Ninth Sunday after Pentecost: Silence, Listening and Faith

Today's Scripture Readings

1 Kings 19: 9-18 (NRSV)

At Horeb, the mount of God, Elijah came to a cave, and spent the night there. Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He answered, "I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away."

He said, "Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He answered, "I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away." Then the LORD said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him."

Psalm 85: 8-13 (BCP., p.708)


Romans 10:5-15 (NRSV)

Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that "the person who does these things will live by them." But the righteousness that comes from faith says, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down) "or 'Who will descend into the abyss?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say?

"The word is near you,

on your lips and in your heart"

(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

Matthew 14:22-33 (NRSV)

Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."

Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

Blog Reflection

The experience of Elijah in today's narrative from 1 Kings is a favorite among contemplatives.   The experience of Elijah finding himself at a point of being unable to do anything more is the basis for an attitude of prayer.   Michael Casey writes about this in his book Toward God: The Ancient Wisdom of Western Prayer.

Once I have confronted and accepted -- as far as possible--that I am a needy person, the act of turning toward God is relatively easy.  It is not faith in God that is hard, but the renunciation of illusory faith in myself.  To turn toward God means, first, turning away from whatever is untrue or delusory -- no matter how much comfort it brings. (Page 5).

Elijah accepted that he was at the end of his rope.  He needed an experience that would set him free from the fear and lack of faith he had.   He also had a heart that was open to what God wanted from him.   When he was finally on the mountain with the wind, the earthquake and the fire, he did not find God there.  God was in the silence, speaking to him with the truth about what was happening around him and giving him a sense of direction.

Our world is full of all kinds of noises.  The brutal massacre in Iraq by ISIS and the further threat of violence in that part of the world terrifies us right our heart strings.   Our hearts are already broken and frightened by the images of the killings in Gaza because of Israel's attacks there.   This coupled with the news of rising violence in Ukraine and Russia can be compared to earthquakes, fires and violent winds.   The national news media over excites our sensations and rings the compassion out of us like one squeezes water from a wet sponge.

What is most important during times like these, is to withdraw from the news media on the television, radio and computer and listen to God in the silence of our hearts.   The more we talk and debate and try to analyze what is going on, the more our hearts are drawn from what is most important.  What is most important is that we listen for God in silence and continue to be drawn into a deepening relationship with God within.   We must also surrender any prejudices we may experience, such as assuming that because ISIS is a group of terrorists based on fundamentalist Muslims, all Muslims must be the same.  That is simply not true, anymore than thinking that all Christians are fundamentalists.   The more we are able to listen to the truth about who God is within ourselves, the more we can improve how we respond to God's presence in others. 

Peter experienced that same kind of fear that I think all of us are at this point in time.  The storms are shaking the boat of our faith all around us.  We feel as if Jesus is distant or non-existent.   When we read blog articles about the experience of a Baptist church in Florida, canceling the funeral for a man because they learned that was gay; our hearts are tossed by the stormy winds of anger, frustration and wondering where Jesus is.  We may feel as if we are sinking when Jesus tells us to walk on the water.  Our faith is shaken.

In response, Jesus says: "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."   When we cry out in faith, Jesus reaches for us and calls us to put our faith in Him to bring us healing and reconciliation.  We need to do more than just pray for Jesus to get us out of the danger.   We need to listen more closely to the Holy Spirit draw our hearts back to Jesus to grow closer to God in a bonded relationship that includes the reparation of our community. 

When we are feeling the rising tempest around us, how do we call out to Jesus?

When we are confronted by what we must do to overcome an addiction, communicate in a relationship where we have been quiet too long, or get help, do we lose faith and just sink?

How are we responding to Jesus calling out to us?

If we are going to make an impact on the Church and society to address the needs of the marginalized and the needy, we need to give ourselves the time to withdraw and let Jesus heal us to continue on.   We have to see the storms inside us and around us as they really are, and listen intentionally to what Jesus may be saying to us in through them.  If we are going to call out to Jesus, we need to let go of our fear and trust that what God does in our lives will be for our good.   We may have to confront our false sense of self, and allow Jesus to teach us humility through His Death and Resurrection.  But, Jesus calls out to us saying: "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."

May we all take some time to be silent and listen to God the Holy Spirit and in faith trust God to help us with all our fears and concerns.


Prayers

Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always
those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without
you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Proper 14, Book of Common Prayer, p.232).

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

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

Second Sunday of Easter: Thank God for Thomas

Today's Scripture Readings

Acts 2:14a, 22-32 (NRSV)

Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the multitude, "You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know-- this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. For David says concerning him,

`I saw the Lord always before me,

for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken;

therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;

moreover my flesh will live in hope.

For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,

or let your Holy One experience corruption.

You have made known to me the ways of life;

you will make me full of gladness with your presence.'

"Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying ,

`He was not abandoned to Hades,

nor did his flesh experience corruption.'

This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses."

