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

Today's Scripture Readings

Numbers 6:22-27 (NRSV)

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

The LORD bless you and keep you;

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

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

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

Psalm 8 (BCP., p.582)


Philippians 2:5-11 (Common English Bible)

Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus:

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

 
Luke 2:15-21 (NRSV)

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

Blog reflection

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One more thing. 

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

Oh please, let 2014 be the Year that happens.

Amen.


Prayers

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

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

St. Mary the Virgin: A Woman Graced, Tried, and Rewarded

Today's Scripture Readings

 Isaiah 61:10-11 (NRSV)

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,

my whole being shall exult in my God;

for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,

he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,

as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,

and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

For as the earth brings forth its shoots,

and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,

so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise

to spring up before all the nations. 

 

Psalm 34 (BCP. p.627)

 

Galatians 4:4-7 (NRSV)

When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

 

Luke 1:44-56 (NRSV)

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

As I read through the various traditions of what this August 15th, Commemoration of the St. Mary the Virgin means, I am awestruck by the diversity.  A diversity that is a great source of division among Christians.

For Roman Catholics, today is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Catholics believe that on this day, Mary did not die, but was assumed body and soul into Heaven.  It was a dogma proclaimed by Pope Pius XII in 1945.  This belief is based on another belief by Catholics in Mary's Immaculate Conception.  Meaning she was conceived without original sin, prefiguring the victory won by the death and resurrection of Christ.  Both dogma's suggest that because Mary was God's perfectly created creature, who did the will of God from conception to the end of her earthly life, she who was "full of grace" never experienced death, and was rewarded with a glorious assumption by Mary's Son.

 In the case of what this day means to the Eastern Orthodox, today is the Feast of the Dormition.  In a stunning explanation of the connection of the Feast of the Transfiguration which we celebrated on August 6 and the Dormition, the following comes from the website to St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Both feasts are connected with death. The Transfiguration comes before the death of Christ and anticipates it. The Dormition marks the death of the Mother of God, and comes after the death and resurrection of Christ. 

About the Transfiguration, we say that the revelation of His glory was the Lord's gift to the disciples Peter, James and John in anticipation of His suffering and death. The revelation of glory was meant to give the disciples something - some hope - to see them through their experience of holy week and to strengthen them in the face of death of their Master. Thy disciples beheld Thy glory as far as they could see it; so that when they would behold Thee crucified, they would understand that Thy suffering was voluntary.... (Kontakion) 

The Dormition of the Mother of God is also a gift. It is a gift of hope because it reveals that in Christ, death is no longer the master and great anxiety of our lives, but is itself subject to the power of His love. The reality and power of the resurrection of Christ is applied to our common human life in the person of the Mother of God. What is proclaimed as Gospel - the risen Christ, the Lord of Life, trampling death by death - is experienced here in the reality of the believer's new life in Christ. For being the Mother of Life, she was translated to life by the One who dwelt in her virginal womb. (Kontakion)

The Commemoration of the St. Mary the Virgin presents us with some interesting spiritual and theological problems as well as much to rejoice in.  The problem as Abbot Andrew Karr, OSB of St. Gregory's Abbey in Three Rivers, MI points out in his blog for today, is that Mary is either deified or made out to be a demigod.  

Mary’s real glory is that she was a human being every much as the rest of us. That is, she was and is a Jewish girl. Mary is, of course, inseparable from the Incarnation of the Word in her womb. Although Mary’s son was (and is) divine, Jesus was (and is) fully human, like you and me. In his excellent book Sheer Grace, Drasko Dizdar says that Mary, far from being a deity or demigod, “is the utterly and simply human subversion of this deification of human “archetypes” into the divine feminine.’” This is what the famous words of Mary in the Magnificat are all about when she says God “has cast down the mighty from their seats and has lifted up the lowly.” If such words simply mean other people become just as mighty as the ones who were cast down, then the words change nothing for humanity. The ones who are raised up are lowly and continue to be raised up only by remaining lowly. The proud are scattered in the “imagination of their hearts.” The rich are sent away empty because their hearts are too full of their desires to have room for God. What is so subversive about Mary, then, is her humanity. While other humans try to make themselves more than human by being movers and shakers, Mary is blessedly content to be human. As Dizdar says, Mary is a whole human being “as God has always intended the human creature to be as creature.” 

