Father, in your plan of salvation your Son Jesus Christ accepted the cross and freed us from the power of the enemy. May we come to share the glory of his resurrection. Amen
Matthew 26:14-25One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.”‘“ The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.
When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.”
The gospel today immediately follows Matthew 26:13 but the action in the two parts of Matthew 26 are so different. In the first part the gospel tells about how Jesus, on his way to the City, stops by his friend’s house in Bethany. There a woman anoints him out of love and respect and Jesus tells his disciples that she should not be stopped since she is anointing him for his death. Then the very next verse takes us into the description of the preparation for the Passover meal. All Jews celebrate this seminal event of their history but this “Last Supper” is different. It is the fulfillment of that first Passover promise. But before the passion story is described we have the tragic scene of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
How can we understand this event as a lesson for us? We sin, but can we understand this terrible sin? Quite possibly we cannot, but we know God has blessed us so often, so lovingly, and yet at times we take it for granted or worse, we get the feeling we are entitled to his blessings. Any prayerful thought will lead us to feel true sorrow for how we have offended God because he is so good and loving and we have not responded properly to his friendship. What should we who are blessed be doing with our blessings?
Our Savior, you invite us to share in the glory of the resurrection. Please stay with us as we struggle to see how accepting the crosses of our lives will free us from the power of the one who wants only to destroy our love and trust in you. Help us to be humble and accepting like your Son, Jesus. We want to turn to you with the same trust he had in your love. Save us, Lord. Only you can save us. Amen
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Lenten Journey, March 30, 2010
Father, may we receive your forgiveness and mercy as we celebrate the passion and death of our Lord. Amen
John 13:21-33, 36-38Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant. One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side. So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant. He leaned back against Jesus’ chest and said to him, “Master, who is it?”Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it.” So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him. So Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Now none of those reclining at table realized why he said this to him. Some thought that since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus had told him,“Buy what we need for the feast,” or to give something to the poor. So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night.
When he had left, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, ‘Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you.”
Simon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.” Peter said to him, “Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.”
Holy Week. We are approaching the anniversary of the most important event in history. A moment that shook the world. An event that changes us on a very personal level. We all came into Lent wanting to increase our focus on God; to work on our relationship with God. Yet many of us are drifting. We made commitments to strengthen us at this time of year, to help us focus on Christ’s time of trial. Some of us gave up things to sharpen that focus, others added commitments - to study the scriptures daily. Have we lost our focus? Did we let the business of the world drown out God’s voice?
If we really want to work on our relationship with God, we need to set aside time for God. Time for prayer, time for scripture, or time to just sit and listen. Has our Lent been like the disciples’ Last Supper? Jesus is showing us, but we are not taking the time to see it? Jesus has laid out a banquet before us, but we sit at the feast crying out that we are starving for truth. Now, as we approach Easter, we have a choice. We can beat ourselves up over Lent or we can repent and do better. We can recognize our weaknesses and just quit. Or we can recognize them, ask for forgiveness and move forward to a better relationship and greater things. Not much of a choice when you think about it. And what a gift it is to have that choice.
This is what it is all about. Jesus loves us. Jesus wants a relationship with us. Jesus died so that our sins can be forgiven. Jesus rescues us: the gift of salvation. What an incredibly freeing thing. Today’s prayer is for us who are struggling with our relationship with God. It is that we will recognize and accept this gift. That we will not allow the distractions of the world to steal our joy.
Have a blessed and happy Easter.
God of such unwavering love, how do we "celebrate" the passion and death of Jesus? We often want to look the other way and not watch, not stay with Jesus in his suffering. Give us the strength to see his love with honesty and compassion and to feel deeply your own forgiveness and mercy for us. Help us to understand how to "celebrate" this week as we journey with Jesus so aware of his love for us. Amen
John 13:21-33, 36-38Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant. One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side. So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant. He leaned back against Jesus’ chest and said to him, “Master, who is it?”Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it.” So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him. So Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Now none of those reclining at table realized why he said this to him. Some thought that since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus had told him,“Buy what we need for the feast,” or to give something to the poor. So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night.
When he had left, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, ‘Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you.”
Simon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.” Peter said to him, “Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.”
Holy Week. We are approaching the anniversary of the most important event in history. A moment that shook the world. An event that changes us on a very personal level. We all came into Lent wanting to increase our focus on God; to work on our relationship with God. Yet many of us are drifting. We made commitments to strengthen us at this time of year, to help us focus on Christ’s time of trial. Some of us gave up things to sharpen that focus, others added commitments - to study the scriptures daily. Have we lost our focus? Did we let the business of the world drown out God’s voice?
If we really want to work on our relationship with God, we need to set aside time for God. Time for prayer, time for scripture, or time to just sit and listen. Has our Lent been like the disciples’ Last Supper? Jesus is showing us, but we are not taking the time to see it? Jesus has laid out a banquet before us, but we sit at the feast crying out that we are starving for truth. Now, as we approach Easter, we have a choice. We can beat ourselves up over Lent or we can repent and do better. We can recognize our weaknesses and just quit. Or we can recognize them, ask for forgiveness and move forward to a better relationship and greater things. Not much of a choice when you think about it. And what a gift it is to have that choice.
This is what it is all about. Jesus loves us. Jesus wants a relationship with us. Jesus died so that our sins can be forgiven. Jesus rescues us: the gift of salvation. What an incredibly freeing thing. Today’s prayer is for us who are struggling with our relationship with God. It is that we will recognize and accept this gift. That we will not allow the distractions of the world to steal our joy.
Have a blessed and happy Easter.
God of such unwavering love, how do we "celebrate" the passion and death of Jesus? We often want to look the other way and not watch, not stay with Jesus in his suffering. Give us the strength to see his love with honesty and compassion and to feel deeply your own forgiveness and mercy for us. Help us to understand how to "celebrate" this week as we journey with Jesus so aware of his love for us. Amen
Monday, March 29, 2010
Lenten Journey, March 29, 2010
All-powerful God, by the suffering and death of your Son, strengthen and protect us in our weakness. Amen
John 12:1-11Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him. Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor?” He said this not because he cared about the poorbut because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions. So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.
In today’s Gospel Jesus is comfortable yet apprehensive. He is dining with Lazarus, his close friend whom He brought back to life. Yet Judas raises a fuss about the use of expensive oils on Christ’s feet, as a waste of money. And another source of foreboding is that the chief priests were plotting to kill Lazarus because his being alive was bearing positive witness to the power of Jesus. Many in power feared that and were threatened by it. The forces for Christ and against Him are lining up.
How will we pray with Jesus during these days of Holy Week? Where will we take our place as these events are laid out for us? Christ has aligned Himself with the poor and marginal. But He also spoke to all of us; when we find ourselves at the end of our rope then we know there is less for us but more room for God; when we feel we have lost everything that is most dear to us then we can truly understand the embrace by the One most dear to us; when we show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight then we can finally discover who we are and our place in God’s family. Praise be to the Christ that loves us all, in our times of boasting but most especially in our times of trial.
God of love, Our prayer is simple: Your son, Jesus, suffered and died for us. We know only that we cannot have real strength unless we rely on you. We cannot feel protected from our many weaknesses until we turn to you for forgiveness and your unalterable love. Help us to share this strength, protection and love with others.
John 12:1-11Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him. Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor?” He said this not because he cared about the poorbut because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions. So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.
In today’s Gospel Jesus is comfortable yet apprehensive. He is dining with Lazarus, his close friend whom He brought back to life. Yet Judas raises a fuss about the use of expensive oils on Christ’s feet, as a waste of money. And another source of foreboding is that the chief priests were plotting to kill Lazarus because his being alive was bearing positive witness to the power of Jesus. Many in power feared that and were threatened by it. The forces for Christ and against Him are lining up.
How will we pray with Jesus during these days of Holy Week? Where will we take our place as these events are laid out for us? Christ has aligned Himself with the poor and marginal. But He also spoke to all of us; when we find ourselves at the end of our rope then we know there is less for us but more room for God; when we feel we have lost everything that is most dear to us then we can truly understand the embrace by the One most dear to us; when we show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight then we can finally discover who we are and our place in God’s family. Praise be to the Christ that loves us all, in our times of boasting but most especially in our times of trial.
God of love, Our prayer is simple: Your son, Jesus, suffered and died for us. We know only that we cannot have real strength unless we rely on you. We cannot feel protected from our many weaknesses until we turn to you for forgiveness and your unalterable love. Help us to share this strength, protection and love with others.
Lenten Journey, March 28, 2010
Let us pray for a closer union with Christ during this holy season. Almighty, ever-living God, you have given the human race Jesus Christ our Savior as a model of humility. He fulfilled your will by becoming one of us and giving his life on the cross. Help us to bear witness to you by following his example of suffering and make us worthy to share in his resurrection. Amen
Luke 22:14-20
When the hour came, Jesus took his place at table with the apostles. He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I tell you, I shall not eat it again until there is fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and said, “Take this and share it among yourselves; for I tell you that from this time on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you.
How much ink, paint, marble, and glass have been used to attempt to express a theme, a mood, or a presentation of what it all means. We keep the memory alive each time we gather for the Eucharist. We intensify the meaning during this Holy Week. Each conversation Jesus has, each action, each event of denial or injury, speaks the same reality. The apostles, the Jewish leaders, the soldiers, none understood during these events what he was doing for them. The apostles slept while he prayed his obedient surrender. They fled while he remained faithful. For all the art and words, we still do not fully comprehend the embrace. We can catch fleeting emotions and ideas about what Jesus’ death means, but we have heard it all so often that the embrace can seem more like a handshake or simple nod. There is still some sleeping going on within us as we consider being loved so dearly. There is always the possibility and reality of our denials of his invitations to follow him. What do we do then; with what do we pray during these holy days of our eternal Passover?
Loving God, we are just beginning to realize how much you love us. Your son, Jesus was humble and obedient. He fulfilled your will for him by becoming human and suffering with us. We ask you for the desire to become more humble so that our lives might also bear witness to you. Please, Lord, guide our minds with your truth. Strengthen our lives by the example of Jesus. Help us to be with Jesus this week as he demonstrates again his total love for us. He died so that we would no longer be separated from you. Help us to feel how close you are and to live in union with you. Amen
Luke 22:14-20
When the hour came, Jesus took his place at table with the apostles. He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I tell you, I shall not eat it again until there is fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and said, “Take this and share it among yourselves; for I tell you that from this time on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you.
How much ink, paint, marble, and glass have been used to attempt to express a theme, a mood, or a presentation of what it all means. We keep the memory alive each time we gather for the Eucharist. We intensify the meaning during this Holy Week. Each conversation Jesus has, each action, each event of denial or injury, speaks the same reality. The apostles, the Jewish leaders, the soldiers, none understood during these events what he was doing for them. The apostles slept while he prayed his obedient surrender. They fled while he remained faithful. For all the art and words, we still do not fully comprehend the embrace. We can catch fleeting emotions and ideas about what Jesus’ death means, but we have heard it all so often that the embrace can seem more like a handshake or simple nod. There is still some sleeping going on within us as we consider being loved so dearly. There is always the possibility and reality of our denials of his invitations to follow him. What do we do then; with what do we pray during these holy days of our eternal Passover?
Loving God, we are just beginning to realize how much you love us. Your son, Jesus was humble and obedient. He fulfilled your will for him by becoming human and suffering with us. We ask you for the desire to become more humble so that our lives might also bear witness to you. Please, Lord, guide our minds with your truth. Strengthen our lives by the example of Jesus. Help us to be with Jesus this week as he demonstrates again his total love for us. He died so that we would no longer be separated from you. Help us to feel how close you are and to live in union with you. Amen
Lenten Journey, March 27, 2010
God our Father, you always work to save us, and now we rejoice in the great love you give to your chosen people. Protect all who are about to become your children, and continue to bless those who are already baptized. Amen
John 11:45-56Many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what Jesus had done began to believe in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we going to do? This man is performing many signs. If we leave him alone, all will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our land and our nation.” But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.” He did not say this on his own, but since he was high priest for that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God. So from that day on they planned to kill him.
Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves. They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, “What do you think? Surely he will not come to the feast?”
