Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost: Proper 20: Silence, Listening and Community

Today's Scripture Readings

Jeremiah 11:18-20 (NRSV)

It was the LORD who made it known to me, and I knew;

then you showed me their evil deeds.

But I was like a gentle lamb

led to the slaughter.

And I did not know it was against me

that they devised schemes, saying,

"Let us destroy the tree with its fruit,

let us cut him off from the land of the living,

so that his name will no longer be remembered!"

But you, O LORD of hosts, who judge righteously,

who try the heart and the mind,

let me see your retribution upon them,

for to you I have committed my cause.

Psalm 54 (BCP., p.659)


James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a (NRSV)

Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.

Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

Mark 9:30-37 (NRSV)

Jesus and his disciples went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again." But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.

Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the way?" But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all." Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me."

Blog Reflection

Two of the most important hallmarks of Benedictine Monasticism is silence and listening.  If we take the word silent and change the letters around we will arrive at the word listen.  The purpose of silence and listening is not just for that sake of our personal selves.  It is also for the good of the whole Community.   In Chapter 6 of The Rule of St. Benedict, he writes about that just as it is important to keep silent about many good things, it is that much more important to keep our silence with things that are not so good.  After reading the above sentence, we can easily ask ourselves the question, "By what measure do we decide what is good and bad?"  It is easy to say that we use the Gospel alone, but each of us has a different understanding of what that means.

There is another author who wrote a lot about silence, speech and community.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his famous book Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community, wrote about what we say within community can be a reflection of who thinks they are the greatest or the least.  He also points out, the impact on community when when speak to one another, without listening more deeply to each other.   If we are not listening to one another, what kind of a reflection is it on how well we are listening to God?

Jesus finds Himself with these very issues and more in the exchange between the Disciples argument about who is the greatest or the least.  This argument is all tied up in not so much of who they are, but how they see themselves in relationship to God and each other.  Jesus' answer to all of this; is that as He did not come among us to declare Himself to be the greatest of all, only because of who He is; then those who claim to follow Him must be ready to serve others with the the same humility.  To give of ourselves in serving others, we become the Presence of Jesus in our world.

Christians of all sects, theological and social positions are in a battle of who's version of the Christian Faith is the greatest.  While Christians are doing this, those who really need to see the goodness of Christ in their lives are being left to wonder if it even exists.  The heart of who Jesus was/is is about serving the least among us so that the mercy and love of God can be a living reality for all Humankind.  These include the confused, the sick, the lonely, the marginalized, the dying, the ignorant and the arrogant.   It is about our relationships.  It is not about what we achieve for ourselves.  It is what we give to and for those who are wanting what others have in excess, while they can barely get their hands around a morsel.

Jesus challenges each of us to see and serve each other with respect for the dignity of every human person, and the nurturing of the Community of God's people.  This is a very difficult task.  It means that we must allow ourselves to be displaced by The Holy Spirit and redirected again and again in ways that are not completely comfortable, yet lead us through our opportunities for growth; to the ministry of healing and reconciliation.  The world needs Christians who live this life of Jesus. 

As politicians focus more on their campaigns, their billion dollar donors, and patronizing those who side with them and trashing those who don't; the real people and their needs for equal rights, personal safety, and a sense of belonging get brushed aside.  Today's Gospel invites all of us to be where the need for the unconditional and all-inclusive love of God brings hope with life-giving potential.

Are there any among us ready to fulfill the call of Jesus to serve the community, because we were silent long enough to listen for that call?

Amen.


Prayers

Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Proper 20, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 234).

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

Almighty 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.  the Book of Common Prayer, p. 825).

Maundy Thursday: Who Would Jesus Refuse to Serve?

Today's Scripture Readings

Exodus 12:1-14 (NRSV)

The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the LORD. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.

Psalm 116:1, 10-17  (BCP., p.759)



1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NRSV)

I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

John 13:1-17, 31b-35 (NRSV)

Before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus answered, "You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand." Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me." Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" Jesus said to him, "One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you." For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, "Not all of you are clean."

After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord--and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, `Where I am going, you cannot come.' I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." 

Blog Reflection

There has been a lot of news these days about "religious liberty" and who business owners should be able to serve or refuse to serve.  Legislative bills are being introduced, fast tracked, passed and signed into law to give individuals the "right of their religious beliefs" to service those whom they believe most conform to their ideology.  While we can speculate about what is and what is not the best approach to these bills, they do give Christians a lot to think about.

The words Maundy Thursday get their meaning from the Latin word mandatum, which contains the English root word, mandate or commandment.  The focus of Maundy Thursday in addition to the institution of the Holy Eucharist is the new commandment of Jesus to love others as He has loved all of us.  Jesus, in His Paschal Mystery loved all of us without distinction or exception.  As John records for us, Jesus took the form of a servant and washed the feet of His Disciples.  Jesus gave us an example of what it means to love and serve others in total self sacrifice.  Jesus held nothing back.   Jesus gave Himself to us in His Body and Blood, and stooped down in humility to wash our feet and commanded us to love one another in His Name.