Psalm 16 (BCP., p.599).


1 Peter 1:3-9 (NRSV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith-- being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire-- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

John 20:19-31 (NRSV)

When it was evening on the day of Resurrection, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

Blog Reflection

One of the fads on Facebook that has become an addiction for many people, and in some ways myself, is the Buzzfeed surveys.  If you answer a particular set of questions, you can find out things like What Disney Cartoon Character you are.  Other possibilities are What Religion Are You?   How many 80's movies you have watched.  One survey was what kind of Christ you are.  The answers were quite interesting.  If you answered the questions in a particular way, you could learn that you are the Medic Jesus who heal people.  You might be the Preachy Jesus.   The types of surveys and answers are all over the map.  I play a few behind the scenes, but I make it my business not to post the answers I get, except for a few.   And my reason for doing that, is because I don't want those surveys and the answers I get to become the means by which I identify or define myself.  Nor do I want others to use them to identify things about me.  I feel that my identity is first and foremost an adopted son of God, by the redemption of Jesus Christ.  Whatever my sexual orientation or gender identity is, my national origin, language, etc., they are all labels the become opportunities for me to be compared and/or designated certain opportunities based on those.   All of those are nothing compared to the opportunities I am given because of the difference the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ has made in my life.

When the Risen Christ appeared to those first Disciples while Thomas were not present, they experienced the saving grace of God that changed their lives forever.  They were filled with sorrow for all that had happened on Good Friday.  They were locked behind closed doors for fear of being arrested because they were previously with Jesus.  They heard the stories of Mary and those who were at the tomb when Jesus rose from the dead.  But, they just did not believe it.  If all of that were not believable, suddenly the Risen Christ appeared with the words: "Peace be with you."   Those first Apostles ran away when He was nailed to the Cross.  Peter denied Jesus three times.  All Jesus was concerned with, was bringing God's peace upon those scared, sad and discouraged Disciples.  

Thomas represents in all of us that doubting moment.  The doubt that is not satisfied by the words that came to him about the Resurrection.  Thomas wanted to see the Risen Christ for himself.   Thomas was the skeptic.  He's the skeptic that plays the devil's advocate in the middle of a meeting.   Everyone wants to finish up and go home.  The skeptic wants to see that which satisfies her/his curiosity.   But, Jesus comes even to those who have doubts.  The Risen Christ is alive and calling even the skeptics among us.   "Peace be with you.  See my hands and my feet.  Touch me and see."  Thomas cries those wonderful words "My Lord and My God" as a statement of faith.  The faith that became his sight.   Because he doubted and later believed, those who have not seen, but believe through the words and actions of others are blessed indeed.   Our identity as children of God is confirmed through the faith of others who like us doubted, and were later shown God's blessings in their lives.

We are living in some times of real doubts.  The civil unrest in the Ukraine and the threat of more violence from Russia.   The news that we still  have not seen unemployment insurance renewed, or the minimum wage raised leaves so much doubt about what kind of future low income and middle class people have.  Very little has been done to reduce the gun violence that threatens our schools, communities of various peoples, and neighborhoods.  The rhetoric by Christianists towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning people continues to be violent, even with all the progress we have made towards marriage equality and more.  The terrible ruling by the Supreme Court this week with regards to Affirmative Action in Michigan.  The way in which women are victimized as second class citizens with regards to work, equal pay and reproductive health care.

The problem is, we still live in an age and world where the dignity of every human person is the least of our concern.  Instead of loving our neighbor as ourselves, we are loving money, power, prestige, popularity and the ability to draw attention to ourselves.  We do not want to share our country with the many immigrants who want a chance to make a life for themselves.  We want to keep an "other" so that we feel like we have power and control over things around us.  We walk by sight, not by faith.

Jesus comes to us, alive and offers us peace in the midst of our chaos.  He comes to invite us to touch him through the wounds of prejudice, indifference, and oppression and see that our broken humanity can and will be healed through God's transforming grace.  The Risen Christ beacons us to see beyond our doubts, stereotypes and preconceived notions and see Jesus offering us peace, healing and reconciliation.  Jesus offers us the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness of our sins through His Death and Resurrection, with the opportunity to start over again and again. 

As Easter Week ends, and we continue through this wonderful season in the Church; we have the opportunity to meet the Risen Christ and love Him in one another.  We can embrace one another by forgiving each other and being forgiven.  We can be restored to friendship with God through God's mercy in Christ, and find our way back to being true Disciples full of hope and peace.

Peace be with you.  

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

Amen.


Prayers

Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery
established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all
who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body
may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith;
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. 224).

Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the
world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among
them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they
may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 816).

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.  (Book of Common Prayer, p. 823).

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).

      

First Sunday in Lent: Jesus' Temptation Faces our Emotional Systems With Us

Today's Scripture Readings

Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7 (NRSV)

The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die."

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God say, `You shall not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, `You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.'" But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.

