Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Christmas poem seems especially timely for us even in our 21st century context. It captures the strange mix of emotions that many of us feel at this time of history.
I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th' unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men."
Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Homily for 3 Advent A, December 12, 2010
John and Jesus, James and the prophets all did their parts for the union of heaven and earth, we must continue doing our part as well.
Our first reading today is part of a hymn of praise to God for Zion’s restoration. The Lord will lead the people in a new exodus out of captivity in Babylon, through the wilderness. This time, the desert will not be a place of trial and suffering but a paradise. The Lord’s coming will bring salvation and wholeness, especially to those who suffer in body or spirit. They will all be restored to Zion and worship there as the culminating act of God’s redemptive work.
Unfortunately, the return from Babylon had many disappointments; subsequently they viewed this passage as a description of the Messiah’s coming.
In our lesson from James, we see a glimpse of the early Christian’s attempts to deal with disappointment and confusion of their own. They expected that Jesus would return to judge the earth during their lifetime. As it became obvious this was not going to happen some began to loose heart and give up on Christ. In our lesson today, James is trying to encourage people to stick it out and keep the faith. Despite how long it takes, or of the hardships we must endure, the promise of God is faithful and worthy of trust.
In the Gospel lesson we just heard, John requests confirmation from Jesus, if he is the one. His response to John’s disciples is to report what they saw for themselves. Jesus is fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of healing the infirmed. Jesus then testifies to John’s authenticity. He is the greatest of prophets, but the coming Kingdom is even greater! Matthew is trying to convey his conviction that Jesus is the authentic Messiah and that the events of his life fulfill the prophecies about the Messiah’s coming. For the reader, the point is simple: do you believe Jesus is the one? Or are you still waiting?
Jesus and John, his herald, each had their part in fulfilling the messianic prophecies. Jesus the Christ did establish the Kingdom of God in a new and vibrant way. James and his generation of Christian’s had their role to play in the growth of that Kingdom. You and I, in our turn, have an important role. As we reflect together during Advent looking at the milestones, we see in today’s readings is valuable.
The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the deaf hear, and the poor have good news brought to them. We of St. Stephen’s have been involved in supporting many healing and emergency aid ministries: Salvation Army, St. Andrew’s Clinic, Forgash House, the Chaplain’s Foot Locker, etc. We are doing our part to keep these visible signs of God’s work vibrant and noticeable. Surly we must continue this good work. We have even embraced the call to further the Kingdom by launching new ministries with Young Adults and the Military. Let us put our efforts into these new ministries and share God’s grace with the people we touch through all our efforts.
Our first reading today is part of a hymn of praise to God for Zion’s restoration. The Lord will lead the people in a new exodus out of captivity in Babylon, through the wilderness. This time, the desert will not be a place of trial and suffering but a paradise. The Lord’s coming will bring salvation and wholeness, especially to those who suffer in body or spirit. They will all be restored to Zion and worship there as the culminating act of God’s redemptive work.
Unfortunately, the return from Babylon had many disappointments; subsequently they viewed this passage as a description of the Messiah’s coming.
In our lesson from James, we see a glimpse of the early Christian’s attempts to deal with disappointment and confusion of their own. They expected that Jesus would return to judge the earth during their lifetime. As it became obvious this was not going to happen some began to loose heart and give up on Christ. In our lesson today, James is trying to encourage people to stick it out and keep the faith. Despite how long it takes, or of the hardships we must endure, the promise of God is faithful and worthy of trust.
In the Gospel lesson we just heard, John requests confirmation from Jesus, if he is the one. His response to John’s disciples is to report what they saw for themselves. Jesus is fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of healing the infirmed. Jesus then testifies to John’s authenticity. He is the greatest of prophets, but the coming Kingdom is even greater! Matthew is trying to convey his conviction that Jesus is the authentic Messiah and that the events of his life fulfill the prophecies about the Messiah’s coming. For the reader, the point is simple: do you believe Jesus is the one? Or are you still waiting?
Jesus and John, his herald, each had their part in fulfilling the messianic prophecies. Jesus the Christ did establish the Kingdom of God in a new and vibrant way. James and his generation of Christian’s had their role to play in the growth of that Kingdom. You and I, in our turn, have an important role. As we reflect together during Advent looking at the milestones, we see in today’s readings is valuable.
The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the deaf hear, and the poor have good news brought to them. We of St. Stephen’s have been involved in supporting many healing and emergency aid ministries: Salvation Army, St. Andrew’s Clinic, Forgash House, the Chaplain’s Foot Locker, etc. We are doing our part to keep these visible signs of God’s work vibrant and noticeable. Surly we must continue this good work. We have even embraced the call to further the Kingdom by launching new ministries with Young Adults and the Military. Let us put our efforts into these new ministries and share God’s grace with the people we touch through all our efforts.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Homily for the Second Sunday of Advent A, December 5, 2010
A Scots man, and atheist, was spending a quiet day fishing when suddenly the Loch Ness monster attacked his boat. In one easy flip, the beast tossed him and his boat at least a hundred feet into the air. It then opened its mouth, waiting below to swallow them both. As the man sailed head over heels and started to fall toward the open jaws of the ferocious beast, he cried out, "Oh, my God! Help me!"
Suddenly, the scene froze in place and as the atheist hung in midair, a booming voice came out of the clouds and said, "I thought you didn't believe in Me!"
"God, come on, give me a break!" the man pleaded, "two seconds ago I didn’t even believe in the Loch Ness Monster!"
"Well," said God, "now that you are a believer you must understand that I won't work miracles to snatch you from certain death in the jaws of the monster, but I can change hearts. What would you have me do?"
The atheist thinks for a minute, then says, "God, please have the Loch Ness Monster believe in You, also."
God replies, "So be it."
The scene starts in motion again, with the atheist (now believer) falling toward the ravenous jaws of the monster. The Loch Ness Monster folds his claws together and says, "Lord, I am truly grateful for the meal I am about to receive . . . "
Well, the fisherman and the monster were both introduced to faith in sudden and unexpected ways. You and I are not necessarily in the position of being asked to believe but we are in the position of being asked to take the next step.
In our lesson from Isaiah we have the classic proclamation of the coming of the Messiah/Divine peace. It is an idyllic and poetic image of a new world in which there is no more violence or destruction. Even the predatory and poisonous creatures have a new way of making their living. The point being that the fullness of the Kingdom of God will be radically different from the world we live in now and will be a place free of fear and suffering.
In the lesson we heard from Romans, Paul urges the community to be united and to remain focused on the mission of spreading the Good News. Rather, than focusing on the things that divide them. This is a lesson we need to take to heart as a national church.
Finally in our Gospel lesson we have the debut of John the Baptist, the true Wild Man of God. This guy who has been scrounging a living out in the howling desert, suddenly stumbles his way into town and what comes out of his mouth? “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!”
Frankly, his message for the religious leaders of his day is rather harsh. Yet many see the hand of God upon him and respond. John warns the Pharisees and Sadducees that being ethnically Jewish will not save them from God’s judgement. Their lives must demonstrate their commitment to God’s ways of justice. We Christians can fall into a similar trap. We often hear Christian people talking in a self righteous way, being arrogantly boastful of their goodness and hatful toward people whom they see as inferior. All of us need to remember that just clamming Christ does not guarantee us salvation. We must live the life of a Christian in as authentically a manner as we can.
This calling is not so much about repenting from our sinfulness as it is about letting the Holy Spirit draw us onto the next step; allowing ourselves to be moved into a further or deeper conversion. It about recognizing that, though we do good things in God’s name - and try to avoid doing evil as we should - there is always room to grow.
Today, let us ask God to help us see where we can improve our selves and trustingly take the next step God has prepared for us.
Suddenly, the scene froze in place and as the atheist hung in midair, a booming voice came out of the clouds and said, "I thought you didn't believe in Me!"
"God, come on, give me a break!" the man pleaded, "two seconds ago I didn’t even believe in the Loch Ness Monster!"
"Well," said God, "now that you are a believer you must understand that I won't work miracles to snatch you from certain death in the jaws of the monster, but I can change hearts. What would you have me do?"
The atheist thinks for a minute, then says, "God, please have the Loch Ness Monster believe in You, also."
God replies, "So be it."
The scene starts in motion again, with the atheist (now believer) falling toward the ravenous jaws of the monster. The Loch Ness Monster folds his claws together and says, "Lord, I am truly grateful for the meal I am about to receive . . . "
Well, the fisherman and the monster were both introduced to faith in sudden and unexpected ways. You and I are not necessarily in the position of being asked to believe but we are in the position of being asked to take the next step.
In our lesson from Isaiah we have the classic proclamation of the coming of the Messiah/Divine peace. It is an idyllic and poetic image of a new world in which there is no more violence or destruction. Even the predatory and poisonous creatures have a new way of making their living. The point being that the fullness of the Kingdom of God will be radically different from the world we live in now and will be a place free of fear and suffering.
In the lesson we heard from Romans, Paul urges the community to be united and to remain focused on the mission of spreading the Good News. Rather, than focusing on the things that divide them. This is a lesson we need to take to heart as a national church.
Finally in our Gospel lesson we have the debut of John the Baptist, the true Wild Man of God. This guy who has been scrounging a living out in the howling desert, suddenly stumbles his way into town and what comes out of his mouth? “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!”
Frankly, his message for the religious leaders of his day is rather harsh. Yet many see the hand of God upon him and respond. John warns the Pharisees and Sadducees that being ethnically Jewish will not save them from God’s judgement. Their lives must demonstrate their commitment to God’s ways of justice. We Christians can fall into a similar trap. We often hear Christian people talking in a self righteous way, being arrogantly boastful of their goodness and hatful toward people whom they see as inferior. All of us need to remember that just clamming Christ does not guarantee us salvation. We must live the life of a Christian in as authentically a manner as we can.
This calling is not so much about repenting from our sinfulness as it is about letting the Holy Spirit draw us onto the next step; allowing ourselves to be moved into a further or deeper conversion. It about recognizing that, though we do good things in God’s name - and try to avoid doing evil as we should - there is always room to grow.
Today, let us ask God to help us see where we can improve our selves and trustingly take the next step God has prepared for us.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Homily for 1 Advent A, Nov. 28, 2010
My brothers and sisters, we are preparing to celebrate Messiah’s anniversary of birth, but more deeply we are looking forward to His return.
Isaiah wrote the verses of our first reading about 740 BC; it was a time when spirits were low in Judah. His message is that God will launch a new era in which God will actually dwell on earth. The prophet describes this as a time when all peoples will make pilgrimage to Jerusalem to worship God and to learn the way of virtue. In other words, the city will be the source of “instruction” in ethical living. It also will be an age of peace and plenty: warfare being a thing of the past and agriculture will prosper.
In the passages leading up to our reading today, Paul tells us that love is the one thing we Christians “owe” others (Christians and non-Christians). This sums up the obligations of the Christian in life and Christian ethics. Yet as Christians, love is part of the deal rather than an obligation, and can never be completely discharged. Love among Christians is something special: it is mutual.
Now Paul tells us another reason ethical behavior is important for Christians. We know that we are living both in an age that is after the first coming of the Messiah and before the second: an in-between time. “Let us live,” he says, as if the Day of the Lord is already here, “honorably,” not in ways that harm ourselves and our neighbors.
From Matthew we hear Jesus admonition to be Prepared! The end will come as a surprise. The situation will be like that before the Flood: people were preoccupied with earthly matters. When the Flood came, a small number “entered the ark” and were saved, but many drowned. The dawn of the new era will also be like this; some will be taken in and others will be left behind.
Our gospel today is one that many Christians have misused to support the notion of a literal disappearance of the faithful. Have you seen those bumper stickers that read “Warning - in case of rapture - this vehicle will be driver less”? As much as I loved seeing “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” last Monday, the idea that we will be magically taken up to heaven is not worthy of our belief. This literal and sensationalistic understanding of the Gospel is way off the mark. We are being called to be ready to meet our maker at any moment - not to be ready for magical transportation.
We share these readings today because we are starting a new liturgical year, or calendar. We are now in Year A of the Lectionary cycle in which we will hear mostly from the gospel of Matthew. We are also preparing for our annual celebration of the Messiah’s birth. However, we do so keeping in mind the unpredictable future in which Christ will come again.
Let us begin our preparations, begin our anticipation. Soon we will revel again in the coming of the Lord . . . still looking forward to his return. We plan for the near future, four weeks from now, but look to the long term and the Second Coming.
Isaiah wrote the verses of our first reading about 740 BC; it was a time when spirits were low in Judah. His message is that God will launch a new era in which God will actually dwell on earth. The prophet describes this as a time when all peoples will make pilgrimage to Jerusalem to worship God and to learn the way of virtue. In other words, the city will be the source of “instruction” in ethical living. It also will be an age of peace and plenty: warfare being a thing of the past and agriculture will prosper.
In the passages leading up to our reading today, Paul tells us that love is the one thing we Christians “owe” others (Christians and non-Christians). This sums up the obligations of the Christian in life and Christian ethics. Yet as Christians, love is part of the deal rather than an obligation, and can never be completely discharged. Love among Christians is something special: it is mutual.
Now Paul tells us another reason ethical behavior is important for Christians. We know that we are living both in an age that is after the first coming of the Messiah and before the second: an in-between time. “Let us live,” he says, as if the Day of the Lord is already here, “honorably,” not in ways that harm ourselves and our neighbors.
From Matthew we hear Jesus admonition to be Prepared! The end will come as a surprise. The situation will be like that before the Flood: people were preoccupied with earthly matters. When the Flood came, a small number “entered the ark” and were saved, but many drowned. The dawn of the new era will also be like this; some will be taken in and others will be left behind.
Our gospel today is one that many Christians have misused to support the notion of a literal disappearance of the faithful. Have you seen those bumper stickers that read “Warning - in case of rapture - this vehicle will be driver less”? As much as I loved seeing “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” last Monday, the idea that we will be magically taken up to heaven is not worthy of our belief. This literal and sensationalistic understanding of the Gospel is way off the mark. We are being called to be ready to meet our maker at any moment - not to be ready for magical transportation.
We share these readings today because we are starting a new liturgical year, or calendar. We are now in Year A of the Lectionary cycle in which we will hear mostly from the gospel of Matthew. We are also preparing for our annual celebration of the Messiah’s birth. However, we do so keeping in mind the unpredictable future in which Christ will come again.
Let us begin our preparations, begin our anticipation. Soon we will revel again in the coming of the Lord . . . still looking forward to his return. We plan for the near future, four weeks from now, but look to the long term and the Second Coming.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Homily for Proper 28 C, Nov. 14, 2010
Did you hear the latest news, there is a character who is trying to convince people that Jesus was really a Californian and not a Hebrew? There are three reasons that this scholar says makes this claim: 1, Jesus never cut his hair; 2, He went barefoot every where; 3, He started his own religion.
Seriously, all the talk in our readings today about the end of time is given us as an inspiration for us to focus on living the Gospel today. Our first reading gives us Isaiah’s image of the perfected world the Messiah will bring into reality. A world so peaceful that even predatory animals no longer kill for their food. God will completely transform the cosmos, he will forget and forgive sinfulness ushering in a time of joy. All the things that bring sorrow into the world will come to and end. Even the blessing of long life will be common and even longer than any could guess. Life will be stable and food will be plentiful. Even the conflict between animal species will cease and all creatures will live in harmony.
In our second reading, Paul calls on all Christians to earn their keep. He puts it bluntly: do not idly live off others waiting for Christ to return. The notion that Christ will return soon is a false belief.
In today’s gospel story Jesus is also talking about the end of time and his eventual return. God will change all that is known to a better (Divine) state of affairs. Do not however worry about when this will happen, you cannot know the timing and many things will come first. Simply spend you life in virtue and the work of the Kingdom so that you are always ready.
Luke’s community was trying to cope with the destruction of the Temple and the persecution of their members. Spiritual blows that would make one long for the Messiah’s return. Luke responds to this pain by recalling Jesus’ teaching in terms drawn from prophetic books like Micah, Jeremiah, Hosea and Joel. He adds “the end will not follow immediately” and then changes the conversation to issues that matter now. Instructing them on how to deal with the abusive treatment, they are experiencing and how they should respond. At the times you are suffering abuse, be yourself. The word that is translated “prepare . . . in advance”literally means practice a gesture or rehearse a dance. In other words, don’t rehearse, just be yourself and speak for what you believe.
My brothers and sisters, we need not be nervous about the future, when the rapture will come or who may be left behind. The real issue is, are you ready now. Are you contributing your efforts to the work of God now. Be about living an ethical life now. Don’t fall into the trap of sitting around waiting for some glorious end to come.
In essence, being ready for Jesus’ return means being an authentic disciple. It means being active about God’s work today. We are all called to contribute differently to that part of God’s kingdom that is St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Sierra Vista. We are all in possession of different gifts and personal resources. We are all called and expected to be of valuable use to the Kingdom according to our abilities. Rather than watching and waiting, or working, we need to simple be busy about the Kingdom of God.
Seriously, all the talk in our readings today about the end of time is given us as an inspiration for us to focus on living the Gospel today. Our first reading gives us Isaiah’s image of the perfected world the Messiah will bring into reality. A world so peaceful that even predatory animals no longer kill for their food. God will completely transform the cosmos, he will forget and forgive sinfulness ushering in a time of joy. All the things that bring sorrow into the world will come to and end. Even the blessing of long life will be common and even longer than any could guess. Life will be stable and food will be plentiful. Even the conflict between animal species will cease and all creatures will live in harmony.