What Jesus did seems to be a stark contrast to what those license to discriminate on the basis of "religious liberty" bills are about.  I have a hard time believing that Jesus would put up a sign to the window of the upper room that says "We do not serve gays" or "Muslims" or "Jews"  or "Athiests" or "only Baptized Christians".  While the sexism given to us in the Scriptures suggests that the only Disciples of Jesus were men, I tend to believe that women must have been present in that upper room moment, and that Jesus washed their feet too.  In the very act of serving by the washing of feet, Jesus assumes a very feminine role.  Jesus really does lay down His life, by giving over even the appearance of what His gender stereotypes would be, to serve the least among us with the greatest of humility.

In The Rule of St. Benedict Chapter 53 On the Reception of Guests, he instructs the community to wash the feet of His guests.  St. Benedict wanted his monks to remember what he wrote in Chapter 7 On Humility.  Humility means "being earthed".  St. Benedict wanted those who observe his Rule to live into the Christian life with authenticity and transparency.

On this Maundy Thursday, Jesus commands us to love one another as we are loved by Him.  Jesus gave us this commandment while living into what it means.  As Jesus lived into the greatest acts of love, humility and service of everyone without distinction, so He commands each of us to do for others.  Including and especially those who are different from us.   Lord, have mercy on us all.

Who would Jesus refuse to serve?

Who will we serve or refuse to serve in the Name of Jesus today?


Prayers

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he
suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood:
Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in
remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy
mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen.  (Collect for Maundy Thursday.  The Book of Common Prayer, p. 221).

God our Father, whose Son our Lord Jesus Christ in a
wonderful Sacrament has left us a memorial of his passion:
Grant us so to venerate the sacred mysteries of his Body and
Blood, that we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit
of his redemption; who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Collect on the Holy Eucharist.  The Book of Common Prayer, p.252).

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

The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple: Humility, Prophecy, Obedience

Today's Scripture Readings

Malachi 3:1-4 (NRSV)

Thus says the Lord, See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight-- indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?

For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the LORD in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years.

Psalm 84 (BCP., p.707)


Hebrews 2:14-18 (NRSV)

Since God's children share flesh and blood, Jesus himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Luke 2:22-40 (NRSV)

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,

according to your word;

for my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to your people Israel."

And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-- and a sword will pierce your own soul too."

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Blog Reflection

The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple has always been a significant one for me.  I was first introduced to this glorious Feast at Glastonbury Abbey in Hingham, Massachusetts in 1994.  The Benedictine Monks there observe The Presentation with an actual Candle Mass of lit candles as part of the celebration of the Eucharist.  The candles symbolize the Light of Christ that comes to the House of God in obedience, humility and prophesy.  The experience is similar to what many Christians will celebrate at the Great Vigil of Easter when the new Baptismal Candle enters the church.  The light that came into the world, brings with Him a new era.  The darkness of sin is extinguished by the Light that is Christ by His death and resurrection.   We celebrate the Light of Christ's Redemption in the Paschal Mystery, and participate in it, through the waters of Baptism.   Hence the commitment of Christians to live in that Light of the Easter event, because of God's grace through Christ

One of the meanings of the Presentation is to recognize that we are now between the Nativity at Christmas, and Ash Wednesday the beginning of Lent.   Here the two meanings of the coming of Christ as the Word made flesh, from the cradle to the cross find their crossover point.  

There are three main points about the Presentation of Christ in the temple that have meaning for our spiritual lives.  They are humility, obedience and prophecy.   Mary, Joseph and Jesus fulfill these by their humble submission to the law of Moses, and is confirmed through the Prophets Simeon and Anna.

In this 21st Century, the very idea of humility and obedience seem archaic, useless and things of the past.  However, the necessity of them could not be more real.

In humility, we acknowledge that we are not an entity unto ourselves.  Nor can we save ourselves without God's help.  Mary, Joseph and Jesus come to the Temple in humility, recognizing their humanity, and need for the God of their salvation.  We too, must return again and again to the God who has redeemed us in Christ, confess our sins, and accept God's mercy.   We cannot do this if we cling to a false sense of self.   Humility means we accept that God is God, and we are not.  Our true selves are found in Christ, who humbled Himself to the point of death on the Cross. (See Philippians 2:1-11).

Obedience says that we respond to God's mercy, by placing ourselves in God's hands, and serve others in the Name of Christ.  The humility of Jesus was such that the God who created us, became one like us in all things, yet did not sin, became a servant of all of us.  Even those of us who will not get up and wash our neighbors feet, or accept others who are different from ourselves.  The humility and obedience of Jesus, is our example of how to love one another, and be reminded that none of us are really above anyone else in any way.  We are all sinners, saved by God's grace.  In faith, our response needs to be one of obedience.

Lastly, is prophesy.  The Prophets Simeon and Anna greet Christ, recognizing that He is the hope that they have been awaiting.   As they both declare to have received the answer to their prayers, they also prepare Christ for the fulfillment of His life.   He has come to be the rise and fall of many.  He is the Light revealed to the nations, as God's perfect revelation of Self.   He has come to set free the marginalized, the oppressed and to give a sense of purpose to those who are left on the sidelines to fend for themselves.  Jesus has come as God's love embodied in the human person; living, serving and dying.   In God's revelation that there is no such thing as one so lost, that God is not concerned or reaching out for us.

These past couple of months and weeks, Christians have been called to a new era of humility, obedience and prophecy.  The momentous event of the ordination of the Rt. Libby Lane that continues the movement of women becoming more active in the ministry and leadership of the Church; suggests that God is calling us in humility, to be obedient and to be prophetic witnesses for an evolving faith.   

