My sisters and brothers, do we have strong enough Christian credentials?
In our reading from Isaiah, God reminds the evil doers that they cannot hide from Divine justice. He sees & knows all. This is dramatized by God speaking through the prophet in a direct address to the people. Can anyone measure God’s domain in human terms? So how can you think you can tell God what to do? Surely he decides what is just; surely he is the source of all “knowledge” and “understanding.”
In our Corinthians reading, Paul further illustrates his view that we should accommodate others for the sake of the Gospel of Christ. He also defends himself against challenges to his apostleship. He has written that, whatever others may think, he is an apostle for he has seen the risen Christ and he has brought many to him, especially at Corinth. However, rather than risk that asserting his “rights” as an apostle might become an “obstacle” to faith for new converts, he will not insist on his rights. Nothing must get in the way of telling, the good news. He has brought people to Christ by becoming as one religiously with them: he has behaved in a way not to give offense to prospects for conversion, to establish communications with them, respecting their customs. He has voluntarily restricted the freedom he has in Christ, making himself “a slave to all.”
In the reading from Mark’s gospel we see Jesus furthering his mission by healing Peter’s mother-in-law and “many others.” That she serves them as a show of hospitality, illustrates that she is completely and immediately cured. Many gather around the doorway of the house to see his miracles. The evil forces recognize his power over them but he intends to show himself as God’s agent later, so he does not “permit the demons to speak” Finally He withdraws to be alone to commune with God. This is another theme that will repeat itself in Mark’s telling of Jesus’ story.
In essence, Mark is going about establishing Jesus’ credentials as prophet and healer. We have various ways of establishing our authenticity. We have picture ID, usually a driver’s license, sometimes a corporate ID badge or military ID. We also have various kinds of professional credentials: State licenses to practice law or medicine; a reputation gained through getting our work published, etc. We even sight long lists of accomplishments.
In Jesus’ day one might be known as a Rabi in the school of X, or of Y. Later Christian teachers credentialed their work by attributing them to a master teacher or apostle of the faith: Paul, Peter, John, etc. Part of Jesus reputation as a uniquely powerful teacher and healer came from the ease he had at doing miraculous things. Often he did not more than give a command or touch someone. Rather, than using elaborate rituals or noxious smelling concoctions.
Nevertheless, what are our credentials as Christians? The time we spend in prayer, public worship, doing good and caring things for others? Are you satisfied with your Christian Resume? A friend of mine once posed the question to a group of us sitting in a pub talking erudite theology. If Christianity were outlawed tomorrow, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Homily for 4 Epiphany B: January 29, 2012
Today’s Deuteronomy reading describes how God will replace Moses as spiritual leader of the people. Leading up to this, Moses has told them that they are not to indulge in magic as the Canaanites do; God demands complete loyalty and will not permit occult practices. Now God, through Moses, promises: to help them remain loyal by raising up a prophet (like Moses) from among the people.
In our reading from 1st Corinthians Paul is dealing with a major controversy about whether it is OK to eat meat that was offered to a pagan god. Paul's view is that since no other god exists but Jesus and his Father, how can one be upset by foods offered to idols. But, one is not to let this knowledge make them arrogant, that would be sinful. They are not to let this insight become a scandal for people of weaker hearts. You gain noting by eating such food and loose noting by abstaining from it. Paul's point is that members of a Christian community need to extend support to each other; not cause one another to fall.
Today's gospel story has many layers to it. Capernaum was a prosperous town on the Sea of Galilee. The Synagogue was the place people met to worship and study the Jewish faith. Anyone with sufficient knowledge could teach so an invitation opened to a new comer (in this case Jesus) was not uncommon. Most Rabi would quote scripture and even other teachers as a support for their teaching. Jesus impressed the people with his independent teachings. Jesus speaks directly, confident of his own "authority."
The "man with an unclean spirit" brings in one of Mark's themes, which will be repeated throughout his gospel: the secret or hidden Messiah. The devil, speaking through the man he has possessed, recognizes Jesus true identity and challenges his meddling in the domain of evil. He recognizes that Jesus' coming spells the end of the devil's power. Jesus silences him before he can reveal the secret. Wonder workers of the day healed using ritual or magic spells, but Jesus exorcises simply through verbal command.
