Thursday in the Fourth Week of Advent: The Hungry Filled, The Rich Empty

Scripture Reading

Luke 1:46-55 (Book of Common Prayer)

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
    for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
    the Almighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him *
    in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, *
    he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
    and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
    and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
    for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, *
    to Abraham and his children for ever.

Blog Reflection

The recitation of the Magnificat (Song of Mary) is among my favorite parts of Evening Prayer.  The beauty of the words and the many chant and musical melodies are reminders of how wonderful Mary's song really is.

The Magnificat mirrors the Canticle of Hannah from 1 Samuel 2: 1-8 which you will find below.

Hannah prayed and said,
‘My heart exults in the Lord;
   my strength is exalted in my God.
My mouth derides my enemies,
   because I rejoice in my victory.

‘There is no Holy One like the Lord,
   no one besides you;
   there is no Rock like our God.
Talk no more so very proudly,
   let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
   and by him actions are weighed.
The bows of the mighty are broken,
   but the feeble gird on strength.
Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
   but those who were hungry are fat with spoil.
The barren has borne seven,
   but she who has many children is forlorn.
The Lord kills and brings to life;
   he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
   he brings low, he also exalts.
He raises up the poor from the dust;
   he lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes
   and inherit a seat of honour.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
   and on them he has set the world.

Mary's powerful hymn as well as Hannah's praises God for upsetting the imbalance of power in the world. Mary's reflection on the powerful being brought down from their thrones and the lowly being lifted up.   Hannah's song declares that the weapons of those who are mighty are rendered powerless, while the strength of the "feeble" gain strength.

We in America know all about how out of balance the powers of the rich vs the poor have been at work this year.  We have seen the rich and wealthy work harder and harder to take away more and more from middle class and low income people.

Gov. Walker's bill that stripped Union Workers of their collective bargaining rights.

The situation with Crystal Sugar tossing their Union Workers out over the executives needs to protect their billion dollar profits, while keeping their organized employees from fair health care benefits. 

The funds that protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid for retired and disabled Americans are under constant attack in a need to satisfy those who have abundant wealth and just want more power to go with the money.

The announcement that Mary was chosen by God's random act of grace to conceive and bear Jesus so that humankind could have forgiveness of our sins and the hope of everlasting life, greets the ears of all of us in different ways.  Yet, there is one resounding theme that does not go anywhere.  God wants to feed those who are hungry.  Lift up those who are low.   God wants to show the strength of God's arm, while scattering the proud in their conceit.

I think in many ways that is what the Occupy Movement has done.  The Occupy Movement is calling out to those who are consistently losing to the careless abuses of bad financial investments and loaded mortgages.  The movement calls to people who have been soaking up all the money in profits, while those who need help to own a home, fund their education, keep their retirement savings and hope for the future just keeps disappearing with every passing moment.

God came to us in the Incarnate Word in the midst of a dirty cave where animals fed on hey and messed their business.  Jesus was born not with royalty and splendor given first by humankind.  Jesus arrived so that we would know Emmanuel. "God with us" (see Matthew 1: 23).  In Jesus is God's perfect revelation of Self, who is with all of us in our lowly, poor and hungry state.   The rich, the powerful and the mighty are on a different tier as God comes to the marginalized, sick, lonely and discouraged among us.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer who share in the sufferings of Christ in a Church and world, by being "despised and rejected" have a very special place with the Incarnate Word.  As Jesus came and loved differently, so do LGBTQ people.  As Jesus was rejected for his revolutionary way of loving and being, so are LGBTQ people.  Just as the death of Jesus was not the end of a new chapter in human history, there is resurrection for LGBTQ people along with the risen and ascended Christ.

Mary's Song and Hannah's are the hope that God's establishment of a new world.   In the words of the hymns, that new world already exists.  We in the 21st Century know that the new world where the poor are lifted up and the rich go away hungry is not yet.

In the perfect revelation of God in Christ, the world by which God brings justice and inclusion for all who are stigmatized and experience discrimination is already here.  Throughout the Gospel Jesus meets those separated due to political, economic and social bias are given a place of honor and dignity in the house of God.   Here and now, we see great progress in the wider acceptance of LGBTQ people in both the Church and society.  But, we have not yet achieved full equality and inclusion.

Just as Jesus being born in Bethlehem changed the world, but not yet.  So the work of justice, equality and inclusion has already happened for LGBT people and many others who are on the margins, but it is not yet accomplished.  There is more work to be done.

Hannah's Hymn and Mary's Canticle give us hope that God who came into human history is here with us now in the Holy Spirit working in hearts, minds, lives and actions for a better future for all people.

May our Christmas celebrations this year help us to remember that God is with us in Christ.  All of us have and continue to receive the fullness of God's grace and truth.


Prayers

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

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.  (Prayer for Mission, Book of Common Prayer, page 101).

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

Labor Day: Celebrating Work and the Worker: Not the Profit

Scriptural Basis 

1 Corinthians 3:10-14
 

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. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw-- the work of each builder will become visible, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done. If what has been built on the foundation survives, the builder will receive a reward.

Matthew 6:19-24

Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

"The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

"No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”

Blog Reflection

Labor Day is about the celebration of work and the worker, not the profit.  We celebrate today that work is a cooperation with God's creative action.  Whether a person is gainfully employed or not, the work we do on a daily basis even if all we do is volunteer or take care of our families at home we share in God's work of continuing to create and beautify the earth.

The good folks at Box Turtle Bulletin did a terrific job of writing about how Labor Day became the great holiday it did.   The history of the coal miners in West Virginia and how the workers and their property were owned by the company store  Country music star Tennessee Ernie Ford made these events famous through his hit song 16 tons.    Labor Day was created to recognize the dignity and integrity of both work and the worker and the need for good wages, health care, time off for rest and relaxation so that workers could do a better job.  Out of such a movement the rising up of labor unions and the incredible work they have done on behalf of workers continues to lift up and dignify the importance of those who labor in their work for the benefit of all as well as their own homes

This past year we have witnessed an unparalleled attack on workers and labor unions.  The activity of Gov. Scott Walker and the Tea Party movement to make public workers from teachers to garbage collectors, fire fighters, police officers, those who keep our streets clean and operate public transportation appear like the villains responsible for the economic collapse of these past few years was so horrific and cowardly.  What has happened is nothing short of valuing profits and gains over the dignity and integrity of workers and working.

The Christian Faith recognizes individuals and the things that cannot be seen as fundamentally imperative.  Money and profits without the recognition of the dignity and integrity of every human person cannot provide stability or even lasting wealth.  Wanting to harbor unlimited wealth and control those who are fortunate enough to live in their own homes, put their children through school so they can get and keep a good paying job and/or even affect the equal rights of those marginalized by the Church and society do not show an example of Christian spirituality or faithfulness.