We see Caiaphas wants to have Jesus silenced and he voices God’s intention “to gather into one the dispersed children of God”, which would come about as a result of Jesus’ death. Today, as we stand on the threshold of Holy Week, in which we will make that saving death present in our own time, it is helpful to reflect both on the unity which God Himself prays for throughout the Bible (e.g., “. . . that they all may be one, as you Father in Me, and I in You . . . that the world may believe . . .”) and on the emphasis throughout on a people, not just individuals.We humans are irreversibly divisive – “we” and “them” in a thousand different guises. It’s embedded in our natures. Thus, clearly, the unity God desires has to be God’s own work. We ourselves can’t do it without being transformed, without being a new creation, without the life that God gives us in baptism – all of which we will re-actualize next Saturday at the Easter vigil. Can we believe it? Dare we believe it?As Christians, as disciples of Jesus, unity – unity within families, unity within nations, unity between nations, unity between churches, and unity within churches – must be our first priority. It can’t be left to someone else. It’s not that there are no differences – “Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female”. There are indeed differences. But, “all are one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28). The differences don’t matter in God’s eyes. God clearly enough sees the flaws that we see in one another, in one group or another, in one religion or another – the flaws that seem to us to block our becoming one. God sees them too. God loves us all anyway. That’s the ultimate basis for unity – a people loved by God. We’re all one around the table of the Lord. We’re all invited to the feast. “We” just have to be willing to sit down with “them”.
Loving God, Your eternal watchfulness keeps us safe from harm. We are filled with a great happiness when we feel your endless love for us. Thank you for your care for us, your children. We ask you to protect from harm those who will soon be your children, joined in the joy of your church. Please continue to pour out your blessings on all of us who have been given the lifegiving waters of baptism. Amen
John 11:45-56Many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what Jesus had done began to believe in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we going to do? This man is performing many signs. If we leave him alone, all will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our land and our nation.” But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.” He did not say this on his own, but since he was high priest for that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God. So from that day on they planned to kill him.
Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves. They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, “What do you think? Surely he will not come to the feast?”
We see Caiaphas wants to have Jesus silenced and he voices God’s intention “to gather into one the dispersed children of God”, which would come about as a result of Jesus’ death. Today, as we stand on the threshold of Holy Week, in which we will make that saving death present in our own time, it is helpful to reflect both on the unity which God Himself prays for throughout the Bible (e.g., “. . . that they all may be one, as you Father in Me, and I in You . . . that the world may believe . . .”) and on the emphasis throughout on a people, not just individuals.We humans are irreversibly divisive – “we” and “them” in a thousand different guises. It’s embedded in our natures. Thus, clearly, the unity God desires has to be God’s own work. We ourselves can’t do it without being transformed, without being a new creation, without the life that God gives us in baptism – all of which we will re-actualize next Saturday at the Easter vigil. Can we believe it? Dare we believe it?As Christians, as disciples of Jesus, unity – unity within families, unity within nations, unity between nations, unity between churches, and unity within churches – must be our first priority. It can’t be left to someone else. It’s not that there are no differences – “Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female”. There are indeed differences. But, “all are one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28). The differences don’t matter in God’s eyes. God clearly enough sees the flaws that we see in one another, in one group or another, in one religion or another – the flaws that seem to us to block our becoming one. God sees them too. God loves us all anyway. That’s the ultimate basis for unity – a people loved by God. We’re all one around the table of the Lord. We’re all invited to the feast. “We” just have to be willing to sit down with “them”.
Loving God, Your eternal watchfulness keeps us safe from harm. We are filled with a great happiness when we feel your endless love for us. Thank you for your care for us, your children. We ask you to protect from harm those who will soon be your children, joined in the joy of your church. Please continue to pour out your blessings on all of us who have been given the lifegiving waters of baptism. Amen
Lenten Journey, March 26, 2010
Lord, grant us your forgiveness, and set us free from our enslavement to sin. Amen
John 10:31-42The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God.” Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods”‘? If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and Scripture cannot be set aside, can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” Then they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power.
He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained. Many came to him and said, “John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true.”And many there began to believe in him.
Today we hear the words of Jesus proclaiming that he is the Son of God. We know that people oftentimes have bad experiences when speaking the truth about their faith. Jesus asks the tough question - for which of my good works do you stone me? His distracters say that they only object to his blasphemy. To which he replies, “your laws say “you are gods.” Here Jesus is referring to judges who, in ancient Israel, were referred to as gods because they were selected for a specific task by God. We know Jesus was sent by God to deliver salvation for mankind. Thus Jesus explains to individual members of the crowd, at different levels, that his ministry here on earth is for the good of mankind. But again - they would not listen.
I know listening is a particular failing of mine. I have a very difficult time listening, truly listening. And I wonder if you have similar experiences. If we cannot listen to those around us, how can we expect to hear the words of Jesus? Quiet, contemplative study of the Bible and associated works will help us to learn and practice the forgotten art to slooow down….and listen.
Most forgiving Lord, again and again you welcome us back into your loving arms. Grant us freedom from the heavy burdens of sin that weigh us down and help us to listen to and experience your love, which transcends all understanding. Amen
John 10:31-42The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God.” Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods”‘? If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and Scripture cannot be set aside, can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” Then they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power.
He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained. Many came to him and said, “John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true.”And many there began to believe in him.
Today we hear the words of Jesus proclaiming that he is the Son of God. We know that people oftentimes have bad experiences when speaking the truth about their faith. Jesus asks the tough question - for which of my good works do you stone me? His distracters say that they only object to his blasphemy. To which he replies, “your laws say “you are gods.” Here Jesus is referring to judges who, in ancient Israel, were referred to as gods because they were selected for a specific task by God. We know Jesus was sent by God to deliver salvation for mankind. Thus Jesus explains to individual members of the crowd, at different levels, that his ministry here on earth is for the good of mankind. But again - they would not listen.
I know listening is a particular failing of mine. I have a very difficult time listening, truly listening. And I wonder if you have similar experiences. If we cannot listen to those around us, how can we expect to hear the words of Jesus? Quiet, contemplative study of the Bible and associated works will help us to learn and practice the forgotten art to slooow down….and listen.
Most forgiving Lord, again and again you welcome us back into your loving arms. Grant us freedom from the heavy burdens of sin that weigh us down and help us to listen to and experience your love, which transcends all understanding. Amen
Lenten Journey, March 25, 2010
Lord, come to us: free us from the stain of our sins. Help us to remain faithful to a holy way of life, and guide us to the inheritance you have promised. Amen
Luke 1:26-38The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Today we hear the wondrous proclamation of the fullness of God’s saving will. Mary responds with a slightly puzzled but generous commitment to give her whole being so that God’s plan may be carried out. Mary, a seemingly ordinary Jewish woman doesn’t ask for a sign so much as she asks about the ordinary laws of nature: “how can this be” that she will become pregnant since she is not having a sexual relationship? She trusts God that this child will serve as an incarnated expression of his love for mankind.
While Mary did not ask for a sign, she did “see” the angel. We understand that God’s message does not always come with angelic appearances. But maybe our imagination of angels and prophets is a bit narrow. We need to be ready to “hear” his call. To do so may require us to study the scriptures and be both more attentive and humble. As we heard in last Sunday’s message, we may have an “angel” who we see as a colleague, friend, or pastor. Or, God may speak to us through a prophetic voice that just happens to be from the person we like least, or don’t want to hear from. Doing daily scripture study, listening with an open heart, and being “with the Lord” on a daily basis, how could we not respond like Mary and Isaiah – and say “Here I am Lord, I have come to do your will.”
Lord, all we want is to be faithful to you in our lives, but so often we fail. Free us from our many sins and guide us to lives we will share with you. We wait for your promise to be fulfilled with great hope in our hearts and your praise on our lips. Amen
Lenten Journey, March 24, 2010
Father of mercy; hear the prayers of your repentant children who call on you in love. Enlighten our minds and sanctify our hearts. Amen
John 8:31-42Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will become free’?”Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains. So if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free. I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you. I tell you what I have seen in the Father’s presence; then do what you have heard from the Father.”
They answered and said to him, “Our father is Abraham.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works of Abraham. But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God; Abraham did not do this. You are doing the works of your father!”So they said to him, “We were not born of fornication. We have one Father, God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am here; I did not come on my own, but he sent me.”
The crowds in the gospel struggle to understand the words of Jesus in explaining being set free – free from the slavery of sin. They are focused on a fragile earthly freedom. They are not listening. They remain focused on earthly foibles. Listening to the words of Jesus and knowing the sacrifice he made for our sins lets us know we are loved. Many of us are slower to forgive ourselves than the forgiveness and grace we know comes from God. Thinking of that love, I recently heard a new arrangement of Amazing Grace. While any version of Amazing Grace will easily fill my soul with gratitude and my eyes with tears, this particular one goes back to some of John Newton’s original words for the final verse and adds in a refrain throughout the song that fits well with today’s gospel. My hope is that you have a similar reaction to mine – each time I hear this I want to throw my arms up high and praise the Lord in humble thanksgiving.
My chains are gone, I’ve been set free My God, my Savior has ransomed me And like a flood His mercy reigns Unending love, amazing grace.
Amazing Grace (My chains are gone) – Chris Tomlin
Loving Creator, we know in your great love for us, you see the deep sorrow in our hearts. Hear our prayers which are offered with such trust in you. Be with us in both mind and heart as we renew our lives in your spirit this Lenten season. Amen.
John 8:31-42Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will become free’?”Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains. So if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free. I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you. I tell you what I have seen in the Father’s presence; then do what you have heard from the Father.”
They answered and said to him, “Our father is Abraham.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works of Abraham. But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God; Abraham did not do this. You are doing the works of your father!”So they said to him, “We were not born of fornication. We have one Father, God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am here; I did not come on my own, but he sent me.”
The crowds in the gospel struggle to understand the words of Jesus in explaining being set free – free from the slavery of sin. They are focused on a fragile earthly freedom. They are not listening. They remain focused on earthly foibles. Listening to the words of Jesus and knowing the sacrifice he made for our sins lets us know we are loved. Many of us are slower to forgive ourselves than the forgiveness and grace we know comes from God. Thinking of that love, I recently heard a new arrangement of Amazing Grace. While any version of Amazing Grace will easily fill my soul with gratitude and my eyes with tears, this particular one goes back to some of John Newton’s original words for the final verse and adds in a refrain throughout the song that fits well with today’s gospel. My hope is that you have a similar reaction to mine – each time I hear this I want to throw my arms up high and praise the Lord in humble thanksgiving.
My chains are gone, I’ve been set free My God, my Savior has ransomed me And like a flood His mercy reigns Unending love, amazing grace.
Amazing Grace (My chains are gone) – Chris Tomlin
Loving Creator, we know in your great love for us, you see the deep sorrow in our hearts. Hear our prayers which are offered with such trust in you. Be with us in both mind and heart as we renew our lives in your spirit this Lenten season. Amen.
Lenten Journey, March 23, 2010
Lord, help us to do your will that your Church may grow and become more faithful in your service.
Put your hope in the Lord. Take courage and be strong. - Ps. 26:14
Jn 8:21-30Jesus said to the Pharisees:“I am going away and you will look for me,but you will die in your sin.Where I am going you cannot come.”So the Jews said,“He is not going to kill himself, is he,because he said, ‘Where I am going you cannot come’?”He said to them, “You belong to what is below,I belong to what is above.You belong to this world,but I do not belong to this world.That is why I told you that you will die in your sins.For if you do not believe that I AM,you will die in your sins.”So they said to him, “Who are you?”Jesus said to them, “What I told you from the beginning.I have much to say about you in condemnation.But the one who sent me is true,and what I heard from him I tell the world.”They did not realize that he was speaking to them of the Father.So Jesus said to them,“When you lift up the Son of Man,then you will realize that I AM,and that I do nothing on my own,but I say only what the Father taught me.The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone,because I always do what is pleasing to him.”Because he spoke this way, many came to believe in him.
Jesus struggles with the people of his time in today’s Gospel...telling them that where he goes, they can not follow unless they believe that Jesus is ‘I Am’.....
Many are confused by his statements, yet others ‘get it’. They get a glimpse of what the real message is.... Jesus’ life was to help us know that WE are loved and that God IS with us, regardless of what we are experiencing in the now. How simple, yet how difficult to grasp such a direct invitation to open ourselves to the God within and around us! It is really about opening to the sacrament of the moment...to ‘make holy’ in the now. As these weeks of Lent continue, our prayer is that we find the moments and spaces to turn to the God who loves us, opening to the life and love that is ours, if only we are willing to ‘tune in’ and allow God’s love to be with us regardless of what happens.
Loving God, You have heard our complaints, our impatience. Sometimes we become frightened when we move away from you. Guide our hearts back to you. Help us to think beyond our own wants and to desire only to do you will.
Thank you for the many blessings in our lives and for the ways we feel your presence.
