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
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Lenten Jounrey 2011
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.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Lenten Journey 2011l
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
Monday, March 28, 2011
Lenten Jounrey 2011
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
lL
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
lL
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Lenten Journey 2011
Merciful God, with the fountain of living water, you quench our thirst and wash away our sin. Give us this water always. Bring us to drink from the well that flows with the beauty of your truth through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
John 4:5-42
5 Jesus came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.
7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a])
10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”
13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”
16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”
17 “I have no husband,” she replied.
Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”
19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”
21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
The Disciples Rejoin Jesus
27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”
28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.
31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.”
32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.”
33 Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?”
34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”
Many Samaritans Believe
39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers.
42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
This Gospel is a long story with several highlights. The first is that the meeting between Jesus and the water-wanting woman is at “noon”. In John’s literary way, very good things happen in the day and bad things happen at night.
The gospel starts with Jesus is sitting at the well in a district where Jews are not welcomed. A woman comes for water at noon. Respectable women of the town do this early in the morning. This woman has a well-known past which she assumes that Jesus does not know. Jesus greets her with a simple, but leading question. Jesus is going to reverse things. Shame is transformed into honor. Jesus reveals Himself as the Living Water, the One Who is to come. He not only speaks directly to her, but honors her with a personal invitation to believe. She responds with the awareness that He knows her past and does not hold it against her. She experiences something inside, drops her bucket and returns to town telling everybody that she feels differently about herself, because of this “man” who might be the Christ. The town’s folks go out to see for themselves after believing in her word. Jesus stays with them, now no longer a stranger and a foreigner. They believe and make a great statement, “This truly is the savior of the world.
We too have made such affirmations even in the dark times of personal shame. We have our buckets and we long for a something to bring light and self-acceptance with gratitude, into our lives. We come to this true well, as did this woman, and we have found and continue finding a Well of something differently new. She had been drinking “shame-water” and was thirsting for “Honor-Water” which would take away her need for anything else. Jesus told His followers that His life’s work was to complete creation, the work of revelation. Our basic thirst is for completion, union.
Our shame is that we have tried to find that central thirst’s satisfaction in various wells which offered invitations which lead only to other dissatisfying wells. This woman had tried five wells and was digging a sixth. Now we must drop our buckets of shame to be blessed and honored to drink of the Living Water.
“Whoever drinks the water that I will give him, says the Lord, will have a spring inside him, welling up to eternal life.” Jn. 4, 13-14
God of all compassion, Father of all goodness, heal the wounds our sins and selfishness bring upon us.
We acknowledge our sinfulness, our guilt is ever before us. When our weakness causes discouragement,
let your compassion fill us with hope and lead us through a lent of repentance to the beauty of Easter joy.
John 4:5-42
5 Jesus came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.
7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a])
10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”
13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”
16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”
17 “I have no husband,” she replied.
Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”
19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”
21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
The Disciples Rejoin Jesus
27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”
28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.
31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.”
32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.”
33 Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?”
34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”
Many Samaritans Believe
39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers.
42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
This Gospel is a long story with several highlights. The first is that the meeting between Jesus and the water-wanting woman is at “noon”. In John’s literary way, very good things happen in the day and bad things happen at night.
The gospel starts with Jesus is sitting at the well in a district where Jews are not welcomed. A woman comes for water at noon. Respectable women of the town do this early in the morning. This woman has a well-known past which she assumes that Jesus does not know. Jesus greets her with a simple, but leading question. Jesus is going to reverse things. Shame is transformed into honor. Jesus reveals Himself as the Living Water, the One Who is to come. He not only speaks directly to her, but honors her with a personal invitation to believe. She responds with the awareness that He knows her past and does not hold it against her. She experiences something inside, drops her bucket and returns to town telling everybody that she feels differently about herself, because of this “man” who might be the Christ. The town’s folks go out to see for themselves after believing in her word. Jesus stays with them, now no longer a stranger and a foreigner. They believe and make a great statement, “This truly is the savior of the world.
We too have made such affirmations even in the dark times of personal shame. We have our buckets and we long for a something to bring light and self-acceptance with gratitude, into our lives. We come to this true well, as did this woman, and we have found and continue finding a Well of something differently new. She had been drinking “shame-water” and was thirsting for “Honor-Water” which would take away her need for anything else. Jesus told His followers that His life’s work was to complete creation, the work of revelation. Our basic thirst is for completion, union.
