tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52012815910036317322024-03-24T00:11:07.062-07:00Rectory RamblingsRectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.comBlogger461125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-8610870903699255922024-03-14T03:03:00.000-07:002024-03-14T03:03:40.344-07:00Like Endless Waves on a Beach<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b>John 12:20-33</b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPLSyEj_ordcKHpUp0MQV7hkRpuRl0jTfekwcBn-ufwM1u7IDLLPSXjzDgTsn6YvU_VIpo0kQSGy3GRhbpewrsW2YjHctxqq4AjhHFXoxXimuzGyKtNQd3z1VvzPUQusdYJgEZHsw5XA5PXTeRmquPms42hmzO7UOVbJOV1S_xkXeFnm9mSgszT-251Dc/s7500/Endless_Wave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4353" data-original-width="7500" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPLSyEj_ordcKHpUp0MQV7hkRpuRl0jTfekwcBn-ufwM1u7IDLLPSXjzDgTsn6YvU_VIpo0kQSGy3GRhbpewrsW2YjHctxqq4AjhHFXoxXimuzGyKtNQd3z1VvzPUQusdYJgEZHsw5XA5PXTeRmquPms42hmzO7UOVbJOV1S_xkXeFnm9mSgszT-251Dc/s320/Endless_Wave.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, 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. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you remember way back at the very beginning of John’s Gospel when Mary came up to Jesus at the Wedding in Cana and told her son to fix the “out of wine” situation?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In that moment Jesus told his mom, “My hour has NOT yet come.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(Then of course he turned water into wine because not even Jesus tells his mom “no”.)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Well, here we are, three years later in Jesus’ ministry and it turns out that now… NOW, is when Jesus’ hour HAS actually come. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">This was the moment. The “judgement” of the world.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Not a guilty or innocent kind of judgement. Not a who’s in and who’s out sort of judgement.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But the kind of judgement that comes from the Greek word “krisis” which is where we get our word, you guessed it, crisis.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This was a crisis for the world.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The moment the world would completely change.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That change would create an opportunity for everyone to walk out of the darkness and become the light... to go from death into life.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That change would also create an opportunity to bring down the powerful and lift up the lowly… to fill the hungry with good things… to scatter the proud… and send the rich away empty.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This was the time that outsiders would be turned into insiders… the time for the world to return to what God created it to be. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The “Judgement” that the world was going to return to the way God created it to be sounded GREAT to some, but sounded like a horrible crisis to others.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> People threatened with the loss of power</span> back then, were just like people threatened with the loss of power today... and they would do ANYTHING for things not to change.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Greeks included as equal to Jews?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Women to have control of their own bodies?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>People of all sexual and gender identities being brought from the outside to the inside?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Borders opened for brown people?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Widows and orphans set on their own two feet?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Debt forgiven?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That much change to the way things have always been is dangerous!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>An opportunity for those who had been forgotten, sure, but dangerous for those who have always been in charge.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus, of course, was the very center of this moment; this opportunity for the lowly and forgotten and this mortal danger for the rich and proud.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This moment was THE moment to which everything in John’s Gospel had pointed and this moment, the moment of opportunity and crisis, was inextricably woven into the moment of his death and resurrection.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That would be the moment the world would be turned upside down… the moment death ceased to have the last word… the moment of infinite opportunity for some and the moment of terrible crisis for others.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>THIS was the moment. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">But this moment would not just be a one and done thing. This moment would then ripple out from there in infinite waves impacting every time and every place from that moment on into eternity. For those of you who are deeply into Greek grammar… and who among us isn’t, really?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There’s a special Greek verb tense used here that indicates that an action in the past is still affecting the present and will continue to affect the future… forever.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s called the Perfect Tense.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So THAT moment was to be THE PERFECT moment in which God turned the world upside down, but like the perfect moment of a stone being dropped into an infinitely large pond. The ripples from that moment would continue to change the world… to change us… even here… even today. Today, right here and right now, the changes that began in that moment way back then continue to wash into each of our moments like waves upon a beach.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And just like waves upon a beach, to some they feel like gentle, healing ripples, while to others they feel like world ending tidal waves. </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">ALL OF THAT crisis and opportunity is what those Greeks walked into all those years ago. They knew the dangers of seeing Jesus… the earth shaker, the world changer. They knew who Jesus was making uncomfortable and angry. But as outsiders they also knew that in Jesus they had the opportunity to be transformed… to be lifted up to be Children of God… to be accepted unconditionally into a community of faith… to be wrapped up in God’s love and surrounded with God's peace... a peace which passes all understanding… to not just walk in God’s light but to become part of God’s light that shines into the world's darkness.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Those same ripples, from that same moment, are here today, lapping up onto this very moment and they ask us the same question they asked the Greeks. Will you join with Jesus in this moment… will you join with the earth shaker, the tidal wave maker, the God’s Kingdom bringer and continue to transform the world? Will you join with the One who says, “when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw ALL people to myself” and insist, along with Jesus, that ALL really does mean ALL and that a few or even a bunch just isn’t enough and that only ALL people and ALL of creation will do? </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Because THAT is Christianity!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Joining with Jesus to change the world into a world ruled by radically inclusive love and unlimited compassion, and working on that project endlessly, incessantly, interminably, on and on, tirelessly, perpetually, relentlessly, like the waves of the ocean work on thousand foot high cliffs of stone.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>THAT is what those Greeks came to see Jesus about that day.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>May we too have the courage of those Greeks to want to see Jesus.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Amen.<span class="s1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-28924042676035252662024-03-07T04:38:00.000-08:002024-03-07T04:38:31.325-08:00You Keep Using That Word<p><span style="font-size: large;"> <b style="font-family: Verdana;">John 3:14-21</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiY8eY-KeyRt4nY2S9dMVp7cF6yekVqc1gkzVxzmrbVBQjt_tslHDwaAZAu8V9Z_htlNYCeqGC6fti9_cnYXHY_cdOUlef_szMehCn1RW5p58Q8N7tcIYIgVe2M9ivEIUR_fm4Dd53G94iT9emwKlecV05BuhLg5ELt9LmFTDouj98KbKjkDpbYnL8gkAA/s480/Screenshot%202024-03-07%20at%207.08.36%E2%80%AFAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="345" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiY8eY-KeyRt4nY2S9dMVp7cF6yekVqc1gkzVxzmrbVBQjt_tslHDwaAZAu8V9Z_htlNYCeqGC6fti9_cnYXHY_cdOUlef_szMehCn1RW5p58Q8N7tcIYIgVe2M9ivEIUR_fm4Dd53G94iT9emwKlecV05BuhLg5ELt9LmFTDouj98KbKjkDpbYnL8gkAA/s320/Screenshot%202024-03-07%20at%207.08.36%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="230" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “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, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” “Those who believe in him are not condemned.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Those who do not believe are condemned already because they have not believed.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Believing,” it would seem, is REALLY important to this Gospel lesson.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Pretty much the key to it, if we’re being honest, but what Jesus meant by “believing” 2000 years ago turns out to be very different than what most folks think “believing” means now.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Marcus Borg, who was a Biblical scholar, professor and author wrote, “Being Christian is not very much about believing, in the sense of 'believing the right things', even though the notion that it is about believing a set of teachings or doctrines is widespread. That is a relatively recent distortion of Christianity.”</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">It seems that the change in the meaning of “Believing” happened during the Reformation and in the wake of the Enlightenment.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In the reformation churches divided over doctrine and which doctrine you “believed,” up here in your head, put you either in the right or in the wrong.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Then, when the scientific discoveries of Enlightenment called into question things like the earth being at the center of the universe, what you “believed” about that, up here in your head, again determined right or wrong.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This was where the idea of biblical literalism began and before long “believing” had turned into “believing the right things" including that the Bible was literally true and science was wrong.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The stakes of what you “Believed” up here in your head could not be higher… it was literally heaven or hell. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">But that was not what Jesus meant when he talked about believing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> So, w</span>hat did he mean?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Borg says that to Jesus, believing meant something like the English word “beloving.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When Jesus said “BELIEVE” Jesus envisioned you and I having a relationship with God and Jesus characterized by fidelity, devotion, and loyalty.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A steadfast, trustworthy allegiance with God and Jesus.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That connection would be ardent, dependable, reliable, and true.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When Jesus talked about “Believing” he wasn’t talking about what we do up here (point to head).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He was talking about TO what or TO Whom we give this in here (our heart). <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">In a few minutes we’ll profess our faith in the words of the Nicene Creed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Latin word “credo” is most often translated into English as “I believe” but that word’s roots tell us it would better translate as “I give my heart to.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Borg says that even though the creed includes "a list of central Christian convictions… saying the creed does not mean, “‘I believe the following affirmations to be literally true.’ Rather, it means ‘I give my heart to God’ – and then it tells us who that is... The creator of heaven and earth, of all that is. I give my heart to Jesus – and who’s that?” Well, it was the one born of the virgin Mary... and so on. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Christianity, it turns out, is not about “believing the right things in our heads.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Simply </span>“believing the right things” doesn't change us but Christianity is about a transformation of our entire being that shapes the way we see the world, shapes the way we enter into relationships in the world, and shapes the way we live in the world so that what Paul wrote becomes more and more true each day, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Believing isn’t a head thing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Its a heart thing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Believing isn’t about thinking… it’s about passion!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A PASSION to be closer to God.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A PASSION for Jesus. NOT a Passion for the Bible, or a doctrine, or a theology… all which may (or may not) point to Jesus. It is a passion for Jesus, the person, and a passion for living this life as Jesus lived this life. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">And HOW did Jesus live this life?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>With compassion and love, never with hate or division.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>With his hands and his feet, feeding the hungry, healing the sick, casting out demons, challenging oppression, standing up to an abusive economic system, raising the dead, weeping with those who mourned.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is our devotion to that person and our emulation of that person’s way of living in this world… THAT is what Jesus meant by BELIEVING all those years ago.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>THAT is what it means to be a Christian.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In other words, whoever devotes their lives to living as he did will experience life as God intended it to be!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In other words, a devoted connection to Jesus is something that transcends this earthly life. “Those who believe in him are not condemned and those who do not believe are condemned already.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In other words, those whose hearts are molded after Jesus’ heart are even now experiencing abundant life, while the rest have yet to begin living at all. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">For God so loved the world that he sent his only Son, so that everyone could see a person living this life the way God created it to be lived and attach ourselves to that person as a guide to help get us through this thing called life.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might see that the WAY out of the hole humanity had dug for itself wasn’t hard, wasn’t impossible, and wasn’t just for a select few people, but was right there in front of everyone, given to them as a free gift… and that WAY'S name, is Jesus.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Amen.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-88966593703474207672024-02-28T14:49:00.000-08:002024-02-28T14:49:25.252-08:00The Meat Sermon<h3 class="lessonCitation" style="line-height: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.7em; padding-top: 0.5em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">John 2:13-22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwk5ZMglHr-Hf6YmJn0Pmv3g-vyUe-DwSWdUNMaNTqNA-vHV_TT7dvIH7wzcIDdycZ1tnydwutvkTL2Focdi7P7y0M-4G4E8mvd2vxixN03csTefhMRg_eCPyy4uwmKInyEakqC4TGgA-cy_Ba___ucxFuVJMjKv5LtStvEtdKM_9gxtyd4HLzEJEa3kr/s519/Screenshot%202024-02-28%20at%2012.12.46%E2%80%AFPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="519" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwk5ZMglHr-Hf6YmJn0Pmv3g-vyUe-DwSWdUNMaNTqNA-vHV_TT7dvIH7wzcIDdycZ1tnydwutvkTL2Focdi7P7y0M-4G4E8mvd2vxixN03csTefhMRg_eCPyy4uwmKInyEakqC4TGgA-cy_Ba___ucxFuVJMjKv5LtStvEtdKM_9gxtyd4HLzEJEa3kr/s320/Screenshot%202024-02-28%20at%2012.12.46%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="320" /></a></div></span></h3><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last Sunday, Catherine took shoes and socks out of a bag… right there.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She told us to be careful with our Parish Hall floors particularly when the weather outside was frightful.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She reminded us that in times of frightful weather, we should change into inside shoes OR just wear socks, so the frightful on the outside doesn’t get tracked into the inside.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Now, she could have just SAID all that to us, but Catherine knew it would stick in our heads better with props! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">When Bible characters use props its called “Prophetic Symbolism” and that’s what Jesus did in the Temple.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Here, at the beginning of John’s Gospel, Jesus told and SHOWED people that his whole ministry would be about turning the world upside down… and he did it... with props.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Not to be outdone, here is a piece of meat that I bought at Big Y. I have declared it to be a Prime Angus Ribeye Steak!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(Hold up Boston Butt Pork Roast) “That doesn’t look like a Prime Angus Ribeye Steak,” you say!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>SHUN THE UNBELIEVER!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’m in a position of authority and I have declared it to be a Prime Angus Ribeye Steak!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>THUS IT IS SO!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Oh, ye of little faith!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What’s that you say, “The sticker on it from Big Y says it’s a Boston Butt Pork Roast?”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That is true because the butcher at Big Y, A HERETIC, refused to put a sticker on it that said Prime Angus Ribeye Steak even though I declared it so!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He said that me declaring it, didn’t make it so.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He said changing it was "against the law" and he'd get in trouble with the USDA! Then he said I couldn't shop at Big Y anymore. </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">By now you're wondering, “What's the point of this crazy 'Meat Sermon’”.