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
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
March 19, 2007
"Go out into the world in peace, have courage, hold on to what is good, return no one evil for evil, strengthen the faint-hearted support the weak, help the suffering, honor everyone, love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit."
Honor everyone.
Been enjoying traffic on the ice lately? Try to walk on a sidewalk that hasn't been cleared? I find it hard sometimes to hold on to the wonderful words we repeat during services. Already this morning I've dealt with bad drivers, difficult co-workers and (heaven help me) Ivy League undergraduates.
Yet taking in a deep breath and asking for God's help actually does me some good at these moments. I try to see whether the person who's left 6 inches of ice on their sidewalk may actually be elderly and in need. I try to think about the times when my kids have been talking to me and I myself have forgotten to use a turn signal, or gotten in someone else's way inadvertently.
Thinking about God's love and the power for forgiveness seems to come naturally big ticket items -- serious illnesses, family crises. I'm bad about the little ones; the little slights; the everyday junk we wade through constantly. I find I need a bit more meditation than I used to, and always at the moment when meditation is impossible!
So my instant and frequent prayers have been questions -- especially while I'm reflecting during this Lenten season, I've been trying to ask God for help in my reactions -- How would you have me respond, Lord? God -- could you please speak through me here? These are my little everyday prayers. When I remember them -- they work. They do wonders for my blood pressure, too!
-- Mary
Honor everyone.
Been enjoying traffic on the ice lately? Try to walk on a sidewalk that hasn't been cleared? I find it hard sometimes to hold on to the wonderful words we repeat during services. Already this morning I've dealt with bad drivers, difficult co-workers and (heaven help me) Ivy League undergraduates.
Yet taking in a deep breath and asking for God's help actually does me some good at these moments. I try to see whether the person who's left 6 inches of ice on their sidewalk may actually be elderly and in need. I try to think about the times when my kids have been talking to me and I myself have forgotten to use a turn signal, or gotten in someone else's way inadvertently.
Thinking about God's love and the power for forgiveness seems to come naturally big ticket items -- serious illnesses, family crises. I'm bad about the little ones; the little slights; the everyday junk we wade through constantly. I find I need a bit more meditation than I used to, and always at the moment when meditation is impossible!
So my instant and frequent prayers have been questions -- especially while I'm reflecting during this Lenten season, I've been trying to ask God for help in my reactions -- How would you have me respond, Lord? God -- could you please speak through me here? These are my little everyday prayers. When I remember them -- they work. They do wonders for my blood pressure, too!
-- Mary
Thursday, March 15, 2007
March 15, 2007
John 4:27-4227
Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, ‘What do you want?’ or, ‘Why are you speaking with her?’ 28Then the woman left her water-jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, 29‘Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah,* can he?’ 30They left the city and were on their way to him.
31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, ‘Rabbi, eat something.’ 32But he said to them, ‘I have food to eat that you do not know about.’ 33So the disciples said to one another, ‘Surely no one has brought him something to eat?’ 34Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. 35Do you not say, “Four months more, then comes the harvest”? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting. 36The reaper is already receiving* wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37For here the saying holds true, “One sows and another reaps.” 38I sent you to reap that for which you did not labour. Others have laboured, and you have entered into their labour.’
39 Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I have ever done.’ 40So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there for two days. 41And many more believed because of his word. 42They said to the woman, ‘It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Saviour of the world.’
“They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.”
Our personal relationship with God is the essence of our being. We hear of other’s faith journeys and marvel for them but isn’t it those experiences, those connections, those relationships of our own that truly reveal God to us? We can listen to someone else interpret scripture but unless we’ve read and related that scripture to our own story it’s always someone else’s. Think of your life experiences when you have especially felt the love or anguish of God. How have those experiences revealed Christ as your Lord and Savior?
--The Rev. Mary Jo Melberger
March 14, 2007
John 8:19
"They said to him therefore, 'Where is your Father?' Jesus answered, 'You know neither me nor my Father; if you knew me, you would know my Father also.'
One of my favorite places in the whole U.S. is Saint Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue. It is said to be the largest parish church in the country. Even more remarkable is the building's great beauty. It is the masterpiece of the architectural firm of Ralph Adams Cram and Bertram Goodhue, the foremost church architects of their time (early 1900s).
When the former building burned down, naturally the parish started a fund for a new building. However, when a disastrous earthquake hit San
Francisco and the news came in of the devastation that had befallen that city; the rector was so horrified at what he heard that he rushed the accumulated monies in the building fund to their aid. When people were in such dire need, he felt, rebuilding his church could wait.
People throughout New York and the country were so impressed by this generosity that they responded in kind, sending thousands of unsolicited contributions that more than replenished the fund and made possible the splendid building that stands now. It is, among other things, a monument to the spirit of Christian charity.
Perhaps the most dramatic feature of the church is the magnificent stone reredos that covers the entire wall behind the high altar, floor to ceiling, eighty feet tall, even wrapping itself with delicate exuberance around and above the three windows near the ceiling. In this work are literally dozens of statues of Our Lord, saints, and angels.
Directly above the altar is the scene of the confession of Thomas, where he meets the risen Christ and says, "My Lord and my God!" Cram, the son of a Unitarian minister, was converted to Anglicanism as a young man and became a very devout churchman. As though he anticipated the enrichment of worship that the parish would undergo after fifty years, he built the church for such worship, incorporating suitable details that would take decades to be recognized and properly used. I don't know for a fact, but it is certainly conceivable, that he was aware of the suggestion in missals that worshippers should mentally repeat Thomas's words in the Eucharist at the elevation of the host and the chalice, and deliberately placed this scene in its position just above the altar as a reminder and a gesture to the Sacrament.
But what about the Second Commandment? How can we be comfortable with a reredos that looks like a blatant violation of the prohibition of graven images? I was aware, of course, that Episcopalians haven't seemed to be very worried about this in their church building and furnishing for a long time. But I didn't understand why not and had no good reply to Christians with plainer tastes who would challenge us on this point.
But there is a decisive reply, as the rector Fr. Mead will explain to anyone who asks. During the iconoclastic controversy in the eighth century, the argument of "the last Father of the church", Saint John of Damascus, carried the day. It was grounded on the Incarnation. Not only did this event, God's greatest watershed in human history, bless the world and make it fit for our use in worship as never before. But we have knowledge that we never had before, because we are a people who have seen Christ, and therefore we have seen God. Because Christ Himself is the perfect icon of God, we are now free to make icons.
"If you knew me, you would know my Father also."
"They said to him therefore, 'Where is your Father?' Jesus answered, 'You know neither me nor my Father; if you knew me, you would know my Father also.'
