2nd Sunday of Advent, Dec. 9, 2012

For us Christians, preparing the way of the Lord means getting busy about the Lord’s work! 

The book of Malachi, from which we get our first reading today, was written generations after the people returned to Israel from their captivity in Babylon (also called Persia).  It was King Cyrus who permitted the people of Israel to return to Palestine but Israel is still a Persian province.  People expected that their fidelity to God would be rewarded by (material) prosperity, but life has continued to be hard, so after several decades, they have lapsed into waywardness.  It is the ungodly who prosper.  In the old days, the Israelite King was God’s agent, but now (there being no king), the priests have assumed this role.  Now the prophet speaks of God sending a messenger who will prepare the way for God to return to the Temple, stop the abuses which have been going on and restore the people to their freedom.

In our second reading Paul rejoices in the authentic faith of the Philippians.  He prays that they may be overflowing in Christian knowledge and discernment so that they may be pure and blameless on the final day.  The tone of joyful prayer is a pervasive quality of the whole letter.  Paul further expresses his confidence that God will finish what God has begun among them. 

In our gospel story John the Baptist begins his ministry (that is) his role in God’s plan.  He announces the time of redemption is at hand.  As did classical Greek authors, Luke places John’s ministry in the context of famous rulers, here both secular and religious.  This gives us a rather precise date for Jesus’ life and the beginning of his ministry, i.e. 26-29 A. D.  The Greek translated “the word of God came” is the same as in Jeremiah.  Luke sees John as continuing the role of the prophets; announcing judgment at the end of the era and a new relationship with God, available to all. 

As we look at John’s proclamation that the Kingdom is at hand, we must also look at what it means for us 21^st century Christians to “prepare the way of the Lord.”  Like John (and the Philippians Paul is so proud of) it means that we must step up to the role God has called us to fulfill.  In general terms it’s easy to talk about:

●     Feed the hungry

●     Cloth the naked

●     Teach the uneducated

●     Visit the sick

On a more personal level it’s about each of us taking the time to listen to God’s voice in our lives.  Putting aside time to get involved and try out various ministries.  Each of us will eventually find that right fit which uses our talents in a way that we can feel good about.  In this way we can make a contribution of our time and talents to the Kingdom of God!  In this way, we truly “prepare the way of the Lord!”

1st Sunday of Advent, Dec. 2, 2012

My brothers & sisters, redemption is here and available in Christ.

Our first lesson from Jeremiah comes from the time when Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians in 586 BC.  In bad times, the prophet told of God’s love for his people.  Today’s passage was edited and written centuries later.  We hear that it is a certainty that a time will come when God will complete His promises.  This is contained in the symbolism of God restoring both the people of Israel and the lineage of David. 

I our second reading, Paul expresses his gratitude for the Thessalonians and looks forward to seeing them again.  When he was in Thessalonica, he had predicted that some Christians there would be persecuted.  This has now happened; he has sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage them for the sake of their faith, so no one would be shaken by these persecutions.  Timothy has now returned to Paul in Athens, and has conveyed to him that the Thessalonians are strong.  Indeed, their faith has encouraged Paul in facing persecution himself. 

Paul in turn prays for them:

•  that he may visit them again

•  that they may have a superabundance of love for their fellow Christians and for all;

•  that their very beings (hearts) may become so God-like (so holy) that they may be totally free of sin when Christ comes again. 

In our reading from Luke, we again see Jesus predicting his second coming.  The end will be delayed: the killing and deportation of citizens will continue “until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled,” i.e., until non-Jews have had the opportunity to come to Christ.  In spite of the delay, the era will end before all those alive now have died.  It was pretty much universal in the Apostles day for Christians to expect Jesus’ return during their lifetimes.  As that first generation began to pass away, Christian leaders realized that Jesus was not planning to return as soon as they hoped and began organizing themselves to preserve and pass on the faith for following generation like ourselves. 

Today we begin the season of Advent.  It is the season of preparation and anticipation of the anniversary of Christ’s coming into our world.  However it is not just for the retelling of that story.  More importantly, it is preparation for the return of the Messiah in glory.  There is an understanding amongst disciples of Jesus from the first century through to the present day; that the Messiah’s first appearance was to reopen the door for us to have individual relationships with our Creator. 