In our second reading, Paul calls on all Christians to earn their keep. He puts it bluntly: do not idly live off others waiting for Christ to return. The notion that Christ will return soon is a false belief.
In today’s gospel story Jesus is also talking about the end of time and his eventual return. God will change all that is known to a better (Divine) state of affairs. Do not however worry about when this will happen, you cannot know the timing and many things will come first. Simply spend you life in virtue and the work of the Kingdom so that you are always ready.
Luke’s community was trying to cope with the destruction of the Temple and the persecution of their members. Spiritual blows that would make one long for the Messiah’s return. Luke responds to this pain by recalling Jesus’ teaching in terms drawn from prophetic books like Micah, Jeremiah, Hosea and Joel. He adds “the end will not follow immediately” and then changes the conversation to issues that matter now. Instructing them on how to deal with the abusive treatment, they are experiencing and how they should respond. At the times you are suffering abuse, be yourself. The word that is translated “prepare . . . in advance”literally means practice a gesture or rehearse a dance. In other words, don’t rehearse, just be yourself and speak for what you believe.
My brothers and sisters, we need not be nervous about the future, when the rapture will come or who may be left behind. The real issue is, are you ready now. Are you contributing your efforts to the work of God now. Be about living an ethical life now. Don’t fall into the trap of sitting around waiting for some glorious end to come.
In essence, being ready for Jesus’ return means being an authentic disciple. It means being active about God’s work today. We are all called to contribute differently to that part of God’s kingdom that is St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Sierra Vista. We are all in possession of different gifts and personal resources. We are all called and expected to be of valuable use to the Kingdom according to our abilities. Rather than watching and waiting, or working, we need to simple be busy about the Kingdom of God.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Homily for All Saints/Souls - November 7, 2010
Today we thank God for the great example of faithful Christians who lived before us.
In our first reading Daniel envisions a world that a Holy One of God will eventually control. This is the most recently written book in the Old Testament (about 165 BC). The first six chapters are stories about Daniel set at the Babylonian and Persian courts. The remainder of the book is visions about the end times. In the passages that have been clipped out of today’s reading we hear about the destruction of the four beasts and the coming of “an Achent One” who sits in judgment. Then comes the arrival of one like a “Son of Man” to whom the Achent One gives everlasting dominion. Christians from the earliest records have associated this with Jesus. The gathering of the multitude in this last scene is what pertains to the celebration of All Saints/All Souls celebration today.
In our second reading Paul gives praise and encouragement to the Ephesians. He writes to the “saints,” i.e., those faithful to Christ in Ephesus. His message is straight forward: through Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection we are absolved of our deviations from God’s ways. Intellectually and through our experience of the Christian way we have come to know God’s plan, i.e., to “gather up” all God has created, seen and unseen, to Christ.
From Luke we heard the Beatitudes, a listing of the virtues of the holy people of God - the saints. Some words are used in ways we may not appreciate immediately. For example: the “poor” are those who acknowledge their dependence on God. Where as, the “rich” do not want to commit themselves to Jesus and the Kingdom; they are comfortable in their self-sufficiency. The “hungry” are those who hunger for the word of God, the good news and the “full” are those satisfied or filled with God’s word. When he says: “blessed are you when . . . they exclude you”; he means being socially ostracized and excluded from the synagogue and Temple.
Many scholars believe the celebration we mark with these readings to have originated in Ireland, spread from there to England, and then to the continent of Europe. That it had reached Rome and had been adopted there early in the ninth century is attested by a letter of Gregory the Fourth who was Pope around the middle of the 800s. However, the desire of Christian people to express the intercommunion of the living and the dead in the Body of Christ is much older.
Gregory the Wonder Worker, writing before the year 270, refers to the observance of a festival of all martyrs, though he does not date it. A hundred years later, Ephrem the Deacon mentions such an observance in Edessa on May 13. Finally, John Chrysostom, who died in 407, says that a festival of All Saints was observed on the first Sunday after Pentecost in Constantinople at the time he was bishop there.
One saint who has especially been a meaningful example in my life is Vincent de Paul who was added to our calendar by the 2009 General Convention (Sep. 27). He is noted for his work among the most needy and suffering people of his day. Especially for his tireless drive to go beyond helping with the necessities of life. He pushed for service to meet their spiritual needs and for education to help permanently lift them out of poverty. He worked closely with Louise de Marillac and the two of them inspired Elizabeth Ann Seton (Jan. 4) and Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
We all need the example of others to inspire and guided us through this life. Following Jesus can take a myriad of expressions. It is important that we ask ourselves: who are the exemplary persons of faith that are important to you? Who inspires you to follow Christ more closely? Whose Christian example helps you through the confusing reality of this world?
In our first reading Daniel envisions a world that a Holy One of God will eventually control. This is the most recently written book in the Old Testament (about 165 BC). The first six chapters are stories about Daniel set at the Babylonian and Persian courts. The remainder of the book is visions about the end times. In the passages that have been clipped out of today’s reading we hear about the destruction of the four beasts and the coming of “an Achent One” who sits in judgment. Then comes the arrival of one like a “Son of Man” to whom the Achent One gives everlasting dominion. Christians from the earliest records have associated this with Jesus. The gathering of the multitude in this last scene is what pertains to the celebration of All Saints/All Souls celebration today.
In our second reading Paul gives praise and encouragement to the Ephesians. He writes to the “saints,” i.e., those faithful to Christ in Ephesus. His message is straight forward: through Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection we are absolved of our deviations from God’s ways. Intellectually and through our experience of the Christian way we have come to know God’s plan, i.e., to “gather up” all God has created, seen and unseen, to Christ.
From Luke we heard the Beatitudes, a listing of the virtues of the holy people of God - the saints. Some words are used in ways we may not appreciate immediately. For example: the “poor” are those who acknowledge their dependence on God. Where as, the “rich” do not want to commit themselves to Jesus and the Kingdom; they are comfortable in their self-sufficiency. The “hungry” are those who hunger for the word of God, the good news and the “full” are those satisfied or filled with God’s word. When he says: “blessed are you when . . . they exclude you”; he means being socially ostracized and excluded from the synagogue and Temple.
Many scholars believe the celebration we mark with these readings to have originated in Ireland, spread from there to England, and then to the continent of Europe. That it had reached Rome and had been adopted there early in the ninth century is attested by a letter of Gregory the Fourth who was Pope around the middle of the 800s. However, the desire of Christian people to express the intercommunion of the living and the dead in the Body of Christ is much older.
Gregory the Wonder Worker, writing before the year 270, refers to the observance of a festival of all martyrs, though he does not date it. A hundred years later, Ephrem the Deacon mentions such an observance in Edessa on May 13. Finally, John Chrysostom, who died in 407, says that a festival of All Saints was observed on the first Sunday after Pentecost in Constantinople at the time he was bishop there.
One saint who has especially been a meaningful example in my life is Vincent de Paul who was added to our calendar by the 2009 General Convention (Sep. 27). He is noted for his work among the most needy and suffering people of his day. Especially for his tireless drive to go beyond helping with the necessities of life. He pushed for service to meet their spiritual needs and for education to help permanently lift them out of poverty. He worked closely with Louise de Marillac and the two of them inspired Elizabeth Ann Seton (Jan. 4) and Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
We all need the example of others to inspire and guided us through this life. Following Jesus can take a myriad of expressions. It is important that we ask ourselves: who are the exemplary persons of faith that are important to you? Who inspires you to follow Christ more closely? Whose Christian example helps you through the confusing reality of this world?
Monday, October 4, 2010
Pastoral Letter from the House of Bishops on Immigration
Today I finally had a moment to read the Pastoral Letter from The Episcopal Church House of Bishops on immigration (Link). I am delighted to see a distinct move to the political center. While I have always agreed with our leadership in their defense of immigrants’ fundamental Human Rights. I have also been critical of the tendency to ignore the legitimate fears of border county residence. We must live daily with the threat posed by the growing reality of drug smuggling and other "professional criminal" enterprises. They make a few points that I would like to quote:
Please note in the highlighted portions, they support government’s responsibility to protect its citizens from crime and that drug trafficking and terrorist entry to our country is recognized as a real issue. Also, let me give one illustration to the "other criminals" mentioned. In Cochise County the Border Patrol has apprehended numerous "known sex offenders" seeking to reenter the Country.
This is the first time I have seen our leadership recognize these issues and want to laud and praise them right now: THANK YOU FOR THE GOOD JOB!
Finally, if you have read my first post on these issues you may recognize that I am in full agreement with the establishment of accessible worker visas and related programs. These kinds of programs not only respond positively to those immigrants who simply seek opportunity, it also responds to the obvious needs of the many industries that employ these immigrants. Further, as our bishops noted, it frees law enforcement resources to focus on the more dangerous criminals crisscrossing our border with Mexico.
(3) We call on the government of the United States and all governments to create fair and humane immigration policies that honor the dignity of people on all sides of this issue. In the United States, we seek a reasonable path to citizenship for undocumented workers; a plan to reunite families; and a viable system for receiving temporary or seasonal guest-workers, with clearly identified points of entry. These measures would free the United States border patrol to concentrate its efforts on the apprehension of drug traffickers, terrorists, and other criminals, and not on ordinary people who are simply seeking a better life for themselves and their children.
(4) We acknowledge the duty of governments to protect their people, including the securing of borders. The church has always respected this duty, which is grounded in government's God given duty to protect innocent people and punish wrongdoers (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17).
Please note in the highlighted portions, they support government’s responsibility to protect its citizens from crime and that drug trafficking and terrorist entry to our country is recognized as a real issue. Also, let me give one illustration to the "other criminals" mentioned. In Cochise County the Border Patrol has apprehended numerous "known sex offenders" seeking to reenter the Country.
This is the first time I have seen our leadership recognize these issues and want to laud and praise them right now: THANK YOU FOR THE GOOD JOB!
Finally, if you have read my first post on these issues you may recognize that I am in full agreement with the establishment of accessible worker visas and related programs. These kinds of programs not only respond positively to those immigrants who simply seek opportunity, it also responds to the obvious needs of the many industries that employ these immigrants. Further, as our bishops noted, it frees law enforcement resources to focus on the more dangerous criminals crisscrossing our border with Mexico.
Homily for Proper 22 C - October 3, 2010
My sisters and brothers, it seems strange but the old saying of the physical fitness crowd really does apply to both our faith lives and our bodies: “use it or lose it!”
Christian tradition has taken our reading from Habakkuk as the prophet's complaint against the internal evils of Judah. The language used here is the same employed by Amos, Isaiah, and Jeremiah to condemn the social abuses of their day. In Habakkuk the Lord answers this complaint by suggesting the Chaldean empire will be His instrument for punishing his people for these pervasive social sins. The individuals who have remained loyal to the Lord are given the encouragement: wait and watch of the LORD. Even if God seems to delay, wait, for God will surely arrive at the appointed time. These verses have been so powerful through the ages that they are used in the Antiphons of evening prayer for the last week of Advent.
The author of 2nd Timothy encourages Church leaders to accept whatever hardship may come their way because of the faith. By holding fast to sound doctrine and to Jesus himself, they will experience true salvation. And, they will lead others to salvation through good example and sound teaching. In particular, the author is concerned about an apparent loss of “a spirit of power, love, and ethical behavior.” The author sees it as going dormant through neglect - not that God has not withdrawn it. Therefor the leaders are to rekindle the gift!
In our short snippet of Luke’s Gospel, exaggeration is used to dramatize Jesus response to the request for greater faith. Rather than ask for greater faith the Apostles should focus on being valuable servants of God’s Kingdom. That is to say: cooperate with God’s grace (guidance) and you will see your relationship with God grow. Part of the point Jesus is making here is that the quality of faith matters more than quantity. The other part of the message is that faith must be lived not just felt.
This nice, old Jewish man really wanted too win the lottery. So, one week, he goes to the synagogue and he says “Lord of heaven and earth, imagine how much good I could do with the money I would win if I won the lottery! Imagine how much charity I could give! Help me win the lottery and I will spend the money wisely!"
That weekend when the winning numbers are drawn, he doesn’t win.
The next week, he goes to the synagogue again and says, "Oh, Lord of heaven and earth, you must not have heard me last Week! Imagine how many lives I could make easier with the money from the lottery! Help me win the lottery!" Again, he doesn't win. The third week, he goes to the synagogue again and prays in a similar vein.
Suddenly, he hears a voice from the heavens: "Help me, my son."
He says, "Lord of heaven and earth, what can I do to help you?"
"Buy a ticket!"
Faith is also not about trusting God as you sit and wait for something to happen. Faith is about doing what you believe - living your faith/trust in God in the choices and actions of everyday life. It is not simply a gift that God bestows on us, and we do not get stronger faith by asking for it. As Jesus makes clear in his parable, its about exercising the faith God has already given you. Like many other faculties of our human existence: mussels, mental acuity, etc., if you do not use it you will lose it. Exercising our faith is about doing the work of God’s Kingdom. Getting involved and being a valuable servant of God. We can’t expect to grow in faith (or any part of our relationship with God) if we don’t cooperate with God’s grace. Let us all roll up our sleeves and get to work!
Christian tradition has taken our reading from Habakkuk as the prophet's complaint against the internal evils of Judah. The language used here is the same employed by Amos, Isaiah, and Jeremiah to condemn the social abuses of their day. In Habakkuk the Lord answers this complaint by suggesting the Chaldean empire will be His instrument for punishing his people for these pervasive social sins. The individuals who have remained loyal to the Lord are given the encouragement: wait and watch of the LORD. Even if God seems to delay, wait, for God will surely arrive at the appointed time. These verses have been so powerful through the ages that they are used in the Antiphons of evening prayer for the last week of Advent.
The author of 2nd Timothy encourages Church leaders to accept whatever hardship may come their way because of the faith. By holding fast to sound doctrine and to Jesus himself, they will experience true salvation. And, they will lead others to salvation through good example and sound teaching. In particular, the author is concerned about an apparent loss of “a spirit of power, love, and ethical behavior.” The author sees it as going dormant through neglect - not that God has not withdrawn it. Therefor the leaders are to rekindle the gift!
In our short snippet of Luke’s Gospel, exaggeration is used to dramatize Jesus response to the request for greater faith. Rather than ask for greater faith the Apostles should focus on being valuable servants of God’s Kingdom. That is to say: cooperate with God’s grace (guidance) and you will see your relationship with God grow. Part of the point Jesus is making here is that the quality of faith matters more than quantity. The other part of the message is that faith must be lived not just felt.
This nice, old Jewish man really wanted too win the lottery. So, one week, he goes to the synagogue and he says “Lord of heaven and earth, imagine how much good I could do with the money I would win if I won the lottery! Imagine how much charity I could give! Help me win the lottery and I will spend the money wisely!"
That weekend when the winning numbers are drawn, he doesn’t win.
The next week, he goes to the synagogue again and says, "Oh, Lord of heaven and earth, you must not have heard me last Week! Imagine how many lives I could make easier with the money from the lottery! Help me win the lottery!" Again, he doesn't win. The third week, he goes to the synagogue again and prays in a similar vein.
Suddenly, he hears a voice from the heavens: "Help me, my son."
He says, "Lord of heaven and earth, what can I do to help you?"
"Buy a ticket!"
Faith is also not about trusting God as you sit and wait for something to happen. Faith is about doing what you believe - living your faith/trust in God in the choices and actions of everyday life. It is not simply a gift that God bestows on us, and we do not get stronger faith by asking for it. As Jesus makes clear in his parable, its about exercising the faith God has already given you. Like many other faculties of our human existence: mussels, mental acuity, etc., if you do not use it you will lose it. Exercising our faith is about doing the work of God’s Kingdom. Getting involved and being a valuable servant of God. We can’t expect to grow in faith (or any part of our relationship with God) if we don’t cooperate with God’s grace. Let us all roll up our sleeves and get to work!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Homily for Proper 19 C - September 12, 2010
My brothers and sisters, God is both forgiving and just. This may not make since to us but it is a genuine blessing.
In our reading from Exodus we see the people of Israel turn to sin wile waiting at the foot of Mount Sinai. They enrage God but Moses convinces God to relent and forgive. This image of God as wrathful is common in the Old Testament but we also have the reminder that people can move God to relent.
In our reading from First Timothy the author has reminded us to believe fully that God came into our world to offer salvation to sinners. The Gospels testify to it and Paul’s own-lived example dramatizes it. Mercy and forgiveness are real!
Earlier the author has warned against false teachers who indulge in elaborations on, and deviations from, the faith. Love should be the basis for Christian conduct – lived through personal integrity. Now the author promotes the simple doctrine that Christ came into the world to save sinners.
In today’s gospel God welcomes the repentant. Jesus depicts God as not merely accepting the repentant sinner but actively seeking them out.
The Pharisees and Scribes have chastised Jesus for keeping company with “tax collectors and sinners.” Apparently godly people like the Pharisees avoided and despised such people. Their complaint begs the question: are any beyond God’s mercy? Jesus’ answer is a resounding NO! He defends associating with these people, using parables. He also explains these two parables: God is the shepherd or housewife. The lost sheep or coin represent people who repent. God not only accepts them but seeks them out and rejoices when they are found.