Amen
O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you. Ps. 102:2
Put your hope in the Lord. Take courage and be strong. - Ps. 26:14
Jn 8:21-30Jesus said to the Pharisees:“I am going away and you will look for me,but you will die in your sin.Where I am going you cannot come.”So the Jews said,“He is not going to kill himself, is he,because he said, ‘Where I am going you cannot come’?”He said to them, “You belong to what is below,I belong to what is above.You belong to this world,but I do not belong to this world.That is why I told you that you will die in your sins.For if you do not believe that I AM,you will die in your sins.”So they said to him, “Who are you?”Jesus said to them, “What I told you from the beginning.I have much to say about you in condemnation.But the one who sent me is true,and what I heard from him I tell the world.”They did not realize that he was speaking to them of the Father.So Jesus said to them,“When you lift up the Son of Man,then you will realize that I AM,and that I do nothing on my own,but I say only what the Father taught me.The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone,because I always do what is pleasing to him.”Because he spoke this way, many came to believe in him.
Jesus struggles with the people of his time in today’s Gospel...telling them that where he goes, they can not follow unless they believe that Jesus is ‘I Am’.....
Many are confused by his statements, yet others ‘get it’. They get a glimpse of what the real message is.... Jesus’ life was to help us know that WE are loved and that God IS with us, regardless of what we are experiencing in the now. How simple, yet how difficult to grasp such a direct invitation to open ourselves to the God within and around us! It is really about opening to the sacrament of the moment...to ‘make holy’ in the now. As these weeks of Lent continue, our prayer is that we find the moments and spaces to turn to the God who loves us, opening to the life and love that is ours, if only we are willing to ‘tune in’ and allow God’s love to be with us regardless of what happens.
Loving God, You have heard our complaints, our impatience. Sometimes we become frightened when we move away from you. Guide our hearts back to you. Help us to think beyond our own wants and to desire only to do you will.
Thank you for the many blessings in our lives and for the ways we feel your presence.
Amen
O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you. Ps. 102:2
Lenten Journey, March 22, 2010
Father of love, source of all blessings, help us to pass from our old life of sin to the new life of grace. Prepare us for the glory of your kingdom.
Jn 8:12-20Jesus spoke to them again, saying,“I am the light of the world.Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,but will have the light of life.” So the Pharisees said to him,“You testify on your own behalf,so your testimony cannot be verified.”Jesus answered and said to them,“Even if I do testify on my own behalf, my testimony can be verified, because I know where I came from and where I am going.But you do not know where I come from or where I am going.You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone.And even if I should judge, my judgment is valid,because I am not alone,but it is I and the Father who sent me.Even in your law it is writtenthat the testimony of two men can be verified.I testify on my behalf and so does the Father who sent me.”So they said to him, “Where is your father?”Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father.If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”He spoke these wordswhile teaching in the treasury in the temple area.But no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.
Jesus chastises the Pharisees for judging based on appearances rather than discerning the truth. They see a man, but Jesus knows that He is the Son of God. He can verify that truth but they cannot, and they are unable to accept His statement that He is the light of the world as the truth that it is. The Pharisees quibble about the veracity of the statements but miss the big picture – Jesus is telling them of His divinity. How often do we judge by physical appearances and not by the underlying content of another’s character? How true is our trust in the Lord? And so our prayer today is to ask for the grace to trust, to let go of fear, to follow the tiny voice inside us that always pulls us toward God.
God of love, We know that you are the source of all that is good and graced in our lives. Help us to move from the life of sin to which we so often cling, into the new life of grace you offer us. You know what we need to prepare for your kingdom. Bless us with those gifts. Amen
Jn 8:12-20Jesus spoke to them again, saying,“I am the light of the world.Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,but will have the light of life.” So the Pharisees said to him,“You testify on your own behalf,so your testimony cannot be verified.”Jesus answered and said to them,“Even if I do testify on my own behalf, my testimony can be verified, because I know where I came from and where I am going.But you do not know where I come from or where I am going.You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone.And even if I should judge, my judgment is valid,because I am not alone,but it is I and the Father who sent me.Even in your law it is writtenthat the testimony of two men can be verified.I testify on my behalf and so does the Father who sent me.”So they said to him, “Where is your father?”Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father.If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”He spoke these wordswhile teaching in the treasury in the temple area.But no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.
Jesus chastises the Pharisees for judging based on appearances rather than discerning the truth. They see a man, but Jesus knows that He is the Son of God. He can verify that truth but they cannot, and they are unable to accept His statement that He is the light of the world as the truth that it is. The Pharisees quibble about the veracity of the statements but miss the big picture – Jesus is telling them of His divinity. How often do we judge by physical appearances and not by the underlying content of another’s character? How true is our trust in the Lord? And so our prayer today is to ask for the grace to trust, to let go of fear, to follow the tiny voice inside us that always pulls us toward God.
God of love, We know that you are the source of all that is good and graced in our lives. Help us to move from the life of sin to which we so often cling, into the new life of grace you offer us. You know what we need to prepare for your kingdom. Bless us with those gifts. Amen
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Lenten Journey, March 21, 2010
Let us pray for the courage to follow Christ.
Jn 8:1-11Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them.Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle.They said to him,“Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery.Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women.So what do you say?”They said this to test him,so that they could have some charge to bring against him.Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger.But when they continued asking him,he straightened up and said to them,“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”Again he bent down and wrote on the ground.And in response, they went away one by one,beginning with the elders.So he was left alone with the woman before him.Then Jesus straightened up and said to her,“Woman, where are they?Has no one condemned you?”She replied, “No one, sir.”Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”
Jesus does something new. He shames the honored of the community and honors the shamed. He writes her sentence in the dirt of the earth with His finger. He is writing a sentence of release for all those who live on the earth upon which He writes here and will write with His Blood. Her accusers slink off one by one into their shameful isolation. She is told to pick up her present from the past and take it all into her future, unshamed and now honored. This is definitely a new thing and it will ultimately redound to His being treated according to the old things.
The verses which follow this section contain Jesus’ proclaiming that He is the “Light of the world”.
Christ, our life, through baptism we were buried with you and rose to new life with you, - may we walk today in newness of life. Lord, you have brought blessings to all mankind, - bring us to share your concern for the good of all. May we work together to build up the earthly city, - with our eyes fixed on the city that lasts forever. Healer of body and soul, cure the sickness of our spirit, - so that we may grow in holiness through your constant care.
Loving God, it's so hard to love the world sometimes and to love it the way Jesus did seems impossible. Help us to be inspired by his love and guided by his example. Amen
Jn 8:1-11Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them.Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle.They said to him,“Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery.Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women.So what do you say?”They said this to test him,so that they could have some charge to bring against him.Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger.But when they continued asking him,he straightened up and said to them,“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”Again he bent down and wrote on the ground.And in response, they went away one by one,beginning with the elders.So he was left alone with the woman before him.Then Jesus straightened up and said to her,“Woman, where are they?Has no one condemned you?”She replied, “No one, sir.”Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”
Jesus does something new. He shames the honored of the community and honors the shamed. He writes her sentence in the dirt of the earth with His finger. He is writing a sentence of release for all those who live on the earth upon which He writes here and will write with His Blood. Her accusers slink off one by one into their shameful isolation. She is told to pick up her present from the past and take it all into her future, unshamed and now honored. This is definitely a new thing and it will ultimately redound to His being treated according to the old things.
The verses which follow this section contain Jesus’ proclaiming that He is the “Light of the world”.
Christ, our life, through baptism we were buried with you and rose to new life with you, - may we walk today in newness of life. Lord, you have brought blessings to all mankind, - bring us to share your concern for the good of all. May we work together to build up the earthly city, - with our eyes fixed on the city that lasts forever. Healer of body and soul, cure the sickness of our spirit, - so that we may grow in holiness through your constant care.
Loving God, it's so hard to love the world sometimes and to love it the way Jesus did seems impossible. Help us to be inspired by his love and guided by his example. Amen
Lenten Journey, March 20, 2010
Lord, guide us in your gentle mercy, for left to ourselves we cannot do your will.
Jn 7:40-53Some in the crowd who heard these words of Jesus said,“This is truly the Prophet.”Others said, “This is the Christ.”But others said, “The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he?Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David’s familyand come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?”So a division occurred in the crowd because of him.Some of them even wanted to arrest him,but no one laid hands on him.
So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees,who asked them, “Why did you not bring him?”The guards answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this man.”So the Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived?Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed.”Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them, “Does our law condemn a man before it first hears himand finds out what he is doing?”They answered and said to him,“You are not from Galilee also, are you?Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”Then each went to his own house.
Do you ever feel under attack? The attacks may be like those posed by some in the crowd against Jesus – questioning your credibility and worth. In the gospel story we don’t hear Jesus speak, nor do we even hear here what Jesus is thinking about this debate in the crowd. No doubt Jesus saw the guards assigned to take him, perhaps lurking around the edges of the crowd arguing amongst themselves. If you are feeling under attack, consider reflecting on the story from the perspective of Jesus sensing the threat of attacks, but yet also seeing that in spite of that there are some who recognize worth in his teaching and some of these are even willing to speak up on his behalf.
Perhaps you can relate to those in the crowd who spoke highly of Jesus only to be criticized by others. Or, perhaps you can relate to the guards who recognized that Jesus spoke a different kind of wisdom and refused to comply with the orders of the chief priests and Pharisees and then were ridiculed for it. What about the teachings of Jesus makes you confident to say that he is a Prophet or the Christ? In a room full of detractors, what gives you the motivation and courage to speak up like Nicodemus to question the group-think assumptions in the room?
The conflict around Jesus grows. And all the while, we are turning to God for mercy. What Jesus went through is for us, that we might have mercy and the gift of everlasting life.
May we keep our bodies pure, as temples of the Holy Spirit. May we offer ourselves this day to the service of others, and do your will in all things throughout the day. Teach us to seek the bread of everlasting life, the bread that is your gift. Amen
Jn 7:40-53Some in the crowd who heard these words of Jesus said,“This is truly the Prophet.”Others said, “This is the Christ.”But others said, “The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he?Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David’s familyand come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?”So a division occurred in the crowd because of him.Some of them even wanted to arrest him,but no one laid hands on him.
So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees,who asked them, “Why did you not bring him?”The guards answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this man.”So the Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived?Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed.”Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them, “Does our law condemn a man before it first hears himand finds out what he is doing?”They answered and said to him,“You are not from Galilee also, are you?Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”Then each went to his own house.
Do you ever feel under attack? The attacks may be like those posed by some in the crowd against Jesus – questioning your credibility and worth. In the gospel story we don’t hear Jesus speak, nor do we even hear here what Jesus is thinking about this debate in the crowd. No doubt Jesus saw the guards assigned to take him, perhaps lurking around the edges of the crowd arguing amongst themselves. If you are feeling under attack, consider reflecting on the story from the perspective of Jesus sensing the threat of attacks, but yet also seeing that in spite of that there are some who recognize worth in his teaching and some of these are even willing to speak up on his behalf.
Perhaps you can relate to those in the crowd who spoke highly of Jesus only to be criticized by others. Or, perhaps you can relate to the guards who recognized that Jesus spoke a different kind of wisdom and refused to comply with the orders of the chief priests and Pharisees and then were ridiculed for it. What about the teachings of Jesus makes you confident to say that he is a Prophet or the Christ? In a room full of detractors, what gives you the motivation and courage to speak up like Nicodemus to question the group-think assumptions in the room?
The conflict around Jesus grows. And all the while, we are turning to God for mercy. What Jesus went through is for us, that we might have mercy and the gift of everlasting life.
May we keep our bodies pure, as temples of the Holy Spirit. May we offer ourselves this day to the service of others, and do your will in all things throughout the day. Teach us to seek the bread of everlasting life, the bread that is your gift. Amen
Lenten Journey, March 19, 2010
Father, our source of life, your know our weakness. May we reach out with joy to grasp your hand and walk more readily in your ways.
Psalm 86 various
The promises of the Lord I will sing forever;through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness,For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”;in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
“I have made a covenant with my chosen one,I have sworn to David my servant:Forever will I confirm your posterityand establish your throne for all generations.”
“He shall say of me, ‘You are my father,my God, the Rock, my savior.’Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,and my covenant with him stands firm.”
Even if it hasn't been easy to get really engaged with Lent so far, we can still make a beginning, even now. The key is openness and desire. If we can feel any attraction, any sign that the Lord is possibly drawing us, then the Lord can work with us - no matter what resistance or fear we might also be experiencing. All we have to do is act out of these desires and simply ask the Lord for the grace to help us be more honest and more open to what he is offering us. For example, we can ask for the grace to examine our consciences more thoroughly. We could try a different approach to facing any resistance we might have to the Lord's working in us. We might not commit the big sins, but we may not have examined what we fail to do. Who am I failing to love, to forgive, to be generous to? From whom am I withholding affection, care, reconciliation? Where can I live more honestly, with more integrity? How might I proactively change patterns of escape with patterns of care for others? It is a time of grace if we can experience moments of "recognition," or self-understanding. It is grace to feel grateful to the Lord for showing us obstacles to the life he is offering us. It is grace to feel our spirits lighten as we feel drawn to greater freedom and peace.This week, let us give thanks to the Lord who deeply desires our greater freedom and joy. As we go to bed each night, let us thank the Lord for what we saw that day and renew our desires for the next day of grace.