Then there is the matter of The Real Mary .  A 16 year old girl in a culture under immense oppression, with religious laws that are represented by as much misogyny as you can get.  Women were property to be owned by some man, with their dignity at the mercy of such a culture.  Yet, she has the most incredible experience with the Angel Gabriel who tells her that she was to be the mother of the Incarnate Word.  She accepts God's will, and she struggles like all of us do, with what exactly God is doing when we are blessed by God's random act of grace to do mighty things.   In her Magnificat, she sings of how God turned over the worlds corrupt structure, and gave life to the lowly, the hungry, and keeps God's promise of mercy.  Yet, as Mary experiences the crushing moments of Jesus' agonizing death, she questions God's purpose, and suffers with her son, and experiences what all parents who lose children do.  The experience of having died an inner and excruciating death as a mother feels in the depths of her womb, because the child who was once part of her body, is dead. 

On the subject of today's Commemoration of St. Mary the Virgin, I would like to throw some things out based on my own experience. I was a Roman Catholic for 15 years and believed very strongly in the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption, her perpetual virginity and the rest. One of the great gifts of being Episcopalian is that we are open to differences of belief and opinion, and even questioning so that we arrive at an authentic faith. So, here is what I now think. It is just as possible that the Immaculate Conception and Assumption did happen, as much as it is possible that they did not. Whether they happened or not, we do know from the Gospel accounts, that Mary received a fantastic random act of grace to conceive and give birth to Christ, who is God incarnate. The human became infused with the divine, and the divine changed forever the relationship between humankind and God. Therefore, Mary is an awesome example of what it means to be a recipient of God's random act of grace, and to live her life, changed forever, by the fruit of her womb. Whether we believe in the Immaculate Conception and/or Assumption or not, I think the important thing is, are we transformed by our encounter with Jesus, the fruit of Mary's womb? How do we respond when we receive a random act of God's grace? Are we truly transformed, or do we return to business as usual? Mary is the example of how to live out that transformation, and receive the reward of God's saving grace. 

Perhaps on this Commemoration, we can pray for God's random act of grace to help us address the issue of climate change, the horrific violence to LGBT people in Russia, Uganda, New York City, and in other places because of prejudice and oppression.   What would we do if we received God's random act of grace to uphold the dignity of women with regards to adequate reproductive health care, job creation and training, equal job wages, protection from exploitation and gender violence?   

If we were to receive such a random act of God's grace, would we truly be transformed, to become a missionary of God's transforming grace?  Or would we just continue with business as usual?

Amen.

Prayers

Almighty God, whose blessed Son restored Mary Magdalene
to health of body and of mind, and called her to be a witness
of his resurrection: Mercifully grant that by your grace we
may be healed from all our infirmities and know you in the
power of his unending life; who with you and the Holy Spirit
lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Collect for St. Mary the Virgin, 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, p.815).

Day of Pentecost: The Holy Spirit Comes, Speaks and Transforms

Today's Scripture Readings

Acts 2: 2-11 (NRSV)

When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-- in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power." All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" But others sneered and said, "They are filled with new wine."

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

`In the last days it will be, God declares,

that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,

and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

and your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.

Even upon my slaves, both men and women,

in those days I will pour out my Spirit;

and they shall prophesy.

And I will show portents in the heaven above

and signs on the earth below,

blood, and fire, and smoky mist.

The sun shall be turned to darkness

and the moon to blood,

before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day.

Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' "

Psalm 104 (BCP., p.736)


Romans 8: 14-17 (NRSV)

All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, "Abba! Father!" it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ-- if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

John 14: 8-17, 25-27 (NRSV)

Philip said to Jesus, "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, `Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you."

"I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid."

Blog Reflection

To fully appreciate the awesomeness of this Pentecost, we would do well to understand it's origins in the Jewish Faith.   Pentecost for the Jewish religion is also known as Shavuot, or the Feast of Weeks.  The Feast celebrates God giving the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai.  God's commandments to love God with all one's heart, mind, soul and strength, and love one's neighbor as oneself.  The Feast commemorates God pouring out God's love for God's people with a call to do justice and live in thanksgiving for all God did for the people of Israel. 