This gospel image of God is strikingly different from the Old Testament image. In Jesus’ teaching God does not express wrath at the sinner but seeks opportunity for reconciliation. In other passages Jesus also teaches that there will be judgment and consequences for those who do not repent and return to doing good. However, there are no New Testament threats to destroy a whole nation and start over.
Jesus presents to us a tender God who can be approached by all of us, not just by a Moses. When we have done wrong and need to make a fresh start we will find God waiting for our return. All of us have experienced forgiveness in some manner. Some of us have seen the unrepentant punished. Some few of us may have even been around when God mysteriously dealt out both in the same situation . . . I once ministered to a man who both accepted judicial punishment for his crimes and God’s forgiveness for his sins. Though it was truly hard on him, he went on to be a much better man because of it.
My sisters and brothers, let us not shy away from God when we need forgiveness and the blessing of a fresh start. Instead, let us take God up on the offer Jesus presents before us today!
In our reading from Exodus we see the people of Israel turn to sin wile waiting at the foot of Mount Sinai. They enrage God but Moses convinces God to relent and forgive. This image of God as wrathful is common in the Old Testament but we also have the reminder that people can move God to relent.
In our reading from First Timothy the author has reminded us to believe fully that God came into our world to offer salvation to sinners. The Gospels testify to it and Paul’s own-lived example dramatizes it. Mercy and forgiveness are real!
Earlier the author has warned against false teachers who indulge in elaborations on, and deviations from, the faith. Love should be the basis for Christian conduct – lived through personal integrity. Now the author promotes the simple doctrine that Christ came into the world to save sinners.
In today’s gospel God welcomes the repentant. Jesus depicts God as not merely accepting the repentant sinner but actively seeking them out.
The Pharisees and Scribes have chastised Jesus for keeping company with “tax collectors and sinners.” Apparently godly people like the Pharisees avoided and despised such people. Their complaint begs the question: are any beyond God’s mercy? Jesus’ answer is a resounding NO! He defends associating with these people, using parables. He also explains these two parables: God is the shepherd or housewife. The lost sheep or coin represent people who repent. God not only accepts them but seeks them out and rejoices when they are found.
This gospel image of God is strikingly different from the Old Testament image. In Jesus’ teaching God does not express wrath at the sinner but seeks opportunity for reconciliation. In other passages Jesus also teaches that there will be judgment and consequences for those who do not repent and return to doing good. However, there are no New Testament threats to destroy a whole nation and start over.
Jesus presents to us a tender God who can be approached by all of us, not just by a Moses. When we have done wrong and need to make a fresh start we will find God waiting for our return. All of us have experienced forgiveness in some manner. Some of us have seen the unrepentant punished. Some few of us may have even been around when God mysteriously dealt out both in the same situation . . . I once ministered to a man who both accepted judicial punishment for his crimes and God’s forgiveness for his sins. Though it was truly hard on him, he went on to be a much better man because of it.
My sisters and brothers, let us not shy away from God when we need forgiveness and the blessing of a fresh start. Instead, let us take God up on the offer Jesus presents before us today!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Prayer by Richard Foster, Taken from "Prayer"
In his book simply titled “Prayer” Richard Foster gives us a wonderful and simple prayer that is the perfect thing for us to take home with us today. I’ll put this on my blog for anyone who wants to look it up form home and there are a few paper copies in the back of church for those who don’t care for using the Internet.
Dear Lord Jesus, in my better moments I want nothing more than to be like you. But there are other moments. . . Help me to see how good conformity to your way really is. In my seeking for you may I be found by you. Amen.
Dear Lord Jesus, in my better moments I want nothing more than to be like you. But there are other moments. . . Help me to see how good conformity to your way really is. In my seeking for you may I be found by you. Amen.
Homily for Proper 18 C - September 5, 2010
My brothers and sisters, the most difficult piece of our being Disciples of Christ is often the simplest; allowing Jesus to change us!
In our reading from Jeremiah we hear that God forgives those who repent! This comes through the imagery of God’s people being like vessels shaped on a potter’s wheel. Some of us may be more cooperative than others but we are all being shaped. The idea being that we should strive to cooperate with God’s shaping of our lives.
A potter’s wheel is a round flat stone (like a table) that spins as the potter works. The potter controls the speed of the wheel and places a lump of clay on the top. Then the potter begins forming the vessel with his hands as the wheel is turned. If the vessel distorted during turning, the potter collapsed the clay back into a lump and simply began again. Jeremiah explains the symbolism as God being the potter and humanity the clay.
Our second reading is from a personal letter from Paul to Philemon, a slave owner, but it is also addressed to “the church in your house.” In the first century, the Christian community gathered at a member’s house. It is likely that the letter was read during worship.
“Onesimus,” is a slave who has run away from Philemon’s house. While visiting Paul, he has been converted to Christianity, making him Paul’s spiritual child. A common penalty for salve leaving a master was death, so Paul is in a delicate position, pleading for the man’s life. Paul urges Philemon take him “back forever” as a slave and as a “beloved brother” in Christ. He is asking Philemon to treat Onesimus as he would treat Paul himself.
In our selection from Luke’s Gospel we see Jesus talking about the cost or demands of being a disciple. In the early days, being a Christian could very well cost you all you had (confiscated by civil authorities) and even your life (you could be executed for being a Christian).
This story follows immediately after Jesus telling the dinner guests that even sick and the poor are welcome in God’s Kingdom. Now he describes what is required of his followers. The word “hate” is used as an exaggeration; a method of speaking and writing that we still use today. It was a common linguistic trait in Hebrew. Jesus uses it here to make the dramatic point that one must be less attached to their possessions, even their life, than to Jesus himself. The disciple must find his prime security and meaning in Jesus. Not in family, property or in one’s own life. One must be prepared to suffer, as Jesus did on the “cross.”
Today, we don’t run the risk of capital criminal charges for being a Christian as did our predecessors. Nor do we experience the prejudice here in the US that other must live within far flung parts of the globe. We could lose friends, business opportunities and the like but generally we don’t have to pay much of a price for being Disciples of Jesus. However, there is one “cost of discipleship” that we do have in common with all Christians. And it can be intimidating.
It is the demand of Jesus that each of his followers allow themselves to genuinely be changed by his Gospel and grace. Sadly, being willing to personally be changed is one of the hardest things we can confront as human beings. Yet, that is the call. To be transformed or remolded by the Gospel into the people God calls us to be. Although giving up some of our self determination and be transformed into a better person by God’s grace is intimidating. It is actually one of Jesus’ most precious, beautiful and joyful gifts.
In his book simply titled “Prayer” Richard Foster gives us a wonderful and simple prayer that is the perfect thing for us to take home with us today. I’ll put this on my blog for anyone who wants to look it up form home and there are a few paper copies in the back of church for those who don’t care for using the Internet.
Dear Lord Jesus, in my better moments I want nothing more than to be like you. But there are other moments. . . Help me to see how good conformity to your way really is. In my seeking for you may I be found by you. Amen.
In our reading from Jeremiah we hear that God forgives those who repent! This comes through the imagery of God’s people being like vessels shaped on a potter’s wheel. Some of us may be more cooperative than others but we are all being shaped. The idea being that we should strive to cooperate with God’s shaping of our lives.
A potter’s wheel is a round flat stone (like a table) that spins as the potter works. The potter controls the speed of the wheel and places a lump of clay on the top. Then the potter begins forming the vessel with his hands as the wheel is turned. If the vessel distorted during turning, the potter collapsed the clay back into a lump and simply began again. Jeremiah explains the symbolism as God being the potter and humanity the clay.
Our second reading is from a personal letter from Paul to Philemon, a slave owner, but it is also addressed to “the church in your house.” In the first century, the Christian community gathered at a member’s house. It is likely that the letter was read during worship.
“Onesimus,” is a slave who has run away from Philemon’s house. While visiting Paul, he has been converted to Christianity, making him Paul’s spiritual child. A common penalty for salve leaving a master was death, so Paul is in a delicate position, pleading for the man’s life. Paul urges Philemon take him “back forever” as a slave and as a “beloved brother” in Christ. He is asking Philemon to treat Onesimus as he would treat Paul himself.
In our selection from Luke’s Gospel we see Jesus talking about the cost or demands of being a disciple. In the early days, being a Christian could very well cost you all you had (confiscated by civil authorities) and even your life (you could be executed for being a Christian).
This story follows immediately after Jesus telling the dinner guests that even sick and the poor are welcome in God’s Kingdom. Now he describes what is required of his followers. The word “hate” is used as an exaggeration; a method of speaking and writing that we still use today. It was a common linguistic trait in Hebrew. Jesus uses it here to make the dramatic point that one must be less attached to their possessions, even their life, than to Jesus himself. The disciple must find his prime security and meaning in Jesus. Not in family, property or in one’s own life. One must be prepared to suffer, as Jesus did on the “cross.”
Today, we don’t run the risk of capital criminal charges for being a Christian as did our predecessors. Nor do we experience the prejudice here in the US that other must live within far flung parts of the globe. We could lose friends, business opportunities and the like but generally we don’t have to pay much of a price for being Disciples of Jesus. However, there is one “cost of discipleship” that we do have in common with all Christians. And it can be intimidating.
It is the demand of Jesus that each of his followers allow themselves to genuinely be changed by his Gospel and grace. Sadly, being willing to personally be changed is one of the hardest things we can confront as human beings. Yet, that is the call. To be transformed or remolded by the Gospel into the people God calls us to be. Although giving up some of our self determination and be transformed into a better person by God’s grace is intimidating. It is actually one of Jesus’ most precious, beautiful and joyful gifts.
In his book simply titled “Prayer” Richard Foster gives us a wonderful and simple prayer that is the perfect thing for us to take home with us today. I’ll put this on my blog for anyone who wants to look it up form home and there are a few paper copies in the back of church for those who don’t care for using the Internet.
Dear Lord Jesus, in my better moments I want nothing more than to be like you. But there are other moments. . . Help me to see how good conformity to your way really is. In my seeking for you may I be found by you. Amen.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Homily for Proper 17 C - August 29, 2010
My brothers and sisters, humility is a much maligned but very genuine virtue.
In our reading from Sirach we heard that pride, or more precisely “arrogance,” is the root of all sin! Through excessive pride humanity proliferates every kind of evil. In essence the author is telling us that personal glory displayed through arrogance and pride is false and displeasing to God and other human beings. It is certainly true that most of us don’t like to be around individuals who are arrogant or egotistical. Spiritually speaking, this kind of excessive pride is the denial of the glory due to God, and therefore the source of all sin.
In our reading from Hebrews, the author is ending his letter with a list of encouragements for the reader. Showing hospitality to strangers, i.e., to other Christians from other churches. Inns did exist at the time, but because they were frequented by prostitutes and bandits, Christian travelers generally stayed with other Christians.
Further, we are to avoid marital irresponsibility (unfaithfulness to one’s spouse) and greed. These are seen as corrupting the life of the community. The author sums up all his admonitions with a reminder to remain focused on eternal life not earthly life.
Finally in Luke we see Jesus teaching against the sins of arrogance. Rather than looking for personal glories and lucrative relationships, we should be about the acts of compassion that build us a reputation in Heaven!
Jesus’ host is a prominent Pharisee. We can easily recognize that the “parable” is about membership in the Kingdom not simply good manners at a dinner party. This is even clearer in the Greek. The word rendered as “guests” has a meaning that is closer to chosen or recognizing oneself as chosen. The punch line is certainly about good manners, but Jesus is drawing a conclusion about the kingdom. Attendance at God banquet depends on God’s invitation and God will not be fooled by self-promotion!
Finally, Jewish and Greco-Roman societies both spurned the “poor” and the disabled. Jesus turns this view upside-down and instructs his host to share with the needy.
My sisters and brothers, it’s easy to reflect on our social reality as a nation and see the evils that come from egotistical pride. Our country’s prisons are loaded with thuggish individuals who believe they are entitled to do whatever they want. This underlies many “white collar” and political crimes as well.
In much smaller, but still important, ways it also affects our daily Christian lives. False pride, arrogance or an over blown sense of entitlement is behind many of our sins as well. Things like: the nasty (vengeful) remarks that we sometimes make to each other; or petty cheating at games; or the flat out unwillingness to admit we made a mistake.
Jesus’ recommends a medicine for this ailment; we should be honest with ourselves. Remembering that the “Golden Rule” applies to this part of our Christian life just as it applies to every other part. In God’s eyes, we should treat each individual with the same forgiveness, understanding and respect that you want for ourselves!
In our reading from Sirach we heard that pride, or more precisely “arrogance,” is the root of all sin! Through excessive pride humanity proliferates every kind of evil. In essence the author is telling us that personal glory displayed through arrogance and pride is false and displeasing to God and other human beings. It is certainly true that most of us don’t like to be around individuals who are arrogant or egotistical. Spiritually speaking, this kind of excessive pride is the denial of the glory due to God, and therefore the source of all sin.
In our reading from Hebrews, the author is ending his letter with a list of encouragements for the reader. Showing hospitality to strangers, i.e., to other Christians from other churches. Inns did exist at the time, but because they were frequented by prostitutes and bandits, Christian travelers generally stayed with other Christians.
Further, we are to avoid marital irresponsibility (unfaithfulness to one’s spouse) and greed. These are seen as corrupting the life of the community. The author sums up all his admonitions with a reminder to remain focused on eternal life not earthly life.
Finally in Luke we see Jesus teaching against the sins of arrogance. Rather than looking for personal glories and lucrative relationships, we should be about the acts of compassion that build us a reputation in Heaven!
Jesus’ host is a prominent Pharisee. We can easily recognize that the “parable” is about membership in the Kingdom not simply good manners at a dinner party. This is even clearer in the Greek. The word rendered as “guests” has a meaning that is closer to chosen or recognizing oneself as chosen. The punch line is certainly about good manners, but Jesus is drawing a conclusion about the kingdom. Attendance at God banquet depends on God’s invitation and God will not be fooled by self-promotion!
Finally, Jewish and Greco-Roman societies both spurned the “poor” and the disabled. Jesus turns this view upside-down and instructs his host to share with the needy.
My sisters and brothers, it’s easy to reflect on our social reality as a nation and see the evils that come from egotistical pride. Our country’s prisons are loaded with thuggish individuals who believe they are entitled to do whatever they want. This underlies many “white collar” and political crimes as well.
In much smaller, but still important, ways it also affects our daily Christian lives. False pride, arrogance or an over blown sense of entitlement is behind many of our sins as well. Things like: the nasty (vengeful) remarks that we sometimes make to each other; or petty cheating at games; or the flat out unwillingness to admit we made a mistake.
Jesus’ recommends a medicine for this ailment; we should be honest with ourselves. Remembering that the “Golden Rule” applies to this part of our Christian life just as it applies to every other part. In God’s eyes, we should treat each individual with the same forgiveness, understanding and respect that you want for ourselves!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Homily for Proper 16 C - August 22, 2010
Being an Authentic Christian means always patterning our lives after “The Way” of Jesus!
Today we hear from the Prophet Isaiah that merely external worship does not cut it with God. Worship must be joined to internal sincerity. Those who conduct their affairs with justice are the ones who are acceptable in the eyes of God. Then our prayers will be heard, our efforts blessed and the Lord will find delight in our worship.
The author of Hebrews contrasts the assembly of the Israelites, when the old covenant was given, with the first Christians, who have entered the new covenant brought by Jesus. That old covenant was made on earth, but the new is in heaven. The author interprets God’s words spoken through the prophet Haggai as a reference to the Last Judgment. The kingdom that Christ has brought is unshakable, permanent, but those who “reject” him and his message will perish at the Last Day when God will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.
From Luke we hear of Jesus healing a woman from her suffering. He also sternly corrects the foolishness of detractors. Surly the Sabbath Day is a fitting day to relive suffering!
Jesus shows what it means to be a citizen of God’s kingdom – through his actions. That he heals a woman and refers to her as a "daughter of Abraham,” that is, a full member of Jewish society, is remarkable. The kingdom is equally open to women as to men and the sick; which is a radical departure for Jesus’ day. At that time, physical and mental ailments were seen as the work of evil forces; the very being of someone with a serious ailment was thought to be hostile to God. The woman does not ask to be cured and no one asks on her behalf. Jesus notices her and responds with compassion. Her response to his saving action is to praise God! The message, within the message, here is that the Kingdom of God is open to all; even those without status or who are shunned.
The question of authenticity rings through our readings today. It contrasts the worship of people who really don’t live the life with the worship of people who truly strive to embody God’s ways. Christianity was originally called “The Way” it is understood by the first disciples to be an entire “life style.” Not simple a Sunday thing, or a prayer and social thing. Prayer, fellowship and charity for the poor are only starting steps in the Christian way of life. Calling other’s to this life, using our abilities to make a better more just society and passing on “The Way” to another generation are equally important. Being authentic means striving to live the whole package, not just the easy parts.
We cannot each do it all at any one moment in our lives. But we can look honestly at our abilities and at the opportunities in our church (and city) and get involved in what we are able to do. You have heard me quote the saying before, “Do the good that presents itself to be done.”