 

The violence that continues because of sexism, racism, heterosexism, gender discrimination; as well as those who are poor, sick, lonely, discouraged and/or live with mental illness; are symptoms of a deeper problem.  It is a problem of self acceptance, and a willingness to not only tolerate, but to accept and work towards living in peace with others who are different from ourselves.  It is a work we must give ourselves to in humility, and loving obedience as prophetic witnesses for a Christianity that is ever changing and continually renewing itself with each generation.

Humility, obedience and prophecy on this Presentation of Christ in the Temple, calls on us to see the Light of Christ in others around us.   To honor Christ's presence and to serve others in His Holy Name.  Without distinction, exception or excuse.   After all, which one of us is truly worthy of God's love in Christ?   Which one of us is so humble and obedient to not need God's grace to save us, so that we have the hope of everlasting life?    Therefore, who are we to withhold it from others?

Amen.


Prayers

Almighty and everliving God, we humbly pray that, as your
only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple, so
we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by
Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (The Book of Common Prayer, p.239).

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully
restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may
share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our
humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer, p.252).

Almighty God, who created us in your image: Grant us
grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace
with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom,
help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our
communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy
Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (The Book of Common Prayer, p.260).

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost: How Do We Express Thanks for God's Generosity?

Today's Scripture Readings

Jonah 3:10-4:11 (NRSV)

When God saw what the people of Nineveh did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.

But this was very displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry. He prayed to the LORD and said, "O LORD! Is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? That is why I fled to Tarshish at the beginning; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing. And now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live." And the LORD said, "Is it right for you to be angry?" Then Jonah went out of the city and sat down east of the city, and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, waiting to see what would become of the city.

The LORD God appointed a bush, and made it come up over Jonah, to give shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort; so Jonah was very happy about the bush. But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the bush, so that it withered. When the sun rose, God prepared a sultry east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint and asked that he might die. He said, "It is better for me to die than to live."

But God said to Jonah, "Is it right for you to be angry about the bush?" And he said, "Yes, angry enough to die." Then the LORD said, "You are concerned about the bush, for which you did not labor and which you did not grow; it came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should I not be concerned about Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also many animals?"

Psalm 145 (BCP. p.801)


Philippians 1:21-30 (NRSV)

For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.

Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God's doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well-- since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Matthew 20:1-16 (NRSV)

Jesus said, "The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o'clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, `You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o'clock, he did the same. And about five o'clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, `Why are you standing here idle all day?' They said to him, `Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, `You also go into the vineyard.' When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, `Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.' When those hired about five o'clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, `These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' But he replied to one of them, `Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?' So the last will be first, and the first will be last."

Blog Reflection

My husband Jason and I had a real revelation over the past few weeks.   A dear friend of ours who has been homeless and jobless in Duluth, Minnesota moved into the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.   Given his situation, we invited him to stay in our apartment for a couple weeks until he found a place to go that could provide him with a greater potential of stability.   We were very happy to have him here.  However, it didn't take long before we began to realize what his being in our home caused  us to miss.   Our many days and nights at home by ourselves.   Making meals for only the two of us.   Being able to leave our apartment together without worrying about whom we might leave behind, and what he would do while we were gone.   Just the space to say whatever we want to say to each other without another ear to hear what we said was no more.   All of it was gone for a period of time.   It wasn't until he left earlier this week to live with someone who can provide more for him than we can, that we realized how much we missed those things. Suddenly those things that we took for granted and never thought about, were returned.   The experience breathed new life into all that we enjoy.  

The most difficult thing for many of us to do, is to move over some, so that others can enjoy just a little bit of what we have.    Herein lies the problem of private ownership.   As Benedictines, we are exhorted to live in the reality that we really own nothing.  Everything, even those things we cannot necessarily see or touch are on loan to us.   We return them properly used back to God from who's generosity we were privileged to use them.   In chapter 33 in The Rule of St. Benedict, the monks are not to own anything in private.  Everything is given to share, as they can be by everyone in the community.  This way of living finds it's model in Acts 4:32-37.    The fact of the matter is, we have no idea how much we take possession of something until we are challenged to detach ourselves from it.   The question we might ask ourselves is, are we controlling the things we have, do and want; or, do they control us?

I think Jonah must have felt like that.  He  had given himself to the work the God gave him.   He had taken possession of the project, and even the people in what he did.   Jonah may have believed that he had the right to control even God.   We do not have a conclusion to this narrative in Jonah.   I would like to believe that in the end, he was able to let it go and accept God's will.  

The Epistle of Paul to the church at Philippi sounds that duality of the flesh and the Spirit thing again.  As educated scholars of the Bible have unwrapped the meaning of such, the common interpretation is about how much we allow ourselves to become absorbed by our own selfishness in how we use something that we forget to honor God.   Everything that is given to us, including our bodies and minds are given for God's purpose.  It is up to us to live the Gospel in how we make use of what we are given with an attitude of gratitude.   There is life in living by the Gospel.   There is death when we chose because of our own selfish motives.   