Loving God of forgiveness, we come before you humbled and sad in the face of our own repeated failings. We hold out our hands as a petitioner would, asking for mercy. It is then that we feel you reach out and take our hands in your loving grasp. Thank you for the love you pour out on us so lavishly. Help us to follow more closely in the path you have set for us, the path of your Son.
Psalm 86 various
The promises of the Lord I will sing forever;through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness,For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”;in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
“I have made a covenant with my chosen one,I have sworn to David my servant:Forever will I confirm your posterityand establish your throne for all generations.”
“He shall say of me, ‘You are my father,my God, the Rock, my savior.’Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,and my covenant with him stands firm.”
Even if it hasn't been easy to get really engaged with Lent so far, we can still make a beginning, even now. The key is openness and desire. If we can feel any attraction, any sign that the Lord is possibly drawing us, then the Lord can work with us - no matter what resistance or fear we might also be experiencing. All we have to do is act out of these desires and simply ask the Lord for the grace to help us be more honest and more open to what he is offering us. For example, we can ask for the grace to examine our consciences more thoroughly. We could try a different approach to facing any resistance we might have to the Lord's working in us. We might not commit the big sins, but we may not have examined what we fail to do. Who am I failing to love, to forgive, to be generous to? From whom am I withholding affection, care, reconciliation? Where can I live more honestly, with more integrity? How might I proactively change patterns of escape with patterns of care for others? It is a time of grace if we can experience moments of "recognition," or self-understanding. It is grace to feel grateful to the Lord for showing us obstacles to the life he is offering us. It is grace to feel our spirits lighten as we feel drawn to greater freedom and peace.This week, let us give thanks to the Lord who deeply desires our greater freedom and joy. As we go to bed each night, let us thank the Lord for what we saw that day and renew our desires for the next day of grace.
Loving God of forgiveness, we come before you humbled and sad in the face of our own repeated failings. We hold out our hands as a petitioner would, asking for mercy. It is then that we feel you reach out and take our hands in your loving grasp. Thank you for the love you pour out on us so lavishly. Help us to follow more closely in the path you have set for us, the path of your Son.
Lenten Journey, March 18
Let us Pray: Lord, be with us today. Help us live so that there is “More of Thee, and less of me” in our daily actions. Amen
Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord. Seek the Lord and his strength, seek always the face of the Lord. Psalm 104:3-4
Jn 5:31-47Jesus said to the Jews: “If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true.But there is another who testifies on my behalf,and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true.You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth.I do not accept human testimony,but I say this so that you may be saved.He was a burning and shining lamp,and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light.But I have testimony greater than John’s.The works that the Father gave me to accomplish,these works that I perform testify on my behalfthat the Father has sent me.
Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf.But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form,and you do not have his word remaining in you,because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent.You search the Scriptures,because you think you have eternal life through them;even they testify on my behalf.But you do not want to come to me to have life.
“I do not accept human praise;moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you. I came in the name of my Father,but you do not accept me;yet if another comes in his own name,you will accept him.How can you believe, when you accept praise from one anotherand do not seek the praise that comes from the only God?Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father:the one who will accuse you is Moses,in whom you have placed your hope.For if you had believed Moses,you would have believed me,because he wrote about me. But if you do not believe his writings,how will you believe my words?”
Today’s Gospel shows the struggle Jesus is having with the Jewish community. He wants them to take Him seriously. Jesus said to the Jews: “If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true….But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave to me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.” Many theologians believe that Jesus came to know more clearly what his mission in life was while he spent 40 days and nights in the desert. He came to understand the “works” that his Father had given Him to accomplish.Those “works” were to show – by his words and actions – who He was and to show us how to cultivate a prayerful relationship with the Father, to forgive, and to love one another as God loves us. In our 40 days how might we come to know more clearly our mission and call from the Father. We can cultivate a closer prayerful relationship with our Father,we can forgive others for what they have done to us; to forgive ourselves because God has forgiven us first. We can love one another as children of God. During Holy Week we join Jesus as He carries the cross for us and spend time in reflecting on His Passion. All of Jesus’ deeds and actions are for us.
Teach us to enter more deeply into the mystery of the Church, that it may be more effective for ourselves and for the world as the sacrament of salvation. Lover of mankind, inspire us to work for human progress, seeking to spread your kingdom in all we do. May our hearts thirst for Christ, the fountain of living water. Forgive us our sins, and direct our steps into the ways of justice and sincerity.
Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord. Seek the Lord and his strength, seek always the face of the Lord. Psalm 104:3-4
Jn 5:31-47Jesus said to the Jews: “If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true.But there is another who testifies on my behalf,and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true.You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth.I do not accept human testimony,but I say this so that you may be saved.He was a burning and shining lamp,and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light.But I have testimony greater than John’s.The works that the Father gave me to accomplish,these works that I perform testify on my behalfthat the Father has sent me.
Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf.But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form,and you do not have his word remaining in you,because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent.You search the Scriptures,because you think you have eternal life through them;even they testify on my behalf.But you do not want to come to me to have life.
“I do not accept human praise;moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you. I came in the name of my Father,but you do not accept me;yet if another comes in his own name,you will accept him.How can you believe, when you accept praise from one anotherand do not seek the praise that comes from the only God?Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father:the one who will accuse you is Moses,in whom you have placed your hope.For if you had believed Moses,you would have believed me,because he wrote about me. But if you do not believe his writings,how will you believe my words?”
Today’s Gospel shows the struggle Jesus is having with the Jewish community. He wants them to take Him seriously. Jesus said to the Jews: “If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true….But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave to me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.” Many theologians believe that Jesus came to know more clearly what his mission in life was while he spent 40 days and nights in the desert. He came to understand the “works” that his Father had given Him to accomplish.Those “works” were to show – by his words and actions – who He was and to show us how to cultivate a prayerful relationship with the Father, to forgive, and to love one another as God loves us. In our 40 days how might we come to know more clearly our mission and call from the Father. We can cultivate a closer prayerful relationship with our Father,we can forgive others for what they have done to us; to forgive ourselves because God has forgiven us first. We can love one another as children of God. During Holy Week we join Jesus as He carries the cross for us and spend time in reflecting on His Passion. All of Jesus’ deeds and actions are for us.
Teach us to enter more deeply into the mystery of the Church, that it may be more effective for ourselves and for the world as the sacrament of salvation. Lover of mankind, inspire us to work for human progress, seeking to spread your kingdom in all we do. May our hearts thirst for Christ, the fountain of living water. Forgive us our sins, and direct our steps into the ways of justice and sincerity.
Lenten Journey, March 17, 2010
Lord, you reward virtue and forgive the repentant sinner. Grant us your forgiveness as we come before you confessing our guilt. Through your son Jesus we ask this. Amen
Jn 5:17-30Jesus answered the Jews: “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.”For this reason they tried all the more to kill him,because he not only broke the sabbathbut he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God.
Jesus answered and said to them,“Amen, amen, I say to you, the Son cannot do anything on his own,but only what he sees the Father doing;for what he does, the Son will do also.For the Father loves the Sonand shows him everything that he himself does,and he will show him greater works than these,so that you may be amazed.For just as the Father raises the dead and gives life,so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes.Nor does the Father judge anyone,but he has given all judgment to the Son,so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father.Whoever does not honor the Sondoes not honor the Father who sent him.Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my wordand believes in the one who sent mehas eternal life and will not come to condemnation,but has passed from death to life.
Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now herewhen the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God,and those who hear will live.For just as the Father has life in himself,so also he gave to the Son the possession of life in himself.And he gave him power to exercise judgment,because he is the Son of Man.Do not be amazed at this,because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombswill hear his voice and will come out,those who have done good deedsto the resurrection of life,but those who have done wicked deedsto the resurrection of condemnation.
“I cannot do anything on my own;I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just,because I do not seek my own willbut the will of the one who sent me.”
In the marvelous discourse that follows his sign of healing, Jesus says, "I am not seeking my own will but the will of him who sent me." We are filled with a sense of sorrow and gratitude, as we see what he did for us.
Help us to receive good things from your bounty with a deep sense of gratitude;-and to accept with patience the evil that comes to us.Teach us to be loving not only in great and exceptional moments,-but above all in the ordinary events of daily life.May we abstain from what we do not really need,-and help our brothers and sisters in distress.May we bear the wounds of your Son,-for through his body he gave us life.
Loving and merciful God, We are so aware of our sins and weaknesses. But as painfully aware of my faults as we are, Let us also remember your tender love, your gentle and limitless forgiveness. We come before you filled with pain and guilt but look into your eyes and see the forgiving love we so long for in our lives. Help us to forgive the same way. Teach us to love as you love.
Jn 5:17-30Jesus answered the Jews: “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.”For this reason they tried all the more to kill him,because he not only broke the sabbathbut he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God.
Jesus answered and said to them,“Amen, amen, I say to you, the Son cannot do anything on his own,but only what he sees the Father doing;for what he does, the Son will do also.For the Father loves the Sonand shows him everything that he himself does,and he will show him greater works than these,so that you may be amazed.For just as the Father raises the dead and gives life,so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes.Nor does the Father judge anyone,but he has given all judgment to the Son,so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father.Whoever does not honor the Sondoes not honor the Father who sent him.Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my wordand believes in the one who sent mehas eternal life and will not come to condemnation,but has passed from death to life.
Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now herewhen the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God,and those who hear will live.For just as the Father has life in himself,so also he gave to the Son the possession of life in himself.And he gave him power to exercise judgment,because he is the Son of Man.Do not be amazed at this,because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombswill hear his voice and will come out,those who have done good deedsto the resurrection of life,but those who have done wicked deedsto the resurrection of condemnation.
“I cannot do anything on my own;I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just,because I do not seek my own willbut the will of the one who sent me.”
In the marvelous discourse that follows his sign of healing, Jesus says, "I am not seeking my own will but the will of him who sent me." We are filled with a sense of sorrow and gratitude, as we see what he did for us.
Help us to receive good things from your bounty with a deep sense of gratitude;-and to accept with patience the evil that comes to us.Teach us to be loving not only in great and exceptional moments,-but above all in the ordinary events of daily life.May we abstain from what we do not really need,-and help our brothers and sisters in distress.May we bear the wounds of your Son,-for through his body he gave us life.
Loving and merciful God, We are so aware of our sins and weaknesses. But as painfully aware of my faults as we are, Let us also remember your tender love, your gentle and limitless forgiveness. We come before you filled with pain and guilt but look into your eyes and see the forgiving love we so long for in our lives. Help us to forgive the same way. Teach us to love as you love.
Lenten Journey, March 16, 2010
The LORD of hosts is with us;our stronghold is the God of Jacob.Come! behold the deeds of the LORD,the astounding things he has wrought on earth.
Psalm 46 8-9Jn 5:1-16There was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.Now there is in Jerusalem at the Sheep Gatea pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticoes.In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled.One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years.When Jesus saw him lying thereand knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him,“Do you want to be well?”The sick man answered him,“Sir, I have no one to put me into the poolwhen the water is stirred up;while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me.”Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.”Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked.
Now that day was a sabbath.So the Jews said to the man who was cured,“It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your mat.” He answered them, “The man who made me well told me,‘Take up your mat and walk.’“They asked him,“Who is the man who told you, ‘Take it up and walk’?”The man who was healed did not know who it was,for Jesus had slipped away, since there was a crowd there.After this Jesus found him in the temple area and said to him,“Look, you are well; do not sin any more,so that nothing worse may happen to you.”The man went and told the Jewsthat Jesus was the one who had made him well.Therefore, the Jews began to persecute Jesusbecause he did this on a sabbath.
Like the nourishing water flows all the time, always supporting the fish, always watering the trees, always healing, the love of God and his healing energy never stops. Not even on the Sabbath. Maybe especially not on the Sabbath. I understand the whole idea of a day of rest, but sometimes people need emergency medical care on the Sabbath, and I think it would be preferable to be “worked on” during the Sabbath rather than dying because care was not available. Jesus seemed to think that this man should not have to wait for his medical care, for his healing. Like the healing waters that do not dry up on the Sabbath, Jesus was expressing that the love of God is a continual state. God’s love and his care for his people is our stronghold. And it doesn’t take a day off.
