My sisters and brothers, let us drink of the Lord’s refreshment for our souls!
In the first lesson we heard today, God gives water from a rock to Israel as they wandered through the desert. The Israelites travel “by stages” toward the Promised Land. As God showed his power during their slavery, winning their freedom by inflicting ten plagues on the Egyptians, he now tests the Israelites’ faith in him, as provider and ruler, ten times. If they trust in him, he will save them. This reading is about one of these tests. God orders Moses to take representatives of the people with him. The elders see his show of power. They will certainly not miss that he uses the same staff he carried when the Nile was given its plague back in Egypt.
In the second lesson Paul talks about the Love of God for his people in Christ dying for us wile we were still sinners. Now that we are justified by Christ, that is, we are united in a sacred relationship with Christ, how much more will God watch over us.
Our gospel lesson is one of John’s beautifully crafted stories of an individual’s spiritual encounter with Christ. There are some details that are important for us to really grasp the story. Fist, Rabbis did not speak to strange women in public and Jews considered Samaritans ritually unclean, so the woman is rightly surprised by Jesus’ request. Secondly, “living water” has a double meaning in the culture of Jesus’ day. It’s a common expression for moving or flowing water and (in our story) a symbolic expression for the gift of faith. Initially the woman thinks Jesus is referring to moving water, then she remembers the legend about Jacob well: for him water rose to the top of this well and overflowed. So, she implies that Jesus is counting on such a miracle, quipping about his not having a bucket. Jesus contrasts the well water with “water gushing up to eternal life” making his meaning more obvious. Finally, as Jesus address her on a more personal level (talking about her past husbands) she makes the leap of faith and receives the spiritual renewal that Jesus was talking about in the symbol of life-giving water.
Water is one of the most basic essentials of life. It is also a symbol for God's life saving grace. We enter into a new existence in God's blessed grace through the life-giving gifts of Christ. I’m not simply speaking about baptismal water, but also about life sustaining grace. Which keeps us spiritually alive and refreshed; that metaphorical drink of everlasting life. This water, Jesus offers, is a drink for our inner, spiritual, thirst. A refreshment for that longing inside each of us that we really can’t name or get a grip on. This inner thirst is part of each of us and in our heart of hearts, know it. We feel it in those moments when we wonder: “is it all really worth it?” Those moments when we feel like we are busting our tails for nothing. Christ came to let us know that the answer is yes, it is worth it. Christ’s gift is the refreshment we need to keep going and not give up! The spiritual drink . . .
We need to ask our selves, do we drink regularly enough from the spiritual well Christ offers us? Communion is part of this gift, but also privet prayer and reading the scriptures. It all goes to refresh us spiritually. My brothers and sisters, let us drink deeply of this gift by having a conversation with God each day, as well as coming each week to worship and share communion.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Lent A, 2011
March 20, 2011
My brothers and sisters, let us put renewed faith in God!
In our first lesson today we have the very brief story of God calling Abram, who God will later rename Abraham, to pick up his life and go. We need to understand the context of the story. Abram and his people were semi-nomadic - before God called to him. About 4,000 years ago, Abram his father and nephew Lot traveled with their families from Ur, near the delta of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to Haran. This is where our scripture passage picks up the story. The point of the story is that Abram puts great trust or faith in God’s promises to bless him for his loyalty.
The reading from Romans Paul makes the point that one can attain a right relationship with God through faith, without living by Mosaic law. He takes Abraham as an example and asks: what can we conclude about faith vs. obedience? Pharisaic Judaism claimed that Abraham kept the Law before God gave it, i.e., he was justified because his “works” were in accord with the Law. Paul rejects this claim; it was, as Genesis shows, Abraham’s faith that counted for him as godliness. So a right relationship with God “depends on faith.” It is based first on God’s promise of grace and later our deeds empowered by God’s grace.
The gospel story of Nicodemus is one of my favorites. He has understood from Jesus' miracles that Jesus is “from God.” However, Jesus throws him a curve, saying that he has not yet understood the main point: to see the kingdom of God one must have a spiritual rebirth. Nicodemus misunderstands, he thinks that Jesus is speaking of a biological rebirth. This sets up the story so that Jesus can make an analogy for the workings of the Holy Spirit. We can see many things only in the effect they cause, like the blowing of the wind. The same is true of birth in the Spirit.
First, let us remind our selves about the difference between belief and faith. Belief is accepting the truth of something that you cannot prove/experience for yourself. For example, I believe in the existence of the country of China, though I have never been there. Faith, is trusting in someone; I have faith in my wife and the loyalty we share for each other.
∙ Abraham shows faith in his dramatic trust in God; picking up and moving to a strange place.
∙ Paul contrasts this example of faith with adherence to Divine Law. The law has its benefits as a guide through life’s confusion but obedience cannot earn what is freely given when one puts faith in God.
∙ Nicodemus struggles to embrace belief and faith in Jesus. By the end of John’s gospel he is a loyal follower of Jesus.
These lessons are a call to deeper faith, which is a deeper trust in God. Trust that God will be with us, guide us, support us, and protect us from those things that are beyond us.