From our gospel today we are given a message that I believe many Christians miss.  “Stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”  Rather than take this to heart we generally fear Christ’s return.  Some of this is rooted in our natural fear of the unknown; some in the outrageous imagery of Revelations and the battle of Armageddon; some of it is sheer morbid fascination.  We have such a fascination that the movie industry makes huge “end of the world” productions.  An easy example is how much press space still is given to the prediction of the Mayan calendar that the world will end this month. . .

But the Gospel message is not strictly about things that one should fear.  It is also about triumph; the vindication of believers; the end of evil and suffering and finally, the restoration of our ideal relationship with our Creator.  Not exactly something to be frightened about.  Yes we do want to be ready, not caught in our personal sinfulness.  But that is not a frightening proposition either.  We have in Christ the maximum richness of forgiveness.  Let’s face it, our generation may be more technological than any before it, but we have not come up with any sins that Christ has not seen and heard before.  Let us not shy from seeking and enjoying His forgiveness.  Let us look forward to celebrating the anniversary of his first coming this Christmas and let us look forward to his return.  Doing our part as we are called and trusting Christ for all the things that are beyond us. 

Homily for Christ the King, Nov. 25, 2012

My brothers and sisters, do we belong to the truth Jesus is speaking of? Or are we on some less spiritual quest?  Our lessons today all revolve around the theme of our feast day today. Christ the King! This celebration dates back for centuries in one form or another.  In the new testament literature we heard today, we see the beginnings of the devotion. In Revaluations, John, is drawing on the imagery and tradition of Daniel to express his own vision.  Describing Jesus as the “Son of Man” coming down from heaven enthroned on a cloud.  Alpha and Omega, are the first and last letters of the ancient Greek alphabet. They make a convenient symbol of Christ as the beginning and end which includes of all things in-between. A simple and rich symbol of fullness.

In the gospel we look once again at Jesus’ trial before Pilot. Here, also in John’s expressions, Jesus is depicted as being questioned about being a king and having some kind of kingdom.  The actual charge here would be insurrection or treason. The King, Emperor, was Cesar.  John takes the story as an opportunity to emphasize that Jesus is about a spiritual realm not an earthly one. “Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world.”

The bottom line of the gospel passage is the quote: “I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Which prompts us to ask ourselves: Do we "Belong to the truth" as Jesus speaks of? How authentically do we listen to his voice?

Truth can be many things: enlightening/educating, frightening and even dangerous. It can also be exciting offensive.  Are we committed to living by the kind of spiritual truth Jesus testified to, i.e., recognizing God's plans and activities and living by them each day of our lives?

Anthony de Mello told the following story: When the devil saw a seeker of Truth enter the house of a Spiritual Master, he determined to do everything in his power to turn him back from his quest. So he subjected the man to every possible temptation: wealth, lust, fame, power, prestige. But the seeker was able to fight off the temptations quite easily.

When he got into the Master's presence, he was somewhat taken aback to see the Master sitting on an upholstered chair and the disciples at his feet. "This man certainly lacks humility, the principal virtue of the saints," he thought to himself.

He then observed other things about the Master that he did not like: For one thing, the Master took little notice of him. 'I suppose that is because I do not fawn on him as the others do," he said to himself. Also, he disliked the kind of clothes the Master wore and the somewhat conceited way he spoke. All of this led him to the conclusion that he had come to the wrong place and must continue his quest elsewhere.
As he walked out of the room, the Master, who had seen the devil seated in a corner of the room, said, "You need not have worried, Tempter. He was yours form the very first, you know."

To seek the truth sincerely we must give up our preconceptions about where we will find the truth and be ready to accept wisdom in many disguises.  Seeking the truth is not just an intellectual discipline. It is not simply a mater of study and learning; science is not about truth it is about gaining knowledge of how this world work.  Truth is about what and who is behind the workings of this world. Truth is seeking the ultimate meaning of life, the real purpose we human-beings have in living on this earth.  It is a quest of the mind, heart, body and sole; truth is a quest for the God who made us and gave us life for the purpose of sharing life and love.