One of my favorite places in the whole U.S. is Saint Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue. It is said to be the largest parish church in the country. Even more remarkable is the building's great beauty. It is the masterpiece of the architectural firm of Ralph Adams Cram and Bertram Goodhue, the foremost church architects of their time (early 1900s).
When the former building burned down, naturally the parish started a fund for a new building. However, when a disastrous earthquake hit San
Francisco and the news came in of the devastation that had befallen that city; the rector was so horrified at what he heard that he rushed the accumulated monies in the building fund to their aid. When people were in such dire need, he felt, rebuilding his church could wait.
People throughout New York and the country were so impressed by this generosity that they responded in kind, sending thousands of unsolicited contributions that more than replenished the fund and made possible the splendid building that stands now. It is, among other things, a monument to the spirit of Christian charity.
Perhaps the most dramatic feature of the church is the magnificent stone reredos that covers the entire wall behind the high altar, floor to ceiling, eighty feet tall, even wrapping itself with delicate exuberance around and above the three windows near the ceiling. In this work are literally dozens of statues of Our Lord, saints, and angels.
Directly above the altar is the scene of the confession of Thomas, where he meets the risen Christ and says, "My Lord and my God!" Cram, the son of a Unitarian minister, was converted to Anglicanism as a young man and became a very devout churchman. As though he anticipated the enrichment of worship that the parish would undergo after fifty years, he built the church for such worship, incorporating suitable details that would take decades to be recognized and properly used. I don't know for a fact, but it is certainly conceivable, that he was aware of the suggestion in missals that worshippers should mentally repeat Thomas's words in the Eucharist at the elevation of the host and the chalice, and deliberately placed this scene in its position just above the altar as a reminder and a gesture to the Sacrament.
But what about the Second Commandment? How can we be comfortable with a reredos that looks like a blatant violation of the prohibition of graven images? I was aware, of course, that Episcopalians haven't seemed to be very worried about this in their church building and furnishing for a long time. But I didn't understand why not and had no good reply to Christians with plainer tastes who would challenge us on this point.
But there is a decisive reply, as the rector Fr. Mead will explain to anyone who asks. During the iconoclastic controversy in the eighth century, the argument of "the last Father of the church", Saint John of Damascus, carried the day. It was grounded on the Incarnation. Not only did this event, God's greatest watershed in human history, bless the world and make it fit for our use in worship as never before. But we have knowledge that we never had before, because we are a people who have seen Christ, and therefore we have seen God. Because Christ Himself is the perfect icon of God, we are now free to make icons.
"If you knew me, you would know my Father also."
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Lenten Reflection, March 13th, Psalm 78
5 He established a decree in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach to their children; 6 that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn,and rise up and tell them to their children, 7 so that they should set their hope in God,and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; 8 and that they should not be like their ancestors, a stubborn and rebellious generation,a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.
My thoughts...
As parents, we are charged with raising our children to know and love God. Faith, in this day and age is a difficult concept to relay to our children. They ask "why?" My answer, "Because." It is just the way that faith is. You cannot understand nor explain it. But it is something that our children need to be armed with in this ever-changing world. How can we raise children in these troubled times without giving them a basis on which to ground themselves, and feel that they have a sense of who they are and whose they are? That is why it is called "faith."
I was part of a "stubborn and rebellious generation," and perhaps many of us were. But I will say that my faith sustained me, even as a 13 year old teenager. I served as the only acolyte each and every Sunday for many years. I wore t-shirts, much to my mother's dismay. The fact of the matter was, I was there. I served my God in my own way. Now that my children are making their own way in their religious lives, I struggle with the outfits, the shoes and the opinions that might be held in judgement.
I realize now, that my children's God is their God. That relationship is up to them. Our job as parents is to give them the framework within which they can define that relationship, and guide them as they see fit.
Suzanne
My thoughts...
As parents, we are charged with raising our children to know and love God. Faith, in this day and age is a difficult concept to relay to our children. They ask "why?" My answer, "Because." It is just the way that faith is. You cannot understand nor explain it. But it is something that our children need to be armed with in this ever-changing world. How can we raise children in these troubled times without giving them a basis on which to ground themselves, and feel that they have a sense of who they are and whose they are? That is why it is called "faith."
I was part of a "stubborn and rebellious generation," and perhaps many of us were. But I will say that my faith sustained me, even as a 13 year old teenager. I served as the only acolyte each and every Sunday for many years. I wore t-shirts, much to my mother's dismay. The fact of the matter was, I was there. I served my God in my own way. Now that my children are making their own way in their religious lives, I struggle with the outfits, the shoes and the opinions that might be held in judgement.
I realize now, that my children's God is their God. That relationship is up to them. Our job as parents is to give them the framework within which they can define that relationship, and guide them as they see fit.
Suzanne
Friday, March 9, 2007
March 12, 2007
John 7:14-36
14About the middle of the festival Jesus went up into the temple and began to teach. 15The Jews were astonished at it, saying, "How does this man have such learning, when he has never been taught?" 16Then Jesus answered them, "My teaching is not mine but his who sent me. 17Anyone who resolves to do the will of God will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own. 18Those who speak on their own seek their own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and there is nothing false in him.
19"Did not Moses give you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why are you looking for an opportunity to kill me?" 20The crowd answered, "You have a demon! Who is trying to kill you?" 21Jesus answered them, "I performed one work, and all of you are astonished. 22Moses gave you circumcision (it is, of course, not from Moses, but from the patriarchs), and you circumcise a man on the sabbath. 23If a man receives circumcision on the sabbath in order that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because I healed a man's whole body on the sabbath? 24Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment."
25Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, "Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill? 26And here he is, speaking openly, but they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah? 27Yet we know where this man is from; but when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from." 28Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, "You know me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on my own. But the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. 29I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me." 30Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come. 31Yet many in the crowd believed in him and were saying, "When the Messiah comes, will he do more signs than this man has done?"
32The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering such things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent temple police to arrest him. 33Jesus then said, "I will be with you a little while longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. 34You will search for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come." 35The Jews said to one another, "Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36What does he mean by saying, 'You will search for me and you will not find me' and, 'Where I am, you cannot come'?"
In this passage from John’s gospel, Jesus was teaching in the temple when those listening started to question his authority as well as his interpretation of the law. Some wondered if he was the Messiah. They also questioned how they would know the Messiah. Would they know where he was from or what signs he would do? The Pharisees and chief priests were upset by the crowd “mutterings” and sent temple police to arrest Jesus.