Our shame is that we have tried to find that central thirst’s satisfaction in various wells which offered invitations which lead only to other dissatisfying wells. This woman had tried five wells and was digging a sixth. Now we must drop our buckets of shame to be blessed and honored to drink of the Living Water.
“Whoever drinks the water that I will give him, says the Lord, will have a spring inside him, welling up to eternal life.” Jn. 4, 13-14
God of all compassion, Father of all goodness, heal the wounds our sins and selfishness bring upon us.
We acknowledge our sinfulness, our guilt is ever before us. When our weakness causes discouragement,
let your compassion fill us with hope and lead us through a lent of repentance to the beauty of Easter joy.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Lenten Journey 2011
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
Friday, March 25, 2011
Lenten Journey 2011
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
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Lenten Journey 2011
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 Go,d 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 Go,d 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
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Lenten Journey 2011
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
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Lenten Journey 2011
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
Monday, March 21, 2011
Lenten Journey 2011
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.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Lenten Journey 2011
Let us pray for the grace to respond to the Word of God.
John 3: 1-17
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.[a]”
4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[c] must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[d]
9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.[e] 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,[f] 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”[g]
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
A part of everyone's lenten journey is to re-examine, refresh, re-boot! Today our gospel message goes further and Jesus tells us how to be born again, how to begin life anew. Jesus tells Nicodemus about being born of the water and of the spirit. There are times when life gets a little stale, boring and empty, when you do the same things over and over and over again. You go through the motions but that inner motivation is not there. It can happen in so many aspects of our lives, our work, our school, our marriage, spiritual lives and ministry. In the season of Lent we turn back towards God. We examine the sin within us and turn towards God. In our text today Jesus tells Nicodemus that you can indeed be born again, washed clean and anew in the Holy Spirit. In our baptism we find this promise. Turn to Christ your Lord for this rebirth, remember your baptism each day and wash clean as the water did then, have the Spirit of Jesus Christ living inside of you means that God’s gracious love comes and lives inside of your heart.
It is wonderful to begin this week acknowledging that we need God's help to live anew.
It is so powerful to ask for his grace to express our desire for wholeness.
And, we humbly ask for light in the midst of whatever might keep us from living with the grace of Christ within.
May your kindness, LORD, be upon us,
we have put our hope in you.
Psalm 33:6
John 3: 1-17
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.[a]”
4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[c] must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[d]
9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.[e] 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,[f] 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”[g]
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
A part of everyone's lenten journey is to re-examine, refresh, re-boot! Today our gospel message goes further and Jesus tells us how to be born again, how to begin life anew. Jesus tells Nicodemus about being born of the water and of the spirit. There are times when life gets a little stale, boring and empty, when you do the same things over and over and over again. You go through the motions but that inner motivation is not there. It can happen in so many aspects of our lives, our work, our school, our marriage, spiritual lives and ministry. In the season of Lent we turn back towards God. We examine the sin within us and turn towards God. In our text today Jesus tells Nicodemus that you can indeed be born again, washed clean and anew in the Holy Spirit. In our baptism we find this promise. Turn to Christ your Lord for this rebirth, remember your baptism each day and wash clean as the water did then, have the Spirit of Jesus Christ living inside of you means that God’s gracious love comes and lives inside of your heart.
It is wonderful to begin this week acknowledging that we need God's help to live anew.
It is so powerful to ask for his grace to express our desire for wholeness.
And, we humbly ask for light in the midst of whatever might keep us from living with the grace of Christ within.
May your kindness, LORD, be upon us,
we have put our hope in you.
Psalm 33:6
Lenten Journey 2011
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.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Lenten Journey 2011
Lord, may our observance of Lent help to renew us and prepare us to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever. Amen.
Matthew 5:20-26
Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you,
unless your righteousness surpasses that
of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.
“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother
will be liable to judgment,
and whoever says to his brother, Raqa,
will be answerable to the Sanhedrin,
and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,
and there recall that your brother
has anything against you,
leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.
Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court.
Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,
and the judge will hand you over to the guard,
and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you,
you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
God wants us – loves us – anyway. There is no way we can demonstrate our worthiness. God imputes worthiness to us – as a free gift, undeserved, impossible for us of ourselves. There is nothing we can do to change God’s mind about this. But just knowing and believing that unconditional love, guides us to want to be “more like” Christ. Oh, we fall short ..over and over, but Christ picks us up, again and again. And he wishes us to understand and return that love of his to everyone! In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus points out that forgiveness…love of one another… is the way to righteousness.
Almighty God, renew me: bring me to new life in you. Touch me and make me feel whole again. Help me to see your love in the passion, death and resurrection of your son. Amen.
Matthew 5:20-26
Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you,
unless your righteousness surpasses that
of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.
“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother
will be liable to judgment,
and whoever says to his brother, Raqa,
will be answerable to the Sanhedrin,
and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,
and there recall that your brother
has anything against you,
leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.
Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court.
Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,
and the judge will hand you over to the guard,
and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you,
you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
God wants us – loves us – anyway. There is no way we can demonstrate our worthiness. God imputes worthiness to us – as a free gift, undeserved, impossible for us of ourselves. There is nothing we can do to change God’s mind about this. But just knowing and believing that unconditional love, guides us to want to be “more like” Christ. Oh, we fall short ..over and over, but Christ picks us up, again and again. And he wishes us to understand and return that love of his to everyone! In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus points out that forgiveness…love of one another… is the way to righteousness.
Almighty God, renew me: bring me to new life in you. Touch me and make me feel whole again. Help me to see your love in the passion, death and resurrection of your son. Amen.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Lenten Journey 2011
Father, without you we can do nothing. By your spirit help us to know what is right and to be eager in doing your will. 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.
Matthew 7:7-12
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Which one of you would hand his son a stone
when he asked for a loaf of bread,
or a snake when he asked for a fish?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give good things
to those who ask him.
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.
This is the law and the prophets.”
Jesus asks us to pray, “Ask … Seek … Knock …” There is persistence in this request! We know that sometimes our prayers are answered by a “NO!” Note that the last thought is the “Golden Rule.” We place our prayers humbly before the Lord, praying for our needs and the needs of others, knowing that the Lord is still full of mercy and compassion and will do what is best for us. Meanwhile we should continue to “Do to others whatever we would have them do for us!”
Lord, I’m not always eager to do your will. I’d often much rather do my own will.
Please be with me on this Lenten journey and help me to remember that your own spirit can guide me in the right direction. With a grateful heart, I acknowledge your love and know that without you, I can do nothing. Amen.
Matthew 7:7-12
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Which one of you would hand his son a stone
when he asked for a loaf of bread,
or a snake when he asked for a fish?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give good things
to those who ask him.
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.
This is the law and the prophets.”
Jesus asks us to pray, “Ask … Seek … Knock …” There is persistence in this request! We know that sometimes our prayers are answered by a “NO!” Note that the last thought is the “Golden Rule.” We place our prayers humbly before the Lord, praying for our needs and the needs of others, knowing that the Lord is still full of mercy and compassion and will do what is best for us. Meanwhile we should continue to “Do to others whatever we would have them do for us!”
Lord, I’m not always eager to do your will. I’d often much rather do my own will.
Please be with me on this Lenten journey and help me to remember that your own spirit can guide me in the right direction. With a grateful heart, I acknowledge your love and know that without you, I can do nothing. Amen.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Lenten Journey 2011
Dear Lord God, our strength, the struggle between good and evil rages within and around us, and the devil and all the forces that defy you tempt us with empty promises. Keep us steadfast in your word and when we fall, raise us again and restore us through your Son, Jesus Christ, Our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Luke 11:29-32
While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them,
“This generation is an evil generation;
it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it,
except the sign of Jonah.
Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites,
so will the Son of Man be to this generation.
At the judgment
the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation
and she will condemn them,
because she came from the ends of the earth
to hear the wisdom of Solomon,
and there is something greater than Solomon here.
At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation
and condemn it,
because at the preaching of Jonah they repented,
and there is something greater than Jonah here.”