We know this when we except the existence of God, we feel it when we allow God to enter our hearts and love us.  We live in this when we put love into action on behalf of our neighbor. Only in this way can anyone really be and live in the truth.  This is what it means to enjoy the real fulfillment of life's ultimate meaning and purpose.  In others words, we find and live truth-meaning by putting our faith into action.

Homily for Thanks Giving, 2012

It is truly is a good and proper thing for us to give thanks to God today.  After all it is from God that we ultimately have our very existence. Every thing on our earth (including ourselves) is from God's creation. And truthfully all of our physical needs are met from the earth's abundance because God set up the world as a home for humanity. 

Even in our present struggles we can be grateful that we have the security and blessing we do have.   We can be grateful for the food on our tables and the food programs our parish has to support those who are suffering.  We can be grateful that the wars of our country have not brought violence to our town and that we are able to give assistance to thous who are suffering because of the conflict.We can give thanks to the many Law Enforcement personnel who stand between us and the drug smuggling that tries to pass through our county.  

We can also give thanks for the many new babies baptized into our faith this year and for all who have gone from our midst into God's Eternal Kingdom.

Miles Lowell Yates, left us with a simple and powerful poem that sums up the spiritual dynamic of this day of expressing our thanks to God: 

AN ACT OF THANKSGIVING TO GOD FOR GREAT BLESSINGS

Miles Lowell Yates 1890-1956

O God, it is good to be alive, and numbered with

the people whom thou hast made:

and

I thank thee for thy gift of life.

O God, it is good to have the power of thought, and

to seek and learn and know:

and

I thank thee for thy gift of mind.

O God, it is good to dwell beneath the sun in the

world which is thy handiwork:

and

I thank thee for earth's beauty, and thy rule

within its laws.

Rememberance and Blessing for Veterans: November 10 & 11, 2012

Add the following to each celebration of the Eucharist on Veterans Day weekend

Extra collect, at the usual time, following the Gloria.

Loving God, as we gather here today our hearts are full of memories of friends, comrades, and family members who served under arms in the wars of our country. We come to remember those who fell in battle and those who, while they did not die, offered their bodies, hearts, and energies fighting for an end to tyranny and oppression.  We ask Lord that you would grace us with your presence, that you would help us in our pain, and that you would hear our prayers and have regard for our thoughts this day. Bless us – and bless all those who gave the best of themselves for our country – we ask this through Christ our Lord. 
AMEN.

After the Homily, Prayers and Confession, ask all veterans present to stand in the center isles.  

Prayer over the Veterans

Heavenly Father, we ask you to smile upon all the men and women who served in our armed forces during times of war.  Bring healing for those who have been wounded, in body and soul, in conflicts around the globe. We remember especially the young men and women who are coming home from our present wars with injured bodies and spirits.  Dear God, Bring solace to them all. 

Have mercy on all our veterans from every war, bring peace to their hearts and peace to the regions they fought in. Give us all the grace to reach for a world in which all warring has ceased and your Kingdom is complete.  

Bless these veterans in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit!   
Amen!
Follow with the usual sharing of  Peace.

Homily for Novemer 11, 2012 - Proper 27 B

My sisters and brothers, Christian generosity is not just about monies, foodstuffs and household necessities.  We are also called to give of our time and talent. 

In our first reading we heard the famous story of the Elijah and the widow’s bottomless jar.  It is one of many miraculous things God does through Elijah.  Most importantly, it is an example of extreme generosity and sharing in the midst of calamity.  A little background makes the story even more powerful.  This story takes place in a region acknowledged as belonging to the pagan god Baal not Yahweh!  Yet the power of Yahweh causes drought to descend there and protects those He favors with miraculous food.  This is also a story of my God (Yahweh) is stronger than your god (Baal).  At this point in their history, the Israelite people did not see other gods as false; only as alien and inferior to Yahweh! 

In our Hebrews reading, Christ is described as removing sin by the sacrifice of himself.  

The author sees Christ as coming “at the end of the age” of the first covenant.  God has appointed that humans “die once” and later be judged (at the end of the current era); likewise Christ sacrificed himself once and will later return.  But his second coming will be to complete and finalize the salvation of his followers.  

For our gospel story today we heard the widow’s might.  She contributes out of her “poverty” while others contribute out of their abundance.  She clearly makes the greater sacrifice! 

