Exodus 12:1-14a
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.
Luke 22:14-30
When the hour came, Jesus took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!" Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this. A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. "You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
The Exodus 12 and Luke 22 readings for today are closely linked. Exodus tells the story of the meaning of the Jewish Passover, the smearing of the blood of a sheep or goat over the doorway of a Jewish home to mark the inhabitants’ safety from God’s wrath on the Egyptians and the ritualistic meal and celebration at Passover which continues to be a major Jewish religious festival. Luke’s gospel, on this Maundy Thursday, tells the story of Christ’s Passover feast with his apostles, the last supper and now the nurturing of our weekly shared Eucharistic meal. “Then he took a piece of bread, gave thanks to God, broke it, and gave it to them saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.’ Then he gave them the cup, saying, ‘This cup is God’s new covenant sealed with my blood, which is poured out for you.’”
Two meals, two peoples, one God, one message…God is love.
How will you share God’s love today?
--The Rev. Mary Jo Melberger
Thursday, April 5, 2007
April 3, 2007
John 12:20-26
20 -->Some Greeks Wish to See Jesus --> 20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ 22Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.
“Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
John illustrates the principle of life through death; a reality often seen in the plant world. A grain of wheat lies dormant until it is cast into the earth, seemingly buried, and then, it is there, that it bears good fruit. Isn’t that also the case in our own lives? Aren’t there many times when we have to throw off lofty ambitions and ideas in order to draw ourselves closer to God? Change can be threatening and daunting or change can be exhilarating and empowering but taking the risk to change allows us to become more whole human beings. What can you let go of in order to create a fuller life? Risk the opportunity to draw closer to God.
--The Rev. Mary Jo Melberger
20 -->Some Greeks Wish to See Jesus --> 20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ 22Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.
“Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
John illustrates the principle of life through death; a reality often seen in the plant world. A grain of wheat lies dormant until it is cast into the earth, seemingly buried, and then, it is there, that it bears good fruit. Isn’t that also the case in our own lives? Aren’t there many times when we have to throw off lofty ambitions and ideas in order to draw ourselves closer to God? Change can be threatening and daunting or change can be exhilarating and empowering but taking the risk to change allows us to become more whole human beings. What can you let go of in order to create a fuller life? Risk the opportunity to draw closer to God.
--The Rev. Mary Jo Melberger
Saturday, March 31, 2007
3/31/2007
Jeremiah 31:27-34
27 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of humans and the seed of animals. 28And just as I have watched over them to pluck up and break down, to overthrow, destroy, and bring evil, so I will watch over them to build and to plant, says the Lord. 29In those days they shall no longer say:‘The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.’ 30But all shall die for their own sins; the teeth of everyone who eats sour grapes shall be set on edge.
31 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband,* says the Lord. 33But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, ‘Know the Lord’, for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.
…But this is the covenant that I will make with them: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts.
Yesterday we looked in to see our way to a spiritual life. Today we learn that God’s law is written in our hearts (we can find it and trust it!). There are many styles—academic, dogmatic, spontaneous, thinking or feeling. It is okay to trust your gut; go with the premonition. If we pray earnestly and listen for that still small voice we can do the right thing—follow your heart!
bds
27 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of humans and the seed of animals. 28And just as I have watched over them to pluck up and break down, to overthrow, destroy, and bring evil, so I will watch over them to build and to plant, says the Lord. 29In those days they shall no longer say:‘The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.’ 30But all shall die for their own sins; the teeth of everyone who eats sour grapes shall be set on edge.
31 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband,* says the Lord. 33But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, ‘Know the Lord’, for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.
…But this is the covenant that I will make with them: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts.
Yesterday we looked in to see our way to a spiritual life. Today we learn that God’s law is written in our hearts (we can find it and trust it!). There are many styles—academic, dogmatic, spontaneous, thinking or feeling. It is okay to trust your gut; go with the premonition. If we pray earnestly and listen for that still small voice we can do the right thing—follow your heart!
bds
Friday, March 30, 2007
03/30/2007
John 10:31-42
31 The Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32Jesus replied, ‘I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?’ 33The Jews answered, ‘It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.’ 34Jesus answered, ‘Is it not written in your law,* “I said, you are gods”? 35If those to whom the word of God came were called “gods”—and the scripture cannot be annulled— 36can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, “I am God’s Son”? 37If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. 38But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand* that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.’ 39Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands.
40 He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. 41Many came to him, and they were saying, ‘John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.’ 42And many believed in him there.
…that the Father is in me and I am in the Father. Jesus offers us the model; God provides us everything necessary—even the Spirit; we need only accept this real life as a gift. We are all sons and daughters, all valued, all capable in our own way if we can hear the call, walk the path, honestly care. It is in us ready to share. Many times there is more in our hearts, minds, spirits than we think. If we can just risk a glimpse of the Father in us, we can be and do better. So as we set our eyes on Holy Week, resolve to see God in the world about us and in every human being. Risk revealing your real nature-- child of God, agent of compassion, soldier of Peace!
bds
31 The Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32Jesus replied, ‘I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?’ 33The Jews answered, ‘It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.’ 34Jesus answered, ‘Is it not written in your law,* “I said, you are gods”? 35If those to whom the word of God came were called “gods”—and the scripture cannot be annulled— 36can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, “I am God’s Son”? 37If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. 38But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand* that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.’ 39Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands.
40 He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. 41Many came to him, and they were saying, ‘John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.’ 42And many believed in him there.