Both Paul and Jesus tell us to work for the things that are important. To not store up for ourselves those things which others can steal from us or for a foundation that is not secure.  The goodness contained within individuals of good will and those who hope for a better tomorrow by which those who are hungry have enough to eat, and those without homes can live somewhere attainable and sustainable without greed and inequality to invade have the heart of the Gospel at it's core.   The recognition that all individuals regardless of their race, class, color, religion, sexual orientation, wealth status, health status, age, gender, gender identity/expression, language, culture are to be respected and offered the opportunity to work for their potential has the Christian Faith's mission at heart.

That is why I personally believe that any individual, denomination, political group or candidate who sides with the efforts to take away the collective bargaining rights of labor unions does not represent the holiness of Jesus Christ and the Church.  Many individuals who have sided with Republican and Tea Party motives in this matter are also Christianists and/or dominionists. They seek to recreate the Christian Religion and the world around them according to their understanding of the Christian religion.  Including the continued degrading of women, LGBT, immigrants, Muslims and many others through violent stereotyping and creating fear among people who will not think independently about such issues. In addition, these groups have also bought into the worst type of capitalism and corporate elitism we have seen in many years.

Jesus tells us that we cannot serve two masters.  To serve capitalism and wealth, while promoting a Gospel of hate, exclusion and violence is certainly serving more than one master.

The work of activism that brings about the hope that all can share in the goodness of all the God gives us, including freedom from political, religious and social oppression has everything to do with storing up for ourselves the treasures that can last beyond this world into the next.

The reign the God offers humankind is not one of oppression and suppression.  The hope that God offers through God's perfect revelation of Self in Jesus Christ is one by which everyone respects and loves each other, and together we serve God through each other.  God's reign offers simplicity by which the resources God provides to one person, are shared with all people.  In God's reign there is no dominionism, only love for God, neighbor and self.  No labels.  No stigmatizing.  No one group dominating themselves over another.  In God's reign everyone has a home and everyone who has served others for the common good find everything they worked so hard for.  The faith of God's people find peace at last.  No more wars or political mudslinging. 

As we begin to move from Summer to Fall, we also prepare for the end of another Church year.  The work towards welcoming God's reign that Christians have so long preached and worked for, won't find it's fulfillment through dominionism at the expense of others that do not match our standards.  God's reign is inclusive and a place where unconditional love finds no better abode. 

May our Labor Day celebration with it's rest and opportunity to reset ourselves, help us to recognize the dignity and integrity of the work and workers that God gives to all of us.


Prayers

Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Collect for Labor Day, Book of Common Prayer, page 261).

Heavenly Father, whose Blessed Son came not to be served but to serve: Bless all who following his steps, give themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom, patience, and courage, they may minister in his Name to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the love of him who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Prayer for Social Service, Book of Common Prayer, page 260).


Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for the Unemployed, Book of Common Prayer, page 824).

Monday in the First Week of Lent: Whom Are we Serving?

Scriptural Basis

Matthew 25: 31-46 (NRSV)

‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. ³²All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, ³³and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. ³⁴Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; ³⁵for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ³⁶I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” ³⁷Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? ³⁸And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? ³⁹And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” ⁴⁰And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,^* you did it to me.” ⁴¹Then he will say to those at his left hand, “You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; ⁴²for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.” ⁴⁴Then they also will answer, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?” ⁴⁵Then he will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” ⁴⁶And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.’ 

31

Blog Reflection

St. Louis de Monfort wrote: "I will love my God who lives in my neighbor."  "My God who lives in my neighbor."

Those who see religion from a particular point of view might respond to Monfort's statement: "Is he telling me to idolize my neighbor?"  That is a fair question.   In the Old Testament we read the words: "I am the Lord your God,,, you shall have no other gods before me."  (Exodus 20: 2,3).

When Jesus tells us that whatever we do to those who are members of his family, we do to him, is Jesus telling us to worship him?   When St. Louis de Montfort tells recognizes his God who lives in his neighbor, is he worshiping an idol in his neighbor?

If we see each person as their unique entity with no beginning in someone or something beyond themselves, then the answer to the previously asked questions is yes.   There are religions that would respond yes to the questions I raised.  They are entitled to their point of view.

For Christians however, our answer to those questions is no.  As Christians we recognize that the God that we worship and serve has created and therefore resides in and with our neighbor.  Christians should understand that to not serve our neighbor is to fail to serve God.  Our worship of God in our churches finds it's fulfillment when our liturgical celebrations become the true and living stories of our lives as we serve the God we worship in the needs of our neighbors.  Therefore we are to serve God in our neighors, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer people.   We love our God who is in our neighbor in people of other genders, gender identities/expressions, other religions, other languages, other cultures/traditions, races, nationalities, wealth and health status and so on.   We do not draw a line in the sand about who we serve God in, and who we refuse to serve God in, if we embrace the cross of Jesus Christ as seriously as we say we do.

Just in today's news clips all over the internet, we are seeing Jesus in our neighbor being bruised and injured.  A teacher in southern California has been bullying a gay student by writing S for "sinner" on the hand of a gay student.  An individual has stated that God is punishing the country of Japan for atheism by way of the horrible earthquake and tsunami.  A young teenager named Nick Kelo age 13 shot himself after he was bullied for being gay, before and especially after he joined the school band.   We continue to see Jesus told that he has no bargaining rights, as they are taken away from Union workers all over the country.   Jesus' budget for those who are poor, destitute and pregnant continues to be exploited and taken away, while tax breaks for corporations becomes a greater priority.

The voice of progressive Christians is so very important as we work through this season of Lent.  We have opportunities to pray and work for the liberation of Jesus in our neighbor who continues to be assaulted by right wing political scams.  Our prayers and voices for those who continue to be oppressed and marginalized are so very important.

Yes, we are to love our God who lives in our neighbor.  God is so very good to us, so out of thanksgiving to God for God's goodness we should be willing to share that goodness with God who lives in our neighbor.  Amen.

Prayers,

Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully increase in us your gifts of holy discipline, in almsgiving, prayer and fasting; that our lives may be directed to the fulfilling of your most gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God, for ever and ever.  Amen. (Prayer for Monday in the First Week of Lent, Holy Woman, Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints, page 36).


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, page 815).

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

Compassionate God, whose Son Jesus wept at the grave of his friend Lazarus: Draw near to us in this time of sorrow and anguish, comfort those who mourn, strengthen those who are weary, encourage those in despair, and lead us all to fullness of life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.  (On the Occasion of a Disaster, Holy Women, Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints, page 733).  

Friday after Ash Wednesday: Lent and the Cross: Not For Asserting Privilege and Prejudice

Scriptural Basis

Matthew 9: 10-17 (NRSV)

10

 And as he sat at dinner^* in the house, many tax-collectors and sinners came and were sitting^* with him and his disciples. ¹¹When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax-collectors and sinners?’ ¹²But when he heard this, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. ¹³Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’

The Question about Fasting
14 

Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast often,^* but your disciples do not fast?’ ¹⁵And Jesus said to them, ‘The wedding-guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. ¹⁶No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak, for the patch pulls away from the cloak, and a worse tear is made. ¹⁷Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; otherwise, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.’ 