Prior to this, scribe has asked Jesus: which is the greatest precept in the law?  His agreement that to love God and to love one’s neighbors are the most important has led Jesus to tell him that he is almost ready for the kingdom of God.

Now, as Jesus teaches in the synagogue, he warns of certain scribes (professional interpreters of the Law) who walk around ostentatiously, seek honor in public places and seek prestige.  They where showy cloths and expect the best seats in the synagogue (near the Ark where the scrolls were kept). 

Certain scribes, as legal trustees of a widow’s estate, charged exorbitantly for their services.  Jesus proclaims that they will be judged harshly in the greatest court of all on Judgment Day.  Jesus’ disciples are not to be like them.  On the other hand, the poor widow is an example of good discipleship because she made a far greater personal sacrifice than the rich people who only give what they do not need. 

In our modern world, many have wondered (and I am one of them) if our time is even more precious to us than any other possession.  The widows’ gift to Elijah was not just her bread but her labor as well. 

How do we contribute from our time, abilities?  Are we truly looking for honor and status or are we truly doing acts of charity?  Our parish stewardship committee has envisioned some opportunities for us to help clarify the gifts that God is calling us to share.  Each of us is blessed with talents, aptitudes, education and experience.  We simply need to grow in the awareness that God has not only blessed us with them but calls us to use them for the growth of the Divine Kingdom. 

Doing the work of the Kingdom is demanding.  It takes time, energy and heart.  For us it manifests in many volunteer activities: baking cookies and making crafts, singing, teaching children and youth, fixing this and that, and the dreaded: “committee meetings.”

Yet, we cannot exist and carry forward our calling as God’s people in Sierra Vista without all of the above.  My brothers and sisters let us roll up our sleeves and do our part! 

Homily for November 4, 2012: All Saints/All Souls

Our first reading is an assertion that life does not end with death in this world but continues in God’s eternal realm.  The message is that the just (or righteous) will join God and the angels in heaven.  God created us for incorruption, and made us in the image of his own eternity, but through the devil’s envy death entered the world, and those who belong to his company experience it.”My sisters and brothers, spiritually speaking, our extended family is vast and leaves us an inspiring legacy.  

Our second reading is from John’s record of his visions.  Previously he has told of the destruction of the old city, Babylon (code name for Rome) and of the old heaven and earth; the ungodly have been driven off to punishment.  Only the godly, a remnant, remain.  Now John sees the new creation.  The sea, a symbol of turbulence, unrest and chaos, is no more.  He sees the New Jerusalem, a holy city of divine origin, beautiful and lovely.  Some have interpreted this city as the Christian church, set apart for God’s use in the world while others view this as a glimpse at the reunion of heaven and earth.  Once again, God makes all things right and joyful for his people. 

Alpha” and “Omega” is the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet; this imagery is intended to describe God as all encompassing. 

Our gospel story today (resurrection of Lazarus) is one of Jesus’ most powerful miracles.  After four days in the tomb, there is little doubt to the crowd that the man was truly dead.  Reviving him from a near death illness was not possible.  Yet, Jesus’ mere command makes it happen.  Most likely John relates Jesus’ weeping to express how he is touched by the pain of those he loves and shares that pain in some real way.  Martha tries to restrain Jesus from viewing the decomposing corpse of his friend.  And Jesus responds: did I not tell you that if you believed you would see God’s power?  After giving this reassurance, he issues the Divine Command and Lazarus is fully restored. 

Our readings and celebration today revolve around Christian belief that in Christ we have a spiritual connection with all the virtuous people who have gone before us.  All saints and All Souls days celebrate the final fulfillment of God’s promises of a holy paradise and the foretaste we experience now as God’s people.  Do you remember Jesus’ preaching: the Kingdom is at hand, even among you?  Today we celebrate that what Christ announced is true and our unity with Christ and one another extends not just to us believers in this life but in the life to come as well. 

This entire heritage comes our way because people like us embraced the responsibility of preserving and passing on the gift of faith.  They put their energies, ability's and monies to work for this fundamental Christian Mission. 

Today we not only inherit this gift but we inherit the responsibilities as well.  Our Christian Mission is lived out in a different world than our ancestors but the mission is still the same.  We also are called by God to use our energies, abilities and finances to promote preserve and pass on the faith.  We do this through many different volunteer activities and donations to worthy charities.  We do it most importantly through the volunteer time and monies we contribute to the mission we share here at St. Stephen’s. 