In reading this passage, I find myself feeling badly for the Jews. They think they understand the religious law and practices. They know what they are “supposed to think and do.” Then, along comes Jesus who challenges their thinking. He tells them that they know him, know where he is from, but that they don’t know who has sent him. Next, when it is time for him to leave, they will look for him, not be able to find him. Also, he says that where he will be, they cannot come. This man is very confusing! Understandably, they start fussing among themselves. - Who is this guy? Is this the Messiah? How would they know? The temple police get upset by these mutterings and seek to arrest Jesus. What are the Jews to think now?
I read this passage and wonder, what it would be like if Jesus suddenly walked into our lives and started challenging our religious practices and beliefs. How would I know it is Jesus? Would I recognize him? What do I envision he would look like and say? What aspects of our religious lives would he challenge? Would I listen or would I reject him? I hope I would be open to him and to his teaching. Is he here now? Am I looking for him each day? Am I open to what he has to say? God help me to be.
“Day by day, Lord of thee three things I pray: to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly. Day by Day.”
Nancy
14About the middle of the festival Jesus went up into the temple and began to teach. 15The Jews were astonished at it, saying, "How does this man have such learning, when he has never been taught?" 16Then Jesus answered them, "My teaching is not mine but his who sent me. 17Anyone who resolves to do the will of God will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own. 18Those who speak on their own seek their own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and there is nothing false in him.
19"Did not Moses give you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why are you looking for an opportunity to kill me?" 20The crowd answered, "You have a demon! Who is trying to kill you?" 21Jesus answered them, "I performed one work, and all of you are astonished. 22Moses gave you circumcision (it is, of course, not from Moses, but from the patriarchs), and you circumcise a man on the sabbath. 23If a man receives circumcision on the sabbath in order that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because I healed a man's whole body on the sabbath? 24Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment."
25Now some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, "Is not this the man whom they are trying to kill? 26And here he is, speaking openly, but they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Messiah? 27Yet we know where this man is from; but when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from." 28Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, "You know me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on my own. But the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. 29I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me." 30Then they tried to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come. 31Yet many in the crowd believed in him and were saying, "When the Messiah comes, will he do more signs than this man has done?"
32The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering such things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent temple police to arrest him. 33Jesus then said, "I will be with you a little while longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. 34You will search for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come." 35The Jews said to one another, "Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36What does he mean by saying, 'You will search for me and you will not find me' and, 'Where I am, you cannot come'?"
In this passage from John’s gospel, Jesus was teaching in the temple when those listening started to question his authority as well as his interpretation of the law. Some wondered if he was the Messiah. They also questioned how they would know the Messiah. Would they know where he was from or what signs he would do? The Pharisees and chief priests were upset by the crowd “mutterings” and sent temple police to arrest Jesus.
In reading this passage, I find myself feeling badly for the Jews. They think they understand the religious law and practices. They know what they are “supposed to think and do.” Then, along comes Jesus who challenges their thinking. He tells them that they know him, know where he is from, but that they don’t know who has sent him. Next, when it is time for him to leave, they will look for him, not be able to find him. Also, he says that where he will be, they cannot come. This man is very confusing! Understandably, they start fussing among themselves. - Who is this guy? Is this the Messiah? How would they know? The temple police get upset by these mutterings and seek to arrest Jesus. What are the Jews to think now?
I read this passage and wonder, what it would be like if Jesus suddenly walked into our lives and started challenging our religious practices and beliefs. How would I know it is Jesus? Would I recognize him? What do I envision he would look like and say? What aspects of our religious lives would he challenge? Would I listen or would I reject him? I hope I would be open to him and to his teaching. Is he here now? Am I looking for him each day? Am I open to what he has to say? God help me to be.
“Day by day, Lord of thee three things I pray: to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly. Day by Day.”
Nancy
Thursday, March 8, 2007
March 8, 2007
Romans 2:12-24
12All who have sinned apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous in God's sight, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14When Gentiles, who do not possess the law, do instinctively what the law requires, these, though not having the law, are a law to themselves. 15They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, to which their own conscience also bears witness; and their conflicting thoughts will accuse or perhaps excuse them 16on the day when, according to my gospel, God, through Jesus Christ, will judge the secret thoughts of all.
17But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast of your relation to God 18and know his will and determine what is best because you are instructed in the law, 19and if you are sure that you are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth, 21you, then, that teach others, will you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22You that forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? You that abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23You that boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24For, as it is written, "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."
In this season of Lent, which calls us to self-reflection and repentance, this selection from Paul’s second letter to the Romans is particularly apt. Paul tells the Romans, “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous in God's sight, but the doers of the law who will be justified.” Knowing what we ought to do is the easy part. Doing it is the hard part. The challenge is to act as God would have us act and Lent is the time to reflect on how close we have come to meeting that challenge in the past and how we can improve ourselves in the future . I believe that it is in the everyday interactions with our families and others—what I call the “little things,”—where we often fall short of the standards of goodness God sets for us. There is relatively little chance any of us will murder, rob, rape, commit mayhem, steal, sell drugs or do anything that would qualify us to serve major jail time. We do what we know we ought to do on the big things. But what about the little things? How often do we take people for granted—families, friends, co-workers? How often do we say or do mean and unkind things—to families, strangers, co-workers? How many good deeds—shopping for a shut-in neighbor or friend---do we put off or just never do? How often should we act –by standing up for someone that is being hurt mentally or emotionally—but say nothing? Doing what we ought to do is easy when it is convenient, comfortable, fits in with our schedule, and poses no chance of embarrassment. The challenge is to do right when it is uncomfortable or doesn’t fit in your schedule, when it requires that you seek out another person, or make a special trip, or go out of your way to do it, or when you’re tired and would prefer to ignore things altogether. When we do good in those situations we can truly consider ourselves to be “the does of the law who will be justified.”
12All who have sinned apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous in God's sight, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14When Gentiles, who do not possess the law, do instinctively what the law requires, these, though not having the law, are a law to themselves. 15They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, to which their own conscience also bears witness; and their conflicting thoughts will accuse or perhaps excuse them 16on the day when, according to my gospel, God, through Jesus Christ, will judge the secret thoughts of all.
17But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast of your relation to God 18and know his will and determine what is best because you are instructed in the law, 19and if you are sure that you are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth, 21you, then, that teach others, will you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22You that forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? You that abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23You that boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24For, as it is written, "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."
