Easter Day: Are You Resurrectable?

Today's Scripture Readings

Acts 10:34-43 (NRSV)

Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ--he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

Psalm 1181-2, 14-24 (BCP., p.760).


Colossians 3:1-4 (NRSV)

If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.

John 20:1-18 (NRSV)

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

But Mary 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

If you have never had the opportunity to attend the ceremony of a Benedictine making her/his Solemn Vows you are truly missing something wonderful.   If you get an invitation to attend, you should definitely accept.

One of the parts of the Rite, involves the one making Solemn Vows to prostrate on the floor and then be covered with a pall.   While covered with the pall, the Cantor and the Community chant the Litany of the Saints.    The pall is then removed, the Sister or Brother stands up and makes her/his Solemn Profession with the Vows of Stability, Conversion of Life and Obedience.   The Vows are for life.   There is no turning back.   The experience of the pall, symbolizes dying to our old selves and rising a new person.   It is a symbol of what takes place in our Baptism.   Up to the point that Solemn Vows are taken, the Sister or Brother has undergone a grueling formation process.   Surrendering herself/himself to praying the Offices, the daily prayerful reading of Scripture and learning The Rule of St. Benedict along with obedience to one's superior.    One would think that doing such would make one imprisoned.   After all, the idea of surrendering ourselves to the "judgment and commandments of another" (See RB 1980, Chapter 5:12) is not looked upon very well in this day and age.  However, the exact opposite is what happens.   When we learn to surrender ourselves to the will of God through obedience to our Superior, we find the greatest freedom, and our greatest reward is learning to trust more and more in God for all that we need.

On this Easter Day, as we arrive with Mary at the tomb and discover that Jesus is not there, we too might become absorbed in the experience of questioning our faith.  How can all that we hoped for, suddenly be taken away by the Crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday, be laid in the tomb on Holy Saturday, only to find ourselves at an empty tomb?    Where is Jesus?   Where have they laid Him?

Thomas Keating in his book The Mystery of Christ: The Liturgy as Spiritual Experience on pages 70-73 gives us a lot to ponder about the event of Mary Magdalene and her encounter with Jesus.   The seen of the garden for example, is a "cosmic context."   The two gardens of Eden and where the Resurrection took place as "juxtaposed."  

"in the first, the human family, in the persons of Adam and Eve, lost God's intimacy and friendship; in the second, Mary Magdalene (out of whom Jesus had cast seven devils) appears as the first recipient of the good news that intimacy and union with God are once again available."

"Jesus is the gardener of the New Creation."

At one point in our Gospel narrative the story suddenly changes when Jesus calls her by name.  Keating writes:

"Jesus spoke her name, "Mary!"  Only he could say her name in that way.  Instantly, with the whole of her being, she recognized him and in that moment knew that he had risen from the dead.

In the Scriptures, to be called by name has special significance.  To call someone or something by name is to identify who or what it is."

"By calling her by name, Jesus manifests his knowledge of everything in her life and his total acceptance of all that she is.  This is the moment in which Mary realizes that Jesus loved her.  This is the first step in her transformation.

In the Christian scheme of things, the movement from the human condition to divine transformation requires the mediation of a personal relationship with God.  The personal love of Jesus facilitates the growth of this relationship. The experience of being loved by him draws the Christian out of all selfishness into deeper levels of self-surrender.  How could this movement occur without the conviction of being personally loved by him?  The simple utterance of one word, "Mary!" brought to focus all her longings.  Her response was to throw herself into the arms of Jesus as she cried out in her joy, "Master!"

In these moments, through the Resurrection of Jesus, Mary was resurrectable.   Her moment of vulnerability enabled her to hear the voice of the Risen Christ calling her by name.   Mary's response was to recognize in the Risen Jesus, her Master.  The one who accepted her as she was, and loved her without condition or distinction.

Are we resurrectable?

On the Easter Day, we are met with God's extravagant love that is inclusive and unconditional.   Jesus calls us by our name in the midst of our doubts, fears and chaos.   He offers us the opportunity to know that God has forgiven us and redeemed us through the Blood of Jesus Christ.   We can feast with joy and wonder that God ushered in the New Creation through the Paschal Mystery.

In the Invitatory Psalm for Morning Prayer this week, we pray with one voice: Alleluia, Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.  Alleluia.  (See The Book of Common Prayer, p.83)

Are we resurrectable?

Are we ready to set aside all of our prejudices, and live into our Baptismal Vows?   To strive for peace and justice for all people, and to respect the dignity of every human person, with God's help?

Are we resurrectable?

