Second Sunday After Epiphany: Who Crashed the Wedding Party?

Today's Scripture Readings

Isaiah 62:1-5 (NRSV)

For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,
and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest,

until her vindication shines out like the dawn,
and her salvation like a burning torch.

The nations shall see your vindication,
and all the kings your glory;

and you shall be called by a new name
that the mouth of the Lord will give.

You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,
and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

You shall no more be termed Forsaken,
and your land shall no more be termed Desolate;

but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her,
and your land Married;

for the Lord delights in you,
and your land shall be married.

For as a young man marries a young woman,
so shall your builder marry you,

and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
so shall your God rejoice over you.

Psalm 36: 5-10 (BCP., p.632)


1 Corinthians 12: 1-11 (NRSV)

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

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

John 2: 1-11 (NRSV)

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

Blog Reflection

Saint Paul gave us a great way to begin our meditation.  Everyone of us has something special about us that God gave us to share with the family of God's Church; and make a difference in the Church and the world.  Our gifts are different, and they will impact the lives of others very differently.  Yet, they are just as valuable and important.

As Episcopalians, we have been deeply disturbed (and for good reason) by the statement made by the Primates of the Anglican Communion.  The Episcopal Church has been censured for becoming an inclusive church for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning people.  Those who are LGBTQ are justified in responding to this statement with anger, sadness, confusion and concern for LGBTQ people in other parts of the Anglican Communion.  I am sure many others who want nothing to do with religion of any kind have another good reason to avoid it.

Our Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry has suggested that The Episcopal Church's vocation might be to help lead the Anglican Communion to become a fellowship of churches that are truly inclusive of all God's people.   Not a bad thought.

Our Gospel today tells us that Jesus arrived at a very unusual wedding party.  Jesus was there with His mother.  The wedding party and the steward were looking at being ostracized for running out of wine.  Mary asks Jesus, Jesus appears to be the mouthy child in response to her.  Mary tells the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them.  We know the rest of the story from the text.  Jesus made the best wine at the party out of water.  That which was plain and appeared to be useless, became the generosity of God in double doses.  The love of God poured out in Jesus Christ became the life of the party.  God was revealed in Christ who gives of God's Self in totality so that others could draw closer to God.  In particular those who were outcast and in need of being included.  God crashed the wedding party and made a difference by changing the outcome of the story.

There are those who view LGBTQ people as having come to crash the party of "traditional" marriage, family and "the good" of human society.  The fact is LGBTQ people bring as much beauty to marriage, family and the good of all human society as other diverse peoples.  As Episcopalians and Anglicans who are the "via media" we make good use of the gifts God brings to the Church in those who agree with each other, and those who do not agree with each other.  In a quote by the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, the President of the House of Deputies,

"We re-affirm our identity as Anglican Christians. That identity, since its inception, has included two foundational principles: the ecclesiological autonomy of the church in a given land, and a comprehensive inclusion of divergent theological viewpoints. Our identity as Anglicans has never been a matter of credal or doctrinal subscription, nor of conciliar membership requirements."

The work of Jesus at the wedding at Cana was about bringing together all of the relationships present there into the focus of the relationships shared by everyone there.  They all served a different function from a different point of view; yet their work brought everyone to a similar ending.  Jesus made the water into wine, because people did what they knew how to do in their unique potential and capacity.  

A possible message; God places us where we are with the gifts we have to use them to manifest the presence of God in Christ.  It is the Holy Spirit that empowers us with those gifts.  It is up to us to discern what God would have us do with them.

May we all be open to crashing the parties where God can make a difference through us.

Amen.


Prayers

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

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). 

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

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).

Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost: Proper 18: Jesus, the Woman and Us

Today's Scripture Readings

Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 (NRSV)

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,

and favor is better than silver or gold.

The rich and the poor have this in common:

the LORD is the maker of them all.

Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,

and the rod of anger will fail.

Those who are generous are blessed,

for they share their bread with the poor.

 

Do not rob the poor because they are poor,

or crush the afflicted at the gate;

for the LORD pleads their cause

and despoils of life those who despoil them.

Psalm 125 (BCP., p.781)

James 2: 1-17 (NRSV)

My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, "Have a seat here, please," while to the one who is poor you say, "Stand there," or, "Sit at my feet," have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into court? Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you?

