"Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 70, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Hebrews 12:1-3, and John 13:21-32
The betrayal of Jesus by Judas is a familiar story to us, and the Judas character is one that's been portrayed in many ways many times. Imagine, though, what it must have been like to be in that room with the disciples when Jesus declared to them, "One of you will betray me." The fear and anguish that they must have all felt would have been overbearing. Certainly there was the thought, "It won't be me; but what if it is me?"
Peter asks, "Who will it be?" Jesus says, "The one to whom I give this bread." And then he passes the bread to Judas, and he sends Judas away. We're told that the disciples didn't know why Judas was sent out, but certainly Peter was about to figure out what was happening. For those who didn't know what was happening and who were trying to make sense of all of the animosity being directed toward their leader, this couldn't be how they expected to have their Passover celebration go.
These disciples were being set up for what must have been a most disappointing festival. What was supposed to be a great celebration is quickly unraveling, and one of their own is about to betray Jesus. In the coming days their leader will be arrested, convicted, and executed. They have no way of knowing what to expect, and we cringe for them and what they must have been experiencing.
The coming days are supposed to unsettle us, too. Sometimes, though, we're so familiar with the story that we forget to allow this to happen. If we can open ourselves up, we might be able to hear these stories in a new way, a way that can reach inside of us and awaken us to God's glory. From the betrayal to the crucifixion to the resurrection, God is there. In the absolute uncertainty experienced by the disciples those last few days, God was there. These next days remind us of God's presence in all of those times that we think God is nowhere near. May we come together and remember God's presence in our own lives as we remember Jesus's last days here amongst us.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tuesday in Holy Week.
"O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 71:1-12, Isaiah 49:1-6, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, and Mark 11:15-19
We tend to think of Jesus as a relatively peaceful guy. It's hard not to think of him this way since we only know him by his stories, and most stories involve him healing someone or teaching some kind of a parable. Even the portrayals of his confrontations with the leaders seem low key. The image of a peaceful and loving Jesus is an easy one to perpetuate since there's not much else out there in scripture.
Then, though, we get the account of Jesus's visit to the temple after his entry into Jerusalem. If there's a single account of Jesus absolutely losing it somewhere in the Bible, this story has got to be it. There's not really any way to imagine his overturning the tables as a peaceful act or one that was meant to encourage peacefulness and stability. Instead his actions were meant to upset the status quo and to make the temple, once again, a place for worship and holiness instead of a place where money changers might charge an extra fee or the price of a dove gets raised is the salesperson realizes that someone really needs that dove for an upcoming sacrifice.
When Jesus overturned the tables in the temple he was making a statement about what was happening in his world; he saw a need for a change and sought to make that change happen. He recognized the injustice and the unfairness of his world, and he acted on it, even to his own peril. The turning over of the tables in the temple was enough of a slap in the face to upset the leadership, and they continued to seek out ways to kill him.
There are lots of folks who have given their life for causes that were just. I don't know if any of us will ever be called to such a life. Even if we're not called to give our life, hopefully we will have the courage to stand up for what is right and just when we're called to, even if it is upsetting to the status quo.
Psalm 71:1-12, Isaiah 49:1-6, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, and Mark 11:15-19
We tend to think of Jesus as a relatively peaceful guy. It's hard not to think of him this way since we only know him by his stories, and most stories involve him healing someone or teaching some kind of a parable. Even the portrayals of his confrontations with the leaders seem low key. The image of a peaceful and loving Jesus is an easy one to perpetuate since there's not much else out there in scripture.
Then, though, we get the account of Jesus's visit to the temple after his entry into Jerusalem. If there's a single account of Jesus absolutely losing it somewhere in the Bible, this story has got to be it. There's not really any way to imagine his overturning the tables as a peaceful act or one that was meant to encourage peacefulness and stability. Instead his actions were meant to upset the status quo and to make the temple, once again, a place for worship and holiness instead of a place where money changers might charge an extra fee or the price of a dove gets raised is the salesperson realizes that someone really needs that dove for an upcoming sacrifice.
When Jesus overturned the tables in the temple he was making a statement about what was happening in his world; he saw a need for a change and sought to make that change happen. He recognized the injustice and the unfairness of his world, and he acted on it, even to his own peril. The turning over of the tables in the temple was enough of a slap in the face to upset the leadership, and they continued to seek out ways to kill him.
There are lots of folks who have given their life for causes that were just. I don't know if any of us will ever be called to such a life. Even if we're not called to give our life, hopefully we will have the courage to stand up for what is right and just when we're called to, even if it is upsetting to the status quo.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Monday in Holy Week.
"Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 36:5-10, Isaiah 42:1-9, Hebrews 11:39-12:3, and John 12:1-11
Even though our gospel for today is out of the chronological order of John's gospel, it's an integral part of our understanding of Jesus's ministry, the meaning of his death and resurrection, and our response to these things. As the gospel goes this story comes even before Jesus's entry into Jerusalem, but the symbolism of his being anointed for burial cannot be overlooked this week.
Within this passage I'm always intrigued by the line from Jesus in response to Judas when he says, "You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." This strikes me for a couple of reasons. One of the reasons is the editorializing the evangelist takes on to remind us that Judas was a thief who didn't care about the poor. Another reason, though, is that it brings to light the tension we sometimes feel between worship and mission. More specifically, it makes us think about what it means to worship God and what it means to serve God's people.
There are people who have struggled mightily with this issue, and there are churches who struggle with it, also. I think the questions become, "Can we fully worship God if we're not doing the work of the Church?" or "What if we do good things, but we are not worshipping God?" This can stir up some great conversation about what it means to be a Christian. Is it just about worship? Is it just about living how Jesus calls us to live? What kind of balance must we strike in order to have a more whole life?
I don't know the answer, but it's one we should keep at the forefront of our thoughts as we continue through this week on our journey to the Cross and afterward.
Psalm 36:5-10, Isaiah 42:1-9, Hebrews 11:39-12:3, and John 12:1-11
Even though our gospel for today is out of the chronological order of John's gospel, it's an integral part of our understanding of Jesus's ministry, the meaning of his death and resurrection, and our response to these things. As the gospel goes this story comes even before Jesus's entry into Jerusalem, but the symbolism of his being anointed for burial cannot be overlooked this week.
Within this passage I'm always intrigued by the line from Jesus in response to Judas when he says, "You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." This strikes me for a couple of reasons. One of the reasons is the editorializing the evangelist takes on to remind us that Judas was a thief who didn't care about the poor. Another reason, though, is that it brings to light the tension we sometimes feel between worship and mission. More specifically, it makes us think about what it means to worship God and what it means to serve God's people.
There are people who have struggled mightily with this issue, and there are churches who struggle with it, also. I think the questions become, "Can we fully worship God if we're not doing the work of the Church?" or "What if we do good things, but we are not worshipping God?" This can stir up some great conversation about what it means to be a Christian. Is it just about worship? Is it just about living how Jesus calls us to live? What kind of balance must we strike in order to have a more whole life?
I don't know the answer, but it's one we should keep at the forefront of our thoughts as we continue through this week on our journey to the Cross and afterward.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Saturday in the Fifth Week of Lent.
"O Lord, in your goodness you bestow abundant graces on your elect: Look with favor, we entreat you, upon those who in these Lenten days are being prepared for Holy Baptism, and grant them the help of your protection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 85:1-7, Ezekiel 37:21-28, and John 11:45-53
Ah, another collect about baptism here in the final days of Lent. This one is a little less specific than the one we had on Tuesday. It addresses, though, what it is in the nature of God that makes baptism possible, and that is God's "abundant grace."
When I think about the rite of baptism, I can't help but think about the role of the people who are not being baptized, those of us who have already been baptized. We put a great deal of emphasis on the person or persons being baptized, and that's important. However, those of us who are witnessing the baptism also perform an important act on those days alongside the promise to support the newly baptized in their life in Christ.
In those moments before the baptism we renew our own baptismal vows, recognizing that somewhere along the way we've stumbled, too, and we've not exactly held up the end of our covenant with God. God's grace abounds, though, and we're able to renew our promises to God. This can be a humbling moment for us because it puts us into the position of receiving a second or third chance that we feel like we might not deserve. What's wonderful about God's abundant grace, though, is that we don't deserve it, yet if we're willing to open ourselves up to it even after we've gone astray, it is there to be poured upon us.
Psalm 85:1-7, Ezekiel 37:21-28, and John 11:45-53
Ah, another collect about baptism here in the final days of Lent. This one is a little less specific than the one we had on Tuesday. It addresses, though, what it is in the nature of God that makes baptism possible, and that is God's "abundant grace."
When I think about the rite of baptism, I can't help but think about the role of the people who are not being baptized, those of us who have already been baptized. We put a great deal of emphasis on the person or persons being baptized, and that's important. However, those of us who are witnessing the baptism also perform an important act on those days alongside the promise to support the newly baptized in their life in Christ.
In those moments before the baptism we renew our own baptismal vows, recognizing that somewhere along the way we've stumbled, too, and we've not exactly held up the end of our covenant with God. God's grace abounds, though, and we're able to renew our promises to God. This can be a humbling moment for us because it puts us into the position of receiving a second or third chance that we feel like we might not deserve. What's wonderful about God's abundant grace, though, is that we don't deserve it, yet if we're willing to open ourselves up to it even after we've gone astray, it is there to be poured upon us.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Friday in the Fifth Week of Lent.
"O Lord, you relieve our necessity out of the abundance of your great riches: Grant that we may accept with joy the salvation you bestow, and manifest it to all the world by the quality of our lives: through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 18:1-7, Jeremiah 20:7-13, and John 10:31-42
The scenes depicted in John's gospel, and all the gospels really, of Jesus in the midst of crowds, especially hostile crowds, are always intriguing to me. The lesson for today makes me think of someone who is quick and sneaky when it states, "they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands." How did one man escape from the hands of many who wanted to arrest him? If we're too believe the account here, we're talking about a single person who resisted arrest from at least a few folks, and certainly he didn't just twist his arm to avoid them. I imagine the event that inspired this passage was much more energetic and intense than a simple reading can get across.
In this reading we have Jesus in front of a crowd that is prepared to stone him for blasphemy, and I can't imagine that being a low-key moment. Jesus asks if he'll be stoned for doing good deeds; he's told they will stone him for proclaiming to be God's Son. Of course this worried them; their world was being changed immediately before them by someone who was using their own texts to challenge them.
Even today, though, it can be easy to be hostile toward the teachings of Jesus. It's easy to pick and choose what parts we want to follow and how we want to follow them. Turning the other cheek, for example, is one that I'm willing to ignore; unfortunately, I can't.
Hopefully we can always find a way to be open to all of Jesus's teachings. If so, we just might realize that it will help to change the world around us.
Psalm 18:1-7, Jeremiah 20:7-13, and John 10:31-42
The scenes depicted in John's gospel, and all the gospels really, of Jesus in the midst of crowds, especially hostile crowds, are always intriguing to me. The lesson for today makes me think of someone who is quick and sneaky when it states, "they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands." How did one man escape from the hands of many who wanted to arrest him? If we're too believe the account here, we're talking about a single person who resisted arrest from at least a few folks, and certainly he didn't just twist his arm to avoid them. I imagine the event that inspired this passage was much more energetic and intense than a simple reading can get across.
In this reading we have Jesus in front of a crowd that is prepared to stone him for blasphemy, and I can't imagine that being a low-key moment. Jesus asks if he'll be stoned for doing good deeds; he's told they will stone him for proclaiming to be God's Son. Of course this worried them; their world was being changed immediately before them by someone who was using their own texts to challenge them.
Even today, though, it can be easy to be hostile toward the teachings of Jesus. It's easy to pick and choose what parts we want to follow and how we want to follow them. Turning the other cheek, for example, is one that I'm willing to ignore; unfortunately, I can't.