Faith/Trust is a growing thing. We start trusting God in little ways: to answer our prayers as children, to bless us and the ones we love, to guide us in ruff times. Nevertheless, we can also learn to trust God in deeper things that influence the whole direction of our lives: discerning a calling to a professional ministry, the calling to married/family life, the pursuit of justice and the building of a better world.
Remember that old joke about the guy who was hiking at night and falls off a cliff. He scrambles for something to save him self and his hands land on some scrub brush. Hanging there, he calls out to God for help and a voice from heaven tells him to “let go.” The man thinks for a second, looks down at the darkness of the night, unable to see if the bottom is close or far and says: “is there anyone els out there?”
Our lives are often like this, we know we need God’s help, but we are afraid to trust what we cannot see. Though we would all accept that God surly sees reality more clearly and than we do. Now I do not mean foolish or ignorant trust. God is not asking us to be fools. I mean thoughtful, wise and prayerful trust in God.
My brothers and sisters, let us always seek divine guidance in our prayers. Let us put trust in God in little everyday ways so that we can learn to trust God in bigger things as well.
My brothers and sisters, let us put renewed faith in God!
In our first lesson today we have the very brief story of God calling Abram, who God will later rename Abraham, to pick up his life and go. We need to understand the context of the story. Abram and his people were semi-nomadic - before God called to him. About 4,000 years ago, Abram his father and nephew Lot traveled with their families from Ur, near the delta of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to Haran. This is where our scripture passage picks up the story. The point of the story is that Abram puts great trust or faith in God’s promises to bless him for his loyalty.
The reading from Romans Paul makes the point that one can attain a right relationship with God through faith, without living by Mosaic law. He takes Abraham as an example and asks: what can we conclude about faith vs. obedience? Pharisaic Judaism claimed that Abraham kept the Law before God gave it, i.e., he was justified because his “works” were in accord with the Law. Paul rejects this claim; it was, as Genesis shows, Abraham’s faith that counted for him as godliness. So a right relationship with God “depends on faith.” It is based first on God’s promise of grace and later our deeds empowered by God’s grace.
The gospel story of Nicodemus is one of my favorites. He has understood from Jesus' miracles that Jesus is “from God.” However, Jesus throws him a curve, saying that he has not yet understood the main point: to see the kingdom of God one must have a spiritual rebirth. Nicodemus misunderstands, he thinks that Jesus is speaking of a biological rebirth. This sets up the story so that Jesus can make an analogy for the workings of the Holy Spirit. We can see many things only in the effect they cause, like the blowing of the wind. The same is true of birth in the Spirit.
First, let us remind our selves about the difference between belief and faith. Belief is accepting the truth of something that you cannot prove/experience for yourself. For example, I believe in the existence of the country of China, though I have never been there. Faith, is trusting in someone; I have faith in my wife and the loyalty we share for each other.
∙ Abraham shows faith in his dramatic trust in God; picking up and moving to a strange place.
∙ Paul contrasts this example of faith with adherence to Divine Law. The law has its benefits as a guide through life’s confusion but obedience cannot earn what is freely given when one puts faith in God.
∙ Nicodemus struggles to embrace belief and faith in Jesus. By the end of John’s gospel he is a loyal follower of Jesus.
These lessons are a call to deeper faith, which is a deeper trust in God. Trust that God will be with us, guide us, support us, and protect us from those things that are beyond us.
Faith/Trust is a growing thing. We start trusting God in little ways: to answer our prayers as children, to bless us and the ones we love, to guide us in ruff times. Nevertheless, we can also learn to trust God in deeper things that influence the whole direction of our lives: discerning a calling to a professional ministry, the calling to married/family life, the pursuit of justice and the building of a better world.
Remember that old joke about the guy who was hiking at night and falls off a cliff. He scrambles for something to save him self and his hands land on some scrub brush. Hanging there, he calls out to God for help and a voice from heaven tells him to “let go.” The man thinks for a second, looks down at the darkness of the night, unable to see if the bottom is close or far and says: “is there anyone els out there?”
Our lives are often like this, we know we need God’s help, but we are afraid to trust what we cannot see. Though we would all accept that God surly sees reality more clearly and than we do. Now I do not mean foolish or ignorant trust. God is not asking us to be fools. I mean thoughtful, wise and prayerful trust in God.
My brothers and sisters, let us always seek divine guidance in our prayers. Let us put trust in God in little everyday ways so that we can learn to trust God in bigger things as well.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
1st Sunday of Lent A, March 13, 2011
My sisters and brothers, let us strive to make wise decisions by always seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Today’s first lesson is a collection of excerpts from an epic tale about the creation of humanity. God formed the human “from the dust of the ground” and gave him his spirit of life. I have always found it ironic that this poetic description from millennia ago, turns out to be so scientifically accurate. The basic elements of human body chemistry (Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen) are all the stuff of the earth.
But, one very important detail of the stories symbolism is difficult to translate into English. The name Adam is really the Hebrew word for “Human.” Human’s equal partner, whom God creates and a natural and necessary partner is “Woman” (Hebrew: isha). Then the vocabulary changes and Human is now called Man (Hebrew: ish) and the two, Man (Ish) and Woman (Isha) shall be as one; reflecting God’s own image.