This day, let us not only celebrate our oneness with all who went before us in faith - let us also choose to be generous with our resources in support of the mission entrusted to us here and now. 

Homily for Proper 25 B; October 28, 2012

In our first reading, Jeremiah sharers God's promise to restore the people of Israel to their former lives.  The exile which the people experience as God’s just punishment of their former lives will not last for all generations.  The political and military dynamics which are oppressing them will come to an end.  The people of Israel will be restored to their freedom and their home land. 

My sisters and brothers, to be true followers of Christ we must both let go… and grab hold…

This portion of Jeremiah’s writing is the text of a hymn extolling the glory of the People’s return to Israel.  A procession of the weak emphasizes the miraculous nature of this restoration.  The imagery of Yahweh as a father to Israel shows up in various parts of the Old Testament and first served to define their covenantal relationship with God. 

In our second reading we hear from the author of Hebrews about the eternal quality of Jesus' intercession for us.  He does not leave office or die.  He lives through eternity without need to make further offering for sin.  As we talked about last week, the temple priests were under Mosaic Law (the “Old Covenant”).  Jesus, the high priest, unlike others, he became a priest at God’s oath and has also become the guarantee of a better “New Covenant.”  Therefore, Jesus is the way to God and to salvation for those who are godly because he (as priest) lives to plead with God on their behalf. 

From Mark’s gospel we heard about Jesus healing Bartimaeus of his blindness.  He restores the man's sight with the simple and profound statement: "your faith has healed you."  Bartimaeus seeks Jesus out actively, is healed immediately, and then becomes a disciple; this is as much a story of Jesus calling a disciple as a story about healing. 

There are several other details that make this story stand out.  It is unusual because Mark does not normally give the name of someone who is healed.  Also, the way he addresses Jesus as “Son of David,” is loaded.  It expresses an acceptance of Jesus as Messiah.  Bartimaeus is the first person to do this after Peter’s declaration.  And, Jesus does not order him to be quiet about it as he did up to this point.  It marks a major shift in the telling of Jesus’ story.  Now as He draws closer to his crucifixion the story is marked by this greater openness of the truth about who He is as Messiah. 

Becoming one of Jesus’ followers, becoming a Christian, is about many things.  Some central elements are embracing him as a healer (or doctor for our souls) as well as a teacher whom we follow through life. 

Bartimaeus is a powerful symbolic example of this reality.  Shedding what little pride he has left, he calls for the help he knows he needs- removal of his blindness.  Having received the blessed healing he sought, he walks away from his old life to live the way of Christ! 

In our own lives, a similar dynamic is active.  To embrace Christ we must first make room in our lives.  We make this room by removing the things that get in the way, the things that take precedence over Jesus.  That may be a favorite sin we just never put effort into removing from our lives.  It may be a bad (unchristian) attitude or a memory we have never given over to Christ for his healing touch. 

Once we have let go of whatever is in the way, we must then take on the life long process of being His followers, i.e., study His way of life and patterning ourselves after His teachings and example.  He has left us with many things to guide us but the Golden rule is the easiest to remember and the most universal guide.  Love God with your whole heart, all your mind and all your strength (your whole being) and Love your neighbor as yourself. 

Today, let us turn loose of whatever is between us and Jesus; and embrace him more fully. 

Homily for October 14, 2012 - Proper 23 B

In our first reading Amos expresses God’s disgust at the corruption among the leaders in Israel; detailing most especially their sins against the vulnerable, poor and weak.  The call is given to repent while there is still time.  Amos warns that seeking Yahweh in the conventional sense, keeping festival and offering sacrifices, was not enough.  Israel had to do good, i.e., to live righteously.  My sisters and brothers, all we have and all we are is entrusted to us by God for the doing of what is good and just. 

On a side note, the city gates are mentioned because they were the customary place for administering justice in ancient Israel. 

In our second reading the author of Hebrews describes our new status with Jesus (the son of God) as our intercessor.  Now instead of fearing God’s judgment, we can approach God confidently and seek his grace.  This is an ‘incarnation theology.”  In Vs 15 we see: Christ (the son of God) “who in every respect has been tested as we are” will be sympathetic to our struggles. 

