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.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
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!
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