Jesus says “there is something greater than Solomon and there is something greater than Jonah here.” We are being called to review our values. What is important to us? What is worth fighting for? What is worth holding on to during our “last days”? Is there a transgression we’ve done or a bad habit we perpetuate, for which we can repent? We do not know when Jesus will come again. But He constantly prods us to always be ready because Jesus Christ has chosen us and we are his! Halleluiah!
Almighty God, I know you receive what is in my heart. Let me be inspired by your words and by the actions of your son, Jesus. Amen and Amen.
Luke 11:29-32
While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them,
“This generation is an evil generation;
it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it,
except the sign of Jonah.
Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites,
so will the Son of Man be to this generation.
At the judgment
the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation
and she will condemn them,
because she came from the ends of the earth
to hear the wisdom of Solomon,
and there is something greater than Solomon here.
At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation
and condemn it,
because at the preaching of Jonah they repented,
and there is something greater than Jonah here.”
Jesus says “there is something greater than Solomon and there is something greater than Jonah here.” We are being called to review our values. What is important to us? What is worth fighting for? What is worth holding on to during our “last days”? Is there a transgression we’ve done or a bad habit we perpetuate, for which we can repent? We do not know when Jesus will come again. But He constantly prods us to always be ready because Jesus Christ has chosen us and we are his! Halleluiah!
Almighty God, I know you receive what is in my heart. Let me be inspired by your words and by the actions of your son, Jesus. Amen and Amen.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Lenten Journey 2011
Father, look on us, your children. Through the discipline of Lent help us to grow in our desire for you. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen
Matthew 6: 7-15
Jesus said to his disciples:
“In praying, do not babble like the pagans,
who think that they will be heard because of their many words.
Do not be like them.
Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
“This is how you are to pray:
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
“If you forgive men their transgressions,
your heavenly Father will forgive you.
But if you do not forgive men,
neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”
Jesus’ teaching on prayer likewise instills great confidence. “Don’t bother trying to attract God’s attention by a lot of words,” he says. “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him!” Prayer’s purpose is not to inform an absent God of a present need, but rather, as St. Augustine suggests, to enlarge our hearts to be able to receive all the good God wishes to give us. We can count on his knowledge of us and our situation; we can count on his desire to give us good things!
As we let go of many useless and false things during these Lenten days, so may we pray to remove all that keeps us from confident prayer!
Heavenly Father, We know your love for us is limitless beyond imagination. You care for us as a loving parent. Through our smallest Lenten sacrifices, help us to become less selfish and more aware of your ways. Fan the flame of our desire to draw ever closer to you. Amen
Matthew 6: 7-15
Jesus said to his disciples:
“In praying, do not babble like the pagans,
who think that they will be heard because of their many words.
Do not be like them.
Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
“This is how you are to pray:
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
“If you forgive men their transgressions,
your heavenly Father will forgive you.
But if you do not forgive men,
neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”
Jesus’ teaching on prayer likewise instills great confidence. “Don’t bother trying to attract God’s attention by a lot of words,” he says. “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him!” Prayer’s purpose is not to inform an absent God of a present need, but rather, as St. Augustine suggests, to enlarge our hearts to be able to receive all the good God wishes to give us. We can count on his knowledge of us and our situation; we can count on his desire to give us good things!
As we let go of many useless and false things during these Lenten days, so may we pray to remove all that keeps us from confident prayer!
Heavenly Father, We know your love for us is limitless beyond imagination. You care for us as a loving parent. Through our smallest Lenten sacrifices, help us to become less selfish and more aware of your ways. Fan the flame of our desire to draw ever closer to you. Amen
Monday, March 14, 2011
Lenten Jounry 2011
God our Savior, bring us back to you and fill our minds with your wisdom. May we be enriched by our observance of Lent. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen
Matthew 25: 31-40
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne,
and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me,
naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.'
Then the righteouswill answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?
When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?'
And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.
It is powerful to re-learn this wisdom - Jesus identifies with each of these "least" cared for. Who might we feed, welcome, clothe, comfort or visit this week? We have been baptized into Jesus, we all take on this shepherding, feeding, serving, uniting mission as well. However we use our gifts, as parents, business people, elderly - whatever our state of life and way of life - we all share this role of helping our Lord's desire come true.