In our gospel reading Mark relates for us some of Jesus teaching about wealth and the power it has to tempt us away from God.  Sometimes our personal accomplishments and successes give us a false belief that we are fulfilled in and of ourselves.  Or that we are entitled to whatever we want and owe nothing to others, or even to God.  This passage is a reminder that we can only find the fullness of life in God and we must keep proper perspective on the things of this world. 

The man kneeling before Jesus, such a show of piety is abnormal; people stood to pray.  Jesus seems to recognize that the man puts his trust in his own piety and wealth, in his achievements, but this attitude stands in the way of his gaining oneness with God – so Jesus challenges him with the invitation to walk away from it all.  The man’s shock and departure show that Jesus is correct.  Wealth was seen as a sign of God’s favor, but in the man’s case, it gets in the way of true discipleship.  The disciples of Jesus ask the logical question about where they stand and wither financial success was a sign of God’s favor.  Jesus’ response is clear and simple: we cannot save ourselves – only God can save us!

The rich man who approached Jesus is a simple illustration of what Amos is driving towards.  Personal attachment to things and customs, or wrongly placed self worth are at the core of today’s message.

This young man was clearly humble enough to kneel before Jesus; he was also about observing the moral code of Judaism.  Mark even adds the note that Jesus loved him.  But when he was invited to give everything up to become a disciple we found the sticking point; he was very attached to his successful status.  Many of us today fall into this temptation without even being aware of it.  We measure ourselves in modern society by what we produce; wither it is a hard product or a service.  Our professional competency, our reputation as a worker, defines who we are.  These things become the cornerstone of how we understand ourselves and the self respect that we hold in our hearts.  Unfortunately, it is tempting to leap past self respect and honest pride into the trap of believing that these are the most important things in our lives.

Our more authentic self-definition is who we are in the eyes of the one who created us.  That is to say: our dignity, worth, and respect are not based on the things we do or accomplish (or the toys we accumulate).  Rather it comes from our being made by God, loved by God and having a place in the realm of God.  The things we accomplish accumulate and the skills we build are the fruit we bear from God’s original blessings to us.  The truly lasting (eternal value) of the fruit we produce is the goodness and justice we do for God’s realm Jesus established here on Earth!  This brings our relationship with God to full circle and allows us to receive the fullness of eternal life Jesus speaks of today! 

Homily for Oct. 7, 2012 - Proper 22 B

Today's lessons remind me off my favorite priest joke.  I hope you won't mind my sharing it today. 

Three priests and their wives were coming back from Diocesan Convention when they got in a wreck and were all killed. All 3 couples stood in line waiting to get into heaven. St Peter opened the books and said to the first priest: I can see that you were a good man but had one problem. You lusted after alcohol your whole life you never drank but your lust was so strong you would never marry until you met a girl named Sherry.  Sorry, you can't come in. The second priest approached St Peter and he said: you were a good man, but it says here you lusted after money and your lust was so strong that you would not marry until you met a girl named Penny. Sorry, you cannot come in. The third priest turned to his wife and said: “come on Fanny, let’s get out of here!” 

Our first reading today is one of the two creation stories.  Emphasizing the bios that men have a central primacy.  It’s important when we read and think about this story, that we include the older story.  In which man and woman are made together, in the image and likeness of God.  Gen. 1:27. The two stories are meant to be taken together so that one has a fuller picture of the "whole story!" 

In our Hebrew’s reading, the author contrast the old, pre-Jesus days with the lives of Christians.  God spoke in the past through the prophets; now he speaks through the one who is Son of God.  The author makes the point that Jesus purified us of our sins through his own death; he was then exalted in returning to the Father. Returning to his original place at God’s right hand in the heavenly thrown room. 

In our gospel reading Jesus teaches about divorce to which, according to Mark, he is totally opposed.  Mosaic Law permitted a man to divorce his wife for due cause, but the grounds were unclear.   A Woman however may not divorce her husband. The Pharisees were divided about the legality of divorce as well as the grounds for it, so their question is an attempt to trick Jesus into a no win situation.  He doesn’t fall for it.  He shifts the discussion from Mosaic Law to God’s original plan, or the ideal of marriage.  Matthew, in his gospel gives a different version of this.  In includes an exception to the prohibition on divorce.  It’s out of this “exceptive clause” that our church had built its pastoral approach to divorce and remarriage. 