Psalm 32 (BCP., p.624)


Romans 5:12-19 (NRSV)

As sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned-- sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come.

But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man's trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. If, because of the one man's trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

Therefore just as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man's act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. For just as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.

Matthew 4:1-11 (NRSV)

After Jesus was baptized, he was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him,

"If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written,

'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written,

'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'"

Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written,

'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'"

Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

Blog Reflection

The number forty in the Bible has great significance.  The Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years before entering the Promised Land.  Elijah spent forty days on the Mountain.  Nineveh spent forty days in a fast to repent and return to the Lord.  

The First Sunday in Lent each year takes us to a Gospel narrative of Jesus' temptation in the desert for forty days.  Continuing with the idea written by Thomas Keating in The Mystery of Christ: The Liturgy as Spiritual Experience beginning on page 39-42, what Jesus is doing in the temptation is facing the emotional systems of all of us.  The emotional systems are survival/security, affection/esteem and power/control.  Each of us has these built into our human system.  By themselves, they are not evil or wrong.   How and where they are directed can determine the moral impact of what our emotional systems lead us to.  If they lead us to use them for the sake of themselves, there is a problem.  If we use them out of love for God, neighbor and self, we are growing in holiness and relationship with God.

In Jesus, is God's prefect revelation of God's Self.   Jesus is the human face of God made real.  God did not wait for us to reach God's level.  God came to us as one like us. In Christ, we are shown how God walks with us as we face the temptations of our emotional systems.   In all of the examples that Matthew's Gospel gives us of  how Jesus was tempted, and responded to Satan there is one common theme that the devil is trying to get Jesus to do.   In the end, the issue is not how hungry Jesus is.  Nor is it whether Jesus is the Son of God, or how much of the world He could rule.   The common thread in all that Jesus is tempted to do, is will Jesus be His own god, or will He rely on God for His salvation?   Yes, Jesus is hungry after forty days.  But, if Jesus does change the stones into bread, what He would do is decide that He and not God is the one who ultimately fills his hungering heart.   If Jesus were to jump off the pinnacle of the Temple, He would indeed be protected.  But, He would have made Himself God, deciding what God should and should not do for Him.  Jesus could have bowed down and worship Satan in exchange for all the kingdoms of the earth.  But, He would have made himself God, and not worship the Lord, His God.

In the temptations and His response to them, Jesus shows us His great humility.  The very humility written about in Philippians 2:1-11.   He does not regard His likeness to God to be the most important thing.  Jesus out of His love for us, empties His glory, and shows us the way to God.  Jesus does not exalt Himself as God's Son.  He serves humankind and therefore receives the glory of God as God's Son because of what He gave.  

What are some of the emotional systems that we cling to?

Could the reason be that Christians in not too few number continue the campaign against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning people because it challenges our emotional systems of security, esteem and control?

Do we ignore the dangers of climate change because the security, esteem and control of the rich and powerful has too strong of a hold on our government and politics?

Do we resist the real need to change our gun laws so that our schools, neighborhoods and communities are safe, because the Second Amendment worshipers are afraid of losing their security,esteem and control?

Do we remain silent about the real existence of racism and sexism, because we like the security of a Caucasian/male dominated system, by which we are highly esteemed and in control?

Are we willing to speak up about the current violence in Ukraine, and give up a bit of our security, esteem and control over the fact that the United States has too invaded countries and taken them over against their will?  Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan and drone missile attacks come to mind.

Our Lenten observance of fasting, self-denial, abstinence, alms-giving and prayer is to help us individually and collectively draw closer to God in trust and hope for our salvation in Christ Jesus.  These practices are not for Christians to wave flags and banners to show others how good we are in our own spiritual journey, while we ignore the real needs beyond our church walls.  Needs such as the exploitation of the weak, sick, poor and disenfranchised.   The beatings of gay men that have taken place in New York City, Minneapolis and in Russia.   The regular sexual harassment and assault on transgender people.   The bullying of LGBTQ students in schools, families and church communities.   If we are doing our Lenten practices and becoming more self-centered and less concerned about things like what I have named, we might want to spend a bit more time being very honest with God and ourselves about what kind of conversion we are open to.  

This Season of Lent is God's gracious gift to us, to be able to confront those parts of ourselves that won't live up to the call of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and ask the Holy Spirit for a renewed heart and mind.   A heart with reverence for God's presence in our neighbor, and love God in her/him without distinction.  

In today's Gospel, Jesus faces our emotional systems and shows us how to be victorious by trusting in God to help us.   As we look upon our own lives in the presence of God's mercy and forgiveness, we have the opportunity to experience God's healing and reconciling grace.  The grace that enables us to not just face and over come our temptations, but also tell the world about Jesus through our lives redeemed and changed for the better.

Amen.


Prayers

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be
tempted by Satan; Come quickly to help us who are assaulted
by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of
each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through
Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p.218).

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have
made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and
make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily
lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission
and forgiveness; 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).

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