God tells the humans (Adam and Eve) that they may eat the fruit of the trees with just two exceptions:
1, “the knowledge of good and evil”
2, that of “life.”
If they do this, they will be separated from God. It is important here for us to realize that the sin of Eve and Adam is not disobeying God; it is just the outer level of the symbol. The deeper message in the story is that of people trying to be gods. It is a sin of pride and arrogance. And as we know from our own lived experience, the arrogant tend to create their own punishments.
In the second lesson Paul contrasts Adam and Christ, both began whole eras in salvation history. Adam foreshadowed Christ as head of humanity. Adam disobeyed God’s direct command. Jesus, is unlike Adam:
1, Adam was condemned to separation from God but Christ brings union with God;
2, Adam’s sin allowed “death” to rule through the Devil but we let good rule our hearts through Christ;
3, Adam’s action led to the sin of many but Christ’s will lead many to godliness and “eternal life.”
In our gospel story of Jesus’ temptations we have the symbolic countering of Eve & Adam. In Mark’s version (the original version of the story) only the essential historical facts are recorded: The disciples probably knew none of the details of Jesus’ trials. Let’s face it, temptation is essentially a personal inner battle with one’s conscience.
Matthew castes the temptations of Christ as ways of sinning against the great commandment in Deuteronomy: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. We can look into each of them and see part of the not-so-attractive side of human nature. To change “stones” into bread would be to for Christ to use his power for his personal greedy benefit. Jesus says no to that and counters symbolically by asserting the importance of the word of God. Throwing himself from a pinnacle was about trying to manipulate God to Jesus’ own advantage, make himself look good. Jesus answers: testing God’s protection by unnecessarily risking life is a mockery of real sacrifices of martyrdom. Next Jesus is invited to prefer personal wealth and power over the love of God by worshiping the devil who symbolized all evil of such obsessive desires. Jesus answers: God is the only god to be worshiped and served. The details make the point that Jesus is the perfect lover of God, the ideal Israelite, the founder of a new way of being human.
As I mentioned, we have a dynamic contrast between the old era and he new one. This is symbolized in Adam & Eve’s bad choice verses Jesus’ much wiser choices. We have to be careful that we don’t read too much into this story of original sin. It is a mythic tale meant to get us thinking about human nature, especially our own ability to make choices that are self destructive. We humans can easily fool ourselves into thinking that certain possessions or pleasures, will make us all the things we are not. And it never works out that way. The point of the story is not a history of disobedience to God vs. Jesus’ obedience. It is asserting the truth that it is human choice (human agency) that brings the most genuine evil into our lives. Not God’s will or demonic forces but human action.
Jesus in contrast makes the wise choices that bring a long term happiness to life. Starting with recognizing one’s true place in the world. Turning way from greed, manipulation and unbridled power He sets his life and ministry on a wholesome and life-giving path rather than one that will inevitably lead to conflict and destruction. The final vindication of Jesus’ choices is dramatized in the stories of his resurrection.
My brothers & sisters, let us strive to choose wisely by allowing the Holy Spirit to be our guide in this life.
Today’s first lesson is a collection of excerpts from an epic tale about the creation of humanity. God formed the human “from the dust of the ground” and gave him his spirit of life. I have always found it ironic that this poetic description from millennia ago, turns out to be so scientifically accurate. The basic elements of human body chemistry (Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen) are all the stuff of the earth.
But, one very important detail of the stories symbolism is difficult to translate into English. The name Adam is really the Hebrew word for “Human.” Human’s equal partner, whom God creates and a natural and necessary partner is “Woman” (Hebrew: isha). Then the vocabulary changes and Human is now called Man (Hebrew: ish) and the two, Man (Ish) and Woman (Isha) shall be as one; reflecting God’s own image.
God tells the humans (Adam and Eve) that they may eat the fruit of the trees with just two exceptions:
1, “the knowledge of good and evil”
2, that of “life.”
If they do this, they will be separated from God. It is important here for us to realize that the sin of Eve and Adam is not disobeying God; it is just the outer level of the symbol. The deeper message in the story is that of people trying to be gods. It is a sin of pride and arrogance. And as we know from our own lived experience, the arrogant tend to create their own punishments.
In the second lesson Paul contrasts Adam and Christ, both began whole eras in salvation history. Adam foreshadowed Christ as head of humanity. Adam disobeyed God’s direct command. Jesus, is unlike Adam:
1, Adam was condemned to separation from God but Christ brings union with God;
2, Adam’s sin allowed “death” to rule through the Devil but we let good rule our hearts through Christ;
3, Adam’s action led to the sin of many but Christ’s will lead many to godliness and “eternal life.”
In our gospel story of Jesus’ temptations we have the symbolic countering of Eve & Adam. In Mark’s version (the original version of the story) only the essential historical facts are recorded: The disciples probably knew none of the details of Jesus’ trials. Let’s face it, temptation is essentially a personal inner battle with one’s conscience.
