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

Today's Scripture Readings

Jeremiah 33:14-16 (NRSV)

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

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


1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 (NRSV)
 

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

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

 

Luke 21:25-36 (NRSV)

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

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

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

Blog Reflection

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amen.


Prayers

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

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

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

Today's Scripture Readings

Daniel 12:1-3 (NRSV)

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

Psalm 16 (BCP, p.599,600)


Hebrews 10:11-125 (NRSV)

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

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

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

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

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

Mark 13:1-8 (NRSV)

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

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

Blog Reflection

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amen.


Prayers

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

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

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

Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost: The Time for Waiting and Watching is Now

Today's Scripture Readings

Wisdom 6:12-16 (NRSV)

Wisdom is radiant and unfading,

and  she is easily discerned by those who love her,

and is found by those who seek her.

She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her.

One who rises early to seek her will have no difficulty,

for she will be found sitting at the gate.

To fix one’s thought on her is perfect understanding,

And one who is vigilant on her account will soon be free from care,

because she goes about seeking those worthy of her,

and she graciously appears to them in their paths,

and meets them in every thought.

Psalm 70 (BCP., p.682)


1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NRSV)

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel's call and with the sound of God's trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Matthew 25:1-13 (NRSV)

Jesus said, "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, `Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise replied, `No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, `Lord, lord, open to us.' But he replied, `Truly I tell you, I do not know you.' Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."

Blog Reflection

It is hard to believe where we are in our Liturgical calendar.  In just three weeks we will embark on a new Liturgical Cycle.  This Year A in which we have been reading from the Gospel of Matthew is winding down.   As is the Tradition of the Church we come to that time of the Year when we focus on the return of Christ at the end of the age.  All of the Lectionary Readings beginning mid September and up to this point have been slowly moving us to where we are now.   Now we pick up the pace as we prepare to celebrate Christ the King, Thanksgiving Day and the First Sunday of Advent.

It is prophetic that this Sundays Lectionary begins with Wisdom.  I find it humbling that we are introduced to what the Lord wants us to hear begins with the feminine nature of the Divine.  It has yet to be completely clarified if God even has a gender.  The Tradition of the Church has unquestionably been leaning toward the worst kind of male chauvinism.  Is it any wonder that one of the products of the Protestant Reformation was to promote the King James Version of the Bible that omitted the Apocrypha with its references to the Wisdom of God understood as a feminine quality?   Now as the Church begins a movement towards a greater acceptance of transgender individuals, our greatest hurdle is learning to let go of how we perceive a particular gender and what stereotypes we ascribe to them.

The writer of Wisdom tells us to be prepared for Wisdom to give us a firmer grounding in life than trying to do with out Her.  She moves in the hearts of those who have answered the desire of God for us to draw closer to God.  Once our hearts and souls are awoken to the stir of the Wisdom of God within us, and we give ourselves over to all She wants to do; we will discover a new quality in our relationship with God and others.  Wisdom seeks out those who seek a deeper union with God.  A union with God that is transparent because of a growing heart of compassion for those among us who remain second class citizens.   That heart should expand with the Law of our God of mercy being written by the grace of the Holy Spirit.  This kind of Wisdom is a breeding ground for the contemplative vision of God, by seeing all things and people from God's perspective.

I recently asked a Priest. "Where does the whole idea of watching and waiting in the Season of Advent come from?"   His answer concerned me not so much with what he did say; but what he did not.  In terms of the Liturgy of the Church; the watching and waiting that we are invited to through this reading from Matthew that will lead us into Advent; comes from the Benedictine Daily Office of Vigils.  Or, as we like to say in the Episcopal/Anglican Tradition, Matins.  Matins derives its meaning from the Latin word, "Matutinum" or "Matutinae" meaning "belonging to the morning."   It retains parts of the Night Office of Vigils.  In addition, Matins includes parts of Lauds (Morning Prayer) and Prime (meaning "First Hour").   The "watch" is referred to for example in Psalm 3:5 "I lie down and go to sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me."  In Psalm 16:8 we read, "I will bless the LORD who gives me counsel; my heart teaches me, night after night."  Another example is Psalm 22:2, "O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer; by night as well, but I find no rest."  Lastly, Psalm 63:6, "When I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the night watches."   St. Benedict retained the Office of Vigils from the writings of St. John Cassian and the Desert Mothers and Fathers.  