Are we ready to end the sexism that continues to suggest that women are not equal to men, and continue the assault on them in terms of equal work compensation, reproductive health and respect?

Are we ready to reduce the gun violence that is killing innocent women, men and children in our schools and local communities?

Are we interested in calling out the wealthy and powerful who fight the efforts of addressing climate change, to stop polluting our oceans, rivers and end the fracking that is destroying many of our most precious animal sanctuaries?

Are we ready to call out the countries of Uganda, Russia, Nigeria and others about their laws that have further criminalized LGBTQ people in their countries?

Are we ready to say no to the violence between Russia and the Ukraine?

Are we serious about no longer ignoring the pain and the anguish of those who live in poverty, without unemployment benefits, food stamps and the right to vote?

Are we ready to work so that all Christians will end the spiritual and pastoral violence of LGBT people in the Church and society?

Can we please end the violence towards Jews, Muslims and other religions and/or those who practice no religion at all?

The Resurrected Christ saw the pain that was in Mary on that first Easter Day, called her by name, loved her and brought new life to hers.   Mary knew that there was no longer a barrier between God and her, because of Jesus' love for her. 

If Christians are to be resurrectable on this Easter Day, then we must allow Jesus to come to us, call us by name and meet us in the midst of our pain, disbelief and disarray.  As we recognize that Jesus loves us as we are; we must also turn to our neighbor and with that same love, love them as God in Christ has loved us.   Only then, will our Alleluia's really be moments of true joy.   Because we will know in our hearts that the barriers of injustice, oppression and violence that divide us become that which unites us to the Risen Christ and one another.

Are we resurrectable?

Amen.

Prayers

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus
Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of
everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the
day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death
of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, now and for ever. Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer, p.222).

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. (Book of Common Prayer, p.815).

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. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 818).

Second Sunday in Lent: Faith, Love and Salvation

Today's Scripture Readings

Genesis 12: 1-4a (NRSV)

The Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."


So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him.

Psalm 121 (BCP., p.779)


Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 (NRSV)

What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.

For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.


For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations") -- in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

John 3:1-17 (NRSV)

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God." Jesus answered him, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." Nicodemus said to him, "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, 'You must be born from above.' The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?" Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?


"Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.


"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.


"Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."

Blog Reflection

I think one of my favorite more modern Anglican hymns would have to be David J. Evans 1986 hymn "Be Still, for the Presence of the Lord".    Part of the third stanza says: "no work to hard for him, in faith receive from him, be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place."    It is a beautiful tune, and the word suggest sitting in silence and stillness before the Lord, and allowing God to penetrate every fiber of our being.  Giving God the go ahead to take over, and believe beyond all doubt the God can do things beyond our imagination, because of faith.

I think Abram's faith must have been really unique to have trusted that God would make of him a great nation, without even knowing what he might see.  Yet, even today where Jewish, Christian and Muslim faith is spoken of, the name of Abraham is found.  The faith of Abraham became so much more than a vision.  It became a trust in God, that believed that anything God promised, no matter how impossible it seemed, it would happen.  Not only did Abram have great faith in God, but God must have had a lot of faith in Abram.

What kind of shape is our faith in as we continue to witness the unfolding of what is taking place in Ukraine and Russia?   Are we taking every possibility into account of how to stand up against violence and oppression in that situation, without giving ourselves over to more military violence perpetrated by our own nation?

As we are all very disappointed in what has happened with the draconian bill in Uganda that further criminalizes same-gender relationships of all kinds, are we in faith taking seriously the consequences of economic sanctions that further harm the poor and needy in that country?

The Psalmist today, reminds us of where our help comes from as we face the perils and dangers of our lives.   Our help comes not just from any person or place.  Our help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth.   We may feel at times that God is not as close as we would like God to be.  Yet, God is the designer of the DNA in the cells of our bodies.  The Holy Spirit of God breaths life through our lungs, with hope for our darkest tomorrows.  God has not taken a slumber.  God is watching over us with the help of the Angels who serve God.

In the famous conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus, we read about a spiritual rebirth through the Sacrament of Baptism.  This particular passage of Scripture follows the story of the Marriage of Cana in John chapter 2.  Jesus in that Gospel narrative has just given new life to the water and made it into wine.  Just as God breathed the life of creation into water, Jesus renews the power of water, by His own immersion through His own Baptism.  The wine prefigures the Eucharist at which Jesus changes wine into His most precious Blood.   Now in the conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus tells us of a spiritual rebirth by the waters of Baptism.  The Baptism that immerses us into His death and resurrection.   St. Paul writes about the relationship of Baptism with the death and resurrection of Christ in Romans 6:1-11. If you attend the Great Vigil of Easter, you will  hear that reading.  

