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

Luke 16:19-31 NRSV

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

Blog Reflection 

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Prayers

 

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

 

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

Fourth Sunday of Advent: The Contradiction of the Incarnate Word

Today's Scripture Readings

Micah 5: 2-5a (NRSV)

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
who are one of the little clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to rule in Israel,
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient days.
Therefore he shall give them up until the time
when she who is in labor has brought forth;
then the rest of his kindred shall return
to the people of Israel.
And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD,
in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.
And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth;
and he shall be the one of peace.

Psalm 80:1-7 (BCP., p.702)


Hebrews 10:5-10 (NRSV)

Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said,

"Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,
but a body you have prepared for me;
in burnt offerings and sin offerings
you have taken no pleasure.
Then I said, 'See, God, I have come to do your will, O God'
(in the scroll of the book it is written of me)."

When he said above, "You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law), then he added, "See, I have come to do your will." He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And it is by God's will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Luke 1:39-55 (NRSV)

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord."

And Mary said,

"My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

Blog Reflection

I once again ask the pardon of my readers.  Last weekend my family gathered in my hometown of Wareham, Massachusetts for my Mother's Mass of Christian Burial.  I am also very thankful for your prayers and concern during this difficult time.  You are all a great blessing to me.

It goes without saying, but, our world is messed up.  The political party debates.  The violence that is out of control world wide.  The attitudes of racism, sexism, heterosexism and any number of issues that divide people for any assorted reasons run as freely as a herd of caribou.  Christians of all sects are still arguing about doctrine and who is in a place of leadership and who is "serving" while the Gospel remains an abstraction  Other Christians are so concerned about winning political campaigns and raising outrageous amounts of money for them.  Meanwhile the Person of Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word who came to be the face of God and be the deliverer for the poor and oppressed; becomes an after thought.

On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, our Gospel directs our minds and hearts towards the joy Christ brings; while turning the world as we know it upside down.

The Magnificat (or Song of Mary) that we read from Luke 1:46-55 is not the first time we have read or heard a lovely song of the contradictions God brings.  It mirrors the Canticle of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1-8.  The Good News of these canticles and narratives, is that when we reach out for God and God comes to us; the poor become rich, the hungry are fed, those who are mighty become powerless and those who are often rendered powerless are given the grace to rise above the status quo.  

Last year while we were attending Sunday Eucharist at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in St. Paul, MN; the preacher was The Rev. Barbara Mraz.  She spoke about how in many countries where there was a dictator in control, The Magnificat was banned.  The words, "He has cast the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly" were often used by protesters.  The words were painted on poster boards and even card boards and nailed to trees and fence posts.  The words were viewed as threatening and therefore were banned, even in churches and monasteries.

One has to wonder, is the meaning of Jesus Christ coming to us in the Incarnate Word banned?   Are we still in a time when the wealthy are dictating that the poor remain poor?  As States pass laws turning away Syrian refugees, we must ask if the mighty insist on keeping their thrones while the lowly have no opportunity to have their dignity upheld?   This includes immigrants, women, LGBT people, Muslims, our Jewish sisters and brothers and others who are marginalized in the Church and society. 

The celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ is less than seven days away.  We will again celebrate that Christ was born on Christmas, singing the beautiful carols, exchanging gifts and spend time with family and friends.  These and many other things we do during the celebration of Christmas are important.  However, it is also important for Christians to remember that Jesus was born into a very imperfect society around Him, as we live in the midst of one now.  Just Jesus' birth interfered with business as usual.  Christians should be no less surprised that when we live Jesus' Gospel message of salvation and hope for every human person that we disturb a lot of other things going on around us.  Jesus' Nativity ought to make us feel displaced.  Jesus brought in a new era of contradiction after contradiction. 

If there was one thing that Jesus avoided was one person or group of people dominating another.  Christians have an opportunity to do the same.  May we not miss the opportunity.

Amen.


Prayers

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation,
that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a
mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen. (Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The Book of Common Prayer, p.212).

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

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).

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

Today's Scripture Readings

Malachi 3: 1-4 (NRSV)

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

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

Canticle 16 (BCP., p.92)


Philippians 1:3-11 (NRSV)

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

Luke 3:1-6 (NRSV)

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

"The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:

'Prepare the way of the Lord,

make his paths straight.

Every valley shall be filled,

and every mountain and hill shall be made low,

and the crooked shall be made straight,

and the rough ways made smooth;

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

Blog Reflection

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

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

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

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

What does John the Baptist represent for you?

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

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

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

Amen.


