World on the Resurrection

Today's Scripture Readings

Haggai 1:15b-2:9 (NRSV)

In the second year of King Darius, in the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month, the word of the LORD came by the prophet Haggai, saying: Speak now to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, and say, Who is left among you that saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Is it not in your sight as nothing? Yet now take courage, O Zerubbabel, says the LORD; take courage, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; take courage, all you people of the land, says the LORD; work, for I am with you, says the LORD of hosts, according to the promise that I made you when you came out of Egypt. My spirit abides among you; do not fear. For thus says the LORD of hosts: Once again, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land; and I will shake all the nations, so that the treasure of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with splendor, says the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the LORD of hosts. The latter splendor of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts; and in this place I will give prosperity, says the LORD of hosts.

Psalm 145 (BCP., p.801)


2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 (NRSV)

As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here. Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God. Do you not remember that I told you these things when I was still with you?

But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.

Luke 20:27-38 (NRSV)

Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and asked him a question, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her."

Jesus said to them, "Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive."

Blog Reflection

The Liturgical Year C will be coming to a close in a couple weeks.  In just two weeks we will celebrate Christ the King Sunday followed by the beginning of the new Liturgical Year A with the First Sunday of Advent.  As is the tradition of the Church, the Scripture readings this time of the year concentrate our attention on the End times.  The readings become darker and pointing towards the Ending of the old order of things, and a new one beginning.  

The People of Israel were no strangers to old things slipping away and new things starting.  They were once slaves in Egypt. Through the mighty arm of the Lord and Moses they were brought out of Egypt and their descendents were led into the promised land.  The People of Israel were a tribal community.   They saw many battles over ownership of their land, the worship of God and other gods, the raising up of the Temple of Solomon, and it's eventual destruction before the Babylonian exile.   Haggai is part of a conversation between God and Israel to build a new Temple now that they have returned to their land.  As one would imagine, the people wanted to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple which was the center of the City with all the splendor of God contained therein.  Yahweh is promising that just as God was with them when the Israelites were led out of Egypt by Moses, so God will be with them now as they undertake the rebuilding of the Temple.  This time, however, God promises to build an even greater Temple by shaking up the old order of things, and building something far more wonderful with all it's splendor.  God wishes to bring forth all the silver and gold to show that God's House is a place where everyone is beautiful, and worships God in holiness and reverence.

The story from Haggai sounds a lot like the martyrdom of St. Laurence the Deacon.  He was killed during the Valerian persecutions of the Christians.  At the time of his execution, he had gathered all the silver and gold owned by the Church at the time, sold it ,and gave the proceeds to the poor.  When his executioners asked him for all the treasures of the Church, Laurence pointed to the poor women, men and children with him and said: "these are the treasures of the Church."  Following these words, Laurence was put on an iron grid.  While laying there he cried out: "Turn me over guys, I am all done on one side."

What kind of temple are we building in the Church and society today? 

Our world seems to be so entrapped by wealth, power and a drive to leave the marginalized to fend for themselves.  This passed Thursday, November 7th the US Senate passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).  The bill provides Federal equal rights protections for LGBT people in employment, financial assistance, public assistance and housing. There is no guarantee that the bill will even get a floor vote in the US House, because Christianist groups that are working against LGBT equal rights protections protections are making an issue of "religious liberty" as a justification for continuing discrimination for LGBT people.  

Bishop Gene Robinson wrote an outstanding article in The Huffington Post this past week.  I found the following paragraphs to be of particular interest.

Although the membership of every major Christian denomination shows a majority of support for this legislation, opposition to this bill is coming in large part from many of the leaders of these same religious denominations, demanding ever-broader exemption from the provisions of this law. One amendment which would have added these exemptions to ENDA was defeated in the Senate, but will undoubtedly reappear in the House debate. They would create a hole in the protections big enough to drive a PopeMobile through. It would allow an exception for non-profits and for-profits alike from having to implement the legislated protections, providing they could show at least a thin connection to some religious entity which takes a dim view of LGBT people.

For instance, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is vigorously opposing ENDA, asserting that their right to discriminate based on sexual orientation and gender identity is essential to Catholics' religious liberty. Now stop, and just take that in for a moment. A Church, dedicated to following the man known for his outreach and compassion for the marginalized, petitioning the government to be exempted from the fair treatment of marginalized and vulnerable LGBT people. It takes my breath away.