Ultimately, I believe it’s much more valuable for us to look at our spiritual ancestors’ images of woman, man and marriage than technical issues.  Wither we are in our first marriages, second or whatever, it’s how we go forward that matters.  

Clearly the Genesis authors view  us as created for each other, in God’s own image.  Many Christian thinkers have pondered what this means.  Part of it is that we are created of the same stuff, and meant to be together as best as our human foibles allows us to be.  Neither, separated from the other, is a full image of God, only in our relationships are we resembling the fullness of God's image. 

Of-course, being in God’s image does not mean that God has to arms, two legs, etc. 

That is much too simplistic for these biblical authors.  This imagery is probably driving at a deeper since of things like, we share in God’s intelligence, and freedom of choice.  Yes all our choices have their natural consequences.  But our courses of action are not simply dictated by animal instinct.  We can chose and act in many different ways that go far beyond basic instinct. 

So Christian marriage is expressive of a sacred reality.  A solemn and pubic covenant between those who dedicate their lives to one another in the presence of God and the community of faith.  A covenant that reflects the image of God.  Ideally marriage is a community of love and devotion, made between two and maybe including another generation! 

Let us never forget, that wither we are married or single; all our relationships (with our spouse, friends, co-workers) have a sacred character.  We should be striving to treat each other accordingly. 

Homily for Sept. 30, 2012: Proper 21 B

My sisters and brothers, we are called to grow in our Christian lives of virtue and ministry.  Resting on our past goodness or successes simply does not cut it.

Our first reading today, from the book of Esther, is the final coup in a very dangerous game of political intrigue and racial hatred.  There is a lot of back ground to the story.

King Ahasuerus (probably 486-464 BC) has banished his Queen Vashti for disobedience.  Esther is a Jewish orphan who was raised by her cousin Mordecai.  When the king seeks a new queen, Mordecai offers her as a candidate, without revealing that she is Jewish.  She is chosen.  Mordecai later discovers a plot to assassinate the king; he tells Esther, who tips off the king; winning his great appreciation.  After the foiled assassination plot the King names Haman his vizier (prime minister).  Haman is an arrogant fellow how deeply resents Mordecai for the favor he has from the king and manipulates the king into ordering the extermination of the Jews, for disrupting the harmony of the kingdom.  He keeps secret from the king that Mordecai is one of the Jews and none know that Esther is also.  Esther could have just laid low; she probably would have been missed by the executioners.  But, at Mordecai’s urging she stands up to champion her people and puts her neck on the line in the process. 

As Queen she actually did not have free access to the King.  Anyone who came into the King's presence uninvited ran the risk of being killed on the spot.  She showed up in his throne room dressed in her full royal regalia and when he extended to her the privilege of speaking to him she invited him to a banquet she planned in his honor.  Our story today picks up the matter during that dinner. 

When the King learns that some of his most trusted advisers (and his Queen) are part of the Jews being exterminated by Haman, he realizes the man’s treachery and condemns him instead; finally making Mordecai the next Vizier.  It is a great story of intrigue, loyalty and clever maneuvering.  The point of which is that God watches over and inspires his people even while they are oppressed captives in a foreign land. 

In our second reading James runs through a check list of items before closing his letter.  This text shows us the biblical roots of the sacrament of anointing the sick, also called Extreme Unction.  Christian Tradition has held onto James description of this sacramental gift and we still trust its effectiveness in for physical and spiritual illness. 

Today’s gospel is a rather convoluted collection of sayings some of which are a good illustration of way reading the bible literally is dangerous.  Although there have been noted individuals who have taken the “cut off your body parts” literally that is not what this text really means.  In retelling Jesus challenge to his disciples Mark is using the time honored literary tool of Exaggeration.  We do this in our every day speech and writing as well.  Exaggeration puts strong emphasis on the point being made.  The real message here is to be dedicated to growing in virtue and holiness, removing from your life (or keeping in control) the things that cause you to sin.  It is a strong warning for us that resting on our successes is not a good thing.  We are to be dedicated to continuously growing in Christian virtue and mission.  It is a lifelong process!  We must always ‘step up to the plate” (as Esther did in her place) when God calls us to work for his kingdom! 