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Well, t</span>he point is to not only tell you, but to use props and Prophetic Symbolism to SHOW you, that just because someone in authority or with influence or with a pulpit, or a big microphone, or who uses a particular set of vocabulary words declares something to BE something, it doesn’t necessarily make it SO.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You can put lipstick on a pig and declare it to be a super model and you know what it is?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Here’s a hint!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It ain’t a super model!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Its still a pig!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What I’ve noticed lately though is that while we as a nation are pretty good at calling people out when they put lipstick on a pig and declare it to be Cindy Crawford... and the USDA is REALLY good at calling out crackpot priests who want to call a Boston Butt a Prime Ribeye... what I’ve noticed is that we as a nation have a lot more trouble calling out people who declare things to be “of God” even when they are simply not, in any way, shape, or form, “of God”! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Folks are understandably nervous about calling people out about faith stuff, but that’s what Jesus SHOWED us to do when he flipped over the tables in the Temple.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He was showing us how to call out a place that continued to call itself “of God” even though it had stopped being “of God” a long time ago.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>To be fair, the Temple Market probably began with good intentions.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>After all, aunt Gertie schlepping an unblemished cow tethered to her walker across the desert at age 97 was a genuinely daunting task.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So providing a way for old aunt Gertie to just buy one there instead was a compassionate thing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But eventually, it changed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Now it wasn’t just aunt Gertie.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Now it was the 23 year old hedge fund bros who had slipped a few extra shekels into the right palm and shot to the head of the line.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>No matter what any High Priest continued to call it, when Jesus showed up, he saw it for what it had really become, a hollow sham,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and Jesus called them out for it… with props!</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Back here in our day and age we have countless people declaring this, that, and the other thing to be “of God” and/or “Christian”.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The latest examples come from followers of the The Seven Mountains Mandate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That’s the movement followed by the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court and House Speaker Mike Johnson.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This mandate tells followers to take control of seven areas of society: family, religion, government, education, arts and entertainment, commerce and media in the name of God. Doing that would be the modern equivalent of what Peter told Jesus to do in last week’s Gospel.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>To which you might remember Jesus’ replied to Peter… “Get behind me, Satan!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You are a stumbling-block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Seven Mountain Mandate and all the other Christian Nationalist ideas aren't any more Christian than a pig with lipstick is Cindy Crawford!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>No more Christian than this Boston Butt is a Prime Angus Ribeye.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>No more “of God” than the rich being able to buy a Fast Pass to the Temple!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And as Jesus has told and shown us, that kind of stuff needs to be called out for what it is, flipped over, and run out of town!</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">So what actually IS that Seven Mountain Mandate and all the Christian Nationalist junk we hear about today?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Well it’s the same thing that the Temple had become in Jesus’ day.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s basically a god- vocabulary word salad tossed with flash and show at table side, meant to dazzle folks to the point where they won’t pay attention to the main course they want to serve you, which is a colorless and flavorless white tureen made up of layers of hate, misogyny, homophobia, and authoritarianism smothered in Temple sauce, the sauce that makes the rich richer on the backs of the poor.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">All of that stuff is as far from being Christian as it could possibly be!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But I know its harder to call out that stuff than it is to call out a pig with lipstick because its got faith words attached to it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I know, there isn’t an agency to sound the alarm when things are improperly labeled as “Christian” that are literally anti-Christ!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I know that its daunting to be followers of the One who called ‘em out, flipped ‘em over, and chased 'em out… and to hear today that the job of calling 'em out, flipping ‘em over, and chasing 'em out now falls... on US.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But here we are! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">We are not, however, called to do that hard thing unequipped!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We have the tool given to us by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry… “If it’s not about love, then it’s not about God.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> So m</span>easure everything you’re hearing, reading, and seeing these days with that tool!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Does it measure up to love?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If not, call it out!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> If not, f</span>lip it over. If not, run it out of town!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And if you need a prop to help you do that, I’ll leave the Boston Butt in the freezer and you can borrow it any time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Amen.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-70023492224921077312024-02-22T05:24:00.000-08:002024-02-22T05:25:47.261-08:00Bible Trucker Guy <p><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Verdana;">Mark 8:31-38</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3KgUiFMpAtQy29g5OKPA7vX8-nD8EqJc9koAZXaeILZK2TsHat4DM4Nh2uDAZGT0Rx5uSh__1977EaySSUpfLOtcUHFEUaQV56Nl54kuI1QtJVThdnmHNfvbVRUhOOgDVnkSHkm_LXHrHc042L-w8GZqCh4dE0Gml6AW4Xna2JUzp_c2rdUTmLCeeq2Z/s612/istockphoto-1177127789-612x612.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="612" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3KgUiFMpAtQy29g5OKPA7vX8-nD8EqJc9koAZXaeILZK2TsHat4DM4Nh2uDAZGT0Rx5uSh__1977EaySSUpfLOtcUHFEUaQV56Nl54kuI1QtJVThdnmHNfvbVRUhOOgDVnkSHkm_LXHrHc042L-w8GZqCh4dE0Gml6AW4Xna2JUzp_c2rdUTmLCeeq2Z/s320/istockphoto-1177127789-612x612.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Then he began to teach them that 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. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last Sunday I got a call from my niece Leslie.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She was upset.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A lot of you know Leslie.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She often took care of Coda for us while we traveled.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Chris, her husband, is the driver of the semi sometimes parked in our parking lot.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Anyway, Leslie and Chris had apparently stopped at a “Christian Truck Stop” (EEK! Right?).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She basically described it as a version of our Appalachian Trail ministry… but for truckers.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They provide for free what truckers need along the Way… a free and safe place to park, free showers, laundry, and a free breakfast.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She said that when they had stopped there before it really WAS like our AT ministry in that whoever came was unconditionally welcomed and it wasn’t about attacking anyone who was different or about converting anyone.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Leslie was upset because THIS time it had been different.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the Gospel, Peter took Jesus aside to rebuke him because what Jesus was planning… was NOT how things were done.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This talk of suffering, rejection, and death did not fit with Peter’s worldview.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This wasn’t just Peter’s view either, it was how LOTS of people saw the world!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Peter knew both from history and his own life experience that suffering was not the way to get ahead in the world!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Rejection was not how anyone, EVER, had built a movement, let alone a kingdom, and he knew with 100% certainty that dying was NOT how anyone, ever, had become a king!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Based on not just Peter’s experience but on literally ALL of human history… Jesus just wasn’t doing things the way things had always been done before!</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Back at the Christian Truck Stop, Pastor Mark who ran the place and some Bible Trucker Guy sat down with Leslie while Chris was taking his turn in the showers.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They proceeded to do to Leslie, what Peter had done to Jesus.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They told her she was doing her life all wrong!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As I talked with Leslie it became clear that Pastor Mark and Bible Trucker Guy’s view of the world was not radically uncommon.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s actually the way LOTS of the world understands things to work.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They believed their kind of Christianity was the only true religion and that was because, see, that’s what the Bible says and forcing people to their way of thinking was all for their own good. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Their Christianity did not however include a place for people who identified by gender, sexual-orientation, or religion in any way other than the way they believed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Leslie, who identifies as not exactly Christian and as not exactly straight told them their version of Christianity didn’t work for her AND it didn’t work for the people at her uncle’s church either where she had been welcomed exactly as she was!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>To which they asked, “Are you sure your uncle and the people at his church are really Christians?” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">You laugh, and you should… but this is, in essence, today’s Gospel lesson!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In that story Peter and pretty much the rest of the world, had “set their minds on human things”… accepting the world as it had always been, insisting that Jesus MUST ALSO live and work that way, because that was the way the world must always be. Jesus told Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">You see, Jesus wasn’t interested in the way the world had always worked before.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He wasn’t interested in those “human things” because they were terrible!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Human things had put the Jews over here and Greeks over there.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Men over there and women over here.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Free here.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Slaves there.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Rich got richer.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Poor got poorer.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Those same human ways are what Pastor Mark, the government of Oklahoma, Donald Trump, Tucker Carlson, and Vladimir Putin use to put cis over here and trans over there.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Right over here and Wrong over there.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Straight here.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Gay there. When minds are set on human things people get divided. With minds set on human things people who don't fit one particular box get bullied, imprisoned, and killed!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> This past week leaders with their minds set on human things created a situation where a 16 year old trans student named Nex Benedict was beaten to death in a high school bathroom. With minds set on human things Putin had </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">Alexi Navalny killed in an arctic prison. </span>People who set their minds on human things divide the world. Jesus wasn’t then and isn’t now interested in the world working that way! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">To that way of thinking, leading, and living, Jesus says, “Get behind me Satan!”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jesus wants Peter, and in the next paragraph wants all of his followers, to set their minds instead on DIVINE things.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Because w</span>hen we set our minds on DIVINE things, the world doesn’t keep working like it’s always worked.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When we set our minds on human things, we grab and hold onto all we can, believing more stuff equals more life.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When we set our minds on divine things we realize the more we give of our stuff and of ourselves, the more alive we actually become!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When we set our minds on human things we believe and live out a life of divide and conquer, using bullying, lying, violence, blustering, threats and death to FORCE our way on others. When we set our minds on divine things we work tirelessly to surround ALL people with God’s infinite and unconditional love and draw together EVERY part of humanity just as they are, SO THAT WE CAN BE ONE AS GOD CREATED US TO BE! THAT vision... of the world gathered together as ONE in all of its amazing diversity... it has a name. It is called, the Kingdom of God and may God's Kingdom COME!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Amen.<span class="s1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-32961235125820677902024-02-15T08:20:00.000-08:002024-02-15T08:20:15.527-08:00Not Just a Me and My Jesus Affair<p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Mark 1:9-15</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9c6o1UMFEM8VzQkRePAFY2K_l_qlyrp1MzCVfFpWHNWYar8OKiqc11DQnvxHFN5TwSsRjJZbV9u3TFzvQK5MHASqg0b3UlqY9xpGnB1gS1wIPbFy5zVWpfAusxglW4tGI1Oc2WGBC1kcabixrt-POiehCb63HshCUZrFaVV6uAbS6yr0KQsuz9uMEZx6T/s472/151b1dbd378a876e07249a0e5acbdadf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="305" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9c6o1UMFEM8VzQkRePAFY2K_l_qlyrp1MzCVfFpWHNWYar8OKiqc11DQnvxHFN5TwSsRjJZbV9u3TFzvQK5MHASqg0b3UlqY9xpGnB1gS1wIPbFy5zVWpfAusxglW4tGI1Oc2WGBC1kcabixrt-POiehCb63HshCUZrFaVV6uAbS6yr0KQsuz9uMEZx6T/s320/151b1dbd378a876e07249a0e5acbdadf.jpg" width="207" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today, we begin a Baptismal Journey.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And I’m not talking about Jeff here.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’m talking about the Baptismal Journey that you and I have just committed to make over the next forty days when we said, “We will, and we ask God to help us.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You see, Baptism for us Episcopalians and Lutherans, is not just a “me and my Jesus” affair.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Baptism for us is God adopting a new sibling into the family.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is the Body of Christ (which is all of us together) incorporating a new member.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is a new branch being grafted into Jesus, who is the vine… All of which are ways to understand that Baptism is something we all do together! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">But what is this “Baptism” thing that we are all now journeying toward together?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For Jesus, it was the beginning of his life’s work and mission to tell and show the world about God’s unconditional and unlimited love...<span class="Apple-converted-space"> a love stronger than death! </span>It was also the beginning of his life’s work demonstrating for people a WAY to live this life as a JOY rather than a slog.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>To show us life isn’t meant to be put off until the sweet by and by!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s meant to be lived NOW!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Beginning at his Baptism he lived his life showing us that OUR lives are meant to be filled with abundance in THIS moment and every moment, and then to keep going that way beyond the limits of time itself!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The life God created us to live is meant to fill our present and our infinite future with love, peace, joy, meaning, and purpose. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">But before we get to all of that we’ve got a pitstop to make.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s the same stop Jesus made.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For forty days (not coincidentally the same number of days in the season of Lent) the Spirit DROVE Jesus to that wilderness pitstop to be tempted by Satan.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Thank you Holy Spirit?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Actually, yes, thank you Holy Spirit… and here’s why. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was there in the wilderness that Jesus received EVERYTHING he needed to do what God had called him to do in his Baptism.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was there in the wilderness, that Jesus did the spiritual equivalent of a chef sharpening his knives for the work ahead.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That’s why, if you really need Satan to be a red guy with horns, then the best way to think about Jesus’ time in the wilderness is imagining Jesus using Satan’s horns as a whetstone, sparks flying as Jesus draws the blade across the devil’s rock hard noggin day after day… the blade, over the course of those forty days, slowly coming to a perfect razor’s edge.