Can you imagine what Jesus might have said to St. Peter if the disciple had requested an exemption from Jesus' command to "love your enemies?!" What if disciples James and John had argued with Jesus about whether or not "love your neighbor as yourself" actually should apply to them in all cases? What would Jesus have said to the good, religious people of his time when they asked for an exemption to Jesus' command to "love one another as I have loved you," based of course upon their deeply-held, religious beliefs?

Speaking of the words and actions of Jesus, what an amazing spectacle we have in today's Gospel narrative.  Jesus is being confronted by a group of religious authorities who do not believe in a resurrection.  Yet, here they are, asking him a question about their Jewish Law with regards to marriage based on the resurrection.  It never ceases to amaze me how individuals will use material from something they do not even believe in to make a point about something so meaningless.  But, here we have just such an example.

As Psalm 145 is such a perfect compliment to the reading from Haggai, because it talks of God's compassion on all God's works, so Paul's letter to the Thessalonians supports what is taking place in the Gospel.  

Jesus here wants to send a clear message.  The message has a lot less to do with marriage, but more to do with the individuals the Sadducees question is designed to affect.  Marriage in the time of Jesus was from the Mosaic Law which saw marriage as a contract with a dowry and an exchange of property, including the woman.  Jesus' concern here is not only about raising the dignity of the women to their natural God given place, He also wants to declare that they are included in the new Reign of God that is about the new life that Jesus will bring by His triumphant Resurrection.  The promise that Jesus gives is not just for a new life in a world to come, but to establish a new order, a new way of life into our lives in the here and now.  In the Common English Bible, verse 38 in Luke 20 reads: "He isn't the God of the dead but of the living.  To him they are all alive."  Jesus brings hope for new life in this world, leading into the next, by bringing the power of the Holy Spirit through His Death and Resurrection.  The result of the saving work of Jesus does not establish a new Church by which all others supercede into only one; but one in Himself, by which all people who are considered worthless, stigmatized by religious and civil authorities, are now among God's beloved in God's Reign in Christ. 

If we want to see a new world built that reflects the Resurrection then it becomes necessary to talk about and address the concerns of climate change.  We are all sharers in this world.  The more we destroy and abuse the resources in this world that alters the climate and kills off other wildlife and destroys lands, the closer we bring God's world to dying of human made causes.  God doesn't fix what's wrong, per say, so long as we don't take seriously our responsibility for doing our part in the fixing.

A new world where the Resurrection becomes visible means that we show respect for women, by improving the laws that protect them from the violence of rape, sexual assault, incest and being used by men as property to be exploited and discarded.  We would provide in our laws not only the protection of women in terms of reproductive health care, but supply job training, education, health care and a social safety net that supports the poor women, especially those who face discrimination because of race, immigration status, religion and so forth.

We celebrate a new world coming into being under God's Reign, with the Resurrection showing all it's glory when we no longer accept the bullying of LGBT and questioning youth in our schools, as well as LGBTQ people in the work place, housing, financial assistance and more.  We would celebrate and defend the freedom to marry, recognizing that through marriage equality God is recreating society through the Holy Spirit as She "renews the face of the earth" (see Psalm 104:31).

The new world built on the Resurrection is one of radical hospitality, with reconciliation and healing as part of the process.  It becomes the work of everyone coming together, celebrating our diversity and joining the great fellowship of Christ's Body and Blood in the Eucharist.  It is through the Eucharist that the Body of Christ which is so very fragmented, has the opportunity to become one, as the Real Presence of God is received and shared by all of God's beloved. 

May we this day, commit ourselves to the work of building the new world on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, where there is hope and possibility for an inclusive Reign of God.

Amen.


Prayers

O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might
destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God
and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may
purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again
with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his
eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Proper 27, Book of Common Prayer, p.236).

God our Father, whose Son our Lord Jesus Christ in a
wonderful Sacrament has left us a memorial of his passion:
Grant us so to venerate the sacred mysteries of his Body and
Blood, that we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit
of his redemption; who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Prayer for the Holy Eucharist, Book of Common Prayer, p. 252).


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, Book of Common Prayer, p.260).