As Christians, we celebrate God pouring out the fullness of God's presence and power by the way of the Holy Spirit.  The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ brings it's best and most powerful grace.  The out pouring of the Holy Spirit to come on those first Apostles gathered in that upper room.  The experience was so life changing that it brought with it the ecstasy of God's presence made real, and faith given reason to give birth to the Church.  The Faith of the Apostolic ministry becomes empowered to speak boldly about God's act of salvation in Jesus Christ, and to advance the arrival of God's Reign.  The arrival of the Holy Spirit unties the bonds of different languages, so that each person listening can hear the message of the Gospel in their own tongue.  The joy of God's love and mercy can be received by everyone, without distinction.

Psalm 104 blesses the Lord with all our souls, as the Holy Spirit is celebrated as God created all things.   All creatures great and small, are the product of God's Spirit that has existed before all time.  On Pentecost the prayer of Psalm 104:31 is answered.  "You send forth your Spirit, and they are created, and so you renew the face of the earth."   The prayer is answered for the Apostles, but continues to be the prayer of Christ on behalf of us.  That God's Holy Spirit will impart Her graces upon us, in this time, to be Christ's answer to how the Spirit renews the face of the earth.

The Gospel for today is so well fitted to what we are reading in Acts, the Psalms, and Paul's letter to the Romans.   Philip asks the question that all of us ask from time to time.  "Jesus, show us the Father."   Philip is blessed with the physical presence of Jesus.  He reminds Philip that he has in fact seen the Father in Christ.  Philips search for God is found in Christ, who is God's perfect revelation of Self.   Jesus' affirmation of Philips faith is not just a matter of personal revelation.   It is to be evident in Philips ability to love God by way of all that Christ has commanded.

The commandments of God in Christ are to be lived by faith in Christ and the Holy Spirit that is given on the Day of Pentecost.  God is present in the Holy Trinity by way of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, so as to lead us to God in faith and in action through our daily lives as we love one another as Christ loves us.  It gives evidence to the presence of the Holy Spirit who has come to speak and transform ourselves and others around us.  To transform a world filled with the darkness of violence, poverty, prejudice, oppression, and injustice.  To transform the Church to end the sins committed by a masked religious zeal to marginalize women, LGBTQ people, people of different races, religions, people who are economically, physically/developmentally/emotionally challenged, cultures and abilities. The Church must be open to being continually renewed to become the Community of the Spirit, by extending our hands and arms in radical hospitality and reconciliation.  Ready to kneel down and wash the feet of all who come, looking for hope and a place to rest their souls.

This week, the Holy Spirit moved on the State of Minnesota.  On Tuesday, May 14, 2013 Governor Mark Dayton of Minnesota signed into law the freedom to marry bill.  As of August 1, 2013 LGBT people will be able to legally marry the person they love.  Minnesota's Episcopal Bishop, Brian Prior recognizes that within our Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion there is a diversity that must be honored.   This includes respect for those Parishes in our Episcopal Church in Minnesota that may chose not to bless same-sex relationships.  I personally would love to have every Episcopal parish agree to bless same-sex relationships.  I tend to agree with those who would remark that parishes that don't are not being open to the movement of the Spirit.  However, the Spirit moves however She chooses, when She chooses, and on whomever She chooses.  Even on hearts like mine that are so arrogant, opinionated, and often not as open as they should be.  It is so important on this Day of Pentecost to honor the Spirit moving as She does in the hearts of each person, including those we disagree with.  Oh, how I need to better understand that with love and compassion with them, as God does with me.   As with all Christians.

The Holy Spirit has come.  She has come to speak and transform us, our communities, ourselves, our relationships, our prayers. To renew them to be life-giving in diversity, and in common.

As Pentecost officially closes the Easter Season of 2013, may Christians move forward with a renewed commitment to love God, our neighbors, ourselves and to strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being with God's help.   May the Holy Spirit who came to speak and transform, begin with us and lead us forward in peace and hope.