Skating by on the bare minimum is not what Christianity is about. Nor is Christianity about being perfect, only Jesus accomplished that. CHRISTIANITY IS ABOUT AUTHENTISITY AND INTEGRATY! It is about growing towards the maximum good with the time, talent and finances that we have available to us.
Today we hear from the Prophet Isaiah that merely external worship does not cut it with God. Worship must be joined to internal sincerity. Those who conduct their affairs with justice are the ones who are acceptable in the eyes of God. Then our prayers will be heard, our efforts blessed and the Lord will find delight in our worship.
The author of Hebrews contrasts the assembly of the Israelites, when the old covenant was given, with the first Christians, who have entered the new covenant brought by Jesus. That old covenant was made on earth, but the new is in heaven. The author interprets God’s words spoken through the prophet Haggai as a reference to the Last Judgment. The kingdom that Christ has brought is unshakable, permanent, but those who “reject” him and his message will perish at the Last Day when God will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.
From Luke we hear of Jesus healing a woman from her suffering. He also sternly corrects the foolishness of detractors. Surly the Sabbath Day is a fitting day to relive suffering!
Jesus shows what it means to be a citizen of God’s kingdom – through his actions. That he heals a woman and refers to her as a "daughter of Abraham,” that is, a full member of Jewish society, is remarkable. The kingdom is equally open to women as to men and the sick; which is a radical departure for Jesus’ day. At that time, physical and mental ailments were seen as the work of evil forces; the very being of someone with a serious ailment was thought to be hostile to God. The woman does not ask to be cured and no one asks on her behalf. Jesus notices her and responds with compassion. Her response to his saving action is to praise God! The message, within the message, here is that the Kingdom of God is open to all; even those without status or who are shunned.
The question of authenticity rings through our readings today. It contrasts the worship of people who really don’t live the life with the worship of people who truly strive to embody God’s ways. Christianity was originally called “The Way” it is understood by the first disciples to be an entire “life style.” Not simple a Sunday thing, or a prayer and social thing. Prayer, fellowship and charity for the poor are only starting steps in the Christian way of life. Calling other’s to this life, using our abilities to make a better more just society and passing on “The Way” to another generation are equally important. Being authentic means striving to live the whole package, not just the easy parts.
We cannot each do it all at any one moment in our lives. But we can look honestly at our abilities and at the opportunities in our church (and city) and get involved in what we are able to do. You have heard me quote the saying before, “Do the good that presents itself to be done.”
Skating by on the bare minimum is not what Christianity is about. Nor is Christianity about being perfect, only Jesus accomplished that. CHRISTIANITY IS ABOUT AUTHENTISITY AND INTEGRATY! It is about growing towards the maximum good with the time, talent and finances that we have available to us.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
More on Immigration and Border Security
The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church has expressed her views of these issues in a Sunday bulletin insert that can be freely reproduced by parishes around the country.
In short, she examines the Biblical teachings on hospitality to strangers and calls us all to reflect on our national situation from the perspective of our Christian Faith.
Here is the Link!
Any thoughts?
In short, she examines the Biblical teachings on hospitality to strangers and calls us all to reflect on our national situation from the perspective of our Christian Faith.
Here is the Link!
Any thoughts?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Homily fo Proper 14 C, August 8, 2010
Homily for Proper 14 C
August 8, 2010
My sisters and brothers, we must be prepared, you simply can’t know when you will meet the Lord!
As Bill was approaching mid-life, physically he was a mess. Not only was he going bald, but years of office work had given him a large pot belly. The last straw came when he asked a woman co-worker out on a date, and she all but laughed at him. That does it, he decided. I'm going to start a whole new regimen. He began attending exercise classes. He started working out with weights. He changed his diet. And he got an expensive hair transplant. In six months, he was a different man. Again, he asked his female co-worker out, and this time she accepted.
There he was, all dressed up for the date, looking better than he ever had. He stood poised to ring the woman's doorbell, when a bolt of lightning struck him and knocked him off his feet. As he lay there dying, he turned his eyes toward the heavens and said, "Why, God, why now? After all I've been through, how could you do this to me?"
From up above, there came a voice, "I’m sorry Bill. I didn't recognize you."
Our first reading today introduces some of the prophet Isaiah's most famous themes. He poetically dramatizes God’s detest of empty worship. If people will not live by the divine ethic, there worship is hypocrisy. Specifically Isaiah calls us all to: seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, and plead for the widow. In our modern way of speaking he is telling us to care for and champion people who have been pushed to the margins of society. Isaiah speaks mostly to the rulers or nobles of his day, but also to the entire populous. All share responsibility to right injustice and callousness of their day, as we do in our day.
The author of Hebrews uses the Abraham “Father of the Nation” to illustrate the importance of faith in and faithfulness towards God. Earlier he has urged his readers to recall the time after they were baptized. They had endured many hardships: public abuse, persecution and plundering of your possessions. He urges them to be like Abraham and not abandon their confidence in God. Christ will come again; keep your faith in him.
From Luke we heard Jesus urge us to not be afraid of God’s judgment or the day of our death. All who strive to live by God’s plan are beloved by God and need not fear God. We are citizens of Heaven. Jesus nuances God’s ethical call in different ways than Isaiah but they are deeply complimentary. We are to avoid an over-attachment to possessions and share what we have with the needy. We are also to emphasize your relationship with God, integrity with God is lasting, but wealth ends with the grave. In short, be loyal and prepared servants of the Creator.
These readings pick up where our readings from last week leave off. Last week we were called to keep our priorities straight, not letting the demands of this world blind us to our place in the next. Now we hear more details about what that really means. 1, live by God’s ethical standards not those of this world; 2, keep the faith through good times and bad; 3, don’t be afraid of the end (God truly does love you) rather be prepared for the end!
My sisters and brothers, let us take this to heart, not fearing our final day but using each day simply and honestly to be ready to meet the one who made us and cares for us.
August 8, 2010
My sisters and brothers, we must be prepared, you simply can’t know when you will meet the Lord!
As Bill was approaching mid-life, physically he was a mess. Not only was he going bald, but years of office work had given him a large pot belly. The last straw came when he asked a woman co-worker out on a date, and she all but laughed at him. That does it, he decided. I'm going to start a whole new regimen. He began attending exercise classes. He started working out with weights. He changed his diet. And he got an expensive hair transplant. In six months, he was a different man. Again, he asked his female co-worker out, and this time she accepted.
There he was, all dressed up for the date, looking better than he ever had. He stood poised to ring the woman's doorbell, when a bolt of lightning struck him and knocked him off his feet. As he lay there dying, he turned his eyes toward the heavens and said, "Why, God, why now? After all I've been through, how could you do this to me?"
From up above, there came a voice, "I’m sorry Bill. I didn't recognize you."
Our first reading today introduces some of the prophet Isaiah's most famous themes. He poetically dramatizes God’s detest of empty worship. If people will not live by the divine ethic, there worship is hypocrisy. Specifically Isaiah calls us all to: seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, and plead for the widow. In our modern way of speaking he is telling us to care for and champion people who have been pushed to the margins of society. Isaiah speaks mostly to the rulers or nobles of his day, but also to the entire populous. All share responsibility to right injustice and callousness of their day, as we do in our day.
The author of Hebrews uses the Abraham “Father of the Nation” to illustrate the importance of faith in and faithfulness towards God. Earlier he has urged his readers to recall the time after they were baptized. They had endured many hardships: public abuse, persecution and plundering of your possessions. He urges them to be like Abraham and not abandon their confidence in God. Christ will come again; keep your faith in him.
From Luke we heard Jesus urge us to not be afraid of God’s judgment or the day of our death. All who strive to live by God’s plan are beloved by God and need not fear God. We are citizens of Heaven. Jesus nuances God’s ethical call in different ways than Isaiah but they are deeply complimentary. We are to avoid an over-attachment to possessions and share what we have with the needy. We are also to emphasize your relationship with God, integrity with God is lasting, but wealth ends with the grave. In short, be loyal and prepared servants of the Creator.
These readings pick up where our readings from last week leave off. Last week we were called to keep our priorities straight, not letting the demands of this world blind us to our place in the next. Now we hear more details about what that really means. 1, live by God’s ethical standards not those of this world; 2, keep the faith through good times and bad; 3, don’t be afraid of the end (God truly does love you) rather be prepared for the end!
My sisters and brothers, let us take this to heart, not fearing our final day but using each day simply and honestly to be ready to meet the one who made us and cares for us.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Homily for Proper 13 C; August 1, 2010
There was a rich tycoon known only as Mr. Frump, who profited from hostile corporate takeovers, often evicted hundreds of people at once from their Manhattan apartments to make way for his building projects, and was known for his ruthless firing policies. He also cheated on his income taxes, and had no concern for the safety and welfare of his employees. Maximum profits was all the really cared about. Unlike other supper wealthy individuals he had no use for philanthropic endeavors, and was curt to any who would solicit his goodwill on behalf of the poor. He was a true living Scrooge!
The only remotely charitable act he did was really self-serving. He was in a hurry to get to a meeting, and on his way he gave a paper boy a dollar bill for a 50-cent newspaper. Not wanting to wait for the boy to fish out the other 50 cents, he briskly said, "Don't worry about it. Keep it."
Mr. Frump finally died and found himself before the pearly gates. Having been used to a sense of entitlement his whole life; he approached St. Peter and, rather presumptuously said, "Well, it's me! You can let me in now."
"Well, hold it just a second, here, Mr. Frump," replied St. Peter. "I'm looking in the books here, and it seems you've been a pretty greedy fella all your life. You've run people out of their homes, you've robbed even from the poor and you've made life miserable for everyone with whom you've had contact. Now, in light of that, can you think of any reason why I should let you into this holy place?"
Mr. Frump was in a panic. This was the first time he did not have the upper hand in a "negotiation," and this was for all the chips. In his panic, he grasped at the only straw available to him. "Well, once I gave a paper boy a dollar for a 50-cent newspaper, and told him to keep the change." St. Peter scratched his chin as he puzzled over this for a few seconds, and finally said, "I'd better run this one past the Boss. Wait right here."
Mr. Frump was on pins and needles as he waited. Finally, St. Peter returned. "Well?" St. Peter took his hand, placed two quarters in it, and said, "Jesus said to give you your 50 cents back and tell you to go to hell!"
My sisters and brothers let us never lose perspective on the greatest priorities in this life.
Qoheleth, author of our first reading, bemoans the shortness of human life and the truth than none of our labors on this earth bring us anything that is truly lasting. The superlative: Vanity of vanities is a Hebrew expression for a supreme degree of futility and emptiness. Ultimately the only lasting benefit to this life is making our way into the eternal reward of the next life. Christ paved the way for us and living by his way is the only work that has truly lasting value.
In our reading from Colossians we hear a similar message. Seek the blessings and joys of the spiritual life. For the joys and accomplishments of this life are temporary and corruptible. Being baptized, we are expected to conduct ourselves according to the ethics of Christ; we are to cast aside both sins of the body and of the mind. In particular we are to remove from ourselves even the class, economic, racial and other distinctions that are normal in this world. In Christ all are made new and share the dignity of Christ himself.
Today’s gospel parable of the wealthy farmer repeats the message. Jesus points out the futility of obsessively gathering wealth in this life. No pleasure in this world will last beyond the grave except one. Being richly worthy in the eyes of God!
My brothers and sisters, we must live now as is necessities of this world demand. That is we must work for a safe, responsible and reasonably enjoyable life. But we must also remember and strive for the life and values that are eternal. We must never let our priorities get out of order.
The only remotely charitable act he did was really self-serving. He was in a hurry to get to a meeting, and on his way he gave a paper boy a dollar bill for a 50-cent newspaper. Not wanting to wait for the boy to fish out the other 50 cents, he briskly said, "Don't worry about it. Keep it."
Mr. Frump finally died and found himself before the pearly gates. Having been used to a sense of entitlement his whole life; he approached St. Peter and, rather presumptuously said, "Well, it's me! You can let me in now."
"Well, hold it just a second, here, Mr. Frump," replied St. Peter. "I'm looking in the books here, and it seems you've been a pretty greedy fella all your life. You've run people out of their homes, you've robbed even from the poor and you've made life miserable for everyone with whom you've had contact. Now, in light of that, can you think of any reason why I should let you into this holy place?"
Mr. Frump was in a panic. This was the first time he did not have the upper hand in a "negotiation," and this was for all the chips. In his panic, he grasped at the only straw available to him. "Well, once I gave a paper boy a dollar for a 50-cent newspaper, and told him to keep the change." St. Peter scratched his chin as he puzzled over this for a few seconds, and finally said, "I'd better run this one past the Boss. Wait right here."
Mr. Frump was on pins and needles as he waited. Finally, St. Peter returned. "Well?" St. Peter took his hand, placed two quarters in it, and said, "Jesus said to give you your 50 cents back and tell you to go to hell!"
My sisters and brothers let us never lose perspective on the greatest priorities in this life.
Qoheleth, author of our first reading, bemoans the shortness of human life and the truth than none of our labors on this earth bring us anything that is truly lasting. The superlative: Vanity of vanities is a Hebrew expression for a supreme degree of futility and emptiness. Ultimately the only lasting benefit to this life is making our way into the eternal reward of the next life. Christ paved the way for us and living by his way is the only work that has truly lasting value.
In our reading from Colossians we hear a similar message. Seek the blessings and joys of the spiritual life. For the joys and accomplishments of this life are temporary and corruptible. Being baptized, we are expected to conduct ourselves according to the ethics of Christ; we are to cast aside both sins of the body and of the mind. In particular we are to remove from ourselves even the class, economic, racial and other distinctions that are normal in this world. In Christ all are made new and share the dignity of Christ himself.
Today’s gospel parable of the wealthy farmer repeats the message. Jesus points out the futility of obsessively gathering wealth in this life. No pleasure in this world will last beyond the grave except one. Being richly worthy in the eyes of God!
My brothers and sisters, we must live now as is necessities of this world demand. That is we must work for a safe, responsible and reasonably enjoyable life. But we must also remember and strive for the life and values that are eternal. We must never let our priorities get out of order.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Clergy Burnout discussed on NPR
If you did not catch "Talk of the Nation" today on your local public radio I recommend you pick up on the podcast/archive version. Clergy burn out was the topic and they did a great job with the topic!
Here is the link
Here is the link
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Homily for Proper 8 C, June 27, 2010
My sisters and brothers, prayer is the medicine that will get us through the challenges of discipleship.
In our first reading today we heard about Elijah passing on his responsibility to this disciple Elisha. Elisha in his turn proves to be a worthy successor and demonstrates his worth in powerful ways.
Elijah and Elisha start this journey at Gilgal, in the hill country north of Bethel. Three times Elijah invites Elisha to travel no further: he tests Elisha, to determine whether he is truly loyal to his master. Each time, Elisha proves his loyalty, and so the two travel southward from “Gilgal” to “Bethel,” then east to “Jericho” and “the Jordan.” The “company of prophets” that is mentioned is a group of followers (disciples) of Elijah; they are like traveling monks.
Elijah offers Elisha a reward for his loyalty; then Elisha requests that he receive the principal share (“double”) of Elijah’s spirituality. Deuteronomy requires that the eldest son inherit a double portion of his father’s estate. Elijah cannot grant this request himself, for it is God’s to give but should Elisha sees Elijah taken up, God will grant the request. Tearing of clothes was an expression of grief or distress. Elisha picks up Elijah’s mantle, the symbol of his role as prophet.
In our Galatians reading Paul gives some important advice. Do not the use spiritual freedom you have in Christ as an opportunity for self-indulgence. Rather, love your neighbor as yourself and live by the Holy Spirit. Do this because the Spirit is opposed to the flesh and the flesh is opposed to the Spirit.
Today’s reading from Luke is basically a short story followed by a collection of sayings. First off, Christians are not to take vengeance on those who reject Christ. This is followed by several sayings about discipleship and its requirements or costs. You may have to give up: home and even family. During the first and second generations of Christianity, persecution was common and many were betrayed to the authorities by family or friends.
On a side note, “Samaritans” did not help pilgrims going to keep feasts in Jerusalem because they believed the true temple to be theirs (on Mount Gerizim).
Prejudices, frustrations and crisis have come to all our lives; some more than others. Keeping our focus on Christ so that we are not distracted or lead astray is of vital importance.
How we respond to these kinds of situations will depend on our spirituality. That is, it will depend on our conscious relationship with God. If our prayer life has built us the foundation it takes to remain cool and responsive we can come off quite well. If not we can be quite reactionary or just passive. Pray daily my brothers and sisters; read and develop you spiritual life. That will give you the strength and grounding it takes to handle these storms if and when they come your way.
In our first reading today we heard about Elijah passing on his responsibility to this disciple Elisha. Elisha in his turn proves to be a worthy successor and demonstrates his worth in powerful ways.
Elijah and Elisha start this journey at Gilgal, in the hill country north of Bethel. Three times Elijah invites Elisha to travel no further: he tests Elisha, to determine whether he is truly loyal to his master. Each time, Elisha proves his loyalty, and so the two travel southward from “Gilgal” to “Bethel,” then east to “Jericho” and “the Jordan.” The “company of prophets” that is mentioned is a group of followers (disciples) of Elijah; they are like traveling monks.