All of these Scripture Readings are culminated in the Gospel according to Matthew.   All of us are called by our common Baptism, Confirmation and whatever our state in life is, to go to work for the good of the Reign of God.    It matters not, whether one has a Church vocation or not.  It also matters very little, whether our daily work is within the Church or outside.  Each of us have been called by our name to serve God by sharing the love of Christ through the ministry of healing and reconciliation.  We are called to be active in the work of justice, equality and wholeness.   Whether that work is through contemplative prayer, direct engagement with the poor and disenfranchised, or Church administration.   The point is, we are to make room for everyone to participate so that we receive what the Lord wants us to gain with a thankful heart.

As the freedom to marry for same gender couples progresses, the rhetoric from Christianist groups grows more horrible.  Many continue to justify things like promoting bullying in the public schools so as to try to "change" LGBTQ youth.  Others would celebrate that thugs sickened the crowds at a Russian Queer Festival with a gas.  

We continue to hear degrading remarks about the poor, the unemployed and those who are sick from those who feel that all the nations resources belongs to the wealthy.  

Racism, sexism and religious based bias continues to give the Christian Faith a bad name.

All of the labels and conditions that humans give to others who are different, to decide whether one is a second class citizen, are not of God's design.  Regardless of who we are, who we love, how we love another person; God calls us and rewards us because we all serve God and one another in gratitude for all that we are given.   In chapter 20: vs 3 of The Rule of St. Benedict on the subject of reverence in prayer, he writes: "And let us remember that we will be heard not because of our many words, but because of our purity of heart and tears of compunction."   God calls us, by giving to each of us, a desire to love and serve God, to change us and others around us by a continuous conversion of life.    

May each of us rededicate ourselves to working for God's Reign from the point in which God calls us, and receive from God that which God generously gives.  May we respond with a deeper commitment to giving thanks and honoring one another as members of the household of God.

Amen.


Prayers

Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to
love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among
things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall
endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Proper 20. The Book of Common Prayer, p.234).

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

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.  The Book of Common Prayer, p. 824).

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost: The Healing of Human Communites by the Community of Divine Intervention

Today's Scripture Readings

Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 (NRSV)

Thus says the LORD:

Maintain justice, and do what is right,

for soon my salvation will come,

and my deliverance be revealed.

And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD,

to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD,

and to be his servants,

all who keep the sabbath, and do not profane it,

and hold fast my covenant--

these I will bring to my holy mountain,

and make them joyful in my house of prayer;

their burnt offerings and their sacrifices

will be accepted on my altar;

for my house shall be called a house of prayer

for all peoples.

Thus says the Lord GOD,

who gathers the outcasts of Israel,

I will gather others to them

besides those already gathered.

Psalm 67 (BCP., p.675)


Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 (NRSV)

I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.

 
Matthew 15:21-28 (NRSV)

Jesus left Gennesaret and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon." But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." He answered, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed instantly.

Blog Reflection

There are two major questions that are often asked by theologians.

Question 1.  When Jesus was tempted in the desert for forty days (See Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, and Luke 4:1-13), could He have sinned or not?

Question 2.  Before Jesus was Baptized in the River Jordan (See Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, and Luke 3:21-22) did He know who He was?

Both of these questions hinge on the belief that Jesus was and is of two natures; Divine and Human.   If we say that Jesus could have sinned during the temptation, then was He really Divine?   If Jesus could not have sinned, was He really Human?    If Jesus did know who He was before His Baptism, was he really Human?   If Jesus did not know who He was, then how was He Divine?

Today's Gospel account of Jesus' encounter with the Canaanite woman raises some similar questions.   His answer to her request to heal her daughter seems anything but kind, polite and consoling.  It sounds as if Jesus has been affected by the cultural biases of His time.  What does this say about His Divinity and Humanity?

I have written any number of times on this particular Gospel.  I have sided with those who say that Jesus was affected by the prejudices of His culture.  I would still have to say that, but this time, from a different perspective and reason. 

When Jesus came to us as God's perfect revelation of God's Self, He also showed us what human nature is really like, and what it could be.  The relationship of humankind with God suffered then, as it does now because of our immaturity.  Our refusal to grow up and become more like the Divine Person of Jesus Christ.   God came to us in Christ to show us just how broken and childish human nature had become, and how we might follow Christ to the point of our relationship to the Divinity might be restored.   God chose to teach us,  heal us, and restore us through the broken humanity made whole through the humility of God's Son, Jesus the Christ.  

I believe, that the experience of Jesus in His conversation with the Canaanite woman is God's way of reflecting for us in Christ, how wounded and immature our human relationships are.  We are so blinded by the racism that allows Michael Brown to be shot by a police officer, that many Christians and Americans would rather bury our heads in the sand, and say the police were justified in their brutality, than call out for justice.  We should not only call for justice for Michael Brown, but also for the peaceful protestors who were brutalized.

The large number of women, men and children who suffer from mental illness issues, and keep silent because of fear, marginalization and the many consequences that come from telling someone, that only when a beloved man named Robin Williams commits suicide, do more people sit up and take notice.   We continue to pretend like mental illness is not a real situation in our homes, families, churches and communities.   We even ignore the need for dangerous weapon regulations reform, because billionaires in the NRA flood our politics.

People who sit in pews shouting "praise the Lord" because a judge in Tennessee ruled that their Constitutional Amendment banning the freedom to marry in their State is constitutional, because they cannot see how the Christianist groups have brainwashed them to justify prejudice, violence and oppression.  