Matthew castes the temptations of Christ as ways of sinning against the great commandment in Deuteronomy: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. We can look into each of them and see part of the not-so-attractive side of human nature. To change “stones” into bread would be to for Christ to use his power for his personal greedy benefit. Jesus says no to that and counters symbolically by asserting the importance of the word of God. Throwing himself from a pinnacle was about trying to manipulate God to Jesus’ own advantage, make himself look good. Jesus answers: testing God’s protection by unnecessarily risking life is a mockery of real sacrifices of martyrdom. Next Jesus is invited to prefer personal wealth and power over the love of God by worshiping the devil who symbolized all evil of such obsessive desires. Jesus answers: God is the only god to be worshiped and served. The details make the point that Jesus is the perfect lover of God, the ideal Israelite, the founder of a new way of being human.
As I mentioned, we have a dynamic contrast between the old era and he new one. This is symbolized in Adam & Eve’s bad choice verses Jesus’ much wiser choices. We have to be careful that we don’t read too much into this story of original sin. It is a mythic tale meant to get us thinking about human nature, especially our own ability to make choices that are self destructive. We humans can easily fool ourselves into thinking that certain possessions or pleasures, will make us all the things we are not. And it never works out that way. The point of the story is not a history of disobedience to God vs. Jesus’ obedience. It is asserting the truth that it is human choice (human agency) that brings the most genuine evil into our lives. Not God’s will or demonic forces but human action.
Jesus in contrast makes the wise choices that bring a long term happiness to life. Starting with recognizing one’s true place in the world. Turning way from greed, manipulation and unbridled power He sets his life and ministry on a wholesome and life-giving path rather than one that will inevitably lead to conflict and destruction. The final vindication of Jesus’ choices is dramatized in the stories of his resurrection.
My brothers & sisters, let us strive to choose wisely by allowing the Holy Spirit to be our guide in this life.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Homily the Last Sunday of Epiphany (Transfiguration Sunday), March 6, 2011
My sisters and brothers, let us reach to Christ for the power we need to transform or lives.
The core of the story we heard in our fist lesson today is Moses receiving the 10 commandments from God. Previously, Moses has ascended Mount Sinai to receive the Law verbally from God – both the Ten Commandments and the case law. Moses has told them to the people; they have agreed to their side of the Covenant. (God’s side is to be their God and to protect them.) Moses has then written all God has told him. The pact, the union between God and the people, has been ratified in blood, “the blood of the covenant.” Blood has been dashed against the altar (symbolizing God) and sprinkled on the people.
Now God offers to put all the laws in permanent form, on “tablets of stone.”
The description of God’s “glory” is an envelope of light, a bright “cloud,” veiling his being: the people can see the cloud, but not God. Unlike the light from the burning bush, this appearance of God is frightening “like a devouring fire.” Moses prepares to meet God for some time “Forty days and forty nights.”
In our second lesson today, Peter gives his testimony of Jesus’ Transfiguration and status and God’s Son. While others (false teachers) have used cleverly lies to deceive members of the community the author was an “eyewitness” to the event. An event that showed the power of God and was a preview of Christ’s second “coming.” Then, Jesus “received honor and glory from God the Father” when the heavenly voice identified him as “‘my Son, my Beloved . . . ’.”
Old Testament prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah at the end of time; the Transfiguration more fully confirms this. After reminding the readers of this grounding of their hope in Christ, the author makes two important points about the life they share as a community of faith: 1, scripture should be interpreted in the community, not on “one’s own” as some privet revelation; 2, true prophets, in every age, are empowered by the Holy Spirit to speak for God; they do not prophesy of their own volition and do not choose themselves.
Today’s gospel gives us, again, Matthew’s demonstration that Jesus is the ONE. Jesus’ transfiguration parallels Moses receiving the law: God’s glory in the cloud and the voice. Matthew’s point is that Jesus is the new Moses and brings in a new and greater relationship with God for the people. Jesus and the inner circle of his disciples ascend a mountain. Jesus is “transfigured.”
An aura of unnatural brightness is linked with mystical appearances in Exodus when Moses came down off the mountain as a symbol of transcendence. In Jewish tradition, both “Moses and Elijah” were taken into heaven without dying; here Moses represents the Law and Elijah the prophets. Both are associated with Mount Sinai.
Peter has the realization that Jesus is “Lord”; the testimony of which we heard in the second lesson.
This is our last Sunday before lent begins. We traditionally focus this day on the transfiguration of Christ. Recounting that he is the fulfillment of all expectations of the law (symbolized by the law giver Moses) and the prophets (symbolized by Elijah the greatest of the prophets). Remember I mentioned that the people of Jesus’ day had many hops and dreams of what the messiah would do for them, Matthew is saying Jesus is the one who does it all . . .
We look to Christ for the grace/power to transform our own lives, move us way from our flaws and sins to the healing and virtue we are called to embody on Christ’s behalf.
Today let us pray for the grace we need to make this a good lent. A lent of transformation that empowers us to more fully live out the mission Christ has given us at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church!