May your Holy Spirit be our teacher, that we may encourage those in doubt and error to follow what is true and good.Enable us to enter more deeply into the mystery of your Anointed One, that our lives may reveal him more effectively. Purify and renew your Church in this time of salvation, that it may give an ever greater witness to you.
Psalm 46 8-9Jn 5:1-16There was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.Now there is in Jerusalem at the Sheep Gatea pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticoes.In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled.One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years.When Jesus saw him lying thereand knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him,“Do you want to be well?”The sick man answered him,“Sir, I have no one to put me into the poolwhen the water is stirred up;while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me.”Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.”Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked.
Now that day was a sabbath.So the Jews said to the man who was cured,“It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your mat.” He answered them, “The man who made me well told me,‘Take up your mat and walk.’“They asked him,“Who is the man who told you, ‘Take it up and walk’?”The man who was healed did not know who it was,for Jesus had slipped away, since there was a crowd there.After this Jesus found him in the temple area and said to him,“Look, you are well; do not sin any more,so that nothing worse may happen to you.”The man went and told the Jewsthat Jesus was the one who had made him well.Therefore, the Jews began to persecute Jesusbecause he did this on a sabbath.
Like the nourishing water flows all the time, always supporting the fish, always watering the trees, always healing, the love of God and his healing energy never stops. Not even on the Sabbath. Maybe especially not on the Sabbath. I understand the whole idea of a day of rest, but sometimes people need emergency medical care on the Sabbath, and I think it would be preferable to be “worked on” during the Sabbath rather than dying because care was not available. Jesus seemed to think that this man should not have to wait for his medical care, for his healing. Like the healing waters that do not dry up on the Sabbath, Jesus was expressing that the love of God is a continual state. God’s love and his care for his people is our stronghold. And it doesn’t take a day off.
May your Holy Spirit be our teacher, that we may encourage those in doubt and error to follow what is true and good.Enable us to enter more deeply into the mystery of your Anointed One, that our lives may reveal him more effectively. Purify and renew your Church in this time of salvation, that it may give an ever greater witness to you.
Lenten Journey, March 15, 2010
Sing praise to the LORD, you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger lasts but a moment; a lifetime, his good will. At nightfall, weeping enters in, but with the dawn, rejoicing.“Hear, O LORD, and have pity on me; O LORD, be my helper.”You changed my mourning into dancing; O LORD, my God, forever will I give you thanks.
Psalm 30 various
Is 65:17-21
Thus says the LORD:Lo, I am about to create new heavensand a new earth;The things of the past shall not be rememberedor come to mind.Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happinessin what I create;For I create Jerusalem to be a joyand its people to be a delight;I will rejoice in Jerusalemand exult in my people.No longer shall the sound of weeping be heard there,or the sound of crying;No longer shall there be in itan infant who lives but a few days,or an old man who does not round out his full lifetime;He dies a mere youth who reaches but a hundred years,and he who fails of a hundred shall be thought accursed.They shall live in the houses they build,and eat the fruit of the vineyards they plant.
The passage from Isaiah is curiously upbeat for Lent, and especially for this point in Lent. The prophet stresses the fact that God will make a new beginning, and the terms he uses seem to indicate that this will even be a new creation. He begins on the outside, with the "new heaven" and the "new earth," then moves to the rennovation of the lives of the people. He also points to an end to suffering and death, and we read all this just two weeks before we begin Holy Week.
We might notice as well that the psalm, which today we use as our opening prayer, reflects this joy: "At nightfall weeping enters in, but with the dawn rejoicing" and "You changed my mourning into dancing."
Could the Church be calling us, in the midst of our penitence and fasting, to realize what this season of Lent celebrates, where it is actually going? Christ lived and suffered and died for us, but He is not calling us to pain and death but to His Glorious Kingdom.
This is the Jesus, who "for the joy set before Him endured the cross" (Hebrews 12:2). This is the Jesus who calls us to follow Him in trust, in love, and in hope, and that in itself is a cause for joy.
God of power and mercy, give us the spirit of prayer and repentance, with burning love for you and for all mankind. Help us to work with you in making all things new in Christ, and in spreading justice and peace throughout the world.
Psalm 30 various
Is 65:17-21
Thus says the LORD:Lo, I am about to create new heavensand a new earth;The things of the past shall not be rememberedor come to mind.Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happinessin what I create;For I create Jerusalem to be a joyand its people to be a delight;I will rejoice in Jerusalemand exult in my people.No longer shall the sound of weeping be heard there,or the sound of crying;No longer shall there be in itan infant who lives but a few days,or an old man who does not round out his full lifetime;He dies a mere youth who reaches but a hundred years,and he who fails of a hundred shall be thought accursed.They shall live in the houses they build,and eat the fruit of the vineyards they plant.
The passage from Isaiah is curiously upbeat for Lent, and especially for this point in Lent. The prophet stresses the fact that God will make a new beginning, and the terms he uses seem to indicate that this will even be a new creation. He begins on the outside, with the "new heaven" and the "new earth," then moves to the rennovation of the lives of the people. He also points to an end to suffering and death, and we read all this just two weeks before we begin Holy Week.
We might notice as well that the psalm, which today we use as our opening prayer, reflects this joy: "At nightfall weeping enters in, but with the dawn rejoicing" and "You changed my mourning into dancing."
Could the Church be calling us, in the midst of our penitence and fasting, to realize what this season of Lent celebrates, where it is actually going? Christ lived and suffered and died for us, but He is not calling us to pain and death but to His Glorious Kingdom.
This is the Jesus, who "for the joy set before Him endured the cross" (Hebrews 12:2). This is the Jesus who calls us to follow Him in trust, in love, and in hope, and that in itself is a cause for joy.
God of power and mercy, give us the spirit of prayer and repentance, with burning love for you and for all mankind. Help us to work with you in making all things new in Christ, and in spreading justice and peace throughout the world.
Lenten Journey, March 14, 2010
Let us pray for a greater faith and love.
2 Cor 5:17-21
Brothers and sisters:
Whoever is in Christ is a new creation:
the old things have passed away;
behold, new things have come.
And all this is from God,
who has reconciled us to himself through Christ
and given us the ministry of reconciliation,
namely, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,
not counting their trespasses against them
and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
So we are ambassadors for Christ,
as if God were appealing through us.
We implore you on behalf of Christ,
be reconciled to God.
For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin,
so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
This Sunday has such a joy-filled tone. We enter into the second part of Lent with a spirit of eagerness. Our celebration of the mercy and life given to us in Jesus is near. This letter to the Corinthians can be a meditation for the week. The old order has passed away. “Now we are ambassadors for Christ” and we have been "given the ministry of reconciliation." We can ask to be "lifted up" with Jesus in his surrender with the Father: lifted up on the cross and therefore, lifted up in Glory. And, we can express our desire to be an instrument of his healing love, in the hearts of those to whom he sends us.
Loving Father, We feel the pace quicken, the time draw near. We are filled with joy as we move toward Easter and the promised reconciliation with you. Teach us to follow the example of your Son, to be worthy of being called one as his people: as Christ-ians. Help us to live each day as he did turning hatred to love and conflict to peace. We await the new life with eagerness, faith and a deep gratitude.
“Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.” Ps. 34
2 Cor 5:17-21
Brothers and sisters:
Whoever is in Christ is a new creation:
the old things have passed away;
behold, new things have come.
And all this is from God,
who has reconciled us to himself through Christ
and given us the ministry of reconciliation,
namely, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,
not counting their trespasses against them
and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
So we are ambassadors for Christ,
as if God were appealing through us.
We implore you on behalf of Christ,
be reconciled to God.
For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin,
so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
This Sunday has such a joy-filled tone. We enter into the second part of Lent with a spirit of eagerness. Our celebration of the mercy and life given to us in Jesus is near. This letter to the Corinthians can be a meditation for the week. The old order has passed away. “Now we are ambassadors for Christ” and we have been "given the ministry of reconciliation." We can ask to be "lifted up" with Jesus in his surrender with the Father: lifted up on the cross and therefore, lifted up in Glory. And, we can express our desire to be an instrument of his healing love, in the hearts of those to whom he sends us.
Loving Father, We feel the pace quicken, the time draw near. We are filled with joy as we move toward Easter and the promised reconciliation with you. Teach us to follow the example of your Son, to be worthy of being called one as his people: as Christ-ians. Help us to live each day as he did turning hatred to love and conflict to peace. We await the new life with eagerness, faith and a deep gratitude.
“Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.” Ps. 34
Lenten Journey, March 13, 2010
Merciful Father, fill our hearts with your love and keep us faithful to the gospel of Christ. Give us the grace to rise above our human weakness.
Hosea 14: 2-10
Thus says the LORD:Return, O Israel, to the LORD, your God;you have collapsed through your guilt.
Take with you words,and return to the LORD;Say to him, “Forgive all iniquity,and receive what is good, that we may renderas offerings the bullocks from our stalls.Assyria will not save us,nor shall we have horses to mount;
We shall say no more, ‘Our god,’to the work of our hands;for in you the orphan finds compassion.”
I will heal their defection, says the LORD,I will love them freely;for my wrath is turned away from them.I will be like the dew for Israel:he shall blossom like the lily;
He shall strike root like the Lebanon cedar,and put forth his shoots.His splendor shall be like the olive treeand his fragrance like the Lebanon cedar.Again they shall dwell in his shadeand raise grain;They shall blossom like the vine,and his fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon.
Ephraim! What more has he to do with idols?I have humbled him, but I will prosper him.“I am like a verdant cypress tree”– Because of me you bear fruit!
Let him who is wise understand these things;let him who is prudent know them.Straight are the paths of the LORD,in them the just walk,but sinners stumble in them.
In this Lenten season, we find comfort in Hosea’s record of God’s response: “I will heal their defection, says the Lord, I will love them freely; for my wrath is turned away from them.” His imagery of moisture, green leaves, tender blossoms, and juicy fruit coming forth in the midst of an arid land resonates with us here in the snow-covered Midwest as we wait for spring. Like the desert, our snow-covered world presents a lifeless vista that is waiting for the breath of God. Although we have a glimpse of this living breath each spring, in another sense our world seems to remain always in winter as we await the fulfillment of all things, including the promise of bodily resurrection and a world where death no longer dwells with us.
But while we wait for that fulfillment, we know that God has breathed His life into us, and through divine love the dust from which we are formed has become beloved. He invites us to dwell with Him and with one other in relationships transformed by His love.
God of Mercy, We feel my heart overflowing with your tenderness. We sense your loving touch deep within my soul. We ask for your help in my weakness that we might be faithful to your word and we are so grateful that your mercy for our failings is as strong as your unbounded love for us. Amen
Hosea 14: 2-10
Thus says the LORD:Return, O Israel, to the LORD, your God;you have collapsed through your guilt.
Take with you words,and return to the LORD;Say to him, “Forgive all iniquity,and receive what is good, that we may renderas offerings the bullocks from our stalls.Assyria will not save us,nor shall we have horses to mount;
We shall say no more, ‘Our god,’to the work of our hands;for in you the orphan finds compassion.”
I will heal their defection, says the LORD,I will love them freely;for my wrath is turned away from them.I will be like the dew for Israel:he shall blossom like the lily;
He shall strike root like the Lebanon cedar,and put forth his shoots.His splendor shall be like the olive treeand his fragrance like the Lebanon cedar.Again they shall dwell in his shadeand raise grain;They shall blossom like the vine,and his fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon.
Ephraim! What more has he to do with idols?I have humbled him, but I will prosper him.“I am like a verdant cypress tree”– Because of me you bear fruit!
Let him who is wise understand these things;let him who is prudent know them.Straight are the paths of the LORD,in them the just walk,but sinners stumble in them.
In this Lenten season, we find comfort in Hosea’s record of God’s response: “I will heal their defection, says the Lord, I will love them freely; for my wrath is turned away from them.” His imagery of moisture, green leaves, tender blossoms, and juicy fruit coming forth in the midst of an arid land resonates with us here in the snow-covered Midwest as we wait for spring. Like the desert, our snow-covered world presents a lifeless vista that is waiting for the breath of God. Although we have a glimpse of this living breath each spring, in another sense our world seems to remain always in winter as we await the fulfillment of all things, including the promise of bodily resurrection and a world where death no longer dwells with us.
But while we wait for that fulfillment, we know that God has breathed His life into us, and through divine love the dust from which we are formed has become beloved. He invites us to dwell with Him and with one other in relationships transformed by His love.