Others sit in judgment and negative stereotyping of Muslims world wide, because of the horrible massacre of Christians in Iraq.  In actuality, there is very little difference between fundamentalist Christians and fundamentalist Muslims.   The only difference is Mohammed or Jesus as their reason for justifying violent extermination of "others" who are not like them.

Why is this Gospel of Jesus' encounter with the Canaanite woman so important to these and other things going on around us?

Jesus' experience in Matthew's Gospel shows us that the healing of humankind by God's Divine love, does not come without the reconciliation of our relationships with one another.   The scarred and childish relationships, divided by discrimination and inequality won't be mended by God's Divine intervention alone.  They will experience healing and reconciliation because we take the step forward of confessing just how fractured and splintered those relationships are and working together with the Holy Spirit's guidance to bring about real change. 

The message of the Christian Gospel is that our communal relationships and our personal relationships with God are healed and redeemed through the Paschal Mystery as we are restored to our Divine relationship as Daughters and Sons of God.  With us, God is well pleased.

We often forget to look again at the story of our Creation in Genesis 1:26a.   "Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness......"  We were created by God in a communal relationship of God with God's Self.   It is the belief of Christians then, that God heals and restores that relationship through the community of God's relationship with and through the Divine and Human natures of Christ.  The relationship is healed and reconciled by healing the broken community of  humankind, through it's relationship with the Divine community with one another.  In the Ascension of Christ, we celebrate that in Jesus, our broken humanity is always at the right hand of God, interceding on our behalf for the healing and reconciliation to continue through the perpetual sacrifice of Christ.

The Holy Eucharist is our constant evidence of God working among us, through our common humanity infused with the Divine mystery of Christ.   The single host, though it is broken and shared is all part of the one loaf.  So the Body of Jesus, broken on the Cross, and His Blood shed, spills into our diverse human relationships, to heal us in and through one another.   These things happen because of the faith that the Canaanite woman had to keep appealing to Jesus, even humbling herself to serve as a renewed understanding for Him, so that He would grant what she asked.  

How do we allow the broken humanity of Jesus to bring Divine healing to our relationships?

How do we reconcile our broken humanity, with the perfected humility of Christ?

Where do we hear Jesus through others challenging us to mature in our relationship with God through our wounded relationships with others?

Perhaps we are the Canaanite woman looking for help from a broken system.

Perhaps we are Jesus who need to see things from a different point of view.

Whatever and wherever we find ourselves, Jesus is calling out to us through the circumstances of our daily lives, to live by faith and trust.   Through Him and His Divine love, may our many broken relationships be healed and reconciled.

Amen.


Prayers

Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a
sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us
grace to receive thankfully the fruits of this redeeming work,
and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer, p.232).

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

Saint Benedict: Prefer Nothing Whatever to Christ

Today's Scripture Readings

Proverbs 2:1-9 (NRSV)

My child, if you accept my words

and treasure up my commandments within you,

making your ear attentive to wisdom

and inclining your heart to understanding;

if you indeed cry out for insight,

and raise your voice for understanding;

if you seek it like silver,

and search for it as for hidden treasures--

then you will understand the fear of the LORD

and find the knowledge of God.

For the LORD gives wisdom;

from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;

he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;

he is a shield to those who walk blamelessly,

guarding the paths of justice

and preserving the way of his faithful ones.

Then you will understand righteousness and justice

and equity, every good path;

 
Psalm 119:129-136 (BCP., p.774)

Philippians 2:12-16 (NRSV)

Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labour in vain.

Luke 14:27-33 (NRSV)

Jesus said to the crowd, "Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, `This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions."

Blog Reflection

It is indeed a gift of God and a great privilege for me to celebrate the Commemoration of Saint Benedict as a second year Novice to the Companions of St. Luke/Order of St. Benedict.   I cannot put into words the wonderful gifts of grace that I have experienced in the twenty years that I have come to know more about the Patriarch of Western Monasticism   I am so thankful to God and all of my blog readers who support me by your faithful visits to this blog, and your prayers as I continue to discern God's call upon my life.

During this past winter, I was given probably the most powerful book yet to read by my Formation Master.   A book by Thomas Merton entitled The Rule of Saint Benedict: Initiation into the Monastic Tradition 4.    Thomas Merton is his usual "go to the soul of the matter" style breaks up the Rule of St. Benedict and takes the reader into three particular subjects from The Rule.   Obedience, Poverty (or better understood  by Benedictines as use of the things God gives us), and humility.    I won't go into depth about what Merton wrote concerning each, but I will write about a point that he made with regards to The Rule itself.

The purpose of the Rule is to furnish a framework within which to build the structure of a simple and pure spiritual live, pleasing to God by its perfection of faith, humility, and love.  The Rule is not an end in itself, but a means to an end, and it is always to be seen in relation to it's end.  This end is union with God in love, and every line of the Rule indicates that its various prescriptions are given to us to show us how to get rid of self-love and replace it by love of God (page 6).