Do we recognize his power for healing in our lives? Or is that something that only happed back in the bible days. Could God intervene in the natural order today and work mysterious things on our behalf? Dare we reach out for such miracles and still trust that God will do right by us even if our prayers are not answered the way we expected or wanted.....
Personally I believe that the power of modern medicine which removed the prostate cancer from me was one of God miraculous healing gifts to humanity. Perhaps the mysterious hand of God has been behind an amazing moment of healing in your life as well.....
In our reading from 1st Corinthians Paul is dealing with a major controversy about whether it is OK to eat meat that was offered to a pagan god. Paul's view is that since no other god exists but Jesus and his Father, how can one be upset by foods offered to idols. But, one is not to let this knowledge make them arrogant, that would be sinful. They are not to let this insight become a scandal for people of weaker hearts. You gain noting by eating such food and loose noting by abstaining from it. Paul's point is that members of a Christian community need to extend support to each other; not cause one another to fall.
Today's gospel story has many layers to it. Capernaum was a prosperous town on the Sea of Galilee. The Synagogue was the place people met to worship and study the Jewish faith. Anyone with sufficient knowledge could teach so an invitation opened to a new comer (in this case Jesus) was not uncommon. Most Rabi would quote scripture and even other teachers as a support for their teaching. Jesus impressed the people with his independent teachings. Jesus speaks directly, confident of his own "authority."
The "man with an unclean spirit" brings in one of Mark's themes, which will be repeated throughout his gospel: the secret or hidden Messiah. The devil, speaking through the man he has possessed, recognizes Jesus true identity and challenges his meddling in the domain of evil. He recognizes that Jesus' coming spells the end of the devil's power. Jesus silences him before he can reveal the secret. Wonder workers of the day healed using ritual or magic spells, but Jesus exorcises simply through verbal command.
Do we recognize his power for healing in our lives? Or is that something that only happed back in the bible days. Could God intervene in the natural order today and work mysterious things on our behalf? Dare we reach out for such miracles and still trust that God will do right by us even if our prayers are not answered the way we expected or wanted.....
Personally I believe that the power of modern medicine which removed the prostate cancer from me was one of God miraculous healing gifts to humanity. Perhaps the mysterious hand of God has been behind an amazing moment of healing in your life as well.....
Monday, January 23, 2012
Homil for 3 Epiphany: January 22, 2012
We are called to be an example and a calling to others.
In our first reading, God relents against Nineveh because they repent after Jonah's half hearted preaching. The whole story is set in motion because Jonah hated the people of Nineveh. Earlier, in the story, God has called him to "go at once to Nineveh ... and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me" but he has tried to escape by sailing to the ends of the earth. God has punished him by having a large fish swallow him and we all remember how that story worked out. Obviously this is a mythological story, but it is one that teaches an important lesson. It illuminates the waywardness of Israel and God's all encompassing power. Also, it demonstrates God's freedom to favor whomever he chooses, even hated enemies of the past.
In our 1st Corinthians reading we get an explanation that we live in the era between Christ's first and second coming. This is the era in which God calls his church to bring as many as possible to believe in him and to follow his ways. This is an enormous task, and not one to be taken lightly, it requires maximum effort from a few. Paul expected the era to end in his own lifetime, so to him every minute of each day counted in a big way: time spent on other activities was time lost. Today we know that the last day will come in an unpredictable future and that our faithful stewardship includes a respectful calling of others. But not an all out rush!
Today's gospel story the Marks version of Jesus calling the first disciples. Just prior to this seen, Mark has just told us about Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. Now he returns to Galilee. His message begins with Athe time is fulfilled, that is, the time appointed by God, The kingdom of God has come near. With that He begins assembling his disciples. They immediately leave their previous occupations, and follow Jesus. The simplicity of these calling stories and the immediacy of the disciples' response are typical of this gospel. It demonstrates that the story telling is not meant to be historically accurate. Rather is an expression of faith in the power of Christ. These disciples owned nets and had employees, so they were people of means and rank; making their departure all the more dramatic. They gave up security and family to devote themselves to Christ's mission. This is a mark of conviction and dedication in any culture.
In theological terms we speak of the God's kingdom as being established but not fully or completely established. As Paul mentions to the Corinthians, Christ has come and will come again. In Paul's day Jesus' return was expected to be soon, with in their life-times. We know that it was not the case; the second coming has yet to happen. The kingdom is established, it is here, but it is not complete and that completion may yet be millennia away. In this era, we Christians are called on to be coworkers with Christ in building and completing the kingdom of God.