Loving God, you call us back to you with all of our hearts. We feel your call for us deep in our hearts and we know you want us back
as much as we want to return. Please, Lord, give us the wisdom to know how to return. Make our journey back to you this Lent one of grace, forgiveness and gentle love. Amen
Matthew 25: 31-40
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne,
and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me,
naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.'
Then the righteouswill answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?
When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?'
And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.
It is powerful to re-learn this wisdom - Jesus identifies with each of these "least" cared for. Who might we feed, welcome, clothe, comfort or visit this week? We have been baptized into Jesus, we all take on this shepherding, feeding, serving, uniting mission as well. However we use our gifts, as parents, business people, elderly - whatever our state of life and way of life - we all share this role of helping our Lord's desire come true.
Loving God, you call us back to you with all of our hearts. We feel your call for us deep in our hearts and we know you want us back
as much as we want to return. Please, Lord, give us the wisdom to know how to return. Make our journey back to you this Lent one of grace, forgiveness and gentle love. Amen
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Lenten Journey 2011
Bring us back to you.
This week we pray for a renewal of our lives.
We are beginning to be more attentive and alert.
We are trying new patterns.
The difficulties we encounter keep us humble.
Let us pray that this Lent will help us reproduce in our lives the self-sacrificing love of Christ.
Matthew 4:1-11
At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert
to be tempted by the devil.
He fasted for forty days and forty nights,
and afterwards he was hungry.
The tempter approached and said to him,
“If you are the Son of God,
command that these stones become loaves of bread.”
He said in reply,
“It is written:
One does not live on bread alone,
but on every word that comes forth
from the mouth of God.”
Then the devil took him to the holy city,
and made him stand on the parapet of the temple,
and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down.
For it is written:
He will command his angels concerning you
and with their hands they will support you,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.”
Jesus answered him,
“Again it is written,
You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”
Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain,
and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence,
and he said to him, "All these I shall give to you,
if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.”
At this, Jesus said to him,
“Get away, Satan!
It is written:
The Lord, your God, shall you worship
and him alone shall you serve.”
Then the devil left him and, behold,
angels came and ministered to him.
It is a tradition to speculate on just what these three temptations of Jesus represent. Perhaps they are the usual pattern of the Tempter by which the Tempter has seduced humanity down through the ages. Perhaps they are pride, envy and lust for certainty through power. They are well-known to those of us who experience deeply our own fallenness. Jesus’ responses to all three human attractions are based solidly in trusting God for His identity rather than having God do tricks so that faith would be unnecessary.
There is the Lenten call to repentance and to our being more prayerful, more generous and more eager to do the works of charity. This is not a dark time or gloomy as we ponder our failures, true they be. Our participation in the envy, greed and pride of Adam and Eve is not ever to be the main picture, dramatic though they be. Jesus’ whole life, His entire embrace of His own humanity is the divine embrace of our own personal and collective selves. We are saved, not alone, by Jesus hanging on the cross of Calvary, but Jesus as He hangs in on His whole life of living faithfully Who His Father has given him to be for us.
“The Lord will overshadow you, and you will find refuge under his wings.” Ps. 91, 4
This week we pray for a renewal of our lives.
We are beginning to be more attentive and alert.
We are trying new patterns.
The difficulties we encounter keep us humble.
Let us pray that this Lent will help us reproduce in our lives the self-sacrificing love of Christ.
Matthew 4:1-11
At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert
to be tempted by the devil.
He fasted for forty days and forty nights,
and afterwards he was hungry.
The tempter approached and said to him,
“If you are the Son of God,
command that these stones become loaves of bread.”
He said in reply,
“It is written:
One does not live on bread alone,
but on every word that comes forth
from the mouth of God.”
Then the devil took him to the holy city,
and made him stand on the parapet of the temple,
and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down.
For it is written:
He will command his angels concerning you
and with their hands they will support you,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.”
Jesus answered him,
“Again it is written,
You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”
Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain,
and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence,
and he said to him, "All these I shall give to you,
if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.”
At this, Jesus said to him,
“Get away, Satan!
It is written:
The Lord, your God, shall you worship
and him alone shall you serve.”
Then the devil left him and, behold,
angels came and ministered to him.