The work of Jesus to save our souls is the result of God's amazing love that gave the gift of God's Son for the sins of the world.   The hymn entitled "And Can It Be" by Charles Wesley, has in it's first stanza those wonderful words.  "Amazing love, how can it be, that thou my God, shouldst die for me?"   In the death of Christ, God tastes what every human being experiences in the death of their body.  Yet, the real death and resurrection for Christians, is to experience the death of our false selves and rises with a new true self, devoted in service of Christ and others in His Name.

As Christians who have experienced this saving power of God through Jesus Christ, our response should be one of gratitude and a wholehearted love of our neighbor as ourselves.   During this Season of Lent, our fasting, prayer, alms-giving, and self-denial is to help us deepen that love of God, neighbor and selves.   In our General Thanksgiving that we pray often at the end of Morning and Evening Prayer, we say: "give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days...." (Book of Common Prayer, pages 101 and 125).

Yet, we also know that each of us harbors a prejudice somewhere in our hearts.   Our culture outside and within the LGBT communities, in and outside of our churches is full of biases towards people of different races, cultures, genders, gender identities/expressions, physical/emotional challenges, languages, immigration statuses, religions and more.    Even in those of us who have experienced the discrimination of Christians due to our sexual orientation, many in our LGBT Communities feed a hatred towards all religions, people of color, and different expressions of different peoples.   Even individuals who claim to be politically progressive, often demonstrate bias in their speech and practices within the political structures of their parties.  I once heard one such person who supports immigration reform make a statement about Latino's that was as biased as anyone who thinks that immigration reform is about amnesty.

Jesus challenges all of us today, to be open to a continuing conversion of our hearts, minds and souls.  

"Benedictine Spirituality" Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB writes in The Monastery of the Heart, "is a sacramental spirituality.  It holds all things--the earth and all its goods {and it's people} as sacred."   It recognizes the "oneness of creation, the symphony of life forms that depend on one another to bring the universe, pulsing and throbbing with life, to a wholeness that reflects the full face of God"  (Pages 115, 116).

Jesus wants us to recognizes and honor one another as Sacred Vessels.  Each of us carries within us the image of God, the saving power of Christ and the transforming grace of the Holy Spirit.   This Season of Lent is our opportunity to open ourselves to the presence of Christ in the Sacrament that is revealing God's Charisma emulating from our neighbor's life and soul, and handle each other with reverence, respect and care.   With this in mind, no amount of violence, oppression or injustice in God's Name is without iniquity.  Lord have mercy on us all.

May we all honor the faith, love and salvation of God in one another better this day, and in the weeks and months ahead of us.

Amen.


Prayers

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious
to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them
again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and
hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ
your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer, p.218).

O Lord my God, 

Teach my heart this day where and how to see you, where and how to find you.   

You have made me and remade me, and you have bestowed on me all the good things I possess, and still I do not know you.  I have not yet done that for which I was made.   

Teach me to seek you, for I cannot seek you unless you teach me, or find you unless you show yourself to me.   Let me seek you in my desire, let me desire you in my seeking.  Let me find you by loving you, let me love you when I find you.  Amen. (Prayer of St. Anselm, St. Benedict's Prayer Book for Beginners, p.118).

      

Last Sunday After the Epiphany: The Crown of Epiphany before Lent

Today's Scripture Readings

Exodus 24:12-18 (NRSV)
 

The LORD said to Moses, "Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction." So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, "Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them."

Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.

Psalm 2  (BCP., p586)


2 Peter 1:16-21 (NRSV)

We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.

So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

Matthew 17:1-9 (NRSV)

Six days after Peter had acknowledged Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid." And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

Blog Reflection

The significance of the Transfiguration as the Last Sunday after the Epiphany before Ash Wednesday in the Revised Common Lectionary is at an important crossroads for the Church.  Before we enter into the forty days of Lent, leading up to Holy Week and Easter Day, we journey with Jesus, Peter, James and John and climb the mountain where Jesus is transfigured.   We are witnesses to the event of the Transfiguration with those three Apostles, scared, wanting to stay there with Jesus, Elijah, and Moses in this moment of light, prophecy with a glimpse of the glory of God in Christ.  Just as the Season of Epiphany concluded at the Baptism of Jesus with the voice of God telling us that Jesus is God's Beloved with whom God is well-pleased, we are given the same request at the Transfiguration along with being told to listen to Jesus.