Spiritually this means that we must be open to the possibility that God will actually choose to work through us for the spiritual enrichment and salvation of another. Is that a spooky thought? But is it also a truth that expresses how much God values each and every one of us. Calling others to Christ (or preaching Christ) is much less about persuasive argument or catchy phrases than we think. St. Francis of Assisi is quoted by his followers as saying, "preach the gospel every day, and if you have to, you can use words." It’s really about whom we are and how we treat others.
There are several simple ways we can get out the word on what a great Christian life we share at St. Stephen's:
• We can each carry some cards to give away if and when the moment is appropriate.
• We can also use signage around our parish, we actually see a large of amount of traffic, many people know of the Golf Links - Foothills short cut.
• We can all make an ongoing effort to continue the warm and welcoming nature we have when new people come here in their search for a church.
• My sisters and brothers, in these kinds of simple ways, we answer the call of Christ.
In our first reading, God relents against Nineveh because they repent after Jonah's half hearted preaching. The whole story is set in motion because Jonah hated the people of Nineveh. Earlier, in the story, God has called him to "go at once to Nineveh ... and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me" but he has tried to escape by sailing to the ends of the earth. God has punished him by having a large fish swallow him and we all remember how that story worked out. Obviously this is a mythological story, but it is one that teaches an important lesson. It illuminates the waywardness of Israel and God's all encompassing power. Also, it demonstrates God's freedom to favor whomever he chooses, even hated enemies of the past.
In our 1st Corinthians reading we get an explanation that we live in the era between Christ's first and second coming. This is the era in which God calls his church to bring as many as possible to believe in him and to follow his ways. This is an enormous task, and not one to be taken lightly, it requires maximum effort from a few. Paul expected the era to end in his own lifetime, so to him every minute of each day counted in a big way: time spent on other activities was time lost. Today we know that the last day will come in an unpredictable future and that our faithful stewardship includes a respectful calling of others. But not an all out rush!
Today's gospel story the Marks version of Jesus calling the first disciples. Just prior to this seen, Mark has just told us about Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. Now he returns to Galilee. His message begins with Athe time is fulfilled, that is, the time appointed by God, The kingdom of God has come near. With that He begins assembling his disciples. They immediately leave their previous occupations, and follow Jesus. The simplicity of these calling stories and the immediacy of the disciples' response are typical of this gospel. It demonstrates that the story telling is not meant to be historically accurate. Rather is an expression of faith in the power of Christ. These disciples owned nets and had employees, so they were people of means and rank; making their departure all the more dramatic. They gave up security and family to devote themselves to Christ's mission. This is a mark of conviction and dedication in any culture.
In theological terms we speak of the God's kingdom as being established but not fully or completely established. As Paul mentions to the Corinthians, Christ has come and will come again. In Paul's day Jesus' return was expected to be soon, with in their life-times. We know that it was not the case; the second coming has yet to happen. The kingdom is established, it is here, but it is not complete and that completion may yet be millennia away. In this era, we Christians are called on to be coworkers with Christ in building and completing the kingdom of God.
Spiritually this means that we must be open to the possibility that God will actually choose to work through us for the spiritual enrichment and salvation of another. Is that a spooky thought? But is it also a truth that expresses how much God values each and every one of us. Calling others to Christ (or preaching Christ) is much less about persuasive argument or catchy phrases than we think. St. Francis of Assisi is quoted by his followers as saying, "preach the gospel every day, and if you have to, you can use words." It’s really about whom we are and how we treat others.
There are several simple ways we can get out the word on what a great Christian life we share at St. Stephen's:
• We can each carry some cards to give away if and when the moment is appropriate.
• We can also use signage around our parish, we actually see a large of amount of traffic, many people know of the Golf Links - Foothills short cut.
• We can all make an ongoing effort to continue the warm and welcoming nature we have when new people come here in their search for a church.
• My sisters and brothers, in these kinds of simple ways, we answer the call of Christ.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Homily for the Epiphany of our Lord (Transfered to Sunday Jan. 8, 2012)
My sisters and brothers, let us put Christ in the first place in our lives and keep all else in balance under his grace.