There are many things that can be written on this Feast of Saint Benedict.  The Rule of St. Benedict, his decision to leave his families' wealth and fully funded education for the cave in Subiaco, the thwarted plot to kill him by poisonous wine by which the medal of St. Benedict is inspired and more.  I  would not be a good Novice if I did not mention Benedict's emphasis on silence, prayer and hospitality in this blog post.  All of these and more are important aspects of Benedict's life and Rule.  Yet, they are all means to an end.   Even today's Scripture Readings for Benedict's Feast Day, are trying to point us toward a culminating end.   The conclusion is found in verses 11 and 12 in Chapter 72 in The Rule of St. Benedict.

Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may he bring us all together to everlasting life.

In our prayer and work, including our work for justice, equality, inclusion and respecting the dignity of every human person; in our daily practice of Lectio Divina, praying the Daily Office and going to Sunday Eucharist; Benedict's focal point is for us to seek union with God, by which we prefer nothing whatever to Christ.   Christ present in one another, in the marginalized and oppressed, and in ourselves.   As Merton wrote, the Rule is a framework that guides us to live according to the Gospel which is to pick up our cross daily and follow Christ.   We are to prefer the love of Christ above all else, and to serve one another with the consciousness of God's presence in all people every where.    And should we fall short and mess up, we need not give in to despair.   "God's mercy endures forever" (Psalm 118).  And, Saint Benedict tells us "everyday we begin again." 

Amen.


Prayers

Almighty and everlasting God, your precepts are the wisdom of a loving Father: Give us grace, following the teaching and example of your servant Benedict, to walk with loving and willing hearts in the school of the Lord's service; let your ears be open to our prayers; and prosper with your blessing the work of our hands; 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, p. 457).

God our Father, you made St. Benedict an outstanding guide to teach us how to live in your service.  Grant that by preferring your love to everything else, we may walk in the way of your commandments.  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.   (From the Roman Missal, 1985, p. 666).

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost: Come to and Welcome Christ in Humilty

Today's Scripture Readings

Zechariah 9:9-12 (NRSV)

Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!

Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!

Lo, your king comes to you;

triumphant and victorious is he,

humble and riding on a donkey,

on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim

and the war horse from Jerusalem;

and the battle bow shall be cut off,

and he shall command peace to the nations;

his dominion shall be from sea to sea,

and from the River to the ends of the earth.

As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you,

I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.

Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope;

today I declare that I will restore to you double.

Psalm 145 (BCP., p.802).


Romans 7:15-25a (NRSV)

I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.  Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good.  But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.  For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it.  For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.  Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.
 
So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand.  For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self,  but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.  Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?  Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 (NRSV)

Jesus said to the crowd, "To what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another,

`We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;

we wailed, and you did not mourn.'

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, `He has a demon'; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, `Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds."

At that time Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Blog Reflection

I join the many who have voiced their concern about the Hobby Lobby ruling at the Supreme Court on Monday, June 30th.   The ruling by itself was an egregious one against women and contrary to what real religious liberty is about.   Religious liberty is not a matter of one particular religious group's position being able to define our laws and regulations for the rest of us.  It is about the opportunity to make a choice about what we will or will not believe and/or practice with regards to our own religious beliefs without undue coercion or adherence on behalf of the State.  In all of the instances where the freedom to marry has been made legal for same-gender couples for example, there has also been granted an exemption that allows for any religious institution or house of worship to decide not to bless a same-gender relationship.  The same right however, does not, nor should it extend to a public business just because the owners are of a particular religious persuasion on the matter.  A business that serves the whole public, must serve everyone in the public.

This decision by the Supreme Court has opened the doors for uncontrolled abuses in the name of religion.  While rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the United States has gained significant ground; a series of decisions by the Supreme Court regarding corporations being defined as persons in the Citizens United case and a few more since then, the gutting of the Voting Rights Act and now this one, has taken racial equality and the equal treatment of women under the law backwards.

As I have been reflecting on this matter this week, I think the biggest issue I have with it is that this is being pursued by a group of people, that honestly believe that this is what Jesus Christ would want.  An imposed set of laws that continue to denigrate women and other racial minorities in ways that increase bias on their behalf.  Given our Scripture readings this weekend, I find it very difficult to believe that this is what Jesus would want.  

I won't attempt to break down all of the Scripture readings for today, but I will synthesize them a bit for us.  It is the 4th of July weekend, and I think we have all had our ears filled with news, opinions and more about the Hobby Lobby ruling.   Yet, I want us to meditate a bit on another view of Jesus than those who may be celebrating this ruling.

Jesus did not come to represent any one particular group of people.   He came as God's perfect revelation of God's Self.   Jesus came to bring about the Reign of God for all people, in particular those who had been brushed to the side.   His desire to draw everyone closer to God went to the point of entering Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, and eventually to His agonizing death on the Cross.   He came that way to announce a new era of God's reign that wasn't about scapegoating, violence, weaponry or the need to dominate anyone.   Jesus came as God's human face to connect us to God through a relationship with one another.  A relationship that is full of ups and downs.  A way of living together despite our many differences and understandings of the world around us.  All Jesus did and calls us to do is to love one another as He loves each of us. (See John 15:12-17). 

One of the many reasons why I am so attracted to The Rule of St. Benedict is because of what is written in Chapter 4: The Tools of Good Works verse 21: "the love of Christ must come before all else."   And later in the famous Chapter 53: The Reception of Guests, Benedict writes: "All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me" (Matt 25:35). 