Blog Reflection

I was intrigued today by a post on JoeMyGod.  Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council made the remark that President Obama is ignoring the bullying of Christian students.

Here is the full text of the quote on Joe Jervis' blog post.

"The Left tends to spin the issue of bullying as a uniquely homosexual problem. They hold up tragic incidents like Tyler Clementi's suicide to push for school-based curriculum and other initiatives that give homosexuals a platform for normalizing their behavior. Even the government's Stop Bullying website is dominated by information about LGBT bullying. This is the liberals' way of turning a serious problem into an opportunity for greater censorship of those who disagree with their behavior.

"In the White House materials, they turn a dialogue about bullying into a conversation about protecting homosexuals. The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Alliance (GLSEN) is featured in the government's resources with a generous plug from President Obama. The debate has also created a window for homosexual Kevin Jennings, the embattled 'safe school czar,' to spread his propaganda in the classroom--and on the White House website. Does the anti-bullying initiative extend to young people with Christian beliefs, who find themselves the subject of a teacher's ridicule on subjects like sexuality or science? If it doesn't, then America is only exacerbating the problem."

Tony Perkins is referring to the White House Bullying Conference. A conference hosted by President Obama and the First Lady to talk about the harmful affects of bullying in America's schools.  In his remarks, President Obama spoke of the responsibility we all have of working to protect children and youth from bullying based on being different, including but not limited to a students sexual orientation.

When I posted the post containing the remarks by Tony Perkins on my Facebook page today, a friend of mine Ronald Allen Schulz wrote the following in the comments.

What an idiot. Now we're supposed to believe that elite christian right is a victim? Traditional Christians are by no stretch of the imagination an oppressed class. there is a huge difference between being scoffed at in random social pockets { primarily as a reactionary measure], and having to face the socio-political institutional religious bigotry that gay people encounter on a daily basis.

What Ronald has written is a very true statement. 

Among the most unfortunate things to happen to Christians, is that we have become so creed-o-centric, that many assert Christian as if it is a religion of privilege.   For many in our society who face religious based bigotry from Christians/Catholics to other religions (Judaism, Islam for example), different sexual orientations and/or gender identities/expressions, Christianity is a religion of privilege.   

One of the goals of Christianists is to get as many of their people elected into our government (State and Federal) so that an elitist Christian ideology can become the laws of our land.  No progressive/liberal or any other way of thinking or behaving would be tolerated.  We are seeing this in the countless legislative efforts all across the country against women's reproductive rights, the collective bargaining rights of workers, actions against marriage equality such as the GOP House deciding that they will defend DOMA and so on.  


These by themselves are harmful.  But, they are part of a bigger problem.  It is a move to make the principles of Christianists, the laws and ways of every person in America.  In other words, Christianity has a monopoly on truth, and therefore everyone must be forced to understand and do what Christianists believe is correct.  Any individual or institution that is outside of the Christianist ideology is out of luck and out of their rights and freedom from political and religious based oppression.


The conversation that took place between the pharisees and Jesus over fasting, is an example of what happens when people assert religious "authority" as privilege.   "Your actions are not the same as mine.  Therefore, you must be doing something wrong."   


Privilege is also being asserted when the pharisees question Jesus about who he dines with.  "Why are you eating with those people."  


Think this doesn't happen in Christianity today? Think again!


In an online post on Right Wing Watch, a former Episcopal Priest who is now an anti-gay activist said the following:  

Michael Youssef, the head of Leading the Way Ministries and a vocal critic of Islam, today argued that the Episcopal Church is no longer Christian and “not Jesus’ church” as a result of the church's policies regarding gay-rights. Youssef is a signatory of the Manhattan Declaration, a largely anti-gay and anti-choice screed, which also laments the “decline in respect for religious values” in American society. However, Youssef’s diatribe against the Episcopal Church shows the Manhattan Declaration’s call for “religious liberty” and greater respect for religious values remains secondary to its unbridled anti-gay attacks. Youssef’s attack on the Episcopal Church keeps him in the company of other Religious Right leaders and groups who continuously smear mainline Protestant churches that back civil rights. In a column for the American Family Associations news service, Youssef declared that the Episcopal Church’s support for LGBT equality means that the Church has “defied God” and lost its status as Christian:

The Episcopal Church is no longer Christian, because we have recognized that we are not so privileged that we have the authority to deny LGBT individuals a place at our communion rails.  That is what Youseef is pretty much saying.

Lent and the cross are not for asserting privilege and prejudice.  Just because we are fasting and praying as we prepare for Easter, does not mean we have one over other individuals who are not quite like we are.   If anything Lent and the cross are the opportunity for us to look privilege in the face and realize that we do not really have any at all.   

"Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by Christ's grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith." (Romans 3: 23-25a NRSV).

None of us really has any more privilege to justify the use of our faith as a reason to scapegoat anyone else.   If any thing Lent and the cross are a time and place for us to come to God in prayer and fasting with the prejudices of our hearts and ask for God's grace for the conversion needed to change them.  At the cross there is no privilege.  Even Jesus "though in the form of God, Christ Jesus did not cling to equality with God, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and was born in human likeness.  Being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2: 6-8).  The greatness Jesus gained from God, came because Jesus became a servant to all who were marginalized.  Including the LGBT person, the woman, and so many more marginalized and left aside.   Even the dead got a face and a name through the grace of God in Jesus.

Exactly what right do any of us who are Christian have asserting privilege?   Do we have privilege?  Yes, but it is not found in justifying prejudice, cruelty and violence.  Our privilege that we should exercise (not assert as if we are better than others) is to love others with the love with which Jesus Christ loved all of us.  To love others with a sacrificial love that sees God's holy imprint in each person, including those who are different from ourselves.   To recognize that it is not okay to sit idly by while several LGBT and questioning youth took their lives because they were bullied in their schools.   To see that targeting Muslims through a congressional hearing is wrong because it fuels religious and racial bias.   To stand in solidarity with the union workers of Wisconsin who just lost their bargaining rights today, with the stroke of Gov. Scott Walker's pen.  

Lent and the cross are about recognizing that all of us have been given the gift of God's grace.  Our sins have been forgiven.  But, our work does not end with our own encounter with the God of love.  Our work continues as we use this time of penance, fasting and prayer to recognize God's beauty in those who are struggling to overcome injustice, oppression and destruction.   

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:  Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.  Amen.


Prayers

Support us, O Lord, with your gracious favor through the fast we have begun;  that as we observe it by bodily self-denial, so we may fulfill it with inner sincerity of heart: through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Collect for the Friday after Ash Wednesday, Holy Women, Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints, page 34).


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. (Collect for Ash Wednesday, Book of Common Prayer, page 217).