Our first reading today we see Isaiah=s prophecy of the Epiphany story. As familiar as it is, there are a few details that are worth noting. Darius, King of Persia, has permitted the people of Israel to return to Jerusalem. Isaiah is basically telling the people to enjoy this event as a blessing from God. God is with them; their life in the city will reflect the presence and power (Glory) of God.
Most importantly for us today is the promise that many nations will seek the wisdom of God and come to pay homage to God in Jerusalem. We see this in the symbolic language “thus the wealth of Arabia will come to the city.”
One of the key elements of Matthew=s gospel is the demonstration that Jesus fulfills prophecies and is, undoubtedly, The One. In the Gospel story we just heard, Matthew illustrates his point about Jesus by relating how stories of his birth fulfill the prophecies of the anticipated Messiah.
You may know that we are not all that sure about just when Jesus was born; we do not know the actual day and can only make an educated guess as to the year. Our modern calendar was originally based on the birth year of Christ and time was counted forward from then. But, it’s off by several years.
When Matthew states, "In the time of King Herod," he sets a time for Jesus= birth in or before the year 4 B. C. E. We know this because The King Herod Matthew refers to (Herod the Great) died in 4 BC. So our calendar is off between 4 and 6 years.
"The Wise men" Matthew speaks of would have been members of a Persian caste of astrologers and interpreters of dreams. Astrology was widely accepted then. A star was commonly associated with each person, the way the star rose told the astrologers that a king had been born. The book of Numbers 24:17 24 prophesies that A "a star shall come out of Jacob, a scepter shall rise out of Israel," and that this ruler will conquer surrounding nations. Once again, Matthew demonstrates that Jesus is the one who truly fulfills prophecy.
As I mentioned, one of the key points of this prophecy and fulfillment is that foreigners came to recognize God=s presence in Israel and travel there seeking God out. The Gentiles are meant to receive the blessings of the messiah just as the Jewish people.
In our second lesson today, Paul is talking about how he dedicated his entire life to this mission. Paul sees the non-Jewish Christians, Gentiles, as equal in every way to the Jewish Christians. Paul calls them coheirs and co-members and co-partners in Christ.
This is a very important piece of our story today. It's not enough that we recognize that Jesus fulfills the prophecies of Isaiah and Numbers; we must also recognize that in him the prophecy about foreigners seeking God and worshiping God is fulfilled. It was this awareness that led the early Christians to share the gospel with non-Jews. Paul ran hard with this idea and gave his life to the mission.
In our day and age we need to take to heart this call and remind ourselves that any prejudice is out of place in a Christian community. We are not of higher status because of our color, language, education, citizenship or ethnic heritage. It's not about Republican or Democrat, it’s not about view points or perspectives, insider knowledge or anything else that makes us different from one another. God has made us all in God's image and holds a place at the table in heaven for each of us. Because the early Jewish Christians were not elitists, and did not hold the gospel to themselves, neither can we. It is our responsibility to lay out the welcome mat for all who seek Christ in an authentic way and wish to share in God=s Word and Sacraments with us. In this way we put Christ first and keep all else in his graced balance. It is in this way that we follow the example of our ancestors in faith.
Our first reading today we see Isaiah=s prophecy of the Epiphany story. As familiar as it is, there are a few details that are worth noting. Darius, King of Persia, has permitted the people of Israel to return to Jerusalem. Isaiah is basically telling the people to enjoy this event as a blessing from God. God is with them; their life in the city will reflect the presence and power (Glory) of God.
Most importantly for us today is the promise that many nations will seek the wisdom of God and come to pay homage to God in Jerusalem. We see this in the symbolic language “thus the wealth of Arabia will come to the city.”
One of the key elements of Matthew=s gospel is the demonstration that Jesus fulfills prophecies and is, undoubtedly, The One. In the Gospel story we just heard, Matthew illustrates his point about Jesus by relating how stories of his birth fulfill the prophecies of the anticipated Messiah.
You may know that we are not all that sure about just when Jesus was born; we do not know the actual day and can only make an educated guess as to the year. Our modern calendar was originally based on the birth year of Christ and time was counted forward from then. But, it’s off by several years.
When Matthew states, "In the time of King Herod," he sets a time for Jesus= birth in or before the year 4 B. C. E. We know this because The King Herod Matthew refers to (Herod the Great) died in 4 BC. So our calendar is off between 4 and 6 years.