The readings from the New Testament and the Gospel are about watching and waiting for the return of Christ.   A wise Christian will keep watch with their lamps lit because we do not know at what hour Christ will return. 

There are a fair number of touching stories that point us to what this Gospel means.  I cannot recall the name of it (or them), but in one of them a man was expecting Jesus for Christmas dinner.   As he was preparing the feast, there were several knocks at the door.  He turned each of them away (I think), saying that he was waiting for Jesus to come to dinner.   When Jesus finally arrived, the meal was not quite finished.  As the guy was finishing, he was apologizing to Jesus; who told him that He already showed up in those who previously knocked and were turned away.  Therefore what made Jesus think the man would be ready to receive Him now if he wasn't then?

As Christians we always tend to have our lamps lit with plenty of oil to fuel them; so long as we gather in our churches to draft rules or canons about who we keep out of the Church.  We keep our lights on for Bible studies that only go so far as to move us beyond our self-absorption that won't let us welcome people of other faiths, sexual orientations, political parties or doctrinal diversity.   We meet together to discuss being "pastoral" while gossiping about who is not fit for the pastoral ministry of the Church.  There is something about her/his behavior that makes us uncomfortable and nervous as to how we will be perceived.   This is often the case for individuals with mental illness issues and/or autistic conditions.  Others who might experience this would be "illegal" immigrants or those who are homeless. The lights of opportunity are lit for those who give us large cash donations, but they are set very dim when Christ comes in the poor, lonely and disenfranchised to offer only themselves.  

Today, Jesus Christ challenges all of us to remember our Baptismal Vows in our watching and waiting.  All of us are invited to the wedding banquet that is the Holy Eucharist and in service to Christ and the Church.  Each of us have gifts to offer, to be received with respect and reverence for the Presence of Christ in each other.  Christians are encouraged in this Gospel to make room in our churches; as well as in society for the inclusive Reign of God.  Our prejudices along with our silent voices in the face of injustice, violence, poverty, sickness and oppression suggest our foolishness in thinking that there is time enough to buy more oil; because Jesus certainly won't come while we are away.  

The time for watching, waiting, praying and responding to Christ is now.   May we search for union with God in a bonded relationship; that is self evident in our devotion to strive for peace and justice among all people, and to uphold the dignity of every human being.

Amen.


Prayers

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

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).

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

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

Today's Scripture Readings

Malachi 4:1-2a (NRSV)

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

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


2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 (NRSV)

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

Luke 21:5-19 (NRSV)

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

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

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

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

Blog Reflection

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amen.


Prayers

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

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

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

Twenty Fifth Sunday after Pentecost:We Must Use Our Time Wisely

Today's Scripture Readings

Daniel 12: 1-3 (NRSV)

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

Psalm 16 (BCP., p.599-600)


Hebrews 10: 11-25 (NRSV)

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

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

he also adds,

"I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more."
Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.]

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

Mark 13: 1-8 (NRSV)

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

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

Blog Reflection

The reading from Daniel records what was taking place during the period when the Hellenization by the Jews in Palestine.  They were enduring oppression of not only their land and culture, but also the practice of their religion.   The Seleucid kings dominated the Jews by not allowing them to worship in their temples or synagogues as the Lord, their God had commanded them.  It was believed that the Archangel Michael would come to their rescue them by striking down those who were oppressing them, so that they would regain what they had lost.  The victory to be gained was not only a restoration of justice for all who lived, but the promise of new life for those who already died. 

There are a couple things we must be very careful of when applying this to the society and Church of our time.

1. We should not look upon the Jews as deserving of the treatment they got.  No religion or group of people brings upon themselves the destruction of their land or religion because God punishes them.   Therefore, it is inappropriate to take an attitude of antisemitism, Islamophobia, or look down upon Atheists or Pagans. 

2. We should also not use this as a means to uphold our own self-righteousness to promote only our religious or social point of view. 