God of Mercy, We feel my heart overflowing with your tenderness. We sense your loving touch deep within my soul. We ask for your help in my weakness that we might be faithful to your word and we are so grateful that your mercy for our failings is as strong as your unbounded love for us. Amen
Lenten Journey, March 12
Merciful Father, fill our hearts with your love and keep us faithful to the gospel of Christ. Give us the grace to rise above our human weakness.
Hosea 14: 2-10
Thus says the LORD:Return, O Israel, to the LORD, your God;you have collapsed through your guilt.
Take with you words,and return to the LORD;Say to him, “Forgive all iniquity,and receive what is good, that we may renderas offerings the bullocks from our stalls.Assyria will not save us,nor shall we have horses to mount;
We shall say no more, ‘Our god,’to the work of our hands;for in you the orphan finds compassion.”
I will heal their defection, says the LORD,I will love them freely;for my wrath is turned away from them.I will be like the dew for Israel:he shall blossom like the lily;
He shall strike root like the Lebanon cedar,and put forth his shoots.His splendor shall be like the olive treeand his fragrance like the Lebanon cedar.Again they shall dwell in his shadeand raise grain;They shall blossom like the vine,and his fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon.
Ephraim! What more has he to do with idols?I have humbled him, but I will prosper him.“I am like a verdant cypress tree”– Because of me you bear fruit!
Let him who is wise understand these things;let him who is prudent know them.Straight are the paths of the LORD,in them the just walk,but sinners stumble in them.
In this Lenten season, we find comfort in Hosea’s record of God’s response: “I will heal their defection, says the Lord, I will love them freely; for my wrath is turned away from them.” His imagery of moisture, green leaves, tender blossoms, and juicy fruit coming forth in the midst of an arid land resonates with us here in the snow-covered Midwest as we wait for spring. Like the desert, our snow-covered world presents a lifeless vista that is waiting for the breath of God. Although we have a glimpse of this living breath each spring, in another sense our world seems to remain always in winter as we await the fulfillment of all things, including the promise of bodily resurrection and a world where death no longer dwells with us.
But while we wait for that fulfillment, we know that God has breathed His life into us, and through divine love the dust from which we are formed has become beloved. He invites us to dwell with Him and with one other in relationships transformed by His love.
God of Mercy, We feel my heart overflowing with your tenderness. We sense your loving touch deep within my soul. We ask for your help in my weakness that we might be faithful to your word and we are so grateful that your mercy for our failings is as strong as your unbounded love for us. Amen
Hosea 14: 2-10
Thus says the LORD:Return, O Israel, to the LORD, your God;you have collapsed through your guilt.
Take with you words,and return to the LORD;Say to him, “Forgive all iniquity,and receive what is good, that we may renderas offerings the bullocks from our stalls.Assyria will not save us,nor shall we have horses to mount;
We shall say no more, ‘Our god,’to the work of our hands;for in you the orphan finds compassion.”
I will heal their defection, says the LORD,I will love them freely;for my wrath is turned away from them.I will be like the dew for Israel:he shall blossom like the lily;
He shall strike root like the Lebanon cedar,and put forth his shoots.His splendor shall be like the olive treeand his fragrance like the Lebanon cedar.Again they shall dwell in his shadeand raise grain;They shall blossom like the vine,and his fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon.
Ephraim! What more has he to do with idols?I have humbled him, but I will prosper him.“I am like a verdant cypress tree”– Because of me you bear fruit!
Let him who is wise understand these things;let him who is prudent know them.Straight are the paths of the LORD,in them the just walk,but sinners stumble in them.
In this Lenten season, we find comfort in Hosea’s record of God’s response: “I will heal their defection, says the Lord, I will love them freely; for my wrath is turned away from them.” His imagery of moisture, green leaves, tender blossoms, and juicy fruit coming forth in the midst of an arid land resonates with us here in the snow-covered Midwest as we wait for spring. Like the desert, our snow-covered world presents a lifeless vista that is waiting for the breath of God. Although we have a glimpse of this living breath each spring, in another sense our world seems to remain always in winter as we await the fulfillment of all things, including the promise of bodily resurrection and a world where death no longer dwells with us.
But while we wait for that fulfillment, we know that God has breathed His life into us, and through divine love the dust from which we are formed has become beloved. He invites us to dwell with Him and with one other in relationships transformed by His love.
God of Mercy, We feel my heart overflowing with your tenderness. We sense your loving touch deep within my soul. We ask for your help in my weakness that we might be faithful to your word and we are so grateful that your mercy for our failings is as strong as your unbounded love for us. Amen
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Lenten Journey, March 11, 2010
Father, Make our love grow each day as we approach the feast of our salvation. AMEN
Psalm 95 various versus
Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;let us joyfully sing psalms to him.
Come, let us bow down in worship;let us kneel before the LORD who made us.For he is our God,
Oh, that today you would hear his voice:Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,as in the day of Massah in the desert,Where your fathers tempted me;they tested me though they had seen my works.
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Todays Psalm refrain is haunting, but what does it mean for us? Would we really harden our hearts, and not listen to God? Or is it true that not listening and not acting on what the voice says is what actually happens in the heat and hurry of our everyday lives? God of mercy, help us today to grow in your likeness, that we who sinned in Adam may rise again in Christ. Let your word be a lamp to guide us, that we may live the truth and grow always in your love. Teach us to be faithful in seeking the common good for your sake, that your light may shine on the whole human family by means of your Church. Touch our hearts to seek your friendship more and more, and to make amends for our sins against your wisdom and goodness.
Loving God, We hear your invitation, "Come back to me" and we are filled with such a longing to return to you. Show us the way to return. Lead me this day in good works we do in your name and send your Spirit to guide us and strengthen our faith. We ask only to feel your love in our lives today. Amen
Psalm 95 various versus
Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;let us joyfully sing psalms to him.
Come, let us bow down in worship;let us kneel before the LORD who made us.For he is our God,
Oh, that today you would hear his voice:Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,as in the day of Massah in the desert,Where your fathers tempted me;they tested me though they had seen my works.
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Todays Psalm refrain is haunting, but what does it mean for us? Would we really harden our hearts, and not listen to God? Or is it true that not listening and not acting on what the voice says is what actually happens in the heat and hurry of our everyday lives? God of mercy, help us today to grow in your likeness, that we who sinned in Adam may rise again in Christ. Let your word be a lamp to guide us, that we may live the truth and grow always in your love. Teach us to be faithful in seeking the common good for your sake, that your light may shine on the whole human family by means of your Church. Touch our hearts to seek your friendship more and more, and to make amends for our sins against your wisdom and goodness.
Loving God, We hear your invitation, "Come back to me" and we are filled with such a longing to return to you. Show us the way to return. Lead me this day in good works we do in your name and send your Spirit to guide us and strengthen our faith. We ask only to feel your love in our lives today. Amen
Lenten Journey, March 10, 2010
Lord, during this Lenten season nourish us with your word of life and make us one in love and prayer. Amen
Mt 5:17-19
Jesus said to his disciples:Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away,not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letterwill pass from the law,until all things have taken place.Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandmentsand teaches others to do sowill be called least in the Kingdom of heaven.But whoever obeys and teaches these commandmentswill be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.Jesus was Gods revelation to mankind. The Son of Man was sent by his father to back up the authority of the Old Testament even though the era of the 'Law and Prophets' had passed and many things in the Old Testament no longer applied to Christians.In his mercy Jesus simplified the laws for us. Love God and Love thy neighbor as thyself. If we love God then we will love our neighbors and if we love our neighbors, we love God. A simple win-win scenario that while easy to understand is difficult in practice.I truly believe that we see the face of Christ in our relationships. Look for the face of Christ today and see who looks back.
Lord, you promised a new heaven and a new earth; renew us daily through your Spirit. Help us to work with you to make this world alive with your Spirit, and to build on earth a city of justice, love and peace. Free us from all negligence and sloth, and give us joy in your gifts of grace.
Mt 5:17-19
Jesus said to his disciples:Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away,not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letterwill pass from the law,until all things have taken place.Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandmentsand teaches others to do sowill be called least in the Kingdom of heaven.But whoever obeys and teaches these commandmentswill be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.Jesus was Gods revelation to mankind. The Son of Man was sent by his father to back up the authority of the Old Testament even though the era of the 'Law and Prophets' had passed and many things in the Old Testament no longer applied to Christians.In his mercy Jesus simplified the laws for us. Love God and Love thy neighbor as thyself. If we love God then we will love our neighbors and if we love our neighbors, we love God. A simple win-win scenario that while easy to understand is difficult in practice.I truly believe that we see the face of Christ in our relationships. Look for the face of Christ today and see who looks back.
Lord, you promised a new heaven and a new earth; renew us daily through your Spirit. Help us to work with you to make this world alive with your Spirit, and to build on earth a city of justice, love and peace. Free us from all negligence and sloth, and give us joy in your gifts of grace.
Lenten Journey, March 9, 2010
Lord, you call us to your service and continue your saving work among us. May your love never abandon us. Amen
Matthew 18:21-35
Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding,‘Pay back what you owe.’ Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he had him put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their masterand reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant!I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.”
Today’s gospel brings to mind the Jesuit value of a faith that does justice. This value refers to a justice that is borne out of one’s faith in God. It is usually thought of in terms of social justice, but it seems applicable in the justice of forgiveness. It is a conviction about God’s love and mercy for us that compels us to love and forgive others. How often do we seek God’s forgiveness without truly acknowledging and appreciating His redemptive love?
In the gospel story, the first servant is granted his request for forgiveness of his debt. However, without a humble appreciation of the very generous gift that has been given to him by his master, he in turn does not grant another servant forgiveness of a much smaller debt. He lacks the faith and love that would lead him to treating his fellow servant in a manner similar to his master’s forgiveness of him.
Certainly we all can think of times when we had a hard time asking for someone’s forgiveness as well as times when forgiveness has been difficult for us to grant. If we have faith in God’s love and mercy despite our unworthiness, it will lead us to treat others justly with a conviction of their being created in God’s loving image.
God of infinite love, we thank you for this reminder of your love and your call that we be more patient, gentle and compassionate with others. Here in the middle of Lent, we turn to you to beg for your help. Please soften our hearts. Help us to let go of judging others. We ask this, in Jesus' name. Amen
Matthew 18:21-35
Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding,‘Pay back what you owe.’ Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he had him put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their masterand reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant!I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.”
Today’s gospel brings to mind the Jesuit value of a faith that does justice. This value refers to a justice that is borne out of one’s faith in God. It is usually thought of in terms of social justice, but it seems applicable in the justice of forgiveness. It is a conviction about God’s love and mercy for us that compels us to love and forgive others. How often do we seek God’s forgiveness without truly acknowledging and appreciating His redemptive love?
In the gospel story, the first servant is granted his request for forgiveness of his debt. However, without a humble appreciation of the very generous gift that has been given to him by his master, he in turn does not grant another servant forgiveness of a much smaller debt. He lacks the faith and love that would lead him to treating his fellow servant in a manner similar to his master’s forgiveness of him.
Certainly we all can think of times when we had a hard time asking for someone’s forgiveness as well as times when forgiveness has been difficult for us to grant. If we have faith in God’s love and mercy despite our unworthiness, it will lead us to treat others justly with a conviction of their being created in God’s loving image.
God of infinite love, we thank you for this reminder of your love and your call that we be more patient, gentle and compassionate with others. Here in the middle of Lent, we turn to you to beg for your help. Please soften our hearts. Help us to let go of judging others. We ask this, in Jesus' name. Amen
Lenten Journey, March 8, 2010
God of mercy free your Church from sin and protect it from evil. Guide us, for we cannot be saved without you. Amen
Luke 4:24-30
Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away.
Jesus tells his fellow Jews of two instances in which God’s prophets ministered miraculous acts of grace to Gentiles while Israel was in unbelief. Jesus is doing God’s work… abandoning those who have rejected him and turning to those who are ready to receive him. These seem like harsh words and actions from a loving God. The Jewish hearers proved themselves to be unworthy of God’s blessings and so the gospel would also go to the Gentiles. This pattern is seen throughout the rest of Jesus’ ministry: Jesus went to the Jews; they rejected Him. He told them of Gentile participation in the kingdom and some Jews wanted to kill Him. But He was not killed until the proper time, when He chose to die.
What does this story mean to us today, on our Lenten journey? Pastor Janet tells us of the wounds of Christ. We wound Christ every time we sin or turn away from him. But we plead we are only human. Martin Luther continually whipped himself in an attempt to make him worthy of Christ’s love. Now we understand we are loved unconditionally by God and thus because of his love for us we are free to shine as a sunbeam, showing Christ’s love for others thru our actions. Our focus is on spreading the love of Christ to everyone-not just those who attend our church or denomination, but to the unloved, the poor and the destitute.