It is true what St. Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, that our nature is such that we do what we do not want to, and do not do what we know we should.   It is in our human nature to give ourselves over to what we know is not the best for us, and do what is leaning on the worst side.   However, the story does not end there.   In chapter 8:1 of Romans we read that "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."   The victory won for us by the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ is such, that we no longer need to held captive to sin, but have the freedom of children adopted by God through Christ (See Ephesians 1:3-14).

Jesus invites all of us to come to Him so that we may find our rest in Him.  We are not bound by attitudes and behaviors of prejudice, cruel rhetoric and judgmental thinking.   In Christ Jesus we have all been made free women and men to pursue the goal of "overcoming all these things through the One who has loved us. (See Romans 8:37).    And, because Christ has loved us, we  must be willing to open our eyes, minds and hearts to show reverence and respect for the dignity of every human person, welcoming Christ in them. 

The Hobby Lobby decision this week is a disaster in terms of what being a Christian really means.  It suggests demeaning and stereotyping women who decide to use contraception including in cases where it protects them from more than an unwanted pregnancy.   A woman is no less of a Christian if she uses contraception, nor is she more of a Christian because she does not.   A man is not less of a Christian if he uses a condom to protect himself from HIV or other STD's, or from impregnating a woman accidentally.   A man is not more of a Christian because he is married to a woman and with her has seven children, etc.  Whether individuals practice or do not practice certain things, does not, nor should it mean, that we deprive them of their dignity as human beings just because.  The greatest evil in the Hobby Lobby decision is that it gives Christians the license to make value judgments on each other, when we have had more than enough of that.

As we move forward, may our prayers and work be for the good of all individuals without prejudice or undue harm.  May our Lord Jesus help us to make room in our hearts for His presence as He comes to us in all persons.   May we honor and reverence the presence of Christ in others.

Amen.


Prayers

O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments
by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your
Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole
heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (Proper 9, Book of Common Prayer, p.230).

Almighty God, who created us in your image: Grant us
grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace
with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom,
help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our
communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy
Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer, p.260).

Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the
earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace:
Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the
strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in
accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p.258)

Maundy Thursday: Hospitality and Humility by Washing, Eating and Sharing

Today's Scripture Readings

Exodus 12:1-14 (NRSV)

The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the LORD. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.

Psalm 116:1, 10-17 (BCP., p.759)


1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NRSV)

I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

John 13:1-17, 31b-35(NRSV)

Before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus answered, "You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand." Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me." Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" Jesus said to him, "One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you." For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, "Not all of you are clean."

After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord--and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, `Where I am going, you cannot come.' I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." 

Blog Reflection

All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me (Matt 25:35).  

The abbot shall pour water on the hands of the guests, and the abbot with the entire community shall wash their feet.  After washing they will recite this verse: God, we have received your mercy in the midst of your temple (Psalm 47[48]:10).  (RB 1980: The Rule of St. Benedict in English, Chapter 53:1, 12-14, pages 73, 74).

One thing that has inspired me about the many Benedictine monasteries I have visited over the last twenty years, is how much the chapter on the reception of guests is lived into with great meticulousness.  Each community I visited, including the Companions of St. Luke/Order of St. Benedict with which I am now a Novice; the welcome by the Superior and the whole community is genuine.

It is interesting to me, that in Chapter 53 of The Rule, St. Benedict wrote about the abbot and the whole community washing the feet of the guests.  It appears that St. Benedict wanted the guest to experience the hospitality of not only the community, but also that of Christ Himself washing the feet of His followers at the Last Supper.   A traveler's feet are often tired, worn, with a few blisters and possible calluses.   Yet, St. Benedict wants the guest to be received as Christ and served as Christ.   The guest is welcomed to interrupt the regular routine.   The guest comes to the monastery to help the Community experience a bit of displacement so that the Paschal Mystery is a living moment of grace.

If you are like me, you have probably wanted so much to receive every person as Christ, yet the first person who comes along and strikes the odd note in you, is someone you so quickly dismiss.    What we say and believe, and what we do are not one in the same.  We are all hypocrites.  We all need the help of God's grace to mature and move on.

That is why we need this Maundy Thursday, and this Gospel about the washing of the feet.   Jesus set aside all thoughts of proclaiming His own divinity and honor, to serve the least among us to the point of washing the feet of the same disciples who would later abandon Him. Including washing the feet of Peter who would deny Him three times.  Jesus welcomes and washes the feet of all who are there with Him at that first Eucharist.  

The Holy Eucharist is the sharing of the Body and Blood of Christ.  The real presence of Christ in the form of consecrated Bread and Wine.  Hymn number 322 in The Hymnal 1982 has the most wonderful words.

When Jesus died to save us,
a word an act he gave us;
and still that word is spoken,
and still the bread is broken.

He was the Word that spake it,
he took the bread and brake it,
And what that Word did make it,
I do believe and take it.

The belief in the real presence, or even if one believes that it is a symbolic presence; the important thing is that Christ is present in and through us; Christ's Body.  Furthermore, it is just as important that we recognize that presence of Jesus not only in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, but recognize in one another a Eucharistic vessel.   Each of us carries Christ within us, and shares Him with others.  

