tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48076283273555774172024-03-17T07:00:31.518-06:00Footprints From the Bible: Cynthia Davis AuthorA blog by Cynthia Davis, author and retreat leader.
Thoughts about faith, the world, and life. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger900125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-53549739092978547842024-03-17T07:00:00.001-06:002024-03-17T07:00:00.138-06:00Lent 5: Justice and Peace and Dignity<p> <span style="font-family: inherit;">In Lent we are looking at the many ways the Baptismal
Covenant calls us to serve Christ in each other. Fellowship, prayer, repentance,
evangelism, and service are all ways to show and share the love of God. Jesus
told his disciples,<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><i>A new command I
give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.</i>
(John 13:34-35)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.8pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .4gd;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The final question in the Baptismal Covenant asks, “<b>Will
you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of
every human being?”</b> Striving is a word that we don’t hear much now. In
fact, it often has the negative connotation of causing fights. The root of the
word is from the French <i>estriver</i> and <i>estri</i>, meaning to quarrel.
However, it also means endeavor or try really hard. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We are called to work for justice and peace. Sometimes
that can seem like an overwhelming task. There seems to be so much injustice
and violence in the world. Certainly, we are confronted by it daily in the news
and social media. We know about the least little disturbing event in the
farthest corner of the world almost immediately. Probably there aren’t more
awful things happening than years and centuries ago, we just know about all of
them. And we are bombarded by the various ‘spins’ that politicians and social
media impose in an attempt to influence our minds. We have to be careful what
we believe and who we follow. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When we are rooted in the promises of the Baptismal
Covenant, we have a roadmap for Who to trust and how to respond and act. </span><i>O
Zion Haste</i> (#539 in the Episcopal Hymnal) gathers much of the Baptismal
Covenant into beautiful word. <span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As the hymn suggests, when we are
engaged in our mission of sharing the story of peace, redemption, release, and
love we are in fact our “mission high fulfilling.” </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">O [Christians], haste, your mission high fulfilling,<br />
to <b>tell to all the world that God is light,<br />
that he who made all nations is not willing<br />
one soul should perish</b>, lost in shades of night.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The hymn ends with the stanza that calls us to </span><b><i>Proclaim
to ev'ry people, tongue, and nation/ that God, in whom they live and move, is
love</i></b><i>;/ tell how he stooped to save his lost creation/ and died on
earth that they might live above. </i>The refrain tells us how to do this
proclaiming <i>Publish glad tidings, tidings of peace,/ tidings of Jesus,
redemption and release.</i> <b>We are to tell the Good News of God’s hope and
love even, and especially, in the face of injustice, war, and dehumanization.</b>
<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">You can hear the words on YouTube, along with some lovely images:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AZiE9c94JPM" width="320" youtube-src-id="AZiE9c94JPM"></iframe></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Christian church has not always done a good job of
proclaiming glad tidings without driving rough-shod over those we are sharing
the Good News with. Much evil has been done in the name of religion and
continues to be done. We can repent that history and strive (that word again)
to do better in our lives and work.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the Gospel this Sunday (John 12:20-33) we hear of some
Greeks. <i>They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to
him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”</i> These Gentile (non-Jews) want to know
more about Jesus, just like much of our hurting world does. Jesus responds that
the disciples must lose their life in order to live fully dedicated lives. He
says, <i>unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just
a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life
lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal
life. </i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Too often we don’t want to lose our life—to give up control
of the result—in our work for and in God’s Beloved Community. We forget we are
seeds being planted and may never see the fruit. The seed is changed and dies
so that a new crop can sprout. It’s human to want to make the outcome the one
we want, even in our work for justice and peace. However, not everyone has the
same definition of justice or even of peace. My way may not be the best way to
accomplish a birth of justice or peace. I may think I am respecting someone’s
dignity, but due to cultural differences, I may accidentally be insulting them.
<b>All we do must be done in and for Love, nor for recognition or gain.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As Philip does in the Gospel, all we need to do is introduce
people to the true loving God who, as we heard last week “so loved the world”
that Jesus became incarnate and lived a human life. Next week is Palm Sunday,
then Holy Week, when we hear of the triumph and tragedy of Jesus’ final days on
earth. He kept love as the hallmark. We would do well to do the same. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Where am I being asked to die to control so that something
new might be able to sprout?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How might I live so that God’s love is seen in my life as an
invitation to see Jesus? </span><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-53346118875320579492024-03-10T07:00:00.002-06:002024-03-10T07:00:00.139-06:00Lent 4: Serve Christ in All <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.8pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .4gd;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus told his disciples,</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><i>A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have
loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you
are my disciples, if you love one another.</i> (John 13:34-35)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.8pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .4gd;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As we continue looking at the Baptismal Covenant in the
Episcopal Book of Common Prayer as a way through Lent, we are asked a difficult
question. “<b>Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your
neighbor as yourself?”</b> How we respond is the way the world knows that we
are followers of the One who said “love one another.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is a hard question and a difficult command to live into. The
good news is that Jesus has paved the way. The Gospel this week states, “<i>For
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes
in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, <b>God did not send the
Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be
saved through him</b>.”</i> (John 3:16-17) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">God—Creator of all that is, LOVED the world—each and every
bit and person, so much that God became Human! <b>God became Incarnate (in-flesh)
so that the world </b><i><b>might be [reconciled to God] through him</b>. </i>That’s both shocking and
wonderful. How can the Originator of star dust and microbes and leviathans and
humans DESIRE relationship so much that Creator becomes Creature? Hundred of pages
of theology has been written about the hows and whys. But at the core is <i>God
<b>so loved</b> the world!</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8-ZALDnZ2qKENLVAX_oO8Fke3zrhUvESba9Bi6QQgXsrIDVLxzU7uhyfjCF96CyDLLFIKt9fK2gznjNSrua6nA6UpyAPD4QHfBZxLCks69fTlF64hn6QQJPlK0m0Jm7ewj_nQQCALtT4xQu58ZpgK56ijEM1ZLCX8myIuu6QNp_uyxtpW0GaON_dKtVF/s474/god%20so%20loved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="474" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8-ZALDnZ2qKENLVAX_oO8Fke3zrhUvESba9Bi6QQgXsrIDVLxzU7uhyfjCF96CyDLLFIKt9fK2gznjNSrua6nA6UpyAPD4QHfBZxLCks69fTlF64hn6QQJPlK0m0Jm7ewj_nQQCALtT4xQu58ZpgK56ijEM1ZLCX8myIuu6QNp_uyxtpW0GaON_dKtVF/s320/god%20so%20loved.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The fish in the sea is loved. The star in the sky is
loved. The tiniest microbe is loved. I am loved. You are loved. The stranger on
the corner is loved. The bomber is loved.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Baptismal Covenant says we are to ‘seek Christ in
all persons.’ Each of us loved by God. It should be easy to find Christ in and
Love everyone. However, the truth is not everyone presents as lovable. It’s
easy to love a baby or a sweet grandmother. It’s not so easy to love the grumpy
clerk or the person that disagrees with your core beliefs. It’s even more
difficult to love a school shooter or abuser. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As we saw last week, ‘love’ is not the soft, fuzzy
valentine heart feeling. It is action that </span><i>bears all things, believes
all things, hopes all things, endures all things.</i> (I Cor. 13:7) We chose to
love, even when it is nearly impossible to do so. We make the choice to say,
‘you are God’s beloved, even if you are not a nice person.’ We chose to allow
others their opinions and beliefs even if we cannot understand their point of
view. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's a personal struggle, for me, to love and accept and see
each other as God’s equally loved child. (Often it’s hard to see myself as
loved or lovable, too.) That’s why the reminder in the Baptismal Covenant is so
important. <b>“Seeking and serving Christ in All and loving neighbor as
self”—not easy, but vital to creating God’s Beloved Community</b> where all
creation is accepted and valued and not harmed in any way. And that may require
some giving up of ‘my way.’ It will require conscious effort. <span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In what way can I seek Christ in someone I may
disagree with?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When can I choose love over division?</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-2191676350417462242024-03-03T07:00:00.002-07:002024-03-03T07:00:00.248-07:00Lent 3: Proclaim Good News<p> This Lent we are looking at the Baptismal Covenant in the
Episcopal Book of Common Prayer to see how we can more fully live as Followers
of Christ and the love of God. We’ve seen that fellowship is helpful
and that we often need to repent and change our life’s direction. Jesus told
his disciples,<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><i>A new command I give
you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By
this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.</i>
(John 13:34-35)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.8pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .4gd;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The third question asked of everyone present at a baptism
is: “Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?” Some
would insist that means we have to go around waving John 3:16 banners or forcing
everyone to believe in exactly the way we do. It’s far to easy to think that
proclaiming the Good News means ‘my faith is the only right one and if you
don’t believe like me, you are wrong and maybe even damned.’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>What if we expanded our understanding of the Good News to be
more inclusive and loving?</b> Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal
Church is fond of saying, “If it’s not about love, it’s not about God.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Love is complex, as 1 Corinthians 13 notes, “<i>If I speak
in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy
gong or a clanging cymbal…<b>Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious
or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way;</b> it is
not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in
the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures
all things. </i>(1 Cor. 13:1-7)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The desire to proclaim Good News in grand ways is very
human. We want to be noticed and affirmed. However, St. Paul’s letter reminds
us that <b>love is both simpler and harder than signs and wonders</b>. He says, <i>now
faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. </i>(1
Cor. 13:13)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Proclaiming the Good News in Love is complex. Sometimes,
proclaiming the Good News involves standing up to authority, or standing with
the disenfranchised. The Gospel this week tells of Jesus casting out the
merchants in the Temple. Angrily, he stormed, t<i>ake these things out of here!
Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace! </i>(John 2:16)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">More often, sharing “by word and example” is found in <span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">encouragement
or helpfulness or compassion. Maybe it’s sharing an uplifting image or quote on
social media or joining in a celebration. It could be a smile or hug or note
for someone who is sad or hurting or lonely. Perhaps it’s recognizing the
unsung accomplishments of a neighbor.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQDZ-_ynkh1Ytu_7VHj6IO7OiWUhJwu9JmUl5pVedg19aF8dib-jqwpoILaOxw4MZ1KrXPMjrehwbyOXu5vnciKJbfyV3JbBmHMjSaAS4uph_1xA3ItB-5EFaZsfaP_uV4TeKe11ZlzwboxGd1E-pCqAkj4_tvpGQ6vaoLYYyezrSZsFDI4Gyllk9YDqA/s1083/proclaim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1083" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQDZ-_ynkh1Ytu_7VHj6IO7OiWUhJwu9JmUl5pVedg19aF8dib-jqwpoILaOxw4MZ1KrXPMjrehwbyOXu5vnciKJbfyV3JbBmHMjSaAS4uph_1xA3ItB-5EFaZsfaP_uV4TeKe11ZlzwboxGd1E-pCqAkj4_tvpGQ6vaoLYYyezrSZsFDI4Gyllk9YDqA/w400-h200/proclaim.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What first comes to mind when you hear “Proclaim by
word and example the Good News of God in Christ”? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">How might you share the Good News of God’s love this
week? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Who needs to hear of God’s love?<o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-60989793085799445922024-02-25T07:00:00.005-07:002024-02-25T07:00:00.265-07:00Lent 2: Resist and Repent<p> <span style="font-family: inherit;">The Baptismal Covenant in the Episcopal Book of Common
Prayer offers a road map for living a Christian life as we try to
serve Christ in each other and share the love of God. Jesus told his disciples,<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><i>A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have
loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you
are my disciples, if you love one another.</i> (John 13:34-35)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.8pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .4gd;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last week we looked at the first of the promises or vows we
make at our baptism. If we are really young our godparents make these responses
for us. Older children and adults make their own vows. We (the congregation and
family) hear them and respond every time there is a baptism. We promise to
remain in the “apostles teaching and fellowship, and the prayers.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The next question might, and should, bring you up short. “Will
you <b>persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and
return</b> to the Lord?” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last Sunday we heard the story of Jesus’ baptism and
temptation in the wilderness. Perhaps you were reminded that we are all tempted
by power and prestige and applause. These can be subtle ways that we slip into
sin. This Sunday we hear that Jesus’ followers must <i>deny themselves and take
up their cross and follow me…[because] what will it profit them to gain the
whole world and forfeit their life?</i> <i>Indeed, what can they give in return
for their life? </i>(Mark 8:31-38) Like Jesus in the wilderness, we are to
refuse the temptations to be like everyone else or to be in control or to know
it all or to have the most or… whatever it is for you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That’s not easy in a culture that prizes ‘winning’ and
‘having the most toys’ above nearly everything else. And so, we return to our
baptismal vow to resist evil. When we fail, and sin, then we are to repent and
return to the Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Repentance means a turning around to a new way of life.<b> It’s
turning away from whatever pulled us away from God’s love</b>. What is that for
you? It might be snarky responses on Facebook that are hurtful. It could be
refusing to share what we have. It looks different for each of us. Maybe it’s being
unkind to our family or ignoring a need right in front of us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once you have identified the evil or sin you want to repent
of and turn from, then the hard work of making that happen, begins. Jesus point
to the paradox of living into the Good News. It is in what seems like loss that
we gain. <b>It is in the loss of our insistence on ‘my way’ that we draw closer to
God and God’s way of love. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In this season of Lent, the image of the cross is in the
forefront because we know that what Jesus says in the beginning of the Sunday
Gospel is true. <i>The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected
by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after
three days rise again.</i> It is our call to accept our own cross of giving up
our life for the Gospel.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkGdfsgw4juKiMLpjuOLxAq4EXlCIMIsCRqI_F-Fp_FBM075AoSkS8TYchSMo8ia9JFhyphenhyphenKx1ljy56zBFgEaZFxX_KqeuhOJGIoon7QEruba-IoYc3FNioEyftxyuy7j6x9AiXN0wTYP_rYz0smPd2PioXVJMhZP_bSiX22dXzJ7kGLkbPpsloblJLVK6n/s439/deny%20self.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="439" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkGdfsgw4juKiMLpjuOLxAq4EXlCIMIsCRqI_F-Fp_FBM075AoSkS8TYchSMo8ia9JFhyphenhyphenKx1ljy56zBFgEaZFxX_KqeuhOJGIoon7QEruba-IoYc3FNioEyftxyuy7j6x9AiXN0wTYP_rYz0smPd2PioXVJMhZP_bSiX22dXzJ7kGLkbPpsloblJLVK6n/s320/deny%20self.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What is the temptation to evil (sin) in my life?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How can I resist evil and truly repent.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In what way am I taking up my cross? </span><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-89121205300530913262024-02-18T07:00:00.001-07:002024-02-18T07:00:00.350-07:00Lent 1: Fellowship<p> This Lent, I invite you to walk with me through the
Baptismal Covenant of the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, as one way to live
into John 13. Jesus told his disciples,<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><i>A new command I give
you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By
this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.</i>
(John 13:34-35) <b>The Baptismal Covenant is our promise to live into that love
for one another.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the service, all present are invited to respond to a
series of questions that outline the way to live as Christians in the world.