I recently started reading a new book as part of my formation.  The book is entitled The Mystery of Christ: The Liturgy As Spiritual Experience by Thomas Keating.  Keating writes that  we began this Liturgical Year with Advent, and then went through Christmas in which Jesus was born as the Word made flesh.  The Greek word for flesh is Sarx.  Meaning all of our human nature as it actually is, with all of it's suffering, immaturity, it's prone to rebel against the love of God, neighbor and self became one in the Person of God's Son, Jesus the Christ. "It is the human condition committed to it biological survival for its own sake or for the sake of the clan, tribe, nation or race" Keating wrote page 26.  Keating goes on the tell us the other side of Sarx.

The Greek word soma refers to the body insofar as it is open to further evolution: it is the human condition open to development. "The Word was made flesh" signifies that by taking the human condition upon Himself with all its consequences, Jesus introduced into the entire human family the principle of transcendence, giving the evolutionary process a decisive thrust toward God-consciousness (page 26).

The Season of the Epiphany is the crowning of Christmas, as the marriage between God and humankind.  This idea is what is meant with the story of the Marriage at Cana found in John 2:1-11.  The union of God with all humankind is consummated in the Holy Eucharist, which is the entire Paschal Mystery made present in the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

The Season after the Epiphany finishes with the Transfiguration.  Another view of Jesus as the Light, in glory with the prophets from the Hebrew Scriptures announcing the new era of God's manifestation in what is about to happen as Jesus prepares for that final journey towards Jerusalem.  There in Jerusalem, Jesus will face His trial, crucifixion, and win the victory over death in His resurrection.  However, we cannot go there with Jesus, until we leave this holy mountain and journey with Him through Lent. The Season of self-denial, penitence, alms-giving, fasting and prayer.  The time to examine ourselves a bit more closely, to be sure we are ready to go all the way with Jesus to the Cross, or if we are still holding ourselves back by our own sins, disobedience, prejudices and our false sense of self.

The temptation of the Transfiguration is to say with Peter; "Lord, it is good for us to be here.  Let me build tents for all of us, so we can stay here and worship you."   However, it is not enough to stay with Jesus in our moments of glory and beauty by themselves.  If we are to experience the full impact of Jesus as God's perfect revelation of God's Self, then we must also walk with Jesus from the mountain back to the valleys of our lives.   As we return to those troublesome valleys,with all of the dangers and uncertainties, we can be confident that our God who is with us in Jesus in those glorious moments on the mountain, will be with us in the difficulties we face in the valleys. 

This past week, we went through some very dark valleys for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.   On Monday we got the very sad and troubling news that the President of Uganda signed into law the draconian bill that further criminalizes LGBT people for who they are, and who they love.  The law in and of itself is bad enough.  The fact that it was encouraged by American Evangelical Christian Missionaries makes the passing of this law even more egregious.  The message of the Gospel used as a means to hurt LGBT people with another deep wound, and defame the Name of Jesus Christ who came to redeem us all, without asking any of us to give up being who we are.  The grief many of us are feeling at this time is deep and brutal.  Yet, in ways that we cannot explain or understand, God is with us in Christ.

We were all relieved that Arizona Governor Jan Brewer vetoed S.B.1062 that would have been a license to discriminate on the unfounded basis of religious liberty.   However, after she vetoed the bill, a Fox news correspondent made the claim that "If you are Christian and live in Arizona, your Governor has just told you that the first amendment of the Constitution no longer applies to you."   Let's get one thing clear.  There are Christians who believe in protecting the rights of LGBT people, supporting immigration reform, a woman's right over her reproductive health care, supporting the poor, retired and disabled through Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and health care reform.   Those of us who do support these and many other important social justice issues of our time, are no less Christian than those who do not.   So, when you suggest that all Christians believe the same to be a Christian, you may want to ask the Lord at what point did He give over His job of judging others to you.  It was after all, Jesus who was transfigured on that holy mountain.  And it is God who told all of us that in Jesus we are God's beloved with whom God is well-pleased.   And, God told all of us, that is every one of us, to listen more closely to Jesus.   I think if we all listen just a little bit more closely from the heart, instead of through the minds of religious based bigotry disguised as defending religious liberty, we will hear Jesus tell us to love one another without distinction.   Jesus doesn't make scapegoats out of others to excuse Himself from loving others.   Only Christians who want to use the Gospel as an excuse for discrimination and violence do that.  I am so thankful that I have the choice of answering the call to serve Christ, by following Him so seriously, by not taking the Bible too literally.