Hopefully we can always find a way to be open to all of Jesus's teachings. If so, we just might realize that it will help to change the world around us.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Thursday in the Fifth Week of Lent.
"O God, you have called us to be your children, and have promised that those who suffer whith Christ will be heirs with him of your glory: Arm us with such trust in him that we may ask no rest from his demands and have no fears in his service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 105:4-11, Genesis 17:1-8, and John 8:51-59
Of all the readings that we've had this season, these are some of the few that seem to revolve a clear and central theme. That theme, of course, is the ancestry from Abraham. Our Genesis reading tells of God's covenant with Abraham; the psalm implores the children of Abraham to seek out God always; and in the gospel reading we hear Jesus say, "Before Abraham was, I am."
Each of these can be reminders to us of the common heritage we share with our Jewish sisters and brothers. Today when I was at a nursing home communion I had a chance to speak with a resident there who is Jewish. We talked about her upcoming seder meal for Passover, and we talked about the Holy Week celebration of the Christian church. She told me about baking matzoh bread and hiding a piece for the children to find. In that conversation I remembered some of the seder meals I had participated in during high school, college, and seminary, and I remembered the powerful link that I felt participating in such a rich tradition that means so much to our own faith.
This weekend we'll celebrate Jesus's arrival in Jerusalem for the Passover feast, and I'm thinking about all of my Jewish friends who are preparing for their own Passover celebration that will being on April 19th. In my mind it's pretty cool that we get to celebrate our great feasts at the same time
Psalm 105:4-11, Genesis 17:1-8, and John 8:51-59
Of all the readings that we've had this season, these are some of the few that seem to revolve a clear and central theme. That theme, of course, is the ancestry from Abraham. Our Genesis reading tells of God's covenant with Abraham; the psalm implores the children of Abraham to seek out God always; and in the gospel reading we hear Jesus say, "Before Abraham was, I am."
Each of these can be reminders to us of the common heritage we share with our Jewish sisters and brothers. Today when I was at a nursing home communion I had a chance to speak with a resident there who is Jewish. We talked about her upcoming seder meal for Passover, and we talked about the Holy Week celebration of the Christian church. She told me about baking matzoh bread and hiding a piece for the children to find. In that conversation I remembered some of the seder meals I had participated in during high school, college, and seminary, and I remembered the powerful link that I felt participating in such a rich tradition that means so much to our own faith.
This weekend we'll celebrate Jesus's arrival in Jerusalem for the Passover feast, and I'm thinking about all of my Jewish friends who are preparing for their own Passover celebration that will being on April 19th. In my mind it's pretty cool that we get to celebrate our great feasts at the same time
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Wednesday in the Fifth Week of Lent.
"Almighty God our heavenly Father, renew in us the gifts of your mercy; increase our faith, strengthen our hope, enlighten our understanding, widen our charity, and make us ready to serve you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is one I remember from my days singing in the children's choir at my grandfather's church. I don't remember the song (if there even was one) that helped me learn it, or if I just remember the story because of the names of the young men in the story. It's a story, though, of their great faith in the midst of persecution and God's deliverance of them.
Canticle 13, which is one that we sing at St. Paul's each time we have morning prayer, is a song of praise that is attributed to them. The story goes that it was this hymn that they sang to God as the fires of the furnace burned around them. This is from an apocryphal book, and it's a great one to have included in our liturgy.
None of us can really know what being in the presence of God will be like. This canticle, though, gives us an image of God that really can't be shaken, and I am filled with great hope every time we sing it.
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is one I remember from my days singing in the children's choir at my grandfather's church. I don't remember the song (if there even was one) that helped me learn it, or if I just remember the story because of the names of the young men in the story. It's a story, though, of their great faith in the midst of persecution and God's deliverance of them.
Canticle 13, which is one that we sing at St. Paul's each time we have morning prayer, is a song of praise that is attributed to them. The story goes that it was this hymn that they sang to God as the fires of the furnace burned around them. This is from an apocryphal book, and it's a great one to have included in our liturgy.
None of us can really know what being in the presence of God will be like. This canticle, though, gives us an image of God that really can't be shaken, and I am filled with great hope every time we sing it.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Tuesday in the Fifth Week of Lent.
"Almighty God, through the incarnate Word you have caused us to be born anew of an imperishable and eternal seed: Look with compassion upon those who are being prepared for Holy Baptism, and grant that they may be built as living stones into a spiritual temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 102:15-22, Numbers 21:4-9, and John 8:21-30
In the ancient Church there was a period of preparation that took place before the baptism at the Great Vigil of Easter. The catechumens would prepare for baptism before their actual baptism, and in some cases their education would continue even after the baptism itself. This collect hearkens us back to such a history, asking for God's compassion to be shown to those who are being prepared for their own baptism this upcoming Easter.
At Saint Paul's we don't have a tradition of celebrating the Great Vigil of Easter, but we do have baptisms on the night before Easter. Parents who have children born close to this time may choose to have their children baptized in our chapel on this holy weekend while in town with their family, or they may have a personal family connection with the little church that they wish to pass on to another generation.
As we approach Easter may we remember the children who will be baptized in our own community and all those preparing for baptism throughout the Church.
Psalm 102:15-22, Numbers 21:4-9, and John 8:21-30
In the ancient Church there was a period of preparation that took place before the baptism at the Great Vigil of Easter. The catechumens would prepare for baptism before their actual baptism, and in some cases their education would continue even after the baptism itself. This collect hearkens us back to such a history, asking for God's compassion to be shown to those who are being prepared for their own baptism this upcoming Easter.
At Saint Paul's we don't have a tradition of celebrating the Great Vigil of Easter, but we do have baptisms on the night before Easter. Parents who have children born close to this time may choose to have their children baptized in our chapel on this holy weekend while in town with their family, or they may have a personal family connection with the little church that they wish to pass on to another generation.
As we approach Easter may we remember the children who will be baptized in our own community and all those preparing for baptism throughout the Church.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Monday in the Fifth Week of Lent.
"Be gracious to your people, we entreat you, O Lord, that they, repenting day by day of the things that displease you, may be more and more filled with love of you and of your commandments; and, being supported by your grace in this life, may come to the full enjoyment of eternal life in your everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 23, Susanna 1-9, 15-29, 34-62, and John 8:1-11
The Psalm appointed for today is one of the most well-known pieces of Scripture. At Saint Paul's we read the KJV version of the Psalm at almost every burial service, and I've grown to appreciate it more as I've continued to hear it. I appreciate the truth that is present in it, and I appreciate the hope that it presents.
In some of the prayers for our burial rite we pray for the continued life of the deceased, praying that they may go from "strength to strength" as they pass forth from this life. Thinking about saying this psalm within those services makes me think about how we might be saying it on the behalf of the deceased in many cases. Because death doesn't always come peacefully, and sometimes the deceased die with some of their own unresolved issues, we offer up our prayers of thanksgiving and intercession for them within such a service.
In saying this psalm for both ourselves and the deceased we are reminded of the Lord's loving nature and the ever-present hope of everlasting life. We proclaim that God is indeed with us in the depths of our grief, comforting us with the gentle strength of the shepherd's staff as we are guided back toward light, and we know that God's kingdom can await us.
Psalm 23, Susanna 1-9, 15-29, 34-62, and John 8:1-11
The Psalm appointed for today is one of the most well-known pieces of Scripture. At Saint Paul's we read the KJV version of the Psalm at almost every burial service, and I've grown to appreciate it more as I've continued to hear it. I appreciate the truth that is present in it, and I appreciate the hope that it presents.
In some of the prayers for our burial rite we pray for the continued life of the deceased, praying that they may go from "strength to strength" as they pass forth from this life. Thinking about saying this psalm within those services makes me think about how we might be saying it on the behalf of the deceased in many cases. Because death doesn't always come peacefully, and sometimes the deceased die with some of their own unresolved issues, we offer up our prayers of thanksgiving and intercession for them within such a service.
In saying this psalm for both ourselves and the deceased we are reminded of the Lord's loving nature and the ever-present hope of everlasting life. We proclaim that God is indeed with us in the depths of our grief, comforting us with the gentle strength of the shepherd's staff as we are guided back toward light, and we know that God's kingdom can await us.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Saturday in the Fourth Week of Lent.
"Mercifully hear our prayers, O Lord, and spare all those who confess their sins to you; that those whose consciences are accused by sin may by your merciful pardon be absolved; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 7:6-11, Jeremiah 11:18-20, and John 7:37-52
The Psalm for today is all about calling down God's righteous anger, and how many times have we all wanted to do just this while stuck in traffic on Airport or McGregor or somewhere else when we're just trying to get home? As I read this psalm it seems like a bit of a selfish prayer, and we're all guilty of sometimes looking out for ourselves in our prayers. Here the psalmist wants for God to judge him based on his righteousness and to end the malice of the wicked, who happen to be his enemies.
One of the reasons that I enjoy the psalms so much is that they are so human. These psalms are written from the depths of human emotion to God, and we have passed them on for ages because they work and because they capture how we may feel at a given moment in time. When you're stuck without words for a prayer, the psalms can help you enter into a place in history, praying the same words to God that many folks have prayed before you. In those moments we see that we're not the only ones who have (attempted to) call down God's wrath, and we're not the only ones who wonder where God is. We also can see that generations before us have also celebrated and marveled at God's presence in their lives, and we can, too.
Psalm 7:6-11, Jeremiah 11:18-20, and John 7:37-52
The Psalm for today is all about calling down God's righteous anger, and how many times have we all wanted to do just this while stuck in traffic on Airport or McGregor or somewhere else when we're just trying to get home? As I read this psalm it seems like a bit of a selfish prayer, and we're all guilty of sometimes looking out for ourselves in our prayers. Here the psalmist wants for God to judge him based on his righteousness and to end the malice of the wicked, who happen to be his enemies.
One of the reasons that I enjoy the psalms so much is that they are so human. These psalms are written from the depths of human emotion to God, and we have passed them on for ages because they work and because they capture how we may feel at a given moment in time. When you're stuck without words for a prayer, the psalms can help you enter into a place in history, praying the same words to God that many folks have prayed before you. In those moments we see that we're not the only ones who have (attempted to) call down God's wrath, and we're not the only ones who wonder where God is. We also can see that generations before us have also celebrated and marveled at God's presence in their lives, and we can, too.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Friday in the Fourth Week of Lent.
"O God, you have given us the Good News of your abounding love in your Son Jesus Christ: So fill our hearts with thankfulness that we may rejoice to proclaim the good tidings we have received; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 34:15-22, Wisdom 2:1a, 12-24, and John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
The Gospel reading for today is chopped up a little bit, and that takes away some of the power of the reading itself. Jesus is having to go to Jerusalem in secret because his life is at risk, and he's having to do this during one of the great festivals. His works are known; his teachings are known; and his life is wanted. Instead of traveling subtly and being cautious about drawing attention to himself, Jesus goes to the temple and begins teaching. The leaders become angry, and they question him.
In the temple Jesus didn't just teach, though. He challenged their understanding of what Moses's law meant, and he challenged them to understand Moses's law in a new setting. In vv 22-23, he says that if a man can be circumcised on the Sabbath, then a man can be healed on the Sabbath. He challenged the leaders in questioning whether they actually believe the law they were supposed to uphold.
We're challenged, too, in the season of Lent. We're challenged to walk to Jerusalem with Jesus. We're challenged to hear the shouts of "Crucify him!" as we read together the Passion narratives. We're challenged to believe in the power of the Resurrection. Lent challenges the very foundations of our faith because of the crippling pain we witness and the glorious resurrection we proclaim. May we recognize the grace of this challenge and respond with open minds and hearts to this challenging message.