After each question everyone responds, “I will with God’s help.” We vow to be
true to our calling, recognizing we cannot do it without God. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first question asks, “Will you continue in the apostles'
teaching and <b>fellowship</b>, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">John Wesley is credited with coining the phrase “There is no
such thing as a solitary Christian.” The first question in our baptismal
covenant reminds us of that truth. <b>We are called to remain in fellowship with
one another.</b> That is done, in part, through the sharing in the Eucharist and
praying together. It also happens when we gather to study scripture (apostle’s
teaching) or to share a potluck or just have a conversation with a fellow
traveler. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Western Christians can believe the cultural idea of
individualism that says, ‘I can do faith on my own’ or it's all about 'personal salvation. Jesus didn’t call us to be
isolated or individual Christians. <b>Jesus invited his first followers, and us,
into a community—a family, to use St. Paul’s analogy. </b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">St. John echoes this truth by saying, <i>See what kind of
love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and
so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know
him. <b>Beloved, we are God's children now</b>, and what we will be has not yet
appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we
shall see him as he is.</i> (I John 3:1-2)<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_lsTjMENQDY1g8dbHKNkCMUr8UKaq8OmLess-5hLgi_ODqFsNc38JOyxhg7Z-UdnYS6kJWXLAbWAOaVo9p5W4bOJfpLAaR4uQlNZ0GH0tCtY14ZKvEcYNdOWcnz4mnSGAIdYefchhITFa-amMo8oSNjxlEVyUI9Vg3eSv9n8vDE0qJqBcAnQHE4by9Fq/s1117/gods%20children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="1117" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_lsTjMENQDY1g8dbHKNkCMUr8UKaq8OmLess-5hLgi_ODqFsNc38JOyxhg7Z-UdnYS6kJWXLAbWAOaVo9p5W4bOJfpLAaR4uQlNZ0GH0tCtY14ZKvEcYNdOWcnz4mnSGAIdYefchhITFa-amMo8oSNjxlEVyUI9Vg3eSv9n8vDE0qJqBcAnQHE4by9Fq/w400-h225/gods%20children.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">For me, this image is a reminder that God stoops low and
kisses us on the forehead. <b>We are blessed and beloved—each and every one of us.</b>
Our baptismal covenant and life as a child of God means we are gifted to offer
that grace, however incompletely, to others.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Jon Byron song from the 1970’s says, “We are the family
of God. He has brought us together to be one in him, that we might bring light
to the world…Bigger and better is my love, that I’ve bestowed upon you. And <b>now
it’s for each one to share of, that all things might now become new</b>.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As children of God, integral parts of the family, we join
together in prayer and fellowship and learning so that we can effectively be a
little light in the world.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">How can I remember this Lent that I am a child of God?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What can I do in Lent to build up the community I’m part of?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What can I do in Lent to share grace and blessing, ‘that all
things might now become new’?<o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-59325794801958241012024-02-13T09:58:00.005-07:002024-02-13T09:58:51.241-07:00Ash Wednesday<p> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Throughout the season of Epiphany we’ve looked at what
the 1895 book by Henry Van Dyke can teach us about living in the 21<sup>st</sup>
Century. <i>The Other Wise Man</i> in his search for the Christ child, the King
of the Jews, has many trials and adventures. Artaban sets out from Persia to
greet an infant and ends up in Jerusalem in time to hear of a crucifixion. The
thirty plus years of travel have aged him and his life-long work of caring for
the poorest and least and ill has left him feeling that it was a life wasted.
He thinks he has missed the chance to worship the King because he used his
gifts of precious gems for other purposes. At the end of his life, Artaban discovers
that the way he has lived his life and spent the wealth was service to God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.8pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .4gd;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We are entering the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is
this week. Lent is a season of the church calendar where we look at our
spiritual health. We ask ourselves if there are behaviors we need to repent,
attitudes we need to change, actions we should stop or start, or spiritual
practices we may want to engage in. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.8pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .4gd;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Between Ash Wednesday and Easter there are 40 days in
which to try out new ways of living and worshipping, whether it’s adding a
daily prayer habit or reading a new devotional. Some people give up chocolate
or meat or Facebook as a way of reminding themselves that this is a special
time of introspection. When we don’t log in to social media or forgo the
burger, we are reminded that we are trying to focus more on God’s way of life
and God’s love for us and all creation. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.8pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .4gd;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Toward the end of his book, Van Dyke asks, “is not
love the light of the soul?” The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church is
fond of saying “If it’s not about love, it’s not about God.” Artaban learned
that his life-long actions of compassion and healing were ways of sharing that
love and worshipping the One he sought.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.8pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .4gd;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s easy to think we have to do something grand to
serve God. We are encouraged by culture to ‘make a splash’ and outdo each
other. What if instead we tried to support each other in our hesitant and
hopeful faith journeys? What if we had compassion on the ‘least of these’ and
offered a smile or a bottle of water or a compliment instead of looking the
other way? What if we sought to encourage someone who is sad or sick? What if
we found less reason to argue and more points of agreement? What if we were less
competitive toward one another? <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.8pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .4gd;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">All these are ways to serve Christ in each other. All
these are ways to show and share the love of God. Jesus told his disciples,</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><i>A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have
loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you
are my disciples, if you love one another.</i> (John 13:34-35)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.8pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .4gd;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9uVJcB3Wjd0W8v2iQ-lzaoV8e-DB-XrYKAXZrr-mqMrkICaTGAK9C05mlkTMqhcbipg69Gg3T3m8PsImY174hBqpgZAlItfXkZ5yfDsx1Qy1aPD8p1juj8oVdoYN5H7_jl4rxlgKqhXgRifcfErABDG_g246QEbDx9ebBcjqnajsro0E7BkXgCY78nEU/s382/love%20one%20another.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="382" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9uVJcB3Wjd0W8v2iQ-lzaoV8e-DB-XrYKAXZrr-mqMrkICaTGAK9C05mlkTMqhcbipg69Gg3T3m8PsImY174hBqpgZAlItfXkZ5yfDsx1Qy1aPD8p1juj8oVdoYN5H7_jl4rxlgKqhXgRifcfErABDG_g246QEbDx9ebBcjqnajsro0E7BkXgCY78nEU/s320/love%20one%20another.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Artaban learned that it was in the spending of his wealth,
and his life, that he found the King. He learned to love God in each person he
helped.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.8pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .4gd;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How will you share God’s love this Lent? Is there something
you can take on, or give up, to make it easier to love your neighbor or love
yourself? </span><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-74500038842114841502024-02-04T07:00:00.002-07:002024-02-04T07:00:00.275-07:00Epiphany with Artaban: Pearl of Great Price<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">We are coming to the end of our Epiphany journey with
Artaban, the wise man whose story is told by Henry Van Dyke. Artaban missed his
meeting with his fellow magi because he paused to help a dying Hebrew <a href="https://footprintsfromthebible.blogspot.com/2024/01/epiphany-with-artaban-by-waters-of.html" target="_blank">outsideof Babylon</a>. Even though he went straight to Bethlehem on the advice of man he
saved, he missed the Holy Family. He was able to save a child from Herod’s
soldiers by bribing the captain with the ruby meant for the Prince.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He spends the rest of his life in a seemingly fruitless
search for the Child, now a Man. In the final chapter of the short book, we
meet him after 33 years. “Worn and weary and ready to die, but still looking
for the King, he had come for the last time to Jerusalem.” He learns from
someone in the crowd that they are going to Golgotha to witness the crucifixion
of Jesus of Nazareth who Pilate sentenced because he claimed to be “King of the
Jews.” Artaban wonders, “It may be that I shall find the King…and come in
time to offer my pearl for His ransom…” Instead, he is confronted by another
dilemma as a young Parthian girl pleads for him to save her from slavery. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Van Dyke asks, “Was this his great opportunity, or his last
temptation…it was inevitable…does not the inevitable come from God?...and is
not love the light of the soul?” He gives the final gem, the pearl, to the girl
as her ransom. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyhrUZOBs9l9EUbilzJZQz29d8ptV6xcMJLkWh8vxmylNOdZ2Bh_2QieN2E7Cipnmoj_RPA6dL76dPyqCWALVez9ZrT-4pMZL2kOUp6sp3fmbkmG99f4UsUkH71uSUZMiaw7agIjTHP6tXTOsThaA7dwizfa4i302QqLR1nY2H0234K078OAcLE1QxFHJ/s624/artaban%20end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyhrUZOBs9l9EUbilzJZQz29d8ptV6xcMJLkWh8vxmylNOdZ2Bh_2QieN2E7Cipnmoj_RPA6dL76dPyqCWALVez9ZrT-4pMZL2kOUp6sp3fmbkmG99f4UsUkH71uSUZMiaw7agIjTHP6tXTOsThaA7dwizfa4i302QqLR1nY2H0234K078OAcLE1QxFHJ/s320/artaban%20end.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As an earthquake shakes Jerusalem, Artaban and the girl
huddle together. Artaban comes to the realization the “he knew all was well,
because he had done the best that he could, from day to day.” A tile from the
roof strikes him, and as he dies, he hears his King, “Verily I say unto thee,
Inasmuch as thou hast done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, thou
has done it unto me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a <a href="We are coming to the end of our Epiphany journey with Artaban, the wise man whose story is told by Henry Van Dyke. Artaban missed his meeting with his fellow magi because he paused to help a dying Hebrew outside of Babylon. Even though he went straight to Bethlehem on the advice of man he saved, he missed the Holy Family. He was able to save a child from Herod’s soldiers by bribing the captain with the ruby meant for the Prince. He spends the rest of his life in a seemingly fruitless search for the Child, now a Man. In the final chapter of the short book, we meet him after 33 years. “Worn and weary and ready to die, but still looking for the King, he had come for the last time to Jerusalem.” He learns from someone in the crowd that they are going to Golgotha to witness the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth who Pilate sentenced because he claimed to be “King of the Jews.” As Artaban wonders, “It may be that I shall find the King…and come in time to offer my pearl for His ransom…” Instead, he is confronted by another dilemma as a young Parthian girl pleads for him to save her from slavery. Van Dyke asks, “Was this his great opportunity, or his last temptation…it was inevitable…does not the inevitable come from God?...and is not love the light of the soul?” He gives the final gem, the pearl, to the girl as her ransom. As an earthquake shakes Jerusalem, Artaban and the girl huddle together. Artaban comes to the realization the “he knew all was well, because he had done the best that he could, from day to day.” A tile from the roof strikes him, and as he dies, he hears his King, “Verily I say unto thee, Inasmuch as thou hast done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, thou has done it unto me.” In a sermon for the coming Sunday, the Rt. Rev. Frank Logue, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia focuses on the first part of the Gospel for Sunday (Mark 1:29-31). As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. Loving Service, Epiphany 5 (B) – February 4, 2024 – The Episcopal Church Bishop Logue notes that it can seem off-putting that as soon as she is healed, Simon’s mother-in-law begins to ‘serve them.’ However, he points out the word translated ‘serve’ is diakonos the root of the word deacon. Logue states, “Her service was not a one-time, over-and-done-with action…the meaning of her actions was transformed by Jesus’ healing touch. She did not serve and minister to them because of some duty. She served out of love. Simon’s mother-in-law became as much a follower of Jesus as any of his disciples…Mark describes her using language that makes her the first deacon in Christianity. She was the first person to have their ordinary diakonos, or service of others, transformed into servant ministry.” Artaban’s life was filled with that servant ministry, that way of diakonos. Like Artaban we can only respond to the opportunity in front of us. We can respond with the Love of God, as Artaban did when he gave spent the sapphire to further his journey, used the ruby to save a child, and rescued the Parthian girl with the pearl. Throughout his quest, he cared for many in large and small ways. For that he heard Jesus say, “you have done it as to me.” His servant ministry, his diakonos is ours as well--to serve in the name of love. Van Dyke asks, “is not love the light of the soul?” What is your response? The film A Case for Love, mentioned last week highlighted many small ways that ordinary people are shining the light of love. In what way do you shine that light? As we move closer to Ash Wednesday (February 14) and Lent you may want to consider what diakonos opportunity you will find in that season. " target="_blank">sermon for the coming Sunday</a>, the Rt. Rev. Frank Logue,
Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia focuses on the first part of the
Gospel for Sunday (Mark 1:29-31). <i>As soon as they left the synagogue, they
entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s
mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He
came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and
she began to serve them. </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bishop Logue notes that it can seem off-putting that as soon
as she is healed, Simon’s mother-in-law begins to ‘serve them.’ However, he
points out the word translated ‘serve’ is <i>diakonos</i> the root of the word
deacon. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Logue states, “Her service was not a one-time,
over-and-done-with action…the meaning of her actions was transformed by Jesus’
healing touch. She did not serve and minister to them because of some duty. <b>She
served out of love</b>. Simon’s mother-in-law became as much a follower of
Jesus as any of his disciples…Mark describes her using language that makes her
the first deacon in Christianity. She was the first person to have their
ordinary <i>diakonos</i>, or service of others, transformed into servant
ministry.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Artaban’s life was filled with that servant ministry, that
way of <i>diakonos. </i>Like Artaban we can only respond to the opportunity in
front of us. <b>We can respond with the Love of God</b>, as Artaban did when he
gave spent the sapphire to further his journey, used the ruby to save a child,
and rescued the Parthian girl with the pearl. Throughout his quest, he cared
for many in large and small ways. For that he heard Jesus say, “you have done
it as to me.” <b>His servant ministry, his <i>diakonos </i>is ours as well--to
serve in the name of love. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Van Dyke asks, “is not love the light of the soul?” What is
your response? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The film <i>A Case for Love</i>, <a href="https://footprintsfromthebible.blogspot.com/2024/01/epiphany-with-artaban-hidden-way-of.html" target="_blank">mentioned last week</a>
highlighted many small ways that ordinary people are shining the light of love.