The core of the story we heard in our fist lesson today is Moses receiving the 10 commandments from God. Previously, Moses has ascended Mount Sinai to receive the Law verbally from God – both the Ten Commandments and the case law. Moses has told them to the people; they have agreed to their side of the Covenant. (God’s side is to be their God and to protect them.) Moses has then written all God has told him. The pact, the union between God and the people, has been ratified in blood, “the blood of the covenant.” Blood has been dashed against the altar (symbolizing God) and sprinkled on the people.
Now God offers to put all the laws in permanent form, on “tablets of stone.”
The description of God’s “glory” is an envelope of light, a bright “cloud,” veiling his being: the people can see the cloud, but not God. Unlike the light from the burning bush, this appearance of God is frightening “like a devouring fire.” Moses prepares to meet God for some time “Forty days and forty nights.”
In our second lesson today, Peter gives his testimony of Jesus’ Transfiguration and status and God’s Son. While others (false teachers) have used cleverly lies to deceive members of the community the author was an “eyewitness” to the event. An event that showed the power of God and was a preview of Christ’s second “coming.” Then, Jesus “received honor and glory from God the Father” when the heavenly voice identified him as “‘my Son, my Beloved . . . ’.”
Old Testament prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah at the end of time; the Transfiguration more fully confirms this. After reminding the readers of this grounding of their hope in Christ, the author makes two important points about the life they share as a community of faith: 1, scripture should be interpreted in the community, not on “one’s own” as some privet revelation; 2, true prophets, in every age, are empowered by the Holy Spirit to speak for God; they do not prophesy of their own volition and do not choose themselves.
Today’s gospel gives us, again, Matthew’s demonstration that Jesus is the ONE. Jesus’ transfiguration parallels Moses receiving the law: God’s glory in the cloud and the voice. Matthew’s point is that Jesus is the new Moses and brings in a new and greater relationship with God for the people. Jesus and the inner circle of his disciples ascend a mountain. Jesus is “transfigured.”
An aura of unnatural brightness is linked with mystical appearances in Exodus when Moses came down off the mountain as a symbol of transcendence. In Jewish tradition, both “Moses and Elijah” were taken into heaven without dying; here Moses represents the Law and Elijah the prophets. Both are associated with Mount Sinai.
Peter has the realization that Jesus is “Lord”; the testimony of which we heard in the second lesson.
This is our last Sunday before lent begins. We traditionally focus this day on the transfiguration of Christ. Recounting that he is the fulfillment of all expectations of the law (symbolized by the law giver Moses) and the prophets (symbolized by Elijah the greatest of the prophets). Remember I mentioned that the people of Jesus’ day had many hops and dreams of what the messiah would do for them, Matthew is saying Jesus is the one who does it all . . .
We look to Christ for the grace/power to transform our own lives, move us way from our flaws and sins to the healing and virtue we are called to embody on Christ’s behalf.
Today let us pray for the grace we need to make this a good lent. A lent of transformation that empowers us to more fully live out the mission Christ has given us at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church!
Homily for 8 Epiphany A, February 27, 2011
My sisters and brothers, we must never allow the necessities of life, to replace God in our lives.
From Isaiah we hear the liberation that God promises to his people. The Prophet continues to speak on God's behalf. God has given this prophet to Israel as assurance that, at a time of God's choosing (“time of favor”), the people will indeed return to Palestine and take possession of the properties they owned, taking with them those deprived and oppressed. In this new era, Jerusalem (and its inhabitants) who may feel that God has ignored them, will be assured of his Divine love: they are as close to God as a tattoo on his hand.
In our passage from Corinthians, Paul continues on the topic of the role and status of different apostles. How should members of the Church think of him and Apollos (and perhaps Cephas)? What should be the role of apostles in the Church? A servant's work is not his but his master's; an apostolic ministry makes no claim for itself but points to Christ.
We many never know if Paul was as indifferent to the criticism leveled against him as he states; I’ll just wait for God. Paul certainly does spend a great deal of space defending himself. Regardless the message is still valuable today, Its really all about Christ!
Our gospel reading is the classic you cannot serve two masters. One must make the fundamental option: choose God or wealth. God gives everlasting life, but wealth is fleeting at best. Can you, by worrying, as a single hour to your span of life? Put service of God and the Kingdom first, everything els will fall into place.
A key word here is “worry.” The Greek word means being preoccupied with or absorbed by. We might say obsessing or experiencing anxiety over something. To be preoccupied with food and appearance is to view life much too narrowly and to keep God from being central in one’s life.
Many things in this world demand our attention. Some are unavoidable necessities, some are of moderate importance and others are negligible. We can unfortunately get fixated, anxious or obsessive about certain things: like seeking extravagant wealth despite what it does to our integrity. On the other hand putting God and the kingdom at the center, will bring us much more than peace with what we achieve in this world. It brings a path to eternal life.
This does not mean abandoning life’s responsibilities nor a naive trust in God to pay your bills for us. It does mean: “don’t give into anxiety.” Don’t loose perspective and allow these needs to take the place of God in our lives.