"The Wise men" Matthew speaks of would have been members of a Persian caste of astrologers and interpreters of dreams. Astrology was widely accepted then. A star was commonly associated with each person, the way the star rose told the astrologers that a king had been born. The book of Numbers 24:17 24 prophesies that A "a star shall come out of Jacob, a scepter shall rise out of Israel," and that this ruler will conquer surrounding nations. Once again, Matthew demonstrates that Jesus is the one who truly fulfills prophecy.
As I mentioned, one of the key points of this prophecy and fulfillment is that foreigners came to recognize God=s presence in Israel and travel there seeking God out. The Gentiles are meant to receive the blessings of the messiah just as the Jewish people.
In our second lesson today, Paul is talking about how he dedicated his entire life to this mission. Paul sees the non-Jewish Christians, Gentiles, as equal in every way to the Jewish Christians. Paul calls them coheirs and co-members and co-partners in Christ.
This is a very important piece of our story today. It's not enough that we recognize that Jesus fulfills the prophecies of Isaiah and Numbers; we must also recognize that in him the prophecy about foreigners seeking God and worshiping God is fulfilled. It was this awareness that led the early Christians to share the gospel with non-Jews. Paul ran hard with this idea and gave his life to the mission.
In our day and age we need to take to heart this call and remind ourselves that any prejudice is out of place in a Christian community. We are not of higher status because of our color, language, education, citizenship or ethnic heritage. It's not about Republican or Democrat, it’s not about view points or perspectives, insider knowledge or anything else that makes us different from one another. God has made us all in God's image and holds a place at the table in heaven for each of us. Because the early Jewish Christians were not elitists, and did not hold the gospel to themselves, neither can we. It is our responsibility to lay out the welcome mat for all who seek Christ in an authentic way and wish to share in God=s Word and Sacraments with us. In this way we put Christ first and keep all else in his graced balance. It is in this way that we follow the example of our ancestors in faith.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Homily for January 1, 2012
Our Parish's feast day, St. Stephen, fell on the Monday after Christmas. This year we exercised the option of celebrating it on the Sunday following Christmas which was January 1. My homily from that celebration follows:
Today we are celebrating the life and example of our patron saint, Stephen. His name means crown. Rather poetically fitting since he was the first to receive the martyr=s crown, having been killed by a crowed who were opposed to his preaching.
In our first lesson, Jeremiah speaks against the people of Jerusalem and the Temple. The people are sinning against God and and the prophet warns them that God will destroy them if they do not amend their ways.
Jeremiah's story is much like Stephen's. He speaks to the crowds and is rushed by them because they don't like his message. They plan to kill him but Jeremiah does manage to get away.
The story we heard form Acts, is part of a larger passage that recounts the progress of the Jerusalem community which includes a lengthy narrative regarding Stephen.
Stephen's defense is not a response to the charges made against him but takes the form of a discourse that reviews the fortunes of God's word to Israel and leads to a prophetic declaration: a plea for the hearing of that word as announced by Christ and now possessed by the Christian community. The charges that Stephen depreciated the importance of the temple and the Mosaic Law and elevated Jesus to a stature above Moses (Acts 6:13 14) were in fact true. Before the Sanhedrin, no defense against them was possible. Luke's account of Stephen's martyrdom and its aftermath shows how the major impetus behind the Christian movement passed from Jerusalem, where the temple and the law prevailed, to Antioch in Syria, where these influences were less pressing.
In today's Gospel we hear Jesus lamenting over the sins of Jerusalem. He remembers that the inhabitants (over many generations) have killed the prophets and turned their backs on God's messengers. Much as they did Jesus himself and the early Christian evangelists like Stephen.
Stephen was one of the first deacons of the Christian church. They were called and set aside to take charge of the charitable works of the church for its members. Because the Apostles were becoming overwhelmed by the size of the growing community, they asked the members to elect several individuals to help in the ministry of caring for the widows and orphans of the membership. Stephen's service went way beyond this basic commissioning. He was known as a great preacher and as a miracle worker.
If we are to follow this legacy of our patron in our lives of Christian service, we must become people who are engaged in the larger life of our community as well as the life of our parish. It means being of service to each other and to those outside our numbers. Caring for and helping out our neighbors. . .