Merciful God, Free your Church from the sins of this world and protect us from evil we see and the evil we prefer to ignore. We need your guidance, Lord for we cannot do this alone. Only with your help can we be saved. Thank you for your desire to save us and love us. Amen
Luke 4:24-30
Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away.
Jesus tells his fellow Jews of two instances in which God’s prophets ministered miraculous acts of grace to Gentiles while Israel was in unbelief. Jesus is doing God’s work… abandoning those who have rejected him and turning to those who are ready to receive him. These seem like harsh words and actions from a loving God. The Jewish hearers proved themselves to be unworthy of God’s blessings and so the gospel would also go to the Gentiles. This pattern is seen throughout the rest of Jesus’ ministry: Jesus went to the Jews; they rejected Him. He told them of Gentile participation in the kingdom and some Jews wanted to kill Him. But He was not killed until the proper time, when He chose to die.
What does this story mean to us today, on our Lenten journey? Pastor Janet tells us of the wounds of Christ. We wound Christ every time we sin or turn away from him. But we plead we are only human. Martin Luther continually whipped himself in an attempt to make him worthy of Christ’s love. Now we understand we are loved unconditionally by God and thus because of his love for us we are free to shine as a sunbeam, showing Christ’s love for others thru our actions. Our focus is on spreading the love of Christ to everyone-not just those who attend our church or denomination, but to the unloved, the poor and the destitute.
Merciful God, Free your Church from the sins of this world and protect us from evil we see and the evil we prefer to ignore. We need your guidance, Lord for we cannot do this alone. Only with your help can we be saved. Thank you for your desire to save us and love us. Amen
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Lenten Journey, March 7, 2010
Eternal God, your kingdom has broken into our troubled world through the life, death and resurrection of your son. Help us to hear your word and obey it, and bring your saving love to fruition in our lives through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
Luke 13: 1-9Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?' " 'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.' "
In this story about the fig tree, there is a lot going on. The owner intends to put the soil that the tree sits on to better use. The gardener intervenes and pleads for one more season to nurture the plant to growth before it will either produce or be cut down. This gardener, our gardener, takes on the fate of all humanity, our suffering and our death, head on. He not only tends to the tree, but dies on a tree. He suggests that being cut off from God is a terrible fate, and then he endures that fate with us and for us. By joining us in our suffering, Jesus does not answer the questions about why we suffer. Instead he lives it. He shows us that it does not have the last word. Beyond our hope and comprehension is something greater still, of which by his death we can only catch a glimpse. For this purpose he tends the unproductive tree and dies with it, with us. We turn to our constant gardener for help and hope that we might indeed become productive, just as a plant will turn toward the light that is in part fuel for its fruit. The process is the point-and the point is our process. In this gardener we find our purpose and our deliverance - our growth and our potential - our promise through his presence. Jesus carries his cross for us and before us, that God's response to our suffering is not indifference but to join us in it and walk with us through it. We may never understand it, but we know that unexplained suffering and pain are not our journey's destination or our life’s point. The why may elude us... But the who is always with us - as a companion in a pilgrimage.... in our Lenten journey.
O God, your son came among us to serve and not to be served, and to give his life for the life of the world. Lead us by his love to serve all those who to whom the world offers no comfort and little help. Through us give hope to the hopeless, love to the unloved, peace to the troubled and rest to the weary. God of all our days, help us to treasure each person and each day you give us. Guide us to live always for your glory. Amen.
Luke 13: 1-9Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?' " 'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.' "
In this story about the fig tree, there is a lot going on. The owner intends to put the soil that the tree sits on to better use. The gardener intervenes and pleads for one more season to nurture the plant to growth before it will either produce or be cut down. This gardener, our gardener, takes on the fate of all humanity, our suffering and our death, head on. He not only tends to the tree, but dies on a tree. He suggests that being cut off from God is a terrible fate, and then he endures that fate with us and for us. By joining us in our suffering, Jesus does not answer the questions about why we suffer. Instead he lives it. He shows us that it does not have the last word. Beyond our hope and comprehension is something greater still, of which by his death we can only catch a glimpse. For this purpose he tends the unproductive tree and dies with it, with us. We turn to our constant gardener for help and hope that we might indeed become productive, just as a plant will turn toward the light that is in part fuel for its fruit. The process is the point-and the point is our process. In this gardener we find our purpose and our deliverance - our growth and our potential - our promise through his presence. Jesus carries his cross for us and before us, that God's response to our suffering is not indifference but to join us in it and walk with us through it. We may never understand it, but we know that unexplained suffering and pain are not our journey's destination or our life’s point. The why may elude us... But the who is always with us - as a companion in a pilgrimage.... in our Lenten journey.
O God, your son came among us to serve and not to be served, and to give his life for the life of the world. Lead us by his love to serve all those who to whom the world offers no comfort and little help. Through us give hope to the hopeless, love to the unloved, peace to the troubled and rest to the weary. God of all our days, help us to treasure each person and each day you give us. Guide us to live always for your glory. Amen.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Lenten Journey, March 6, 2010
God our Father, by your gifts to us on earth we already share in your life. In all we do, guide us to the light of your kingdom. Amen
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So to them Jesus addressed this parable. “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants,‘Quickly, bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began. Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returnswho swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’ He said to him,‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’
Today's gospel is a powerful reminder that Lent is not about what we are doing for God, but what God is doing for us! It describes a God who "delights in clemency" not judgment. A God who cares not about what we have done, only that we are home. A God who says to us "everything I have is yours."
Today's Gospel is a very familiar story to us. The Pharisees and scribes are complaining that Jesus welcomes sinners, and actually sits down to eat with them, so Jesus tells them a story about God, about just how much God wants everyone to come home, no matter who they are or what they have done. Even someone who has done the most outrageous thing – one who demands his inheritance from his father before he has died, and who then spends it all on momentary pleasures and self gratification…and then has the audacity to try to come home!!
I think when the younger son came near his father’s house he waited, wanting to go all the way to the house, but fearful of rejection. But he asked himself where else can I go? He had spent everything and was living with pigs. We too want so much to come home to God, but we are also scared. “What will he ask of me?” Or “What I did was so awful, I can’t face the punishment that is sure to come, I prefer the company of my shame.” But we see in Jesus’ story that God runs to meet us and has a feast to celebrate our return. God is watching for us, calling to us, actively looking for us, seeking for ways to draw us in and bring us home!
God of infinite love, you shower us with limitless gifts in our lives. In our every thought and action today guide us to the bright and loving light of your kingdom. Help us to be aware of the many ways you allow us to share in your life so intimately. Thank you for the gifts you have placed in our lives. Let us be grateful every moment of this day. Amen
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So to them Jesus addressed this parable. “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants,‘Quickly, bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began. Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returnswho swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’ He said to him,‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’
Today's gospel is a powerful reminder that Lent is not about what we are doing for God, but what God is doing for us! It describes a God who "delights in clemency" not judgment. A God who cares not about what we have done, only that we are home. A God who says to us "everything I have is yours."
Today's Gospel is a very familiar story to us. The Pharisees and scribes are complaining that Jesus welcomes sinners, and actually sits down to eat with them, so Jesus tells them a story about God, about just how much God wants everyone to come home, no matter who they are or what they have done. Even someone who has done the most outrageous thing – one who demands his inheritance from his father before he has died, and who then spends it all on momentary pleasures and self gratification…and then has the audacity to try to come home!!
I think when the younger son came near his father’s house he waited, wanting to go all the way to the house, but fearful of rejection. But he asked himself where else can I go? He had spent everything and was living with pigs. We too want so much to come home to God, but we are also scared. “What will he ask of me?” Or “What I did was so awful, I can’t face the punishment that is sure to come, I prefer the company of my shame.” But we see in Jesus’ story that God runs to meet us and has a feast to celebrate our return. God is watching for us, calling to us, actively looking for us, seeking for ways to draw us in and bring us home!
God of infinite love, you shower us with limitless gifts in our lives. In our every thought and action today guide us to the bright and loving light of your kingdom. Help us to be aware of the many ways you allow us to share in your life so intimately. Thank you for the gifts you have placed in our lives. Let us be grateful every moment of this day. Amen
Lenten Journey, March 5, 2010
Merciful Father, may our acts of penance bring us to your forgiveness, open our hearts to your love, and prepare us for the coming feast of the resurrection. Amen
Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower.Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.’ They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?” They answered him, he will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times.” Jesus said to them, Did you never read in the Scriptures:
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done,and it is wonderful in our eyes?
Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them. And although they were attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet.
It is easy for us to “understand” this story because we see it from the “other side of the resurrection.” We believe the chief priests and the Pharisees were very concerned about the effects the radical changes of Jesus’ message would make to their lives. But today, we know that Jesus died for our sins. But do we place our complete trust in his hands? Do we follow his “radical teachings?” Through prayer and reflection we can learn from our experiences and those of others. We can see there is a better way to live our lives. Asking God to help us find our inner strength and resources; to help us in our spiritual growth may require more quiet time, more introspection after reading his word, even more awareness of the world around us. We need to allow our faith and trust in God to become the cornerstone in our lives.
Loving God, Caring parent, we are a children who so often turn our back on your love. Please accept our small acts of sorrow today and help to release us from the self-absorption that closes our hearts to you. As we journey through Lent, let us remember the feast you have prepared for us in the resurrection and let us be filled with thanks to you. Amen
Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower.Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.’ They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?” They answered him, he will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times.” Jesus said to them, Did you never read in the Scriptures:
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done,and it is wonderful in our eyes?
Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them. And although they were attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet.
It is easy for us to “understand” this story because we see it from the “other side of the resurrection.” We believe the chief priests and the Pharisees were very concerned about the effects the radical changes of Jesus’ message would make to their lives. But today, we know that Jesus died for our sins. But do we place our complete trust in his hands? Do we follow his “radical teachings?” Through prayer and reflection we can learn from our experiences and those of others. We can see there is a better way to live our lives. Asking God to help us find our inner strength and resources; to help us in our spiritual growth may require more quiet time, more introspection after reading his word, even more awareness of the world around us. We need to allow our faith and trust in God to become the cornerstone in our lives.
Loving God, Caring parent, we are a children who so often turn our back on your love. Please accept our small acts of sorrow today and help to release us from the self-absorption that closes our hearts to you. As we journey through Lent, let us remember the feast you have prepared for us in the resurrection and let us be filled with thanks to you. Amen
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Lenten Journey, March 4, 2010
God of love, bring us back to you. Send your Spirit to make us strong in faith and active in good works. Amen
Luke 16:19-31
Jesus said to the Pharisees: “There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment,he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’ Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’ He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.’ But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ He said, ‘Oh no, Father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuadedif someone should rise from the dead.’“
Luke talks in his gospel about great reversals. Those who are rich in this world’s goods are cursed and those who are poor are blessed. We understand it is not the wealth or lack of it that makes a person blessed or cursed but it is the object of one’s trust. Luke never waters down Jesus’ teaching that the rich are cursed and the poor are blessed. We know nothing about Lazarus except that he was poor. Did he trust in God? The text does not say. On the other hand, we know plenty about the rich man. He dresses in the very best, dines sumptuously each day, steps over a poor man who lies at his door, yet will not even give him scraps to eat. The dogs are more merciful than he is. Yet, after both die the great reversal occurs. The rich man is cursed and the poor man is blessed. The man who would not even give a scrap of food to Lazarus is denied the tip of Lazarus’ finger dipped in cool water and placed upon his tongue. He is rewarded based on the merits of his deeds. In this torment he thinks of his brothers and believes that they will repent and turn to God if someone goes back to them from the dead. This request, too, is denied. God knows the human heart. If the rich man’s brothers will not believe Moses and the prophets, why would they believe someone who is raised from the dead?
We know Jesus and that he is risen from the dead! But are we persuaded to trust in him? The cursed simply will not. But blessed are they who hope and trust in the Lord!!