You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For the one who said, "You shall not commit adultery," also said, "You shall not murder." Now if you do not commit adultery but if you murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill," and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.

Mark 7:24-37 (NRSV)

Jesus set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, "Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." But she answered him, "Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." Then he said to her, "For saying that, you may go-- the demon has left your daughter." So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened." And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, "He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak."

Blog Reflection

Today's Gospel is a difficult one to read and hear.  None of us likes to think about Jesus as having to confront a prejudice of His own, of which He would have gained from the culture He was in. Through out the Gospel accounts of Jesus, we read of His amazing compassion for the sick, lame, hungry, lonely, women and the marginalized.  This Gospel reading from Mark knocks the wind out of our sails if you will.  How could Jesus be so insensitive?

There are a variety of interpretations of this Gospel text, all of which have their merit.  One is that the the interaction between Jesus and this woman was not so much about prejudice of any kind on the part of Jesus, but about the faith of the woman who challenged Him.  Indeed, this interpretation is exactly the kind of thing that fits into what we are talking about when we bring up the matter of prejudice.  A woman would have had very little standing in her society to address a Rabbi in the way she did.  The fact that she was a Gentile woman in this time and culture and made her appeal and defended herself to Jesus, was that much more of a counter-cultural action on her part.  She would have become that much more of a social outcast than she already was.

Perhaps Jesus was not so much as dismissing her or even being biased towards her.  Maybe Jesus said what He said, so that the marginalization of the woman would be made so visible, that He was able to meet that prejudice of His culture and eradicate it from Himself and His culture.  I think what I am aiming for is some reverse psychology.  His appearance of rejecting her would have been good use of His adversaries to use against Him.  However, when Jesus recognizes her faith and her daughter is cured, the cultural bias is uncovered, as is God's mercy and grace that transforms her life and the culture around them.  The captive who is dehumanized is reclaimed as being God's own community and fellowship.

Jesus wants more than just the appearance of religion and its various requirements.  He wants the grace of God to move us beyond where we currently are.  Jesus wants to move us into a culture and faith that surpasses appearances, and brings the holiness of God to a living experience in our personal interactions with others.  A society and Church in which the message of the Gospel does not stop at our biases, but becomes a welcoming and healing place where God is present and moving among all of God's people with dignity and integrity.

This past week, the social media has been focusing on Kim Davis and her refusal to issue marriage licenses to same-gender couples.  Her case has been presented before judges and even the Supreme Court, and refused asking her to obey the law.  She is making the claim that she is acting on "God's authority" and her rights are protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution regarding "Religious Freedom."   Kim Davis was put in prison on a contempt of court charge.

I was both supportive of the pro-LGBT media that covered what was going on, yet, I also have a real concern.  I agree with those who are deeply disturbed by this County Clerk who under an oath, chose to ignore her duties to the people of the county and break the law because of a religious based bias.  I was also concerned that she chose to use her insubordination as a means of proselytizing others on the basis of her religious beliefs.  In addition, I am offended that she would be so arrogant as to suggest that she is acting on "God's authority" that is based on her understanding of the Bible.  Her actions suggest that no one who believes as she does has a right to receive what is lawfully and rightfully theirs, and she decides that as if she is the lone interpreter of God's will in that office.  Our magnificent Christian Faith is hijacked and Jesus Christ gets a bad Name once again.

I am also deeply concerned and disappointed however, that many progressive and pro-LGBT blog authors made their case for equality by using Davis' divorces and children as leverage to support their opposition.  While working to uphold the dignity and integrity of marriage equality for same-sex couples, Davis' dignity as a divorced woman who has multiple children was unjustly used to smear her.  In the effort to support equality, Mrs. Davis' and consequently others who married and divorced, with multiple children became a new chapter in sexism and degradation unnecessarily.  A most unfortunate example of favoritism by Mrs. Davis, the news media, and the political agenda of many.