Whether that means people who are sick or just having a hard time we are to help out with our time, talent and treasure. Most importantly it’s about caring and doing what can be done to help.
Stephen also gave us the example of being involved in the preaching ministry and from that starting point the ministry of deacons has grown to include the work at the Eucharist that we are most used to seeing. Once again, for us this it is a legacy. A legacy of dedication to worshiping God and doing so with great liturgy!
Although every community has room to grow in living its unique calling as a community of Christians, we need to take today to celebrate the great things that are getting done: the many charitable things we do for the people around us and the many ways we care for each other. Also, the growth and we are making in our prayer together, in music, and all the other parts of the service.
Today let us celebrate our patron and allow his example to call us forward into even greater examples of the Christian Life!
Today we are celebrating the life and example of our patron saint, Stephen. His name means crown. Rather poetically fitting since he was the first to receive the martyr=s crown, having been killed by a crowed who were opposed to his preaching.
In our first lesson, Jeremiah speaks against the people of Jerusalem and the Temple. The people are sinning against God and and the prophet warns them that God will destroy them if they do not amend their ways.
Jeremiah's story is much like Stephen's. He speaks to the crowds and is rushed by them because they don't like his message. They plan to kill him but Jeremiah does manage to get away.
The story we heard form Acts, is part of a larger passage that recounts the progress of the Jerusalem community which includes a lengthy narrative regarding Stephen.
Stephen's defense is not a response to the charges made against him but takes the form of a discourse that reviews the fortunes of God's word to Israel and leads to a prophetic declaration: a plea for the hearing of that word as announced by Christ and now possessed by the Christian community. The charges that Stephen depreciated the importance of the temple and the Mosaic Law and elevated Jesus to a stature above Moses (Acts 6:13 14) were in fact true. Before the Sanhedrin, no defense against them was possible. Luke's account of Stephen's martyrdom and its aftermath shows how the major impetus behind the Christian movement passed from Jerusalem, where the temple and the law prevailed, to Antioch in Syria, where these influences were less pressing.
In today's Gospel we hear Jesus lamenting over the sins of Jerusalem. He remembers that the inhabitants (over many generations) have killed the prophets and turned their backs on God's messengers. Much as they did Jesus himself and the early Christian evangelists like Stephen.
Stephen was one of the first deacons of the Christian church. They were called and set aside to take charge of the charitable works of the church for its members. Because the Apostles were becoming overwhelmed by the size of the growing community, they asked the members to elect several individuals to help in the ministry of caring for the widows and orphans of the membership. Stephen's service went way beyond this basic commissioning. He was known as a great preacher and as a miracle worker.
If we are to follow this legacy of our patron in our lives of Christian service, we must become people who are engaged in the larger life of our community as well as the life of our parish. It means being of service to each other and to those outside our numbers. Caring for and helping out our neighbors. . .
Whether that means people who are sick or just having a hard time we are to help out with our time, talent and treasure. Most importantly it’s about caring and doing what can be done to help.
Stephen also gave us the example of being involved in the preaching ministry and from that starting point the ministry of deacons has grown to include the work at the Eucharist that we are most used to seeing. Once again, for us this it is a legacy. A legacy of dedication to worshiping God and doing so with great liturgy!
Although every community has room to grow in living its unique calling as a community of Christians, we need to take today to celebrate the great things that are getting done: the many charitable things we do for the people around us and the many ways we care for each other. Also, the growth and we are making in our prayer together, in music, and all the other parts of the service.
Today let us celebrate our patron and allow his example to call us forward into even greater examples of the Christian Life!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Homily for Christmas, 2011
We celebrate again the birth of the Jesus the Lord of all. But really, spiritually, who is he, why do we keep doing this?
In our reading from Isaiah we heard the prophet announce peace, salvation and God’s kingship. Using the poetic imagery of the “sentinels” on the city wall who are normally occupied in watching for approaching enemies but, now sing for joy because they see God returning to his people. Isaiah announces that this saving act of God will be known by the whole world. It is not just for Israel.
Our reading from Hebrews is the prologue of this anonymous epistle. The letter stresses the importance of salvation through Christ – perhaps to Jewish Christians who were tempted to return to Judaism, or to Jews who were interested in becoming Christian. One point these verses make is that Christ is the perfect priest: he is mediator between God and humanity.