Prayers

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

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

Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost: Proper 23: Leaving Behind, Moving Forward

Today's Scripture Reading

Mark 10:17-31 (NRSV)

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.'" He said to him, "Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth." Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." They were greatly astounded and said to one another, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible."

Peter began to say to him, "Look, we have left everything and followed you." Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age--houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions--and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first."

Blog Reflection

I do beg the pardon of my readers today.  I have been away from our home for a couple days, so I am writing this blog reflection at this very last moment.  As that is the case, I am choosing only one reading and that is the Gospel.  I pray that this reflection will be meaningful and inspiriting.

How do we leave behind all that is dear and important to us?  It is a question that many have had to answer.  When a member of the military has to leave her/his family to go on duty, she/he leaves everything else behind.  Spouse, parents, children, friends, etc.  Every holiday season, there are those moments on the news of members of the military wishing their relatives a happy holiday season, often with tears in their eyes.  A person who works a career of business that makes them travel a lot, have to say good bye for the time being, to any number of people on a regular basis.

The point that Jesus is making here is not so much the leaving of one's family in the literal sense.  It is the leaving of our false sense of self that is so tied to the things around us, that we never leave them behind to follow God's will in our hearts and lives.  We always carry those relationships deep with in us.  We can also carry them around in a way that we focus on those relationships for the sake of themselves.  Somewhere in all of those relationships is our God talking through them to us, and we to them.  God calls us through others, including those possessions we use, to remember that they all came to us because of God's graciousness initiative.

St. Benedict taught that "All utensils and goods of the Monastery are be regarded as the sacred vessels of the altar." (RB:1980: The Rule of St. Benedict in English, Chapter 31, p.55).  Handling anything in the mind of St. Benedict was about remembering our responsibility of stewardship for the things we handle, and the people we live in relationship with.  The challenge the Jesus gives to the wealthy person, is that riches in and of themselves are not bad, however, when we live as though it is all ours with no concern about anyone other than ourselves, we worship the thing rather than God.

We are not only attached to "things", we also tend to hold on to other things such as attitudes towards others who are different from ourselves.  We can hold wealth as if no one else should have a little of what we may have in abundance.  Those who exercise their wealth well, are those who may have a lot, but share it with those who do not.  The bottom line here is, we can hold onto our privileges at the expense of the underprivileged.  When we do that, everyone suffers.

Holding attitudes of sexism, racism, homophobia and heterosexism, religious discrimination and more, there are those losing as we gain benefits.  When we hold religious freedom for example, to applying to only one religious group, with a complete disregard to others, no persons belief system is really safeguarded.   When we safeguard those of us who are Caucasian too tightly, those who are of any other race can never find a place of equality for them, because they are the second class citizens.  When people hold too tightly to their guns, even while innocent people are being killed every second by a gun, no one is really safe in their neighborhoods, schools or homes. 

What is it that we need to leave behind?

What things are we holding so tightly to, that no one else can share in our happiness?

Where is God in our lives, also in the things we handle and the people we relate to?

May all Christians remember that all that God gives to us, is never really our own, but on loan by a loving God.  This includes our mortal bodies and those of others.  It is only by letting go, that we discover God's holiness in all that is around us.  May we all take time today, to look for, touch and listen to God in all things and people.

Amen.


Prayers

Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and
follow us, that we may continually be given to good works;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (Proper 23: The Book of Common Prayer, p. 234).

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).

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

Today's Scripture Readings

Wisdom 7:26-8:1 (NRSV)

For wisdom is a reflection of eternal light,

a spotless mirror of the working of God,

and an image of his goodness.

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

and while remaining in herself, she renews all things;

in every generation she passes into holy souls

and makes them friends of God, and prophets;

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

She is more beautiful than the sun,

and excels every constellation of the stars.

Compared with the light she is found to be superior,

for it is succeeded by the night,

but against wisdom evil does not prevail.

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

and she orders all things well.

Psalm 19 (BCP., p.606)


James 3:1-12 (NRSV)

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

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

Mark 8:27-38 (NRSV)

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

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

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

Blog Reflection

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

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

What would our response have been?

Would our response be anything like Peter's?

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

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

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

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

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

Who do you say that Jesus is?

Who are you in relationship to Jesus?

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

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

Amen.


Prayers

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

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

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

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

Today's Readings

2 Kings 4:42-44 (NRSV)

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

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


Ephesians 3:14-21 (NRSV)

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

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

John 6:1-21 (NRSV)
 

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

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

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

Blog Reflection 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayers

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

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

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

 

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).

 

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).

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).