One of the most important ways we live into the meaning of our Baptismal Covenant is to respect the dignity of every human being without distinction.   Each person is a holy and good image of God.   One's race, religion, gender, gender identity/expression, language, sexual orientation, culture, health or wealth status, age, etc is not a barrier to divide us.   Through the Body and Blood of Christ, we are One Body, in One Lord.   St. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:14-17:

Therefore, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols. I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 

May our celebration of Maundy Thursday lead us all to a greater reverence for the presence of Christ in each other as Eucharistic vessels. 

Amen


Prayer

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he
suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood:
Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in
remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy
mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer, p.221).

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

The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple: Humility, Obedience, Prophesy

Today's Scripture Readings

Malachi 3:1-4 (NRSV)

Thus says the Lord, See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight-- indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?

For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the LORD in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years.

Psalm 84 (BCP., p.707)


Hebrews 2:14-18 (NRSV)

Since God's children share flesh and blood, Jesus himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Luke 2:22-40 (NRSV)

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,

according to your word;

for my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to your people Israel."

And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-- and a sword will pierce your own soul too."

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Blog Reflection

I could not rejoice more that this feast of the Presentation is on a Sunday this year.   This Holy Day on our Church calendar has many significances that are worth reminding ourselves of.  Their significance to our faith and our spiritual lives are so crucial.   It is so wonderful that we get to observe them as part of our Sunday Eucharist.

One of the meanings of the Presentation is to recognize that we are now between the Nativity at Christmas, and Ash Wednesday the beginning of Lent.   Here the two meanings of the coming of Christ as the Word made flesh, from the cradle to the cross find their crossover point.  

In the history of the Church, this Feast is also referred to as Candlemass.  It was on this date that all the candles used over the previous year were melted down, as the early Christians prepared the wax for the Easter Candle for the Great Vigil of Easter.   The light that came into the world, brings with Him a new era.  The darkness of sin is extinguished by the Light that is Christ by His death and resurrection.   We celebrate the Light of Christ's Redemption in the Paschal Mystery, and participate in it, through the waters of Baptism.   Hence the commitment of Christians to live in that Light of the Easter event, because of God's grace through Christ.

There are three main points about the Presentation of Christ in the temple that have meaning for our spiritual lives.  They are humility, obedience and prophesy.   Mary, Joseph and Jesus fulfill these by their humble submission to the law of Moses, and is confirmed through the Prophets Simeon and Anna.

In this 21st Century, the very idea of humility and obedience seem archaic, useless and things of the past.  However, the necessity of them could not be more real.  

In humility, we acknowledge that we are not an entity unto ourselves.  Nor can we save ourselves without God's help.  Mary, Joseph and Jesus come to the Temple in humility, recognizing their humanity, and need for the God of their salvation.  We too, must return again and again to the God who has redeemed us in Christ, confess our sins, and accept God's mercy.   We cannot do this if we cling to a false sense of self.   Humility means we accept that God is God, and we are not.  Our true selves are found in Christ, who humbled Himself to the point of death on the Cross. (See Philippians 2:1-11).

Obedience says that we respond to God's mercy, by placing ourselves in God's hands, and serve others in the Name of Christ.  The humility of Jesus was such that the God who created us, became one like us in all things, yet did not sin, became a servant of all of us.  Even those of us who will  not get up and wash our neighbors feet, or accept others who are different from ourselves.  The humility and obedience of Jesus, is our example of how to love one another, and be reminded that none of us are really above anyone else in any way.  We are all sinners, saved by God's grace.  In faith, our response needs to be one of obedience.

Lastly, is prophesy.  The Prophets Simeon and Anna greet Christ, recognizing that He is the hope that they have been awaiting.   As they both declare to have received the answer to their prayers, they also prepare Christ for the fulfillment of His life.   He has come to be the rise and fall of many.  He is the Light revealed to the nations, as God's perfect revelation of Self.   He has come to set free the marginalized, the oppressed and to give a sense of purpose to those who are left on the sidelines to fend for themselves.  Jesus has come as God's love embodied in the human person; living, serving and dying.   In God's revelation that there is no such thing as one so lost, that God is not concerned or reaching out for us.

These past couple weeks we have become aware of the increased violence towards LGBT people in Uganda, Nigeria and of course, Russia.   Thanks be to God that there have been responses by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.   Yet, we cannot over look the unfortunate reality that there are Christians within the Anglican Communion and beyond who support the criminalization of homosexuality based on erroneous interpretations of the Bible.  A difference of opinions by which we dialogue and debate with mutual respect and charity, is a response worthy of Christ.   A response through the violence of putting people in jail or threatening them with death because of who we are, getting people into the government to pass and administer such laws cannot be a greater contradiction to the mind and heart of Jesus Christ.  

Humility, obedience and prophesy on this Presentation of Christ in the Temple, calls on us to see the Light of Christ in others around us.   To honor Christ's presence and to serve others in His Holy Name.  Without distinction, exception or excuse.   After all, which one of us is truly worthy of God's love in Christ?   Which one of us is so humble and obedient to not need God's grace to save us, so that we have the hope of everlasting life?    Therefore, who are we to withhold it from others?

Amen.


Prayers

Almighty and everliving God, we humbly pray that, as your
only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple, so
we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by
Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (The Book of Common Prayer, p.239).

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully
restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may
share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our
humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer, p.252).

Almighty God, who created us in your image: Grant us
grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace
with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom,
help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our
communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy
Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (The Book of Common Prayer, p.260).