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen. (Collect for Fridays, Book of Common Prayer, page 99)
 
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.  (Prayer Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, Book of Common Prayer, page 833).

Thursday After Ash Wednesday: Take Up Your Cross: A Lenten Message for All

Scriptural Basis


Luke 9:18-25

Peter’s Declaration about Jesus

18 Once when Jesus^* was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, ‘Who do the crowds say that I am?’ ¹⁹They answered, ‘John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.’ ²⁰He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered, ‘The Messiah^* of God.’

Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

21 He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, ²²saying, ‘The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.’
23
Then he said to them all, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. ²⁴For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. ²⁵What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves? 

Blog Reflection

There is no doubt that those of us who have been following the news in Wisconsin went to bed last night, or got up this morning with a sense of deep sadness.  Many individuals who care about fair wages and benefits for State workers, teachers, nurses, bus drivers, fire fighters, police officers and so on, are just disgusted by the actions of the Republican Senators in Wisconsin last night.  A real evil has happened.   Injustice has reared its ugly head.  Individuals who are among the middle class are losing to those who have everything to gain, who have already gained more than their fair share. 

It can feel as if all of the protesting and support over these past nearly three weeks just went to waste.  Why protest if those protesting are only going to lose?    Why support the 14 brave Wisconsin Senate Democrats if the Republicans are going to win every legislative and legal battle?

As difficult as this is for me to write, in the end what is most important is not who wins or loses.   The benefits, wages and good working conditions, bargaining rights are all important.  Their losses are no small matter for them, or for those who care most about progressive and liberal causes.  However, what is more important, is a movement that began with a framework that calls for justice and equal rights, fairness and a respect for each other, regardless of our differences.  That movement is alive.  The framework is waking people up to the reality of what middle class Americans stand to lose if the corporate ownership of our Government continues.  A recognition that there must be social justice for all people, if there is to be some kind of prosperity for all people.   There is nothing to gain, if we are not willing to lose the safety of our comfort zones and speak up for each other in our time of crisis.

The Gospel for today invites all of us to respond to the question Jesus asks: "Who do you say that I am?" 

Are we ready to respond with Peter's reply?  "You are the Messiah of God."

If we respond with Peter, we are saying that we believe that Jesus who is God's perfect revelation, is not only some old Gospel story.  We are saying that God is present in all people whom God has "fearfully and wonderfully made."    This very realization should change the framework of our movement for justice, inclusion and equality for all marginalized persons including but not limited to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer people. 

If we answer with Peter that Jesus is God's perfect revelation, then we must also be ready to hear what Jesus said after Peter's response.   Jesus took upon himself the sins of all of us, and in a sacrifice of love gave his most precious life for all of God's people. 

Do we believe this too?

In addition to the news in Wisconsin, we have also heard the story today, of how Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota (my own congressperson, of whom I am very proud), broke down while defending the life and reputation of Muhammad Hamdani, a 23 year old Muslim American who gave his life on September 11, 2001.    Rep. Peter King is holding hearings singling out Muslim Americans for "aiding and abetting terrorism."

If we as Christians believe that Jesus is the revelation of God, and that he gave his life for all of God's people, we must also understand that the cross on which Jesus died, is not an excuse for scapegoating people who are different than ourselves.  The cross does not mean that Christians hold a monopoly on truth.   The cross does not justify our attitudes of prejudice and violent behavior towards individuals that we do not totally identify with.  

Jesus then calls upon all of us who claim to be Christ's followers to take up our cross and follow him.  Jesus tells us to "deny ourselves."

In those very words "deny ourselves" sounds like we are being told to not be who we are.   Many evangelistic preachers will use this scripture to tell questioning individuals that if they are attracted to members of the same-sex, or feel like they really are a different gender than the one they were born with, that they should "deny themselves" and just accept the Gospel and that Jesus died for their sins, and they will be okay.   Ex-gay groups like Exodus and the Catholic churches group Courage suggest that they "help" their ex-gay individuals by telling them to "deny themselves" the "wages of sin that homosexuality offers."   Being an ex-gay survivor myself, I can speak quite well to how erroneous such claims are.

 

What does it mean for LGBT Christians to "deny" ourselves and pick up our cross?

 

I would suggest that we "deny" ourselves when we come out to ourselves and others about who we really are.  Our choice to come out and be who we are, and be proud of who we are, often opens up ourselves to a cross that only other LGBT people understand.  The very fact that we risk the comforts of living a lie that affords us things that should not be ours based on a lie, is a way of denying ourselves.   The family business that we could share in, if only we do not come out.  The college money many Christian parents will with hold from their daughter or son if she/he comes out.  The job we lost just because of our sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression.  These are ways in which LGBT people deny themselves, by accepting that our sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression is a source of great pain that we have to bear because of ignorance and prejudice.  When we deny ourselves by being who we are, and loving our partners even while the Christianists continue to speak ugly anti-LGBT rhetoric.

 

As LGBT people we "carry our cross" when we devote ourselves to our partner/boyfriend/girlfriend, significant other (pick your own word here).  When we chose to love her or him, even if they have habits and problems that weigh us down sometimes.  When we chose to love that friend that many in the LGBT communities over look, because of her or his challenge, color, appearance, religious beliefs or lack thereof, or any other issue, we are carrying our cross.   When we take the time to devote ourselves to the work of justice, inclusion and equality for not only ourselves, but others who experience oppression and injustice, we are carrying our cross.

 

The cross is our opportunity to embrace the life that Jesus died for.  The cross is the opportunity for us to love differently and make a sacrifice for others.   The cross is our reason to work towards justice, equality and inclusion.  The cross is our purpose to "strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being."  This includes the muslim, the LGBT, the women, the African Americans, etc.  This is also a call for LGBT people to be concerned about justice for others who are different from us.   Like the workers in Wisconsin, Indiana, New Jersey and all over.  The cross means, we cannot turn our heads and ignore those who are poor, homeless, without dignity and opportunity for prosperity and justice.  The cross means we cannot ignore the oppression we experience as LGBT people, while at the same time being concerned about the oppression of others.

 

As we continue through this Lenten journey, I think it is good to remind ourselves about who we are in this Lent for.   We are in it for our own spiritual journey, that is true.  But we are also in it for the sake of others who like ourselves as LGBT people, are in need of that help that only we can give.  

 

The prayer of St. Theresa says; "Christ has no body now but yours.  No hands, no feet on earth but yours.  Yours are the eyes through which he looks, compassion on this world.  Christ has no body now on earth, but yours." (borrowed from John Micheal Talbot).   

 

We are the Christ who has been sent to be that hand, eye and heart for those who are in need of being put in touch with God's presence.  We can do that, when we take up our cross and follow God in our hearts by serving others.

Prayers

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Holy Women, Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints, page 33).


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. (Collect for Ash Wednesday, Book of Common Prayer, page 217).

Look with pity, O Holy One, 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, page 826).