All Souls Day: Commemoration of the Faithful Departed

Today's Scripture Readings

Wisdom 3: 1-9 (NRSV)

But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God,
and no torment will ever touch them.
In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died,
and their departure was thought to be a disaster,
and their going from us to be their destruction;
but they are at peace.
For though in the sight of others they were punished,
their hope is full of immortality.
Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good,
because God tested them and found them worthy of himself;
like gold in the furnace he tried them,
and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them.
In the time of their visitation they will shine forth,
and will run like sparks through the stubble.
They will govern nations and rule over peoples,
and the Lord will reign over them forever.
Those who trust in him will understand truth,
and the faithful will abide with him in love,
because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones,
and he watches over his elect.

Psalm 130 (BCP., p.784)


John 5:24-27 (NRSV)

Jesus said, "Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.

"Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; and he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. "

Blog Reflection

In the Catechism (An Outline of the Faith) in The Book of Common Prayer, page 862 we read the following.

Q.  Why do we pray for the dead?
A.  We pray for them, because we still hold them in our love, and because we trust that in God's presence those who have chosen to serve him will grow in his love, until they see him as he is.

Over these past 4 years, I have come to believe that Jesus Christ came to put a face and a name on the marginalized of society and the Church.  In His time of ministry and living on earth, and our own. When Jesus raised the Jarius' daughter from the dead (see Matthew 9:18-26, Luke 8;40-56), the widows son (see Luke 7:11-17) and Lazarus (see John 11:38-44), He put a name and a face on the dead.  He declared that the dead were not sleeping in hopelessness.  When Jesus Himself rose from the dead, He showed Himself to be the conqueror of death for all humankind.   Hence the words from the optional reading from 1 Corinthians 15:55,,, "Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O Death, is your sting?"

In another question and answer found in the Catechism in The Book of Common Prayer on the same page 862 we read this:

Q.  What, then, is our assurance as Christians?
A.  Our assurance as Christians is that nothing, not even death, shall separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.

We remember the souls of the faithful departed today, because God loves them, and we love them.   We remember how each person brought us closer to God in one way or another.  Many of the relationships we had with those who have gone before us were not perfect.  Their deaths may have been tragic, their illnesses just devastating to them and those who loved them.  But, our Faith in Jesus Christ tells us that there is hope for them, and all of us.  We all have a chance today to remember them, and to be inspired by the ways in which they touched our hearts and made this world a better place in one way or another.   How they may have helped us to think of another first, and ourselves second to last.

While I am thankful for all the souls I can remember today, I want to write of a particular one that has touched me over this past month.  

Many years ago, I was honored to meet Brad.  He was a young man living in Pennsylvania.  A few years back he moved from Pennsylvania to Florida, because he fell in love with Stephen.   When he and Stephen created their relationship together, Brad became part of Stephen's larger family.  Brad took on the responsibilities of helping Stephen's son get to school, cleaning the house, doing the family laundry and just giving of himself to Stephen as much as he could.  

Last May, Stephen was diagnosed with cancer between the esophagus and the stomach.  At the point he was diagnosed, Stephen told Brad that he knew that Stephen's illness would be very difficult for Brad.  Stephen gave Brad the opportunity to leave Stephen, and to make himself happy with someone who would probably live a lot longer than Stephen would, because his cancer needed a lot of chemo therapy and visits to the hospital, and there was no promise that the cancer would not kill Stephen.  Brad responded to Stephen saying: "If you are going to fight this battle, I am going to fight it right along with you."  Brad made sure that Stephen got to the hospital for his chemo therapy, and had anything he needed.  Brad took extra special care of the family back home, including being there for Stephen's son who struggled so much with his dad's health and possibility of his death.  

On Thursday, October 10th, Stephen Phillips died, losing his battle with cancer.   Brad called me to talk to me, and to invite me to share in his grief.   I was so honored and privileged to be able to do that for him.  At that time of Stephen's death, his family had adopted Brad, accepted their relationship and had no problems making sure that Brad would have possession of his urn which just arrived earlier this week.

I am so very proud of Brad.  He has taught me the meaning of Benedictine humility without even having read or understood The Rule.  He has also put the Tools for Good Works, also a Chapter of The Rule to good use.  Because of Brad's total giving of himself for the life and love of Stephen, he has given me courage and helped me know how urgent it is for me to pray that I will always be ready to do for Jason, what Brad did for Stephen.  Brad lived into the meaning of "for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, till death do us part."  May I and others who are married and/or partnered be given such exemplary grace to live into our love for others, in particular our spouses.   If that is not a validation of the strength and power of the love between same-sex couples, I don't know what else could be.