Our gospel today is the prologue or introductory chapter of John. The author’s intent is “that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah [the Christ], the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name” (20:31). John begins from God’s creative act: “In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth ...” (Genesis 1:1), the Word, he who became a human (v. 14a), already existed. He was “with God” (v. 1) and (with the Father and the Holy Spirit); he was God. He was the agent through whom “all things came into being” (v. 3).
For John, understanding Jesus as the Messiah is not enough nor is understanding him as Son of God as King David was called son of God as an honor. Jesus is not a son of God the way Hercules was a son of Zeus’ philandering. Jesus is God, before the creation – the one who came down to us in flesh through Mary.
Many poets and lyricists have raised and tried to answer the question: Who is Jesus? What is He? I most love the poetry of a very old hymn that goes like this:
What child is this, who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come peasant king to own Him,
The King of kings, salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby:
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
Despite all the theologizing done over the millennia, it is an intensely personal question. Obviously he is the savior for us all. And his birth is monunmental for that reason alone. He is also God incarnate, and this is a universal blessing to the human race. But none of these reflections take way the personal level of our Christian experience. We must each step up to the challenge and take the question to the deepest places in our hearts.
How do you think of Jesus and your relationship with him? When you pray, how do you address him? Is he the friend you share your thoughts with or Athe boss@? Is he the miracle worker you reach to for help or the master of Divine wisdom you look to for insight and encouragement? We all call him Lord, and celebrate the birth as Son of God. But taking a moment to ponder how that works itself out in your prayer life is deeply fruitful. Please, sometime during your celebrations, take a brief moment to ask yourself, how you experience him. Then, wish him a happy birthday!
In our reading from Isaiah we heard the prophet announce peace, salvation and God’s kingship. Using the poetic imagery of the “sentinels” on the city wall who are normally occupied in watching for approaching enemies but, now sing for joy because they see God returning to his people. Isaiah announces that this saving act of God will be known by the whole world. It is not just for Israel.
Our reading from Hebrews is the prologue of this anonymous epistle. The letter stresses the importance of salvation through Christ – perhaps to Jewish Christians who were tempted to return to Judaism, or to Jews who were interested in becoming Christian. One point these verses make is that Christ is the perfect priest: he is mediator between God and humanity.
Our gospel today is the prologue or introductory chapter of John. The author’s intent is “that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah [the Christ], the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name” (20:31). John begins from God’s creative act: “In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth ...” (Genesis 1:1), the Word, he who became a human (v. 14a), already existed. He was “with God” (v. 1) and (with the Father and the Holy Spirit); he was God. He was the agent through whom “all things came into being” (v. 3).
For John, understanding Jesus as the Messiah is not enough nor is understanding him as Son of God as King David was called son of God as an honor. Jesus is not a son of God the way Hercules was a son of Zeus’ philandering. Jesus is God, before the creation – the one who came down to us in flesh through Mary.
Many poets and lyricists have raised and tried to answer the question: Who is Jesus? What is He? I most love the poetry of a very old hymn that goes like this:
What child is this, who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come peasant king to own Him,
The King of kings, salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby:
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
Despite all the theologizing done over the millennia, it is an intensely personal question. Obviously he is the savior for us all. And his birth is monunmental for that reason alone. He is also God incarnate, and this is a universal blessing to the human race. But none of these reflections take way the personal level of our Christian experience. We must each step up to the challenge and take the question to the deepest places in our hearts.
How do you think of Jesus and your relationship with him? When you pray, how do you address him? Is he the friend you share your thoughts with or Athe boss@? Is he the miracle worker you reach to for help or the master of Divine wisdom you look to for insight and encouragement? We all call him Lord, and celebrate the birth as Son of God. But taking a moment to ponder how that works itself out in your prayer life is deeply fruitful. Please, sometime during your celebrations, take a brief moment to ask yourself, how you experience him. Then, wish him a happy birthday!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas Eve
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the father’s only son, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).Today is the eve of Christmas, in the dark of tonight we mark “the break through.” We celebrate the breakthrough of God’s Word into human experience. The Word which dwelt with God before all things, the Word which worked all creation as God’s agent, has become flesh and lived among us. And, we know him! He has brought us Divine light, love and truth.
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