In this season of Lent, which calls us to self-reflection and repentance, this selection from Paul’s second letter to the Romans is particularly apt. Paul tells the Romans, “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous in God's sight, but the doers of the law who will be justified.” Knowing what we ought to do is the easy part. Doing it is the hard part. The challenge is to act as God would have us act and Lent is the time to reflect on how close we have come to meeting that challenge in the past and how we can improve ourselves in the future . I believe that it is in the everyday interactions with our families and others—what I call the “little things,”—where we often fall short of the standards of goodness God sets for us. There is relatively little chance any of us will murder, rob, rape, commit mayhem, steal, sell drugs or do anything that would qualify us to serve major jail time. We do what we know we ought to do on the big things. But what about the little things? How often do we take people for granted—families, friends, co-workers? How often do we say or do mean and unkind things—to families, strangers, co-workers? How many good deeds—shopping for a shut-in neighbor or friend---do we put off or just never do? How often should we act –by standing up for someone that is being hurt mentally or emotionally—but say nothing? Doing what we ought to do is easy when it is convenient, comfortable, fits in with our schedule, and poses no chance of embarrassment. The challenge is to do right when it is uncomfortable or doesn’t fit in your schedule, when it requires that you seek out another person, or make a special trip, or go out of your way to do it, or when you’re tired and would prefer to ignore things altogether. When we do good in those situations we can truly consider ourselves to be “the does of the law who will be justified.”
Monday, March 5, 2007
3/5/2007
John 4:27-42
27Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, "What do you want?" or, "Why are you speaking with her?" 28Then the woman left her water-jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, 29"Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?" 30They left the city and were on their way to him.
31Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, "Rabbi, eat something." 32But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you do not know about." 33So the disciples said to one another, "Surely no one has brought him something to eat?" 34Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. 35Do you not say, 'Four months more, then comes the harvest'? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting. 36The reaper is already receiving wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37For here the saying holds true, "One sows and another reaps." 38I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor."
39Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I have ever done." 40So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there for two days. 41And many more believed because of his word. 42They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Saviour of the world."
In today’s readings we continue the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman. We begin to see Jesus’ ministry extending beyond his own people. Jesus’ message of salvation was not just for a select few, but for everyone – a ripe harvest to include all, even those whom we may have a difficult time accepting and loving. It reminds me of a television commercial produced by the United Church of Christ. In the commercial, a church is shown with velvet ropes across the doorway and guarded by bouncers. Individuals such as single parents, same sex and interracial couples are barred from entering the church while seemingly upper middle class couples are permitted entrance. While it is somewhat of an exaggeration, unfortunately it does have an echo of truth for some churches. Are they doing as Christ would have had us do? The same Christ who spent time preaching to the Samaritans?
As Christians, the Gospel urges us to go out and reap the harvest. We are to spread the message of Christ. However, this is not necessarily by proselytizing, but by our very actions. It is sometimes hard to summarize such an idea but I am reminded of a few lines of the Peace Prayer attributed to St. Francis. In it we read “….O Divine Master grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned….”. Perhaps during this season of Lent, we should strive to make an example of ourselves to others by proclaiming our baptismal promise of striving for justice and peace among all people and respecting the dignity of each human being, to love and to understand others, especially those for whom it is difficult for us, and reap the harvest by doing so.
Michael
27Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, "What do you want?" or, "Why are you speaking with her?" 28Then the woman left her water-jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, 29"Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?" 30They left the city and were on their way to him.
31Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, "Rabbi, eat something." 32But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you do not know about." 33So the disciples said to one another, "Surely no one has brought him something to eat?" 34Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. 35Do you not say, 'Four months more, then comes the harvest'? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting. 36The reaper is already receiving wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37For here the saying holds true, "One sows and another reaps." 38I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor."
39Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I have ever done." 40So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there for two days. 41And many more believed because of his word. 42They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Saviour of the world."
In today’s readings we continue the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman. We begin to see Jesus’ ministry extending beyond his own people. Jesus’ message of salvation was not just for a select few, but for everyone – a ripe harvest to include all, even those whom we may have a difficult time accepting and loving. It reminds me of a television commercial produced by the United Church of Christ. In the commercial, a church is shown with velvet ropes across the doorway and guarded by bouncers. Individuals such as single parents, same sex and interracial couples are barred from entering the church while seemingly upper middle class couples are permitted entrance. While it is somewhat of an exaggeration, unfortunately it does have an echo of truth for some churches. Are they doing as Christ would have had us do? The same Christ who spent time preaching to the Samaritans?
As Christians, the Gospel urges us to go out and reap the harvest. We are to spread the message of Christ. However, this is not necessarily by proselytizing, but by our very actions. It is sometimes hard to summarize such an idea but I am reminded of a few lines of the Peace Prayer attributed to St. Francis. In it we read “….O Divine Master grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned….”. Perhaps during this season of Lent, we should strive to make an example of ourselves to others by proclaiming our baptismal promise of striving for justice and peace among all people and respecting the dignity of each human being, to love and to understand others, especially those for whom it is difficult for us, and reap the harvest by doing so.
Michael
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Lenten Reflection 3/5/07 David Gamble
The Meaning of Lent
The Lenten Season is observed for 40 days, beginning on Ash Wednesday and extending to midnight on the day before Easter, omitting Sundays. The first Sunday of Lent is called Passion Sunday and the Last Sunday is Palm Sunday. The week preceding Easter is called Holy Week.
The original meaning of Lent is “Holy Spring”. It is a time of preparation. It is a time to prepare themselves for Easter by asking God to forgive them their failures and by repenting your sins. It a time of year that the Early Church instructed new converts in theology and church doctrine to prepare them for Baptism that would take place on Easter. Consequently it was both a time of learning about the Christian faith as well as a time of self-examination and soul-searching that included repentance, self-denial, prayer, and fasting.
The Lenten season is a time for new beginnings and a time of spiritual renewal. It is a time to forsake evil in our lives and turn back to God. It is also a time to reflect on Christ’s journey to the cross ending at the Resurrection.
Lent is more than Carnaval or Fiesta it is a reaffirmation of your faith in God.
Personal comment by David Gamble: Lent is a time in my opinion for making sacrifices in accordance with Christian principles. For example, not buying a new TV, or more of some material possession that you already have, or engaging in some personal bad habit (e.g. worrying to much, or being to competitive with your fellowman) that you engage in. Some of the key principles of Christianity are living simply so that others may live, and being grateful for what you have. For an upper middle class white person such as myself, it is good to make sacrifices (especially if they can directly be related to helping someone else) because I have more than I need. People in that situation are supposed to give to those that are in need.
To a certain degree, it is a process of denial that makes one stronger and feel better.
The Lenten Season is observed for 40 days, beginning on Ash Wednesday and extending to midnight on the day before Easter, omitting Sundays. The first Sunday of Lent is called Passion Sunday and the Last Sunday is Palm Sunday. The week preceding Easter is called Holy Week.