Last Sunday After the Epiphany: Trans Sunday

Scriptural Basis

Matthew 17:1-9

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

As I have been reflecting on this weekends readings about the transfiguration of Jesus, I could not help but notice the word "trans."  

Whenever a word with two syllables begins with "trans" it usually refers to some kind of change. 

A transmission changes the gears in our motor vehicles to help us go faster, slower or in reverse.

When we transform something, we change it's form to resemble something different.

We often use the word "transgression" which is another word for sin or offense.  We have changed our desire to do something good, and do something that is not so good.

For the LGBTQ communities, we have our transgender folks.   The word transgender, means to change from one gender to another.  Not just physically, but internally.  A transgender person sees herself/himself as being different on the inside, compared to what she/he is on the outside.  The transgender person goes through a self acceptance process. In that process there is much time and heartache.   Eventually the transgender person will change their bodily appearanc, voice, body mass, to reflect who they are on the inside.   They do this, so that they can live honestly and openly who they really are.

It is a little bit like the caterpillar that goes into a cocoon and comes out a butterfly.

The idea of a transgender person is not limited to those who have gender reassignment surgery or take hormones.  Many lesbian and gay people show signs of being transgender in their bodily gestures, speech and/or dress style.  The lesbian woman can be very feminine, or masculine.  The lesbian person can show behaviors and ways that are both feminine and masculine.  Likewise many gay men can be masculine and/or feminine.  There are even some straight women who can appear very butch, while many straight men appear very feminine.  There is no set status quo.  Except in the minds of people who regard a change of gender as "unnatural".

As we prepare to move from the Sundays after the Epiphany into Lent this upcoming Ash Wednesday, we stop to consider the transfiguration of Jesus.

When Jesus took Peter, James and John with him up to the mountaion, Jesus was transfigured before them.  Suddenly the human Jesus had a divine image that was very bright.  The disciples saw the vision of God who was in Jesus, and how God could reveal God's Self through human history into the present time. They saw the God beyond human comprehension, become very close and personal.  The eyes of those who have been oppressed by their tyrannical government, suddenly saw the greatest Light of hope, they had been praying for all these many years.   No wonder they wanted to stay there. 

In the course of the conversation, they heard the voice of God declare that Jesus was God's Son the Beloved with whom God was well-pleased, and all should listen to Jesus.

When Jesus was transfigured, the God who was in Christ became visible.  If only for a few moments.  Jesus who was God's prefect revelation, revealed God's Self in God's divine nature. 

In the transfiguration, Jesus shows that we cannot judge an individual person by their appearance alone.  Within each individual person is the wonder and beauty of God's revelation that gives light to the darkness.  
What can appear so predictable about an individuals outward appearance can suddenly become our own inner shame, when someone we deemed worthless because of outward appearences, actions etc, suddenly shows to us a love, kindness and tenderness that surpasses our own.

An individual who does not fit our status quo can suddenly help us realize there is a hidden loving individual within each of us, that longs to "come out" and love others in new and wonderful ways.

In other words, we can experience our own unique transfiguration and/or transformation.

We can have a variety of reactions to change in our lives and/or world.

We can react to change with delighted welcome.  Or we can react to change with reluctance and disbelief.

We can go with the flow.

We can become obstructionists and become obsessed with being sure real change does not happen. At times change is something that is just out of our hands.

When I think of all that is going on in our nation with the labor protests in Wisconsin, Ohio, Indianna, New Jersey and all over, I think of how distressed many of us are.   Watching individuals trying to defend what is left of their small wages, high cost health care, not to mention the wickedness of what so many are saying that public school teachers are to be vilified, is very heart wrenching.   Listening to the news reports day in and day out of how as much as people are protesting and speaking out, the rethuglicans are just not going to
budge. 

The transfiguration story in the Gospels reminds us that the Light of God is present in the most tragic storms of life.  The God who has been a part of human history is here with us in God's Son, by the power of God the Holy Spirit.  God invites all of us who are God's Beloved, and with us, God is well-pleased, to embrace God and the Light that Christ brings in the midst of the darkness of our lives.   No matter how ugly and un-godly the circumstances and how selfish certain individuals can be, God is never absent from those who are calling out to God in their need.

Every person has those moments when God just seems so far out of reach of us and our situation.  Circumstances close in all around us.  Life just is not making any sense.  We need God's transforming grace to change our world and ourselves. 

Most of the time, the world does not change very quickly.  We can choose to cooperate with God's plan of change for our lives. Or we can stifle God's Spirit and just let whatever the circumstances of our lives be, just destroy us and our sense of self respect.

Transgender people are a wonderful reminder of God's transformative grace.  They struggle very deeply to understand who they are.   They often appear to be existing in two different worlds.  In reality, they are in touch with their true selves.  They struggle with themselves, their families, their relationships and even wtih their own bodies to bring forth the very essence of who they are. 

Transgender people are a fantastic reminder of what can happen when we accept who we really are on the inside, and work with God and others to be transformed into who we really are.  Transgender people remind Christians that there is always a wonderful and beautiful person inside of us, just bursting to come forward and delight the world with the real and gifted person we really are.  The more we resist what God is calling us to within, the more we will keep God's plan in our lives from becoming a reality.   If we only surrender ourselves into God's will that is so often speaking from the depths of our hearts and souls, God can not only transform us, but also the world around us. 

As with any change, it is difficult.  There will be those who will resist the change that we bring forward.  That is really okay.  Is it just?  No.  Does it have to completely destroy us? No.

On this Trans Sunday before Lent, we are reminded that we journey with Jesus into these forty days so that we may continue to be transformed, so that together we can transform the world of darkness and in justice.  

There is way too much oppression, suppression, prejudice and violence for Christians to take a back seat and not pay attention. 

Progressive Christians need to become missionaries of peace in a world of cruelty and war.  We carry the torch of progressive social and political change so that the person who remains marginalized by the Church and society, can be brought forward to be dignified. 

Progressive Christians can look to the transfiguration of Jesus, and transgender people to bring that light that is within all of us who are oppressed and stigmatized, to live freely, openly and with integrity.

May we all understand how much we are all God's beloved, and with us God is well-pleased.  May we all become partners in the work for all people to know and live their belovedness and so transform and transfigure our world.


Prayers

O God, who before the passion of your only­begotten 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. (Prayer for the Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Book of Common Prayer, page 217)

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, page 815).

Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany: Who is Telling Who Not to Worry?

Scriptural Basis

Matthew 6:24-34 (NRSV)

Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.


"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you-- you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, `What will we eat?' or `What will we drink?' or `What will we wear?' For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.


"So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today."

Blog Reflection

How about we do an experiment together?

Read this Gospel to a group of your best friends who invite you to a dinner party.  Don't read it until after everyone at the dinner table is well fed and has enjoyed every bite.  What might you hear them say?

I bet you will hear something similar to this.  "Yeah, God provided a great meal."  You might also hear: "God didn't do anything, the cook just put together a fabulous dinner."  "All of those great farmers and companies where we bought the food, did such a great job."