Jesus desires even more than we do to heal our deafness to the needs of others.  Jesus' healing of the man who could not hear is symbolic of God's wish for us to be able to listen more attentively to the Holy Spirit within our hearts.  Jesus asks us to make room for others who are different from ourselves.  This is difficult for us to do because of our pride and our being so self-centered.  Jesus comes to call on us to confront the biases we all carry inside of us.  God's unconditional love and transforming grace wants to help us soften our hearts, and open our ears to the presence of Jesus in others around us.  It is God's opportunity for us to make our faith something we live, from the inside out and from the outside back inside of us in a continual relationship of community.  The breath of God can breathe new and refreshing air that brings with it healing and reconciliation to the hurting and broken world we live in.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what thou doest love,
And do what thou wouldst do.
(Hymnal 1982, #508).

Amen.


Prayers

Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as
you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength,
so you never forsake those who make their boast of your
mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (Proper 18, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 233).

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, you have so linked our lives one with another
that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide
us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but
for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for
our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of
other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out
of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Collect for Labor Day.  The Book of Common Prayer, p. 261).

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).

 

Sixth Sunday After Pentecost: Proper 9: Jesus Teaches and Sends Forth

 
Today's Scripture Readings

Ezekiel 2:1-5 (NRSV)

The Lord said to me: O mortal, stand up on your feet, and I will speak with you. And when he spoke to me, a spirit entered into me and set me on my feet; and I heard him speaking to me. He said to me, Mortal, I am sending you to the people of Israel, to a nation of rebels who have rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have transgressed against me to this very day. The descendants are impudent and stubborn. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, "Thus says the Lord GOD." Whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house), they shall know that there has been a prophet among them.

Psalm 123 (BCP., p.780)


2 Corinthians 12:2-10 (NRSV)

I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven-- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. And I know that such a person-- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows-- was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

Mark 6:1-13 (NRSV)

Jesus left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. Then Jesus said to them, "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house." And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them." So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Blog Reflection

This past Friday, our Presiding Bishop-elect The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry delivered a stunning sermon at the closing Eucharist for the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church.  The text he preached from was Matthew 28:16-20 also known as The Great Commission.  The context used from Matthew is not all that different from Today's Gospel text from Mark.  You can listen to Bishop Curry's sermon here.  Among the most powerful things he said, was that Jesus came to show us the way to God, and to each other in the work of reconciliation and healing.  He said it much better than I just wrote it.

During the General Convention, we saw many individuals; Bishops, Clergy and Laity come together on so many issues.  Liturgy, Canons, gun violence, race relations, alcohol and drug addiction, beginning the work towards a revision of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer and Hymnal 1982, and of course marriage equality.  The House of Bishops and the House of Deputies did something incredible during the discussion and debate about many of these issues.  They talked to each other, they listened to each other and when they voted there was a majority decision.  They did all of this with respect with those who disagreed.  When the matter of changing the Canons to allow Bishops and Clergy to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage for same-gender couples, there was an effort to accommodate the Bishops who do not want the Liturgies for same-sex couples used in their Dioceses'.  On the other hand, they still have to find a way to make sure the liturgies are available to those couples who would like to use them.  The news from a Washington Post article suggested that it was a "compromise."  Rev. Tobias Holler cleared up much of that with his blog post Comprehensive Not Compromise.

Some have characterized these resolutions as compromises. I prefer to see them as comprehensive. The resolution on liturgies authorizes trial use as provided for in the Constitution, with the mandate that bishops will see to it that all couples have access to the liturgies, while at the same time affirming that the bishop is responsible for directing and permitting these liturgies. This may be too subtle for some, but I believe it will allow the minority of bishops who are personally opposed to marriage equality sufficient conscientious cover, while at the same time requiring them to find ways to provide for couples in their dioceses who wish to make use of the liturgies. This will be a time for creativity and generosity.

How does this relate to our Gospel and the celebration of the 4th of July?

The Gospel narrative certainly suggests that long before the Church found themselves in controversy with traditionalists and more liberal people, Jesus did it first.  He is reading and preaching in his home town.  As those who are hearing Him question what Jesus said, it comes down to where He is from and who His parents are.  Jesus was not able to do too much, because they did not believe in Him.

The second half of our Gospel is about Jesus sending forth those who are following Him to do what He has been doing.  As Jesus sent them forward, so He sends all of us.  In the sermon that Bishop Curry preached, he said that it doesn't matter who we are, how old we are, what our politics are, etc.  If we are Baptized into Christ Jesus, we are part of the Jesus movement.  The Jesus movement is sent to heal our friendship with God and each other.  Christians are not only called to worship God in nice buildings with beautiful music.  We are Baptized and sent forth in Christ's Name to make the world a better place for all people.