In what way do you shine that light? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>As we move closer to Ash Wednesday (February 14) and Lent
you may want to consider what <i>diakonos</i> opportunity you will find in that
season. </b></span><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-77403317641815996482024-01-28T07:00:00.001-07:002024-01-28T07:00:00.134-07:00Epiphany with Artaban: the Hidden Way of Sorrow<p> <span style="font-family: inherit;">We journey on with Artaban, the <i>Other Wise Man</i>, in
the story told by Henry Van Dyke. He started out to meet Caspar, Balthazar, and
Melchoir to find the new King of the Jews. However, he is delayed when he stops
to help a dying Hebrew outside Babylon. He must spend the sapphire, meant for
the King, to equip a caravan to cross the desert. In Bethlehem, he learns the
Holy Family has fled to Egypt. Then he uses the ruby meant as royal gift to
save a child from Herod’s soldiers. Now he only has the pearl left as he
searches and searches for the King.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Van Dyke writes, “I caught only a glimpse, here and there,
of the river of his life…I saw him moving among the throngs of men in populous
Egypt, seeking everywhere for traces of the household…in an obscure house of
Alexandria, taking counsel with a Hebrew rabbi…<b>he visited the oppressed and the
afflicted…though he found none to worship, he found many to help.</b>” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Many authors recently have talked about how the current
‘climate’ of anger, injustice, war, and even climate change result in stress
and anxiety. We aren’t sure how or what to do, or if what we try to do is
making any difference. It’s easy to despair. Artaban walked in despair for
years. Never finding the One he sought. Always a step behind. Van Dyke notes,
“It seemed almost as if he had forgotten his quest.” Yet, as the Magi looks at
the remaining pearl, he notices it “seemed to have absorbed some reflection of
the colors of the lost sapphire and ruby.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfndIR8-vYo3PIJEs2055xfyDkz386lsTO9T2hV4iGhEMM6XnOqOw3TvigI2L9vCxYnZ8I3tUmi26obTY_PJfltuF6Idtrf_9XywArqPSvCAfUI3gO9BuHr9DeLAKZHppvVyZVUhU0Ocy4HkjhNSLclRX7Jv4r7gTtRwdZiFdeBqcFhYoauwTZZtYeaTy0/s480/artabans%20gems.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfndIR8-vYo3PIJEs2055xfyDkz386lsTO9T2hV4iGhEMM6XnOqOw3TvigI2L9vCxYnZ8I3tUmi26obTY_PJfltuF6Idtrf_9XywArqPSvCAfUI3gO9BuHr9DeLAKZHppvVyZVUhU0Ocy4HkjhNSLclRX7Jv4r7gTtRwdZiFdeBqcFhYoauwTZZtYeaTy0/s320/artabans%20gems.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our work and ministry may seem fruitless and unnoticed. We
may think we have lost sight of the dream of Beloved Community or that it is
too far away and the voices of hate and fear too loud. <b>Yet, like Artaban, in
his work with the afflicted along the way, we do make a difference. A ripple of
love is set in motion. Hope can be born again in us and then in those we
minister to and with.</b></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As Van Dyke notes at the end of this chapter, “All that
helped [this life], all that hindered it, is transfused by a subtle magic into
its very essence.” We are each made up of our pasts—the wounds and the joys,
the sorrows and the exultations. <b>The pearl of our own hearts is made luminous
by the living of our lives. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus points compares the Kingdom to a <i>merchant seeking
beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and
sold all that he had and bought it</i>. The love we share with one another, the
burdens we help bear, the smiles we offer, the encouragement we provide each
make our hearts more and more a ‘pearl of great price.’ Whether we see that
luster or not, it is there, and our Loving Father sees and blesses us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Artaban in his search for the King shared love in a
multitude of ways, implied by Van Dyke. We can do so in concrete ways. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In his book, <i>Love is the Way</i>, Bishop Curry states, “When
love is the way, the earth will be a sanctuary. When love is the way, we will
lay our swords and shields down by the riverside to study war no more. When
love is the way, there’s plenty of room for all of God’s children. <b>When love is
the way, we actually treat each other, well, like we are actually family.</b>” The
recently released film <i>A Case for Love</i>, offers a 30 day <a href="https://acaseforlovemovie.com/participate/#unselfishlovechallenge">challenge
to BE A VOICE FOR LOVE</a> each day and we can do as Martin Luther King
suggested, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“discover love—the redemptive
power of love. And when we do that, we will make of this old world, a new
world.” </span><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-52699622033276515882024-01-21T07:00:00.001-07:002024-01-21T07:00:00.145-07:00Epiphany with Artaban: For the Sake of a Little Child<p> We continue our journey with Artaban, the Other Wise Man, to
see what he might teach us about finding God in our times. We have trekked with
him from Persia to Babylon where he stopped to help a dying man, and missed his
meeting with Casper, Balthazar and Melchoir.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He sets out “over the dreary undulation of the desert, high
upon the back of his camel,” according to author Henry van Dyke. He arrives at
last in Bethlehem. “It was the third day after the three wise men had come to
that place.” He finds the streets deserted. In one home he encounters a young
mother who tells of the visit of “strangers from the Far East.” She tells him
that the family was rumored to have fled to Egypt. As Artaban eats, and the baby
in the house sleeps, there are screams “The soldiers! The soldiers of Herod!
They are killing our children!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Artaban stands blocking the doorway. When the captain approaches,
he states, “I am all alone…waiting to give this jewel to the prudent captain
who will leave me in peace.” Greedily, the captain takes the offered ruby and
turns the soldiers away. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Zzo6hbnNx2ZLvdnSZiQ0U7nGIYNoQvdSik5hfCEaE6GtrM01SvZOcWTxVhYHU36Ucz0kvjw_p25skklavokzI2Jk69fxVEhBt1pbR-cLX3dCviJCdjMqgQDi_uYuGdhwTYsEz-d1lepUDYRzQ1dAQGVlIEZ1mFIOGfsk3EMsBpgMfxxpUsl8oHj6wcMX/s504/artaban%20and%20ruby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="504" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Zzo6hbnNx2ZLvdnSZiQ0U7nGIYNoQvdSik5hfCEaE6GtrM01SvZOcWTxVhYHU36Ucz0kvjw_p25skklavokzI2Jk69fxVEhBt1pbR-cLX3dCviJCdjMqgQDi_uYuGdhwTYsEz-d1lepUDYRzQ1dAQGVlIEZ1mFIOGfsk3EMsBpgMfxxpUsl8oHj6wcMX/s320/artaban%20and%20ruby.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">However, Artaban is devastated. He prays, “I have said a
thing that is not, to save the life of a child...I have spent for man that
which was meant for God. Shall I ever be worthy to see the face of the King?” <b>He
feels guilty for ‘wasting’ the gift he planned for the Messiah, even though his
action saved the life of one child.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I wonder how often I think my talents and money and other
gifts must be given directly to the service of God by giving them to some
religious cause? Or, I may think that what I offer is too small. Might there be some use for even the smallest gift? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We hear, “the gifts of God for the people of God,” during
the Eucharist. <b>The simple gifts of bread and wine are made holy in their use. </b>We prefer rules, even if they build walls rather than show love. Once when
the Pharisees confront Jesus because his disciples are picking grain on the
Sabbath, he reminds them of David’s actions centuries before, <i>“He entered
the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the
Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave
some to his companions.’ Then he said to them, ‘<b>The sabbath was made for
humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; so the Son of Man is lord even of
the sabbath</b>.’</i> (Mark 2:23-28) God's lawas are for the good and use of humanity, not as a barrier. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jesus had very little patience with those who want to make
their actions look holy by saying they are for God, when neglecting what God, through
the prophets, like Micah, says is<b> more important: <i>to act justly and to love
mercy and to walk humbly with your God.</i> </b>(Micah 6:8) In Matthew 23, Jesus confronts the Pharisees about this. He
asks, <i>You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the
gift sacred?...You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you
have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and
faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the
former…You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of
greed and self-indulgence.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The religious leaders of Jesus’ time were scrupulous in
following the rules of Torah, sometimes at the expense of truly caring and
loving. <b>We should not be too hard on them. We do the same things</b> when we say
only the properly trained people can do some task at church or when we frown at
a child being too rambunctious in church. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Artaban used the ruby, which he had designated as a gift for
the King, to save the life of a child in Bethlehem. He is afraid the action makes
him unfit to find the King. He forgot that God is in and of all things, whether
precious by human reckoning or worthless. The gift God most wants is a humble
and contrite heart—a lesson Jonah learns in the Hebrew Scripture reading on
Sunday (Jonah 3:1-5, 10). Even the people of Ninevah are forgiven when they
repent because of Jonah’s preaching. <b>No one and no thing is outside of God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What do I name as God’s and try to protect at all costs? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Who do I think is not good enough to serve God, or be loved
by God? <o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-41087908529629929322024-01-14T07:00:00.004-07:002024-01-14T07:00:00.147-07:00Epiphany with Artaban: By the Waters of Babylon<p> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Last week we started our journey with Artaban, the </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Other</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">
Magi, based on the book by Henry van Dyke. Artaban saw a sign—a new star, that he
along with Casper, Melchoir, and Balthazar determined foretold the rising of a
new king in Judea. His friends in Ecbatana, Persia discount the sighting and
refuse to join him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Undeterred, Artaban sets out on his horse Vasda for his
meeting with the other three. Van Dyke says, “[he] must ride wisely and well if
he would keep the appointed hour with the other Magi.” Even when he passes
Babylon he still has three hours to reach the “Temple of the Seven Spheres” by
midnight. In the date-palm grove Vasda senses something—or someone. It is a dying
man lying in the road. This stranger grasps Artaban’s robe in plea. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblC22qfY78-XzsT1atxONbr_2N6N7UY2aK6nUDLiJplMuAYJ0jcWkpRG7FG_FDcTr0pjDn7i_8RnCCFjsOMwD4i0WWwAQcoa5qG9uFTr5SY3NFS42FjVr5_UiusfbS_0OnNzHzYA-vR8il4G5gocnI88r9ez3cjoZYo9ZKjduc8k2cvb2FxcAFjDgxm6K/s624/artaban%20and%20man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblC22qfY78-XzsT1atxONbr_2N6N7UY2aK6nUDLiJplMuAYJ0jcWkpRG7FG_FDcTr0pjDn7i_8RnCCFjsOMwD4i0WWwAQcoa5qG9uFTr5SY3NFS42FjVr5_UiusfbS_0OnNzHzYA-vR8il4G5gocnI88r9ez3cjoZYo9ZKjduc8k2cvb2FxcAFjDgxm6K/s320/artaban%20and%20man.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thus, our Magi must decide. “How could he stay here in the
darkness to minister to a dying stranger?...If he lingered but for an hour he
could hardly reach Borsippa at the appointed time…he would lose his quest.” His
compassion wins and he cares for the man “hour after hour” until “the man’s strength
returned; he sat up and looked about him.” As Artaban prepares to leave the stranger
with food and healing herbs, he is rewarded by information. The man is a Hebrew
and tells him, “I can tell you where the Messiah must be sought…in Bethlehem.”</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Artaban races toward the meeting with his friends, but
indeed arrives too late. He finds a note saying they have departed, “Follow us
across the desert.” In despair, Artaban knows he must “return to Babylon, sell
my sapphire…<b>only God the merciful knows whether I shall not lose the sight of
the King because I tarried to show mercy.</b>” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Even though he is a Magi, a member of a learned and
religious class, Artaban wonders if his actions have ruined his quest. In the
Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus applauds the actions of the man who stopped
to help a wounded stranger. After telling the story, Jesus asks, “Which of
these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of
robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” <b>Jesus
told him, “Go and do likewise.” </b>(Luke 10:36-37)<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think it is easy to think we must follow a set series of
steps and neat rules to ‘find God.’ We can forget that God is in the stranger,
in the lost, in the frightened or forgotten, even in the seemingly detestable;
as much as in the holiest of Cathedrals. When we begin to understand that
truth, it is an epiphany of sorts. Throughout his journey, we’ll see that
Artaban has many epiphanies. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Br. Jim Woodrum <a href="https://www.ssje.org/2023/01/06/not-all-those-who-wander-are-lost-br-jim-woodrum" target="_blank">notes</a>,
“Epiphanies seem to be random, but they are not. They build over time until the
last little bit of information is gathered, and the picture comes fully into
focus. Epiphany means ‘manifestation’…<b>I would say that our spiritual pilgrimage
is about ‘response.’</b> We do not usually undertake a dangerous and costly journey
on our own volition. Rather, it is something we are called to, a mission that
has already been set in motion. The wise [men’s] journey was a response to a
mission that was set in motion by God.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Artaban’s quest is just beginning, and so is each of our faith
journeys. Br. Woodrum says, we seek in “<b>response to God who has called you
out of inertia through your desire</b>—a desire for meaning, a desire for
peace, a desire for love, or simply a desire to know God as you are known by
God.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What is your desire? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How do you hope God will be manifest in your life’s Epiphany
at this time? </span><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-1527811529174042112024-01-07T07:00:00.003-07:002024-01-07T07:00:00.133-07:00Epiphany with Artaban: Sign in the Sky<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCuREzr8eNtjIUqqRKfH5kCbeoJlewp8zPEHE_XBb1IxN3SF-A817M26qx7oY2N7Ub1awCUKO-0aRjUTUF77tKECtWkmE7KHzab_BUnQ9o1ul8XUpH-Ofxxf8IiQgqijvjvln9sHsb9ySRPMIg3ZxcNz_ky9ivEir5xfTIY_8APko8pnDNKCqIa0MLqi6/s4032/other%20wise%20man%20book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCuREzr8eNtjIUqqRKfH5kCbeoJlewp8zPEHE_XBb1IxN3SF-A817M26qx7oY2N7Ub1awCUKO-0aRjUTUF77tKECtWkmE7KHzab_BUnQ9o1ul8XUpH-Ofxxf8IiQgqijvjvln9sHsb9ySRPMIg3ZxcNz_ky9ivEir5xfTIY_8APko8pnDNKCqIa0MLqi6/w150-h200/other%20wise%20man%20book.jpg" width="150" /></a></div> <i>The Story of the Other Wise Man</i> by Henry Van Dyke,
written in 1895, is one of my favorites. I return to it nearly every year at