May we remember today and always those souls who continue to teach us how to live the Gospel, by following the example of Jesus as faithfully as we can.

Amen.


Prayers

Eternal Lord God, you hold all souls in life: Give to your
whole Church in paradise and on earth your light and your
peace; and grant that we, following the good examples of
those who have served you here and are now at rest, may at
the last enter with them into your unending joy; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (Prayer for the Departed, Book of Common Prayer, p. 253).

Twenty Second Sunday after Pentecost: Faith's Reward for Persistence.

Today's Scripture Readings

Genesis 32:22-31

The same night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, "Let me go, for the day is breaking." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go, unless you bless me." So he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob." Then the man said, "You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed." Then Jacob asked him, "Please tell me your name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask my name?" And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved." The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. 

Psalm 121 (BCP., p.779)


2 Timothy 3:14-4:5

As for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

Luke 18:1-8

Jesus told his disciples a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, `Grant me justice against my opponent.' For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, `Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.'" And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Blog Reflection

The traditional use of today's Gospel makes me a bit uneasy.  It has often been used to promote Almighty God as the omnipotent vending machine.  If you just keep shaking it enough, out will come what you want.  There are several problems with that.  Among them is that what about those who persist in prayer enough to ask and ask and plead and still do not get what they want?  How do we suggest such for a guy who's partner has died of cancer, after hoping and praying that he would be cured?   How do we suggest that "just be faithful and God will give you your heart's desire" to those who had no assistance with food during the government shutdown, and still can't get the help they need?

The mystery of God in Jesus Christ was that God is with us.  Whether we laugh or cry.  During our moments of distress.  In the moment when we think we have reached the end and can go no further, in Jesus, God remains faithful to us, even if we have not been faithful to God.  Our relationship with God is not based on an endless litmus test to see if we succeed or fail.  It is not even dependent upon us knowing every theological formula and/or historical event.  A relationship with God is God's initiative.  Our task is to respond to God's invitation to live with trust in God's Providence, and know that no matter what we have, know, or do, God is as close to us as the smallest cell of our bodies.   There is nothing we can do that will make God love us, and want all that is good and holy for us, any less.

So, what does our Gospel say to us at the end of a long 16 day government shutdown?   What might be a good faith response as we are confronted with the realities of the prejudices that still exist in the Church and society? 

I would suggest that what we are hearing about in this parable of the woman and the judge, is that faith is a matter of trust and complete surrender, even when things don't appear to be going our way.  As long as we are willing to grow in our relationship to God through prayer and supplication, God "will supply by the help of God's grace what is not possible for us by nature" (Prologue, Rule of St. Benedict, vs 4).   We will have the courage to continue to call our Church and governmental leadership to respond to the need for justice, the end of oppression, the importance of equality and community.  We will not receive all of these things just because we have heard and/or read this Gospel and responded with every form of piety.  God gives to all of us the initiative of God's faith in us, so that we may trust in God and do our part as Disciples of Jesus Christ.  In such is the response of faith that we profess in our Baptismal Covenant. Such is the hope that many are waiting and looking for.

As we give thanks for the end to the shutdown, and the freedom to marry for LGBT people in New Jersey this week, we are seeing the fruit of what it means to keep on pursuing what is just even in the face of the worst injustices.   Not too long ago, the thought that we would now have fourteen States in America that recognize the freedom to marry for all citizens was too impossible to imagine.  It has been the persistence of those of us who believe in God's unconditional and all-inclusive love for all people, and the faith to keep on going in the most difficult of circumstances, that we are seeing these changes in the Church and society.   It is right to celebrate these victories.  However, we must not become complacent and empathetic to the many injustices that still have a strong hold on the Church and society.   That is why responding to God's initiative by faith is so imperative. 

Perhaps Henry Williams Baker said it best in the first verse of hymn number 645 in the Hymnal 1982.

The King of love my shepherd is,
whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am his,
and he is mine forever.

Amen.


Prayers

Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed
your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your
mercy, that your Church throughout the world may
persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your
Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen. (Proper 24.  Book of Common Prayer. p.235).

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

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).