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">But it’s also really important to remember that out in the wilderness, Jesus wasn’t alone.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He was kept company by the wild beasts and waited on by angels.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For the particular baptismal journey WE are setting out on today with Jeff, THAT will be OUR role for the next forty days!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>WE are to be the Wild Beasts!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>WE are to be the Angels!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’ll let you debate in coffee hour who are beasts and who are angels!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But angel or beast, we are called together as a congregation to dedicate ourselves to accompany Jeff and one another through these next forty days.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>To do that we’ll need two things. FIRST we'll need to show up. That's 80% as we all know. SECOND we'll need to talk to each other. Again, Baptism is not just a me and my Jesus affair!</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then, having made it through those forty days we will come to the Easter Vigil where Jeff will be baptized and all of us, along with Jeff will affirm our baptisms.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That Saturday night<span class="Apple-converted-space"> however, </span>will be NO different than the day of Jesus’ Baptism.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>God, that night, will most certainly say from the heavens, “You are my Child, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased” because that is what God says at EVERY Baptism!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And regardless of whether your baptism that night happened a minute ago or a century ago, we will all leave that night with the exact same calling from God that was given to Jesus at his Baptism:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We will be called as a group… as the Body of Christ… to go and tell the world about God’s unconditional, unlimited love... a love stronger than death... and to live our lives together, demonstrating for others a WAY to live this life… through self giving love, compassion, generosity, and grace... that leads to abundant life!</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Every Lent (whether we have a particular Baptismal poster Child of God or not that year) is meant to be a Baptismal Journey for each and every one of us.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Every Lent is meant to remind us that we are Baptized Children of God… part of God’s family, a part of the Body of Christ, a branch grafted into Jesus the vine. Every Lent is meant to remind us that God has declared each of us Beloved, up front, as a free gift and Every Lent we are called to live more deeply into the gift of abundant and eternal life we were created to live and Every Lent we are called remember and do all that... TOGETHER. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is TOGETHER that we are called to walk through these next forty days.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is as the Body of Christ that we come together each week, to lean on one another, to laugh with one another, to support one another, and to encourage one another as we walk together on Jesus Way.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Baptism is not just a me and my Jesus affair.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Lent is not just a me and my Jesus affair.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Christianity is not just a me and my Jesus affair.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Baptism, Lent, and Christianity are Body of Christ affairs and so may we live ever more deeply into that truth in these next forty days… TOGETHER.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Amen.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-45040973998178187012024-02-13T04:16:00.000-08:002024-02-13T04:16:22.347-08:00The Tale of Joe Bob Jackson<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Matthew 6:1-6,16-21</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7gi_5fMIEDJFzaREdMwpB_KDaQ7wzNZccsB_jnM3Kij8wi5Nvr706qSkixxWfssusuBPEhbR8Nc7Y4KJ9_MnvPJ6jLifN-igWiwLcBNqhGv5sidA-IFZj6m0V3UE9hg7sHWDQb_3u_tMMzrrl2yhUrXw84gg2C3Fq-ckA66MASkKX3H1Jon_plhXXJh4/s500/30+Triple+Ranger+Double+Barrel+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="500" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7gi_5fMIEDJFzaREdMwpB_KDaQ7wzNZccsB_jnM3Kij8wi5Nvr706qSkixxWfssusuBPEhbR8Nc7Y4KJ9_MnvPJ6jLifN-igWiwLcBNqhGv5sidA-IFZj6m0V3UE9hg7sHWDQb_3u_tMMzrrl2yhUrXw84gg2C3Fq-ckA66MASkKX3H1Jon_plhXXJh4/s320/30+Triple+Ranger+Double+Barrel+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Once there was a man named Joe Bob Jackson.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Most people though, just called him Bubba.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He set out to be the greatest BBQ man in all of Berkshire county.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Determined to achieve this lofty goal he set out gathering all that he needed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He looked though hundreds of cookbooks, tasted dozens of other people’s Q, he researched the best wood, temperatures, rubs, and sauces.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He visited people with every sort of smoker that had ever been created watching them for hours and hours.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Eventually, deciding on the best way to proceed he had a custom smoker built on the back of a trailer.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was a work of art!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Black and beautiful with a smokestack stretching up into the sky!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He cooked and tweaked and cooked and tweaked the recipes and formulas until it was perfection.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He paid for marketing gurus and artists to make him a logo and signs and get the word out.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He bought a brand new pickup truck to haul the smoker to every corner of the county.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>His name became known from North Adams to Ashley Falls.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He even got the people on the Great Barrington Facebook page (perhaps the most negative and toxic place in all of the Berkshires) to praise his operation!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He had it all!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Well, he nearly had it all.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You see, it turns out he lacked just on thing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Have you made out the one thing he was missing?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Right.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He didn’t ever actually feed anybody.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He had all the tools, the very best tools!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But having all the tools is not the point of barbecue.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are three practices that Christians have traditionally taken up for the season of Lent.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They are… giving alms, prayer, and fasting.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We Christians often mess up these three practices in the same way that our good friend, Bubba Joe Bob Jackson, messed up with his barbecue business.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We focus intensively, obsessively, and exclusively on those TOOLS and forget that the tools themselves are not the point.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They are a only a means to the real and actual purpose of the season of Lent. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Giving alms, prayer, and fasting are the TOOLS of Lent in the same way that a smoker, recipes, and a logo are the tools of a barbecue business.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For Bubba Joe Bob Jackson, he had spent countless hours, an unbelievable amount of money, and done a ton of real work to perfect his tools.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But in the end, all that time, money and work didn’t matter at all, because all that work, time and money never put even one sandwich into the hands of a real human being hungry for barbecue. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">As we begin this journey today called Lent, keep in mind the lesson of Bubba Joe Bob Jackson who spent countless time, money and effort creating the very best tools anyone has ever put together for a barbecue business and yet never put even one sandwich in another person’s hands.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As you think about picking up the the traditional tools of Lent… giving alms, prayer, and fasting… or as you begin to think about any other Lenten Discipline you might practice in the weeks ahead, continually ask yourself the question, “Am I being just like Bubba?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Am I just playing with the TOOLS of Lent?”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Then, when you’ve asked yourself that question and given yourself a REAL and HONEST answer, remember the lesson of Bubba Joe Bob Jackson… when it comes to both Barbecue and Lent, the point of both is NOT the tools we use. The point of both Lent and Barbecue is to use the tools we have to connect more deeply with God through our neighbors.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Amen.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="s1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-54287271897713278022024-02-08T04:59:00.000-08:002024-02-08T04:59:47.191-08:00Listen to Him<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Mark 9:2-9</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEGTs26ZA9fdZp9vaC2enQEW7x5lfszV66gmdRgaTv1BWFRrC-ynULe6bQTScaytov2PfAbhP9qb71QT0gpqKa5CgiLj6WAWThyphenhyphenGZr6xm5jFZsgDm_e8yU5OQpq1xy7gCoNjFSKVObYajUx1a0wJpjLfk1A6nSikRjHftQgJ1zGzE2ip59PpZYvbBNro7/s940/listening.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="940" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEGTs26ZA9fdZp9vaC2enQEW7x5lfszV66gmdRgaTv1BWFRrC-ynULe6bQTScaytov2PfAbhP9qb71QT0gpqKa5CgiLj6WAWThyphenhyphenGZr6xm5jFZsgDm_e8yU5OQpq1xy7gCoNjFSKVObYajUx1a0wJpjLfk1A6nSikRjHftQgJ1zGzE2ip59PpZYvbBNro7/s320/listening.png" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p class="p3" style="color: #010000; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.</span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #010000; font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #010000; font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #010000; font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #010000; font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #010000; font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are all sorts of people around who will tell you they KNOW EXACTLY what God wants.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Most of them coincidentally claim that God wants EXACTLY what they want!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Yeah, I don’t think so either.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But here, on top of the mountain with Moses, Elijah, and Jesus all super glowy, we hear directly from God what God wants.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“This is my son.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Listen to him!”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>LISTEN TO HIM!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Direct, clear, simple.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>God wants us to listen to Jesus.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Simple, right?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Just listen.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But what DID Jesus actually say? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p7" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, the first thing he said was don’t tell anybody about this transfiguration thing until after the Son of Man has risen from the dead.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Now, Jesus HAS risen from the dead so we’ve listened to him on that one… maybe by accident… but let’s take a win where we can get one!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>From there though, Jesus says a lot more.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>JUST here in chapter nine you’ve got:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Faith is more powerful than we could ever imagine and can get anything done.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Prayer is also powerful and can work when everything else doesn’t.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We are to be servants of all, not bosses.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Don’t make life hard for people who are not yet Christians.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But, more than that, be helpful and welcoming to all people.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Making faith hard for them or exclusive for you is worse than loosing body parts or being thrown in the ocean with a giant stone tied around your neck.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Both of which, to be honest, sound pretty bad, and then finally Jesus says we should be salty.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Which I thought at first was a big vindication for me, Pastor Potty mouth, but it turns out that when you actually LISTEN to Jesus, he meant we should bring out the best in the people and the world around us, like salt brings out the best of the flavors in the food we eat. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p8" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">That’s just chapter nine but it’s plenty to get started with, I think.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So how are you doing?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>How are you at LISTENING to Jesus?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Not just hearing his words… but LISTENING to him… hearing what he says, then processing it, letting it sink in, letting it shape and mold and change you?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So-so maybe?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Well, my job description actually REQUIRES me to LISTEN to Jesus and I’M not great at it either and that’s because IT’S HARD!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s hard and the world out there is not that helpful.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>More than HALF of Americans now call themselves “Nones” which means when asked about their connection to a faith community they say they have “NONE”.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>No connection.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>None.</span></p><p class="p7" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’m not mad at the Nones.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I think probably the Church NOT listening to Jesus has created more Nones than anything else but for those of us TRYING to listen to Jesus, the world out there just isn’t going to be that helpful.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So, for those of us who WANT to listen to Jesus… what do we do?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Well, Peter’s idea was to build a little retreat center on top of the mountain.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Another idea is to wallow in guilt for not listening to Jesus.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We could even combine the two and build little guilt wallowing shacks on top of a mountain and stay in there for the duration.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Another classic is blaming someone else individually for our trouble listening to Jesus.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If blaming one person for our problems doesn’t work, we could try blaming another entire group of people!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>HEY!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I KNOW!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We could make it Taylor Swift’s fault!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Or, just maybe, we could listen to Jesus and do what he told the disciples to do on top on that mountain and start walking down the mountain and step after step begin walking into a very different season of life.</span></p><p class="p8" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">This Wednesday at noon we will begin the season of Lent right here with Ash Wednesday worship.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you are interested in walking into a very different season of life… beginning a journey of deeper LISTENING to God’s Son, THAT would be a good (and traditional) place and time to start that journey.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ash Wednesday worship will also have, concentrated into this one convenient space, a group of other people looking to make a very similar journey.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>With a little courage, you could even ask a couple of them to keep you company along the way. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p7" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">What would happen if we did that?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s interesting to think about… What WOULD happen if we all gathered together on Ash Wednesday with that shared purpose of getting better at LISTENING to Jesus… not just to get together to HEAR his words… but to LISTEN to Jesus… to let what he says marinade in our noggins, to roll those words, ideas and stories around in our minds and share our thoughts and wonderings with one another?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What would happen?</span></p><p class="p7" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’m really not sure what would happen, but that’s what Jesus asked his disciples to do when he led them down that mountain toward Jerusalem.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So, if this is the Lent you are up for that sort of journey I’ll leave you with just a couple of travel tips for the road.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>First, it would be good to remember that you’re unlikely to get much help with this journey out there in the world.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They might ask you what you’re giving up for Lent, but that’s about it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So if you’re going to take this trip I’d recommend coming here.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In fact I’d recommend coming here RELIGIOUSLY as the place you are most likely to find the companionship you’ll want on this journey.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Second, stay a while after worship and talk to someone.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ask them “what did you hear Jesus say today in the Gospel lesson?”