The original meaning of Lent is “Holy Spring”. It is a time of preparation. It is a time to prepare themselves for Easter by asking God to forgive them their failures and by repenting your sins. It a time of year that the Early Church instructed new converts in theology and church doctrine to prepare them for Baptism that would take place on Easter. Consequently it was both a time of learning about the Christian faith as well as a time of self-examination and soul-searching that included repentance, self-denial, prayer, and fasting.
The Lenten season is a time for new beginnings and a time of spiritual renewal. It is a time to forsake evil in our lives and turn back to God. It is also a time to reflect on Christ’s journey to the cross ending at the Resurrection.
Lent is more than Carnaval or Fiesta it is a reaffirmation of your faith in God.
Personal comment by David Gamble: Lent is a time in my opinion for making sacrifices in accordance with Christian principles. For example, not buying a new TV, or more of some material possession that you already have, or engaging in some personal bad habit (e.g. worrying to much, or being to competitive with your fellowman) that you engage in. Some of the key principles of Christianity are living simply so that others may live, and being grateful for what you have. For an upper middle class white person such as myself, it is good to make sacrifices (especially if they can directly be related to helping someone else) because I have more than I need. People in that situation are supposed to give to those that are in need.
To a certain degree, it is a process of denial that makes one stronger and feel better.
3/3/2007
Reading 1Dt 26:16-19Moses spoke to the people, saying:“This day the LORD, your God,commands you to observe these statutes and decrees.Be careful, then,to observe them with all your heart and with all your soul.Today you are making this agreement with the LORD:he is to be your God and you are to walk in his waysand observe his statutes, commandments and decrees,and to hearken to his voice.And today the LORD is making this agreement with you:you are to be a people peculiarly his own, as he promised you;and provided you keep all his commandments,he will then raise you high in praise and renown and gloryabove all other nations he has made,and you will be a people sacred to the LORD, your God,as he promised.”
Responsorial PsalmPs 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8R.
(1b) Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
Blessed are they whose way is blameless,who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who observe his decrees,who seek him with all their heart.
R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
You have commanded that your preceptsbe diligently kept.Oh, that I might be firm in the waysof keeping your statutes!
R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
I will give you thanks with an upright heart,when I have learned your just ordinances.I will keep your statutes;do not utterly forsake me.
R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
GospelMt 5:43-48Jesus said to his disciples:“You have heard that it was said,You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.But I say to you, love your enemies,and pray for those who persecute you,that you may be children of your heavenly Father,for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?Do not the tax collectors do the same?And if you greet your brothers and sisters only,what is unusual about that?Do not the pagans do the same?So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
For many of us Lent is a time to carry out discipline….to give up or do without. It can also be a time to look inward, to examine our being and renew our spirit. In today’s Lenten readings we are reminded of the importance of living our lives according to God’s laws. One such directive is found in the reading from Matthew 5 where we are asked to love our neighbors as well as our enemies.
This reading has caused me to reflect on the meaning of love. The Greeks used several words for it. Agape means active, caring love; it represents divine, unconditional, thoughtful love. Agape is often used in relation to family, love of a spouse or brotherly love. Philia, another word for love, relates to affection, friendship, brotherhood or concern for others. A third word, eros generally refers to affection of a sexual nature. These translations help to explain a broader meaning of the word.
Reflecting on the meaning of love I asked myself several questions related to what God calls me to do. Is Matthew 5 referring to the love of family, friends, or neighbors? Can love be found in the ways I relate to my colleagues on a daily basis? Does it mean I need to be concerned for and protect the environment? Is love found in my support for those less fortunate than I? Is it my concern for those who have been displaced through ethnic cleansing? What does love my neighbor as well as my enemy mean for the fighting in the Middle East or for the war in Iraq?
It is easy for me to love those for whom I care. I have a two-month old grandson and my heart overflows with love when I cradle him in my arms. But God’s creations are everywhere. His children are in our daily lives, on the streets in our nation and around the world. This Lenten season may we each look inward to find new ways to affirm and express our love, both agape and philia, so that we can more fully live according to His laws.
Responsorial PsalmPs 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8R.
(1b) Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
Blessed are they whose way is blameless,who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who observe his decrees,who seek him with all their heart.
R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
You have commanded that your preceptsbe diligently kept.Oh, that I might be firm in the waysof keeping your statutes!
R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
I will give you thanks with an upright heart,when I have learned your just ordinances.I will keep your statutes;do not utterly forsake me.
R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
GospelMt 5:43-48Jesus said to his disciples:“You have heard that it was said,You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.But I say to you, love your enemies,and pray for those who persecute you,that you may be children of your heavenly Father,for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?Do not the tax collectors do the same?And if you greet your brothers and sisters only,what is unusual about that?Do not the pagans do the same?So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
For many of us Lent is a time to carry out discipline….to give up or do without. It can also be a time to look inward, to examine our being and renew our spirit. In today’s Lenten readings we are reminded of the importance of living our lives according to God’s laws. One such directive is found in the reading from Matthew 5 where we are asked to love our neighbors as well as our enemies.
This reading has caused me to reflect on the meaning of love. The Greeks used several words for it. Agape means active, caring love; it represents divine, unconditional, thoughtful love. Agape is often used in relation to family, love of a spouse or brotherly love. Philia, another word for love, relates to affection, friendship, brotherhood or concern for others. A third word, eros generally refers to affection of a sexual nature. These translations help to explain a broader meaning of the word.
Reflecting on the meaning of love I asked myself several questions related to what God calls me to do. Is Matthew 5 referring to the love of family, friends, or neighbors? Can love be found in the ways I relate to my colleagues on a daily basis? Does it mean I need to be concerned for and protect the environment? Is love found in my support for those less fortunate than I? Is it my concern for those who have been displaced through ethnic cleansing? What does love my neighbor as well as my enemy mean for the fighting in the Middle East or for the war in Iraq?
It is easy for me to love those for whom I care. I have a two-month old grandson and my heart overflows with love when I cradle him in my arms. But God’s creations are everywhere. His children are in our daily lives, on the streets in our nation and around the world. This Lenten season may we each look inward to find new ways to affirm and express our love, both agape and philia, so that we can more fully live according to His laws.
Friday, March 2, 2007
March 2, 2007
The central theme uniting the readings for March 2nd is the paradox between humility and exaltation. In a world where we exalt celebrities like Paris Hilton and Brittany Spears, humility plays no part. Yet today's readings clearly reflect the idea the rules of God's world are not the rules of modern day.