Christmas and Epiphany. My copy is rather dog-eared--or puppy-chewed. This one was given to my grandfather by his father and I treasure it, despite the nibbled corner. <p></p><p>This year, I want to explore the story in light of the world
of 2024 with its unique challenges and opportunities. Here we are nearly 130
years after Van Dyke wrote his book. What might this little book teach us about
walking in the footsteps of Christ, as we follow the journey of Artaban, the ‘fourth’
wise man who never made it to Bethlehem.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Van Dyke says in his preface that the story came to him as a
“gift. It was sent to me; and it seemed as if I knew the Giver, though His name
was not spoken.” He goes on to note, “The year had been full of sickness and sorrow.
Every day brought trouble.” Perhaps you can relate to that scenario. Van Dyke
tells us, “all that I had to do was to follow Artaban, step by step, as the
tale went on, from the beginning to the end of the pilgrimage.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>That’s what I invite you to—a pilgrimage through the story
of this seeker, who thought he lost his way, but learned he really was always
on the right path. </b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The book opens with a poem inspired by Matthew 16:25-27.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Who seeks for heaven alone to save his soul,<br />
May keep the path, but will not reach the goal;<br />
While he who walks in love my wander far,<br />
Yet God will bring him where the blessed are.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Artaban is a member of the Magi, living in Ecbatana, Persia.
This city was the capital of the Empire of the Medes (675-549 BCE) and later
Parthians (247 BCE-224 CE). Excavations at modern Hamadan, Iran have established
the location. The area, in the mountains 250 miles east of Babylon, has been
settled for millennia. The cooler mountain weather made it popular with the
rulers and elite of empires. It was located on the Silk Road from the Orient
meaning it was a prosperous place. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As a Magi, Artaban, was a priest of Zoroastrianism, a
religion practiced in the area for centuries. The core of their worship was a
single sacred being, Ahura Mazda. Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds
were the tenets. Water and fire were both holy in the religion. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Artaban gathers nine Magi to discuss a strange sign he has
seen in the sky. He addresses them and his father, “<b>Religion without a great
hope would be like an altar without a living fire</b>…I have read other words…from
the fountain of Truth, and speak yet more clearly of the rising of the
Victorious One in his brightness.” He then reminds the group of the “Hebrew
Daniel…a prophet of sure things.” He goes on to say that with Caspar, Melchoir,
and Bathazar he has seen a new star briefly. They calculated and determined
that the “new star in the sign of the Fish, which is the house of the Hebrews”
predicts the “promised one who shall be born King of the Jews.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Artaban says he has sold all and bought three jewels, “a
Sapphire, a ruby, and a pearl—to carry them as tribute to the King.” He invites
his fellow Magi to join the quest, but they each have an excuse and dismiss his
vision. (Echoes of Luke 14:18f) His father tells him, <b>“It is better to follow even the shadow of the
best than to remain content with the worst.” </b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Undeterred Artaban goes to his watch post and sees “an azure
spark born out of the darkness…tiny and infinitely remote, yet perfect in every
part, it pulsated…’It is the sign. The King is coming, and I will go to meet
him.’”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We are entering the Season of Epiphany when we hear of Jesus
and his ministry. The lessons this week are from Genesis 1 when God creates
light, and the Gospel of Mark where we hear of Jesus baptism and the words, <i>You
are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.</i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Artaban was seeking, as the Gospel of John says, <i>the true
light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.</i> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>This week, I am going to ponder the words of Artaban’s
father, that it “is better to follow even the shadow of the best than to remain
content with the worst.” </i></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Where in my life am I content with less than the best? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What is the shadow of a dream in my heart of the best? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Where can I meet the true light? <o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-83599084317323731002023-12-31T07:00:00.001-07:002023-12-31T07:00:00.144-07:00New Year's Eve Prayers<p> Concluding the series of prayers with these for the First
Sunday after Christmas and New Year’s Eve.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your
incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth
in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in
the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. <i>(Book of
Common Prayer</i>)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>O Loving Creator, for our sake you became human and were
born in a lowly stable; Help us always to remember the forgotten, uplift the
lowly, and give strength to the powerless, all for your love’s sake; in the
name of the Source, the Word, and the Spirit. Amen (<i>Women’s Uncommon Prayers)</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name
of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we pray, the
love of him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (<i>Book
of Common Prayer)</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>This life is made up of so many beginnings and so many
endings.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
We start new jobs and leave old ones.<br />
We move to new cities and leave our childhood hobbies in our parents’ basement
(Sorry, Mom)<br />
We become new people slowly (hopefully kinder and funnier?).<br />
Friends and relationships come and go.<br />
Dreams blossom and then they wither.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And we find ourselves here once again at the precipice of
change.<br />
Afraid to let go, and afraid of what will happen if we don’t. <br />
Might this be a place of blessing too? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Blessed are we standing in the hallways<br />
between closed doors<br />
and ones still to come,<br />
between the old and the new,<br />
between the worn-in<br />
and the doesn’t-quite-yet-fit,<br />
between who we were<br />
and who we might become.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">God, make it remotely possible to grow and change,<br />
become open to new adventures, and untethered to routine or to the same-old.<br />
Because the anxiety rising in my shoulders and filly my throat tells me I am
unlikely, unwilling, to step forward.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Blessed are we who take a minute to look over our shoulder
at all we learned from what was,<br />
the people we became, the people who loved us into becoming.<br />
The peace that comes with familiarity.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Blessed are we who trust this timing, and who open our
hearts anew to change, to new friends, to hope.<br />
Nervous, maybe heavy-hearted, but brimming with gratitude for a life so
beautiful that it hurts to say goodbye.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Blessed are we, turning our eyes ahead toward a new path not
yet mapped.<br />
God, give us courage to take this next step, and enough for the one after that,
too.<br />
Remind us that you hav gone before, and behind, and around, and are with us
now.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In our leaving, in our arriving, in our changes, expected or
shocking, surprise us with who we might become. <span style="color: black; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">(<i>The Lives we Actually Have</i>/Kate Bowler)</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWePd5b_U-SaYjhuy8eWtmL9Zn0er80n0yYA4A0SBo_F4vf8_uvVdv6jqWWFE8DKVpE00zuSsk45d6f_GlijmSDjWhPYvbFWUrtJ7S4beD2kPyB60TOI5lKs6VpKXJSC-bU1l58lposlVBimwv1ittr-HNcgsVMtCejl3MtOOvUbXAO-kN1bXLnNjeTpiE/s612/abide%20in%20love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="612" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWePd5b_U-SaYjhuy8eWtmL9Zn0er80n0yYA4A0SBo_F4vf8_uvVdv6jqWWFE8DKVpE00zuSsk45d6f_GlijmSDjWhPYvbFWUrtJ7S4beD2kPyB60TOI5lKs6VpKXJSC-bU1l58lposlVBimwv1ittr-HNcgsVMtCejl3MtOOvUbXAO-kN1bXLnNjeTpiE/s320/abide%20in%20love.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Beloved, we are called to love those in need:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<b>Let us love in truth and action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
</b>Beloved, we are called to be people of peace:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<b>Let us love one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
</b>Beloved, we are called to be people of healing:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<b>Let us love not only God, but our brothers and sisters, also.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
May we abide in God’s love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<b>May God’s love abide in us.</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(<i>Daily
Prayer for All Seasons)<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>See you in 2024 when we meet "The Other Wise Man"</b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-11773565877403207682023-12-24T07:00:00.002-07:002023-12-24T07:00:00.148-07:00Prayers for Christmas Eve Weekend: Peace<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Advent 4 falls on Dec. 24, so today we have the Advent
prayers, plus prayers for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Use this offering
however you feel led. May you have a holy and joy-filled Christmas.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p> </o:p>“<i>Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace
to those on whom his favor rests</i>.” (Luke 2:14)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p> </o:p>Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily
visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion
prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (<i>Book of Common Prayer</i>)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessed Jesus, born of our sister Mary, the first and most
perfect disciple who fully accepted the will of God and acted upon it: Give us
the faith to accept your will for us and the strength to carry it out, to the
honor and glory of your name. Amen (<i>Women’s Uncommon Prayers)</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p> </o:p>Blessed are we, the fearful, though we long to be people of
peace.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
We can’t lie: we are afraid.<br />
Afraid there won’t be enough—enough resources, enough time, enough memories.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessed are we who ask you for wisdom. Show us what to turn
from, what to set aside.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Come, Lord, that we might see you, move with you, keep pace
with you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessed are we who ask that this Advent we might dwell
together quietly in our homes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Come, Lord, that we might be for others the peace they
cannot find.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessed are we who look to you and say, <i>God, truly, we
are troubled and afraid. Come govern our hearts and calm our fears.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh Prince of Peace, still our restless selves, calm our
anxious hearts, quiet our busy minds. (<i>The Lives we Actually Have</i>/Kate
Bowler)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p> </o:p>Shepherd of Israel, may Jesus, who is Emmanuel and son of
Mary, be more than just a dream in our hearts. With the apostles, prophets, and
saints, save us, restore us, and lead us in the way of grace and peace, that we
may bear your promise into the world. Amen (<i>Daily Prayer for All Seasons</i>)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiexhZpemVWs1Sk9lNbTxqqtMLjnMvjIOU8h_t8y3YuavORjUHlLZ28w3S0EzyLYbtAL7Xbr-AjNBHsQOkXwpOn0a5Jq_V421kUSODSyMEKob_tMuOJ0AVVwXBEzFV_x9y0Icv6gUHKn4PUfJy8dqz4WpYo6G1cIa0jGk0-HzY97-7HqnWYFzaAB_YmaSy/s993/advent%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="993" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiexhZpemVWs1Sk9lNbTxqqtMLjnMvjIOU8h_t8y3YuavORjUHlLZ28w3S0EzyLYbtAL7Xbr-AjNBHsQOkXwpOn0a5Jq_V421kUSODSyMEKob_tMuOJ0AVVwXBEzFV_x9y0Icv6gUHKn4PUfJy8dqz4WpYo6G1cIa0jGk0-HzY97-7HqnWYFzaAB_YmaSy/w400-h268/advent%204.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Christmas Eve</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness
of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on
earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy
Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (<i>Book of
Common Prayer</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p> </o:p>Jesus, this is the great inversion I would not have known
had you not appeared and made yourself small.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus, I would have been satisfied with the God who moves
mountains and whose breath imparts life but who never cried in his mother’s
arms.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The world whispers to me about what must be done. About
empires and war. About efficiency and strength, but there you are. <br />
A refusal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Your fragility, a witness. <br />
Your dependence, an invitation.<br />
Your cry, a reminder.<br />
Our finitude is not an embarrassment, because neither was yours.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessed are we when we see love, at long last, in every
small and tender thing, stealing into our world to change us all. (<i>The Lives
we Actually Have</i>/Kate Bowler)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p> </o:p>Holy One, come this night.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
Open my heart to the brightness of your love.<br />
Release my fears and revive my hope,<br />
that I may rest well and rise to share your love. (<i>Daily Prayer for All
Seasons</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Christmas Day<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take
our nature upon him, and to be born [this day] of a pure virgin: Grant that we,
who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may
daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with
you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. (<i>Book of
Common Prayer</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p> </o:p>Most gracious God, for our salvation you were born and
manifested in a human body: Help us see your likeness in women and men of all
nations, races, and cultures, that we may rejoice in our diversity and live
together as one; in the name of your Child, our Savior Jesus Christ, given to
us this holy day. Amen (<i>Women’s Uncommon Prayers)</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p> </o:p>God, this is a kind of magic the way this day shines so
strangely, how it sparkles beyond our understanding.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Yes, it was a disaster the way the food turned out this
year and how what’s-her-face said—I told her not to—what shouldn’t be repeated.