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I know that’s about 100X harder than giving up chocolate for Lent… which is why people give up chocolate for Lent because the other is SO HARD!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But what would happen if you did that?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What would happen if we all began deeply listening to Jesus? Amen.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-69084586810610342152024-01-24T12:42:00.000-08:002024-01-24T12:42:57.393-08:00A Gospel Sandwich<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Mark 1:21-28</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-0Cqhm7DE9HjwIqHegV0NLZFeCTlPrDsghJWyXbigb7V_QB4Q42i_5WI4Oamb1MlLcbMeK6qPOToUDnxDNJIsiE6ipj8HCumlBtXWPJWWI0POjaSwBu6GfCl9sFewXt6uhhoN2VMOSNIYdvOJx4hxuBd5daPm2HC9EResYVrGrc21bpBxKMjtRV87hBR/s900/Egg-sandwich_1-SQ.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-0Cqhm7DE9HjwIqHegV0NLZFeCTlPrDsghJWyXbigb7V_QB4Q42i_5WI4Oamb1MlLcbMeK6qPOToUDnxDNJIsiE6ipj8HCumlBtXWPJWWI0POjaSwBu6GfCl9sFewXt6uhhoN2VMOSNIYdvOJx4hxuBd5daPm2HC9EResYVrGrc21bpBxKMjtRV87hBR/s320/Egg-sandwich_1-SQ.webp" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p class="p3" style="color: #010000; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #010000; font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">This Gospel lesson is called an “inclusio” in Biblical studies.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I just call it a Gospel sandwich.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s got two slices of “teaching with authority” bread, on either side of an “unclean spirit exorcism” filling.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Mark’s trying to get us to understand that we need to eat it all together… that you can’t take out the filling and just eat the bread and you can’t tear off the bread and just have the filling.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I first read this lesson I tore off the bread and just had the filling.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I zeroed in on the unclean spirit stuff and started making my list and checking it twice writing down everyone I knew who was naughty and not at all nice!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I wanted my unclean spirits to cry out “are you here to destroy us” and I wanted to say them “damn straight I am!”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But this lesson is not just about the filling.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jesus tells us we must eat this sandwich as a whole.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">There’s a popular little quote going around by Rev. Benjamin Cremer that says, “The moment we Christians start looking for an authoritarian “strongman” to lead us is the moment we stop looking for the One who leads by washing feet, who rides a donkey instead of a warhorse, and who tells his followers to put away their swords and take up their crosses instead.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Right on... but I think he's beating around the bush so he comes across as being as obsessed with the bread as I was with the filling. Again Jesus insists, we must eat this sandwich as a whole. </span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">When Mark made this Gospel Sandwich to explain what Jesus was all about, he was letting us know FIRST that from the very top of the sandwich, from the beginning of everything we do… down to the very bottom of the sandwich, to the very end of all we do… Jesus’ teachings hold it all together.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jesus' teachings are that God’s love is for all of humanity and all of creation… that everyone, from every race, creed, and country has been, and is, being wrapped in a Divine loving embrace that can’t be undone.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That’s the bread, and to be a whole sandwich, we obviously MUST have the bread. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">But this sandwich also teaches that there will inevitably be times when the unclean spirit jumps up and yells, “What have you to do with us?”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This lessons teaches us that those are NOT the times for subtlety or gentleness.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So, “when Christians start looking for an authoritarian strongman to lead us”… that’s not the time to beat around the bush... it's the time to say clearly and strongly that those people have STOPPED BEING CHRISTIAN!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That’s the middle of this Gospel sandwich and to be a whole sandwich… we must have that middle as well.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">By making this lesson into a Gospel Sandwich Jesus is showing us that real, solid, clear boundaries… standing up to, and calling out evil… saying out loud and with clarity that “This behavior is Christian and This behavior is simply NOT”… Those things are NOT outside the realm of love; they are actually an essential part of the realm of love… you guessed it… like a sandwich made of both bread and filling!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This Gospel Sandwich teaches us that dealing clearly and firmly with unclean spirits… calling out a thing for what it actually is with clarity and without hesitation, IS just as critical a part of our calling as followers of Jesus as surrounding everyone we meet (including those with unclean spirits) with God’s Divine love.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jesus is again calling us to eat the whole Sandwich! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">In my lifetime, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a time where hearing, digesting, and putting into daily practice the lessons of this Gospel sandwich were more crucial.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We are surrounded by men and women whose words and actions end up frankly being best described as those of unclean spirits!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’m a science guy, as you know, but things are so far gone that the best way I’ve found to describe what they are doing, even in this modern age, is to call it the work of unclean spirits and that makes this Gospel Sandwich a sandwich for 2024!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It calls us to confront the words, actions, and policies of those with evil spirits directly and clearly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It calls us to remember that Jesus himself calls us in this lesson to use clear and firm boundaries IN ORDER TO love our neighbors.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>AND this Gospel Sandwich also calls us to remember, that even those with evil spirits, are also surrounded by God’s unconditional love.</span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">This Gospel Sandwich calls us to practice a kind of love that is not at all watered down.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is both a love that surrounds all things in this world unconditionally.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And it is also a love that cares so much about our neighbors that, in that love, we will find ourselves compelled to call out their evil spirits for what they are.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>To not rely on subtlety to get the message across to them because in love, we want them to be free!</span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mark built this Gospel Sandwich to help all of us understand those two drastically different looking facets of love, see how they are used by Jesus, AND how they are inseparably intertwined with one another.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Mark built this Gospel Sandwich to then teach us that as we eat, digest, and practice this Sandwich as a whole, we are walking Jesus’ Way.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He built this Gospel Sandwich so that as we eat it as a whole, each day we will find that it becomes easier to reflect God’s love, both in the way that tells the evil spirits to just “shut it” AND in the way that draws those same evil spirits into a love wide enough, even for the likes of them… and therefore, even for the likes of us!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Amen. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-38237357428620332862024-01-12T06:03:00.000-08:002024-01-12T06:03:12.680-08:00Good News Begins in Baptism NOT in Fear<p><b style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mark 1:4-11</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxPfwawIul4Ox6JwFrheW-23mW3lQb-MjzG2tasfXOWakjbP7NmkjBoa44mQTLDGoc6GihzmogxL0cT56upVUCHERyugGkjliO_gHx_NHkJpgdk0VZ1b99zAJYxtXWUcGsfbT0623ecnCRxqCxoj8dWWL2ESiOp63dtN2CfTfr4pViXMKIoQWU2H8emU3/s1518/IconBaptOurLord02Proj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1518" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxPfwawIul4Ox6JwFrheW-23mW3lQb-MjzG2tasfXOWakjbP7NmkjBoa44mQTLDGoc6GihzmogxL0cT56upVUCHERyugGkjliO_gHx_NHkJpgdk0VZ1b99zAJYxtXWUcGsfbT0623ecnCRxqCxoj8dWWL2ESiOp63dtN2CfTfr4pViXMKIoQWU2H8emU3/s320/IconBaptOurLord02Proj.jpg" width="316" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness,<br /> proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”</span></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here we are at the beginning of the year and here we are at what Mark calls, “The Beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God”.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The beginning for Mark happens as Jesus comes up out of the water, and God says “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For Mark it didn’t start with the manger, shepherds or any angels heard on high.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It starts, with Baptism.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It starts with God saying to Jesus, “With you I am well pleased.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But well pleased about what?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I mean, up to this point Jesus hadn’t done… well anything! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>No healings, no miracles, no walking on water, no water into wine, nothing!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He’s maybe been helping out his step dad with the Goldstein kitchen remodel but that’s not really heaven-opening stuff.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So what has Jesus DONE to make God so pleased with him?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The answer is… NOTHING!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jesus has done absolutely NOTHING to make God well pleased with him!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And THAT, my non-fundamentalist, Lutherpalian friends, is the WHOLE point!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>THAT is what makes this GOOD news!</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">God is not just pleased, but WELL pleased, simply and only because Jesus is God’s Child… simply and only because they are forever bound together in love.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And here’s why Jesus’ Baptism is not just the Beginning of the Good News for Jesus, but is the Beginning of the Good News for you and me as well… YOUR BAPTISM IS NO DIFFERENT THAN JESUS’ BAPTISM!</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">When any of us come up out of the water, whether sprinkled, poured, dunked, or hosed down from head to toe… each and every one of us pleases God… not for anything that we’ve done or anything we will or won’t do in the future, but simply because we are, like Jesus, God’s child!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>God declares here on earth what has already and always been true in heaven… That God is not just “regular” pleased with you, but “Well Pleased” with you… WELL PLEASED that you and God are bound up together in an infinite and unbreakable love beyond all human understanding.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now I know that the “unlimited and unbreakable Divine love” sort of Christianity (a.k.a. genuine Christianity) isn’t the sort that the LOUD and ANGRY people like.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They would rather you live in constant fear that God will be disappointed in you, smite you, or abandon you to hell for all eternity if you poke even one pinky toe outside the lines they’ve drawn.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They want you live paralyzed by worry that “If I fail, if I go the wrong way, if I’m misled somewhere, if anything leads me off the path, then God won’t like me anymore.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">BUT Mark’s Gospel makes it clear, GOOD NEWS does not begin in FEAR! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>GOOD NEWS begins in Baptism and that Good News is that you JUST CAN’T MESS UP BAD ENOUGH FOR GOD TO EVER STOP LOVING YOU!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That GOOD NEWS is that you have been set FREE!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>FREE from the worry and fear that God could ever be disappointed in you, smite you, or abandon you to hell for all eternity for poking a pinky toe outside the lines.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Remembering that GOOD NEWS is an excellent place to begin 2024.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A year where fundamentalists, Christian Nationalists, and all the other merchants of fear (who are Legion) will be raising their already loud, angry, and relentless sales pitch to never before imagined levels in this country.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They will be hard-selling their product of “paralyzing fear” to us and our neighbors with whatever it takes:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>confusion, hatred, bait and switch, bombast, threats of violence and actual violence as well.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They will be selling this paralyzing fear falsely labeled as “christianity” and trying to get you and your neighbors to believe that the best thing… the faithful thing… for us all to do this year is to stay home, lock the door, keep our heads down, keep quiet, and toe whatever line they draw. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">They are selling it but I’m telling you, “DON’T BUY IT!”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s a load of manure!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s actually not anywhere near as good as a load of manure.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Manure you can at least compost and put on your garden.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What they’re selling is a toxic sludge no one needs!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They will be selling it loudly and relentlessly this year BUT YOU DON’T NEED IT!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Why? </span>Because you are Baptized!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Because your Baptism has se</span>t you free from all they're selling! Instead, let us all begin this year with a relentless determination to live into the GOOD NEWS that begins in Baptism and not in Fear! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">What’s that look like?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Well in that department, I think the loud and angry people can actually be quite helpful.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They have become almost perfectly anti-Christ in their positions.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So, if you listen to what they say (and they’re so dang loud you can’t help but here them) and then live into your Baptism by trying different ways to do the opposite, you'll be off to a good start. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When they loudly proclaim hatred, we’ll dream up new ways to be about love.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When they call people vermin, we’ll know exactly the people we need to reach out to in welcome.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When they promote violence, we’ll embrace non-violence.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When they want us to be exhausted, stay home alone, and out of the way, we’ll know we need to get up, gather here, recharge one another for the week ahead and live in the world like the fearless, bold, forever loved, baptized children of God we are!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Let us not make this a year where we are held captive by fear! Let us make 2024 a year where we live powerfully into the GOOD NEWS of God’s infinite and unbreakable love for all of creation! After all... WE ARE BAPTIZED! Amen. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-11115743240834693042023-12-21T04:22:00.000-08:002023-12-21T04:22:32.030-08:00A Ricky Bobby 8lb 6oz Baby Jesus Christmas<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF622F9PGvDVldAJ-LblRqPmBXn7VBokTAYOrt4RaITTt09xzPS0n46U-ULlTCg1Lr9q0u42wvZ-TxR2umE32rhLBCo5AYxw8svOMT_HQGYPN4fuGjG0_r4shWAM2RZOdiNJNgEx5QXAxFcR2jqTM7unfPUZIdkD82A_IHUEVqdI42CsTn4x27lUZ5v_oI/s560/Ricky%20Bobby.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="560" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF622F9PGvDVldAJ-LblRqPmBXn7VBokTAYOrt4RaITTt09xzPS0n46U-ULlTCg1Lr9q0u42wvZ-TxR2umE32rhLBCo5AYxw8svOMT_HQGYPN4fuGjG0_r4shWAM2RZOdiNJNgEx5QXAxFcR2jqTM7unfPUZIdkD82A_IHUEVqdI42CsTn4x27lUZ5v_oI/s320/Ricky%20Bobby.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tonight we’re here to talk about the Dear Lord, Baby Jesus.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We’re here to ask him to use his baby Jesus powers.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We’re here to pray to the dear, tiny, infant Jesus with his golden fleece diapers and tiny balled up fists… the version of Jesus we like the best… to pray to the 8lb 6oz newborn infant Jesus, who don’t even know a word yet, just a little infant, so cuddly (but still omnipotent) and to thank baby God for all his power and grace.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can see almost all of my regulars are completely baffled right now, but you’ll be okay.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>THIS sermon is for people who aren’t regulars.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This sermon is for those of you, who knew right away that was from the movie Talladega nights, when Ricky Bobby said grace for their family feast of Domino’s, KFC, and Taco Bell.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This sermon is mostly for those of you who laughed at that Will Ferrel bit because to you, it looks almost exactly like the Christianity you see in the world today!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But here’s something you didn’t see coming… I think it’s hilarious for EXACTLY THE SAME REASON! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">There really ARE lots of very loud, very public, Ricky Bobby type people out there who like the dear, tiny, infant, baby Jesus best.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They like that version best, I think, because the tiny, infant, baby Jesus with his golden fleece diapers and tiny balled up fists “don’t know a word yet.