Psalm 34:15-22, Wisdom 2:1a, 12-24, and John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
The Gospel reading for today is chopped up a little bit, and that takes away some of the power of the reading itself. Jesus is having to go to Jerusalem in secret because his life is at risk, and he's having to do this during one of the great festivals. His works are known; his teachings are known; and his life is wanted. Instead of traveling subtly and being cautious about drawing attention to himself, Jesus goes to the temple and begins teaching. The leaders become angry, and they question him.
In the temple Jesus didn't just teach, though. He challenged their understanding of what Moses's law meant, and he challenged them to understand Moses's law in a new setting. In vv 22-23, he says that if a man can be circumcised on the Sabbath, then a man can be healed on the Sabbath. He challenged the leaders in questioning whether they actually believe the law they were supposed to uphold.
We're challenged, too, in the season of Lent. We're challenged to walk to Jerusalem with Jesus. We're challenged to hear the shouts of "Crucify him!" as we read together the Passion narratives. We're challenged to believe in the power of the Resurrection. Lent challenges the very foundations of our faith because of the crippling pain we witness and the glorious resurrection we proclaim. May we recognize the grace of this challenge and respond with open minds and hearts to this challenging message.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Thursday in the Fourth Week of Lent.
"Almighty and most merciful God, drive from us all weakness of body, mind, and spirit; that, being restored to wholeness, we may with free hearts become what you intend us to be and accomplish what you want us to do; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 106:6-7, 19-23, Exodus 32:7-14, and John 5:30-47
The patience that God has with the people of Israel seems to be about up in today's reading from Exodus. After delivering them from slavery and feeding them with bread from heaven and giving them water from a rock, they can't remain faithful even for a moment. They take the time that's available to them; melt down all of their possessions that remain; and they create a golden calf for worship and veneration. With a white-hot anger, the Lord vows to be done with all of them.
Moses, though, intervenes on their behalf. Moses pointed out the relationship that God had with these people through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and the promises that God made to them. Pleading for God to realize that these are the same people he loved enough to take out Egypt and care for in the wilderness, God's anger subsides.
Clearly, we all have the capacity for weakness in our lives. As our collect states this weakness can happen in body, mind, or spirit. In these moments of weakness we act in ways that make us a whole lot like the people of Israel there at the bottom of the mountain. We find ways to put something up between us and God or we might even put something up in place of God.
Fortunately, we, too, have an advocate for us. In Christ we have someone who's says, "This is how humans are; this is how they live" while also giving us a marker or a way to know how to point to God. As we draw closer to Holy Week, may we remember what it means to have such an advocate so that we might reconciled to God and such an example so that we might know how it is God calls us to live so that we might be saved.
Psalm 106:6-7, 19-23, Exodus 32:7-14, and John 5:30-47
The patience that God has with the people of Israel seems to be about up in today's reading from Exodus. After delivering them from slavery and feeding them with bread from heaven and giving them water from a rock, they can't remain faithful even for a moment. They take the time that's available to them; melt down all of their possessions that remain; and they create a golden calf for worship and veneration. With a white-hot anger, the Lord vows to be done with all of them.
Moses, though, intervenes on their behalf. Moses pointed out the relationship that God had with these people through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and the promises that God made to them. Pleading for God to realize that these are the same people he loved enough to take out Egypt and care for in the wilderness, God's anger subsides.
Clearly, we all have the capacity for weakness in our lives. As our collect states this weakness can happen in body, mind, or spirit. In these moments of weakness we act in ways that make us a whole lot like the people of Israel there at the bottom of the mountain. We find ways to put something up between us and God or we might even put something up in place of God.
Fortunately, we, too, have an advocate for us. In Christ we have someone who's says, "This is how humans are; this is how they live" while also giving us a marker or a way to know how to point to God. As we draw closer to Holy Week, may we remember what it means to have such an advocate so that we might reconciled to God and such an example so that we might know how it is God calls us to live so that we might be saved.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Wednesday in the Fourth Week of Lent.
"O Lord our God, you sustained your ancient people in the wilderness with bread from heaven: Feed now your pilgrim flock with the food that endures to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 145:8-19, Isaiah 49:8-15, and John 5:19-29
I have a friend from high school who I don't stay in contact with nearly as much as I once did. We still talk occasionally and chat online, but we don't speak to one another as frequently as we once did. A few years ago, after we had lost frequent contact with one another, he started dating someone who he eventually married and now has a great family with. Before that, though, when we'd chat I could never remember his girlfriend's (now wife's) name, nor could I remember what she did for a living. I was always embarrassed to have to ask, and I'm sure he was mildly annoyed that I couldn't remember.
One of the things that we want is to be remembered, and I'm betting some of our fears include being forgotten. If you're like me you've forgotten a birthday or other significant date for a close friend or family member, or you've had your own forgotten by folks around you. It's a bad and embarrassing feeling either way, and I think that memory might always be there along with it.
The reading from Isaiah today, though, calls forth the mindfulness of God. It calls forth the idea that God will not forget us, no matter what. The reading deals with the restoration of Israel in spite of their shortcomings and downfalls. When they cry, "But the Lord has forgotten me", the response is "Can a mother forget her nursing child? Even if she could, I will not forget you."
God cannot forget us; God cannot put us away. We may forget God; we may forget God's presence; and we may forget God's actions. God, though, will not forget us.
Psalm 145:8-19, Isaiah 49:8-15, and John 5:19-29
I have a friend from high school who I don't stay in contact with nearly as much as I once did. We still talk occasionally and chat online, but we don't speak to one another as frequently as we once did. A few years ago, after we had lost frequent contact with one another, he started dating someone who he eventually married and now has a great family with. Before that, though, when we'd chat I could never remember his girlfriend's (now wife's) name, nor could I remember what she did for a living. I was always embarrassed to have to ask, and I'm sure he was mildly annoyed that I couldn't remember.
One of the things that we want is to be remembered, and I'm betting some of our fears include being forgotten. If you're like me you've forgotten a birthday or other significant date for a close friend or family member, or you've had your own forgotten by folks around you. It's a bad and embarrassing feeling either way, and I think that memory might always be there along with it.
The reading from Isaiah today, though, calls forth the mindfulness of God. It calls forth the idea that God will not forget us, no matter what. The reading deals with the restoration of Israel in spite of their shortcomings and downfalls. When they cry, "But the Lord has forgotten me", the response is "Can a mother forget her nursing child? Even if she could, I will not forget you."
God cannot forget us; God cannot put us away. We may forget God; we may forget God's presence; and we may forget God's actions. God, though, will not forget us.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Tuesday in the Fourth Week of Lent.
"O God, with you is the well of life, and in your light we see light: Quench our thirst with living water, and flood our darkened minds with heavenly light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 46:1-8, Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12, and John 5:1-18
Every Wednesday at 10:30 AM we have a healing service here at St. Paul's. Sometimes we have as few as 3 people attend, and sometimes we'll have as many as 10. Each time, though, this is a very intimate and holy time. We don't share the things that we are seeking healing from; we don't take about the pain that we may be carrying around or seeking to offer up. Each week, though, people come forward for a laying on of hands and a healing prayer.
This service begins with a litany of prayers, and one of the closing petitions is, "With you, O Lord, is the well of life, and in your light we see light." I love those words, and I love the images that it conjures up. I love the idea of the deepness of God going as deep as a well and the light of God emanating from the depths of that well. I feel like it's such beautiful imagery, especially in a liturgy for healing.
Like I said, I don't know what the people are seeking healing from or if they're seeking healing on the behalf of someone else. We sometimes think that naming the thing that hurts us can help it be healed, and that's true. In some cases, though, it's nice to know that it can be something just between us and God, and we can toss that thing into the depth's of God's presence, knowing that God's response back will be the warmth of love, letting us know that there is a place that we can offer up those things that cause us grief and anguish.
Psalm 46:1-8, Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12, and John 5:1-18
Every Wednesday at 10:30 AM we have a healing service here at St. Paul's. Sometimes we have as few as 3 people attend, and sometimes we'll have as many as 10. Each time, though, this is a very intimate and holy time. We don't share the things that we are seeking healing from; we don't take about the pain that we may be carrying around or seeking to offer up. Each week, though, people come forward for a laying on of hands and a healing prayer.
This service begins with a litany of prayers, and one of the closing petitions is, "With you, O Lord, is the well of life, and in your light we see light." I love those words, and I love the images that it conjures up. I love the idea of the deepness of God going as deep as a well and the light of God emanating from the depths of that well. I feel like it's such beautiful imagery, especially in a liturgy for healing.
Like I said, I don't know what the people are seeking healing from or if they're seeking healing on the behalf of someone else. We sometimes think that naming the thing that hurts us can help it be healed, and that's true. In some cases, though, it's nice to know that it can be something just between us and God, and we can toss that thing into the depth's of God's presence, knowing that God's response back will be the warmth of love, letting us know that there is a place that we can offer up those things that cause us grief and anguish.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Monday in the Fourth Week of Lent.
"O Lord, our God, in your holy sacraments you have given us a foretaste of the good things of your kingdom: Direct us, we pray, in the way that leads to eternal life, that we may come to appear before you in that place of light where you dwell with your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 30:1-6, 11-13, Isaiah 65:17-25, and John 4:43-54
In our confirmation class yesterday we spent a some time talking about the sacrament of Eucharist, and we had some conversation about Baptism along with it. As I read today's collect, I'm struck in thinking about the ways that those two sacraments give us a "foretaste of the good things" of God's kingdom.
In baptism we celebrate the new birth of a person coming into our community; with open arms we welcome an outsider who has come into our midst. At St. Barnabas (where I served before St. Paul's), all children who were baptized were given a baptismal banner with an image of water and their name on it. At St. Paul's we give a towel monogrammed with the newly-baptized initials. In both instances it's a gift lovingly crafted and freely given to a new member of the Church, whether this person is a member of a founding family or someone who has moved into the community. All are made welcome at their baptism.
In the eucharist we share a meal together, all of us coming forward as equals in the eyes of God. It's a lot like a family meal over the holidays, only no one is left sitting at the card table on the back porch. Sure, we don't all make it up to the rail at one time, but no one walks away without being fed. One hopes that this remembrance of the meal Jesus shared with his disciples foreshadows a heavenly banquet that is available to all in due time.
These sacraments reveal God's grace to us, and they are but a simple way to experience God's grace here. They give us a glimpse, though, of the grace that awaits us all.
Psalm 30:1-6, 11-13, Isaiah 65:17-25, and John 4:43-54
In our confirmation class yesterday we spent a some time talking about the sacrament of Eucharist, and we had some conversation about Baptism along with it. As I read today's collect, I'm struck in thinking about the ways that those two sacraments give us a "foretaste of the good things" of God's kingdom.
In baptism we celebrate the new birth of a person coming into our community; with open arms we welcome an outsider who has come into our midst. At St. Barnabas (where I served before St. Paul's), all children who were baptized were given a baptismal banner with an image of water and their name on it. At St. Paul's we give a towel monogrammed with the newly-baptized initials. In both instances it's a gift lovingly crafted and freely given to a new member of the Church, whether this person is a member of a founding family or someone who has moved into the community. All are made welcome at their baptism.
In the eucharist we share a meal together, all of us coming forward as equals in the eyes of God. It's a lot like a family meal over the holidays, only no one is left sitting at the card table on the back porch. Sure, we don't all make it up to the rail at one time, but no one walks away without being fed. One hopes that this remembrance of the meal Jesus shared with his disciples foreshadows a heavenly banquet that is available to all in due time.
These sacraments reveal God's grace to us, and they are but a simple way to experience God's grace here. They give us a glimpse, though, of the grace that awaits us all.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Saturday in the Third Week of Lent.