While all of the good news was coming out of the General Convention this week, we saw some real tragedies too.  Several churches in which African Americans worship in were burned.  While we have been celebrating the Supreme Court's decision on June 26th regarding Marriage Equality, the issue of racism continues its poisonous sting of violence with all the hate to energize it.  It goes beyond taking the Confederate flags down, as important as that is.  It is about the attitudes and behaviors that continues to make judgements based on skin color and/or immigration status.  This social disease has been on the rise since President Obama was elected, and over these past years with the shooting of innocent African American men.  The language in the news media is terrible.  The attitudes in many of the blog writers is appalling.

Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral in St. Louis, MO is collecting funds to assist the church communities that lost their church buildings to fire.  I encourage my readers to consider assisting a donation to Christ Church Cathedral by clicking on their website Rebuilding the Churches Fund.

As we reflect on all that has happened over these past two weeks, may we all celebrate by giving thanks to God.  God has indeed blessed us with so many wonderful things.  Among those things we are blessed with, is the opportunities to go forth in the Name of Christ and to change the world so that the dignity of every human people is upheld and protected.  May all of us discover the gifts God has given us and put them to use so that the Reign of God in Christ can be established and expanded.  May we never give up, and never give in.  May we spread the love of Jesus in our homes, churches and communities.  May those in darkness find the light of God's inclusive and unconditional love, because we showed them what true Christianity can be like.

A blessed 4th of July to all of you.

Amen.


Prayers

O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments
by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your
Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole
heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Proper 9: The Book of Common Prayer, p. 230).


Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this
country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the
torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and
all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our
liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Collect for Independence Day, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 242).

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).

 

Fifth Sunday After Pentecost: Proper 8: The Church Amidst Dying and Rising

Wisdom 1:13-15, 2:23-24 (NRSV)

God did not make death,

And he does not delight in the death of the living.

For he created all things so that they might exist;

the generative forces of the world are wholesome,

and there is no destructive poison in them,

and the dominion of Hades is not on earth.

For righteousness is immortal.

 

God created us for incorruption,

and made us in the image of his own eternity,

but through the devil’s envy death entered the world,

and those who belong to his company experience it.

Psalm 30 (BCP., p.621)


2 Corinthians 8:7-15 (NRSV)

As you excel in everything-- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you-- so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking.

I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. 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. And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something-- now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has-- not according to what one does not have. I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance. As it is written,

"The one who had much did not have too much,

and the one who had little did not have too little."

Mark 5:21-43 (NRSV)

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live." He went with him.

And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, "If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well." Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my clothes?" And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, `Who touched me?'" He looked all around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease."

While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader's house to say, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?" But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, "Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha cum," which means, "Little girl, get up!" And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Blog Reflection

I am so overjoyed to be writing this blog reflection today.  I never thought I would see the day when the freedom to marry for LGBT people is the law of America.  The announcement that the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that marriage for same-gender couples is to be protected under the 14th Amendment was overwhelmingly amazing.  I am so happy beyond words that we all witnessed such a miracle.  Exciting things are happening as we move towards equality for LGBTQ people; even as matters of racism continue to be very difficult for all of us.

I am writing this blog post with the exciting news coming out of the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church, that the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, Bishop of North Carolina has been elected and confirmed as the 27th Presiding Bishop.  Bishop Curry will also make history as the first African American Presiding Bishop in The Episcopal Church.

These historical events are changing both the Church and society.  They tell the continuing story of the movement of the Holy Spirit who continues to "renew the face of the earth"(Psalm 104:31) with a more inclusive Church.  As we listen more closely to the stories of individuals who were and are marginalized and are now finding acceptance; they may be feeling like those who approached Jesus in our Gospel today.  They sought Jesus out to find healing and reconciliation in their lives.  They may have felt like there was no hope, and if only they could have one chance to touch the hem of Christ's garment, they would discover that their faith is stronger than they thought.

Our reading from Wisdom tells us that it is not God's desire for us to live in darkness and death.  God created and calls us where we are to a life of devotion and service in Christ's Name.  As Christians who believe in the resurrection of Christ, we too are being empowered by the Spirit to that living faith through which God raises up the lowly, feeds the hungry and has mercy on all who seek God.