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And because he “don’t know a word yet” they can believe that the little, baby Jesus loves what they love and even more importantly… hates who they hate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They like the infant baby Jesus because THAT 8lb. 6oz. infant, baby, Jesus can’t talk. Since he can’t talk, he can’t insist that we feed the hungry, give something to drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, or visit the sick and those in prison and all the other things the grown up Jesus insists we do if we’re going to be Christians. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know that’s what you see.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Its almost impossible to miss.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s loud, huge, and in your face.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I see it too.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But this Christmas Eve, I figured… when you gave into grandma and agreed to go to church… this might be my only chance to let you know that the very, very, loud, “Christianity” that’s in your face out there in the world… the celebrity jet-owning preachers… the kneeling-in-prayer politicians…<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>all of the people and groups that do hate in the name of Jesus, and all of those folks with fake Christian outrage… ALL of THAT is a little, tiny, baby Jesus SCAM! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">But, here’s the seed I want to plant with you tonight:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That SCAM has absolutely NOTHING to do with genuine Christianity. I know they use “Christian" sounding words, and they say them very loudly and very often… words like “Jesus” and “prayer” and “Lord” and “Bible” and they claim to have conversations with God as often as people in Massachusetts talk with a person working at Dunkin’.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But what I want to tell you tonight, is that everything they’re trying to sell… all of it… is worth LESS than what Joseph found when he went to change the little, tiny, infant baby Jesus’ diaper! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The truth of Christmas… the truth of Christianity… is that the 8lb. 6oz. tiny, infant Jesus grew up!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He grew up and he walked around full time, modeling for people a Way to do this thing called life in a way that makes life actually worth living!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He demonstrated how to make this life, not a slog, but an abundant joy… a life, full-to-overflowing with love, dignity, purpose and fulfillment.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That tiny, infant, baby Jesus learned to walk and learned to talk. Once he started walking and talking, he never stopped telling and showing people how, when we bring unconditional, self-giving love, compassion, and kindness with us into the world, and when we spread that stuff around with outrageous, jaw dropping generosity… this violent, broken, messed up, hate filled; death, power, and money loving world we live in… it changes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The world changes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It… really… changes. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, I’d personally like it to change a lot more FULLY and a WHOLE lot more QUICKLY than it does, but that’s just one of the many things that are out of my control.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What is in my control is hanging out with other people who are committed to doing love day in and day out… even when it changes the world too damn little and too damn slow.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That’s why the regulars (who have no idea about Ricky Bobby, but get the love thing) get together every week… to encourage one another to keep at it!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That’s why Sunday morning in a real Christian community basically looks like a bunch of impatient, flawed, regular, frustrated, joyful, human beings, (a surprising number of whom I have to tell you, actually have a VERY twisted, very irreverent, and if I’m honest… pretty raunchy sense of humor by the way)… but it looks like that group of regular people helping, encouraging, nudging, and pushing each other, to get back out there into our broken world, and pour another dose of unconditional, self-giving love, compassion, and kindness into the world in the coming week.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">THAT is what the little, tiny, infant, baby Jesus really came to do on Christmas.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He came to grow up and model for the world a WAY to genuinely LIVE this life we’ve been given rather than just settle for getting through it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The WAY, he says we can do that, is by giving out self-giving love, compassion, and kindness with reckless abandon.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Love given with reckless abandon.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>THAT is what a Grown Up Christian Christmas is all about!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>May you all have a very Merry Grown Up Christian Christmas all year long.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Amen.</span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-68935232710751318552023-12-12T04:08:00.000-08:002023-12-12T04:08:46.996-08:00John, Mary, and Lucy<p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>John 1:6-8, 19-28<br /></b></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaoh89fjJZSzihPj1cKfUJYxNctJ12HG4XJpq_FaTKJ-DBf9ipY6tsxyJJeqRufWegBd5Dj5Jelh-OJd05SAYsIRZIFQI6u3S9zaYr_MH2IIj0lpQmatyqohUpm5YTV1-y-C-9DKfTqpCvfVWjA1qXqL6Vs6teoW0exG_QZq_kYJDgs2tbV7qcaJkLqHN5/s501/Screenshot%202023-12-12%20at%206.53.34%E2%80%AFAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="221" data-original-width="501" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaoh89fjJZSzihPj1cKfUJYxNctJ12HG4XJpq_FaTKJ-DBf9ipY6tsxyJJeqRufWegBd5Dj5Jelh-OJd05SAYsIRZIFQI6u3S9zaYr_MH2IIj0lpQmatyqohUpm5YTV1-y-C-9DKfTqpCvfVWjA1qXqL6Vs6teoW0exG_QZq_kYJDgs2tbV7qcaJkLqHN5/w429-h189/Screenshot%202023-12-12%20at%206.53.34%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="429" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.</span></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’” as the prophet Isaiah said.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">When Advent was first a thing, in the 4th century-ish, it was a forty day penitential fast before the feast of Christmas, just like Lent is a forty day penitential fast before the feast of Easter.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Back then, Advent began on November 11th, which is the feast of St. Martin, and like Lent, Advent included a one Sunday break from all the fasting as an encouragement to “hang in there to the end!”… to remember, “something good really IS coming!” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">In Lent that break is called Laetare Sunday, or Rejoice Sunday if you prefer the English.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The corresponding Sunday in Advent is Gaudete Sunday or Joy Sunday.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That’s this Sunday.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That’s the reason for the pink candle on this Sunday in Advent.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In the modern days of the 13th century, Advent was changed to begin on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day or the nearest Sunday to St. Andrew’s Day if you’re Scottish, and then at the Second Vatican council, Advent took on a less penitential and more hopeful character for the season. But long or short, penitential or hopeful, purple or blue, this is the Sunday where we turn our attention fully to the coming of the Light of Christ… Jesus, the babe in the manger. This is the Sunday where we see John the Baptist testify to that light.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He is not the light himself, he makes clear, but he is there to testify to it, point to it, proclaim it and call people into the coming light of Christ.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is also the time in Advent where we celebrate St. Lucy's feast day… or Sankta Lucia if you’d prefer it in Swedish!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>St. Lucy was a young Christian girl who lived in the darkness of the Roman persecution. She too was not the light, but in a creative bearing of the light, she wore a crown of candles on her head so she could use both hands to bring food to fellow Christians hiding in the catacombs. While, like John, she was not the light herself, she testified to the light by what she did. Her actions pointed to it, proclaimed it and called the people in darkness to have hope in the light of Christ.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1">T</span>his week we also hear from Mary. She too was not the light herself, it is GOD, she says clearly, who is the One who does the great things… who shows strength, scatters the proud, casts down the mighty, lifts up the lowly, fills the hungry and sends the rich away empty!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But she also made clear when she said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ that she was there to testify to the light, point to it, proclaim it, to bear it, and to call the people into the light of Christ.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">That, my friends, is OUR calling in the midst of our world’s darkness as well. We, like John, Lucia, and Mary are called to testify to the light, point to it, proclaim it, to bear it, and to call the people into the light of Christ.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The darkness John and Mary and Lucia knew were different in many ways than the darkness we know today.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The darkness of war in Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, the darkness of rising Christian Nationalism and threats by authoritarians.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The darkness of our local hunger, poverty, addiction, underemployment, and housing shortages.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Our darkness may be different than theirs but we are called just as they were, NOT to BE the light… THAT is the work of the Messiah, the Christ.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But you and I, like John the Baptist, Lucia, and Mary… WE are called to testify to the light, point to it, proclaim it, to bear it, and to call the people within the circles of our lives into the healing light of Christ.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">What will all that that bearing, proclaiming, and testifying to the Light look like for you?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Or as Frederick Buechner might ask, “where will your deep gladness meet the world’s deep hunger” in this week to come?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I think it will look as different for each of us as it looked different for John, Mary and Lucia.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I think we can learn from John that it can be bold and clear.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I think we can learn from Mary that it should be humble and brave.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I think we can learn from Lucia that it can be creative and practical.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Beyond that, the way each of us testifies to the Light of Christ in this next short week before Christmas is between you and the Holy Spirit! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">So be open this next week to the nudging of the Holy Spirit.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Take some time in the midst of the last minute noise and chaos to be still and listen for that Spirit.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Notice with her, the places that need to be filled in, cut back, and need a little extra light.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Then, remembering once again that WE are NOT the light, bring the One who is the light… EMMANUEL… God With Us, to shine into EVERY darkness wherever it might be and in whatever way the Holy Spirit leads you to do it! Amen.</span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-84397246055727738862023-12-07T03:39:00.000-08:002023-12-07T03:39:29.674-08:00The Summers of '77 and 70<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Mark 1:1-8</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYHiuKlikjuei8L8b1LnnagNMoFwwW0GfkIGzjKhzpebW9Rovidi8yRfaalOXOpw2LIapkKwYGLop2EZ3f8gEwFe6FQCxv8nfk0XZrnEz-Cks_n9lVkeSoCs7IbtdVEEnKHzILQIWbRMrNWZAJBKJve2ooEtN0xCuwmUcZ5nv1LjLM-_S5xhBWp5hrWHh/s1163/star-wars-line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1163" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYHiuKlikjuei8L8b1LnnagNMoFwwW0GfkIGzjKhzpebW9Rovidi8yRfaalOXOpw2LIapkKwYGLop2EZ3f8gEwFe6FQCxv8nfk0XZrnEz-Cks_n9lVkeSoCs7IbtdVEEnKHzILQIWbRMrNWZAJBKJve2ooEtN0xCuwmUcZ5nv1LjLM-_S5xhBWp5hrWHh/s320/star-wars-line.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">who will prepare your way;</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">‘Prepare the way of the Lord,</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">make his paths straight,’”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">When we went to the movies in the summer of 1977 to see Star Wars, that was all there was.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was “A” single, stand alone movie.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We had no notion of sequels, let alone prequels, let alone all the rest that continues to come out year after year.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In the summer of 1977 it was JUST… STAR WARS, but it changed everything. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">When the Gospel of Mark came out in the summer of 70, it too was “A” single, stand alone Gospel.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They had no notion of Matthew and Luke’s prequel birth stories, nor sequel resurrection stories... neither of which are found in<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Mark.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They certainly had no idea that one day John’s Gospel would be a thing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In the summer of 70 it was JUST… MARK, but it changed everything.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the summer of 70 the first character they met in Mark’s Gospel was John the Baptist, but WHAT a character to start a story!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>People came from all over to hear what John had to say.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>His message was that God was getting ready to break into the world.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>God would bring justice and free people held captive by oppression, poverty, violence, war, disease, and death. People came to hear that message of God’s coming because for them, God’s coming wasn’t scary… It was a new hope!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The situation in which they lived… the Romans, the injustice and the pain was so great that only something truly epic could change the situation.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They came out into the desert to hear how their pain would come to an end when the King of Kings and Lord of Lords came to town and to hear that time was soon.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">John also let people know that, as when any important person comes to town, there were some preparations that needed to be done.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In the ancient world when the king was coming to town the people would go out on the roads and cut back the brush on the sides.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They would fill in the potholes so the king had a smooth ride.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They would make the way into their town as straight as possible so the king would have no delays. The same sorts of preparations needed to be done for the coming of God, John told them, but it wasn’t the roads that needed to be prepared for God, it was their hearts that needed the work.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They needed to straighten out the places where their compassion for the poor and hungry had taken a wrong turn.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Cut back the things that kept them from seeing their neighbors in need.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Fill in the potholes of greed that left them always wanting more, and turned them in on themselves to the exclusion of the world around them.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>THAT was the way to prepare for the coming of THIS King.</span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">When the people heard John’s message… the coming of the King and the need to prepare themselves… they committed themselves to that kind of personal preparation. To mark their commitment, they were baptized by John.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>John baptized them on the OUTSIDE to mark their commitment to doing the work THEY promised to do on the INSIDE.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But then John added… while he was baptizing them from the OUTSIDE-IN, when God came, God would baptize them with the Holy Spirit from the INSIDE-OUT. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Outside in, inside out…what difference does it make?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Well, it makes ALL the difference!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Outside-in transformation begins and ends with us.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is the power of our own will to change our lives and do things in a different way.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It counts on us, and us alone, to motivate ourselves to get out there and fill in those pot holes of greed, trim back the bushes of indifference, and straighten out what’s gotten off track.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s not that Outside-In transformation CAN’T work, it’s just that for most of us mortals, it’s not something we can keep up for the long haul.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the other hand, when we are baptized by the Holy Spirit from the INSIDE-OUT, our transformation isn’t up to us.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s ALL God’s work!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is God, who begins that work inside us.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is God who grows that work, from something small into something that simply can’t be kept inside.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is God who then pours it out of us and into the world.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Because the Spirit’s INSIDE-OUT Baptism doesn’t depend on our will, it keeps on working within us, moving us, and transforming us no matter what we do or don’t do in our lives.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When we are Baptized with the Holy Spirit, God works in us, regardless of the road conditions, regardless of wrong turns, regardless of all the times we try and take over and play God.