My brothers and sisters, let us prayerfully keep a wholesome (Christian) perspective on everything in this world!
From Isaiah we hear the liberation that God promises to his people. The Prophet continues to speak on God's behalf. God has given this prophet to Israel as assurance that, at a time of God's choosing (“time of favor”), the people will indeed return to Palestine and take possession of the properties they owned, taking with them those deprived and oppressed. In this new era, Jerusalem (and its inhabitants) who may feel that God has ignored them, will be assured of his Divine love: they are as close to God as a tattoo on his hand.
In our passage from Corinthians, Paul continues on the topic of the role and status of different apostles. How should members of the Church think of him and Apollos (and perhaps Cephas)? What should be the role of apostles in the Church? A servant's work is not his but his master's; an apostolic ministry makes no claim for itself but points to Christ.
We many never know if Paul was as indifferent to the criticism leveled against him as he states; I’ll just wait for God. Paul certainly does spend a great deal of space defending himself. Regardless the message is still valuable today, Its really all about Christ!
Our gospel reading is the classic you cannot serve two masters. One must make the fundamental option: choose God or wealth. God gives everlasting life, but wealth is fleeting at best. Can you, by worrying, as a single hour to your span of life? Put service of God and the Kingdom first, everything els will fall into place.
A key word here is “worry.” The Greek word means being preoccupied with or absorbed by. We might say obsessing or experiencing anxiety over something. To be preoccupied with food and appearance is to view life much too narrowly and to keep God from being central in one’s life.
Many things in this world demand our attention. Some are unavoidable necessities, some are of moderate importance and others are negligible. We can unfortunately get fixated, anxious or obsessive about certain things: like seeking extravagant wealth despite what it does to our integrity. On the other hand putting God and the kingdom at the center, will bring us much more than peace with what we achieve in this world. It brings a path to eternal life.
This does not mean abandoning life’s responsibilities nor a naive trust in God to pay your bills for us. It does mean: “don’t give into anxiety.” Don’t loose perspective and allow these needs to take the place of God in our lives.
My brothers and sisters, let us prayerfully keep a wholesome (Christian) perspective on everything in this world!
Homily for 7 Epiphany A, February 20, 2011
My sisters and brothers: God calls us to the kind of holiness that makes a difference.
Three nurses appeared before St. Peter at the pearly gates. St. Peter said to the first, "Tell me what you did on earth."
Said she, "I was a birthing room nurse. I helped bring hundreds of precious babies into the world."
"Enter!" said St. Peter. Then he turned to the second. "And how about you?" he asked.
She replied, "I was a trauma unit nurse. I helped save hundreds of lives of people involved in terrible accidents."
"Enter!" cried St. Peter, and turned to the third.
"I worked for an HMO," she admitted. "Over the years I saved my company hundreds of thousands of dollars by refusing extended care to people who were trying to bilk the system."
"You may enter!" said St. Peter.
"You really mean it?" asked the nurse incredulously.
"Yes," replied St. Peter. "You've been pre-approved for three days."
In our first reading today, we heard Part of the moral code given through Moses. Leviticus is one of the first five books in the Old Testament. It is a book of law, and naturally follows Exodus. In Jewish circles, it was known as The Priest's Manual and has six parts; Our reading is the keynote of the Holiness Code. The people have been separated for a special covenant with the God who liberated them from Egypt. Israel’s holiness is derived from relationship to the holy God. Holiness here includes wholeness, perfection, and relationships between people or ethics.
The final summation is familiar to us because it recurs throughout the gospels: Love members of your family and fellow Israelites, taking neither vengeance nor nursing anger. If a fellow Israelite errs, correct him – not to do so would be a sin. Love your fellow Israelite as you love yourself.
In our second reading Paul has offers two metaphors for the Church: a crop in a “field” and a “building.” As God’s agents, he and Apollos have worked together: he has planted, i.e., founded the church at Corinth, and Apollos has watered, i.e., nurtured the community. This was part of the message we heard last week.
Paul now likens the growth of the church to constructing a building. He founded the community properly; “that foundation is Jesus Christ.” Others must construct the building above the foundation “with due care.” His final point is well worth our taking to heart: do not get overly wrapped up in human wisdom, God is far wiser. All human leaders of faith belong to the Faith Community and the Community to Christ and Christ belongs to God. Keep your perspective.
In the gospel we heard today, Jesus continues making his point about observing the law. The Pharisees and the scribes kept Mosaic law diligently, and taught it. Jesus has said this is not enough; one must strive for a deeper holiness.
Some details help us see his point. A soldier in the Roman army could force a civilian to carry his pack. The Greek words translated “forces” and “mile” reflect the imperial messenger service, a courier service using relays of horses. To “go . . . the second mile” would be to avoid another civilian being compelled. So the example is calling us to be generous, even under duress. Finally, to be “children of God” is to pattern one’s attitudes after God’s; he provides for all, both good and evil people.
My brothers & sisters, to be a holy person, to be a fully fledged Christian, is to care. As I’ve said before, its means that we do give a dam!