Loving God, we hear your invitation, "Come back to us" and fill us with such a longing to return to you. Show us the way to return. Lead us this day to do good works in your name and send your Spirit to guide us and strengthen our faith. We ask only to feel your love in our lives today. Amen
Luke 16:19-31
Jesus said to the Pharisees: “There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment,he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’ Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’ He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.’ But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ He said, ‘Oh no, Father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuadedif someone should rise from the dead.’“
Luke talks in his gospel about great reversals. Those who are rich in this world’s goods are cursed and those who are poor are blessed. We understand it is not the wealth or lack of it that makes a person blessed or cursed but it is the object of one’s trust. Luke never waters down Jesus’ teaching that the rich are cursed and the poor are blessed. We know nothing about Lazarus except that he was poor. Did he trust in God? The text does not say. On the other hand, we know plenty about the rich man. He dresses in the very best, dines sumptuously each day, steps over a poor man who lies at his door, yet will not even give him scraps to eat. The dogs are more merciful than he is. Yet, after both die the great reversal occurs. The rich man is cursed and the poor man is blessed. The man who would not even give a scrap of food to Lazarus is denied the tip of Lazarus’ finger dipped in cool water and placed upon his tongue. He is rewarded based on the merits of his deeds. In this torment he thinks of his brothers and believes that they will repent and turn to God if someone goes back to them from the dead. This request, too, is denied. God knows the human heart. If the rich man’s brothers will not believe Moses and the prophets, why would they believe someone who is raised from the dead?
We know Jesus and that he is risen from the dead! But are we persuaded to trust in him? The cursed simply will not. But blessed are they who hope and trust in the Lord!!
Loving God, we hear your invitation, "Come back to us" and fill us with such a longing to return to you. Show us the way to return. Lead us this day to do good works in your name and send your Spirit to guide us and strengthen our faith. We ask only to feel your love in our lives today. Amen
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Lenten Journey March 3, 2010
Father, teach us to lead good lives, encourage us with your support and bring us to eternal life. Amen
Matthew 20:17-28
As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the Twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking? Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus foretells that his revolutionary message will eventually so shake the foundations of the existing power structure to the point that he will be put to death, but triumph over it three days. But in an instance of true irony, the disciples appear to listen to His message with the same tin ear that afflicts all of us. The same shortcomings of envy and pride that will cause the scribes and the chief priests to seize Jesus, overcome the disciples. When James & John, two his disciples appear to be lobbying for special treatment and entrance into God’s kingdom, the other ten, become “indignant” as if to say: “Hold on, I’m at least as important as they are!”
We humans haven’t changed much in thousands of years. Most of us like to be honored, told we are doing a good job and making a positive difference. That’s fine if we leave it that. What we need to contain is the urge to tear others down to create the illusion that we are more important and worthy. The best sorts of leaders are those who are quick to give credit to others. They don’t shift the blame to others but take responsibility for their failings.
As we work thru Lent, let’s all work on being more humble and giving more credit to others. We don’t always remember or even understand that what we do is seen by others and has an influence on their lives. Each of us is a model to someone-even if only for a moment- so it is important to think first and then act or speak in the way we really want to.... as our Lord, Jesus Christ has taught us.
God of Love, through this Lenten journey, purify our desire to serve you. Free us from any temptations to judge others, to place ourselves above others. Please let us surrender even our impatience with others, that with your love and your grace, we might be less and less absorbed with ourselves, and more and more full of the desire to follow you, and live our lives according to your example. Amen
Matthew 20:17-28
As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the Twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking? Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus foretells that his revolutionary message will eventually so shake the foundations of the existing power structure to the point that he will be put to death, but triumph over it three days. But in an instance of true irony, the disciples appear to listen to His message with the same tin ear that afflicts all of us. The same shortcomings of envy and pride that will cause the scribes and the chief priests to seize Jesus, overcome the disciples. When James & John, two his disciples appear to be lobbying for special treatment and entrance into God’s kingdom, the other ten, become “indignant” as if to say: “Hold on, I’m at least as important as they are!”
We humans haven’t changed much in thousands of years. Most of us like to be honored, told we are doing a good job and making a positive difference. That’s fine if we leave it that. What we need to contain is the urge to tear others down to create the illusion that we are more important and worthy. The best sorts of leaders are those who are quick to give credit to others. They don’t shift the blame to others but take responsibility for their failings.
As we work thru Lent, let’s all work on being more humble and giving more credit to others. We don’t always remember or even understand that what we do is seen by others and has an influence on their lives. Each of us is a model to someone-even if only for a moment- so it is important to think first and then act or speak in the way we really want to.... as our Lord, Jesus Christ has taught us.
God of Love, through this Lenten journey, purify our desire to serve you. Free us from any temptations to judge others, to place ourselves above others. Please let us surrender even our impatience with others, that with your love and your grace, we might be less and less absorbed with ourselves, and more and more full of the desire to follow you, and live our lives according to your example. Amen
Lenten Journey March 2, 2010
Lord, watch over your Church, and guide it with your unfailing love. Protect us from what could harm us and lead us to what will save us. Help us always, for without you we are bound to fail. Amen.
Matthew 23:1-12
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
“The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people’s shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’
As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called ‘Master’;
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
We get a bit of a comeuppance today as we read this passage. ”The greatest among you must be your servant.” It’s about listening to the cries of the hurt, the maimed and the oppressed and then acting on them without praise or attention. Listen, understand the call and then as a servant help all who you know to be in need. Hear the orphan’s plea (in Haiti… in Afghanistan); defend the widow (in refugee camps in Africa); help the oppressed (in Sevier County).
I find it terribly uncomfortable to read the whole of this scripture for today. I find it much easier to concern myself with the tiny world of my standing with God. But Jesus calls me to the role of a servant wherever we see the need. He calls us to look outside.. at the world.. to see the results of our actions, unintended or not. Ouch.
God in heaven and in my life, guide us and protect us. We so often believe we can save myself and always end in failure. Lead us with your love away from harm and guide us on the right path. May your Spirit inspire the Church and make us an instrument of your love and guidance. Thank you for your care. Amen.
Matthew 23:1-12
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
“The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people’s shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’
As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called ‘Master’;
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
We get a bit of a comeuppance today as we read this passage. ”The greatest among you must be your servant.” It’s about listening to the cries of the hurt, the maimed and the oppressed and then acting on them without praise or attention. Listen, understand the call and then as a servant help all who you know to be in need. Hear the orphan’s plea (in Haiti… in Afghanistan); defend the widow (in refugee camps in Africa); help the oppressed (in Sevier County).
I find it terribly uncomfortable to read the whole of this scripture for today. I find it much easier to concern myself with the tiny world of my standing with God. But Jesus calls me to the role of a servant wherever we see the need. He calls us to look outside.. at the world.. to see the results of our actions, unintended or not. Ouch.
God in heaven and in my life, guide us and protect us. We so often believe we can save myself and always end in failure. Lead us with your love away from harm and guide us on the right path. May your Spirit inspire the Church and make us an instrument of your love and guidance. Thank you for your care. Amen.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Lenten Journey, March 1, 2010
God our Father, teach us to find new life through penance. Keep us from sin,
and help us live by your commandment of love. Amen.
Luke 6:36-38
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
“Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you.”
We were reminded on Ash Wednesday that we were dust and to dust we will return. We are only on this earth a short time. How will we use that time? For many of us it is working from deadline to deadline. There is so much to be done. This time of year we become tired. Even the weather contributes to a mild depression. Many of us are ready for winter to end. The days are still short and often grey. We spend a lot of our time indoors. Colds and flu circulate through the population. We focus on the shortcomings of our environment. We can easily become critical. In close quarters, it is easy to notice the faults of others. In our society it is politically incorrect to judge. Nevertheless criticism and cynicism are widespread. We become the people Jesus warns us not to be in the Gospel. The Lenten Gospels present Jesus in his season of challenge. May we dwell a moment or more on His challenges and re-commit ourselves to listen more attentively to His words.
My prayer today is for the insight to recognize the places where my efforts can make a difference. I pray for the strength and will to use these opportunities wisely. I pray for hope and patience to endure. I pray for the grace to once again appreciate the world as a gift. Amen.
and help us live by your commandment of love. Amen.
Luke 6:36-38
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
“Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you.”
We were reminded on Ash Wednesday that we were dust and to dust we will return. We are only on this earth a short time. How will we use that time? For many of us it is working from deadline to deadline. There is so much to be done. This time of year we become tired. Even the weather contributes to a mild depression. Many of us are ready for winter to end. The days are still short and often grey. We spend a lot of our time indoors. Colds and flu circulate through the population. We focus on the shortcomings of our environment. We can easily become critical. In close quarters, it is easy to notice the faults of others. In our society it is politically incorrect to judge. Nevertheless criticism and cynicism are widespread. We become the people Jesus warns us not to be in the Gospel. The Lenten Gospels present Jesus in his season of challenge. May we dwell a moment or more on His challenges and re-commit ourselves to listen more attentively to His words.
My prayer today is for the insight to recognize the places where my efforts can make a difference. I pray for the strength and will to use these opportunities wisely. I pray for hope and patience to endure. I pray for the grace to once again appreciate the world as a gift. Amen.
Lenten Journey, February 28, 2010
God our Father, help us to hear your Son. Enlighten us with your word, that we may find the way to your glory. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever. Amen.
Luke 13:31-35
31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." 32 He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, "Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33 Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' 34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35 See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.' "
God must think…America, America, how often have I desired to gather you under my wing, but you (we) are not willing. You (we) are not willing to give up the spot light. You (we) are not willing enter into conversation. You (we) are so convinced that you (we) are right, true and proper - demanding allegiance and dispensing justice. Our culture extols the virtue of trusting in God and lifts up God’s word, but how are we doing with Jesus’ injunction to love our enemy?
Jesus' use of feminine imagery for God may be more important now than when it was first used. In a society which glories power and violence - We need to think. Think before we act. We may need to examine our own attitudes and understanding of God. Jesus suggests that both male and female attributes may be attributed to God. We continue our Lenten journey by acknowledging our need for repentance and asking for God’s mercy. We are created to experience joy in communion with God, to love one another, and to live in harmony with creation. But our sinful rebellion separates us from God, our neighbors and creation, so that we do not enjoy the life our creator intended.
Let us continue our Lenten discipline - self examination and repentance, prayer and fasting, sacrificial giving and works of love, strengthened by the gifts of word and sacrament.
Loving God, take my hand and lead me out of the shadows of my fear. Help me to change my heart. Bring me to your truth and help me to respond to your generous love. Let me recognize the fullness of your love which will fill my life. Amen
Luke 13:31-35
31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." 32 He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, "Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33 Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' 34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35 See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.' "
God must think…America, America, how often have I desired to gather you under my wing, but you (we) are not willing. You (we) are not willing to give up the spot light. You (we) are not willing enter into conversation. You (we) are so convinced that you (we) are right, true and proper - demanding allegiance and dispensing justice. Our culture extols the virtue of trusting in God and lifts up God’s word, but how are we doing with Jesus’ injunction to love our enemy?
Jesus' use of feminine imagery for God may be more important now than when it was first used. In a society which glories power and violence - We need to think. Think before we act. We may need to examine our own attitudes and understanding of God. Jesus suggests that both male and female attributes may be attributed to God. We continue our Lenten journey by acknowledging our need for repentance and asking for God’s mercy. We are created to experience joy in communion with God, to love one another, and to live in harmony with creation. But our sinful rebellion separates us from God, our neighbors and creation, so that we do not enjoy the life our creator intended.
Let us continue our Lenten discipline - self examination and repentance, prayer and fasting, sacrificial giving and works of love, strengthened by the gifts of word and sacrament.
Loving God, take my hand and lead me out of the shadows of my fear. Help me to change my heart. Bring me to your truth and help me to respond to your generous love. Let me recognize the fullness of your love which will fill my life. Amen
Lenten Journey, February 27, 2010
Eternal Father, turn our hearts to you. By seeking your kingdom and loving one another, May we become a people who worship you in spirit and truth. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever. Amen.
Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies,
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father,
for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,
and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?
Do not the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brothers and sisters only,
what is unusual about that?
Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
The core of God’s commandments is to care for widows and orphans –those in our society who have no one to care for them. Jesus says we should not only care for the weak in our society but also those with whom we have little in common, whom we may even utterly detest: “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” By doing so, we act as God does, “for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.” We must constantly ask ourselves “who is my neighbor?”
Loving God, Sometimes my heart turns in every direction except towards you. Please help me
to turn my heart toward you, to gaze upon you in trust and to seek your kingdom with all of my heart. Soften my hardened heart so that I might love others as a way to glorify and worship you. Amen.
Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies,
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father,
for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,
and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?
Do not the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brothers and sisters only,
what is unusual about that?
Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
The core of God’s commandments is to care for widows and orphans –those in our society who have no one to care for them. Jesus says we should not only care for the weak in our society but also those with whom we have little in common, whom we may even utterly detest: “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” By doing so, we act as God does, “for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.” We must constantly ask ourselves “who is my neighbor?”
Loving God, Sometimes my heart turns in every direction except towards you. Please help me
to turn my heart toward you, to gaze upon you in trust and to seek your kingdom with all of my heart. Soften my hardened heart so that I might love others as a way to glorify and worship you. Amen.
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