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When we are Baptized by the Holy Spirit, God never, never, never gives up on us.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">No one here has been baptized with John’s kind of baptism.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>None of us here have been baptized from the outside in.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>None of us here have been left to transform our lives by our will alone.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Every single one of us here has been Baptized by the Holy Spirit.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That means that every single one of us, even now, even still, is being transformed by God from the inside out.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In each and every one of us, God continues to fill in our potholes, cut back the brush, and get us back on track.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That’s why our job as Christians is simply (well, not so simply) to get ourselves OUT of the Holy Spirit’s way and allow God’s love, grace, and compassion to do its work within us which then flows freely from us into the world, changing the world into the vision John proclaimed was coming, all those years ago in the summer of 70. Amen.</span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-86061331778484655562023-12-01T03:33:00.000-08:002023-12-01T03:33:06.053-08:00Yet, O Lord, You are the Mower<p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Isaiah 64:1-9</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXd8SajMagx0sONRWz9HMfkAPtml8974VyMKKF2Ths41Ey835Pe1bPm5FGAn8iovXfetd-K_6ChWVAPfchCKLwWM-UdMz_fV6xepaoBlHgi4vHau0uQQUjSg_TS9FRXQl_vMUqo4ec_cJLSzWYAgB3qAM-gmt2wbwwbow3rM6F29-Jb4vyIkUzfR_H8Am/s1500/1Fisher-Price-Bubble-Mower-Pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXd8SajMagx0sONRWz9HMfkAPtml8974VyMKKF2Ths41Ey835Pe1bPm5FGAn8iovXfetd-K_6ChWVAPfchCKLwWM-UdMz_fV6xepaoBlHgi4vHau0uQQUjSg_TS9FRXQl_vMUqo4ec_cJLSzWYAgB3qAM-gmt2wbwwbow3rM6F29-Jb4vyIkUzfR_H8Am/s320/1Fisher-Price-Bubble-Mower-Pink.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence— as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil— to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence! When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him. You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways. But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember iniquity forever. Now consider, we are all your people.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mark 13:24-37</b></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“But in those days, after that suffering,</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">the sun will be darkened,</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">and the moon will not give its light,</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">and the stars will be falling from heaven,</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">How are we to wait?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That’s the question of Advent.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>How are we to wait?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The lessons for today focus on our wait for the world to be made right again.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>These same lessons make it very clear that the way things are now, even though we are the makers the mess, are well outside our ability to put right again.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Our mess needs something beyond the capacity of both our imagination and our power.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That puts it all out of our control and THAT, humans find frustrating.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Isaiah voiced Israel’s frustration this way:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Oh, that you would rip open the heavens and descend, make the mountains shudder at your presence— As when a forest catches fire, as when fire makes a pot to boil—To shock your enemies into facing you, make the nations shake in their boots!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This was the frustration of exile… an exile that did not seem, in any way, possible to escape except by Divine intervention.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Mark wrote to a people similarly trapped.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They too could not imagine any way to escape the oppression and persecution of the Roman Empire except by God breaking into their world, in person, and putting things right.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Our modern stuckness is different… but really the same.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Israeli hostages in Gaza.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Thousands of Palestinians bombed into oblivion.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Only the heavens ripped open will do.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The climate changes and forests burn, farmland becomes unproductive and storms increase in destructive power as every last dime is squeezed out of the earth, never looking farther into the future than this quarter’s earnings.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Only a miracle will do.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Our Jewish neighbors are told they should be afraid to leave their homes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Palestinian kids are killed in a neighboring state.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Only God’s mountain-shaking presence will do.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Christian Nationalists take Jesus’ words of love, acceptance, generosity and grace and torture them to come out meaning the the exact opposite of what Jesus was all about.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For this level of mess we need mountain shaking, in-person power like on Mount Sini to fix all this!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This needs Son of Man coming in the clouds, the sun and moon going dark and the heavenly host drawn from the four winds kind of power if all that is broken is to be made right again! We feel like Isaiah felt, like a leaf that is fading the longer we wait.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We feel like Mark, like the sky is growing darker and the night just keeps getting colder the longer we wait.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And yet all we can do is WAIT!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But it would seem that HOW we wait, matters.</span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I think the new online friend I make this week gives us an example of waiting “unawake.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I posted a welcome to the “community tree lighting” online.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He commented that there is no such thing as a “community tree” and we should put Christ back into the Christmas tree.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I replied that he could rest easy.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That no matter what the tree is called, no one has the power to undo the birth of Christ!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He called me a “Bleeding Heart” which, of course, refers to Christ’s heart of compassion and kindness which I thought was very nice of him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Humor aside, this is what waiting “unawake” looks like.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Waiting in anxiety and fear… waiting by allowing that fear to turn to anger and aggression.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s not the way to wait. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">We are called instead to wait, “awake”.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Waiting awake begins with remembering the truth that Isaiah wrote… that the Lord is our Father; our Divine Parent who has<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>endless love for us… God’s children… love for us in spite of the mess we’ve made in the house.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That we need to remember we have the power of clay.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That it is God who is the potter.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>My favorite modern image of that same Divine/Human power dynamic is the toddler, “helping” their parent mow the lawn with a bubble mower. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Staying awake to that truth… that we really are completely in the Potter’s hands… that clay doesn’t make itself into a pot and bubbles don’t actually cut the lawn… we are then free to remember again that it is GOD’S will that WILL be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Staying awake to that truth then allows us to keep awake and see more clearly the places we CAN make a difference all around us… where we CAN do what Jesus calls us to do while we wait:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Feeding the hungry, giving something to drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, visiting the sick and those in prison. Awake, we might even be able to work in some seasonally appropriate scattering of the proud, bringing down of the powerful, lifting up the lowly, filling the hungry with good things and sending the rich away empty.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The world is a full-on mess.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>No doubt.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A mess of Biblical proportions even.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But Advent reminds us not to allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by that reality.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Instead, Advent calls us out of our worry, anxiety and fear and tells us to STAY AWAKE to the truth… God’s got this. Really!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>God’s got us and God will be faithful to us always, like a potter is faithful to their clay.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Amen.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-86924037088713889912023-11-23T03:58:00.000-08:002023-11-23T03:58:32.642-08:00I'm an Astronaut! <p><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Matthew 25:31-46</span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGSNtjLYJxUAp6iOMAaLcN7-ao2r4Qc5UJGa2A0mRyWVJAesZWa3avhwwMzvtlZIrCnaOtOyMJOokKEDS1SQZB_SZj9ct9PdPn6MvcTl9EY4ZwYEXef3i2s_sgjNpEfG9gR3arSJ9YIW0B4N72r3XZYw9BIIbJKsqWrWs2SYwXJ-t3apbhnOk1viRN5VR/s2400/astronaut.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="2400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGSNtjLYJxUAp6iOMAaLcN7-ao2r4Qc5UJGa2A0mRyWVJAesZWa3avhwwMzvtlZIrCnaOtOyMJOokKEDS1SQZB_SZj9ct9PdPn6MvcTl9EY4ZwYEXef3i2s_sgjNpEfG9gR3arSJ9YIW0B4N72r3XZYw9BIIbJKsqWrWs2SYwXJ-t3apbhnOk1viRN5VR/s320/astronaut.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></b></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, 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. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am an Astronaut!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I am!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Pick up any astronaut manual and that will tell you how I see the world!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> From SPACE! That's how! </span>My whole life flows out of the fact that I am an Astronaut!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I regularly use words like Galaxy, Orbit, Trajectory, Space, Mission, and Re-entry as well as many other words you can also find in the Astronaut manual… I do!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I have posters of rockets and stuff on my walls.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I… AM… AN… ASTRONAUT!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’m saying that very confidently, forcefully… insistently even… but I’m getting the sense from all of you that you don’t believe me!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This is my LIFE!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This is my core belief!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This is my reason for being!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>THIS IS WHO I AM!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I AM AN ASTRONAUT!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>How could you question that!? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps you’re questioning it because… I’ve never ridden in a rocket?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Because I’ve never piloted a shuttle or even been in charge of watching mold grow in space?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’ve not spent even one second in the International Space Station.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I have absolutely NO connection to NASA, or any of the billionaires’ space programs.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I have never been in zero gravity, nor on the moon, nor ever walked in space.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Might it be that you question my claim of being an astronaut because I just don’t DO any of the actual, physical, stuff that astronauts actually, physically do?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Are you saying that even though I might claim to be an astronaut, use the words that astronauts use all the time, even put up posters and giant model rockets and icons of space stuff all over the place… that alone doesn’t make me an astronaut?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Could THAT be the reason you question my claim to be an astronaut? Huh!</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">So if you won’t let me get away with claiming to be an Astronaut, simply because I don’t DO the things that Astronauts do, then why do we not confront people who continue to claim to be Christian, even though they do not do the things that Christians actually do?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Because here in this parable we have a list, straight from the Messiah’s mouth, of what Christians do:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Christians give food to the hungry.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They give drinks to the thirsty.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Christians see a stranger and they welcome them.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They give clothes to people without clothes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Christians take care of the sick.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They visit people in prison.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">As it turns out, it really makes no difference whatsoever how many times you say random vocabulary words that people associate with Christianity… words like Bible, Values, Church, Belief, Commandments, Decency, or even the word Jesus for that matter.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It makes no difference whatsoever how many crosses hang on your wall, what stickers you have on your truck, or how big the billboard is you put up along an interstate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It makes no difference if you hold up a Bible outside of a church for a photo op, or plant a granite copy of the ten commandments on a courthouse lawn.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>ALL that matters.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>ALL THAT MATTERS.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>All that matters is whether or not you are feeding the hungry, giving something to drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, caring for the sick and visiting those who are in prison.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you’re not doing THOSE things then your claim of being a Christian is as good as my claim of being an Astronaut… and don’t EVEN get me started on what you are if you’re actively doing the OPPOSITE of those things… working to starve the hungry, take water from the thirsty, round up the stranger, keep the sick from getting care, and throwing people in prison.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is DOING what Jesus did for the “least of these” around us that makes us a Christian.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is DOING what we have been asked to do by Christ the King as loyal subjects of the Kingdom of God that makes us a Christian. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">There was a recent article in Christianity Today where the author told of a number of evangelical pastors who, after reading the Sermon on the Mount and preaching on that text were confronted by people in their congregations.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>These pastors were asked “What they were doing preaching those liberal talking points!?”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When told they came from Jesus, the congregation members weren’t ashamed or embarrassed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Instead, they told their preacher, “that way doesn’t work anymore… it’s weak!”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Now, I will certainly defend their right to call the directives of Christ the King weak and ineffective.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>BUT you just can’t do that AND be a Christian! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">We sit here today at the end of the long journey over the broad expanse of green called the Season after Pentecost.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We sit here, right on the edge.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Just over there we can see the narrow strip of blue that make up the season of Advent.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Much shorter than the Season After Pentecost and this year, even shorter!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When we get up today at the ending of one season, and walk this week toward the new beginning of Advent, I’m wondering if this year might be a good year to remember back to when Advent was Purple and was seen as a time of repentance.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Back then, Advent was less about the anticipation of Christmas, and more a time of turning around.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> A time of t</span>urning around from a faith that has the substance of a light up Christmas lawn inflatable and instead preparing for the Newborn King, by doing for “the least of these” those things Christ The King has called us to do as Christians. What does that look like? It's something to think about in this week to come. Amen.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-75833071423945611112023-11-17T07:26:00.000-08:002023-11-17T07:26:36.765-08:00Another Version of the Hole Sermon<p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Matthew 25:14-30</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkylL3R6GZ9AWrupvg3aJFANj1tnBeXP2EHsBfdGqEneFHUvk9yi15g6zI-tGP8s1RE5E9PyUPz0xHG1uaztILpWippDPMomPizQP4AHKjvH25ykjsJTD_Mbh6plHbt0ZK0VdRWpCleizhw-hdtZO4arPVvCeW7SLNTSqeCAXUhyiAg3Wuc5cngKpzYrJ/s1500/hole.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkylL3R6GZ9AWrupvg3aJFANj1tnBeXP2EHsBfdGqEneFHUvk9yi15g6zI-tGP8s1RE5E9PyUPz0xHG1uaztILpWippDPMomPizQP4AHKjvH25ykjsJTD_Mbh6plHbt0ZK0VdRWpCleizhw-hdtZO4arPVvCeW7SLNTSqeCAXUhyiAg3Wuc5cngKpzYrJ/s320/hole.