When Jesus came down the mountain to His disciples who were on the ground in fear, what did He say to them?  "Get up and do not be afraid."   That is what He tells all of us to do today.   Before we go from today, into Ash Wednesday, our Lord calms us by telling us, "Get up and do not be afraid."   Jesus wants us to get up from where we are, and not be afraid to follow Him.  Because, from this point, Jesus is "God with us" where ever we go.   He is the presence of God in our lives and to others around us.  He is with us in the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us toward a closer relationship with God and one another.  Let us now, listen more closely to Jesus, as God's Beloved, with whom God is well-pleased.

Amen


Prayers

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son
revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that
we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be
strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his
likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p.217).

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. (Book of Common Prayer, p.816).

 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. (Book of Common Prayer, p.826).

Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany: Loving Our Neighbor, Even When We Would Rather Not

Today's Scripture Readings

Leviticus 19:1-2,9-18 (NRSV)

The LORD spoke to Moses, saying:
Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.

When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You shall not strip your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the alien: I am the LORD your God.

You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; and you shall not lie to one another. And you shall not swear falsely by my name, profaning the name of your God: I am the LORD.

You shall not defraud your neighbor; you shall not steal; and you shall not keep for yourself the wages of a laborer until morning. You shall not revile the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind; you shall fear your God: I am the LORD.

You shall not render an unjust judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbor. You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not profit by the blood of your neighbor: I am the LORD.

You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin; you shall reprove your neighbor, or you will incur guilt yourself. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.

Psalm 119:33-40 (BCP., p.766)


1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 (NRSV)

According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ.

Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.
Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written,

"He catches the wise in their craftiness,"
and again,

"The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise,
that they are futile."

So let no one boast about human leaders. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future-- all belong to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.

Matthew 5:38-48 (NRSV)

Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, `An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.

"You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Blog Reflection

Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB in her book The Monastery of the Heart: An Invitation to a Meaningful Life writes the following in the chapter 17 about Hospitality.

It is possible, of course, to make community out of "our kind of people," out of people who look like us and think like us and have the same backgrounds we do.

But that is not the kind of community the ancient Rule has in mind or a Monastery of the Heart sets out to be.

And with good cause.

When Benedict of Nursia began his new way of living in wild, licentious, sixth-century Rome, he turned that world upside down.

He took into his monastic community the rich and the poor, the slave and the free, the young and the old, artists and craftsmen, peasants and noblemen.  It was a motley crew.

And then, as if that weren't enough, he opened the doors of the monastery to anyone who came, at any time, to anyone who knocked, no matter who they were or where they had been in life along the way.

Most of all, he made of their coming a royal affair.

Guests were to be met by the entire community "united in peace," with prayer and always with the kiss of peace.

Benedict's community met everyone, whoever they were, with friendship and trust and honor.  The pilgrim, the poor, and the stranger all became new new royalty at the monastery door.

"Jesus" the Rule teaches "is to be welcomed in them" (pages 135-137).  

It would be wonderful if we could all live like that.  Welcome everyone, whether or not we like her/him.  No more barriers to being friends with everyone we come into contact with.   Of course, we know that is hardly possible.  Each of us have our point of discomfort with another person.   Someone who doesn't quite "measure up."   As that is the case, is God in our readings this Sunday asking too much of us?

Leviticus is the Book of the Holiness Code.  It was written in the post-Babylonian Exile era.  It was written in hindsight of events that the Israelite people had already experienced.  It is quite possible that it was written with a certain fright that what happened to them in the exile, could reoccur if they did not get their Temple worship together.  The entire book is full of ritual purity in preparation for the worship of God.  Therefore, it is very important to be careful about not exacting specific passages in Leviticus such as chapter 20:13 as condemning all same-gender sexual acts as a moral obligation, when in fact it is a cultural taboo only.

However, what the book is telling us is that our response to God's acts on our behalf, should be nothing less than love and respect for our neighbor.   To the point that we would honor their property, who they are, and what we do with what is on loan to us, to be shared with our neighbor.  It is clear that in this writing from Leviticus, that making room for the strangers among us is evident to living with a heart that is thankful to God.  To disregard the immigrant among us for the sake of hoarding all things for ourselves, is to disregard the Law of God who loves and delivers us.  God's word to us here, is that our society and our communities begin to deteriorate when we leave the hungry, the stranger and the unrecognizable without their full dignity among us.

As we in the United States continue our conversation about Immigration Reform, how are we welcoming the stranger among us?

At what point do we stop identifying immigrants as "illegals" and leave some room for them to find peace, prosperity and hope in our country?

At what point in our discussion, do we stop making silly statements such as "Can I be an illegal?  I could really use the benefits" as our excuse for racism and envy, when we already have more than immigrants can even imagine?