Again, this year.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But, somehow, this day never fails to awaken a longing to
love well—or at least better—all those here with us, and those far away, and to
remember with gratitude those now gone, gone, gone and missed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What is this mystery?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our God, who set the world spinning, should come down for
this one reason: <br />
to love us into newness.<br />
Not for gain, nor our capitalist fantasies, but for the hope so freely,
lavishly given that we might learn to see, feel, and live Christ’s love.<br />
Thank you,<br />
Christ the Giver and the Gift.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amen (<i>The Lives we Actually Have</i>/Kate Bowler)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p> </o:p>Light of life, you came in flesh, born into human pain and
joy, and gave us power to be your children: Grant us faith, O Christ, to see
your presence among us, so that all creation may sing new songs of gladness and
walk in the way of peace. Amen. (<i>Daily Prayer for All Seasons</i>)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-52451948480007432382023-12-19T07:56:00.001-07:002023-12-19T07:56:25.579-07:00Where Two or Three Are Gathered: Monthly Litany for Peace<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">All are invited to join in prayers for peace, <br />on the <b>third Wed. of each month, starting Dec. 20 at 6:30PM</b> <br />at the Cathedral of St. John (318 Silver SW, Albuquerque).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;">It will also be streamed on the Cathedral Facebook page (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/stjohnsabq" target="_blank">stjohnsabq</a>). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;">There is a potluck at 6PM, if you want to join in fellowship before the service.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>This service is open to all who seek peace.<br />"Where two or three are gathered" God is present. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JK-AcFVHjUbYODQqVLh8hZBArmac-2qfeAu8-VsULQzq-uQ4bv-LkjCU31smyyVubZZbnt9wvcRfgoBM0G7m-FH28_wMBi9eOLk34TpbSudFMx3Fknq79JmPDyVYizLzbSZko4KE1I_KJrAWnLh3hEo9jOzR5CEe6T6twwAj4Vs1b4V4UvJhlXip-PvT/s1505/two%20or%20three%20graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1505" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JK-AcFVHjUbYODQqVLh8hZBArmac-2qfeAu8-VsULQzq-uQ4bv-LkjCU31smyyVubZZbnt9wvcRfgoBM0G7m-FH28_wMBi9eOLk34TpbSudFMx3Fknq79JmPDyVYizLzbSZko4KE1I_KJrAWnLh3hEo9jOzR5CEe6T6twwAj4Vs1b4V4UvJhlXip-PvT/w478-h640/two%20or%20three%20graphic.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-184225217597857012023-12-17T07:00:00.003-07:002023-12-17T07:00:00.137-07:00Advent 3: Joy<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> This Advent, I am simply offering some prayers for your
Advent devotions. Each week, I’ll include the Collect from the Episcopal Book
of Common Prayer for that Sunday. I’ve added the Collect from <i>Women’s
Uncommon Prayers</i>, a collection of prayers by women in the church from 2000.
This feminine leaning set of prayers can offer a different insight into our
spiritual journey. I’ll also include a prayer from <i>Daily Prayer for All
Seasons, </i>compiled in 2014.<i> </i>I have also added one for each week from <i>The
Lives we Actually Have</i> by Kate Bowler. The Bowler book is a resource I just
recently learned about, and it is definitely one to add to your collection.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Each week in Advent traditionally has a theme.
Hope—Love—Joy—Peace. The prayers help us focus on that theme. Use this offering
however you feel led. You can pray all of them each weekday, use them just on
Sunday, pray one a day, etc. May your Advent journey be blessed this year.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“<i>Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit</i>.”
(Romans 15:15)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among
us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace
and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom,
with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. (<i>Book
of Common Prayer</i>)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">O Hidden, Eternal, and Self-giving god, who became human for
our salvation: Open our minds, liberate our hearts, and strengthen our souls,
that we may live into the fullness of your desires for us; in the name of the
Source, the Word, and the Spirit. Amen. (<i>Women’s Uncommon Prayers</i>)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessed are we who wait with bated breath, who wait for
something new to be born—for new hope or new joy or new life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessed are we whose patience grows thinner by the day. We
who are tired of the world as it is—in all of its heartache and loss and
hopelessness. We who want more.<br />
More hope. More joy. More life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessed are we who sit here, waiting at the still point
between desire and expectation. We who are making room for more of you, oh God,
this Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Surprise us with joy in the midst of the mundane, abundance
in the midst of so much scarcity, presence in the midst of Christmas chaos.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We have quieted our souls to listen, to wait for you, oh
God, for your Word-Made-Flesh is life to us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amen. (<i>The Lives we Actually Have</i>/Kate Bowler)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wise and loving God, you bear us for joy. In humility, you
show us wisdom. Enfold us at this hour with the knowledge born of love. Awaken
within us the desire to know rightly and the will to live justly, with grace
and generosity. Amen (<i>Daily Prayer for All Seasons</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGktcdpldrssmoTL_fTf6eVxhXEcld2mM6eLKASQ4hm0FtStSZ8X-Kkj1mCExluZtXNvm0sRTL3LQ2XTNKOaVTh4ZUghvRJ86l_bYfQAfXYZpNeBbY_LGe4_9j0jjbPbnomyu-mayJYcDCalCNSwSxNE85TFIqd7823V8fXEAhVzVeOLBJTC5BVhQPlkl/s1125/advent%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="1125" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGktcdpldrssmoTL_fTf6eVxhXEcld2mM6eLKASQ4hm0FtStSZ8X-Kkj1mCExluZtXNvm0sRTL3LQ2XTNKOaVTh4ZUghvRJ86l_bYfQAfXYZpNeBbY_LGe4_9j0jjbPbnomyu-mayJYcDCalCNSwSxNE85TFIqd7823V8fXEAhVzVeOLBJTC5BVhQPlkl/w400-h265/advent%203.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-69072230038792093432023-12-10T07:06:00.002-07:002023-12-10T07:06:00.148-07:00Advent 2: Love<p> This Advent, I am simply offering some prayers for your
Advent devotions. Each week, I’ll include the Collect from the Episcopal Book
of Common Prayer for that Sunday. I’ve added the Collect from <i>Women’s
Uncommon Prayers</i>, a collection of prayers by women in the church from 2000.
This feminine leaning set of prayers can offer a different insight into our
spiritual journey. I’ll also include a prayer from <i>Daily Prayer for All
Seasons, </i>compiled in 2014.<i> </i>I have also added one for each week from <i>The
Lives we Actually Have</i> by Kate Bowler. The Bowler book is a resource I just
recently learned about, and it is definitely one to add to your collection.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Each week in Advent traditionally has a theme.
Hope—Love—Joy—Peace. The prayers help us focus on that theme. Use this offering
however you feel led. You can pray all of them each weekday, use them just on
Sunday, pray one a day, etc. May your Advent journey be blessed this year.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“<i>Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for
another</i>?” (Matthew 11:3)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to
preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed
their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of
Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen (<i>Book of Common Prayer</i>)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Life-giving God, in whom we live and move and have our
being: Kindle your love within us as we await the coming of your Son our Savior
Jesus Christ, that we might humbly serve others in his name, both now and
forever. Amen. <i>(Women’s Uncommon Prayers)</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xnPXIi89Rjvr1TAF_Bu18Vc8wtK-IP9xqa1ZS_TdYSfo-7HJ9XmgLC5t7woBRA0Yj3dYSDdpxo02SL-3gFZVF93eFGJZ5acWMMVmaH-r6nVWBYuOYE77_mvYK11mGpapcz8BU3cb6rsLlRCFJmdYG6YEhy8K2bSHCygkOfua0tQcNsQhH8EGOu0Ul7tP/s1113/advent%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1113" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xnPXIi89Rjvr1TAF_Bu18Vc8wtK-IP9xqa1ZS_TdYSfo-7HJ9XmgLC5t7woBRA0Yj3dYSDdpxo02SL-3gFZVF93eFGJZ5acWMMVmaH-r6nVWBYuOYE77_mvYK11mGpapcz8BU3cb6rsLlRCFJmdYG6YEhy8K2bSHCygkOfua0tQcNsQhH8EGOu0Ul7tP/s320/advent%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">God, we are waiting for love, not the simple kind or the
sweep-you-off-your-feet kind, <i>but the absurd kind.</i> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The kind wrapped in rags, resting in a bucket of animal
feed. Love enough to save us all.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Blessed are we who look for Love deeper, fuller, truer—than
we have ever known, than we could have ever hoped for. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Blessed are we who seek you, the light that dawned so long
ago in that dark stable. <br />
Love given.<br />
Love received.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Receive this gift, dear one.<br />
Love has come for you. (<i>The Lives we Actually Have</i>/Kate Bowler)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">O Holy One, thank you for coming to us anew this day.
Prepare our hearts and reawaken our love for you as we discern your call within
us. May we join with you in making level the path for all people. Amen. <i>(Daily
Prayer for All Seasons</i>)</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-76097521746872696482023-12-03T07:00:00.004-07:002023-12-03T07:00:00.149-07:00Advent 1: Hope<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This Advent, I am simply offering some prayers for your
Advent devotions. Each week, I’ll include the Collect from the Episcopal Book
of Common Prayer for that Sunday. I’ve added the Collect from <i>Women’s
Uncommon Prayers</i>, a collection of prayers by women in the church from 2000.