In other words, they had all they needed.  It didn't matter who it came from.  They have been fed.  They are satisfied.  Most likely, they and you will be satisfied again tomorrow.

Now read this Gospel in a place like Wisconsin with the union protesters who's livelihoods hang in the balance of the political tug of war for power.

Read this Gospel to the many LGBT women and men in Uganda fearing what could happen to them if someone finds out about their sexuality.  The Ugandan LGBT people who live in fear of the day that the anti-homosexuality bill should pass and it becomes the law.  How might those individuals react to hearing this Gospel about not worrying about tomorrow?

Read this Gospel to a man who lives with HIV/AIDS about not worrying about tomorrow, when his State Republican Majority votes and passes a bill that will reduce funding for him to receive medical treatment for his condition.  

Read this Gospel about not worrying about tomorrow to a woman who is carrying a child that she does not know how she will take care.  She has just sat in the church and heard some preacher use the end of today's Hebrew Scripture reading that says: "Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you."  The Priest may have just used these words to condemn abortion. Such works are known to make a pregnant, unwed, unemployed, poor mother feel so terribly guilty should she decide not to carry that child to term, because she cannot adequately care for herself, let alone a child that will depend on her for everything.  Tell this woman, what Jesus said: "Do not worry about tomorrow."

It is easy to hear the words: "Do not worry about tomorrow" or even be grateful that God has said: "Even if these forget you, I will not forget you" when we have our homes, jobs, health, sexual orientation and/or gender expression/identity that no one is out to destroy, wealth, safety etc.  But, to those who do not have so many choices on any number of those things, tell them not to worry, or God will not forget them, and they just might answer: "God forgot about me a long time ago.  So, I have forgotten about God."

What might be the reason?

Someone in a church carelessly told them not to worry, everything will be all right, and then they walked out and were mugged.  They lost the only money they had to buy milk for their child for a week.   When they went to a local food bank, they were grilled and questioned.  Made to feel like a fool for having gone there in the first place.  Told the food banks rules that only added more grief and distress to their already troubled situation. 

What is happening in Wisconsin and all over the world, including Libya is a struggle for total power vs shared power.  What is happening as some State Governments around the US are attempting to strip union workers of their bargaining rights is about whether corporate power, which already has total power through their donations to politics, gets even more.  It is an attempt to usurp shared power into becoming total power.  It is about who will own and keep that power, because they are so wealthy, and powerful, they just cannot get enough.

As the National Organization for Marriage and other organizations against marriage equality, work against the rights of LGBT people to marry the person they love in various states, what is really going on? 

The privilege of heterosexuals to own the power to determine who and what makes a family a family, to suddenly become shared power, that recognizes they are not the only ones who get to decide.

This Gospel today speaks both to those of us who have more than enough, but want more, and to those of us who barely have enough of what we need to survive in life, but can only trust in God to gain it. 

In the exceptionally terrific movie Latter Days, Aaron the Mormon Missionary who struggles with his sexuality, his church and his family, says "I think we are all dots.  I think we are all connected." 

God sees all of us as God's children whom God has "fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139: 14).  Whether we are rich or poor, lesbian, gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, questioning or queer, black, red, gold or white, healthy or impaired.  God sees us as all individually different people, who are uniquely connected to each other.  That is why we need help from each other to achieve a sense of well being.  We need each other in whatever situation we are in.  Everyone matters.  No one is without value, dignity, integrity.  Therefore no one should be without the dignity and respect that belongs to them.

In this Gospel, Jesus is dismissing an age old ideal.  The ideal that if you are rich and healthy God is happy with you.  But, if you are poor, sick, or someone marginalized by a church or society as a whole, God is punishing you for something you did wrong.  Jesus is slamming that notion to pieces. 

Organizations like the American Family Association like to suggest that if there is an earthquake in California, it will be because of Judge Walker's decision last July to declare Prop 8 unconstitutional. 

Other organizations suggested that the reason Hurricane Katrina happened in 2005 and the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico last Spring is because New Orleans is the location of Southern Decadence.

These repulsive comments are also theological nonsense.  In Today's Gospel, Jesus says as much. 

What is our challenge from this Gospel?

We are challenged to understand that if we are so blessed to have been given an abundance, it did not come from no one or no where.  God does have something to do with all that we enjoy.  We have been given those wonderful opportunities to not only refresh and enjoy ourselves, but to share some of that with those who are not so fortunate.   God has blessed us with much, to share much.

We are also challenged to understand that if we are not so endowed with wealth and an easy time working and earning, or even having our equal rights, God has not abandoned us.  What we need will come from God.  What we have, even if it is only the grace to just hang on for now and do the best we can, that is God's gift to us at that moment, and there is so much more to come.   The best is up ahead, we just cannot see it at this moment.  

In the awesome television show Touched by An Angel, Monica would tell everyone she worked with: "God loves you, and wants you to trust God." 

God does love each and every one of us.  Totally, deeply and completely.  As a Parent loves their child.  God desires everything and anything good for us.  Even in those moments when it looks and appears like what is good and most needed, just seems impossible. 

When we have been blessed to obtain that which we thought was once impossible, we show our thanks to God by becoming God's missionaries of compassion and understanding and share with others.  To speak up for those marginalized.  To encourage closeted youth to come out of their closet and show God and the world around them, that being LGBT is wonderful.   To encourage those wishing for marriage equality, to do more than just talk about it.  To actually get active with organizations and individuals and play a decisive, difficult, but fulfilling role towards equality, justice and inclusion for LGBT people, and all marginalized persons.

The rallies in Egypt, Wisconsin and all over the world have been extraordinary.  They have accomplished something that has not been done in a very long time.  The rallies have brought all kinds of different people, with all their quirks and quarrels out in the open to work peacefully towards some kind of resolution.   The people who have responded to the Union workers in Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana and all over, has brought LGBT groups, unions, women's organizations, environmentalists and more, all out to fight the good fight for those who's very livelihoods and futures hang in the balance together in support of each other.  Organizations with members that usually oppose something in the other, have put it all aside and have come out to stand in solidarity with each other. 

If we could only understand that we are all "dots connected" and reach out to each other all the time, there would be no racisim, sexism, heterosexism, etc.  There would be no organizations fighting for marriage equality while others fight for discrimination.  We would recognize in each person their dignity.  We would not deny each other anything, what so ever.

Prayers

Most loving God, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who care for us: Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Collect for the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Book of Common Prayer, page 216),

Lord Christ, when you came among us, you proclaimed the kingdom of God in villages, towns, and lonely places: Grant that your presence and power may be known throughout this land. Have mercy upon all of us who live and work in rural areas; and grant that all the people of our nation may give thanks to you for food and drink and all other bodily necessities of life, respect those who labor to produce them, and honor the land and the water from which these good things come. All this we ask in your holy Name. Amen.(Prayer for Towns and Rural Areas, Book of Common Prayer, page 825).