As the States of Kansas, South Dakota, Arizona, Idaho and others like them, consider bills that would legalize discrimination for businesses and services for LGBT people on the basis of "religious freedom," perhaps we should ask ourselves at what point does our "religion" give us the right to discriminate?   If our Faith is about salvation and redemption in Christ, because all are welcome, as they are, who are we to make such exceptions, and justify them?  

The Gospel for this Sunday is probably the most difficult for many of us to consider, let alone apply.   However, what Sr. Joan wrote in the quote I used above, applies as much to our adversaries as it does our closest confidants.  Our problem with this Gospel Reading is our false sense of self.   We think that we are created and even redeemed to be comfortable, at peace at all times, without any conflict, loved by all and that is only where we find God.   We put all our stock in God and ourselves, based on warm fuzziness.

While there is nothing completely bad about wanting to be comfortable and cozy, if we look for our relationship with God in only that, we will be endlessly disappointed.   The reality of this life is, that we can never find total consolation and comfort in the things of this world.  Even those who we love so closely are only but one drop in the bucket of our human experience.

What Jesus is proposing in this Gospel, is also what is meant in the sixth and seventh steps of humility in chapter 7 of The Rule of St. Benedict.

The sixth step of humility is that a monk (or anyone can be inserted here) is content with the lowest and most menial treatment and regards himself a poor and worthless workman in whatever task he is given,,,

The seventh step of humility is that a man (or woman) not only admits with his tongue but is also convinced in his heart that he is inferior to all and of less value, humbling himself and saying with the Prophet: I am truly a worm, not a man, scorned and despised by the people (Psalm 22:7) (Page 36, 37 RB 1980).

Before you close my blog post today at this point, let me explain this a bit better.  St. Benedict here is not talking about walking around with an inferiority complex, nor indulging in self abuse.   He is also not suggesting that we adopt an attitude to be oh so happy to be abused, discriminated against, etc., that is not what he is saying here at all.   What St. Benedict and Jesus are saying, is to find our ultimate comfort and completeness in God alone.  It is quite alright for us to be at the back of the line of human preference.  Not because that's what we are not, but because of all that God is.  All that we are, need, can be, and are about is found in God.   So that even if we are confronted by someone who completely disregards us, we do not justify what they do, or in some cases not speak up, all is not lost for us.   Because, we are to put our hope in God alone, and love our neighbor, even our adversary with complete abandonment of ourselves out of love and reverence for God present in every person.

This past week I engaged in a very interesting conversation with someone about the terrible violence towards LGBT in African Countries.  I maintain that he violence towards LGBT people in Uganda, Nigeria and Russia is unjustifiable.  The conversation I had was with someone who felt that the Anglican voices in the African Countries that are supporting the draconian laws there, should have no voice in our Anglican Communion.   The problem with that is, that if we build up an attitude and policy of prejudice towards someone, because of their prejudice, then anyone with a prejudice can be kept from participating in the life and ministry of the Church.   That in fact, would mean any and all of us.  We will not succeed in changing hearts and minds towards one another, the more we silence the voices in opposition to each other.   We will succeed, because we continue in dialogue with each other and tell our stories to one another, so that we listen to each other, and open ourselves up to the presence of Christ in each other.   No matter, how difficult it is for us to do that.   It means being open to one another, and loving each other, as we struggle to understand and accept each other.   It will mean bearing in our hearts and souls in union with the wounds of Christ on the Cross in prayer for more open hearts and minds in our dialogue.   But, let us not forget that the story of our redemption does not end with the Cross and death of Christ.  It continued in Christ's Resurrection to new life, and sending the gift of the Holy Spirit.   The Holy Spirit is still among us, and "guiding us into all truth" (See John 16:12-13 NRSV).  Therefore, "for God all things are possible" (Mark 10:27 NRSV).

We must, with God's help, learn to recognize in those who harbor a prejudice, our own ability to discriminate against another.  We must pray with compassion as Henri J.M. Nouwen suggests in his book: With Open Hands.  Seeing in our neighbor, our ability to hurt one another, our lack of acceptance and ability to forgive and be forgiven.   If we close off our dialogue with each other, we will miss the opportunity to encounter Christ in one another.

In a week and half we will be at Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.  As we pray and prepare ourselves for the season of fasting, penance and alms giving, perhaps we need to pray for each other.  We should pray for one another, that we will be given a special measure of God's grace to receive all God's people with genuine hospitality, with a commitment to healing and reconciliation.   Through our prayers and work on behalf of all God's people, may violence and prejudice become yesterday's ways of dealing with out disagreements.  Instead, today, we want to embrace one another.  We continue in dialogue, listening carefully to God and each other.   May we listen and be silent to hear God speaking to and with us more clearly, with reverence and awareness of God's presence in each other.