"O God, you know us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant us such strength and protection as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 51:15-20, Hosea 6:1-6, and Luke 18:9-14
I love when I feel good about something that I've done. I love the feeling of accomplishment, and I love the feeling of recognition that comes with it. I think that's something that we all appreciate, too. I think we like when our actions and our works are recognized. They don't have to be rewarded, necessarily, but it sure it nice when they're at least noticed. To do good work and to have that work held up is nice and comforting. It gives us something to lean back on in those times when things are great. We look back at something that noticed, and we think, "I did it once, and I can do it again."
What feels better than this, though, is when someone gives me a break for really messing something up. Whether it's because I drop a plate, respond to an email really late, or say something I really shouldn't have said, being forgiven is quite a feeling. I know I've written a lot about that, but it really seems to keep coming up again and again. Whether it's seeking forgiveness from God, from others, or from ourselves, it keeps coming back.
The man in the Gospel for today says to God, "Be merciful on me, a sinner." That man had probably seen many dangers in his life. As a tax-collecter he lived on the margins of society. He did what he was supposed to do, and no one like him for doing it. The stress and anxiety of being cast out from his own community may have made him behave in ways he wished he hadn't. We don't know the story of his life, but we know that he recognized himself as a sinner.
To recognize oneself as a sinner in the eyes of God is to open oneself up to God's overwhelming grace. Making space for that grace in our lives allows us to share that grace with others. May God give us all, present company included, the strength to admit our sinful nature in order to make room for His love in our life.
Psalm 51:15-20, Hosea 6:1-6, and Luke 18:9-14
I love when I feel good about something that I've done. I love the feeling of accomplishment, and I love the feeling of recognition that comes with it. I think that's something that we all appreciate, too. I think we like when our actions and our works are recognized. They don't have to be rewarded, necessarily, but it sure it nice when they're at least noticed. To do good work and to have that work held up is nice and comforting. It gives us something to lean back on in those times when things are great. We look back at something that noticed, and we think, "I did it once, and I can do it again."
What feels better than this, though, is when someone gives me a break for really messing something up. Whether it's because I drop a plate, respond to an email really late, or say something I really shouldn't have said, being forgiven is quite a feeling. I know I've written a lot about that, but it really seems to keep coming up again and again. Whether it's seeking forgiveness from God, from others, or from ourselves, it keeps coming back.
The man in the Gospel for today says to God, "Be merciful on me, a sinner." That man had probably seen many dangers in his life. As a tax-collecter he lived on the margins of society. He did what he was supposed to do, and no one like him for doing it. The stress and anxiety of being cast out from his own community may have made him behave in ways he wished he hadn't. We don't know the story of his life, but we know that he recognized himself as a sinner.
To recognize oneself as a sinner in the eyes of God is to open oneself up to God's overwhelming grace. Making space for that grace in our lives allows us to share that grace with others. May God give us all, present company included, the strength to admit our sinful nature in order to make room for His love in our life.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Friday in the Third Week of Lent.
"Grant us, O Lord our Strength, a true love of your holy Name; so that, trusting in your grace, we may fear no earthly evil, nor fix our hearts on earthly goods, but may rejoice in your full salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 81:8-14, Hosea 14:1-9, and Mark 12:28-34
I was thinking this morning about a professor of mine from college. Before he was a professor of mine he was a frequent customer of ours at the sporting goods store where I worked. Before he was "Dr. Slater" to me, he was simply, "Thomas". He'd come in, check out the club selection, tell us of his latest round, and we'd all share a few laughs. He'd be on his way, and he'd come back a few days later with some wisdom from the golf course, check a few more clubs, and the routine would continue. He was a great customer to have, and we were always excited to see him.
As a religion major at UGA, I took a few classes with Dr. Slater. He loves teaching, and he loves his students, to the point that he had no problems noting to the whole class the coincidence of me and my girlfriend (now my wife) both being absent one day. Because of his physical stature, Dr. Slater could be an intimidating presence to folks who did not know him well. His love for his students, though, made us want to do well in his class. Taking the class with a few friends, we were terrified that if we didn't do well on a test or paper, then his disappointment in us would have been worse than receiving a bad grade.
In class he'd ask a question. Sometimes he'd call on someone; sometimes he'd wait for someone to answer. If the answer was what he was looking for, his response would be, "You are not far from the kingdom." To receive that blessing from Dr. Slater was like an anointing. I have a friend who I'm sure would still say that's one of his proudest moments from college. As I think about it, though, that friend may have actually gotten "in the kingdom."
Jesus says those same words to the man in the Gospel reading for today, even though it's Jesus's own answer that the scribe is affirming. He says these words to the man, though, because the man recognizes that loving God and living how God calls him to live is more important than sacrifices and burnt offerings. Loving God and loving neighbor as we love ourselves draws the kingdom of God closer than any sacrifice or offering ever could.
Because of the love that God has for us, we want to do what's right. We want to do good because we know that God loves us. We want to please God. When we do these things, the kingdom of God draws ever closer, and we are not far from the kingdom.
Psalm 81:8-14, Hosea 14:1-9, and Mark 12:28-34
I was thinking this morning about a professor of mine from college. Before he was a professor of mine he was a frequent customer of ours at the sporting goods store where I worked. Before he was "Dr. Slater" to me, he was simply, "Thomas". He'd come in, check out the club selection, tell us of his latest round, and we'd all share a few laughs. He'd be on his way, and he'd come back a few days later with some wisdom from the golf course, check a few more clubs, and the routine would continue. He was a great customer to have, and we were always excited to see him.
As a religion major at UGA, I took a few classes with Dr. Slater. He loves teaching, and he loves his students, to the point that he had no problems noting to the whole class the coincidence of me and my girlfriend (now my wife) both being absent one day. Because of his physical stature, Dr. Slater could be an intimidating presence to folks who did not know him well. His love for his students, though, made us want to do well in his class. Taking the class with a few friends, we were terrified that if we didn't do well on a test or paper, then his disappointment in us would have been worse than receiving a bad grade.
In class he'd ask a question. Sometimes he'd call on someone; sometimes he'd wait for someone to answer. If the answer was what he was looking for, his response would be, "You are not far from the kingdom." To receive that blessing from Dr. Slater was like an anointing. I have a friend who I'm sure would still say that's one of his proudest moments from college. As I think about it, though, that friend may have actually gotten "in the kingdom."
Jesus says those same words to the man in the Gospel reading for today, even though it's Jesus's own answer that the scribe is affirming. He says these words to the man, though, because the man recognizes that loving God and living how God calls him to live is more important than sacrifices and burnt offerings. Loving God and loving neighbor as we love ourselves draws the kingdom of God closer than any sacrifice or offering ever could.
Because of the love that God has for us, we want to do what's right. We want to do good because we know that God loves us. We want to please God. When we do these things, the kingdom of God draws ever closer, and we are not far from the kingdom.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Thursday in the Third Week of Lent.
"Keep watch over your Church, O Lord, with your unfailing love; and, since it is grounded in human weakness and cannot maintain itself without your aid, protect it from all danger, and keep it in the way of salvation; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 95:6-11, Jeremiah 7:23-28, and Luke 11:14-23
I love the collect for today for a couple of reasons. Structurally, it's different from what we think a collect typically looks like. Secondly, there's a humble admittance that we as humans have been entrusted to care for something that we really have no business caring for. We're asking God to protect the Church from us and from our own desires to steer the Church in the direction we think it should go.
History shows us, too, that we are not the first to do this, and we won't be the last. The Church has, through the years, been broken and molded time and again for purposes that seem so human. Whether it's about how to worship or who can lead worship or who's in charge or where the person in charge should live, the Church has fought and fractured.
Jesus speaks in the Gospel for today about division and the weakness it causes. The weakness caused by division can lead to destruction. For Jesus it seems like that division is caused by a lack of faith and an unawareness of God's presence and actions. When we in the Church start to forget about God's presence and actions, and even God's call to us, we risk setting ourselves up for weakness and division.
The hope in the collect, though, comes in the portion of the petition that says of the Church, "...keep it in the way of Salvation." In other words, "Help us, Lord, to remember that our actions should point to you, showing the world your love for us all."
Psalm 95:6-11, Jeremiah 7:23-28, and Luke 11:14-23
I love the collect for today for a couple of reasons. Structurally, it's different from what we think a collect typically looks like. Secondly, there's a humble admittance that we as humans have been entrusted to care for something that we really have no business caring for. We're asking God to protect the Church from us and from our own desires to steer the Church in the direction we think it should go.
History shows us, too, that we are not the first to do this, and we won't be the last. The Church has, through the years, been broken and molded time and again for purposes that seem so human. Whether it's about how to worship or who can lead worship or who's in charge or where the person in charge should live, the Church has fought and fractured.
Jesus speaks in the Gospel for today about division and the weakness it causes. The weakness caused by division can lead to destruction. For Jesus it seems like that division is caused by a lack of faith and an unawareness of God's presence and actions. When we in the Church start to forget about God's presence and actions, and even God's call to us, we risk setting ourselves up for weakness and division.
The hope in the collect, though, comes in the portion of the petition that says of the Church, "...keep it in the way of Salvation." In other words, "Help us, Lord, to remember that our actions should point to you, showing the world your love for us all."
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wednesday in the Third Week of Lent.
"Give ear to our prayers, O Lord, and direct the way of your servants in safety under your protection, that, amid all the changes of our earthly pilgrimage, we may be guarded by your mighty aid; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 78:1-6, Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 5-9, and Matthew 5:17-19
In our Tuesday morning Bible study for young adults we've been reading the letter to the Romans. The letter is, in many ways, one of the first works of theology that the Church has. In that letter Paul wrestles with the meaning of Jesus's death and resurrection, and he wrestles with the question of what all of that means to the covenant that was made between God and the people of Israel. His thoughts are incredibly interesting, and one can feel the struggle in his heart and mind as he works to make sense of it all.
One of my favorite arguments that he makes in the letter is the necessity of God's covenant with Israel for the actions of Christ. He states that because of the covenant that God has with Israel, God's Incarnation was possible. For that reason the Law remains valid even in a time of a new covenant. The gospel for today reminds of me this, and I'm always struck by the words from Jesus as he says in reference to the Law, "I have come not to abolish but to fulfill."
The covenant that God established with the people of Israel was intended to make them into a great people; if they would fulfill their end, God would fulfill his. Christ came to show us the fulness of that Law and what it means to be one of God's people: to love and serve each other as we love and serve God.
Psalm 78:1-6, Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 5-9, and Matthew 5:17-19
In our Tuesday morning Bible study for young adults we've been reading the letter to the Romans. The letter is, in many ways, one of the first works of theology that the Church has. In that letter Paul wrestles with the meaning of Jesus's death and resurrection, and he wrestles with the question of what all of that means to the covenant that was made between God and the people of Israel. His thoughts are incredibly interesting, and one can feel the struggle in his heart and mind as he works to make sense of it all.
One of my favorite arguments that he makes in the letter is the necessity of God's covenant with Israel for the actions of Christ. He states that because of the covenant that God has with Israel, God's Incarnation was possible. For that reason the Law remains valid even in a time of a new covenant. The gospel for today reminds of me this, and I'm always struck by the words from Jesus as he says in reference to the Law, "I have come not to abolish but to fulfill."
The covenant that God established with the people of Israel was intended to make them into a great people; if they would fulfill their end, God would fulfill his. Christ came to show us the fulness of that Law and what it means to be one of God's people: to love and serve each other as we love and serve God.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Tuesday in the Third Week of Lent.
"O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear us; and grant that we, to whom you have given a fervent desire to pray, may, by your mighty aid, be defended and comforted in all dangers and adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 25:3-10, Song of the Three Young Men 2-4, 11-20a, and Matthew 18:21-35
The gospel appointed for today is one that I typically use when doing the lower school chapel when forgiveness is a topic. I enjoy using it for them because they live in a world where they can recognize when things are fair and when things are unfair. They are able to recognize an injustice that might have simply become a part of our lives as adults, and they seem to really enjoy putting out what's fair and unfair here.