Look with pity, O Holy One, 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, page 826

Loving Our God Who Is In Our Neighbor

Scriptural Basis


2 Corinthians 4:1-12 (NRSV)

Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God's word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake. For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. 

Blog Reflection

There are many things I do not like about The Message Bible.  It really lacks inclusive language at times, and it is quite anti-semitic.  

So to any of my Jewish sisters and brothers, I ask your pardon today.  I in no way condone anti-semitism.

Sometimes the way The Message Bible reads certain things in particular ways is very helpful for our reflection.  Today is just such an occasion.


^{Again consider 2 Corinthians 4: 1-12 The Message Bible.}

^1-2Since God has so generously let us in on what he is doing, we're not about to throw up our hands and walk off the job just because we run into occasional hard times. We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don't twist God's Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God.
 ^3-4If our Message is obscure to anyone, it's not because we're holding back in any way. No, it's because these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention. All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they won't have to bother believing a Truth they can't see. They're stone-blind to the dayspring brightness of the Message that shines with Christ, who gives us the best picture of God we'll ever get.
 ^5-6Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we're proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, "Light up the darkness!" and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.
 ^7-12If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us. As it is, there's not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we're not much to look at. We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken. What they did to Jesus, they do to us—trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them, he does in us—he lives! Our lives are at constant risk for Jesus' sake, which makes Jesus' life all the more evident in us. While we're going through the worst, you're getting in on the best! 

I think there is a lot in this reading that speaks to what is going on in the world right now.   The union protests all over the country.  The horrible violence in Lybia.  President Obama's decision to tell his DOJ not to challenge DOMA in court.  And, the reactions, stances and statements made by the pro's and con's of these and other issues of our time.

There are many good things happening as a result of the events that are taking place.  Among them is what The Message Bible says: "We refuse to wear masks and play games."   The masks of who will most benefit from union workers loosing their bargaining rights have come off.  It is very clear that corporate interests are at work and are determined to destroy the middle class.  They claim to not be about playing games, but oh how they love to deceive people ignorant about the facts, so that they do not fully understand what is at stake. 

News commentators like Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh's audiences continue to use these and other events like it, to further damage the reputation of President Obama, LGBT people and middle class Americans just trying to make a decent living so they can stay in their homes, have health insurance, put their children through school.   Governor's like Chris Christy, Scott Walker, and many others clearly have a plan.  That plan is not to benefit those on the margins of society. 

I also think that this scripture speaks quite eloquently to Christians who would prefer to turn their backs on these working class people and make a defense for conservatives, just because "the think they know their Bible."  

Lest I forget, this reading from 2 Corinthians is also a reminder to LGBT people about the importance of not wearing masks over our sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression. But to live it openly before God, others and ourselves.

Ex-gay groups are spiritually abusive and use religion to abuse LGBT individuals, by suggesting that unless they change something that God so beautifully created, God will damn them.  Nothing could be further from the truth than the nonsense contained in that lie.

This reading invites us to be very careful about who we make as an "other" when we read: "If our Message is obscure to anyone, it's not because we're holding back in any way. No, it's because these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention."   Unfortunately, a lot of Christians like Paul enjoy looking at others who are not sharing their opinions and making an "other" out of them.  If someone does not understand the Bible as a literal "Weapon of Mass Destruction" and thinks that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and/or queer is a good and holy thing, then we are the liberal "other" that must be defeated.

Our reading is a reminder as to whom has given the gift of salvation and to whom and for whom we must be engaged in the work of reconciliation and healing.

St. Louis Marie de Montfort once said: "I will love my God who lives in my neighbor."  

I think Paul is giving us a view into his weakness, and giving us some very important issues to think on here.  

We often think that our work of justice and equality for all marginalized persons is only about those people. 

Sure it is about trying to get marriage equality.   It is about the union workers keeping their collective bargaining rights that they worked so hard to gain.   There have been some outrageous laws passed recently about women's health care and reproductive rights.  The people on the bottom and struggling just to live a quality life are definitely important pieces in what we are working on and for.  

The most important reason we are engaged in our works for justice, inclusion and equality is because we are serving and loving our God, who is in our neighbors.   God is present in our neighbors who are LGBT and wanting the opportunity to marry the person that they love so much.  God is right there fighting for the opportunity to bargain for better wages and benefits in our neighbors who are being so grossly abused by politicians and corporate bullies.   God is looking to be loved in our neighbor in the woman who is desperately poor, but has been raped and does not know what to do for the child in her womb, but cannot find adequate affordable health care to make the right decision for herself and the little one she carries.  

In Jesus Christ, our God has shed God's Light of justice for every child of God.  No child of God is so unimportant to God, that God wants to be ignored by those who would rather use the Bible to bash and walk by without caring.   God does not wish to be targeted by street evangelists looking to "save us" only to turn us into right wing watch dogs, so to hate LGBT people and others who are not exactly like them.  

The Word of God that was in Christ came to show the Light of God's unconditional and all-inclusive love on all who have been stigmatized and supposed to be seen as worthless.  In God's eyes, no child lying on the street in the bitter cold because a gay teens parents threw him out when he came out, is just street trash.   No girl who has just been told to get out by her "pro-life" father because she is now pregnant and doesn't know what to do, or where to go, is so unimportant to God, that she should just be called a whore and brushed aside.  

When Christians marginalize and stigmatize people, create environments of oppression and hate towards any person, we Christians are becoming that "other" that Paul describes.   We preach our Jesus who is suppose to save people's souls. But oh, "Don't tell me I gotta accept an LGBT person."

I could list many other individuals stigmatized by Christians.  But, I think my readers will get the picture.

How is God calling us to participate in the ministry of reconciliation and healing today?  When we think of those things that move us to concern for people, what is it that we hear God telling us about ourselves?  How do we harbor prejudice towards other people who don't fit our status quo of what we think the Bible means?  How might God be calling us to conversion of heart?

We have an opportunity to join those struggling for peace and solidarity by our prayers, actions, concerns and even our opposing opinions.  The important thing is to remember to "love our God who lives in my neighbor."   How are we loving our God who lives in our neighbor?   Even when it is so difficult to not only love our God in our neighbor, but also in ourselves.

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. (Collect for the Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany, Book of Common Prayer, page 216).

God, of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for our Enemies, Book of Common Prayer, page 816).

Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. (Prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, Book of Common Prayer, page 833).

Peaceful Protesters and Reformers are Good for the Church and Society

Scriptural Basis

John 15:1-11 (NRSV)

Jesus said, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete."

Blog Reflection about Peaceful Protesters and Reformers

I think this commemoration falls this year on a terrific day.  The energy and passion that are pouring into the streets of Madison, Wisconsin to call for justice are incredible.  The numbers of students, teachers, firefighters, police officers, EMT's, nurses, public workers of all kinds have come out in huge numbers to protest Gov. Walker's plan to eliminate the funding and opportunity for workers to collectively bargain for living wages, health care and retirement benefits.   I cannot adequately write about how this entire thing has me so pumped today. 