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></b></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">A wealthy man entrusted three slaves with his money.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They weren’t asked to keep it safe. They were asked to make it work!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The amounts given weren’t chump change either!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Roughly half a million, a million, and 2.5 million dollars in today’s money.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When the guy got back, two slaves had made money while the third had dug a hole and buried it, so as not to loose a penny.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Two of them trusted.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>One could not.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In FEAR, he had dug a hole.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>His fear ended him up sitting in the outer darkness, weeping, and gnashing his teeth.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Digging that hole, however, wasn’t a choice.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>His fear had left him only that one option… dig a hole.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What was it that shut down his access to the part of his brain that did nuance, creativity, and trust?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Was it an individual thing?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Was it a collective trauma?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Was his fear passed onto him by his parents?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Maybe a little of all of it?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Maybe a lot of all of it?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We don’t know where his fear came from.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>All we know is what that fear did. It cut off every other option from his mind so that when he was given that money, his fear-filled mind gave him only ONE option, “dig a hole”… biologically that was ALL he had.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now imagine how fear can work in a whole community, a whole country, a whole people… imagine what happens when fear shuts down access to the parts of the brain that do nuance, creativity, and trust for an entire people!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Imagine an entire people with only one option left to them… to dig a hole.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But we really don’t have to imagine what that looks like in an entire people do we?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s Cambodia after the Khmer Rouge.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s Israel and Palestine.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> It's church when money is tight. </span>It is reason people are actively digging a fascist-shaped hole in our country right now.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Stuck in fear, cut off in their minds from access to trust, creativity, and nuance, they do the only thing their minds can dish up as an option… dig a hole… in which they inevitably sit in darkness and weep, and gnash their teeth. So what can we do?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For one, it’s probably better to start with ourselves and then maybe later we'll work on Israel and Palestine. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">So the first thing we can do is to ask ourselves, “How is the outer darkness working for you?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Is that where you want to be? </span>How is this worried, fearful, anxious way of living going for you?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Is the weeping working for you?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Is taking out your fear filled frustrations and anxiety on your teeth by grinding away really working for you?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Is any of that moving you closer to the people you love?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Is any of that helping you to better embrace the things you value?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Is it moving you toward your goals? No? Are you sure? Then, are you ready to put down the shovel and stop digging?” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">That last question pretty much sums up the rest.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Until a person is ready to stop digging the hole they’ve been digging… the hole they’ve maybe even become familiar with digging, used to digging, comfortable with digging.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Until a person is ready to put down their shovel, they will be returned again and again and again to the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, time and time again until they are ready to do something different.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">We all dig holes and we all dig because we are afraid.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The source of our fears are different.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The things we fear are different. But we all dig at some point in our lives and we all dig because we are afraid.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Some dig out of the fear of being hurt, killed, kidnapped, bombed, or starved to death.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Some dig out of the fear of not mattering, being alone, not being heard, not being taken seriously, or of being hated.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Some dig out of financial fears.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Not having enough regular income, rent money, food money, retirement savings, or enough to fix what needs to be fixed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Digging because of financial fears, by the way, is my personal favorite go to fear and reason for digging.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Like I said, we all dig.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We all dig out of fear.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And digging always lands us in darkness, weeping and gnashing our teeth at the bottom of a hole. So is there a way out?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Yes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But the first thing that needs to be done is to put down the shovel and stop digging.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you’re ready to do that, then the next step I’d recommend… is lunch... there's even one right after church here today! So it isn't the food, although that will be incredible, but what it is, is an opportunity to sit down and talk to the folks at your table and ask one another, “what would you do if you were not afraid?”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ask one another what gives them joy here at church, and out in the world?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ask each other what is one small, teeny, tiny thing they might do this next week to grab just one little additional pinch of joy from this life? When you ask those questions it gives others the opportunity to put down the shovel. When you contemplate those questions asked of you, then you will have that same opportunity. </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">This parable is not about God sending people to hell.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This parable is Jesus teaching us that living and acting out of fear WILL dig us right down into darkness, weeping and grinding our teeth because that’s just how fear affects humans.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Jesus also teaches us in this parable </span>that it doesn’t HAVE to be that way.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In this parable there are two others who did not keep digging!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s not that they had no fear!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We all have fear.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s that somewhere along the way, some folks asked them some questions, they got some help, stopped digging their hole and took some steps in a better direction. </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I believe all of us, our congregation, any congregation, any nation or people, even those who have been digging for thousands of years CAN die to digging that hole out of fear and that they can be resurrected from that hole, no matter how deep it has become. Amen.</span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-28237079765830256652023-11-16T04:31:00.000-08:002023-11-16T04:31:23.275-08:00How's That Hole in the Ground Working For You?<p><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Matthew 25:14-30</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLt_Bi5Zn5zusrNjpcmJJRAMGRa4fQnL9SkbgysBFmGRF1tU0WYboq1U2IW7onR0x97Jvs27THCcKHca1Tfa1kzlaM7bYsMn3c9yClF1biYLC9fTgY1RahDlVhv7_71UFkQazrEh9WKJicpl6iBV3nuFA0YTKWHkAh2iit0QiuL2wBKQ2J84rSYc5EFo-J/s1500/hole.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLt_Bi5Zn5zusrNjpcmJJRAMGRa4fQnL9SkbgysBFmGRF1tU0WYboq1U2IW7onR0x97Jvs27THCcKHca1Tfa1kzlaM7bYsMn3c9yClF1biYLC9fTgY1RahDlVhv7_71UFkQazrEh9WKJicpl6iBV3nuFA0YTKWHkAh2iit0QiuL2wBKQ2J84rSYc5EFo-J/s320/hole.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></b></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">A wealthy man entrusted three slaves with his money.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They weren’t asked to keep it safe. They were asked to make it work!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The amounts given weren’t chump change either!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Roughly half a million, a million, and 2.5 million dollars in today’s money.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When the guy got back, two slaves had made money while the third had dug a hole and buried it, so as not to loose a penny.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Two of them trusted.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>One couldn't.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In FEAR, he had dug a hole.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>His fear ended him up sitting in the outer darkness, weeping, and gnashing his teeth.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Digging that hole, however, wasn’t a choice.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>His fear had left him only that one option… dig a hole.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What was it that shut down his access to the part of his brain that did nuance, creativity, and trust?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Was it an individual thing?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Was it a collective trauma?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Was his fear passed onto him by his parents?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Maybe a little of all of it?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Maybe a lot of all of it?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We don’t know where his fear came from.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>All we know is what that fear did. It cut off every other option from his mind so that when he was given that money, his fear-filled mind was only able to give him ONE option, “dig a hole”… biologically that was ALL he had.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now imagine how fear can work in a whole community, a whole country, a whole people… imagine what happens when fear shuts down access to the parts of the brain that do nuance, creativity, and trust for an entire people!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Imagine an entire people with only one option left to them… to dig a hole.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But we really don’t have to imagine what fear can do to an entire people do we?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s Cambodia after the Khmer Rouge.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s Israel and Palestine.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is reason people are actively digging a fascist-shaped hole in our country right now.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Stuck in fear, cut off in their minds from access to trust, creativity, and nuance, they do the only thing their minds can dish up as an option… dig a hole, sit in darkness, weep, and gnash their teeth. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I don’t think Jesus meant for the outer darkness to be permanent.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>To be sure, it is a very real, biological, consequence of fear, but it doesn't have to be our full time home.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So what can we do? </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here's an example of what we can do on a smaller scale. As I worked on this sermon down in North Carolina, Kelly reminded me of what Pastor Krautwurst told us in our pre-marital counseling.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He said the thing we’d fight about most was money.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Mom chimed in and said that’s every family!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Then Kelly said, “right, and what’s a church? A family system… and what’s got the financial leaders in church, including you, anxious these days?”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I said, “well, getting a mortgage for The Grey Cottage, higher interest rates, our maxed out line of credit from the Grey Cottage project, landscaping costs, clergy compensation, a pledge drive, fewer people in worship, a church that needs some paint and a few other repairs, a dead sanctuary air conditioning system, Ellen Elizabeth’s estate…”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Okay, okay, yes,” Kelly said, “that’s enough.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And what are all those things?”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The lightbulb came on.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>"Money" I said. "We’ve got money fears and we're starting to dig a hole, aren't we?"</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">At that point I slid my laptop across the table to her and said YOU get to preach!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She said, “I run the cameras.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You do the preaching.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Just give me credit.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So credit given where credit is very due!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But she’s right you know, my fellow, financially, fearful, folk… she’s right.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We are on the edge of becoming that fearful slave with “digging a hole” as the only option left to us!</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, just to be clear, our church isn’t having “we just used the last diaper and there’s no money to buy more” money troubles.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Our church is having “we like having financial cushions and reserve funds and lots of breathing room in the check book for “just in case” but we’ve used all that to get the Grey Cottage finished and haven’t got our cushions back yet” money troubles.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Those are VERY different kinds of money troubles when you look at them from the outside. But on the inside, our biology offers just one, identical solution for both… dig a hole!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So how can we regain access to the creative, trusting, and nuanced parts of our collective noggin?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>How can we move back into the part of our collective, creative, slightly irreverent part of our brain that gave us things like the AT project, Berkstock, Lichgate Concerts, and Feeding Friends? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The answer, I believe… is lunch.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Specifically Joe’s lasagna lunch… today.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Maybe its not the WHOLE answer, but if you’ll come to lunch, sit down and talk to the folks at your table about what they love most about Christ Trinity, that will be an excellent first step.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ask one another what gives them the most joy here at church?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Ask them w</span>hat would they want to try around here if they weren’t afraid? Ask them if they would try a new thing if you tried it with them?</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our loving God does not send anyone into darkness, to weep, and gnash our teeth.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is, however, a very real biological human consequence of living in, and acting out of fear.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>However, with intentional questions and small steps taken toward a future of shared goals and values, I believe any person or any people, even Cambodia, even Israel, even Palestine, even us… can be resurrected from hole-digging fear and regain access to the creativity, nuance, and trust that leads to abundant life.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Let us all start that resurrection journey today, with lunch!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Amen.</span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-67956683094081417282023-11-02T03:57:00.001-07:002023-11-02T03:57:32.190-07:00Worldviews, Heresies, and All Saints<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Matthew 5:1-12</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0L77nZ5QzEn7a10R1X6nPZ-pePRO2n_sWiaR5ULaTK88yFe9Vz7Gvf8SvK1iRTJnpW8AK_BE6QMaVUS0X6-a32IB0_rTU2_eg69g99s_ByeNegLM__NhKdqP14tCt3guVRDe1CjlPJ39oKfNwPEtp73VZ6QQ2xM8ylXGB7LCC8gNNhznFX505Y6lmHOy/s4152/worldview.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2768" data-original-width="4152" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0L77nZ5QzEn7a10R1X6nPZ-pePRO2n_sWiaR5ULaTK88yFe9Vz7Gvf8SvK1iRTJnpW8AK_BE6QMaVUS0X6-a32IB0_rTU2_eg69g99s_ByeNegLM__NhKdqP14tCt3guVRDe1CjlPJ39oKfNwPEtp73VZ6QQ2xM8ylXGB7LCC8gNNhznFX505Y6lmHOy/s320/worldview.webp" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Heather Cox Richardson is a political history professor and author.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In a recent post she described the two very different worldviews currently battling for the control of our country.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>One of those worldviews wants to return our country to a time when income and wealth were more equal.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A time when government played a role in leveling the playing field, regulating businesses, protecting workers, and investing in regular people.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s a worldview that believes that when people come together to care for and help one another, everyone ends up better off.