This story tells of a king who forgives the debts of one of his servants, setting him free from an obligation to return payment. As the narrative goes on, the man who is set free does not extend the same gratitude to someone who owes him. An arrest ensues, and when the king discovers that the kindness he extended to his slave was not exhibited to others, he had no choice but to punish the slave he had originally forgiven.
This is a story about the mercy of God and the duty that we have to extend to others the same mercy that is extended to us, to forgive others as we have been forgiven, to love others as God loves us. As I'm sure I've mentioned already, forgiveness is a difficult thing. It means making ourselves vulnerable and risking further hurt or embarrassment. Sometimes, our actions will not even be acknowledged, and we'll feel like it wasn't even worth our efforts to try. Hopefully, though, we're able to find some peace in the act of forgiveness, even if it's not reciprocated.
Psalm 25:3-10, Song of the Three Young Men 2-4, 11-20a, and Matthew 18:21-35
The gospel appointed for today is one that I typically use when doing the lower school chapel when forgiveness is a topic. I enjoy using it for them because they live in a world where they can recognize when things are fair and when things are unfair. They are able to recognize an injustice that might have simply become a part of our lives as adults, and they seem to really enjoy putting out what's fair and unfair here.
This story tells of a king who forgives the debts of one of his servants, setting him free from an obligation to return payment. As the narrative goes on, the man who is set free does not extend the same gratitude to someone who owes him. An arrest ensues, and when the king discovers that the kindness he extended to his slave was not exhibited to others, he had no choice but to punish the slave he had originally forgiven.
This is a story about the mercy of God and the duty that we have to extend to others the same mercy that is extended to us, to forgive others as we have been forgiven, to love others as God loves us. As I'm sure I've mentioned already, forgiveness is a difficult thing. It means making ourselves vulnerable and risking further hurt or embarrassment. Sometimes, our actions will not even be acknowledged, and we'll feel like it wasn't even worth our efforts to try. Hopefully, though, we're able to find some peace in the act of forgiveness, even if it's not reciprocated.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monday in the Third Week of Lent.
"Look upon the heart-felt desires of your humble servants, Almighty God, and stretch forth the right hand of your majesty to be our defense against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 42:1-7, 2 Kings 5:1-15b, and Luke 4:23-30
The readings from 2 Kings today reminds me of the joke about the guy in the flood who was waiting for help from God. You can find the joke here. (I can't vouch for what other kind of jokes you might find there, but hopefully they're all clean when you check it out!)
Naaman went to the king of Israel seeking healing, and he was disappointed that he was passed off to a prophet and then to the messenger of a prophet. After all that, the messenger told him all he had to do was wash in the river, and then he'd be healed. After traveling so far to receive such news, Naaman thought he had been tricked and that the waters of his homeland should have been sufficient for his healing.
The truth in this story is that when we ask for something in prayer we're not always ready to accept what is given to us if it doesn't meet our expectations. The the man in the joke waited and waited for God to save him, and he stubbornly waited around too long, not seeing the offerings from others as offerings from God. For Naaman, he expected something complicated and extravagant to be asked of him, and he was ready to ignore Elisha's messenger until his own aide convinced him otherwise.
We can take from this story a reminder that sometimes God works in our life in ways that we don't expect. While Naaman's healing was life-changing, it didn't come about how he thought it would. For us this can be a call to see the ways God might be working in our in unexpected and subtle ways.
Psalm 42:1-7, 2 Kings 5:1-15b, and Luke 4:23-30
The readings from 2 Kings today reminds me of the joke about the guy in the flood who was waiting for help from God. You can find the joke here. (I can't vouch for what other kind of jokes you might find there, but hopefully they're all clean when you check it out!)
Naaman went to the king of Israel seeking healing, and he was disappointed that he was passed off to a prophet and then to the messenger of a prophet. After all that, the messenger told him all he had to do was wash in the river, and then he'd be healed. After traveling so far to receive such news, Naaman thought he had been tricked and that the waters of his homeland should have been sufficient for his healing.
The truth in this story is that when we ask for something in prayer we're not always ready to accept what is given to us if it doesn't meet our expectations. The the man in the joke waited and waited for God to save him, and he stubbornly waited around too long, not seeing the offerings from others as offerings from God. For Naaman, he expected something complicated and extravagant to be asked of him, and he was ready to ignore Elisha's messenger until his own aide convinced him otherwise.
We can take from this story a reminder that sometimes God works in our life in ways that we don't expect. While Naaman's healing was life-changing, it didn't come about how he thought it would. For us this can be a call to see the ways God might be working in our in unexpected and subtle ways.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Saturday in the Second Week of Lent.
"Grant, most merciful Lord, to your faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 103:1-12, Micah 7:14-15, 18-20, and Luke 15:11-32
As a firstborn child who has a terrible compulsion to be a rule-follower, I've always struggled with the story found in today's Gospel. I feel like I can relate to the anger and jealousy of the elder son, who always did what was expected of him. He dutifully tended the livestock and the fields of his father. He never missed a feeding for the animals, and he was always prepared when the time for the harvest arrived. If a son could be prepared to take over for his father at any moment, he was that son.
The second born child, though, is the one who did everything wrong, at least in the eyes of his brother. He took his inheritance early and spent it all on food, women, and material goods. He lost his whole fortune, a famine hit, and he was made to grovel for work. He thought he had brought shame upon himself and his father, and he went back to his father with his hat in his hand, prepared to ask for forgiveness and expected to receive a rebuke.
We know how this ends. The second-born is received back, and his arrival is celebrated. The firstborn child is jealous of his brother for being able to squander all that he was given and STILL be welcomed back into the arms of his father. Instead of sharing in his father's joy that his brother had returned home safely, the firstborn son was stuck with feelings of anger and bitterness. He was sure that all that he had ever done for his father was worth nothing if his brother could so easily be welcomed back.
What saddens me in this story is that the brother did all of his work so dutifully and out of a perceived obligation, and it was not until his brother came home that he realized how much his father appreciated all he had done. His needs to be right, dutiful, and dependable made it so that he was always unable to graciously receive the gifts that were already present in his life.
This story challenges our understandings of God and how we should live. If the person who spends and loses everything can be welcomed back into the arms of God just as easily as the person who has always done what is right and good, what's the point of living a right and good life if life lived otherwise can be excused with a simple, "I'm sorry"?
Not all of us are good at being like the prodigal son, and not all of us are good at being like the firstborn son. Either way we go, though, we can receive God's grace if we open ourselves up to it.
Psalm 103:1-12, Micah 7:14-15, 18-20, and Luke 15:11-32
As a firstborn child who has a terrible compulsion to be a rule-follower, I've always struggled with the story found in today's Gospel. I feel like I can relate to the anger and jealousy of the elder son, who always did what was expected of him. He dutifully tended the livestock and the fields of his father. He never missed a feeding for the animals, and he was always prepared when the time for the harvest arrived. If a son could be prepared to take over for his father at any moment, he was that son.
The second born child, though, is the one who did everything wrong, at least in the eyes of his brother. He took his inheritance early and spent it all on food, women, and material goods. He lost his whole fortune, a famine hit, and he was made to grovel for work. He thought he had brought shame upon himself and his father, and he went back to his father with his hat in his hand, prepared to ask for forgiveness and expected to receive a rebuke.
We know how this ends. The second-born is received back, and his arrival is celebrated. The firstborn child is jealous of his brother for being able to squander all that he was given and STILL be welcomed back into the arms of his father. Instead of sharing in his father's joy that his brother had returned home safely, the firstborn son was stuck with feelings of anger and bitterness. He was sure that all that he had ever done for his father was worth nothing if his brother could so easily be welcomed back.
What saddens me in this story is that the brother did all of his work so dutifully and out of a perceived obligation, and it was not until his brother came home that he realized how much his father appreciated all he had done. His needs to be right, dutiful, and dependable made it so that he was always unable to graciously receive the gifts that were already present in his life.
This story challenges our understandings of God and how we should live. If the person who spends and loses everything can be welcomed back into the arms of God just as easily as the person who has always done what is right and good, what's the point of living a right and good life if life lived otherwise can be excused with a simple, "I'm sorry"?
Not all of us are good at being like the prodigal son, and not all of us are good at being like the firstborn son. Either way we go, though, we can receive God's grace if we open ourselves up to it.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Friday in the Second Week of Lent.
"Grant, O Lord, that as your Son Jesus Christ prayed for his enemies on the cross, so we may have grace to forgive those who wrongfully or scornfully use us, that we ourselves may be able to receive your forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 105:16-22, Genesis 37:3-4, 12-28, and Matthew 21:33-43
The idea of being used is a terrible one, and when we feel like we've been manipulated for someone else's motives we might fill up with anger and embarrassment: at ourselves, at others, and at the situation. Even if this happens just once we might be filled with an uncertainty of the motives and objectives of others, especially if we don't know the others very well.
As with most things that can happen in our lives, something like this isn't isolated to one part of our life. We can be manipulated at work, by our family, or even by strangers. Sadly, this can also happen in the Church. This happens when a gift or an overture turns into an ultimatum or a demand. Sometimes this can happen when someone asks for assistance from one of us here, and we find out later that this same person asked another one of us just a week or two prior. When the situation gets this far we realize we're in a tight spot, and we have trouble getting out. We want to be helpful, but we also don't want to be manipulated or enabling.
In this morning's Gospel Jesus tells the story of a vineyard tended by "wicked tenants." These tenants use the landlord, taking advantage of the landlord's absence and killing the landlord's servants when they come to collect the fruit for harvest. The tenants are so abusive that they end up killing the son of the landlord, the heir to the fortunes of the landlord. Jesus says, "The Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom."
Jesus tells this story to show that God does not punish all of humanity because of the actions of a few. If we are to be "perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect", we, too, are called to not punish those around us for the actions of a few. This is a call to be trusting of others and trying not to be cynical about the needs and actions of people just because we've been tricked before. This is about not falling out of relationship with the world around us because of the actions of a few. Hopefully this can also help us to be aware of the way we are with the world around us and be aware of those times when our actions and overtures are not completely pure.
Psalm 105:16-22, Genesis 37:3-4, 12-28, and Matthew 21:33-43
The idea of being used is a terrible one, and when we feel like we've been manipulated for someone else's motives we might fill up with anger and embarrassment: at ourselves, at others, and at the situation. Even if this happens just once we might be filled with an uncertainty of the motives and objectives of others, especially if we don't know the others very well.
As with most things that can happen in our lives, something like this isn't isolated to one part of our life. We can be manipulated at work, by our family, or even by strangers. Sadly, this can also happen in the Church. This happens when a gift or an overture turns into an ultimatum or a demand. Sometimes this can happen when someone asks for assistance from one of us here, and we find out later that this same person asked another one of us just a week or two prior. When the situation gets this far we realize we're in a tight spot, and we have trouble getting out. We want to be helpful, but we also don't want to be manipulated or enabling.
In this morning's Gospel Jesus tells the story of a vineyard tended by "wicked tenants." These tenants use the landlord, taking advantage of the landlord's absence and killing the landlord's servants when they come to collect the fruit for harvest. The tenants are so abusive that they end up killing the son of the landlord, the heir to the fortunes of the landlord. Jesus says, "The Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom."
Jesus tells this story to show that God does not punish all of humanity because of the actions of a few. If we are to be "perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect", we, too, are called to not punish those around us for the actions of a few. This is a call to be trusting of others and trying not to be cynical about the needs and actions of people just because we've been tricked before. This is about not falling out of relationship with the world around us because of the actions of a few. Hopefully this can also help us to be aware of the way we are with the world around us and be aware of those times when our actions and overtures are not completely pure.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Thursday in the Second Week of Lent.