What we can take from this that is very applicable to us, is an opportunity of faith.   Evil, oppression, violence, abuse etc, is something that God cares very much about.  Though it may appear to us that God is not concerned with what is going on in the world, God is very much interacting withe progression of human history.  God is "not standing afar off and hidden your face from us" as we pray in Psalm 10.  When things are happening in our own communities, churches, families and around the world that we become aware of, that awareness is God speaking to our hearts.  God is calling on us to be in prayer for those experiencing injustice, poverty and sickness, and moving on our hearts to take an interest in the welfare of others.  The message of the Gospel is for us, yes.  But, it's impact does not, nor should it stop with us.  The work of living and sharing our faith through interceding and working on behalf of others, is how God works to end inequality and exploitation. 

As for us Christians, the hope of redemption was accomplished because of Jesus Christ.  Through our common Baptism, we have shared in the death and resurrection of Christ (see Romans 6).   The Paschal Mystery happened so that Christians could look to Jesus as our Savior, who destroyed our slavery to sin.   We no longer have to accept religious based discrimination, when Christians use the Bible to promote and act on bias.  Christ changed our world by being God's perfect revelation and showing us how to reach out and become an inclusive community for God.  God's saving work through Christ our Redeemer, found a way to include us in the Body of Christ.  We should be accepting others so that God can also incorporate them among God's beloved people. 

The Gospel reading is one that gets so abused by preachers trying to scare people to prepare for the second coming of Christ.  Yet, two weeks from today it will already be Advent, the season to prepare for the coming of the Reign of Christ, as we move towards celebrating Christmas.  What is the significance of this Gospel on the second coming?

On one hand, this reading is not about the second coming.  Jesus is predicting the invasion and destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE by the Roman General Silva.   It is believed that the writer of Mark would have been in Syria between 60-70 CE and would have recorded events as they were told to the author.  The destruction of Jerusalem would have appeared like a second coming to the early Christians, and to the Jews of that time it would have been very apocalyptic.  It is quite possible that these are not the words of Jesus as they were said, but, recorded as such for their dramatic emphasis as to what Christians need to be doing.

On the other hand, this Gospel should certainly help us to think about what our priorities are as disciples of Christ.  If our priorities are waiting around for every war or rumor of war to start so we can scare the whole world into thinking Christ is coming, to convert everyone, we are wasted precious time and missing valuable opportunities. 

I remember back in 1991 when the first Gulf War began.  I was a student at Eastern Nazarene College studying Church Music and organ.  The days and weeks following the initial attack of the United States on Bagdad, Iraq, I found myself staring at more books in the student book shop about Iraq being the location of former Babylon and the possibility that it was the last war on earth before Christ returned.   In those books there were countless claims that everything from abortion, to homosexuality and the secularization of our culture was why the war was started.   I also heard some claim that the war was the punishment of God upon a country where Islam was the religion of that nation.  

The days and weeks after September 11, 2001 we heard of a few preachers say that the attacks happened because of the wide acceptance of women as ordained clergy in certain denominations, abortions and homosexuality.   Because there was a take over of the secularization of our culture from what was a "Christian nation" God punished America with the terrorist attacks that killed over 3,000 Americans.

Both of these are examples of what I call, Christians wasting their time on nonsense and useless fear tactics, while the real work of the Gospel remains unfinished.

What Jesus is calling those who follow him to do, is to use the time we have to establish God's Reign.   We are to work to end injustice, oppression, violence and care for those less fortunate than ourselves, because God is present in all human beings.  Especially those who suffer and are in need of a better today.   An improved life today, so that they may have some kind of future where their human dignity is recognized and defended.   To end the exploitation of people for the benefit of the powerful and wealthy.   A place where working for  peace with and for everyone is more important than making peace with oppression.  Where we address issues like the bullying of LGBT youth and single mothers. 

Today, while we have so much going on around us that suggests discrimination and attitudes of self-righteousness, Jesus calls us in humility to recognize who God is, and who we are not.  We are not God, but we are redeemed by God in Christ.  In thanksgiving and good stewardship, we have the privilege and responsibility to use what God has given us to benefit not only ourselves, but others who remain vulnerable and helpless on their own.  

May our week of Thanksgiving bring us closer to recognizing Christ in one another, and doing all we can to honor Christ in those who are in need of love, compassion and our generosity.

Amen.


Prayers

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

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

Gracious Father, we pray for they 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, Book of Common Prayer, p. 816).