Elijah offers Elisha a reward for his loyalty; then Elisha requests that he receive the principal share (“double”) of Elijah’s spirituality. Deuteronomy requires that the eldest son inherit a double portion of his father’s estate. Elijah cannot grant this request himself, for it is God’s to give but should Elisha sees Elijah taken up, God will grant the request. Tearing of clothes was an expression of grief or distress. Elisha picks up Elijah’s mantle, the symbol of his role as prophet.
In our Galatians reading Paul gives some important advice. Do not the use spiritual freedom you have in Christ as an opportunity for self-indulgence. Rather, love your neighbor as yourself and live by the Holy Spirit. Do this because the Spirit is opposed to the flesh and the flesh is opposed to the Spirit.
Today’s reading from Luke is basically a short story followed by a collection of sayings. First off, Christians are not to take vengeance on those who reject Christ. This is followed by several sayings about discipleship and its requirements or costs. You may have to give up: home and even family. During the first and second generations of Christianity, persecution was common and many were betrayed to the authorities by family or friends.
On a side note, “Samaritans” did not help pilgrims going to keep feasts in Jerusalem because they believed the true temple to be theirs (on Mount Gerizim).
Prejudices, frustrations and crisis have come to all our lives; some more than others. Keeping our focus on Christ so that we are not distracted or lead astray is of vital importance.
How we respond to these kinds of situations will depend on our spirituality. That is, it will depend on our conscious relationship with God. If our prayer life has built us the foundation it takes to remain cool and responsive we can come off quite well. If not we can be quite reactionary or just passive. Pray daily my brothers and sisters; read and develop you spiritual life. That will give you the strength and grounding it takes to handle these storms if and when they come your way.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Drug Cartels Threaten U.S. Law Enforcement Officers
The issue of border security and violent crime has taken another turn for the worse here in Southern Arizona. Last month the violence of the drug wars in Northern Mexico spilled over the border with the killing of Rob Krentz a rancher in Cochise County. Many believe his death was retaliation because he had discovered a large drug stash on his property and notified the authorities. Considering the following stories, they may be right!
Now, in retaliation for local Police in Nogales Arizona discovering a similar stash a cartel boss has issued threats against American Law Enforcement. CNN ran the story yesterday and today Reuters has picked it up.
For the CNN story click here
For the Reuters story click here
Now, in retaliation for local Police in Nogales Arizona discovering a similar stash a cartel boss has issued threats against American Law Enforcement. CNN ran the story yesterday and today Reuters has picked it up.
For the CNN story click here
For the Reuters story click here
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Homily for Proper 6 C - June 13, 2010
May sisters and brothers, God is not only just, God is also merciful: which side we see depends on our response to his call.
In our first reading we heard about Jezebel plotting murder to give possession of a vineyard to her husband King Ahab. We also heard of God’s reprisal through the agency of Elijah. King Ahab ruled Israel, the northern kingdom, ca 870-850 BC. Ahab has committed a massive sin in offering Naboth a choice of either other land or money for his vineyard. Both legally and by religious custom, the vineyard must remain in Naboth’s family (“ancestral inheritance,”). Ahab shows that he knows both the Law and the custom but clearly doesn’t care about either. Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, hatches the murder plot, on the pretext that the King of Israel is God’s agent. Presumably the property of a man stoned to death was forfeit to the crown so the faults accusations serve Ahab and Jezebel’s ends. Now Elijah enters the picture, God sends him to prophesy to Ahab: his fate will be the same as Naboth’s. Later, a stray arrow kills Ahab, who dies from his wounds. Divine justice is served.
In our Gospel story we see the other side of the coin. Jesus forgives! Explaining to his host that God’s forgiveness toward the repentant is rich; it can be seen in the great love they give in return. Jesus’ fellow guests respond profoundly: this guy is more than a prophet; he even forgives sins.
Several of Jesus’ followers are mentioned, especially Mary Magdalene. She in particular is an important and often ignored (and even maligned) character in Jesus’ story. First of all her expanded name or nick name, Magdalene is not as simple as it appears. Magdala is a Gk word – the Hebrew is Migdol meaning “tower.” There is also a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee by this name; it was a center of fishing and fish packing. Most scholars take her moniker to mean that she was Mary from Migdol. But there still remains some possibility that the moniker was meant descriptively, Mary the Tower. I’m sure scholars have good reason for not perusing this possibility but I can’t personally help being intrigued because of her pivotal role as witness to the resurrection.
From the canonical Gospels, we know only a few details about her:
1) Healed of 7 daemons: Mk & Lk.
2) Ministered to Jesus: Mt. & Lk.
3) Witness of the Crucifixion: Mt, Mk, Jn.
4) Witness to His Burial: Mt, Mk
5) Witness of the Resurrection & Apostle of the Resurrection: Mt, Mk, Lk, Jn.
6) Privet vision of Jesus after resurrection: Mk & Jn.
No matter how history may have mistreated her, she remains an important disciple and a unique Apostle.
For our own spiritual lives today we ought to refocus ourselves on the dynamic that God is both merciful and just. Forgiving and demanding of accountability. “Believe it or not,” this one hinges on us. The response God shows us depends on our attitude and response to our own sinfulness
Do we admit our misdeeds and seek forgiveness from God? Do we make apology and amends where we can? These things make us like the repentant women in today’s gospel story.
Or do we pretend that we’ve done nothing wrong – remaining self-righteous and selfish? In this case we are like Ahab and Jezebel.
So my brothers and sisters, it is only wise for us to trust in God’s love and seek God’s forgiveness with sincere hearts. Then we can also experience God’s overflowing love and mercy!
In our first reading we heard about Jezebel plotting murder to give possession of a vineyard to her husband King Ahab. We also heard of God’s reprisal through the agency of Elijah. King Ahab ruled Israel, the northern kingdom, ca 870-850 BC. Ahab has committed a massive sin in offering Naboth a choice of either other land or money for his vineyard. Both legally and by religious custom, the vineyard must remain in Naboth’s family (“ancestral inheritance,”). Ahab shows that he knows both the Law and the custom but clearly doesn’t care about either. Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, hatches the murder plot, on the pretext that the King of Israel is God’s agent. Presumably the property of a man stoned to death was forfeit to the crown so the faults accusations serve Ahab and Jezebel’s ends. Now Elijah enters the picture, God sends him to prophesy to Ahab: his fate will be the same as Naboth’s. Later, a stray arrow kills Ahab, who dies from his wounds. Divine justice is served.
In our Gospel story we see the other side of the coin. Jesus forgives! Explaining to his host that God’s forgiveness toward the repentant is rich; it can be seen in the great love they give in return. Jesus’ fellow guests respond profoundly: this guy is more than a prophet; he even forgives sins.
Several of Jesus’ followers are mentioned, especially Mary Magdalene. She in particular is an important and often ignored (and even maligned) character in Jesus’ story. First of all her expanded name or nick name, Magdalene is not as simple as it appears. Magdala is a Gk word – the Hebrew is Migdol meaning “tower.” There is also a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee by this name; it was a center of fishing and fish packing. Most scholars take her moniker to mean that she was Mary from Migdol. But there still remains some possibility that the moniker was meant descriptively, Mary the Tower. I’m sure scholars have good reason for not perusing this possibility but I can’t personally help being intrigued because of her pivotal role as witness to the resurrection.
From the canonical Gospels, we know only a few details about her:
1) Healed of 7 daemons: Mk & Lk.
2) Ministered to Jesus: Mt. & Lk.
3) Witness of the Crucifixion: Mt, Mk, Jn.
4) Witness to His Burial: Mt, Mk
5) Witness of the Resurrection & Apostle of the Resurrection: Mt, Mk, Lk, Jn.
6) Privet vision of Jesus after resurrection: Mk & Jn.
No matter how history may have mistreated her, she remains an important disciple and a unique Apostle.
For our own spiritual lives today we ought to refocus ourselves on the dynamic that God is both merciful and just. Forgiving and demanding of accountability. “Believe it or not,” this one hinges on us. The response God shows us depends on our attitude and response to our own sinfulness
Do we admit our misdeeds and seek forgiveness from God? Do we make apology and amends where we can? These things make us like the repentant women in today’s gospel story.
Or do we pretend that we’ve done nothing wrong – remaining self-righteous and selfish? In this case we are like Ahab and Jezebel.
So my brothers and sisters, it is only wise for us to trust in God’s love and seek God’s forgiveness with sincere hearts. Then we can also experience God’s overflowing love and mercy!
Homily for Proper 5 C - June 6, 2010
My sisters and brothers, Jesus and Elijah have demonstrated grate power and set a tremendous example.
Our first reading relates how the power of God was manifested through the ministry of Elijah. Even on the soil of another god, Baal, Yahweh is fully potent.
Ahab (king of the northern kingdom, Israel, ca 870-850 BC) and his wife Jezebel rebelled against God by worshiping Baal; the Canaanite god of storms and fertility. Elijah, seemingly on his own authority and claiming to be God’s servant, has decreed a drought – apparently as punishment for Ahab’s waywardness. Elijah has not been commissioned as a prophet. Later, God gives him instructions for avoiding arrest by Ahab and starvation. He shows himself to be God’s servant by obeying God’s orders. He, like the Israelites during the Exodus, is fed by God.
In today’s story, the Baalist woman recognizes the power of Israel’s God and asserts the validity of Elijah’s claim to speak for God. Elijah is indeed a prophet.
In our second reading, Paul tries to give some credential for his preaching, calming that his gospel is unique yet fully authentic. He even drops the names of two apostles who know him and presumably support his teaching. The detractors Paul is trying to rebut are saying that he is not a real apostle and that his teaching is too liberal. The Jerusalem council, reported in Acts, struck a compromise position on the issues of circumcision and food laws. Peter did lean in the liberal direction of Paul but did not go as far.
Our reading today presents the core of Paul’s defense. His detractors claim that he is not a real apostle, because he did not accompany Jesus in his ministry. They say that he was commissioned for mission by humans, in Antioch; real apostles received the good news directly from Christ. We see this fact related in the story of the apostles picking a replacement for Judas. Paul argues that he was commissioned “through a revelation of Christ”, through his vision on the road to Damascus. He rebuts the false teachers further: they accuse him of weakening the faith by excusing Christians from Jewish practices, e.g. circumcision and the dietary laws. Paul points out that he was ardently and strictly Jewish until his vision, his commissioning by Christ. God had set him apart for his purposes first as a Pharisee and then as one sent, as an apostle with a distinct mission: “among the Gentiles”.
Today’s Gospel story shows how Jesus’ reputation as Prophet and man of God spreads. He even equals the feats of the Great Prophet Elijah; raising a widow’s only son from the dead!
Previously, in Capernaum, Jesus has been approached by Jewish leaders to heal the slave of a centurion who has paid for the building of a synagogue. They argue that, despite being a Gentile, he is worthy to receive the blessings that God grants to Israel, his elect. But Jesus has healed him for his faith. Now, moving on to the town of Nain, Jesus encounters the body of a dead man being carried out of the town, through the “gate.” In a patriarchal society, a widow’s loss of her “only son” would render her destitute. The story recalls Elijah raising a widow’s son; indeed the words translated “gave him to his mother” also appear in the then-current Greek translation of 1 Kings. Jesus is truly a powerful prophet through whom God shows Divine mercy.
Jesus and Elijah have each raised from the dead the only son (the only security) of a widowed mother. They, however, demonstrate more than just the power of God. Compassion for the widows’ grief and their pending financial insecurity is also a powerful theme. Also, Jesus shows compassion for the untimely death of the young men.
Healing, support/help in time of need; all these themes are tied up in these stories. They are expressions of caring. Jesus and Elijah set an important example for us believers today. We really must give a dam if we are to be authentic Christians. We really must do what we can to ease the suffering of others. It is Jesus’ most consistent messages as well as his personal example. Even though we will probably never see a perfect world, we must never allow ourselves to grow cynical or complacent about our call to Christian love.
Our first reading relates how the power of God was manifested through the ministry of Elijah. Even on the soil of another god, Baal, Yahweh is fully potent.
Ahab (king of the northern kingdom, Israel, ca 870-850 BC) and his wife Jezebel rebelled against God by worshiping Baal; the Canaanite god of storms and fertility. Elijah, seemingly on his own authority and claiming to be God’s servant, has decreed a drought – apparently as punishment for Ahab’s waywardness. Elijah has not been commissioned as a prophet. Later, God gives him instructions for avoiding arrest by Ahab and starvation. He shows himself to be God’s servant by obeying God’s orders. He, like the Israelites during the Exodus, is fed by God.
In today’s story, the Baalist woman recognizes the power of Israel’s God and asserts the validity of Elijah’s claim to speak for God. Elijah is indeed a prophet.
In our second reading, Paul tries to give some credential for his preaching, calming that his gospel is unique yet fully authentic. He even drops the names of two apostles who know him and presumably support his teaching. The detractors Paul is trying to rebut are saying that he is not a real apostle and that his teaching is too liberal. The Jerusalem council, reported in Acts, struck a compromise position on the issues of circumcision and food laws. Peter did lean in the liberal direction of Paul but did not go as far.
Our reading today presents the core of Paul’s defense. His detractors claim that he is not a real apostle, because he did not accompany Jesus in his ministry. They say that he was commissioned for mission by humans, in Antioch; real apostles received the good news directly from Christ. We see this fact related in the story of the apostles picking a replacement for Judas. Paul argues that he was commissioned “through a revelation of Christ”, through his vision on the road to Damascus. He rebuts the false teachers further: they accuse him of weakening the faith by excusing Christians from Jewish practices, e.g. circumcision and the dietary laws. Paul points out that he was ardently and strictly Jewish until his vision, his commissioning by Christ. God had set him apart for his purposes first as a Pharisee and then as one sent, as an apostle with a distinct mission: “among the Gentiles”.
Today’s Gospel story shows how Jesus’ reputation as Prophet and man of God spreads. He even equals the feats of the Great Prophet Elijah; raising a widow’s only son from the dead!
Previously, in Capernaum, Jesus has been approached by Jewish leaders to heal the slave of a centurion who has paid for the building of a synagogue. They argue that, despite being a Gentile, he is worthy to receive the blessings that God grants to Israel, his elect. But Jesus has healed him for his faith. Now, moving on to the town of Nain, Jesus encounters the body of a dead man being carried out of the town, through the “gate.” In a patriarchal society, a widow’s loss of her “only son” would render her destitute. The story recalls Elijah raising a widow’s son; indeed the words translated “gave him to his mother” also appear in the then-current Greek translation of 1 Kings. Jesus is truly a powerful prophet through whom God shows Divine mercy.
Jesus and Elijah have each raised from the dead the only son (the only security) of a widowed mother. They, however, demonstrate more than just the power of God. Compassion for the widows’ grief and their pending financial insecurity is also a powerful theme. Also, Jesus shows compassion for the untimely death of the young men.
Healing, support/help in time of need; all these themes are tied up in these stories. They are expressions of caring. Jesus and Elijah set an important example for us believers today. We really must give a dam if we are to be authentic Christians. We really must do what we can to ease the suffering of others. It is Jesus’ most consistent messages as well as his personal example. Even though we will probably never see a perfect world, we must never allow ourselves to grow cynical or complacent about our call to Christian love.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Up date on the "More on Border Security" post
Mr. Ayoob has added his part two to his reflections on visiting with law enforcement in Southern Arizona. I had no idea that the Huachuca City PD had fagged suspicious activity for the FBI. One has to admit, purchasing 500 cell phones at one time looks very odd. Once again, Mr. Ayoob's blog is proving to be very informative. Also I must reiterate, he is an authoritative source.
Here is Massad Ayoob's blog
Here is my early blog entry on the border security and immigration question
Here is Massad Ayoob's blog
Here is my early blog entry on the border security and immigration question
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
More on Border Security
Today I spent lunch cursing the blog-o-sphere for different perspectives on our Arizona border security issues. This Link will take you to a posting by Massad Ayoob who is a nationally recognized police firearms instructor and author (hence the gun related details in his posing). He recently visited Southern Arizona and interviewed some local law enforcement about their experiences with crime related to the border and smuggling. Very valuable to hear another perspective.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Homily for Trinity Sunday C, 2010
Today’s celebration of the Trinity reminds us that God is available to us in three different ways, or kinds of relationship.
In our first lesson from Proverbs we see wisdom described as if it were a person. Many Christians have viewed this as a description of the Holy Spirit’s role. John (in the prologue to his Gospel) associates this with the Logos who was with God at the beginning and entered our world as Jesus the Christ. Most of this book is instructions given by a scholar to a student on how to lead a moral life; with proper respect for God. Life involves choices: it is important that one be informed, trained and persuaded to make the right ones. The objective of life is attainment of wisdom, i.e. integrity in God's eyes.
Our second reading reminds us that God’s love is poured into us through the Holy Spirit. Christ is our entry point to God’s grace. The justification He gives has a second effect: even in times of trial it lead us to openness to God’s plans through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our person.
In our Gospel today we hear John’s understanding of the Trinity: Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit. The Son and the Spirit each draw from the Father and pass on to the faithful disciple.
Episcopalian writers often speak of us as people of the Incarnation. That is, we put great weight on God entering our human world in Christ and our continuing His work as “the hands and feet of Christ” in our own day. God is not just “out there” in interstellar space. Incarnation also gives us a window of understanding on the Trinity whom we celebrate today. The one God who is all powerful Creator, is also incarnate in Jesus the Christ and is (in Spirit) with us and uniting us in the Divine Oneness of the Trinity.