"O Lord, strong and mighty, Lord of hosts and King of Glory: Cleanse our hearts from sin, keep our hands pure, and turn our minds from what is passing away; so that at the last we may stand in your holy place and receive your blessing; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 1, Jeremiah 17:5-10, and Luke 16:19-31
Growing up as an acolyte in the Church, I was always intrigued by the actions that took place around the table. The priest at my church while I was growing up was always very precise and exact in his manual actions during the prayers. He was so precise and exact that he appeared to be in the midst of a well-choreographer liturgical prayer. Helping him set the table for communion was so easy because we always knew how he prepared the table, and to this day I think I could serve with him and not miss a beat because of his exactness and my familiarity with his way of celebrating the Eucharist.
As he began to prepare the table he would wash his hands with the water provided. As the alter server poured water over his fingertips, Fr. Gene would always pray a prayer that went like this (if my memory is serving me correctly): "Lord, wash me of my sins and cleanse me of my iniquities so that I may be made whiter than snow." He said this prayer as he set the table for communion, and part of me wouldn't be surprised if he said this prayer every time he washed his hands. An adaptation of Psalm 51, this was a beautiful prayer to hear as he whispered it to himself in preparation for communion.
I think of this in light of today's collect. I'm reminded again that as Christians all things that we do should be for good and to glorify God. We can all get caught up in things that are "passing away", and maybe we could find a way to make even these things into something that can reveal God's grace.
Psalm 1, Jeremiah 17:5-10, and Luke 16:19-31
Growing up as an acolyte in the Church, I was always intrigued by the actions that took place around the table. The priest at my church while I was growing up was always very precise and exact in his manual actions during the prayers. He was so precise and exact that he appeared to be in the midst of a well-choreographer liturgical prayer. Helping him set the table for communion was so easy because we always knew how he prepared the table, and to this day I think I could serve with him and not miss a beat because of his exactness and my familiarity with his way of celebrating the Eucharist.
As he began to prepare the table he would wash his hands with the water provided. As the alter server poured water over his fingertips, Fr. Gene would always pray a prayer that went like this (if my memory is serving me correctly): "Lord, wash me of my sins and cleanse me of my iniquities so that I may be made whiter than snow." He said this prayer as he set the table for communion, and part of me wouldn't be surprised if he said this prayer every time he washed his hands. An adaptation of Psalm 51, this was a beautiful prayer to hear as he whispered it to himself in preparation for communion.
I think of this in light of today's collect. I'm reminded again that as Christians all things that we do should be for good and to glorify God. We can all get caught up in things that are "passing away", and maybe we could find a way to make even these things into something that can reveal God's grace.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wednesday in the Second Week of Lent.
"O God, you so loved the world that you gave your only-begotten Son to reconcile earth with heaven: Grant that we, loving you above all things, may love our friends in you, and our enemies for your sake; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 31:9-16, Jeremiah 18:1-11, 18-20, and Matthew 20:17-28
One of the many aspects that gives me joy out of the Gospels are the accounts involving the disciples. They are ordinary men of deep faith, and they are very human. Because it was a group of disciples, we can be sure that the twelve of them (or however many there may have been at a given time) did not always get along well. I'm sure there was grumbling and disagreement and maybe even some resentment amongst them. God bless them all; those disciples are so much like us. The passage for today takes this grumbling to another level with the meddling of the mother of James and John.
Naturally, the disciples become frustrated at them and their mother for assuming that Jesus would elevate them to either side of him in place of the others. I imagine, though, that the Zebedee boys were as embarrassed as their companions were frustrated. As a result of this Jesus reminds them all that their places in the kingdom will be places of service, and their honor will come in their service.
Sometimes we might find ourselves in groups where we don't always mesh well with the folks around us: at work, at school, or in other organizations. Whether it's a personality conflict or past struggles, putting aside differences for the sake of the whole isn't always easy. As we pray in our collect for today, though, we see that when we put aside our differences and can love those with whom we struggle, we don't do it for ourselves. Instead, though, we do it because of our love of God. This won't make the task any easier, but hopefully it helps us to find a way to make peace with difficult relatinships.
Psalm 31:9-16, Jeremiah 18:1-11, 18-20, and Matthew 20:17-28
One of the many aspects that gives me joy out of the Gospels are the accounts involving the disciples. They are ordinary men of deep faith, and they are very human. Because it was a group of disciples, we can be sure that the twelve of them (or however many there may have been at a given time) did not always get along well. I'm sure there was grumbling and disagreement and maybe even some resentment amongst them. God bless them all; those disciples are so much like us. The passage for today takes this grumbling to another level with the meddling of the mother of James and John.
Naturally, the disciples become frustrated at them and their mother for assuming that Jesus would elevate them to either side of him in place of the others. I imagine, though, that the Zebedee boys were as embarrassed as their companions were frustrated. As a result of this Jesus reminds them all that their places in the kingdom will be places of service, and their honor will come in their service.
Sometimes we might find ourselves in groups where we don't always mesh well with the folks around us: at work, at school, or in other organizations. Whether it's a personality conflict or past struggles, putting aside differences for the sake of the whole isn't always easy. As we pray in our collect for today, though, we see that when we put aside our differences and can love those with whom we struggle, we don't do it for ourselves. Instead, though, we do it because of our love of God. This won't make the task any easier, but hopefully it helps us to find a way to make peace with difficult relatinships.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tuesday in the Second Week of Lent.
"O God, you willed to redeem us from all iniquity by your Son: Deliver us when we are tempted to regard sin without abhorrence, and let the virtue of his passion come between us and our mortal enemy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 50:7-15, 22-24, Isaiah 1:2-4, 16-20, Matthew 23:1-12
A book was released last week by pastor and author Rob Bell. The book, entitled Love Wins, is an exploration of the ideas of Heaven and Hell. It's on backorder right now, so I haven't read it and can't weigh in on it. A friend of mine from seminary, though, had this to say about his initial impressions of the book. That doesn't really surprise me to hear, either, since Bell strikes me as someone who sees God as being full of overwhelming grace and mercy and always willing to receive us back when we realize that we've strayed from His will.
I'm thinking about this especially because of the today's reading from the prophet Isaiah. The prophet speaks on behalf of the Lord, telling the people of all the wrong they've done. They are called a sinful and corrupt nation who have forsaken the Lord. Their actions have separated them from God, and the prophet speaks to them on behalf of God. Their transgressions are named and laid out before them.
Their separation from God, though, does not have to last forever. Their time away from the Lord need not be an eternal state. The prophet tells the people how they can return to the Lord, and what will happen then. If the people follow the commands, their sins can be washed clean. They will turn from scarlet into snow and from crimson into wool.
This is good news for all of us because it's about being given another opportunity. We've all done things in our life that separate us from the love that God has for us. When we do that it's so easy, and we're dealing with the fallout of our actions, we can easily begin to think that God has pulled away from us and that we must do something to earn God back. We see here, though, that God is bigger than all of that. We see that what it takes is us being willing to turn around and make ourselves available to the grace that is already awaiting us.
Psalm 50:7-15, 22-24, Isaiah 1:2-4, 16-20, Matthew 23:1-12
A book was released last week by pastor and author Rob Bell. The book, entitled Love Wins, is an exploration of the ideas of Heaven and Hell. It's on backorder right now, so I haven't read it and can't weigh in on it. A friend of mine from seminary, though, had this to say about his initial impressions of the book. That doesn't really surprise me to hear, either, since Bell strikes me as someone who sees God as being full of overwhelming grace and mercy and always willing to receive us back when we realize that we've strayed from His will.
I'm thinking about this especially because of the today's reading from the prophet Isaiah. The prophet speaks on behalf of the Lord, telling the people of all the wrong they've done. They are called a sinful and corrupt nation who have forsaken the Lord. Their actions have separated them from God, and the prophet speaks to them on behalf of God. Their transgressions are named and laid out before them.
Their separation from God, though, does not have to last forever. Their time away from the Lord need not be an eternal state. The prophet tells the people how they can return to the Lord, and what will happen then. If the people follow the commands, their sins can be washed clean. They will turn from scarlet into snow and from crimson into wool.
This is good news for all of us because it's about being given another opportunity. We've all done things in our life that separate us from the love that God has for us. When we do that it's so easy, and we're dealing with the fallout of our actions, we can easily begin to think that God has pulled away from us and that we must do something to earn God back. We see here, though, that God is bigger than all of that. We see that what it takes is us being willing to turn around and make ourselves available to the grace that is already awaiting us.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Monday in the Second Week of Lent.
"Let your Spirit, O Lord, come into the midst of us to wash us with the pure water of repentance, and prepare us to be always a living sacrifice to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 79:1-9, Daniel 9:3-10, and Luke 6:27-36
Fortunately for us, God no longer requires the gift of a burnt offering of sacrifice from us. We're not expected to go out to buy a piece of livestock to offer up to God whenever we need to make a confession or supplication to God. That practice went away a long time ago, and I'm sure you're as grateful as I am that we don't have to do sacrifice cows or doves to the Almighty.
That doesn't mean, though, that we don't make offerings to God. We know about the offerings of time and treasure, the typical things asked of us in stewardship campaigns. Our collect today speaks of another way of giving to God when it asks God to "prepare us to be always a living sacrifice" washed with the "water of repentance."
To be a living sacrifice is to live a life holy to God. This can be an incredibly difficult thing to do, especially when we can think, "What about my offering? Isn't that ample?" or "I've already given my time to the church this week. Shouldn't that be enough?" Finding the strength and ability to be a "living sacrifice" to God can be a great challenge. It's about giving up more of ourselves than we can comfortably give, offering more of ourselves than we normally would.
The opportunity to be a "living sacrifice" changes everyday. Hopefully we're all aware enough to seize the opportunity when we can.
Psalm 79:1-9, Daniel 9:3-10, and Luke 6:27-36
Fortunately for us, God no longer requires the gift of a burnt offering of sacrifice from us. We're not expected to go out to buy a piece of livestock to offer up to God whenever we need to make a confession or supplication to God. That practice went away a long time ago, and I'm sure you're as grateful as I am that we don't have to do sacrifice cows or doves to the Almighty.
That doesn't mean, though, that we don't make offerings to God. We know about the offerings of time and treasure, the typical things asked of us in stewardship campaigns. Our collect today speaks of another way of giving to God when it asks God to "prepare us to be always a living sacrifice" washed with the "water of repentance."
To be a living sacrifice is to live a life holy to God. This can be an incredibly difficult thing to do, especially when we can think, "What about my offering? Isn't that ample?" or "I've already given my time to the church this week. Shouldn't that be enough?" Finding the strength and ability to be a "living sacrifice" to God can be a great challenge. It's about giving up more of ourselves than we can comfortably give, offering more of ourselves than we normally would.
The opportunity to be a "living sacrifice" changes everyday. Hopefully we're all aware enough to seize the opportunity when we can.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Saturday in the First Week of Lent.
"O God, by your Word you marvelously carry out the work of reconciliation: Grant that in our Lenten fast we may be devoted to you with all our hearts, and united with one another in prayer and holy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 119:1-8, Deuteronomy 26:16-19, and Matthew 5:43-48
As I've already mentioned at least a few times, keeping a fast is difficult. Refraining from temptation or maintaining a discipline can be tough. Sometimes the feelings we're trying to suppress boil over unexpectedly, like when a craving takes over or we lose our temper. Or maybe it's a conscious decision, like when we tell ourselves that we'll get back to our discipline after taking a little break. Either way, though, we might end up feeling a tinge of guilt for the decision we made, wondering if we let ourselves down or if we let someone else down or if we let God down.