This feminine leaning set of prayers can offer a different insight into our
spiritual journey. I’ll also include a prayer from <i>Daily Prayer for All
Seasons, </i>compiled in 2014.<i> </i>I have also added one for each week from <i>The
Lives we Actually Have</i> by Kate Bowler. The Bowler book is a resource I just
recently learned about, and it is definitely one to add to your collection. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Each week in Advent traditionally has a theme. Hope—Love—Joy—Peace.
The prayers help us focus on that theme. </b>Use this offering however you feel
led. You can pray all of them each weekday, use them just on Sunday, pray one a
day, etc. May your Advent journey be blessed this year.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjln8-8pIOQv9kKhPN-WupE1LJVmPkWD9C_EjIRxZyGyztSdWhx8JRzUPgBIeCqJ7RuiQrwz7DO5PX3nGtU4fFHFx5fPSeGfVUECP7VpNkygdtNQYofds4BaFxyVavClndszotf8quzBOaIBLFdpHpCWPLCwztVvfgFlbEkmDZ7GN2hNHmC42L77ue_o5B6/s1125/advent%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1125" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjln8-8pIOQv9kKhPN-WupE1LJVmPkWD9C_EjIRxZyGyztSdWhx8JRzUPgBIeCqJ7RuiQrwz7DO5PX3nGtU4fFHFx5fPSeGfVUECP7VpNkygdtNQYofds4BaFxyVavClndszotf8quzBOaIBLFdpHpCWPLCwztVvfgFlbEkmDZ7GN2hNHmC42L77ue_o5B6/s320/advent%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“</span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God,
believe also in me</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">.” (John 14:1)</span></div></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of
darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in
which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the
last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the
living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (</span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Book
of Common Prayer</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Creator God, from whose womb the sea burst forth: Be with us
now as we seek with your grace to give birth to a new creation filled with
justice and peace, harmony and concord, unity and love for all; in the name of your
Child whom we await, Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen. (</span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Women’s Uncommon
Prayers</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">God, these are darkening days, with little hope in sight.
Help us in our fear and exhaustion. Anchor us in hope. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessed are we with eyes open to see the accumulated
suffering of danger, sickness, and loneliness, the injustice of racial
oppression, the unimpeded greed and misuse of power, violence, intimidation,
and the use of dominance for its own sake, the mockery of truth, and disdain
for weakness or vulnerability – and worse, the seeming powerlessness of anyone
trying to stop it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessed are we who ask: Where are you, God? And where are
your people—the smart and sensible ones who fight for the good and have the
power to make it stick?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessed are we who cry out: Oh God, why does the bad always
seem to win? When will good prevail? We know you are good, be we see so little
goodness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">God, show us your heart, how you seek out the broken. Lift
us on your shoulders, and carry us home—no matter how strong we think we are.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">God, seek us out, and find us, we your tired people, and
lead us out to where hope lies, where your kingdom will come and your will be
done, on earth as it is in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fill us with your courage.<br />
Calm us with your love.<br />
fortify us with your hope.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">PS Open your hands as you release your prayers. Then take
hold of hope. As protest. (<i>The Lives we Actually Have</i>/Kate Bowler)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Merciful God of peace, your word, spoken by the
prophets, restores your people’s life and hope: Fill our hearts with the joy of
your saving grace, that we may hold fast to your great goodness and proclaim
your justice in all the world. Amen (<i>Daily Prayer for All Seasons</i>)</span> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-72956716659442437102023-11-26T07:00:00.001-07:002023-11-26T07:00:00.140-07:00Christ the King Sunday and Julian of Norwich<p> <span style="font-family: inherit;">We are at the end of the Liturgical year in the Christian
Church. Next Sunday is Advent 1, which is the beginning of the Church Year, aka
New Year’s Day. The church calendar offers many new beginnings throughout the
year with the start of each new church season, just as the secular calendar
offers new starts with the seasons. In the secular calendar we also have
starting points with birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and the remembrance of
special occasions or even memorials of historical facts (Pearl Harbor Day or
Veteran’s Day, for instance).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This Sunday is called Christ the King Sunday and the
readings tell of God coming to seek the sheep and judge the world. God says, <i>I
will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the
injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will
destroy. I will feed them with justice. </i>(Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24) The
Gospel talks of justice as well. In Matthew 25:31-46 we hear Jesus say, <i>All
the nations will be gathered before [the Son of Man], and he will separate
people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and
he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left.</i> Jesus adds,
<i>just as you did [or did not] do it to one of the least of these, you did [or
did not] do it to me.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Epistle (Ephesians 1:15-23) notes, <i>[God] has put all
things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church,
which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.</i> <b>Christ is King
and we are the sheep for whom God provides justice and we are also those who
must work for that justice on behalf of the Kingdom. An awe-some and fear-full
responsibility, for sure.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last weekend I was at a retreat focusing on Dame Julian of
Norwich, a 14<sup>th</sup> century saint who is most famous for her visions of Christ
who promised “all will be well and all manner of things shall be well.” The
truth is she had many other insights into our Lord. She talks, in her <i>Revelations
of Divine Love,</i> of a God who “ever was and is and shall be all mighty, all
wisdom, and all Love.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of Julian’s most powerful revelations was the idea that “our
savior is our very mother, in who we are endlessly born…and we be all in him [en]closed.”
The Motherhood of Christ is not a metaphor but rather the idea that by being Incarnate,
Christ was in fact, motherhood in action. Christ is the self-giving love of a mother
who is willing to say, “I suffered my passion for thee. And if I might suffer
more, I would suffer more.” Just as a mother will fill her plate last so that
her child has the best food, so Christ provides the best for us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Truly, as Julian says, “Know it well, Love was his meaning.
Who showed it to thee? Love. What showed he to thee? Love. Wherefore showed it
to thee? For love…Love is our Lord’s meaning.” <b>Julian’s revelations give us
insight into the God who though King and Lord, is all LOVE and we are held in
that Love</b> even (especially) in trials and uncertainties as well as in our
joys and celebrations. (Read more about the retreat <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://varietiesofgifts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a></span>.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Psalm 100 for this Sunday calls us to <i>be joyful in the
Lord…serve the Lord with gladness and come before his presence with a song.</i>
We are reminded <i>the Lord himself is God; he himself has made us, and we are
his. </i>Therefore, we can <i>Enter his gates with thanksgiving…give thanks to
him and call upon his Name.</i> With Julian, the Psalmist points out <b><i>the
Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his faithfulness endures from age
to age.</i><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PP9BjKnDaFk" width="320" youtube-src-id="PP9BjKnDaFk"></iframe></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">As the song says, </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Our God is an Awesome God</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> who does reign
and judge. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yet this reign is not as a punitive despot. </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Our God reigns in Love, with
Love, and by Love.</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> We are called to the same response to God and to one
another. Pray that it may be so.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I noted at the beginning, this church year is coming to
an end. Our journey through the Psalms of the lectionary this year is also coming
to an end. Where will we go in the new year? I’m not sure what I will talk
about in Advent. Perhaps explorations of the Love of God as made visible in the
Incarnation…. </span><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-77053916582563601722023-11-19T07:00:00.002-07:002023-11-19T07:00:00.139-07:00Thanksgiving and Gratitude<p><span style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> It is almost Thanksgiving here in the US. A meditation from <a href="https://depree.org/reflecting-on-gods-wonders-in-difficult-times/" target="_blank">November 14 by Mark Roberts</a> of the Fuller dePree Institute includes this suggestion, which is a good one for any time of the year. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"[It will soon] be Thanksgiving Day in the United States. For many years I have used this occasion as an opportunity to remember God’s gifts in my life. These days, I’m able to do so on Thanksgiving morning. I get up early and while it’s still quiet I reflect on the past year. To help me with this reflection I pull out my calendar and journal. I make a list of all the gifts I’ve received in the last year. Some of these are obvious and repeated every year (gratitude for my family, for example). But many of the gifts I jot down were special to the previous year. Without fail, I end up remembering things I had been taking for granted. As I make my list of gifts, I thank God again and again for such marvelous grace.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I would encourage you to join me in this exercise of Thanksgiving reflection and prayer. It may not work for you to do it on Thanksgiving Day. That’s partly why I’m mentioning it now. I expect you’ll be able to set aside an hour or so in the next eight days, or perhaps during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend."</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9NxBCROZqznQ_cCmtOGWeNzPJLxGg9vH3liYwFN1UM7PtmVuczYm7iYFhyphenhyphenItfs7nxDlmr8dUWGVgZM5BFtSc6L0KkPdEASxAQWCEo-xKFWTrPu7Gdt8A5GPMlrqIGRUtVxhKcTgWahcWIcOh85WANJdRKMk4A7htiNukpbSFO91B8il076qAy4mGMVLh/s800/thanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9NxBCROZqznQ_cCmtOGWeNzPJLxGg9vH3liYwFN1UM7PtmVuczYm7iYFhyphenhyphenItfs7nxDlmr8dUWGVgZM5BFtSc6L0KkPdEASxAQWCEo-xKFWTrPu7Gdt8A5GPMlrqIGRUtVxhKcTgWahcWIcOh85WANJdRKMk4A7htiNukpbSFO91B8il076qAy4mGMVLh/w400-h400/thanks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-30682433088195317342023-11-12T07:36:00.002-07:002023-11-12T07:37:52.423-07:00Pentecost 24: Wisdom 6:12-20: Wise<p> <span style="font-family: inherit;">This week we have an unusual occurrence. The Hebrew
Scripture reading and one of the Psalm suggestions are both from the Book of
Wisdom. The Gospel parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins is also about being
wise. The reading from Thessalonians talks about being informed about those who
have died.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How do we know how to be wise? In the Book of the Wisdom of
Solomon, wisdom is personified as a woman who is easily found <i>sitting at the
gate</i> and <i>meets them in every thought</i>. <b>Wisdom, it is said, is found by
desiring instruction. Indeed, <i>concern for instruction is love of her</i>.</b>
Therefore, as you become wise, you are nearer to God and will have a kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the Gospel (Matthew 25:1-13) Jesus talks about the <i>ten
bridesmaids [who] took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of
them were foolish, and five were wise. </i>We hear that the wise ones were
prepared with extra oil, but the foolish had to leave the celebration to buy
more oil for their lamps. Because of that they miss out on the feast and the
kingdom, being told, <i>Truly I tell you, I do not know you.</i> Jesus ends by
warning <i>you know neither the day nor the hour [when the Son will come].</i>
The lesson being we need to always be ready for God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) we are given a
grand vision of the end of time when <i>the Lord himself, with a cry of
command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will
descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are
alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet
the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Much of the art based on the parable uses vivid symbolism of
light and dark. In this <a href="https://ainvaresart.com/products/art-print-the-parable-of-the-ten-virgins-mt-25-1-13" target="_blank">print</a>, the foolish virgins are literally ‘left in the
dark,’ as the wise ones head for the celebration. How do we emulate the wise
virgins and have oil in our lamps to greet the Bridegroom? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxV3hyphenhyphentJIu-_FAv_l2WiVPjTAuSZEdBw2qypx19DAyYUawa7luf9UiyraKOatI-tX-XOn7ILqcFMQhaoj15luuwZEd83PlVyjEnjnMz_tbTcSq3M8hZ9TstFSugQaG3NUd0ryra4yrLCwU70HaRAnnJCLwIr1WHfjYlJ4Iv2vFnqvo3ImCqRa1add3jFP/s468/10%20virgins%20print.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="468" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxV3hyphenhyphentJIu-_FAv_l2WiVPjTAuSZEdBw2qypx19DAyYUawa7luf9UiyraKOatI-tX-XOn7ILqcFMQhaoj15luuwZEd83PlVyjEnjnMz_tbTcSq3M8hZ9TstFSugQaG3NUd0ryra4yrLCwU70HaRAnnJCLwIr1WHfjYlJ4Iv2vFnqvo3ImCqRa1add3jFP/w400-h234/10%20virgins%20print.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">We are encouraged by the citation for the Book of Wisdom
that we can find Wisdom as we look for her. God doesn’t hide that from us. What
is ‘wisdom’ though? The word comes from the Old English wise and Greek </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">eidos
</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">or </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">idein</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> to see. So, wisdom helps us to see clearly. Wisdom is a
light to our path, it is oil in our lamp.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What are your thoughts about wisdom and the actions of the 'virgins' in the parable? </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How do they apply to you? </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><b>Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-16</b></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>12 Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her, and is found by those who seek her.<br />13 She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her.<br />14 One who rises early to seek her will have no difficulty, for she will be found sitting at the gate.<br />15 To fix one’s thought on her is perfect understanding, and one who is vigilant on her account will soon be free from care,<br />16 because she goes about seeking those worthy of her, and she graciously appears to them in their paths, and meets them in every thought.<br />17 The beginning of wisdom is the most sincere desire for instruction, and concern for instruction is love of her,<br />18 and <b>love of her is the keeping of her laws, and giving heed to her laws</b> is assurance of immortality,<br />19 and immortality brings one near to God;<br />20 so the desire for wisdom leads to a kingdom. </i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(NRSV)</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-40890583421374539432023-11-05T07:00:00.001-07:002023-11-05T07:00:00.141-07:00Pentecost 23: Psalm 43: Exiled<p> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the course of this year, we’ve looked at many Psalms