The Trinity is a perfect relationship of love in which neither unity nor distinctness of the divine persons is compromised. God is understood to be dynamic, loving, and available to be in sacred relationship with humanity for our salvation.
God can therefore be available for us in different ways. At some moments in our lives we need to see and feel that we are part of something bigger and longer lasting than the hassles of the moment. We need that connection to the infinite Creator of all things who loves us. At other times we are in need of a companion on the way who has answers we don’t and strength to support us. Yet, at still different times we are complacent or stuck and need God to surprise us. We need a Spirit that blows as it wills and pushes us along in the process, until we get the message.
My sisters and brothers, God has many ways of working in and through us, let us be open to all of them!
In our first lesson from Proverbs we see wisdom described as if it were a person. Many Christians have viewed this as a description of the Holy Spirit’s role. John (in the prologue to his Gospel) associates this with the Logos who was with God at the beginning and entered our world as Jesus the Christ. Most of this book is instructions given by a scholar to a student on how to lead a moral life; with proper respect for God. Life involves choices: it is important that one be informed, trained and persuaded to make the right ones. The objective of life is attainment of wisdom, i.e. integrity in God's eyes.
Our second reading reminds us that God’s love is poured into us through the Holy Spirit. Christ is our entry point to God’s grace. The justification He gives has a second effect: even in times of trial it lead us to openness to God’s plans through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our person.
In our Gospel today we hear John’s understanding of the Trinity: Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit. The Son and the Spirit each draw from the Father and pass on to the faithful disciple.
Episcopalian writers often speak of us as people of the Incarnation. That is, we put great weight on God entering our human world in Christ and our continuing His work as “the hands and feet of Christ” in our own day. God is not just “out there” in interstellar space. Incarnation also gives us a window of understanding on the Trinity whom we celebrate today. The one God who is all powerful Creator, is also incarnate in Jesus the Christ and is (in Spirit) with us and uniting us in the Divine Oneness of the Trinity.
The Trinity is a perfect relationship of love in which neither unity nor distinctness of the divine persons is compromised. God is understood to be dynamic, loving, and available to be in sacred relationship with humanity for our salvation.
God can therefore be available for us in different ways. At some moments in our lives we need to see and feel that we are part of something bigger and longer lasting than the hassles of the moment. We need that connection to the infinite Creator of all things who loves us. At other times we are in need of a companion on the way who has answers we don’t and strength to support us. Yet, at still different times we are complacent or stuck and need God to surprise us. We need a Spirit that blows as it wills and pushes us along in the process, until we get the message.
My sisters and brothers, God has many ways of working in and through us, let us be open to all of them!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Homily for Pentecost C, 2010
Come Holy Spirit; kindle in us the fire of your love!
In our first reading we heard the story of the Holy Spirit’s arrival. The experience was so overwhelming that the first disciples could only describe it as being over taken by violent winds and fire! It is now fifty days since Easter. The way Luke puts it shows that Pentecost is a milestone in the story of salvation. He attempts to describe the event in human terms (winds and flames) but it is never possible to explain a divine mystery. The coming of the Holy Spirit is the event which inaugurates the final stage of the salvation history; this new era includes our present times and builds to the end of time.
Acts is about mission, about speaking, proclaiming, the good news to people everywhere; Luke tells us that the Holy Spirit is the driving force behind this work, e.g. in the story of the Ethiopian Eunuch, we read “the Spirit said to Philip. . .” Today we read that they spoke in other languages through the Spirit’s power.
In our second reading we learn that Christians are obligated to live according to the Spirit as children of God. Paul has told us that Christian living is centered in life “in the Spirit rather than on any form of self-centeredness. The Christian is under an obligation to Christ: to live according to the Spirit. Now he says that those who live in the Spirit are children of God. This implies a new relationship with God.
In our Gospel reading, Jesus describes His relationship with the Father and encourages his disciples to believe. He then promises them the Holy Spirit and describes its importance for guiding the disciples and binding them in spiritual unity with himself and the Father. As faithful Christians we are to continue Jesus’ works – and do even greater.
There really are two different schools of thought as to the “Gifts of the Holy Spirit.” There is the Charismatic or Pentecostal view and the Scholastic view. From Pentecostle School we get the familiar list drawn from 1 Corinthians:
* Wisdom
* Knowledge
* Discernment of spirits
* Speaking in tongues
* Interpretation of tongues
* Prophecy
* Faith
* Working of miracles
* Healing
The Scholastic school (drawn from the reflections of late Midi-evil Christians) is probably less familiar to us but provides valuable expressions of more subtle spiritual gifts:
1. Wisdom, Recognizing God’s work in the world
2. Understanding, comprehending what it takes to follow Christ
3. Right Judgment (Council), making good decisions
4. Courage (fortitude), taking a Christian stand for what is right
5. Knowledge, understanding Scripture and Christian Tradition and always seeking deeper understanding
6. Reverence (Piety), respect for God
7. Fear of the Lord, wonder and Awe of God’s work, love and beauty
All Christians need to pray for growth in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The words of a very old Latin (Veni, Sancte Spiritus) hymn will help us end with a prayer.
In our first reading we heard the story of the Holy Spirit’s arrival. The experience was so overwhelming that the first disciples could only describe it as being over taken by violent winds and fire! It is now fifty days since Easter. The way Luke puts it shows that Pentecost is a milestone in the story of salvation. He attempts to describe the event in human terms (winds and flames) but it is never possible to explain a divine mystery. The coming of the Holy Spirit is the event which inaugurates the final stage of the salvation history; this new era includes our present times and builds to the end of time.
Acts is about mission, about speaking, proclaiming, the good news to people everywhere; Luke tells us that the Holy Spirit is the driving force behind this work, e.g. in the story of the Ethiopian Eunuch, we read “the Spirit said to Philip. . .” Today we read that they spoke in other languages through the Spirit’s power.
In our second reading we learn that Christians are obligated to live according to the Spirit as children of God. Paul has told us that Christian living is centered in life “in the Spirit rather than on any form of self-centeredness. The Christian is under an obligation to Christ: to live according to the Spirit. Now he says that those who live in the Spirit are children of God. This implies a new relationship with God.
In our Gospel reading, Jesus describes His relationship with the Father and encourages his disciples to believe. He then promises them the Holy Spirit and describes its importance for guiding the disciples and binding them in spiritual unity with himself and the Father. As faithful Christians we are to continue Jesus’ works – and do even greater.
There really are two different schools of thought as to the “Gifts of the Holy Spirit.” There is the Charismatic or Pentecostal view and the Scholastic view. From Pentecostle School we get the familiar list drawn from 1 Corinthians:
* Wisdom
* Knowledge
* Discernment of spirits
* Speaking in tongues
* Interpretation of tongues
* Prophecy
* Faith
* Working of miracles
* Healing
The Scholastic school (drawn from the reflections of late Midi-evil Christians) is probably less familiar to us but provides valuable expressions of more subtle spiritual gifts:
1. Wisdom, Recognizing God’s work in the world
2. Understanding, comprehending what it takes to follow Christ
3. Right Judgment (Council), making good decisions
4. Courage (fortitude), taking a Christian stand for what is right
5. Knowledge, understanding Scripture and Christian Tradition and always seeking deeper understanding
6. Reverence (Piety), respect for God
7. Fear of the Lord, wonder and Awe of God’s work, love and beauty
All Christians need to pray for growth in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The words of a very old Latin (Veni, Sancte Spiritus) hymn will help us end with a prayer.
Come, Holy Spirit,
send forth the heavenly
radiance of your light.
Come, provider for the poor,
come giver of gifts,
come, light of the heart.
Greatest comforter,
sweet guest of the soul,
sweet consolation.
In labor, rest,
in heat, temperance,
in tears, solace.
O most blessed light,
fill the inmost heart
of your faithful.
Without your divine will,
there is nothing in humanity,
nothing is harmless.
Wash that which is unclean,
water that which is dry,
heal that which is wounded.
Bend that which is inflexible,
warm that which is chilled,
make right that which is wrong.
Give to your faithful,
who rely on you,
the sevenfold gifts.
Give reward to virtue,
give salvation at our passing on,
give eternal joy.
Amen. Alleluia.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Bishiop Kirk Smith on PBS Religion and Ethics
On May 21, 2010, last Friday's broadcast, PBS: Religion and Ethics program gathered religious leaders for a discussion of Arizona's SB 1070 - the Arizona State immigration law. I highly recommend both the video and transcript posted on the PBS web sight.
Click Here
As I mentioned in an early blog posting, I favor comprehensive immigration reform in the form of a worker visa program that is genuinely accessible to the individuals who seek work in the U.S. I also take exception to the perspectives that conflate the immigration issues with drug smuggling and border security. These are genuinely separate issues and require their own unique solutions.
Here is my earlier post!
Click Here
As I mentioned in an early blog posting, I favor comprehensive immigration reform in the form of a worker visa program that is genuinely accessible to the individuals who seek work in the U.S. I also take exception to the perspectives that conflate the immigration issues with drug smuggling and border security. These are genuinely separate issues and require their own unique solutions.
Here is my earlier post!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Homily for 6 Easter C
Let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Christianity.
Our reading from Acts tells the story of the Conversion of Lydia and her household. In the ancient Greek culture, women were basically treated as property. In Roman culture, they had a bit more status but the improvement was not dramatic. I point this out because this story of the first Christians accepting Lydia as a head of household demonstrates their dramatic difference from the culture around them. This story is one more tiny glimpse into strongly our predecessors held the equality symbolized in images like the “Mystical Body of Christ.”
This story is set in Paul’s second great missionary journey. Starting from Caesarea Philippi, he has traveled north to Antioch, then generally northwest through Asia Minor. He, Silas and Timothy have now arrived at “Troas,” a seaport on the Aegean Sea. Now he has a dream, which he understands to contain instructions from God. “Macedonia” was the Roman province in northern Greece.
In our reading from Revelations, John continues describing the heavenly city established as God’s thrown in the recreated world. He dramatizes God’s glory by describing it as all the sunlight the city needs. In his dream John is carried by an angel into the desert to see a decaying “Babylon,” i.e. Rome. His next vision is the glorified Church, i.e., the new “holy city of Jerusalem.” The height of the city “wall” (21:17) is minuscule compared to what would be expected. This City fears no enemies.
Our gospel reading is from John’s account of the Last Supper. Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit after he arrives in heaven. He also warns that the Holy Spirit “will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said.” The implication is that more teachings (or revelations) are to come. There is an old monastic saying that is draw from this admonition: “Be attentive to the Holy Spirit!”
We are now in that part of the Easter Season where we look toward Christ’s Ascension and the birth of the Christian Church on Pentecost. Today we remembered the promise of the Holy Spirit and Jesus admonition that we actually listen to it…. We are further reminded of the promised perfected world to come in the reunion of Heaven and Earth.
Christianity has both a spiritual and practical side. We have talked much lately about that practical side: loving one’s neighbor, sharing out faith with others, even construction plans for our new building. We must not neglect the spiritual. It is important that we pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This is important because the act of making such prayers opens our hearts and minds for the Spirit’s guidance. It also helps us be ready to accept its gift of passionate spiritual love. That fiery part of the Pentecost story. Let us prayerfully make ourselves ready to celebrate the birth of the Church!
Our reading from Acts tells the story of the Conversion of Lydia and her household. In the ancient Greek culture, women were basically treated as property. In Roman culture, they had a bit more status but the improvement was not dramatic. I point this out because this story of the first Christians accepting Lydia as a head of household demonstrates their dramatic difference from the culture around them. This story is one more tiny glimpse into strongly our predecessors held the equality symbolized in images like the “Mystical Body of Christ.”
This story is set in Paul’s second great missionary journey. Starting from Caesarea Philippi, he has traveled north to Antioch, then generally northwest through Asia Minor. He, Silas and Timothy have now arrived at “Troas,” a seaport on the Aegean Sea. Now he has a dream, which he understands to contain instructions from God. “Macedonia” was the Roman province in northern Greece.
In our reading from Revelations, John continues describing the heavenly city established as God’s thrown in the recreated world. He dramatizes God’s glory by describing it as all the sunlight the city needs. In his dream John is carried by an angel into the desert to see a decaying “Babylon,” i.e. Rome. His next vision is the glorified Church, i.e., the new “holy city of Jerusalem.” The height of the city “wall” (21:17) is minuscule compared to what would be expected. This City fears no enemies.
Our gospel reading is from John’s account of the Last Supper. Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit after he arrives in heaven. He also warns that the Holy Spirit “will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said.” The implication is that more teachings (or revelations) are to come. There is an old monastic saying that is draw from this admonition: “Be attentive to the Holy Spirit!”
We are now in that part of the Easter Season where we look toward Christ’s Ascension and the birth of the Christian Church on Pentecost. Today we remembered the promise of the Holy Spirit and Jesus admonition that we actually listen to it…. We are further reminded of the promised perfected world to come in the reunion of Heaven and Earth.
Christianity has both a spiritual and practical side. We have talked much lately about that practical side: loving one’s neighbor, sharing out faith with others, even construction plans for our new building. We must not neglect the spiritual. It is important that we pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This is important because the act of making such prayers opens our hearts and minds for the Spirit’s guidance. It also helps us be ready to accept its gift of passionate spiritual love. That fiery part of the Pentecost story. Let us prayerfully make ourselves ready to celebrate the birth of the Church!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Border Security and Immigration Reform - From a Center-est Perspective
As an Episcopalian and political Independent, I am experiencing great offense at the polarized political bickering engendered by Arizona’s new Immigration Law. Recently an article in the Washington Post by Eugene Robinson was brought to my attention; it is this article that moved me to write down my thoughts. He makes appeal for “Fact-based analysis” and then grossly under represents the complexity of the issues and also misrepresents the facts in support of his obvious political bios. The following are the facts as I know them from my experience living in Cochise County; one of the counties that have been more dramatically affected by cross border crime.
1, Violence and theft related to professional smuggling operations along the border have been on the rise in the last four years; despite claims to the contrary. Here in Cochise County people have been held hostage at gun point in there own homes wile smugglers (Coyotes) waited for the cover of darkness. Recently a local rancher, Rob Krentz, who is well known as a kind and caring individual, was murdered on his ranch by someone involved in these smuggling operations. Members of my congregation, and I myself, have endured smuggling related burglaries and auto theft. The claim that we do not need to do more to secure the border is utterly naive.
2, Border security and illegal immigration are separate, though overlapping, issues. There should be no doubt that most of the illegal immigrants are individuals, driven by poverty, to seek employment here in this country swinging a hammer, pushing a broom, etc. I have personally encountered many of these hard-working individuals. Because of the inaccessibility of work visas, they pay “Coyotes” to guide them over the border. This not only puts them in the hands of professional drug smugglers but of the cartel enforcers who garde the shipments. I have found it all too routine to read in the local news about another body found in the local desert or mountains; an immigrant left to dye by a “Coyote.” The local smugglers and their drug cartel associates are ruthless professional criminals, let us not be in doubt of this fact. As a Christian I see this present situation as one humanitarian crisis compounded by another. To solve this we must recognize that there are two separate issues at hand: the need for greater security and safety along our border and the need for immigration reform. Which means that our present polarized bickering between the “Left and the Right” (which I see Mr. Robinson contributing too rather than helping) must end.
3, If meaningful immigration reform were enacted, allowing real accessability to work visas, many dynamics of the present situation would be transformed for the better. First, workers seeking employment in the U.S. and the businesses that need these workers, would have legal access to each other. Let us not pretend that business in the U.S. does not need these workers. If immigrant workers were not finding jobs, their influx would have slowed to a trickle long ago. The next most obvious effect of this change would be to remove the drive for immigrants to seek out the services of criminal guides. This would be a genuine humanitarian victory from my perspective. Finally, the reform would also allow federal and local law enforcement to focus on interdicting the truly serious crime that threatens the safety of those (like myself) who live near the international border.
4, The conservative pretense that a new Arizona law against illegal immigration will help keep the border areas secure is nonsense. Such redundancy cannot do any more to inhibit crime than have the preexisting federal laws. This law will tie up limited local resources enforcing laws that federal agencies are already enforcing. It will require local law enforcement to look for probable cause in areas that are outside their training. Which will lead to racial profiling (even though this law was amended to ban such) simply because local law enforcement is not trained in this sphere in the manner of Customs and Border Patrol. From my perspective, this is nothing less than political posturing.
Finally one other fact bears noting. The liberal calm that the Mexican drug cartels procure their assault weapons on the U.S. side of the border is a genuine lie. Investigative reporters with Fox News debunked this claim months ago. The firearms that the Mexican government requested the U.S. government to trace represented only 10% of the weapons they had confiscated in their war with the drug cartels. The other 90% came from other countries and from their own military. Of that 10% only a fraction actually came from this country. Claiming that we have a responsibility to bear for feeding the violence in Mexico is utter propaganda.
Will we Americans ever put aside simplistic “group think,” “blame the other side” politics and pursue real solutions to our challenges?