The reading from Deuteronomy today is all about God and Israel agreeing to the terms of the covenant that exists between them. The covenant agreement says, "I'll be your God if you'll be my people." If the Israelites follows the agreements, God will place them above all other nations. When the Israelites fail to follow the covenant, prophets come to try to set them straight. The Lord honors them, and the Lord expects honor in return.
This is a good reminder for us, too, especially tied in with the collect for today. We're about ten days into our Lenten journey and roughly a quarter of the way through the season. We ask God to help us stay devoted to Him in our Lenten fast, and this reminds us that even if we fall short during this fast we can and should return to God.
Psalm 119:1-8, Deuteronomy 26:16-19, and Matthew 5:43-48
As I've already mentioned at least a few times, keeping a fast is difficult. Refraining from temptation or maintaining a discipline can be tough. Sometimes the feelings we're trying to suppress boil over unexpectedly, like when a craving takes over or we lose our temper. Or maybe it's a conscious decision, like when we tell ourselves that we'll get back to our discipline after taking a little break. Either way, though, we might end up feeling a tinge of guilt for the decision we made, wondering if we let ourselves down or if we let someone else down or if we let God down.
The reading from Deuteronomy today is all about God and Israel agreeing to the terms of the covenant that exists between them. The covenant agreement says, "I'll be your God if you'll be my people." If the Israelites follows the agreements, God will place them above all other nations. When the Israelites fail to follow the covenant, prophets come to try to set them straight. The Lord honors them, and the Lord expects honor in return.
This is a good reminder for us, too, especially tied in with the collect for today. We're about ten days into our Lenten journey and roughly a quarter of the way through the season. We ask God to help us stay devoted to Him in our Lenten fast, and this reminds us that even if we fall short during this fast we can and should return to God.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Friday in the First Week of Lent.
"Lord Christ, our eternal Redeemer, grant us such fellowship in your sufferings, that, filled with your Holy Spirit, we may subdue the flesh to the spirit, and the spirit to you, and at the last attain to the glory of your resurrection; who live and reign with the Father and Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 130, Ezekiel 18:21-28, and Matthew 5:20-26
Psalm 130, Ezekiel 18:21-28, and Matthew 5:20-26
One of my greatest weaknesses is an inability to easily forgive folks who have hurt me or who have hurt my loved ones. Specifically, I have an incredibly difficult time initiating such forgiveness. I guess this also plays into some twisted sense of pride in that I don't want to initiate the act of forgiving someone if I don't believe that they see the wrong that I feel like they have committed. This can be a terrible burden to carry, and I know that I should find a way to loose the ties of such burdens, but what then will I gnash my teeth about?
We all know that forgiveness is one of the basic tenets of our faith. There is plenty of Scripture pointing to the necessity of forgiveness in order to have a whole body, both individually and as a community, and seeking forgiveness is at the liturgical middle of our celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the offering of the Peace.
Our Scripture today points to the need for forgiveness, the need to clear the air between folks who experience tension of any kind, especially as we prepare to offer our gifts back to God. Worshipping with a heavy heart keeps us all attaining the peace God wants us to have. Also, though, worshipping allows us to recognize that there are people in our lives with whom we are not reconciled.
Hopefully, though, we can find the strength and courage necessary to offer forgiveness to those people in our lives who have hurt us. Even more so, hopefully we can find it in ourselves to ask for forgiveness from people we may have hurt.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Thursday in the First Week of Lent.
"Strengthen us, O Lord, by your grace, that in your might we may overcome all spirtual enemies, and with pure hearts serve you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 138, Esther 14:1-6, 12-14, and Matthew 7:7-12
Being a parent has, in many ways, changed the way that I think about God. I've found that I'm drawn to parenting books and articles about parenting and how to have a holy household. I’ve thought a lot about how to talk to our children about God and have tried to be aware of their spiritual life while hoping that those tough questions that they’ll have about God will stay away for just a little bit longer. More importantly, though, I've begun to wonder about what my relationship with my children will say about their own understanding of God both now and in the future.
Snack time around our house comes pretty reliably every day, and when it hits, the kiddos are ready for it. Sometimes they want a graham cracker, and sometimes they want a cookie. On a good day (for us) they'll want a banana or something with peanut butter on it. They don't get it, though, if they yell and scream for it. Of course, we want to give them a snack because we know they both want it and need it, but we don't want to give them something because they are demanding it forcefully. We want to give them what they need, and we want them to understand how to ask for what it is that they need.
Like Jesus says here about bread and a rock and a fish and a snake, I'm not going to give them something they don't want just as a punishment and in a vindictive manner, and that's because I do love them. In the midst of an epic tantrum, they might not realize it, but we really want what is best for them.
The same is true about God. God wants what is best for us; God does not want us to suffer or be punished. God wants to provide for us and to care for us; we only need to know how to ask and how to be open to the blessings that God wants us to receive.
Psalm 138, Esther 14:1-6, 12-14, and Matthew 7:7-12
Being a parent has, in many ways, changed the way that I think about God. I've found that I'm drawn to parenting books and articles about parenting and how to have a holy household. I’ve thought a lot about how to talk to our children about God and have tried to be aware of their spiritual life while hoping that those tough questions that they’ll have about God will stay away for just a little bit longer. More importantly, though, I've begun to wonder about what my relationship with my children will say about their own understanding of God both now and in the future.
Snack time around our house comes pretty reliably every day, and when it hits, the kiddos are ready for it. Sometimes they want a graham cracker, and sometimes they want a cookie. On a good day (for us) they'll want a banana or something with peanut butter on it. They don't get it, though, if they yell and scream for it. Of course, we want to give them a snack because we know they both want it and need it, but we don't want to give them something because they are demanding it forcefully. We want to give them what they need, and we want them to understand how to ask for what it is that they need.
Like Jesus says here about bread and a rock and a fish and a snake, I'm not going to give them something they don't want just as a punishment and in a vindictive manner, and that's because I do love them. In the midst of an epic tantrum, they might not realize it, but we really want what is best for them.
The same is true about God. God wants what is best for us; God does not want us to suffer or be punished. God wants to provide for us and to care for us; we only need to know how to ask and how to be open to the blessings that God wants us to receive.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Wednesday in the First Week of Lent.
"Bless us, O God, in this holy season, in which our hearts seek your help and healing; and so purify us by your discipline that we may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 51:11-18, Jonah 3:1-10, and Luke 11:29-32
We all know the story of Jonah denying God, and Jonah ending up in the belly of a fish or a whale or some kind of sea creature. The story tells us this happened to Jonah because he refused to do the work that God wanted him to do, and yet God found a way to make Jonah do his work, to go to Nineveh and pronounce judgement on people who who didn't always get to hear from God's prophets.
So Jonah does God's work, and to his surprise the people of Nineveh repent well within the forty day timespan given to them by God through Jonah.
Jesus's uses this story in his preaching for today. The crowds are asking for a sign that he is legitimate, asking for a sign that he is really the son of God and that his teachings should be heeded. Jesus uses the example of Jonah to say, "Why are you always asking for a sign? Why are you always demanding something from me, from God?"
In other words, "Why is it so difficult to just do what is asked of you by God?"
I don't have an answer, but I know that we're all, myself included, always a little bit selfish. By testing God or asking for a sign (when there might already be one), we are only stalling for time on our own end, looking for a reason to do what we want to do ourselves instead of what God wants us to do.
If God is truly calling us to something, though, we can't hide from it forever. Jonah couldn't run from God, and we can't run from God, either.
Psalm 51:11-18, Jonah 3:1-10, and Luke 11:29-32
We all know the story of Jonah denying God, and Jonah ending up in the belly of a fish or a whale or some kind of sea creature. The story tells us this happened to Jonah because he refused to do the work that God wanted him to do, and yet God found a way to make Jonah do his work, to go to Nineveh and pronounce judgement on people who who didn't always get to hear from God's prophets.
So Jonah does God's work, and to his surprise the people of Nineveh repent well within the forty day timespan given to them by God through Jonah.
Jesus's uses this story in his preaching for today. The crowds are asking for a sign that he is legitimate, asking for a sign that he is really the son of God and that his teachings should be heeded. Jesus uses the example of Jonah to say, "Why are you always asking for a sign? Why are you always demanding something from me, from God?"
In other words, "Why is it so difficult to just do what is asked of you by God?"
I don't have an answer, but I know that we're all, myself included, always a little bit selfish. By testing God or asking for a sign (when there might already be one), we are only stalling for time on our own end, looking for a reason to do what we want to do ourselves instead of what God wants us to do.
If God is truly calling us to something, though, we can't hide from it forever. Jonah couldn't run from God, and we can't run from God, either.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Tuesday in the First Week of Lent.
"Grant to your people, Lord, grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow, the only true God; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 34:15-22, Isaiah 55:6-11, and Matthew 6:7-15
A few weeks ago at our EYC Bible Study we got into a conversation about one of the lines from the Lord's Prayer, which is found in today's Gospel passage. I don't recall the whole conversation, but I think the question was, "Why do we ask God not to lead us into temptation? Doesn't it make sense that God wouldn't lead us into temptation to begin with?"
The translation we have here, though, is from the NRSV. In this translation we ask God to "save us from the time of trial", which is markedly different from our understanding of the two words today. Thought of as a "trial" in terms of our daily life we're asking God to keep us from those times in our life that might make us stray from God's will. Thought of at an eschatological level, we're asking God to be with us on that great last day. We're asking God to remember us so that we might be granted entrance into the heavenly kingdom. In both instances we're admitting our weaknesses and inabilities to God, asking God to be with us at times when we are most vulnerable.
Saying the Lord's Prayer every day or every week, it's easy to become rote in our recitation. Saying it slowly or meditatively, though, helps us to experience it in a new way, a way that can open us up to a new understanding of a familiar prayer and recognize that this prayer is another way to let God into our lives.
Psalm 34:15-22, Isaiah 55:6-11, and Matthew 6:7-15
A few weeks ago at our EYC Bible Study we got into a conversation about one of the lines from the Lord's Prayer, which is found in today's Gospel passage. I don't recall the whole conversation, but I think the question was, "Why do we ask God not to lead us into temptation? Doesn't it make sense that God wouldn't lead us into temptation to begin with?"
The translation we have here, though, is from the NRSV. In this translation we ask God to "save us from the time of trial", which is markedly different from our understanding of the two words today. Thought of as a "trial" in terms of our daily life we're asking God to keep us from those times in our life that might make us stray from God's will. Thought of at an eschatological level, we're asking God to be with us on that great last day. We're asking God to remember us so that we might be granted entrance into the heavenly kingdom. In both instances we're admitting our weaknesses and inabilities to God, asking God to be with us at times when we are most vulnerable.
Saying the Lord's Prayer every day or every week, it's easy to become rote in our recitation. Saying it slowly or meditatively, though, helps us to experience it in a new way, a way that can open us up to a new understanding of a familiar prayer and recognize that this prayer is another way to let God into our lives.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Monday in the First Week of Lent.
"Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully increase in us your gifts of holy discipline, in almsgiving, prayer, and fasting; that our lives may be directed to the fulfilling of your most gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 19:7-14, Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18, and Matthew 25:31-46
Today marks the first day of our church's mission trip to the Dominican Republic. I'm not sure yet how that'll affect these postings, but I think I've got a way around here. Keep checking back here, and we'll see what happens.
Our readings for today are about God's commandments to us and how our natural response to God's love should be to serve others for by serving others we serve God.
The Gospel reading for today takes off on the idea of serving, and it comes in the form of Jesus speaking of the judgement at the time of the Son of Man's arrival. As the Son of Man looks out from his throne at the assembled masses, the people are separated "as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." The king will say to one group that the kingdom is prepared to be inherited by them, and to the other group the king will cast them out into the eternal fire. The ones who receive the kingdom served the king, and those who are cast out ignored the king. Each of them met the king at the time when they encountered the "least of these."