Our society continues to struggle to recognize those who are economically disenfranchised, sick and lonely in a way that is life-giving.  Many feel as if they have no hope.  They can be likened to those who came to tell Jairus that his daughter was already dead, "don't bother."  Jesus is the fullness of God's compassion and justice.  He raises the girl up, and returns her to her mother and father to be fed.  So Jesus challenges us to see beyond what we see or think we know.  Jesus calls on us to bring new life and purpose that gives new life to all who come.

As much as we rejoice in stories such as this, there are those who read them and wonder where God was when their child was sick.  My mind went to a similar place yesterday when the marriage ruling from SCOTUS was announced.  It is a grand day for many who have waited long for this day.  However, there are many LGBT couples for whom this announcement came much too late.  Individuals who saw their partners pass away due to complications of HIV/AIDS, cancer or some other illness.   How many mothers and fathers of lesbian and gay children saw their loved ones suffer through the death of their spouse, and could do so very little to help them.  Or spouses who took their child to a doctor and were refused because of policies regarding parenting of LGBT couples.   These are individuals who have experienced deep wounds.  What does our Gospel have to say to them?

I believe the message sounds something like this.  Darkness, discrimination and death are real and painful, but they are not an end in and of themselves.  Jesus Christ shows us "the way" to a life of healing and reconciliation, in which despair gives away to new hope.  Jesus Christ is about a new song in our hearts that lifts us up from the ashes, and makes us that "new creation" that St. Paul writes about in 2 Corinthians 5:17-18.

As we go forward as Christ's Body, may we pray with and for one another as some rejoice and others respond with grief and confusion.   May we all be a source of healing inspiration with and for one another as we walk with Jesus through dying and rising again.

Amen.


Prayers

Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the
foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself
being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together
in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a
holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen. (Proper 8, The Book of Common Prayer, p.230).

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

     

Fourth Sunday After Pentecost: Proper 7: Save Us, O God from the Storms of Prejudice and Violence

Today's Scripture Readings

1 Samuel 17:57-18:5, 10-16 (NRSV)

On David's return from killing Goliath, the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with the head of the Philistine in his hand. Saul said to him, "Whose son are you, young man?" And David answered, "I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite."

When David had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father's house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that he was wearing, and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him; as a result, Saul set him over the army. And all the people, even the servants of Saul, approved.

The next day an evil spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house, while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand; and Saul threw the spear, for he thought, "I will pin David to the wall." But David eluded him twice.

Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul. So Saul removed him from his presence, and made him a commander of a thousand; and David marched out and came in, leading the army. David had success in all his undertakings; for the LORD was with him. When Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in awe of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David; for it was he who marched out and came in leading them.

Psalm 133 (BCP., p.787)


2 Corinthians :1-13 (NRSV)

As we work together with Christ, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says,

"At an acceptable time I have listened to you,

and on a day of salvation I have helped you."

See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see-- we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. In return-- I speak as to children-- open wide your hearts also.

Mark 4:25-41 (NRSV)

When evening had come, Jesus said to his disciples, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"

Blog Reflection 

This afternoon I was present for and witnessed the ordination of 33 individuals to the transitional and vocational Diaconate and the Priesthood.  The Rt. Rev. Brian Prior, Bishop of Minnesota  and a large group of worshiping people became participants as these 33 women and men from various backgrounds, ages, races, sexual orientations, health statuses, languages and more received the prayers and blessings to serve Christ's Church in ordained ministry.  It was exciting and uplifting.

Bishop Prior shared with us in his sermon that what the 33 people did was living out their calling as Baptized members of the Church.  He also said that all of us, lay or ordained as Bishops, Priests and Deacons are given the mission of living into our Baptismal Vows.  All of us as Christians, need to hear that message today.

Our Scripture readings this Sunday tell us of God's deepest desire for each of us to know that we are loved, we are sought after, and looked after. 

God's great gift of sexual orientation and desire leads us to know of God's amazing love through the tender love of another person.  The gender of those persons is not at issue with God.  The relationship of David and Jonathon was obviously a lot more than friendship or just good buddies.  David and Jonathan made a covenant to declare their mutual love with each other.  As we read in the account from First Samuel both of them "loved each other more than themselves."  They were bound in soul and body.  Their relationship was a life of self-sacrifice of one for the other.  A love that is so dedicated one to the other, that it is quite likely that Saul was jealous of their bond.  