Luke 14:1, 7-14 is a lesson from Jesus regarding humility, taught in parable form. Unlike most other parables found in the Bible, however, this one teaches by directive: "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, . . . go and sit down in the lowest place. . . . [W]hen you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind." (emphasis added) It is only by choosing the positions of humility that one achieves exaltation in God's eyes: "For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. . . . And you will be blessed, because [the poor, crippled, lame, and blind] cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."
The paradox between humility and exaltation extends to the source of both. While Luke 14 emphasizes our ability to choose the humble life, Psalms 84 and 23 emphasize that God alone has the power to exalt: "For the LORD God is both sun and shield;/he will give grace and glory" (Psalm 18:10) Psalm 23, perhaps the most beloved of all the psalms, affirms God's ability to protect and exalt: "You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me;/you have anointed my head with oil,/and my cup is running over" (Psalm 23:5)
If we are to follow Christ's teaching in Luke, we must sit in the lowest place and invite those less fortunate into our lives. Applied to the modern world, we should seek out positions of humility. Today's teachings urge us to volunteer at soup kitchens, to read and write for the elderly, to give often and much to the poor. Only by being truly humble can we be forever exalted.
-- submitted by Bob DeSilets, Jr.
Luke 14:1, 7-14 is a lesson from Jesus regarding humility, taught in parable form. Unlike most other parables found in the Bible, however, this one teaches by directive: "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, . . . go and sit down in the lowest place. . . . [W]hen you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind." (emphasis added) It is only by choosing the positions of humility that one achieves exaltation in God's eyes: "For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. . . . And you will be blessed, because [the poor, crippled, lame, and blind] cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."
The paradox between humility and exaltation extends to the source of both. While Luke 14 emphasizes our ability to choose the humble life, Psalms 84 and 23 emphasize that God alone has the power to exalt: "For the LORD God is both sun and shield;/he will give grace and glory" (Psalm 18:10) Psalm 23, perhaps the most beloved of all the psalms, affirms God's ability to protect and exalt: "You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me;/you have anointed my head with oil,/and my cup is running over" (Psalm 23:5)
If we are to follow Christ's teaching in Luke, we must sit in the lowest place and invite those less fortunate into our lives. Applied to the modern world, we should seek out positions of humility. Today's teachings urge us to volunteer at soup kitchens, to read and write for the elderly, to give often and much to the poor. Only by being truly humble can we be forever exalted.
-- submitted by Bob DeSilets, Jr.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
2/28/07
Hebrews 3:12-19
12Take care, brothers and sisters,* that none of you may have an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today’, so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
14For we have become partners of Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end. 15As it is said, ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.’
16Now who were they who heard and yet were rebellious? Was it not all those who left Egypt under the leadership of Moses? 17But with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, if not to those who were disobedient? 19So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.
***********************************************
We are raising a teenager. There should be no question in the mind of the reader as to why I picked this passage. Rebellious, deceitfulness, sin and disobedience are all very strong and harsh words that are contained within the framework of this passage. Either through our own actions as teens or those of our own teenager, all of these words could apply at one time or another during the course of our lives.
It is so easy to focus on the negative; “there are consequences for your actions,” and the like. The words from the passage say, “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” As a parent, I am trying to find the goodness in each day and each action. I try (and am so far succeeding) in keeping the lines of communication open. We are all guilty of sin and our children are no exception. I sometimes struggle with the expectations that my husband and I have for our children. What I do believe in is my faith. I have faith that God will guide us as we guide our children. Sometimes I hear things from my fourteen year old in the context of conversation that I don’t really want to hear. What I have learned is that, I need to listen to all of the stuff that I don’t want to hear—in order to hear the things that I NEED to hear.
I truly believe that praise is the power that keeps one grounded and self aware. Find your children doing what you WANT them to do and praise them for it. Catch them doing something right. Wouldn’t it be great as adults, to have someone do the same for us? Even as adults, we can attempt to find the good in those around us and just mention it. A few words of praise go a very long way.
12Take care, brothers and sisters,* that none of you may have an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today’, so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
14For we have become partners of Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end. 15As it is said, ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.’
16Now who were they who heard and yet were rebellious? Was it not all those who left Egypt under the leadership of Moses? 17But with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, if not to those who were disobedient? 19So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.
***********************************************
We are raising a teenager. There should be no question in the mind of the reader as to why I picked this passage. Rebellious, deceitfulness, sin and disobedience are all very strong and harsh words that are contained within the framework of this passage. Either through our own actions as teens or those of our own teenager, all of these words could apply at one time or another during the course of our lives.
It is so easy to focus on the negative; “there are consequences for your actions,” and the like. The words from the passage say, “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” As a parent, I am trying to find the goodness in each day and each action. I try (and am so far succeeding) in keeping the lines of communication open. We are all guilty of sin and our children are no exception. I sometimes struggle with the expectations that my husband and I have for our children. What I do believe in is my faith. I have faith that God will guide us as we guide our children. Sometimes I hear things from my fourteen year old in the context of conversation that I don’t really want to hear. What I have learned is that, I need to listen to all of the stuff that I don’t want to hear—in order to hear the things that I NEED to hear.
I truly believe that praise is the power that keeps one grounded and self aware. Find your children doing what you WANT them to do and praise them for it. Catch them doing something right. Wouldn’t it be great as adults, to have someone do the same for us? Even as adults, we can attempt to find the good in those around us and just mention it. A few words of praise go a very long way.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
2/26/2007
John 2:1-12
1On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." 4And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." 5His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." 6Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. 8He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. 9When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom 10and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." 11Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
12After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there for a few days.
Consider in this story the simple joy of a family wedding and the wonder of a miracle. Imagine this wedding: the guests enjoying the food and wine, oblivious to the heat and the dust they kick up as they dance in celebration of this new marriage. Picture the concern of the host that the wine will run out; Mary, Mother of Jesus is concerned, too. She is that wonderful woman at the party who swoops in just when you need help the most. She makes a statement to her son; he interprets the question she is asking. I sense an irritation in his response. Perhaps he would prefer to be elsewhere. Perhaps he is bored with the drunk wedding guests. But Mary will not accept his irritable refusal. She makes a statement to the servants with obvious disregard for Jesus’ lack of interest in the wine problem. As she expects, Jesus does as his Mother has asked and only the servants know the truth.
Contemplating on this writing helps me consider deeds I do for others, even when I may not feel willing. Even when I think that what they ask is unnecessary, inappropriate or even stupid. To be available when one needs me, to say yes when one asks – that is the gift I intend to give today.
- LOS
1On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." 4And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." 5His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." 6Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. 8He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. 9When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom 10and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." 11Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
12After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there for a few days.