Jesus speaks of the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned. This week we'll be in the DR serving those who need help with construction at a schoolhouse, helping get the school up to code so that it can receive funds from the government there. Your gifts to our church help enable such efforts, but we must remember that the "least of these" are not just those in far off places. We work with them; we worship with them; and we live with them.
Serving and loving one another, no matter whether we outwardly appear to be one of the "least of these," allows us to serve God, too. As we enter into the first full week of Lent, may God give us the ability to recognize those people who we are always called to serve.
Psalm 19:7-14, Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18, and Matthew 25:31-46
Today marks the first day of our church's mission trip to the Dominican Republic. I'm not sure yet how that'll affect these postings, but I think I've got a way around here. Keep checking back here, and we'll see what happens.
Our readings for today are about God's commandments to us and how our natural response to God's love should be to serve others for by serving others we serve God.
The Gospel reading for today takes off on the idea of serving, and it comes in the form of Jesus speaking of the judgement at the time of the Son of Man's arrival. As the Son of Man looks out from his throne at the assembled masses, the people are separated "as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." The king will say to one group that the kingdom is prepared to be inherited by them, and to the other group the king will cast them out into the eternal fire. The ones who receive the kingdom served the king, and those who are cast out ignored the king. Each of them met the king at the time when they encountered the "least of these."
Jesus speaks of the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned. This week we'll be in the DR serving those who need help with construction at a schoolhouse, helping get the school up to code so that it can receive funds from the government there. Your gifts to our church help enable such efforts, but we must remember that the "least of these" are not just those in far off places. We work with them; we worship with them; and we live with them.
Serving and loving one another, no matter whether we outwardly appear to be one of the "least of these," allows us to serve God, too. As we enter into the first full week of Lent, may God give us the ability to recognize those people who we are always called to serve.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Saturday after Ash Wednesday.
"Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth your right hand to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 86:1-11, Isaiah 58:9b-14, and Luke 5:27-32
The Gospel for today is another version of yesterday's passage from Matthew. Here, though, we've got a couple of things that stand out. First of all is the naming of the person who Jesus calls, and second is Jesus's words to the Pharisees at the end.
Levi was a tax collector, and Jesus called him away from this life. Upon being called we're told that Levi "got up, left everything, and followed [Jesus]." Rejoicing in his new life, Levi held a "great banquet" for Jesus and his friends. With Levi we see a man who left everything he had behind and gave what was left to Jesus as they shared a great meal together along with whomever else might have dropped by for that great feast.
While dining with Levi and these other tax collectors, Jesus's actions are again questioned by the Pharisees. As in the other accounts of the same story, Jesus answers the questions and accusations of them. Luke's narrative, though, adds a twist. Jesus says, "I have come not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." This last part of "to repentance" appears only in Luke's version, and it's an interesting piece to have alongside the naming of Levi and the great feast that he offered.
Naming Levi and showing Levi's work and calling "sinners to repentance" underscores Luke's message that a life spent following Jesus is a changed life, one in which we are called to do more than simply follow. Instead, we are called to follow AND do.
Just a few days into our Lenten journey, the first Saturday of the long season, we might already be wondering, "Why'd I opt for this?!" We follow the ritual of Lent because of the tradition around it, and that's kind of the easy part. A Lenten fast or discipline, though, is the "doing" part, the piece that requires change and effort on our part, more than simply remembering not to say the "A" word during worship.
Change is difficult, and change comes slowly and deliberately. May we be open to God's grace as we continue to hope to be changed this season.
Psalm 86:1-11, Isaiah 58:9b-14, and Luke 5:27-32
The Gospel for today is another version of yesterday's passage from Matthew. Here, though, we've got a couple of things that stand out. First of all is the naming of the person who Jesus calls, and second is Jesus's words to the Pharisees at the end.
Levi was a tax collector, and Jesus called him away from this life. Upon being called we're told that Levi "got up, left everything, and followed [Jesus]." Rejoicing in his new life, Levi held a "great banquet" for Jesus and his friends. With Levi we see a man who left everything he had behind and gave what was left to Jesus as they shared a great meal together along with whomever else might have dropped by for that great feast.
While dining with Levi and these other tax collectors, Jesus's actions are again questioned by the Pharisees. As in the other accounts of the same story, Jesus answers the questions and accusations of them. Luke's narrative, though, adds a twist. Jesus says, "I have come not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." This last part of "to repentance" appears only in Luke's version, and it's an interesting piece to have alongside the naming of Levi and the great feast that he offered.
Naming Levi and showing Levi's work and calling "sinners to repentance" underscores Luke's message that a life spent following Jesus is a changed life, one in which we are called to do more than simply follow. Instead, we are called to follow AND do.
Just a few days into our Lenten journey, the first Saturday of the long season, we might already be wondering, "Why'd I opt for this?!" We follow the ritual of Lent because of the tradition around it, and that's kind of the easy part. A Lenten fast or discipline, though, is the "doing" part, the piece that requires change and effort on our part, more than simply remembering not to say the "A" word during worship.
Change is difficult, and change comes slowly and deliberately. May we be open to God's grace as we continue to hope to be changed this season.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Friday after Ash Wednesday.
"Support us, O Lord, with your gracious favor through the fast we have begun; that as we observe it by bodily self-denial, so we may fulfill it with inner sincerity of heart; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 51:1-10, Isaiah 58:1-9a, and Matthew 9:10-17
Today's reading from the prophet Isaiah asks a couple of questions. The first one comes from the Israelites when they ask, "Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?" And the second is God's response to them: "Do you think that's the kind of fast I expect? No, the fast I expect is to see you feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, and not to shelter yourself from your own kin."
How easy is it to get caught up in the idea of doing something for recognition and accolades? I find that I sometimes want a pat on the back for something as simple as emptying the dishwasher as if emptying the dishwasher isn't something I should do just because it needs to be done. I'm afraid I can be just as bad as the Israelites here in wanting praise for my work. This is true for other parts of life, too, right? When we feel like we are responsible for something good, it's common to want to be recognized for it. If we think like this, are we doing these acts for ourself and our own glory, or are we doing them with a selfless spirit and to help others?
Again, the collect for today helps us get a handle on the purpose of a fast or a new discipline. We're reminded again that it's with the grace of God that we can do such things and that we take on these challenges as a way to make room for God in our hearts. If we can allow the hole that's left to be filled with God, we might be on our way to giving God the kind of fast expected of us instead of the kind of fast we are tempted to give.
Psalm 51:1-10, Isaiah 58:1-9a, and Matthew 9:10-17
Today's reading from the prophet Isaiah asks a couple of questions. The first one comes from the Israelites when they ask, "Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?" And the second is God's response to them: "Do you think that's the kind of fast I expect? No, the fast I expect is to see you feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, and not to shelter yourself from your own kin."
How easy is it to get caught up in the idea of doing something for recognition and accolades? I find that I sometimes want a pat on the back for something as simple as emptying the dishwasher as if emptying the dishwasher isn't something I should do just because it needs to be done. I'm afraid I can be just as bad as the Israelites here in wanting praise for my work. This is true for other parts of life, too, right? When we feel like we are responsible for something good, it's common to want to be recognized for it. If we think like this, are we doing these acts for ourself and our own glory, or are we doing them with a selfless spirit and to help others?
Again, the collect for today helps us get a handle on the purpose of a fast or a new discipline. We're reminded again that it's with the grace of God that we can do such things and that we take on these challenges as a way to make room for God in our hearts. If we can allow the hole that's left to be filled with God, we might be on our way to giving God the kind of fast expected of us instead of the kind of fast we are tempted to give.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Thursday after Ash Wednesday.
"Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Psalm 1, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, and Luke 9:18-25
This being the first day after Ash Wednesday, after being invited to the observation of a holy Lent, we shouldn't be surprised to have these readings greet us today.
Psalm 1, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, and Luke 9:18-25
This being the first day after Ash Wednesday, after being invited to the observation of a holy Lent, we shouldn't be surprised to have these readings greet us today.
- "Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked." Psalm 1:1
- "Choose life so that you and your descendants may live." Deuteronomy 30:19b
- "Then he said to them all, 'If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'" Luke 19:23
Each of these passages calls out to us with words of warning and words of encouragement, and don't we need both in healthy doses? Too much of either leads to an imbalance, and we wonder if we'll ever measure up or begin to think that we can never falter.
The Israelites here in Deuteronomy needed to be reminded of the stakes in their covenant with God: that God had delivered them from slavery in Egypt and that God could lead them to prosperity. They could choose life and prosperity or death and adversity. That shouldn't be a difficult choice, especially since they had already faltered at least once before in their trust of God. Now, though, their charge was to love God, obey God, and worship only God.
As Christians we believe this opportunity is extended to us, too, in the person of Jesus Christ, who Peter proclaims in today's gospel as "the Messiah of God." As God challenged the Israelites, Jesus also challenges those who wish to follow him. He says that in order to be a follower, one must "deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."
Observing a fast or keeping a discipline for the season of Lent is so challenging because of the many distractions around us. Simply in writing this post, I was distracted countless times to check email, get coffee, or something else. In life, when the stakes are so much higher, it's still very easy to be distracted, to lose focus, or to falter. All of this is why I find the collect for today so wonderful and reassuring and humbling. The words remind us to seek God in all our works, and that in doing so we can glorify God, and those are great words to remember as we look to the long journey ahead.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
So, what will happen here?
For a long time the Episcopal Church had a book called Lesser Feasts and Fasts that would be updated as needed at General Convention with information about Christians who the Church wanted to remember with a feast day. Along with these people there were also options for celebrations of the Holy Eucharist on the weekdays of our Church seasons. In recent years there has been some concern that the book LFF might be seen as minimizing (because of the term 'lesser') the work of those observed, and so there has been a title change to Holy Women, Holy Men: Celebrating the Saints. The idea is still the same, but it's a different name.
Within this book there are prescribed readings for each weekday during the season of Lent. There's a special collect, or prayer, along with a Psalm, an Old Testament reading, and a passage from one of the Gospels. What I hope to do here is give a brief reflection or a few thoughts on those readings each day throughout the season. I hope this will give you an opportunity to respond or at least make this part of your daily routine. I can't promise what shape this will take over the next couple of months, but hopefully we'll find out together. Thanks again for tagging along and holding me accountable here!
Within this book there are prescribed readings for each weekday during the season of Lent. There's a special collect, or prayer, along with a Psalm, an Old Testament reading, and a passage from one of the Gospels. What I hope to do here is give a brief reflection or a few thoughts on those readings each day throughout the season. I hope this will give you an opportunity to respond or at least make this part of your daily routine. I can't promise what shape this will take over the next couple of months, but hopefully we'll find out together. Thanks again for tagging along and holding me accountable here!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
What's this all about?
Each year around this time I start wondering, "So what'll it be this year? Coke, caffeine, meat, chocolate? Or maybe I'll take something on, something that requires effort and discipline, like a reading schedule or something physical." And each year, these Lenten disciplines become very much like the resolutions I stubbornly made for the new year, forgotten or missed within days of setting them or making them. Discouraged, it's always easier, for me at least, to simply forget them and act like I never made them.
When I realized recently that Lent was fast approaching, I started to think about about what I might do this time around to observe Lent personally and also what I might be able to offer our church here at St. Paul's this season.
In the coming days I'll talk a little bit about what I hope to do here and how this space can hopefully be helpful to you, too. I know my intentions, but that's not always what comes out when life gets going. I hope you can make some time during your day to check in over here and join me.
When I realized recently that Lent was fast approaching, I started to think about about what I might do this time around to observe Lent personally and also what I might be able to offer our church here at St. Paul's this season.
In the coming days I'll talk a little bit about what I hope to do here and how this space can hopefully be helpful to you, too. I know my intentions, but that's not always what comes out when life gets going. I hope you can make some time during your day to check in over here and join me.
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