Amen.


Prayers

O Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we
do is worth nothing; Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our
hearts your greatest gift, which is love, the true bond of peace
and of all virtue, without which whoever lives is accounted
dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your only Son
Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p.216).

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. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 260).

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. (Book of Common Prayer, p.818).

The Spiritual Blindness of Violence and Prejudice

Today's Scripture Reading.

John 9

A Man Born Blind Receives Sight

As Jesus walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. The neighbours and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, ‘Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?’ Some were saying, ‘It is he.’ Others were saying, ‘No, but it is someone like him.’ He kept saying, ‘I am the man.’ But they kept asking him, ‘Then how were your eyes opened?’ He answered, ‘The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, “Go to Siloam and wash.” Then I went and washed and received my sight.’ They said to him, ‘Where is he?’ He said, ‘I do not know.’

The Pharisees Investigate the Healing

 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, ‘He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.’ Some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.’ But others said, ‘How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?’ And they were divided. So they said again to the blind man, ‘What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.’ He said, ‘He is a prophet.’

 The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight and asked them, ‘Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?’ His parents answered, ‘We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.’ His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, ‘He is of age; ask him.’

 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, ‘Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.’ He answered, ‘I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.’ They said to him, ‘What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?’ He answered them, ‘I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?’ Then they reviled him, saying, ‘You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.’ The man answered, ‘Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.’ They answered him, ‘You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?’ And they drove him out.

Spiritual Blindness

 Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ He answered, ‘And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.’ He said, ‘Lord, I believe.’ And he worshipped him. Jesus said, ‘I came into this world for judgement so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.’ Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, ‘Surely we are not blind, are we?’ Jesus said to them, ‘If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, “We see”, your sin remains. 

Blog Reflection

I was not planning to write an extra blog post this week.   Ash Wednesday is two weeks from this Wednesday.   I will have much to write about.  However, as I have looked over the Gospel Readings to be used with this weeks Daily Offices from The Book of Common Prayer, and the news that is coming to us, I felt that something needed to be written.   

Some horrific things are happening on the other side of our globe.   Anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and violence is on the rise.   It is happening because of prejudice disguised as religious driven zeal has influenced the leaders and people in the countries of Russia, Uganda and Nigeria.   Over these past few months there have been numerous reports of laws being debated, passed, and enacted.  Individuals are being beaten, rounded up, the cruelties are going unnoticed, without appropriate response or action.  

The Gospel Readings from St. John's Gospel chapter 9 this week deal with the removal of blindness.   The blind man was a beggar.  He had been unable to see since birth.  The first question out of the mouths of the Disciples was "what sin did the man or his parents commit?"  Jesus' reply was that he and his parents committed no sin, but was there to glorify God.  The religious authorities of Jesus' time make use of this man's healing by Jesus as an opportunity to mock and defame Jesus of Nazareth.  Their jealousy over His popularity, just cannot be contained any longer.  They need a scapegoat.  

Many LGBT people all over the world who have been blinded by the prejudices of others, have begged since their birth to have their rightful place in the Church and society.  They've been blinded to the true and compassionate Jesus, by those who are also blinded by misinterpretations of Scripture, and misinformation about them.  Now, marriage equality is sweeping much of the Western World, because the inability to see Christ in LGBTQ people is being healed, by the inclusive message of the Gospel,    Yet, the religious zealots of our time, continue to spread false rumors, and call what God is doing in our world, the work of evil.  Even to the other countries, formerly raided and colonized for the slave trades.  I guess those same countries are now being raided and colonized for prejudice towards LGBTQ people too.

It is more important now than ever, that Christians who know the Light of Jesus Christ and His Gospel of healing and reconciliation, become messengers of hope for those still experiencing the oppression of discrimination and misplaced religious-based bigotry.   As Baptized Christians, we must pray and work together so that the Name of Jesus Christ and His Church will have a good Name, because it is a "house of prayer for all God's people."   

May the hospitality and graciousness of God move upon all people of good will everywhere, call out those who use the Bible and their erroneous interpretations to injure and hurt, inviting them to repentance, mercy and conversion.   Yes, it is possible for the blind to see, because Jesus through us has cleared the dirt from our eyes, to see His loving presence in every person, every where.

Amen.


Prayers

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). 