Consider in this story the simple joy of a family wedding and the wonder of a miracle. Imagine this wedding: the guests enjoying the food and wine, oblivious to the heat and the dust they kick up as they dance in celebration of this new marriage. Picture the concern of the host that the wine will run out; Mary, Mother of Jesus is concerned, too. She is that wonderful woman at the party who swoops in just when you need help the most. She makes a statement to her son; he interprets the question she is asking. I sense an irritation in his response. Perhaps he would prefer to be elsewhere. Perhaps he is bored with the drunk wedding guests. But Mary will not accept his irritable refusal. She makes a statement to the servants with obvious disregard for Jesus’ lack of interest in the wine problem. As she expects, Jesus does as his Mother has asked and only the servants know the truth.
Contemplating on this writing helps me consider deeds I do for others, even when I may not feel willing. Even when I think that what they ask is unnecessary, inappropriate or even stupid. To be available when one needs me, to say yes when one asks – that is the gift I intend to give today.
- LOS
Saturday, February 24, 2007
2/24/2007
Titus 3:1-15
3 -->Maintain Good Deeds -->
3Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone. 3For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. 4But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Saviour appeared, 5he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water* of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8The saying is sure.
I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone. 9But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10After a first and second admonition, have nothing more to do with anyone who causes divisions, 11since you know that such a person is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned. 12 -->Final Messages and Benediction -->
12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13Make every effort to send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, and see that they lack nothing. 14And let people learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive.
15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with all of you.*
I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works... How often do we insist on any action of ourselves or others? If we insist we are sure! Are you sure--really certain? Today for my reflection I am passing on a request to you all in which I have full confidence. The US Postal system has issued stamps to raise funds for breast cancer research. The typical book runs $7.40, but the benefit book runs $8.00--a 60 cent premium which will fund needed research to find a cure. If the whole run of stamps sells out $35 million will be raised. So resolve to get a book of breast cancer stamps today. Your investment may be small but the message will be clear in the money raised and all who see and receive these stamps. It is a good work worth doing! I insist on it!
bds
3 -->Maintain Good Deeds -->
3Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone. 3For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. 4But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Saviour appeared, 5he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water* of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8The saying is sure.
I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone. 9But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10After a first and second admonition, have nothing more to do with anyone who causes divisions, 11since you know that such a person is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned. 12 -->Final Messages and Benediction -->
12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13Make every effort to send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, and see that they lack nothing. 14And let people learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive.
15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with all of you.*
I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works... How often do we insist on any action of ourselves or others? If we insist we are sure! Are you sure--really certain? Today for my reflection I am passing on a request to you all in which I have full confidence. The US Postal system has issued stamps to raise funds for breast cancer research. The typical book runs $7.40, but the benefit book runs $8.00--a 60 cent premium which will fund needed research to find a cure. If the whole run of stamps sells out $35 million will be raised. So resolve to get a book of breast cancer stamps today. Your investment may be small but the message will be clear in the money raised and all who see and receive these stamps. It is a good work worth doing! I insist on it!
bds
2/23/2007
Hello everyone and I'm sorry to be late. Friday I volunteered at the Middle School in the morning, worked for school for two hours in the afternoon before helping out my daughter's teammate with a ride to the swim meet, helping as a timer at the swim meet, then taking my other daughter to a school dance.
And if I sound like I'm complaining I'm not -- it was just my life on Friday. In fact, it give me a good start for my reflection for Lent. See, I learned years ago, when I was a single mom, to be grateful for my aggravations. Especially during this time of year, I'm trying to remember daily how blessed I am to have these aggravations.
Anyone remember the shipwreck off the coast of New York more than ten years ago that killed and injured dozens of Asian people trying to sneak into the U.S.? Those who survived were imprisoned. I was working the newsdesk the day that happened -- yet another weekend of overtime I was working for the summer, trying to make ends meet to pay the mortgage. I felt very put upon. It dawned on my that day that there were women my age on that ship; women who were willing to risk their lives for the PRIVILEGE of my mortgage. They paid to be crammed onto an unsafe ship for the mere chance of being able to work overtime on weekends and pay the bills. I clearly remember thanking God for my "problems" that day.
A second epiphany for me happened on the way to work one morning when Emily and Rosie were very tiny. It was a typical early morning with toddlers; the kind where you have to gently wrestle them to the ground to put on socks; feed them; make special day-care lunches with no-choke sized food; label their diapers, etc. Rosie had grape juice that morning and threw it up in the back of the car. So as I'm driving to work, I started cursing my life again; my circumstances; my problems.
As I drove from the day care center to my office, still muttering profanity about my situation, I saw something that shut me up forever: another mother from the day care center, transporting her toddler to school for the day. But this mom is confined to a wheelchair; has no use of her legs and little use of her arms. Her little girl sat on her mother's lap in this motorized wheelchair, zipping down the sidewalk, holding her lunchbox.
I promised God that morning I would shut up already.
Now, I must confess, I fall into the trap of getting hyper-aggravated and feeling sorry for myself when days like yesterday befall me. Life is aggravating. People are slow at the grocery store. People drive like idiots. Teenagers forget to tell you when the dance ends.
I'm trying, though, during this Lenten season, to continue to give thanks for my problems. God hasn't given me any problems without giving me the means to solve them. My aggravations are blessings, and I'm trying very hard to remember to give thanks for them.
Blessings to Everyone,
Mary
Back to Top
And if I sound like I'm complaining I'm not -- it was just my life on Friday. In fact, it give me a good start for my reflection for Lent. See, I learned years ago, when I was a single mom, to be grateful for my aggravations. Especially during this time of year, I'm trying to remember daily how blessed I am to have these aggravations.
Anyone remember the shipwreck off the coast of New York more than ten years ago that killed and injured dozens of Asian people trying to sneak into the U.S.? Those who survived were imprisoned. I was working the newsdesk the day that happened -- yet another weekend of overtime I was working for the summer, trying to make ends meet to pay the mortgage. I felt very put upon. It dawned on my that day that there were women my age on that ship; women who were willing to risk their lives for the PRIVILEGE of my mortgage. They paid to be crammed onto an unsafe ship for the mere chance of being able to work overtime on weekends and pay the bills. I clearly remember thanking God for my "problems" that day.
A second epiphany for me happened on the way to work one morning when Emily and Rosie were very tiny. It was a typical early morning with toddlers; the kind where you have to gently wrestle them to the ground to put on socks; feed them; make special day-care lunches with no-choke sized food; label their diapers, etc. Rosie had grape juice that morning and threw it up in the back of the car. So as I'm driving to work, I started cursing my life again; my circumstances; my problems.