What is even more exciting is how many people from all over the country are joining with the protesters in Wisconsin to show support and solidarity for working class Americans.

 Icons such as this one for solidarity with a fist showing over Wisconsin are not at all a sign of violence.  It is a sign that we all stand in solidarity together with those who are working to be able to feed their families, educate their children, support public health care workers, emergency and protection workers and the like.  

This is a peaceful protest and a reformation that is taking place.  Not much unlike what Martin Luther began when he nailed his 95 theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg on the Eve of All Saints Day on October 31, 1517.

Martin Luther was calling the Church to take a look at it's abusive behaviors.  Luther challenged the Church and it's disconnection from what the Gospel was calling the Church to.  The leaders of the Church were misbehaving and misleading people.  Those who claimed to be representing truth, were using it to abuse the faith and lives of people who trusted in the Church to guide them into a deep awareness of how much God loves them.

This story is one that has been played over and over again throughout the history of the Christian Church.  God raises up women and men to be peaceful protesters and reformers.  The Holy Spirit inspires the hearts and consciences of individuals of every race, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, religion, economic status, health status, culture, gender, language, immigration status and the like to challenge those who have often grown so stubborn in their intellects and wills.   Peaceful protesters and reformers from every corner of the globe move those who think they have it all together, to understand what Minnesota Sen.Paul Wellstone said.  "We all do better, when we all do better."

When we begin to understand that we must open the doors of our churches, homes, schools, cities, towns, municipalities, work places, countries etc to those who are marginalized and stigmatized, everyone is beginning to do better.  

When we allow ourselves to live with prejudice and ignorance of others who are different from ourselves, our whole society and Church is suffering with an illness that must receive treatment.

Our society and the Church are not doing better when our GOP US House of Representatives votes to take away health care from women, and then takes away funding for abortion services. 

Society and the Church are not doing better when South Dakota presents a bill to make it legal to murder doctors who perform abortions.

Society and the Church are not doing better when Gov. Jan Brewer of Arizona signed the "papers please" law for immigrants in Arizona.  

Society and the Church are not getting better when Gov. Jan Brewer signs a bill into law taking away Medicaid money from individuals in need of organ transplants.

Society and the Church are not doing better when Arizona is now considering an additional law that would require hospitals to check immigration status of patients who go through their emergency rooms.

Society and the Church are not doing better when Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin who is funded by the big dollars of the Koch Brothers, squanders Wisconsin's budget surplus and then proposes emergency legislation to take away the bargaining rights of public workers.

Society and the Church are not better off with Tea Party folks pushing racism and violence.

Society and the Church are not doing better when LGBTQ people are denied justice, inclusion and equality by individuals who use religion to abuse people who are different than themselves.

What Martin Luther realized and what we must know today is that society and the Church can be reformed when peaceful protesters act on behalf of the stigmatized. 

Reform and change are never easy.  They require us to get out of our comfortable and cozy couches and turn off the remote control.  Reform and change calls us to step outside of being liked and admired by those who do not share our opinions and passions.  We will make new enemies when we work for reform, even when we protest peacefully.

Most of the greatest peaceful protesters in history had their enemies. Many of them gave up their lives for the reform they were working for.  Martin Luther King, Jr. for example.  Harvey Milk.  St. Francis of Assisi.  St. Benedict. Jesus Christ himself was willing to give up his life for the change he practiced and believed.  Black Elk.  Enmagahbowh.  Cesar Chavez.  Stephen Biko.  Mohandas Gandhi.  Dietrich Bonjoeffer. Greg Mortenson. Sts. Sergius and Bacchus  Lily Ledbetter.  Bishop Gene Robinson.  Bishop Mary Glasspool.  Adele Starr.  Raymond Castro.  Rev. Irene Monroe.  Mother Jones.  David Kato.  All of these individuals and many more that I cannot name or list gave up the comforts of their reputation, prestige to be a peaceful protester and reformer for change in society and the Church.  Some of them are still with us today.  Others have passed from this life to the next.

Even today, especially today we are witnessing individuals who are willing to make peaceful protests and become reformers for change.  President Barack Obama for example.  President Obama is facing all of the horrible prejudice of the first African American President.  Despite his many challenges and foes, Obama is managing to keep working for the good of middle-class people.  He has achieved things for the LGBTQ community with as many victories as he has set backs. 

It was just announced today that President Obama has replaced the controversial "conscience" regulation for health care workers. 

President Obama has chosen to stand with the Union protesters in Wisconsin.

In Massachusetts, Gov. Deval Patrick has issued an executive order to protect transgender state workers.  

Progressive Christians and other people of good will can be peaceful protesters and reformers.  When we understand that our work is part of God's work of love and liberation for those who are captive to oppression and suppression, and we go forth trusting in Jesus who is vine while we are the branches, there is almost nothing we cannot do.  We can take our hurts and concerns for ourselves to God in prayer and graft ourselves in to Jesus and the Holy Spirit and believe that with God we can do amazing things for so many people. 

As we hear and respond to this Gospel and this commemoration from within our hearts, we can ask for that grace and peace that surpasses all understanding so that we can find our place in the work for justice, inclusion and equality for all people.

Not all of us can walk in that crowd of people in Madison.  Most of us will not nail a 95 theses to the door of our state capitol, cathedral or Archbishops office.  But each of us can do something to be an instrument of peaceful protest and be proactive in bringing about reform. 

I truly believe peaceful protest and reform is the work of LGBT Christians.  We have recognized that our faith as well as who we are is so important to our lives, that we have vowed to practice, celebrate and live that faith.   We have dedicated ourselves to our faith and life, in spite of those who still think we are dirty, sinful people.  We celebrate our moves forward and grieve our losses together.  We are uniting ourselves with all kinds of faith groups and cultural practices to show that different people can work together in solidarity with one another. 

As we continue on with our peaceful protesting and reforming, let us look to the lives of those who have gone before, as well as others who are still with us now for strength and courage.  May all of us reach out to God.  May we all understand that we are children of God, who are wonderfully made.  We are all God's beloved and with us, God is well-pleased.  Amen.


Prayers

O God, our refuge and our strength: You raised up your servant Martin Luther to reform and renew your Church in the light of your word. Defend and purify the Church in our own day and grant that, through faith, we may boldly proclaim the riches of your grace which you have made known in Jesus Christ our Savior, who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (Collect for Martin Luther, Holy Women, Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints, page 231)

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen. (Collect for Fridays, Book of Common Prayer, page 99).

Holy God, we remember before you those who suffer from want and anxiety from lack of work.  Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable employment, and receive a just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  (Prayer for the Unemployed, Book of Common Prayer, page 824).

Look with pity, O Holy One, 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, page 826).