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany: Authentic and Transparent Love of Neighbor

Today's Scripture Readings

Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 15:15-20 (NRSV)

If you choose, you can keep the commandments,
and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice.
He has placed before you fire and water;
stretch out your hand for whichever you choose.
Before each person are life and death,
and whichever one chooses will be given.
For great is the wisdom of the Lord;
he is mighty in power and sees everything;
his eyes are on those who fear him,
and he knows every human action.
He has not commanded anyone to be wicked,
and he has not given anyone permission to sin. 

Psalm 119:1-8 (BCP., p.763).


1 Corinthians 3:1-9 (NRSV)

Brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food. Even now you are still not ready, for you are still of the flesh. For as long as there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving according to human inclinations? For when one says, "I belong to Paul," and another, "I belong to Apollos," are you not merely human?

What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each. For we are God's servants, working together; you are God's field, God's building.

Matthew 5:21-37 (NRSV)

Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, `You shall not murder'; and `whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, `You fool,' you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

"You have heard that it was said, `You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.

"It was also said, `Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

"Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, `You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.' But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be `Yes, Yes' or `No, No'; anything more than this comes from the evil one.

Blog Reflection

How do we know something is authentic and transparent?   We know, because it is more than what is on the surface, and what is under the surface gives new life beyond itself.  

Last Sunday Jesus told us that He is the fulfillment of the Law.  Jesus also told us to be salt that seasons, light that shines and gives glory to God.  

This Sunday, Jesus is telling us that love of neighbor as oneself is more than just doing what the Law requires on the surface.  It is seeing beyond cultural norms, common prejudices and suspicions.   Love of neighbor means living from what is under the surface of the act.  It means we see Christ in our neighbor and would not even entertain the notion that doing that which fails to show reverence and respect for the presence of God in one another.  Because showing reverence for the consciousness of God, means that to injure that relationship is much too important to us to just ignore our gratitude for God's unconditional love. 

The fact of the matter is, if Christians really did have a higher degree of reverence and respect for God's presence in our neighbor, many of the things we entertain concerning women, LGBT people, people of other races, cultures and religions would be the furthest thing from our mind.

In Chapter 4: On the Tools for Good Works in The Rule of St. Benedict, verse 50, he instructs us to: "Dash against the feet of Christ your evil thoughts, as soon as they come into your heart...." (Preferring Christ, by Norvene Vest, p.59).   It is amazing how much power our thoughts can have over our heart and our actions if we do not keep Christ as the center of our lives.  Not just in our personal prayer, but also in terms of what we think and do to one another.  A Christ-centered life goes beyond what we pray, and becomes an authentic and transparent love of neighbor. 

Yet, what we witness in our world around us and sadly by the hands and wills of individuals claiming to be Christians, is violence, disregard for the poor and the sick, irresponsible stewardship of the earth, and prejudice of all kinds. 

A recent article written in Plain Simple Faith suggests that Christians immerse themselves in the Bible in a way that disregards the need for earth changing social justice in the name of sanctity.   The article sings a nice tune about no longer opposing inter-racial marriage, but it no where mentions no longer opposing the freedom to marry for same-gender couples.  There again, is that exception for LGBTQ people, that Christians can just continue to disregard their cruel rhetoric and speech with a religious based bias.  

We also received the really sad news that the President of Uganda is going to sign the bill that will further criminalize certain citizens in it's own country, because of who they are, and who they love.  This kind of thing is bad enough by itself.  But, the very reality that there are Christians who support laws like this, is the Christian faith lived only skin deep, with a really big and angry mouth.

On the other hand, this past week when the Kansas House passed a bill that would make discrimination against LGBTQ people legal on the basis of "religious liberty",  Two Episcopal Bishops in Kansas spoke out, and shared the Gospel of concern for God and neighbor.

We continue to have problems with laws passed that violate the dignity of women.  The right of minorities to exercise the right to vote.  The environment continues to be abused by corporate greed, resulting in the fracking of our drinking water, the land, our forests and our air.  

In our prayers it is important to open ourselves up to the movement of God's Holy Spirit.   The Spirit helps us in our prayers, where our own words and emotions alone cannot move the heart of God. (See Romans 8:26-27, NRSV).  Yet, the Spirit also pleads for us to make our relationship with God authentic and transparent.   So that the Christian Faith may be real and visible in the hearts and lives of those who profess belief in God by way of the Catholic Creeds, and the Sacraments become the means of grace that bring real life-giving evidence of God's revelation in Christ in our churches, communities and the world around us.

Amen.

Prayers
  

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you:
Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness
we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your
grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please
you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer, p. 216).

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. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 260). 

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).