We are called to reach for the ideal we see in God’s own actions. Who provides good things from the earth for all, the good and the bad alike. This not a naive kind of value that assumes that all will come to love you if you love them. It is a reminder that we are not to hold old grudges once we have obtained justice or we vanquish an enemy.
Lets us not shy from Jesus’ ideal but strive for it.
Three nurses appeared before St. Peter at the pearly gates. St. Peter said to the first, "Tell me what you did on earth."
Said she, "I was a birthing room nurse. I helped bring hundreds of precious babies into the world."
"Enter!" said St. Peter. Then he turned to the second. "And how about you?" he asked.
She replied, "I was a trauma unit nurse. I helped save hundreds of lives of people involved in terrible accidents."
"Enter!" cried St. Peter, and turned to the third.
"I worked for an HMO," she admitted. "Over the years I saved my company hundreds of thousands of dollars by refusing extended care to people who were trying to bilk the system."
"You may enter!" said St. Peter.
"You really mean it?" asked the nurse incredulously.
"Yes," replied St. Peter. "You've been pre-approved for three days."
In our first reading today, we heard Part of the moral code given through Moses. Leviticus is one of the first five books in the Old Testament. It is a book of law, and naturally follows Exodus. In Jewish circles, it was known as The Priest's Manual and has six parts; Our reading is the keynote of the Holiness Code. The people have been separated for a special covenant with the God who liberated them from Egypt. Israel’s holiness is derived from relationship to the holy God. Holiness here includes wholeness, perfection, and relationships between people or ethics.
The final summation is familiar to us because it recurs throughout the gospels: Love members of your family and fellow Israelites, taking neither vengeance nor nursing anger. If a fellow Israelite errs, correct him – not to do so would be a sin. Love your fellow Israelite as you love yourself.
In our second reading Paul has offers two metaphors for the Church: a crop in a “field” and a “building.” As God’s agents, he and Apollos have worked together: he has planted, i.e., founded the church at Corinth, and Apollos has watered, i.e., nurtured the community. This was part of the message we heard last week.
Paul now likens the growth of the church to constructing a building. He founded the community properly; “that foundation is Jesus Christ.” Others must construct the building above the foundation “with due care.” His final point is well worth our taking to heart: do not get overly wrapped up in human wisdom, God is far wiser. All human leaders of faith belong to the Faith Community and the Community to Christ and Christ belongs to God. Keep your perspective.
In the gospel we heard today, Jesus continues making his point about observing the law. The Pharisees and the scribes kept Mosaic law diligently, and taught it. Jesus has said this is not enough; one must strive for a deeper holiness.
Some details help us see his point. A soldier in the Roman army could force a civilian to carry his pack. The Greek words translated “forces” and “mile” reflect the imperial messenger service, a courier service using relays of horses. To “go . . . the second mile” would be to avoid another civilian being compelled. So the example is calling us to be generous, even under duress. Finally, to be “children of God” is to pattern one’s attitudes after God’s; he provides for all, both good and evil people.
My brothers & sisters, to be a holy person, to be a fully fledged Christian, is to care. As I’ve said before, its means that we do give a dam!
We are called to reach for the ideal we see in God’s own actions. Who provides good things from the earth for all, the good and the bad alike. This not a naive kind of value that assumes that all will come to love you if you love them. It is a reminder that we are not to hold old grudges once we have obtained justice or we vanquish an enemy.
Lets us not shy from Jesus’ ideal but strive for it.
Homily for 6 Epiphany A, February 13, 2011
My sisters and brothers, one day the Devil challenged God to a baseball game.
Smiling God proclaimed, "You don't have a chance, I have Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and all the greatest players up here."
"Yes," snickered the devil, "but I have all the umpires!"
Today our lessons present us with the question of choosing sides. Will we choose God or not?
Our first lesson from Ecclesiasticus (also called Sirach) reminds us that God has created us each with the freedom to choose our path in life. Further, God gives us guidance as to the consequences of that fundamental choice. We will not force us to be good but we will not be shield from the consequences of our misdeeds either. CHOOSE WISELY!
In the Old Testaments we see different perspectives on what causes a person to commit evil. Some imply that God causes a person to sin: God “hardened Pharaoh’s heart” in Exodus 11:10 and in 2 Samuel 24:1 God “incited David” to count how many subjects he has – out of pride.
However, Sirach disagrees: in no way can God be held responsible for human sinfulness. God not only hates evil but he even preserves the godly person from committing it. He says that God “left them in the power of their own free choice” (or inclination). This is what many Christian authors call the “Fundamental Option”; choosing for God or against God and dealing with the results.
Earlier we heard Paul address the divisions in the church at Corinth. Raising the issue that some follow particular leaders of the community rather than Christ. Now he addresses the criticism that he oversimplifying the good news. The very “jealousy and quarreling” the Corinthians are involved in demonstrates that they are still only earthly minded and not ready for the full spiritual teaching.
Paul goes on to say: It is natural to be attached to the person who welcomed you into the church, but you need to recognize that they are all “servants” of Christ. Each has a distinct function in bringing you to faith. Paul founded the church at Corinth (planted); Apollos nurtured faith (watered) in the community; but it is God who causes spirituality and faith to grow. He and Apollos have the same objective - serving Christ!