and themes. We’ve seen God’s interactions with humanity and creation as a
Relationship (Feb. 5) of Hope (Mar. 26). God’s Call (June 11 entails Freedom
(July 9) and requires us to Listen (July 23). As we deepen our understanding,
we find that all are Included (Aug. 20) and Chosen (Oct. 15).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The current world situation of wars and violence in so many
places may make us question our faith, though. We can feel like God has exiled us, like the ancient Hebrew people from the things we find comforting and certain. How can God allow such awful
things to happen? Why would a loving God let pain and death seem to triumph? The lessons this week ask and answer those questions in their own way.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Micah (3:5-12) warns the leaders of his time, and ours, of
the results of action taken for the wrong reason, even while claiming to do
God’s will. Micah calls out those who <i>give judgment for a bribe, its priests
teach for a price, its prophets give oracles for money; yet they lean upon the Lord
and say, “Surely the Lord is with us!</i><span style="color: #404040;"> </span>Micah states, <i>I am filled with power, with the spirit
of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression
and to Israel his sin. </i>Maybe we need to consider times when we've claimed 'God's will' on something that wasn't sharing of God's love, and was really 'my way' cloaked in religious claims... <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus’ words carry a similar warning in the Gospel (Matthew
23:1-12). He says, <i>the scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore,
do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do
not practice what they teach.</i> Jesus reminds his followers, and us, <i>the
greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be
humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.</i> <b>It is far easier
to give orders, than to be humble and serve in love</b>. It is easier to say we know God's will than to take the time to discern the next step. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Epistle reading (1 Thessalonians 2:9-13) tells of a more
grace-filled response from the people of Thessalonica. Paul notes, <i>when you
received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human
word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you
believers.</i> The Greeks responded in with faith, while the religious leaders
of Jesus’ and Micah’s time did not. These early Christians took time to internalize the message of God's love. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Psalm 43 cries out for God to hear and give justice. We
might echo that call. The Psalmist begs to be delivered from <i>the deceitful
and the wicked,</i> then turns to God who is strength, light, and truth. At the
end, the Psalmist affirms <i style="font-weight: bold;">I will put my hope in God, and once again I
will praise him, my savior and my God. </i>Turning to God when we are confused, grieving, afraid, or just sad is always a good strategy. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Good News Translation calls this Psalm “The Prayer of
Someone in Exile.” With so many refugees from wars and famine and other
desolations, we could pray this in solidarity with each of them, feeling some
of their pain and grief. In our own fears and uncertainties and griefs, we can
pray this Psalm knowing that ultimately God will triumph and <i>bring me to
your holy hill.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There is a beautiful church and shrine in Hubertus, WI which
my husband and I visited a decade ago. This image from the tower reminds me
that what we see and think we know is just a small part of the whole story. We
need to lean past the walls of our pre-conceptions to see more of the view. When we look around, we can see God's love surrounding and in us. Learn more about the Holy Hill Basilica and Shrine here. <a href="https://www.holyhill.com/">https://www.holyhill.com/</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></o:p></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z5JyypwdfKLE3XeLEONK1s8zgXwUYXP_-XL9FS9Ed5jcsJcdIGhJmV0zFf9B-ep2dCqKu0eQbQMNDrVhCQEgEsVue55S5z5UE7MxOpTDt0FncdeKDjidF5iIxkV2ZJGOON8vexlrfT5CoIexmRdZKO35V4fRc9pc2uCfuG7JYvOTuV1t9FQEL6i7gswX/s1600/holy%20hill%20window%20view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z5JyypwdfKLE3XeLEONK1s8zgXwUYXP_-XL9FS9Ed5jcsJcdIGhJmV0zFf9B-ep2dCqKu0eQbQMNDrVhCQEgEsVue55S5z5UE7MxOpTDt0FncdeKDjidF5iIxkV2ZJGOON8vexlrfT5CoIexmRdZKO35V4fRc9pc2uCfuG7JYvOTuV1t9FQEL6i7gswX/s320/holy%20hill%20window%20view.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></i></div><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It would be far to easy to draw parallels to leaders in the
current world situations and ignore our own faults and failings. We would be
wise to ask ourselves some questions. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do I feel in exile in my faith? Can looking at the broader picture of God's love help me?<br />
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Where have I failed to have compassion for the pain of
anyone, friend or not, who I don’t know or don’t understand?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Can I pray Psalm 43 this week in solidarity with all who are
in pain, fear, or exile?</span></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Psalm 43<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Give judgment
for me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people; deliver me from
the deceitful and the wicked.<br />
2 For you are the God of my strength, why have you put me from you? and why do
I go so heavily while the enemy oppresses me?<br />
3 <b>Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me, and bring me
to your holy hill and to your dwelling</b>;<br />
4 That I may go to the altar of God, to the God of my joy and gladness; and on
the harp I will give thanks to you, O God my God.<br />
5 Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul? and why are you so disquieted within
me?<br />
6 Put your trust in God; for I will yet give thanks to him, who is the help of
my countenance, and my God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Book of Common Prayer)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">O God, declare me
innocent, and defend my cause against the ungodly; deliver me from lying and evil
people!<br />
You are my protector; why have you abandoned me? Why must I go on suffering from
the cruelty of my enemies?<br />
Send your light and your truth; may they lead me and bring me back to Zion, your
sacred hill, and to your Temple, where you live.<br />
Then I will go to your altar, O God; you are the source of my happiness. will
play my harp and sing praise to you, O God, my God.<br />
Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? <br />
<b>I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my savior and
my God.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Good News Translation)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-71920972747752836942023-10-29T07:00:00.001-06:002023-10-29T07:00:00.136-06:00All Saints and All Souls Day: Nov. 1 and 2<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> This Wednesday is All Saints Day and the following day is
All Souls Day. On All Saints Day, we remember “all saints, known and unknown,”
according to the Episcopal Dictionary of the Church. All Souls Day, on the
other hand, remembers “all saints, known and unknown, esp. those who are
unknown in the wider fellowship of the church, [such as] family members and
friends.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In Celtic spirituality this time of year is considered a ‘thin
space’ where there can be communication with those who have gone before. The Hispanic
culture in Central and South America and the SW United States celebrates <i>Dia
de los Muertos</i> which is a time to joyfully remember ancestors with food and
decorating <i>ofrendas</i> (a temporary altar with pictures, food, water,
candles, and paper banners). Other cultures have similar ways of remembering
and honoring their deceased loved ones. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whether with prayers at church, a visit to a graveside, or welcoming
your ancestors with gifts and song, take some time over the next week to think
about your ancestors and the gifts they have left you through their lives and
heritage. We may not know very much about our own history, unless you’ve done genealogy,
but we all know that we are the result of many, many people who went before.
They lived, endured, loved, and worked so that you can be here today. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc2ZfUfR4FumuP8xi04Ny8KAEo_Oors7KQNrLilBoN6Pe4sq8NCJ1xalh9VNHWjTOkuCxhFuXsb8jA50EKYNl94UrE3aV6PWFLuE4QhdYsgWxuhVAvyHfMjvk1ekpHICQvsMpwYgRekJhfHKm_VQsYX4LiIvMs3-6Pcs6YBcawglTSfHXmY9sxAjCZPsX/s624/ancestor%20fan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="624" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc2ZfUfR4FumuP8xi04Ny8KAEo_Oors7KQNrLilBoN6Pe4sq8NCJ1xalh9VNHWjTOkuCxhFuXsb8jA50EKYNl94UrE3aV6PWFLuE4QhdYsgWxuhVAvyHfMjvk1ekpHICQvsMpwYgRekJhfHKm_VQsYX4LiIvMs3-6Pcs6YBcawglTSfHXmY9sxAjCZPsX/w400-h324/ancestor%20fan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">A quick look at this generation fan gives an idea of how
many people are there. No matter how many generations we can account for by
name, we can remember the words from the Book of Wisdom 3:1-9, which are often
read at funerals and on All Souls Day, and give thanks for their lives.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wisdom 3:1-9<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 But the souls of the righteous are in the
hand of God,<br />
and no torment will ever touch them.<br />
2 In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died,<br />
and their departure was thought to be a disaster,<br />
3 and their going from us to be their destruction;<br />
but they are at peace.<br />
4 For though in the sight of others they were punished,<br />
their hope is full of immortality.<br />
5 Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good,<br />
because God tested them and found them worthy of himself;<br />
6 like gold in the furnace he tried them,<br />
and like a sacrificial burnt-offering he accepted them.<br />
7 In the time of their visitation they will shine forth,<br />
and will run like sparks through the stubble.<br />
8 They will govern nations and rule over peoples,<br />
and the Lord will reign over them for ever.<br />
9 Those who trust in him will understand truth,<br />
and the faithful will abide with him in love,<br />
because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones,<br />
and he watches over his elect.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-17492700954329307572023-10-22T07:00:00.012-06:002023-10-22T07:00:00.141-06:00Pentecost 21: Psalm 96: Great is the Lord<p> We only have about five weeks left in this liturgical
(church) year. November 26 is Advent I and the New Year of the Church. There will be a new series then.</p><p>Today we
look at the expansive inclusiveness of God’s love.<b> God cares for all people,</b>
not just those who consider themselves ‘religious’ or knowledgable, or even powerful. In fact, God seems to prefer the least likely. We hear of non-Jews who God welcomes, and we often hear Jesus criticizing those in religious power in his day as he points to God, the only One who is truly great. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the Hebrew Scripture reading from Isaiah (45:1-7), we
hear God tell <b>King Cyrus of Persia</b>, <i>I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call
you by your name. For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I
call you by your name, I surname you, though you do not know me.”</i> God uses
the reign of this Persian king to bring about the rebuilding of Jerusalem in
the 6<sup>th</sup> Century BCE. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Epistle (I Thessalonians 1:1-10) speaks of how the
<b>faithful in Thessoloniki in Greece</b> have <i>became an example to all the
believers in Macedonia and in Achaia…how you turned to God from idols, to serve
a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from
the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming. </i>The Greeks, considered pagan by the Jewish leadership are welcomed into the Family of God. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">As humans, we have a long history of denying this gift to anyone who doesn't agree with our theology, or who doesn't accept our leadership. We have, generation after generation, gone to war to gain power and control over anyone who isn't like us. When will we discover that we have more in common than is different? When will we recognize that, as the song says, "<i>We are one in the Spirit, we are One in the Lord, and we pray that all unity may one day be restored</i>." You might want to listen to this version of the song by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsmwFSd6aV8" target="_blank">Kingdom Expression</a>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In light of events in the past couple of weeks in Jerusalem
and Israel, we might wonder if God is absent or if God is enacting ‘wrath’ because of our actions. In
fact, God is with all the people—on all sides of the conflict. <b>God, I am sure,
weeps with those who weep and cries out for peace and compassion just as much
as those who seek to find a new (and lasting) peace. </b>God, I am sure, does not
take sides, but holds all humanity in love even as we kill and destroy one
another. Fear and hatred of the ‘other’ leads to kidnapping, displacement,
destruction, and death. This is not God’s way, nor God’s will. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our Gospel today (Matthew 22:15-22) is a confrontation of
Jesus by the religious leaders. They are hoping to trap him into making
seditious comments. Instead, he responds, <i>give therefore to the emperor the
things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.</i> The
leaders of the world think they have power. <b>True power is God’s. </b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">God is in the midst of all our petty strivings for power
whether it is as a nation or in our job or just the attempt to be important to
someone. <b>God can use the ways of the world to move the Kingdom closer</b>, just as
God used Cyrus of Persia and opened the hearts of the Greeks. Nothing is
impossible for God, even though we humans may think we have the final word, we
don’t. God’s love is the final word. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">God is always seeking us, even in those times when we forget
to look for God. James Finley says, “Our longing for God is an echo of God’s
infinite longing for us.” No matter how far we stray, <b>God is still right there
waiting for us to return</b>. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqM7HN4GpmN65oiIGjDM5avmstpX27IuQVyQPELBg2AXKANlIDGZbEDuC-OjXG9ODLQn_VdWL4T-QWF4iivxPfSS4oa4-Dq75i2UNI8dvt8-NPgusvEj97yMVqhuCr-O6X1F35o2PklcvgLB9hUzaEp91lYnc4PV4PA0zV1TFswwG9RLCJSOb7R_gxwr7/s624/long%20for%20god%20Finley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="624" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqM7HN4GpmN65oiIGjDM5avmstpX27IuQVyQPELBg2AXKANlIDGZbEDuC-OjXG9ODLQn_VdWL4T-QWF4iivxPfSS4oa4-Dq75i2UNI8dvt8-NPgusvEj97yMVqhuCr-O6X1F35o2PklcvgLB9hUzaEp91lYnc4PV4PA0zV1TFswwG9RLCJSOb7R_gxwr7/w400-h210/long%20for%20god%20Finley.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">As Psalm 96 says, we must learn to <i>Sing to the Lord a new
song; sing to the Lord, all the whole earth.</i> It is our call in this time to
continue to point to the One God who is able to save us from ourselves. As a