As I drove from the day care center to my office, still muttering profanity about my situation, I saw something that shut me up forever: another mother from the day care center, transporting her toddler to school for the day. But this mom is confined to a wheelchair; has no use of her legs and little use of her arms. Her little girl sat on her mother's lap in this motorized wheelchair, zipping down the sidewalk, holding her lunchbox.
I promised God that morning I would shut up already.
Now, I must confess, I fall into the trap of getting hyper-aggravated and feeling sorry for myself when days like yesterday befall me. Life is aggravating. People are slow at the grocery store. People drive like idiots. Teenagers forget to tell you when the dance ends.
I'm trying, though, during this Lenten season, to continue to give thanks for my problems. God hasn't given me any problems without giving me the means to solve them. My aggravations are blessings, and I'm trying very hard to remember to give thanks for them.
Blessings to Everyone,
Mary
Back to Top
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
2/22/2007
Titus 1:1-16
56 -->Titus -->THE LETTER OF PAUL TO -->Titus -->1 -->Salutation -->
1Paul, a servant* of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that is in accordance with godliness, 2in the hope of eternal life that God, who never lies, promised before the ages began— 3in due time he revealed his word through the proclamation with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Saviour,
4 To Titus, my loyal child in the faith we share:
Grace* and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour.
5 -->Titus in Crete -->
5 I left you behind in Crete for this reason, that you should put in order what remained to be done, and should appoint elders in every town, as I directed you: 6someone who is blameless, married only once,* whose children are believers, not accused of debauchery and not rebellious. 7For a bishop,* as God’s steward, must be blameless; he must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or addicted to wine or violent or greedy for gain; 8but he must be hospitable, a lover of goodness, prudent, upright, devout, and self-controlled. 9He must have a firm grasp of the word that is trustworthy in accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able both to preach with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.
10 There are also many rebellious people, idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision; 11they must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for sordid gain what it is not right to teach. 12It was one of them, their very own prophet, who said,‘Cretans are always liars, vicious brutes, lazy gluttons.’ 13That testimony is true. For this reason rebuke them sharply, so that they may become sound in the faith, 14not paying attention to Jewish myths or to commandments of those who reject the truth. 15To the pure all things are pure, but to the corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure. Their very minds and consciences are corrupted. 16They profess to know God, but they deny him by their actions. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
Grace and peace to you from God... greeting and blessing; a wonderful embrace to offer. Then Paul goes on to all the sordid spiritual house keeping of the Cretan community. And we are left behind to put this imperfect world in order. Yet no one is perfect. We all have flaws. Our struggle is to get perspective on this physical world with a spiritual frame of reference. When we are honest with ourselves we recognize our own bias and can adapt. If we take a few seconds to breathe, to think-- before speaking or acting-- we can be more positive, more welcoming. We too will enjoy this peace and be instruments of grace.
So today at least once I resolve to stop, breathe deeply, and change course. I will extend a smile or hand ...grace and peace to you...
bds
56 -->Titus -->THE LETTER OF PAUL TO -->Titus -->1 -->Salutation -->
1Paul, a servant* of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that is in accordance with godliness, 2in the hope of eternal life that God, who never lies, promised before the ages began— 3in due time he revealed his word through the proclamation with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Saviour,
4 To Titus, my loyal child in the faith we share:
Grace* and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour.
5 -->Titus in Crete -->
5 I left you behind in Crete for this reason, that you should put in order what remained to be done, and should appoint elders in every town, as I directed you: 6someone who is blameless, married only once,* whose children are believers, not accused of debauchery and not rebellious. 7For a bishop,* as God’s steward, must be blameless; he must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or addicted to wine or violent or greedy for gain; 8but he must be hospitable, a lover of goodness, prudent, upright, devout, and self-controlled. 9He must have a firm grasp of the word that is trustworthy in accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able both to preach with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.
10 There are also many rebellious people, idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision; 11they must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for sordid gain what it is not right to teach. 12It was one of them, their very own prophet, who said,‘Cretans are always liars, vicious brutes, lazy gluttons.’ 13That testimony is true. For this reason rebuke them sharply, so that they may become sound in the faith, 14not paying attention to Jewish myths or to commandments of those who reject the truth. 15To the pure all things are pure, but to the corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure. Their very minds and consciences are corrupted. 16They profess to know God, but they deny him by their actions. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
Grace and peace to you from God... greeting and blessing; a wonderful embrace to offer. Then Paul goes on to all the sordid spiritual house keeping of the Cretan community. And we are left behind to put this imperfect world in order. Yet no one is perfect. We all have flaws. Our struggle is to get perspective on this physical world with a spiritual frame of reference. When we are honest with ourselves we recognize our own bias and can adapt. If we take a few seconds to breathe, to think-- before speaking or acting-- we can be more positive, more welcoming. We too will enjoy this peace and be instruments of grace.
So today at least once I resolve to stop, breathe deeply, and change course. I will extend a smile or hand ...grace and peace to you...
bds
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
02/21/2007
21 February 2007
Ash Wednesday
2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says,
"At an acceptable time I have listened to you,and on a day of salvation I have helped you."
See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see-- we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
For now is the acceptable time; Lent has begun. We are being called to a holy life now, today, right here, right now! Lent is a time away from the world and all the hubbub and noise that overfills our days. In this season we strip away the accumulated debris of the year, of all the years. We have the gifts of endurance, knowledge, and kindness--how can I use them today for the benefit of someone else? We benefit from genuine love and are alive with God's spirit--let me trust in the power of God to succeed! Commit today to 40 days of trying to pray with renewed vigor. Take up some new discipline or "give up" some old stumbling block in order to grasp the real life of the Spirit. Look inward now to faith and live with outward confidence and purpose. My earthly life is a precious gift lent to me to share wisely; now is the appointed time! bds
Ash Wednesday
2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says,
"At an acceptable time I have listened to you,and on a day of salvation I have helped you."
See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see-- we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
For now is the acceptable time; Lent has begun. We are being called to a holy life now, today, right here, right now! Lent is a time away from the world and all the hubbub and noise that overfills our days. In this season we strip away the accumulated debris of the year, of all the years. We have the gifts of endurance, knowledge, and kindness--how can I use them today for the benefit of someone else? We benefit from genuine love and are alive with God's spirit--let me trust in the power of God to succeed! Commit today to 40 days of trying to pray with renewed vigor. Take up some new discipline or "give up" some old stumbling block in order to grasp the real life of the Spirit. Look inward now to faith and live with outward confidence and purpose. My earthly life is a precious gift lent to me to share wisely; now is the appointed time! bds
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)