In our Gospel reading we heard Jesus use exaggeration to call his followers to be dedicated to virtue.
Each of Jesus’ expansions of the Law begins with: you have heard it was said. He then quotes a law. The expression “Ancient times” refers to the days of Moses. The Ten Commandments forbid the act of murder; Jesus extends this law to include propensities to violent conflict. He calls his followers to be people of reconciliation.
Further Jesus points out that God looks for purity of thought and desire not just sexual behavior. In short, we are to pursue virtue in our daily lives with great dedication and thoroughness. Rather than simply following the rules.
My brothers and sisters, both Sirach and Jesus urge us to CHOOSE a virtuous way of life. The first with poetic imagery and the second with dramatic exaggeration.
Most of us are deeply aware that (in the real world) there are consequences for any choice and action. Some rather neutral, some very bad and others very good. Our fundamental choice in life is to live for or against God. In classical Christian writing this is often spoke of as the “fundamental option.”
We generally know the consequences of our choices and actions. Unethical behavior will cost us the loss of friends, family and probably even our freedom - if one goes as far as a life of crime. Today’s readings are about reminding us that there is also spiritual and eternal set of consequence to our fundamental option. Choosing to disregard God is to choose to estrange our selves from our maker, who will allow us to do just that. And, allow us to suffer the consequences; eternal estrangement from God. On the other hand, choosing for God, leads us in the opposite direction and most eternally rewarding direction.
Let us choose wisely!
Smiling God proclaimed, "You don't have a chance, I have Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and all the greatest players up here."
"Yes," snickered the devil, "but I have all the umpires!"
Today our lessons present us with the question of choosing sides. Will we choose God or not?
Our first lesson from Ecclesiasticus (also called Sirach) reminds us that God has created us each with the freedom to choose our path in life. Further, God gives us guidance as to the consequences of that fundamental choice. We will not force us to be good but we will not be shield from the consequences of our misdeeds either. CHOOSE WISELY!
In the Old Testaments we see different perspectives on what causes a person to commit evil. Some imply that God causes a person to sin: God “hardened Pharaoh’s heart” in Exodus 11:10 and in 2 Samuel 24:1 God “incited David” to count how many subjects he has – out of pride.
However, Sirach disagrees: in no way can God be held responsible for human sinfulness. God not only hates evil but he even preserves the godly person from committing it. He says that God “left them in the power of their own free choice” (or inclination). This is what many Christian authors call the “Fundamental Option”; choosing for God or against God and dealing with the results.
Earlier we heard Paul address the divisions in the church at Corinth. Raising the issue that some follow particular leaders of the community rather than Christ. Now he addresses the criticism that he oversimplifying the good news. The very “jealousy and quarreling” the Corinthians are involved in demonstrates that they are still only earthly minded and not ready for the full spiritual teaching.
Paul goes on to say: It is natural to be attached to the person who welcomed you into the church, but you need to recognize that they are all “servants” of Christ. Each has a distinct function in bringing you to faith. Paul founded the church at Corinth (planted); Apollos nurtured faith (watered) in the community; but it is God who causes spirituality and faith to grow. He and Apollos have the same objective - serving Christ!
In our Gospel reading we heard Jesus use exaggeration to call his followers to be dedicated to virtue.
Each of Jesus’ expansions of the Law begins with: you have heard it was said. He then quotes a law. The expression “Ancient times” refers to the days of Moses. The Ten Commandments forbid the act of murder; Jesus extends this law to include propensities to violent conflict. He calls his followers to be people of reconciliation.
Further Jesus points out that God looks for purity of thought and desire not just sexual behavior. In short, we are to pursue virtue in our daily lives with great dedication and thoroughness. Rather than simply following the rules.
My brothers and sisters, both Sirach and Jesus urge us to CHOOSE a virtuous way of life. The first with poetic imagery and the second with dramatic exaggeration.
Most of us are deeply aware that (in the real world) there are consequences for any choice and action. Some rather neutral, some very bad and others very good. Our fundamental choice in life is to live for or against God. In classical Christian writing this is often spoke of as the “fundamental option.”
We generally know the consequences of our choices and actions. Unethical behavior will cost us the loss of friends, family and probably even our freedom - if one goes as far as a life of crime. Today’s readings are about reminding us that there is also spiritual and eternal set of consequence to our fundamental option. Choosing to disregard God is to choose to estrange our selves from our maker, who will allow us to do just that. And, allow us to suffer the consequences; eternal estrangement from God. On the other hand, choosing for God, leads us in the opposite direction and most eternally rewarding direction.
Let us choose wisely!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Loggerhead Turtles, born with internal GPS
Loggerhead turtles are born with an ability to know where they are on Earth, and which way to swim to get to favorable feeding grounds. That's the conclusion from a new study by scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Click Here
This is a great story and accompanying audio file. Wonderful - the complex way God has made all us creatures!
Click Here
This is a great story and accompanying audio file. Wonderful - the complex way God has made all us creatures!
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