It is a tradition to speculate on just what these three temptations of Jesus represent. Perhaps they are the usual pattern of the Tempter by which the Tempter has seduced humanity down through the ages. Perhaps they are pride, envy and lust for certainty through power. They are well-known to those of us who experience deeply our own fallenness. Jesus’ responses to all three human attractions are based solidly in trusting God for His identity rather than having God do tricks so that faith would be unnecessary.
There is the Lenten call to repentance and to our being more prayerful, more generous and more eager to do the works of charity. This is not a dark time or gloomy as we ponder our failures, true they be. Our participation in the envy, greed and pride of Adam and Eve is not ever to be the main picture, dramatic though they be. Jesus’ whole life, His entire embrace of His own humanity is the divine embrace of our own personal and collective selves. We are saved, not alone, by Jesus hanging on the cross of Calvary, but Jesus as He hangs in on His whole life of living faithfully Who His Father has given him to be for us.
“The Lord will overshadow you, and you will find refuge under his wings.” Ps. 91, 4
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Lenten Journey 2011
Father, look upon our weakness and reach out to help us with your loving power. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen
Luke 5: 37-42
Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post.
He said to him, “Follow me.”
And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him.
Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house,
and a large crowd of tax collectors
and others were at table with them.
The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying,
“Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jesus said to them in reply,
“Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.
I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”
Jesus came to heal all of us because we all sin. He loves all of us despite our flaws. He refuses to be as small as we are when we choose up sides and say God is on OUR side. With Jesus, there is no side – just common, struggling humans who need help and healing to greater or lesser degrees. We’re on a common journey as “one body in this one Lord.”
Loving Creator, We are not asking to overcome our weakness, but to use it in some way to glorify you. Let us be aware of the many ways you reach out to help us today and let us stand in awe of the power that you use in such loving ways.
Luke 5: 37-42
Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post.
He said to him, “Follow me.”
And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him.
Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house,
and a large crowd of tax collectors
and others were at table with them.
The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying,
“Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jesus said to them in reply,
“Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.
I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”
Jesus came to heal all of us because we all sin. He loves all of us despite our flaws. He refuses to be as small as we are when we choose up sides and say God is on OUR side. With Jesus, there is no side – just common, struggling humans who need help and healing to greater or lesser degrees. We’re on a common journey as “one body in this one Lord.”
Loving Creator, We are not asking to overcome our weakness, but to use it in some way to glorify you. Let us be aware of the many ways you reach out to help us today and let us stand in awe of the power that you use in such loving ways.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Lenten Journey 2011
Lord, with your loving care guide the journey we have begun. Help us to persevere with love and sincerity.
Psalm 51
For you are not pleased with sacrifices;
should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
Isaiah 58: 5-9a
This, rather, is the fasting that I wish:
releasing those bound unjustly,
untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed,
breaking every yoke;
Sharing your bread with the hungry,
sheltering the oppressed and the homeless;
Clothing the naked when you see them,
and not turning your back on your own.
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your wound shall quickly be healed;
Your vindication shall go before you,
and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer,
you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!
So, for our prayer today, let us look, carefully at what Isaiah tells "is the fasting that God wishes." Let us give God the only thing God wants: our hearts, contrite and humbled, meek and peaceful, kind and just. Then will the glory of the Lord be fully revealed as, fully alive, we give true thanks to God, Who announces to each one of us, "Here I am!"
Lord,
We know how much you love us. It’s hard for us to feel it sometimes, but we know your love is always with us. Help us to use your love as a way to persevere in our Lenten journeys. We am weak, but we know with your help, We can use these small sacrifices in our lives to draw closer to you.
Amen
Psalm 51
For you are not pleased with sacrifices;
should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
Isaiah 58: 5-9a
This, rather, is the fasting that I wish:
releasing those bound unjustly,
untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed,
breaking every yoke;
Sharing your bread with the hungry,
sheltering the oppressed and the homeless;
Clothing the naked when you see them,
and not turning your back on your own.
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your wound shall quickly be healed;
Your vindication shall go before you,
and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer,
you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!
So, for our prayer today, let us look, carefully at what Isaiah tells "is the fasting that God wishes." Let us give God the only thing God wants: our hearts, contrite and humbled, meek and peaceful, kind and just. Then will the glory of the Lord be fully revealed as, fully alive, we give true thanks to God, Who announces to each one of us, "Here I am!"