1, Violence and theft related to professional smuggling operations along the border have been on the rise in the last four years; despite claims to the contrary. Here in Cochise County people have been held hostage at gun point in there own homes wile smugglers (Coyotes) waited for the cover of darkness. Recently a local rancher, Rob Krentz, who is well known as a kind and caring individual, was murdered on his ranch by someone involved in these smuggling operations. Members of my congregation, and I myself, have endured smuggling related burglaries and auto theft. The claim that we do not need to do more to secure the border is utterly naive.
2, Border security and illegal immigration are separate, though overlapping, issues. There should be no doubt that most of the illegal immigrants are individuals, driven by poverty, to seek employment here in this country swinging a hammer, pushing a broom, etc. I have personally encountered many of these hard-working individuals. Because of the inaccessibility of work visas, they pay “Coyotes” to guide them over the border. This not only puts them in the hands of professional drug smugglers but of the cartel enforcers who garde the shipments. I have found it all too routine to read in the local news about another body found in the local desert or mountains; an immigrant left to dye by a “Coyote.” The local smugglers and their drug cartel associates are ruthless professional criminals, let us not be in doubt of this fact. As a Christian I see this present situation as one humanitarian crisis compounded by another. To solve this we must recognize that there are two separate issues at hand: the need for greater security and safety along our border and the need for immigration reform. Which means that our present polarized bickering between the “Left and the Right” (which I see Mr. Robinson contributing too rather than helping) must end.
3, If meaningful immigration reform were enacted, allowing real accessability to work visas, many dynamics of the present situation would be transformed for the better. First, workers seeking employment in the U.S. and the businesses that need these workers, would have legal access to each other. Let us not pretend that business in the U.S. does not need these workers. If immigrant workers were not finding jobs, their influx would have slowed to a trickle long ago. The next most obvious effect of this change would be to remove the drive for immigrants to seek out the services of criminal guides. This would be a genuine humanitarian victory from my perspective. Finally, the reform would also allow federal and local law enforcement to focus on interdicting the truly serious crime that threatens the safety of those (like myself) who live near the international border.
4, The conservative pretense that a new Arizona law against illegal immigration will help keep the border areas secure is nonsense. Such redundancy cannot do any more to inhibit crime than have the preexisting federal laws. This law will tie up limited local resources enforcing laws that federal agencies are already enforcing. It will require local law enforcement to look for probable cause in areas that are outside their training. Which will lead to racial profiling (even though this law was amended to ban such) simply because local law enforcement is not trained in this sphere in the manner of Customs and Border Patrol. From my perspective, this is nothing less than political posturing.
Finally one other fact bears noting. The liberal calm that the Mexican drug cartels procure their assault weapons on the U.S. side of the border is a genuine lie. Investigative reporters with Fox News debunked this claim months ago. The firearms that the Mexican government requested the U.S. government to trace represented only 10% of the weapons they had confiscated in their war with the drug cartels. The other 90% came from other countries and from their own military. Of that 10% only a fraction actually came from this country. Claiming that we have a responsibility to bear for feeding the violence in Mexico is utter propaganda.
Will we Americans ever put aside simplistic “group think,” “blame the other side” politics and pursue real solutions to our challenges?
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Easter cycle C
My sisters and brothers let us follow the example of Peter and Paul – responding to Christ’s call with diligence.
In our first reading we heard the famous story of the conversion of St. Paul. He is not only smacked down by God but healed by Ananias and baptized. That is, Paul becomes a member of “The Way” that he had been persecuting. His conversion is utter and complete. Luke has told us, earlier in Acts that in Jerusalem - Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women throwing them into prison. Now we see his great transformation: from persecutor to evangelist. In the early days, Christianity was known as “the Way” and its members were almost exclusively Jewish. Their custom was to worship in synagogues on the Sabbath and to celebrate the “Lord’s Supper” gathered in one another’s homes. It wasn’t until after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, 70 AD, that the service we are familiar with began to develop. But the roots of our worship service do go back to the first and second generation of Christians.
In the second reading we heard today, from Revelation, John further describes his vision of the glorious court of heaven. This is intended to be an inspired picture-book, inspiring the reader through their imagination. In his vision, he sees God’s throne and the heavenly scene around it and hears the praises sung there. He describes God’s throne as reverenced by “twenty-four elders,” perhaps the twelve Old Testament patriarchs and the twelve apostles.
The “four living creatures” around the throne are angelic beings representing the whole of creation; they are God’s agents who watch over all of nature and symbolize what is most splendid about animals: nobility (lion), strength (ox), wisdom (human), and oversight (eagle).
Our gospel story today is another of Jesus appearances after the resurrection; this time, by the sea of Tiberius. Three times Jesus questions Peter about loving him and three times commissions him to be pastor for the others. Several scholars have written about this scene, trying to make deeper sense of it. Most agree that it is a symbolic reversal of Peter’s denial of Jesus; supporting Peters primary role as head apostle.
Today we should take a close look at the example of Peter and Paul. Neither are “perfect disciples” but, both are called and commissioned as ministers in Christ. Each experienced the call in their own unique ways. We are each called and commissioned also and our experience of that call can be as unique as Peter or Paul.
Probably most of us would rather pattern our selves after Peter rather than Paul. Getting a smack down from the Lord as Paul did certainly doesn’t look pleasant. But some of us may well have experienced this kind of conversion. Neither kind of experience makes us better or worse disciples. Peter got questioned about his commitment three times. But then again, we all fall short and need to make a rededication of some sort. What matters is that we say yes and diligently pursue the work of God.
That work is something we actually know too well. Love your neighbor; treat others the way you want to be treated. It simply means if you would want help in a time of trouble or crises, then reach out to others in their time of hardship. Whether that is people suffering from poverty, crime, hatred or separation from family and friends, etc. It’s about doing the loving and charitable thing the presents itself to be done.
In our first reading we heard the famous story of the conversion of St. Paul. He is not only smacked down by God but healed by Ananias and baptized. That is, Paul becomes a member of “The Way” that he had been persecuting. His conversion is utter and complete. Luke has told us, earlier in Acts that in Jerusalem - Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women throwing them into prison. Now we see his great transformation: from persecutor to evangelist. In the early days, Christianity was known as “the Way” and its members were almost exclusively Jewish. Their custom was to worship in synagogues on the Sabbath and to celebrate the “Lord’s Supper” gathered in one another’s homes. It wasn’t until after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, 70 AD, that the service we are familiar with began to develop. But the roots of our worship service do go back to the first and second generation of Christians.
In the second reading we heard today, from Revelation, John further describes his vision of the glorious court of heaven. This is intended to be an inspired picture-book, inspiring the reader through their imagination. In his vision, he sees God’s throne and the heavenly scene around it and hears the praises sung there. He describes God’s throne as reverenced by “twenty-four elders,” perhaps the twelve Old Testament patriarchs and the twelve apostles.
The “four living creatures” around the throne are angelic beings representing the whole of creation; they are God’s agents who watch over all of nature and symbolize what is most splendid about animals: nobility (lion), strength (ox), wisdom (human), and oversight (eagle).
Our gospel story today is another of Jesus appearances after the resurrection; this time, by the sea of Tiberius. Three times Jesus questions Peter about loving him and three times commissions him to be pastor for the others. Several scholars have written about this scene, trying to make deeper sense of it. Most agree that it is a symbolic reversal of Peter’s denial of Jesus; supporting Peters primary role as head apostle.
Today we should take a close look at the example of Peter and Paul. Neither are “perfect disciples” but, both are called and commissioned as ministers in Christ. Each experienced the call in their own unique ways. We are each called and commissioned also and our experience of that call can be as unique as Peter or Paul.
Probably most of us would rather pattern our selves after Peter rather than Paul. Getting a smack down from the Lord as Paul did certainly doesn’t look pleasant. But some of us may well have experienced this kind of conversion. Neither kind of experience makes us better or worse disciples. Peter got questioned about his commitment three times. But then again, we all fall short and need to make a rededication of some sort. What matters is that we say yes and diligently pursue the work of God.
That work is something we actually know too well. Love your neighbor; treat others the way you want to be treated. It simply means if you would want help in a time of trouble or crises, then reach out to others in their time of hardship. Whether that is people suffering from poverty, crime, hatred or separation from family and friends, etc. It’s about doing the loving and charitable thing the presents itself to be done.
Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Easter, cycle C
My sisters and brothers, our lessons today express the faith of our predecessors in Christ.
In our first reading Peter and John are arrested by the Temple authority for teaching and proclaiming that “in Jesus there is resurrection of the dead. The Sanhedrin has ordered them “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Peter proclaims that they will obey God before human authority. The council members are so enraged that they want to kill Peter and John, but a famous liberal rabbi, Gamaliel, cautions them: “if this ... is of human origin, it will fail”; but if it is from God, they “will not be able to overthrow them” and they will be working against God. Gamaliel is father of a great rabbinic dynasty that persisted for at least 4 generations.
In our second reading, John addresses his book of revelations to the churches in Asia Minor. He praises Christ and then begins his messages: Jesus the Christ is all things for all places and all peoples. Christ, as Creator with Yahweh is both source of all things and the fulfillment of all things. John begins and ends this book as a letter. Essentially Revelation tells of the struggle between good and evil, and the ultimate victory of Christ. Writing in symbolic language, its author urges Christians to keep faith in a period of persecution.
In our gospel story Jesus appears to a gathering of his disciples. He gives them the Holy Spirit and commissions them to forgive sins in his name. He then reappears a week later and address Thomas’ doubts. Finally the author restates his purpose in writing this book: that you (the reader) may “believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God” and have life. Earlier on this day Mary Magdalene has discovered that Jesus’ body is missing from the tomb; the stone door is open, so it looks as though someone has stolen it. She has seen a man standing near the tomb. When he speaks to her, she recognizes him as Jesus. She has told the disciples: “I have seen the Lord. Later on that Easter day, Jesus joins the disciples, gathered behind locked doors as we heard. Upon seeing, Thomas makes the most complete affirmation of faith of anyone in the gospel (despite his earlier doubts). Henceforth the faith of all Christians in all ages will rest on the testimony of the first believers.
Belief is accepting the reality of something we cannot independently prove. Faith is trusting that person or thing will perform as hoped. Believing in Jesus is accepting the truth of Jesus and his spiritual gifts on the testimony of others. But we each can support our belief with our own spiritual experiences, just like I can support my belief in the Atlantic Ocean by visiting it. This is why prayer is so important in our lives.
Faith in Jesus is trusting the way of life that He taught and living your lives accordingly. This also will be supported by your own experience of the benefits that come from His way of life. Like Peter and John before us, we can and must put the Christian life ahead of all other elements in our lives. Only in this kind of trusting relationship with Christ can we move forward in our mission as Christians. Again, we strengthen our faith through prayer & worship, fellowship, study and working for the spread of God’s kingdom. My brothers & sisters let us never allow the events of life to intimidate us when it comes to our faith in Christ!
In our first reading Peter and John are arrested by the Temple authority for teaching and proclaiming that “in Jesus there is resurrection of the dead. The Sanhedrin has ordered them “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Peter proclaims that they will obey God before human authority. The council members are so enraged that they want to kill Peter and John, but a famous liberal rabbi, Gamaliel, cautions them: “if this ... is of human origin, it will fail”; but if it is from God, they “will not be able to overthrow them” and they will be working against God. Gamaliel is father of a great rabbinic dynasty that persisted for at least 4 generations.
In our second reading, John addresses his book of revelations to the churches in Asia Minor. He praises Christ and then begins his messages: Jesus the Christ is all things for all places and all peoples. Christ, as Creator with Yahweh is both source of all things and the fulfillment of all things. John begins and ends this book as a letter. Essentially Revelation tells of the struggle between good and evil, and the ultimate victory of Christ. Writing in symbolic language, its author urges Christians to keep faith in a period of persecution.
In our gospel story Jesus appears to a gathering of his disciples. He gives them the Holy Spirit and commissions them to forgive sins in his name. He then reappears a week later and address Thomas’ doubts. Finally the author restates his purpose in writing this book: that you (the reader) may “believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God” and have life. Earlier on this day Mary Magdalene has discovered that Jesus’ body is missing from the tomb; the stone door is open, so it looks as though someone has stolen it. She has seen a man standing near the tomb. When he speaks to her, she recognizes him as Jesus. She has told the disciples: “I have seen the Lord. Later on that Easter day, Jesus joins the disciples, gathered behind locked doors as we heard. Upon seeing, Thomas makes the most complete affirmation of faith of anyone in the gospel (despite his earlier doubts). Henceforth the faith of all Christians in all ages will rest on the testimony of the first believers.
Belief is accepting the reality of something we cannot independently prove. Faith is trusting that person or thing will perform as hoped. Believing in Jesus is accepting the truth of Jesus and his spiritual gifts on the testimony of others. But we each can support our belief with our own spiritual experiences, just like I can support my belief in the Atlantic Ocean by visiting it. This is why prayer is so important in our lives.
Faith in Jesus is trusting the way of life that He taught and living your lives accordingly. This also will be supported by your own experience of the benefits that come from His way of life. Like Peter and John before us, we can and must put the Christian life ahead of all other elements in our lives. Only in this kind of trusting relationship with Christ can we move forward in our mission as Christians. Again, we strengthen our faith through prayer & worship, fellowship, study and working for the spread of God’s kingdom. My brothers & sisters let us never allow the events of life to intimidate us when it comes to our faith in Christ!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Homily for Easter 2010
My sisters and brothers, Mary Magdalene sets us a wonderful example us. Her example is one of openness to receiving Christ and of sharing Christ.
Today/tonight, we celebrate that Christ conquers the deepest fears of humanity and offers the greatest blessing and oneness with our Creator. God incarnate (Jesus the Christ) not only embraces the deepest human fears and pains of human existence but turns it all into resurrected life.
As we celebrate, let’s not miss the powerful example set for us by the disciple who plays the most central role in discovering and proclaiming the resurrection. Mary Magdalene!
Her ministry of service and steadfast companionship, even as a witness to the crucifixion, has, through the centuries, been an example of genuine and faithful devotion to Christ. All four Gospels name Mary as the central figure among the witnesses of the empty tomb. Her weeping for the loss of Jesus strikes a common chord with the grief of all others over the death of loved ones. Jesus’ tender response to her grief — meeting her in the garden, revealing his glory to her — makes her the first witness to the risen Lord. She is given the command, “Go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God” (John 20:17). As the first messenger of the resurrection, she had been named Apostle to the Apostles. She is believed by some and not by others but she faithfully proclaims the message and shares the joy she has been blessed with. My sisters & brothers, if Mary had been shy about reporting her experience of the risen Lord, we might have all missed out on the Christian faith. Let us follow her example and be ready to share our faith with others, when and where it is appropriate.
Today/tonight, we celebrate that Christ conquers the deepest fears of humanity and offers the greatest blessing and oneness with our Creator. God incarnate (Jesus the Christ) not only embraces the deepest human fears and pains of human existence but turns it all into resurrected life.
As we celebrate, let’s not miss the powerful example set for us by the disciple who plays the most central role in discovering and proclaiming the resurrection. Mary Magdalene!
Her ministry of service and steadfast companionship, even as a witness to the crucifixion, has, through the centuries, been an example of genuine and faithful devotion to Christ. All four Gospels name Mary as the central figure among the witnesses of the empty tomb. Her weeping for the loss of Jesus strikes a common chord with the grief of all others over the death of loved ones. Jesus’ tender response to her grief — meeting her in the garden, revealing his glory to her — makes her the first witness to the risen Lord. She is given the command, “Go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God” (John 20:17). As the first messenger of the resurrection, she had been named Apostle to the Apostles. She is believed by some and not by others but she faithfully proclaims the message and shares the joy she has been blessed with. My sisters & brothers, if Mary had been shy about reporting her experience of the risen Lord, we might have all missed out on the Christian faith. Let us follow her example and be ready to share our faith with others, when and where it is appropriate.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Homily for 4 Lent C - March 14, 2010
My sisters and brothers, God offers us all a wonderful homecoming; but will we be a gracious as our Divine host?
In our reading from Joshua the people of Israel take possession of the land of Canaan! Their wandering are over, home is with in their grasp. Perhaps “disgrace of Egypt” refers to the abject social status the Israelites had there; as slaves. Regardless, God is saying: my rescue of you is complete. In thanks for God’s gift of the Promised Land, the Israelite men are circumcised; apparently this was not practiced during their wanderings. Also, the whole community celebrates the feast of Passover. Now that they have entered the promised land, “Manna” is no longer needed, they can now live off the harvest. One life ends, and another begins.
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul rhapsodizes on the forgiveness (reconciliation) we have in Christ. He understands this as Christ having taken away our unworthiness and made us worthy - through his self sacrifice. Paul, no longer judges anyone by worldly standards (“human point of view,” as he once did (when he was a Pharisee). He now sees Jesus as the risen one, the reconciler and has completely changed his point of view.
By “new creation,” Paul is probably referring to a new standard of judgment, set by Christ for the Church. They have been radically changed through the process of reconciliation, of Christ returning humankind to oneness with God.
Our Gospel is the well known story of The Prodigal Son. It is about the return of the selfish play boy to his father in repentance and the anger of the still selfish, “Do-gooder,” older brother. Who was simply self-righteous not truly good.
The context of the story is that: the dregs of society (“tax collectors and sinners”) are coming to Jesus. This causes the religious leaders (“the Pharisees and the scribes”, v. 2) to wonder whether Jesus sees anyone as beyond God’s mercy. To explain, Jesus tells three parables: the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin and the Lost (or Prodigal) Son. In all three, the recovery of what was lost is cause for rejoicing. In other words, there are no limits to God’s mercy.