As we await the decision of the Supreme Court to decide the issue of marriage equality on a civil level, we also await to see what will happen as The Episcopal Church gathers for General Convention to debate the matter of changing the Canons in The Book of Common Prayer, so that same-gender couples who are blessed in TEC, are married and/or in matrimony.  These are two big challenges before society and the Church.  These are difficult times for the Church and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons.   Yet, we are united with what our Baptismal Covenant as Episcopalians is about.  Loving God, our neighbor and ourselves, and respecting and upholding the dignity of every human person.  We are called upon as God's people in the here and now which is the day of salvation, to proclaim and live into who we are.   As God does not discriminate against two individuals of the same-gender in loving and committed covenants with each other, to live in self-sacrifice; then neither should we. 

When I read our Gospel Reading from Mark, I thought that it speaks eloquently to what we are all experiencing since the tragic shooting in Charleston, South Carolina this week.  The storm clouds and winds of racism and out of control gun violence have once again pierced our hearts and terrified us.  Our boats of personal security are being tossed by the waves of media storms full of speculation and commentary designed to inflame our suspicions and sensations.  Yet, there are a few things that we are not hearing.

First, both the gunner and those who were shot are individuals of sacred worth.  Whether black or white skinned, they like all of us are God's children.  They have been created and redeemed to fulfill God's purpose in their lives.  It is so very sad that the gunner did not have enough respect and regard for his own life, and therefore could not see the dignity of those he shot without their race being part of the equation. 

Second, the issue of race and gun violence remain out of control.  I know we have a 2nd Amendment to our Constitution.  I know there are those convinced that the Government is coming after their guns and their right to defend themselves from an "oppressive" Government.   However, we apparently live in a time in which those who have high magazine guns do not know or see the difference between weapons that help us defend ourselves, and weapons used to get someone they do not agree with out of the way.  

Third, we have a serious problem when African American teens/youth are gunned down just for walking the side walk, with their Caucasian killers who cannot be fairly prosecuted.  Meanwhile we have a situation in which a young white male entered a church in Charleston, South Carolina and opened fire killing and wounding people worshiping there.  Then we hear of Christians claiming to speak on behalf of all Christians, suggesting that the shooting was an attack against Christians and not racially motivated.

Fourth, we continue to have a poorly made assertion that all gun violence is somehow linked to mental illness or individuals with a mental illness.  Such a stereotype is egregious.  The issue of gun violence needs to be addressed, as does a better health care system for those who live with mental illness.  I continue to hold the opinion that addressing the issue of gun violence without doing more to help people with mental illness gain better services so they are better cared for, could not be more morally wrong.  Negatively stereotyping individuals with mental illness as violent or doing violence and therefore must be further marginalized is also morally wrong.  Such attitudes are additional examples of how far we have to go in terms of living into our Baptismal Covenant.

Finally, as Jesus was there in the boat with those disciples who were scared and their faith weakened by the storm, so Jesus is here with all of us during our tempests.  We are not left to struggle with these issues alone and isolated.  We are nourished by the Presence of Christ in The Holy Eucharist to be the Body of Christ in our hurting world.  Jesus gets up with us, walks with us and strengthens our faith to pray and work together.  Jesus empowers us by the Holy Spirit with gifts to be used so that God's Reign of peace and justice for all God's people may be a living reality. 

May each of us answer God's call on our lives and walk in love together as Christ's Body.

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).

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).

Third Sunday After Pentecost: Listening From the Heart and the Mustard Tree

Today's Scripture Readings

1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 (NRSV)

Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul. Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the LORD was sorry that he had made Saul king over Israel.

The Lord said to Samuel, "How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons." Samuel said, "How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me." And the Lord said, "Take a heifer with you, and say, `I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.' Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you." Samuel did what the Lord commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, "Do you come peaceably?" He said, "Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice." And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.


When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, "Surely the Lord's anointed is now before the Lord." But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, "Neither has the Lord chosen this one." Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, "Neither has the Lord chosen this one." Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, "The Lord has not chosen any of these." Samuel said to Jesse, "Are all your sons here?" And he said, "There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep." And Samuel said to Jesse, "Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here." He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, "Rise and anoint him; for this is the one." Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.