Lord,
We know how much you love us. It’s hard for us to feel it sometimes, but we know your love is always with us. Help us to use your love as a way to persevere in our Lenten journeys. We am weak, but we know with your help, We can use these small sacrifices in our lives to draw closer to you.
Amen
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Lenten Journey 2011
Lord, may everything we do begin with your inspiration, continue with your help,
and reach perfection under your guidance. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, you Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Luke 9: 22-25
Jesus said to his disciples:
“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected
by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,
and be killed and on the third day be raised.”
Then he said to all,
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself
and take up his cross daily and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
What profit is there for one to gain the whole world
yet lose or forfeit himself?”
The immediate point of Jesus’ image was this: Follow me, and you can expect to be targeted for some rejection and shaming. Identify with me, and some will reject you as they rejected me. Stand for life in the way I’m teaching you to understand life, and those elements of society who support deathly things (like ignoring the needs of the poor, or acting as if might makes right), and some people are sure to reject you. That’s the bad news. But, if you remain faithful to my way nonviolence and of love of enemies, you will gain the fullness of life—now and hereafter. It is in that sense that whoever loses his life for my sake will save it (Luke 9:24b).
Just three chapters before this scene, Jesus put the same thing in the form of a Beatitude: Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you and denounce your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way (Luke 6:22-23).
God has revealed himself in Christ. Let us praise his goodness, and ask him from our hearts:
Remember us, Lord, for we are your children.
and reach perfection under your guidance. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, you Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Luke 9: 22-25
Jesus said to his disciples:
“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected
by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,
and be killed and on the third day be raised.”
Then he said to all,
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself
and take up his cross daily and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
What profit is there for one to gain the whole world
yet lose or forfeit himself?”
The immediate point of Jesus’ image was this: Follow me, and you can expect to be targeted for some rejection and shaming. Identify with me, and some will reject you as they rejected me. Stand for life in the way I’m teaching you to understand life, and those elements of society who support deathly things (like ignoring the needs of the poor, or acting as if might makes right), and some people are sure to reject you. That’s the bad news. But, if you remain faithful to my way nonviolence and of love of enemies, you will gain the fullness of life—now and hereafter. It is in that sense that whoever loses his life for my sake will save it (Luke 9:24b).
Just three chapters before this scene, Jesus put the same thing in the form of a Beatitude: Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you and denounce your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way (Luke 6:22-23).
God has revealed himself in Christ. Let us praise his goodness, and ask him from our hearts:
Remember us, Lord, for we are your children.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Ash Wednesday
Let us pray in quiet remembrance of our need for redemption.
Joel 2:12-13
Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God. For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment.
Lent is an invitation to be open, to be transformed, to be loved. To be open to Love’s love, to Love’s invitation, to Love’s challenge and it is not always easy. Lent is a get-away time. A time to spend together, the Lover and the beloved. It is a time to relax into the relationship, to enjoy, and to refresh and to grow within our unique and intimate bond. Lent is an invitation to trust. Lent is an opportunity to allow Mystery to reveal truths about who I am and who I am called to be. Lent is about inner healing, inner growth. Lent is not a season of doing something, but of experiencing something.
Heavenly Father,
Help us to honor this day with the ashes on our forehead. May they help us remember where we have come from and where we are going. May we acknowledge to you our sins and our deep need for your loving forgiveness and grace. We pray that this Lenten season will make us so much more aware of how much we need your healing in our lives.
Amen.
Joel 2:12-13
Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God. For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment.
Lent is an invitation to be open, to be transformed, to be loved. To be open to Love’s love, to Love’s invitation, to Love’s challenge and it is not always easy. Lent is a get-away time. A time to spend together, the Lover and the beloved. It is a time to relax into the relationship, to enjoy, and to refresh and to grow within our unique and intimate bond. Lent is an invitation to trust. Lent is an opportunity to allow Mystery to reveal truths about who I am and who I am called to be. Lent is about inner healing, inner growth. Lent is not a season of doing something, but of experiencing something.
Heavenly Father,
Help us to honor this day with the ashes on our forehead. May they help us remember where we have come from and where we are going. May we acknowledge to you our sins and our deep need for your loving forgiveness and grace. We pray that this Lenten season will make us so much more aware of how much we need your healing in our lives.
Amen.
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