Culturally, the Prodigal Son story has several elements that are out of the ordinary: 1, for a son to ask his father for his share of the inheritance would be like a death wish; 2, no older self-respecting Jew would run to his son; 3, a father would typically demand a full display of repentance, not the short form apology we see in this story.
Clearly Jesus tells a somewhat unrealistic story to make a point.
Returning, reconciling or home coming are powerful themes today. Israel (under the military leadership of Joshua) clams possession of Canna (the promised land). The Prodigal Son sees the err of his ways and makes a penitent return home. God, as father of the prodigal receives him warmly. God, guides and empowers Joshua to lead the people in reclaiming their home of their ancestors.
We have all had the experience of apologizing for mistakes and wrongs done. Many of us have experienced some kind of homecoming. Weather returning to our old school or home town after an absences or some other contexts. They are often bitter sweet experiences. We are joyful to see old friends and family, to see the old favorite haunts, but people and places do change - its never really the same as we left it. There can even be individuals who harbor old grudges and simply won’t forgive. Others may become jealous of how we have changed or simply wish we had stayed gone. Our prodigal Son story is like that. The older brother would not let go of his resentment and would not forgive his younger brother. But the power of this story is not just that it demonstrates the lavish forgiveness that God offers the returnee, but it also reminds us, who not strayed, or came back earlier, that we are called by God to extend that same kind of forgiveness that we have received.
This week, let us ask God for the grace we need to accept both the forgiveness God give us and the forgiveness God gives to other.
In our reading from Joshua the people of Israel take possession of the land of Canaan! Their wandering are over, home is with in their grasp. Perhaps “disgrace of Egypt” refers to the abject social status the Israelites had there; as slaves. Regardless, God is saying: my rescue of you is complete. In thanks for God’s gift of the Promised Land, the Israelite men are circumcised; apparently this was not practiced during their wanderings. Also, the whole community celebrates the feast of Passover. Now that they have entered the promised land, “Manna” is no longer needed, they can now live off the harvest. One life ends, and another begins.
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul rhapsodizes on the forgiveness (reconciliation) we have in Christ. He understands this as Christ having taken away our unworthiness and made us worthy - through his self sacrifice. Paul, no longer judges anyone by worldly standards (“human point of view,” as he once did (when he was a Pharisee). He now sees Jesus as the risen one, the reconciler and has completely changed his point of view.
By “new creation,” Paul is probably referring to a new standard of judgment, set by Christ for the Church. They have been radically changed through the process of reconciliation, of Christ returning humankind to oneness with God.
Our Gospel is the well known story of The Prodigal Son. It is about the return of the selfish play boy to his father in repentance and the anger of the still selfish, “Do-gooder,” older brother. Who was simply self-righteous not truly good.
The context of the story is that: the dregs of society (“tax collectors and sinners”) are coming to Jesus. This causes the religious leaders (“the Pharisees and the scribes”, v. 2) to wonder whether Jesus sees anyone as beyond God’s mercy. To explain, Jesus tells three parables: the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin and the Lost (or Prodigal) Son. In all three, the recovery of what was lost is cause for rejoicing. In other words, there are no limits to God’s mercy.
Culturally, the Prodigal Son story has several elements that are out of the ordinary: 1, for a son to ask his father for his share of the inheritance would be like a death wish; 2, no older self-respecting Jew would run to his son; 3, a father would typically demand a full display of repentance, not the short form apology we see in this story.
Clearly Jesus tells a somewhat unrealistic story to make a point.
Returning, reconciling or home coming are powerful themes today. Israel (under the military leadership of Joshua) clams possession of Canna (the promised land). The Prodigal Son sees the err of his ways and makes a penitent return home. God, as father of the prodigal receives him warmly. God, guides and empowers Joshua to lead the people in reclaiming their home of their ancestors.
We have all had the experience of apologizing for mistakes and wrongs done. Many of us have experienced some kind of homecoming. Weather returning to our old school or home town after an absences or some other contexts. They are often bitter sweet experiences. We are joyful to see old friends and family, to see the old favorite haunts, but people and places do change - its never really the same as we left it. There can even be individuals who harbor old grudges and simply won’t forgive. Others may become jealous of how we have changed or simply wish we had stayed gone. Our prodigal Son story is like that. The older brother would not let go of his resentment and would not forgive his younger brother. But the power of this story is not just that it demonstrates the lavish forgiveness that God offers the returnee, but it also reminds us, who not strayed, or came back earlier, that we are called by God to extend that same kind of forgiveness that we have received.
This week, let us ask God for the grace we need to accept both the forgiveness God give us and the forgiveness God gives to other.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Lent C
A four year old spilled his cola on the rug and wanted to clean up the mess himself. So his mother told him that the mop was just outside the back door. Quickly, he ran to the door, but realized that it had become dark outside. Suddenly scared, he told his mother what the problem was. Assuring him, she told him that Jesus is everywhere, even in dark places, and that he should trust Jesus to protect him. This put a smile on his face! So, he opened the door just enough to poke his head outside and called out "Jesus, if you're out there, could you pass me the mop?"
My brothers and sisters, we are called to grow in our trust of God and have powerful examples in today’s readings about Abram and Jesus himself.
Our first reading today retells the story of the original covenant between God and Abram (Abraham). It is the founding moment of Israel’s relationship with God. It is really two stories of gifts from God woven into one: the promise of limitless descendants and the gift of land. The custom of the day was that if a man’s wife did not bear him a son, his chief servant (Eliezer) could inherit.
The author’s expression: “the word of the LORD came to ...” is later used to describe the prophets. Abram is clearly seen by the author as a prophet. Abram puts his trust in God’s promise; in this way, he establishes a right relationship (“righteousness”) with God.
Going between the two halves of sacrificial animals signified that if a party broke the agreement, he could expect to be dismembered. A truly graphic and, by our modern standards, barbaric way to enter a contract. However the level of commitment that is depicted is undeniable. God’s presence here is symbolized by fire. Interestingly, only God has obligations under the pact, so only God passes between the “pieces.”
In our second reading, Paul encourages the Philippians to “stand firm” in the Lord, i.e., keep their faith in the Lord strong. Paul has written: “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death.” He has not yet fully understood Christ, but he presses on towards the goal of being with Christ when he comes again. He makes the point; this is how “mature” Christians should think. Finally, he offers himself as an example of centering oneself in Christ, even in times of suffering. At the time Paul writes this he is in prison.
In the gospel story we just heard, Jesus is warned of a plot against his life. Not all the Pharisees were enemies of Jesus. His response to the threat is bold. But then he quickly turns to morning over the thought of dying in Jerusalem as did the prophets before him. If only the Holy City would accept the messengers of God who are sent to it.
Earlier, someone asked: “Will only a few be saved?” Jesus has warned that few who have eaten with him will enter the Kingdom; many apparently pious people will be excluded for just cause while others, from across the world, will be included. The point being that we must keep ourselves invested in God and the virtuous life we are called to live. Jesus’ own example of continuing his ministry and progress toward Jerusalem, despite the plots against him, is a powerful example. We are to invest the same trust and dedication in God.
Abraham's earlier example stands before us in the same manner. Trust in God, faith in God, or personal investment in God is virtuous and necessary. I have often explained it this way: Believing in God simply means that we accepted the existence of God without scientific proof. Faith is much more. Faith is trusting is God’s guidance about how we ought to live our lives and going forward in that way of life.
Let us go forward together; trusting God to guide us, inspire us and empower us for the mission we have been given.
My brothers and sisters, we are called to grow in our trust of God and have powerful examples in today’s readings about Abram and Jesus himself.
Our first reading today retells the story of the original covenant between God and Abram (Abraham). It is the founding moment of Israel’s relationship with God. It is really two stories of gifts from God woven into one: the promise of limitless descendants and the gift of land. The custom of the day was that if a man’s wife did not bear him a son, his chief servant (Eliezer) could inherit.
The author’s expression: “the word of the LORD came to ...” is later used to describe the prophets. Abram is clearly seen by the author as a prophet. Abram puts his trust in God’s promise; in this way, he establishes a right relationship (“righteousness”) with God.
Going between the two halves of sacrificial animals signified that if a party broke the agreement, he could expect to be dismembered. A truly graphic and, by our modern standards, barbaric way to enter a contract. However the level of commitment that is depicted is undeniable. God’s presence here is symbolized by fire. Interestingly, only God has obligations under the pact, so only God passes between the “pieces.”
In our second reading, Paul encourages the Philippians to “stand firm” in the Lord, i.e., keep their faith in the Lord strong. Paul has written: “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death.” He has not yet fully understood Christ, but he presses on towards the goal of being with Christ when he comes again. He makes the point; this is how “mature” Christians should think. Finally, he offers himself as an example of centering oneself in Christ, even in times of suffering. At the time Paul writes this he is in prison.
In the gospel story we just heard, Jesus is warned of a plot against his life. Not all the Pharisees were enemies of Jesus. His response to the threat is bold. But then he quickly turns to morning over the thought of dying in Jerusalem as did the prophets before him. If only the Holy City would accept the messengers of God who are sent to it.
Earlier, someone asked: “Will only a few be saved?” Jesus has warned that few who have eaten with him will enter the Kingdom; many apparently pious people will be excluded for just cause while others, from across the world, will be included. The point being that we must keep ourselves invested in God and the virtuous life we are called to live. Jesus’ own example of continuing his ministry and progress toward Jerusalem, despite the plots against him, is a powerful example. We are to invest the same trust and dedication in God.
Abraham's earlier example stands before us in the same manner. Trust in God, faith in God, or personal investment in God is virtuous and necessary. I have often explained it this way: Believing in God simply means that we accepted the existence of God without scientific proof. Faith is much more. Faith is trusting is God’s guidance about how we ought to live our lives and going forward in that way of life.
Let us go forward together; trusting God to guide us, inspire us and empower us for the mission we have been given.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Today the Pew Foundation has released a study on Religion Among the Millennials. That is, the generation between ages 18 to 29. They are notably less religious than previous generations. However, they are no less apt to pray daily than previous generations. As church leaders we have our work cut out for us if we are to address the needs of this generation in a manner that they will see as valuable and inviting.
The study can be found here!
The study can be found here!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Sled Dog Story
Yesterday the New Times ran a great little story about riding in a sled behind a dog team. The author did a great job of catching the enthusiasm of the dogs - they truly love to run as a pack.
For the story click here!
Yesterday the New Times ran a great little story about riding in a sled behind a dog team. The author did a great job of catching the enthusiasm of the dogs - they truly love to run as a pack.
For the story click here!
Homily for the Last Sunday after Epiphany C
A burglar broke into a house one night. He shined his flashlight around, looking for valuables when a voice in the dark said, “Jesus knows you're here.” He nearly jumped out of his skin, clicked his flashlight off, and froze. When he heard nothing more, after a bit, he shook his head and continued.
Just as he pulled the stereo out so he could disconnect the wires, clear as a bell he heard “Jesus is watching you.” Freaked out, he shined his light around frantically, looking for the source of the voice. Finally, in the corner of the room, his flashlight beam came to rest on a parrot.
“Did you say that?” he hissed at the parrot. “Yep,” the parrot confessed, squawked and said, “I'm just trying to warn you that he is watching you.” The burglar relaxed. “Warn me, huh? Who in the world do you think you are trying to warn me?” “Moses,” replied the bird. “Moses?” the burglar laughed. “What kind of people would name a bird Moses?”
The bird replied: “The kind of people that would name a Rottweiler Jesus.”
My sisters and brothers let us enjoy the full glory God would share with us.
In our reading from Exodus, Moses returns to the people after receiving the commandments from God on Mt. Sinai. He is so transformed by the experience that he seemed to glow; which frightens the people. This is the second time Moses was on Mount Sinai. The first time, the people of Israel, under Aaron’s leadership, made a golden image of a calf as a symbol of God. So irate was Moses when he discovered the revelry around the Calf that he smashed the stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments were written. God was angry that the people had broken the commandment against casting idols of the deity, but in time has forgiven them; he has invited Moses to ascend the mountain again to receive a replacement set of tablets.
A final point: the word translated “shining,” karan, can be easily confused with keren, meaning horn. This is because written Hebrew of that century did not include the vowels, only the consonants. Thus Jerome mistranslated the word, and Michelangelo (centuries later) sculpted Moses with horns!
In second Corinthians Paul uses this story of Moses and the veil over his face to symbolize people putting barriers between themselves and God’s glory. Jesus, Paul points out, breaks these barriers and opens us to the full glory of God. Remember Moses wore a veil lest the radiance of God’s glory, shown in his face, be too much for his hearers.
In our story from Luke’s gospel, Jesus is transfigured; glowing with God’s glory! Jesus power and status is confirmed in healing the possessed boy that could not be healed by others. Luke is describing for us a very powerful yet very human Jesus. He both cures a very troubled boy and rebukes his followers for their lack of faith and dedication all on the heels of a truly glorious moment.
An aura of unnatural brightness is linked with mystical appearances in Exodus and Acts; as a symbol of transcendence. In Jewish tradition, both “Moses and Elijah” were taken into heaven without dying. Their appearance at Jesus’ transfiguration is a symbol of support for his agenda. That is, his teaching is in accord with the Law and the Prophets of the Old Testament. Jesus is clearly doing God’s will.
We take this day to look at Jesus power and glory as our last step before entering lent and following Jesus through the final weeks of his earthly life.
Paul’s message seems to be of greatest importance today. He begs us to ask ourselves, what vales do we put between ourselves and God? How do we keep God out or at a safe distance? Do we stay so busy that we can’t possibly recognize his activity in our lives? Do we have so much noise: music, TV, etc., in our lives that we can’t possibly hear his quiet presence? As silly as it may sound it is vitally important that we learn to watch and listen for the Holy Spirit. Quiet time, weather spent reading favorite prayers or doing centering prayer is a must. Even just 5 minutes a day will begin to make a felt difference in our lives. Let us not shy from the gift of being blessed and strengthened by the loving glory of God!
Just as he pulled the stereo out so he could disconnect the wires, clear as a bell he heard “Jesus is watching you.” Freaked out, he shined his light around frantically, looking for the source of the voice. Finally, in the corner of the room, his flashlight beam came to rest on a parrot.
“Did you say that?” he hissed at the parrot. “Yep,” the parrot confessed, squawked and said, “I'm just trying to warn you that he is watching you.” The burglar relaxed. “Warn me, huh? Who in the world do you think you are trying to warn me?” “Moses,” replied the bird. “Moses?” the burglar laughed. “What kind of people would name a bird Moses?”
The bird replied: “The kind of people that would name a Rottweiler Jesus.”
My sisters and brothers let us enjoy the full glory God would share with us.
In our reading from Exodus, Moses returns to the people after receiving the commandments from God on Mt. Sinai. He is so transformed by the experience that he seemed to glow; which frightens the people. This is the second time Moses was on Mount Sinai. The first time, the people of Israel, under Aaron’s leadership, made a golden image of a calf as a symbol of God. So irate was Moses when he discovered the revelry around the Calf that he smashed the stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments were written. God was angry that the people had broken the commandment against casting idols of the deity, but in time has forgiven them; he has invited Moses to ascend the mountain again to receive a replacement set of tablets.
A final point: the word translated “shining,” karan, can be easily confused with keren, meaning horn. This is because written Hebrew of that century did not include the vowels, only the consonants. Thus Jerome mistranslated the word, and Michelangelo (centuries later) sculpted Moses with horns!
In second Corinthians Paul uses this story of Moses and the veil over his face to symbolize people putting barriers between themselves and God’s glory. Jesus, Paul points out, breaks these barriers and opens us to the full glory of God. Remember Moses wore a veil lest the radiance of God’s glory, shown in his face, be too much for his hearers.
In our story from Luke’s gospel, Jesus is transfigured; glowing with God’s glory! Jesus power and status is confirmed in healing the possessed boy that could not be healed by others. Luke is describing for us a very powerful yet very human Jesus. He both cures a very troubled boy and rebukes his followers for their lack of faith and dedication all on the heels of a truly glorious moment.
An aura of unnatural brightness is linked with mystical appearances in Exodus and Acts; as a symbol of transcendence. In Jewish tradition, both “Moses and Elijah” were taken into heaven without dying. Their appearance at Jesus’ transfiguration is a symbol of support for his agenda. That is, his teaching is in accord with the Law and the Prophets of the Old Testament. Jesus is clearly doing God’s will.
We take this day to look at Jesus power and glory as our last step before entering lent and following Jesus through the final weeks of his earthly life.
Paul’s message seems to be of greatest importance today. He begs us to ask ourselves, what vales do we put between ourselves and God? How do we keep God out or at a safe distance? Do we stay so busy that we can’t possibly recognize his activity in our lives? Do we have so much noise: music, TV, etc., in our lives that we can’t possibly hear his quiet presence? As silly as it may sound it is vitally important that we learn to watch and listen for the Holy Spirit. Quiet time, weather spent reading favorite prayers or doing centering prayer is a must. Even just 5 minutes a day will begin to make a felt difference in our lives. Let us not shy from the gift of being blessed and strengthened by the loving glory of God!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