Psalm 20 (BCP., p.608)


2 Corinthians 5:6-17 (NRSV)

We are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord-- for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil.

Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in outward appearance and not in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.  For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!

Mark 4:26-34 (NRSV)

Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come."

He also said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade."

With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.

Blog Reflection

I have written the words before.  They are such powerful words.  Yet, even after they have been read, written and/or heard; they still move people.  Well, here they are again.

"Listen, my son, to your master's precepts, and incline the ear of your heart. (Prologue of The Rule of St. Benedict).

God is so often trying to get our attention through life, through our relationships and experiences.  God seeks to speak with us from within the depths of our whole selves.  When we listen with the ears of our heart, we can enter into the laughter, tears, joys and fears of God through one another.  Most likely God is telling us through the ears of the heart of our stories that basically say,  "Hey, I am here.  I want you to know that I am here."

In their book, Radical Hospitality: Benedict's Way of Love, Second Edition, Lonni Collins Pratt and the late Fr. Daniel Homan, OSB tell us, 

"To Benedict, listening is not the same as intellectual comprehension.  Listening, as Benedict understood it, is a special kind of deep attentiveness to all of life.  Benedict understood that we can live in ways that either dull or sharpen this attentiveness.  Benedict's Rule is a guide to sharpening the ears of the heart." (Page 259).

To listen for God within the ears of the heart is about allowing them to be moved by God in such a way, that there is no analyzing or classifying.  All that is there is God loving us and calling us to love one another.

The Reading from 1 Samuel about Samuel anointed David, and God "knows what is in the heart" is the kind of listening that St. Benedict had in mind.  It is enough to allow ourselves to be open to hearing what God has to say to us through one another, and to respond to the presence of God with love and faith as we embrace each other.  When we listen, God does amazing things in our lives.  We can do more than hear of how people are affected by oppression and prejudice; we can actually experience what that is like from within the depths of ourselves and seek God's will to be part of the solution.

When we listen from the heart, the seed of God's word gets sown into us.  That seed can be very small, but as we listen and contemplate God's presence, that seed can grow in to something that becomes attractive to everyone and brings hope where it appears that hope is lost.  When we actually listen to peoples' stories and respond in love, God's word gets planted in new hearts for potential growth.

Just look at what happened in the mid 1970's when The Episcopal Church began opening up the small seed of inclusion for women to be ordained, and LGBTQ people to be recognized as holy people.   Though that tree has grown and been cut, and new branches added, it is something that many others look to for an example of how individuals can believe in the Gospel and live it in everyday life.  We now accept LGBT people as Bishops, Priests and Deacons, and we have a Rite to bless same-gender relationships.   In a couple of weeks, at General Convention, The Episcopal Church will once again gather to share our stories of why (or why not) we should take the next step and change the Canons in The Book of Common Prayer so that same-gender couples can be recognized as being married in the Church.  People will come with their stories about why the Canon should be changed, and why it should not be changed.  As difficult as it is with all of our hopes and emotions about the subject of marriage equality, we will need to listen deeply as people tell their stories and seek the Holy Spirit as to how The Episcopal Church should respond.  There will be those who will agree with what is decided, there will be those who will disagree.  In the end, the important thing is that we listen to each other tell their stories and remember we are responding to God's presence in them as to where the Spirit may be leading us.

As marriage equality has been becoming the law in many States, individuals have been telling us their stories about what it means to be able to marry the person they love with the full approval of their civil government.  We have also been listening as LGBTQ people continue to struggle with the issue of religion.  Yet, we have seen the Presbyterian Church USA decide that their same-gender couples will be married.  The Scottish Episcopal Church is beginning to study their Canons to see if they can make a change.  The Spirit seems to be moving, not only for the sake of marriage equality, but so that those who are telling their stories of what it is like to have their relationships on a second class status can finally feel that they have been heard.  The tree of an inclusive Episcopal Church, continues to grow, and that too is God speaking to the ears of our hearts so that the Reign of God expands and embraces all people.


Amen.


Prayers

Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast
faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim
your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with
compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who
lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now
and for ever. Amen.  (Proper 6.  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).