human race, we have perhaps forgotten that <i>it is the Lord who made the
heavens</i>. All <i>families of the peoples [are to] ascribe to the Lord honor
and power.</i> Let us remember to <b><i>Tell all the nations how wonderful he
is! Tell people everywhere about the amazing things he does.</i></b></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none;"><tbody><tr><td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Psalm
96:1-9 <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 Sing to the
Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the whole earth.<br />
2 Sing to the Lord and bless his Name; proclaim the good news of his salvation
from day to day.<br />
3 Declare his glory among the nations and his wonders among all peoples.<br />
4 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; he is more to be feared than
all gods.<br />
5 As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; but it is the Lord who
made the heavens.<br />
6 Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! Oh, the power and the splendor
of his sanctuary!<br />
7 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples; ascribe to the Lord honor
and power.<br />
8 Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his Name; bring offerings and come into his
courts.<br />
9 Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; let the whole earth tremble before
him.<o:p></o:p></p><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">(Book of Common Prayer)<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Sing a new song
to the Lord! Let the whole world sing to the Lord!<br />
2 Sing to the Lord and praise his name! Tell the good news every day about how
he saves us!<br />
3 <b>Tell all the nations how wonderful he is! Tell people everywhere about
the amazing things he does.</b><br />
4 The Lord is great and worthy of praise. He is more awesome than any of the “gods.”<br />
5 All the “gods” in other nations are nothing but statues, but the Lord made the
heavens.<br />
6 He lives in the presence of glory and honor. His Temple is a place of power
and beauty.<br />
7 Praise the Lord, all people of every nation; praise the Lord’s glory and power.<br />
8 Give the Lord praise worthy of his glory! Come, bring your offerings into his
courtyard.<br />
9 Worship the Lord in all his holy beauty. Everyone on earth should tremble before
him.<o:p></o:p></p><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">(Easy to Read Version)<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Pray for all war-torn parts of the world, esp. Israel, Palestine, and Ukraine. <br />Pray for the innocent caught in the cross-fire and forced from their homes. <br />Pray for those who think war is the only solution to differences. <br />Pray for our children and children’s children.<br />Pray for the Family of God.<br />Pray that God's peace may be restored.</span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-25830398741315931322023-10-15T07:00:00.001-06:002023-10-15T07:00:00.144-06:00October 15: Pentecost 20: Chosen<p> This week we resume our walk through the Psalms from the
lectionary for each Sunday. Today we consider how we are Chosen, just like
the Children of Israel and all creation throughout history. We have been Chosen
by God, and all too often we fall flat on our face in how we live that
chosen-ness.</p><p>Does anyone else remember the stress of PE class and waiting and hoping to be Chosen for a team. If you are like me, more geeky than physically fit, it was a stressful time. I knew I'd be the last chosen. God's choosing of us isn't like that. It's not a test of who is most favored or fittest. <b>God choses each and every one of us equally, no matter what our qualifications.</b> In fact, when reading the Bible, it seems God chooses the least likely to do God's will. It's reassuring to know we are chosen. However, it can be far to easy to decide that someone, or some group, could not possibly also be Chosen. Think about what group or person(s) you would say God cannot have Chosen to Love... </p><p><b>God Choses Each and Every One!</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It starts in the Garden, and continues throughout Genesis as
our very human faith ancestors stumble along.<b> Sometimes they get it right, and
more often they make a mess of their lives and families</b>. Sounds a lot like the
current world, doesn’t it? The Hebrew Scripture reading this week is Exodus
32:1-14. It is all about how the people, who have barely left Egyptian slavery,
decide they were better off there serving the Egyptians and their gods. They
demand that Aaron, Moses’ brother<i>, make gods for us, who shall go before us.</i>
Aaron makes a golden calf from their jewelry. Moses meanwhile, is on the
mountain with God, who angrily says, <i>I have seen this people, how
stiff-necked they are</i> and wants to destroy them. Moses intercedes and the <i>Lord
changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people</i>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Epistle (Philippians 4:1-9) offers a glimpse of conflict
in the early church. Paul has to say <i>I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be
of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help
these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel.</i>
Even though they were chosen as leaders, there was apparently friction. Paul
then goes on to tell the community to <i>Rejoice</i> and <i>do not worry about
anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let
your requests be made known to God.</i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jesus parable of the Wedding Banquet is all about ungrateful
guests. The king rejects these guests saying, <i>those invited were not worthy.</i>
The king then invites everyone else to the feast. <b>The initial guests were
carefully chosen, but refused the invitation. </b>I found this image on a Bing search so I cannot give it an attribution. However, I love the way it shows all of creation at the Wedding Banquet. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAQAbf_JOq9X4QhxTJFgI1RvOBH94dq9RrFf93oEpHujC5gKsJekXJYtDKQ6u-B5V1Gh_mNQ41PggpCnYB1ycHdMD8u_QSr6ZXe1AHZS7DsltsjJgdAA2v4JuLQkQMwvT-Wn0Hmy6aJdyopf-v_sx2Ms1brJoIPFMDdrzmz8qqshIN__SVwmbfIlrOc3HR" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="600" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAQAbf_JOq9X4QhxTJFgI1RvOBH94dq9RrFf93oEpHujC5gKsJekXJYtDKQ6u-B5V1Gh_mNQ41PggpCnYB1ycHdMD8u_QSr6ZXe1AHZS7DsltsjJgdAA2v4JuLQkQMwvT-Wn0Hmy6aJdyopf-v_sx2Ms1brJoIPFMDdrzmz8qqshIN__SVwmbfIlrOc3HR=w400-h275" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b>The Psalm reiterates God’s mercy on the Chosen, even when
they defy or fall short. It is good news for all of us. In verse 6, the
Psalmist notes, <i>we have sinned as our forebears did; we have done wrong and
dealt wickedly</i>. However, the first line of the Psalm gives us all hope.
<b>Despite all our failings, we can </b><i><b>give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his mercy endures for ever</b>.</i> The last verses of the Psalm (not included
in the reading today, offer even more hope. The Psalmist prays, <i>regather us
from the nations so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you. Blessed
be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the
people say, “Amen!” Hallelujah!</i><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Psalm
106:1-6, 19-23<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 Hallelujah!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures for ever.<br />
2 Who can declare the mighty acts of the Lord or show forth all his praise?<br />
3 Happy are those who act with justice and always do what is right!<br />
4 Remember me, O Lord, with the favor you have for your people, and visit me with
your saving help;<br />
5 That I may see the prosperity of your elect and be glad with the gladness of
your people, that I may glory with your inheritance.<br />
6 We have sinned as our forebears did; we have done wrong and dealt wickedly.<br />
19 Israel made a bull-calf at Horeb and worshiped a molten image;<br />
20 And so they exchanged their Glory for the image of an ox that feeds on grass.<br />
21 They forgot God their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt,<br />
22 Wonderful deeds in the land of Ham, and fearful things at the Red Sea.<br />
23 So he would have destroyed them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him
in the breach, to turn away his wrath from consuming them.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">(Book of Common Prayer)<o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Hallelujah!
Thank you, Lord! How good you are! Your love for us continues on forever.<br />
Who can ever list the glorious miracles of God? Who can ever praise him half
enough?<br />
Happiness comes to those who are fair to others and are always just and good.<br />
Remember me too, O Lord, while you are blessing and saving your people.<br />
Let me share in your chosen ones’ prosperity and rejoice in all their joys,
and receive the glory you give to them.<br />
Both we and our fathers have sinned so much.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">For they
preferred a statue of an ox that eats grass to the glorious presence of God
himself.<br />
Thus they despised their Savior who had done such mighty miracles in Egypt
and at the Red Sea.<br />
So the Lord declared he would destroy them. <br />
But Moses, his chosen one, stepped into the breach between the people and
their God and begged him to turn from his wrath and not destroy them.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">(Living Bible)<span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>It is good news that you are Chosen. What does that mean to
you?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4807628327355577417.post-52756778292006337782023-10-04T07:00:00.001-06:002023-10-04T08:16:57.143-06:00October 4: Feast of St. Francis<p> <span style="font-family: inherit;">This week we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
Many churches will have animal blessings and talk about his life and ministry. Francis,
the rich, young soldier of Assisi walked away from all the trappings of wealth
and power to live among and minister to the least of society. His actions
resulted in others joining his life and ultimately the Order of Franciscans
emerged.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHn-APpJ2f-KenVXDSuoz4ak-2d4UXZlBMUZqhgOf-u6d_DsxE59E7GyMQ65E9ZPK0ArGqykaP1dIUH5XMlbhxUObud-ONFLRiENYQ7v7cYPMq3G-nPVPl0fgFsDsp2HtozJncGCGXJdsSCej41LDRBYw4CHL-bXhPIo5EcYzBrg53LmqB_DFbRKLZuui/s2048/st%20lukes%20cross.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHn-APpJ2f-KenVXDSuoz4ak-2d4UXZlBMUZqhgOf-u6d_DsxE59E7GyMQ65E9ZPK0ArGqykaP1dIUH5XMlbhxUObud-ONFLRiENYQ7v7cYPMq3G-nPVPl0fgFsDsp2HtozJncGCGXJdsSCej41LDRBYw4CHL-bXhPIo5EcYzBrg53LmqB_DFbRKLZuui/s320/st%20lukes%20cross.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Prayer of St. Francis is likely not by Francis. It isn’t
found in any of his writings, but it has been widely known and shared at least
since the early 20</span><sup style="font-family: inherit;">th</sup><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Century as the Prayer of St. Francis. In
praying it today, I would encourage you to pause and meditate on each phrase
and the scripture I’ve attached to it. Then you may want to add your own
petitions for peace, love, forgiveness, etc. (The image is a view from St. Francis on the Hill Episcopal Church, El Paso, TX)</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Lord, make me an instrument of your peace</b>.<br />
…<i>The peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts
and minds through Christ</i> (Philippians 4:7)<br />
Where can I pray for peace?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Where there is hatred, let me bring love</b>.<br />
…<i>Let us love one another, for love comes from God. </i>(I John 4:7)<br />
What is my part in bearing love instead of hate?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;">Where there is
offence, let me bring pardon</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;">.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
…<i>Jesus answered, “I tell you, [forgive] not seven times, but
seventy-seven times</i>. (Matthew 18:22)<br />
Who have I offended or need to forgive?<span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;">Where there is
discord, let me bring union</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;">.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
…<i>in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to
all the others.</i> (Romans 12:5)<br />
When can I build up the Body to create union instead of division?<span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;">Where there is
error, let me bring truth</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;">.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
…<i>Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.</i> (John
14:6)<br />
What truth can I share in my part of the world?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;">Where there is
doubt, let me bring faith</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;">.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
…<i>For we walk by faith, not by sight.</i> (2 Corinthians 5:7)<br />
Who can I support in their faith walk?<span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;">Where there is
despair, let me bring hope</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;">.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
…<i>This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.</i>
(Hebrews 6:19)<br />
Where can I share hope today?<span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;">Where there is
darkness, let me bring your light.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
</b>…<i>In him was life; and the life was the light of men.</i> (John
1:4)<br />
What is the light in my life?<span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;">Where there is
sadness, let me bring joy.</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
</span>…<i>You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.</i> (John 16:20)<br />
When can I bring joy into grief? <span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;">O Master, let me
not seek as much</span> to be consoled as to console,</b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
</span>…<i>You, O Lord, are kind and forgiving, rich in loving devotion to all
who call on You.</i> (Psalm 86:5)<br />
What consolation can I offer others?<span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;">to be understood
as to understand,</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
</span>…<i>when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the
truth.</i> (John 16:13)<br />
Where do I need more understanding?<span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;">to be loved as
to love,</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
</span>…<i>By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love
one another.</i> (John 13:35)<br />
How can I be more loving?<span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;">for it is in
giving that one receives,</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
</b>…<i>Give, and it will be given to you</i> (Luke 6:38)<br />
In what ways can I be more giving?<span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;">it is in
self-forgetting that one finds,</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
</span><i>…Jesus said, ‘you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and
follow me’</i> (Matthew 16:24)<br />
What part of myself do I need to give up or forget?<span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;">it is in
pardoning that one is pardoned,</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
</span>…<i>Be tolerant of one another and forgive each other</i> (Colossians
3:13)<br />
Who do I need to pardon? <span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202122; line-height: 107%;">it is in dying
that one is raised to eternal life</span><br />
</b>…<i>I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.</i>
(John 10:10)<br />
How can I more fully accept God’s life in me?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amen and Amen. </span><o:p></o:p></i></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com