Amen.

Prayers

Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life
to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy
Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the
preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the
earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen. (Collect for Pentecost, Book of Common Prayer, p. 227).


O God, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful
people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit:
Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all
things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through
Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and
ever. Amen.  (Collect for Pentecost, Book of Common Prayer, p. 227).


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

Tuesday in Easter Week: The Resurrection Should Live In Us

Today's Scripture Readings

Acts 2:36-41 (NRSV)

Peter said to the multitude, "Let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified."

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him." And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.

Psalm 118: 19-24 (BCP, p. 762)


John 20:11-18  (NRSV)

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

Blog Reflection

Alleluia. Christ is risen,
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

The Gospel reading on this Tuesday in Easter Week is the same one from Easter Day.  Why do you suppose it is here after we already heard it two days earlier?

It is here so that we can continue to celebrate the event of the Lord's resurrection from the dead.  We are to celebrate the resurrection as Christ's Easter People, who are experiencing and giving witness to the Risen Christ in our daily life and work.  In our relationships and in our struggles.  We are to "Give thanks to the Lord who is good, God's mercy endures forever." (Psalm 118: 1).

We Christians especially in the West tend to celebrate Easter at this particular time of the year.  Many of us have just about had it with all the alleluia's in the Daily Office by the time we get to the Second Sunday of Easter.  It is as if we would rather wallow in our misery than celebrate God's victory over death in Christ's resurrection.  That is partly because in our human weakness which includes our limited vision of God, we can only imagine the resurrection, we cannot prove it by human standards.  It is only through faith that we can believe in it.  It is by our actions towards God, others and ourselves that we can give witness to it's reality.

Mary Magdalene was the first to see the Risen Jesus.  Christ came to her as she was weeping, as she was dismayed about where his dead body might be.  When Jesus said her name "Mary" she looked up and recognized him.  Jesus then tells her not to touch him, because he had not yet ascended to his God and our God.

This image of Jesus risen from the dead, coming to one who was weeping with disappointment, fear and discouragement is something we should spend some time meditating on.  We celebrate this week the Easter event in our prayer, Liturgies and in our church activities.  But, our lives are still very broken by sickness, discrimination, violence, much pain and brokenness.  If we will seek out the Risen Lord in our fragile hearts, He will come to us and affirm God's love and claim us as adopted children by way of Christ's redemption of humankind.  Christ who was crucified and now alive in the resurrection, meets us at the point of our sadness and moments of personal growth.  He meets us to tell us that God has forgiven our sins and wants to transform us, to help change the world around us for the better.  We don't have to accept injustice, oppression, prejudice and inequality any longer.  We are God's Easter People reborn in the waters of Baptism, and renewed by God's grace as we celebrate the Paschal Mystery.

The narrative of Christ's resurrection cries out for people who have been marginalized and excluded, to come and be made part of God's family.  To know that all people are loved unconditionally by our God who has triumphed over sin and death.  Sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, race, religion, cultural background, language, employment status, physical/mental/psychological challenges, immigration status, are not barriers for God to continue the work of redemption in our Church and society.  It is through diverse individuals and peoples, that God will tear open the Pandoras Boxes that keep us from loving one another as Christ has loved us.  The resurrection means new and unending life for all people, if only by God's grace expressed through the hearts and work of those who believe in Jesus.  We can grow to respect the dignity of every human being, with God's help, because that is what we have said in our Baptismal Covenant.  God has the power to transform us and the world around us, if we will, with God's help make the effort to do so.

The work of hospitality and reconciliation that is at the heart of the ministry of Jesus Christ, by which we grow in relationships with each other, is the Paschal Mystery active and speaking through our daily lives. As Christ comes to us in our misery and distress, so we in God's Name go to others, to wash their feet and give to them the sign of peace.

Alleluia. Christ is risen,
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Prayers

O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus
Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to
light: Grant that we, who have been raised with him, may
abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the
Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise for ever and ever. Amen. (Tuesday in Easter Week, Book of Common Prayer, p. 223).

O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten
Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection
delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die
daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of
his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen. (Collect from Easter Day, Book of Common Prayer, p. 222).

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