…that the Father is in me and I am in the Father. Jesus offers us the model; God provides us everything necessary—even the Spirit; we need only accept this real life as a gift. We are all sons and daughters, all valued, all capable in our own way if we can hear the call, walk the path, honestly care. It is in us ready to share. Many times there is more in our hearts, minds, spirits than we think. If we can just risk a glimpse of the Father in us, we can be and do better. So as we set our eyes on Holy Week, resolve to see God in the world about us and in every human being. Risk revealing your real nature-- child of God, agent of compassion, soldier of Peace!
bds
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
March 22, 2008
Romans 8:12-27
12 So then, brothers and sisters,* we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— 13for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, ‘Abba!* Father!’ 16it is that very Spirit bearing witness* with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. 19For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; 20for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; 23and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in* hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes* for what is seen? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes* with sighs too deep for words. 27And God,* who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit* intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.*
We are all adopted! Imagine the joy a family feels when the circle grows larger. We should all feel the sense of joy and inclusion when we gain a new acquaintance, a new church member, another sibling in Christ. Now that we are adopted we have family responsibility, duties, devotion. So we are expected to act according to the Spirit not the world. We have confidence when others are bereft. We hope when others can only see the brokenness of the world. It is our call to share this knowledge, the feeling, the love with everyone. You are not alone. You alone can make the difference—make the circle larger! Adopt God’s view!
bds
12 So then, brothers and sisters,* we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— 13for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, ‘Abba!* Father!’ 16it is that very Spirit bearing witness* with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. 19For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; 20for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; 23and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in* hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes* for what is seen? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes* with sighs too deep for words. 27And God,* who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit* intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.*
We are all adopted! Imagine the joy a family feels when the circle grows larger. We should all feel the sense of joy and inclusion when we gain a new acquaintance, a new church member, another sibling in Christ. Now that we are adopted we have family responsibility, duties, devotion. So we are expected to act according to the Spirit not the world. We have confidence when others are bereft. We hope when others can only see the brokenness of the world. It is our call to share this knowledge, the feeling, the love with everyone. You are not alone. You alone can make the difference—make the circle larger! Adopt God’s view!
bds
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
March 21, 2007
Evening: Psalm 27:1-14
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh— my adversaries and foes— they shall stumble and fall.
3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.
4 One thing I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.
5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.
6 Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.
7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!
8 "Come," my heart says, "seek his face!" Your face, LORD, do I seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation!
10 If my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will take me up.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
12 Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence.
13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
14Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Today’s psalm is a very comforting one. We are told that we have no troubles when we trust in God. It is a wonderful sentiment. No matter how much our daily lives may stress us and no matter how many daily trials and tribulations we must face, if we have confidence in God, then we are protected, loved and cherished. Many times we are faced with what can seem to us to be a horrible situation that we cannot climb out of. Many times we muster our strength and can ultimately climb out, but there are situations, situations that we all face at one time or another, that we cannot change no matter how hard we try. I think this psalm speaks of those times. Times when there may be no way out for us through problem solving, planning, apologies, etc. It is during those times that we should have great comfort knowing that the Lord will not abandon us and that he will help us through the most difficult of times. Michael M.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh— my adversaries and foes— they shall stumble and fall.
3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.
4 One thing I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.
5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.
6 Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.
7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!
8 "Come," my heart says, "seek his face!" Your face, LORD, do I seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation!
10 If my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will take me up.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
12 Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence.
13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
14Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Today’s psalm is a very comforting one. We are told that we have no troubles when we trust in God. It is a wonderful sentiment. No matter how much our daily lives may stress us and no matter how many daily trials and tribulations we must face, if we have confidence in God, then we are protected, loved and cherished. Many times we are faced with what can seem to us to be a horrible situation that we cannot climb out of. Many times we muster our strength and can ultimately climb out, but there are situations, situations that we all face at one time or another, that we cannot change no matter how hard we try. I think this psalm speaks of those times. Times when there may be no way out for us through problem solving, planning, apologies, etc. It is during those times that we should have great comfort knowing that the Lord will not abandon us and that he will help us through the most difficult of times. Michael M.
March 20, 2007
John 6:16-27
16When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17got into a boat, and started across the lake to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18The lake became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. 20But he said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." 21Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land towards which they were going.
22The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the lake saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus.
25When they found him on the other side of the lake, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?" 26Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal."
“Do not work for the food that perishes but for the food that endures…”
I am reminded that when I place my instincts first, I am placing the cart before the horse. Satisfaction of my hungers is temporary and sometimes leaves a still larger hole to fill. My life is full and I feel blessed but I also feel busy and frenetic. When I forget that this life is a gift and instead treat it like a series of obstacles to be overcome, I have it very backward indeed. And yet I am aware that responsibilities rest with me – the safety and wellness of my family, the comfort of my home, the expectations at work – and I must tend to them. It is easy to dismiss everyday miracles out of hand and instead focus on my own needs but in those moments of being overwhelmed, fearful or angry, I want to remember that my faith and beliefs will go far in satiating my hunger. - LOS
16When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17got into a boat, and started across the lake to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18The lake became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. 20But he said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." 21Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land towards which they were going.
22The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the lake saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus.
25When they found him on the other side of the lake, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?" 26Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal."
“Do not work for the food that perishes but for the food that endures…”
I am reminded that when I place my instincts first, I am placing the cart before the horse. Satisfaction of my hungers is temporary and sometimes leaves a still larger hole to fill. My life is full and I feel blessed but I also feel busy and frenetic. When I forget that this life is a gift and instead treat it like a series of obstacles to be overcome, I have it very backward indeed. And yet I am aware that responsibilities rest with me – the safety and wellness of my family, the comfort of my home, the expectations at work – and I must tend to them. It is easy to dismiss everyday miracles out of hand and instead focus on my own needs but in those moments of being overwhelmed, fearful or angry, I want to remember that my faith and beliefs will go far in satiating my hunger. - LOS
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