The feast of St. Michael and all Angels

Today we celebrate the traditional Christian feast of St. Michael the Archangel and his companions whom we read about in the book of Revelation (12:1 – 12). In this archetypal story the evil one (who we later come to know as a fallen angel) is depicted as a dragon. This dragon tries to devour the Messiah and his birth. Thwarted, he and his followers (other fallen angels) enter into open warfare in heaven. Michael leads the other angels (who are loyal to God) into battle. They defeat this enemy and cast them out of heaven.

Today it is traditional to pray for and give our blessings to those who serve in law enforcement and the military. Below, the blessing prayer I will use at all our services this weekend. Please join me in praying for all who embrace of the vocation of standing between us and the evils of this world!

Blessing of Police and Military Personnel:  
Gracious God, in the scriptures we read of how you empowered the Archangel Michael and all angels to clear heaven of the evil one and his followers; bless these human beings as they serve our earthly society by standing between us and the evils of our day.  

Bless them with:
Courage in times of danger;
Patience in times of frustration;
Watchfulness in times of quiet;
Integrity in times of temptation;

Above all, dear God, keep them and all in the Military and Law Enforcement under your divine protection.  Fill them with your grace and let them always know of our gratitude for their service.  This we ask in your holy and ancient name: Father, Son and Holy Spirit +

Homily for September 22, 2012: Proper 20 B

 My sisters and brothers, to be great Christians we must focus our energies on those whose dignity is most abused or forgotten. 

In our first reading, the Prophet recognizes his enemies and prays for deliverance at the hands of God!  The plot against Jeremiah was instigated by his family and intimate friends.  Not all that different from Jesus being betrayed by one of his intimate disciples!

James has previously identified one sin commonly found in the community: intemperate speech. Now he seeks to correct a second: arrogance – and in the process, tells us the qualities of wisdom. His understanding of wisdom is like that of the Old Testament wisdom writers, and of Paul. If you live your life with “gentleness”, moderation, courtesy and humility (all qualities bound up in the same Greek word) then you are motivated by “wisdom.” 

But quarrels (“conflicts and disputes”) in the community show a lack of peace; they should be resolved. Are they not the result of conflicting inner urges (“cravings”)? The author gives two examples: murdering to gain what you do not have, and desiring something belonging to someone else. 

Ultimately he calls them to return to God.  To do this, they must “Submit … to God” and resist the devil’s influence.  God will not reject them but they must make the necessary effort. 

In our Gospel the disciples demonstrate the jealousy and competition that James preaches against.  To be great in the Kingdom of God, one must be peaceful and humble, respecting all (AKA, Wise). 

As you know, the disciples have been arguing over rank.  Jesus says, in effect: to be my disciple, you must abandon seeking positions and prestige.  To welcome a child “in my name” (because of regard for who and what I am) is to welcome me, and indeed God.  In Aramaic and Greek the word for “child” is the same as for servant, so one could also speak of welcoming a servant, one sent by his master.  If so, Jesus is saying: whoever receives the servant receives the master. Whoever receives a child receives Jesus, and whoever receives Jesus receives God, who sent him. Both child and servant are without status. They are unable to repay a kindness, in earthly terms. 

We humans do like our pecking orders, our signs of status, influence, etc.  Men and Women go about it very differently but we each experience the drive to have things our own way.  We each experience self-centeredness or egotism of some sort even though we act it out in very different ways.  The calling from God is to be “other centered.”  That is to lovingly and generously give of our selves rather than “take” for ourselves.  As Christians, we are to put the focus on those members of society who are the lowliest and most abandoned.  In our modern (American) society we have a certain base status, or individual rights, which are guaranteed by law.  However, we all know that if one is unable to defend those rights (fight back in some way) one can be grossly abused none the less.  In our society, we must focus on the people who are the most marginalized, who’ rights are most commonly abused or neglected.  They are the people without status in our society. 

Remember Jesus example from today’s gospel, children and servants were without legal standing or rights as we would say today.  Jesus is telling us that if we wish to be Great Christians we must put the focus on loving the lowliest and most abandoned of our society.  Those whose rights are most denied.