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The other worldview began, in it’s most recent incarnation, in the 1980’s when conservative politicians labeled the other world view as “socialism” and promised to restore what they believed was better… American Individualism.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They used the image of the cowboy from the Old American West to sell it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This image has nothing to do with the actual history of the Old West, but it worked well to capture the imaginations of those who liked the idea that all anyone needed was to be left alone, to work hard, and to protect what was his with a gun.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">During that same time, a new strain of religiosity grew up in support of American Individualism.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is billed by it’s followers as Christianity.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is better labeled as the Prosperity Gospel, Christian Nationalism, or Christo-fascism rather than genuine Christianity.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That’s because while it has roots in evangelicalism, pentecostalism, and charismatic Christianity, and the people in these movements use Christian sounding language, the way that they treat their neighbors makes it quickly clear that this is something very different than genuine Christianity.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Their religiosity believes that it is within the power of the individual to overcome poverty, illness or other difficulties through their own devotion.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They believe that personal wealth and power is a sign of divine blessing, and being so blessed it becomes their divine right and duty to orient the rest of the world to their individual ideas of what is good and what is bad… what is right and what is wrong. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is literally a religion created to support a worldview of American Individualism so they might claim God’s stamp of approval on all that they believe and do.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">But Individualism isn’t Christian.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In spite of dishing up a continual buffet of christian sounding word salad, their actions are just not those of Christ.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Their actions do not show a Love of God, nor of Neighbor.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They derisively call the love of neighbor… which has compassion for the least, lost, and last…<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>socialism.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In doing that they mock self giving love, which is what Jesus called the summation of the Law and the Prophets. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Their actions also put them firmly on the wrong side of the sermon Jesus preached in today’s Gospel text.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This sermon is a reminder that God has a worldview preference.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>God’s preference is for a world that has come to understand that God did not create us to do this life as Individuals but as part of an interdependent community.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The poor in spirit, the meek, the pure in heart, the merciful and the peacemakers are blessed because they have seen Individualism for what it is, a heresy, wrapped in a tissue paper thin layer of meaningless god-words, with no care for the preferences of Father, Son, or Holy Spirit, but only for me, myself, and I.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The poor in spirit, the meek, the pure in heart, the merciful and the peacemakers are further blessed because now, having rejected Individualism, they find, apropos of today’s celebration of All Saints Sunday, that they are genuinely surrounded in this life and beyond by ALL THE SAINTS, all of whom are working together toward abundant life for all!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Our country… and really our whole world… is currently battling over which worldview we will follow into the future.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Will it be a worldview of Individualism, where wealth and power are seen as a license… or even a divine mandate… to impose on their neighbors all they personally believe is true and right?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Or will we put our hearts and hands, minds and souls behind a worldview where community, neighbor, and the needs of our planet as an interconnected whole are lifted up as the way to abundant life for all? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Law, the Prophets, Jesus, and All the Saints call us continually to reject the heresy of Individualism and it’s selfish and destructive worldview.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Law, the Prophets, Jesus, and the Saints call us continually into an ever deepening, self-giving love of neighbor and to the worldview that flows out of that love, building up all of creation beginning with the least, the lost and the last.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Genuine Christians call that worldview The Kingdom of God.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is not a place in the sweet by and by.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is this world transformed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> This world r</span>esurrected, becoming a place where everyone has enough… enough to eat, enough of a place to live, enough equality, safety, security, peace, purpose, dignity and worth.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">May we answer those calls in all we do each and every day.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>May we reject the heresy of the Prosperity Gospel, Christian Nationalism, and Christo-fascism and instead join with All the Saints to build up the Kingdom of God… God’s vision of creation as a place where everyone has enough.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And may we build up that worldview with a daily, ever deepening, self giving love for ALL of our neighbors.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Amen. <span class="s1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-59451332234661701732023-10-25T08:32:00.000-07:002023-10-25T08:32:04.797-07:00Footprints or Footsteps<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>John 8:31-36</b></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_2cqqFu4DYDnJyVY1ufKVRebGimsHXLTL-OJ_f_k4LvPvux2CdwX2xJlyKudUocmxCdqILj82xGaW6UsUCDZzrd7QXri_nxSIjIEVHoxpSTlZRYdyJ66oxtF1UDGomnO9soVPwSzM0YqvyutdEZOlfx5Jum7hPAq_YcuUF14C165_V2cXxmUqB5Ic1LY/s588/kicking-and-screaming-588x273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="588" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_2cqqFu4DYDnJyVY1ufKVRebGimsHXLTL-OJ_f_k4LvPvux2CdwX2xJlyKudUocmxCdqILj82xGaW6UsUCDZzrd7QXri_nxSIjIEVHoxpSTlZRYdyJ66oxtF1UDGomnO9soVPwSzM0YqvyutdEZOlfx5Jum7hPAq_YcuUF14C165_V2cXxmUqB5Ic1LY/s320/kicking-and-screaming-588x273.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.</span><p></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus said to those who were following him, “Keep walking in my footsteps no matter where they lead you.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You’ll find that it is in the WALKING… that you’ll really experience genuine living.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That’s the truth.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>WALKING… that’s the way you’ll be free!” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“But,” we say, “we’re literally standing in a set of your footprints right now, while you’re talking to us.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When you tell us to ‘walk in my footsteps’ we don’t know what more you want?”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Then Jesus said, “Look, yes, you’re standing in a set of my footprints right now which is great.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>AND I’m trying to WARN you to be very careful not to mix up Standing in my Footprints with Walking in my Footsteps.”</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /> </span>“I know you guys,” says Jesus.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“You’ll stand there just a bit too long and you’ll start to feel comfortable.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That spot will become familiar.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It will become ‘what you’re used to’ and you won’t want to move.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That one spot will become a place you want to go back to when life gets crazy.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You’ll even start defending that one spot as being the BEST spot… some of you will even start calling it the ONLY spot… the spot will become something you will fear to loose.”</span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You’re my followers.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I love you all.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That’s why I’m warning you,” says Jesus, “because I know human nature.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You’ll stand there in that set of my footsteps so long, that without knowing it, you’ll end up standing and not following.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You’ll end up stuck in a place that I once was, but not where I am any longer.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That’s why I’m trying to tell you it is in the WALKING that you have life.” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus knew, that we humans like what we have become used to.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We humans fear what we do not know or have not yet experienced.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Sometimes what we’ve become used to is a good for us, like a regular morning walk or drinking lots of water.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Other times what we have become used to is harmful, like an abusive spouse, prejudice, or never ending war.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Rarely, however, will we ever take the time to honestly… honestly reflect on whether its good for us or not, we simply hold onto what we are used to and reject what we do not know.</span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Taking the time to honestly reflect on whether we are still walking on the WAY or if we have become stuck in just one spot is, at least in theory if not in practice, the point of Reformation Sunday.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is supposed to be a day to honestly reflect on our faith practice and ask ourselves, “Is what we are doing, and how we are thinking now, and the way we are living now, really, truly, and genuinely still MOVING us in Jesus’ footsteps toward the life God created for us to live?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Or could it be that, because we humans like what we are used to, that we’ve come to confuse familiarity with abundant living… to confound recitation with genuine confession… to mix up the warm and fuzzies with the fire of the Holy Spirit?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">That is what Reformation Sunday is supposed to be about.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ironically, we being humans who like what we are used to, mostly spend Reformation Sunday not examining where we are in the present, nor asking for insight into where we are called to go next.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We mostly spend Reformation Sunday looking back to where we were, way back when Martin Luther put words to a popular beer drinking song and nailing theology questions to a door. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Very truly, I tell you,” said Jesus “the longer you stand still in the same spot, the more addictive that spot gets.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You end up a slave to standing in that one place.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>BUT, if you keep moving.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you keep walking in my footSTEPS and don’t stand too long in my footPRINTS, you’ll be free and stay free, indeed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Amen. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-20127184847227846402023-10-19T04:39:00.000-07:002023-10-19T04:39:26.310-07:00Questions<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Matthew 22:15-22</b></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDVYaBKQvfLxn5k4K5MHwGXInTPZEUzeaay4DZbMqsL5RErIOR9Lku5B0uWbhxZ2iSbBxFGGCjQcTa4PV-VEzuF3MvPQWCFmAjL7sJmj9SsPzeL4Lk9pNK5qTs_da78-A2tq5dxK809sg5sJHWDIvAeN6mKWkIHTSmbFmIhf_OWLSw4Aju27267g3X68s/s1233/questions.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1233" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDVYaBKQvfLxn5k4K5MHwGXInTPZEUzeaay4DZbMqsL5RErIOR9Lku5B0uWbhxZ2iSbBxFGGCjQcTa4PV-VEzuF3MvPQWCFmAjL7sJmj9SsPzeL4Lk9pNK5qTs_da78-A2tq5dxK809sg5sJHWDIvAeN6mKWkIHTSmbFmIhf_OWLSw4Aju27267g3X68s/s320/questions.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.</span><p></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Tell us, then, what you think.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Asked the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They weren’t looking for an answer.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They were trying to pick a fight.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But either way that was one of the 183 questions Jesus was asked in the Gospels.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Out of those 183 questions, how many do you think he answered directly?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Turns out he answered three.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Just three.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>How many questions do you guess Jesus asked?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>307 it turns out.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>307 questions asked.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Three questions answered.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’m no math guru but I’d say that’s around 100 questions asked for every answer given!</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Why is that?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Isn’t Christianity about giving answers and eliminating questions?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It seems like that’s what the loudest voices always say.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But it doesn’t seem to be the way Jesus lived, day in and day out.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So if Christianity is walking as Jesus walked day after day, then could it be that Christianity isn’t so much about giving answers as it is about asking questions… like Jesus did… 100 times more often than he gave an answer? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I think that perhaps Jesus, being God and all that, might have known a thing or two about how human beings work and THAT might be why Jesus was very intentional about asking WAY more questions than giving answers.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I think Jesus knew that when people give answers, make statements, and declare, “this is how it is!” folks within earshot are only given the choice of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Buy it and get on board” or “don’t buy it and get left behind.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Questions, on the other hand, open folks up to an infinity of other possibilities.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Questions have the power to open and then expand real conversations.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They lead to the possibility of deeper knowing… knowing one another, knowing yourself, knowing more of the various ways people see the world, even opening up new and different ways people might come to know and relate to God. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Questions open possibilities.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Statements shut them down.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You don’t have to just take Jesus’ word on that either.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Brain research completely backs Jesus up on this. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You’ve heard me say it before, humans are hard wired to consider each and every question we are asked.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We can’t help but do it!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Even if its only for a second, it happens.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The other fact that science has learned about questions is that not only do our brains HAVE to consider them, but our brains can ONLY consider them in the higher, human-only, parts of our brain. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Check out then what Jesus does in this week’s Gospel using the power of questions.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Pharisees and Herodians come out to confront Jesus… to poke the bear… to pick a fight.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When humans are poked like that (including the human Jesus) we are hard wired in our brains to respond first out of our fight or flight brains. But in this week’s lesson, Jesus demonstrates the power of questions.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He uses the fact that questions MUST be considered... and that they MUST be considered in the higher parts of the brain, to quickly move himself into his higher brain where he can calmly decline their invitation to fight.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Watch it again… “Is it lawful to pay taxes?”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The gauntlet goes down.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jesus goes first to questions… several of them, “Do you have one of these coins you’re talking about?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Who’s this guy here on the coin?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Who’s name is on it?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>At this point, these questions have allowed Jesus to fully access his human brain. There, in his fully human brain, his possibilities for responding beyond just fight or flight are endless.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He has access to wisdom, to cleverness… he even has access to blessed sarcasm!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Well, even kindergarteners know", Jesus tells them... "If it’s got his name on it, then you should give it to him.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">What would our lives look like if we asked 100 questions before we gave one answer?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What would just driving through the roundabout be like?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What would social media be like?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What would Congress be like?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What would Israel and Palestine be like?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What would the world be like… if we all used the power of questions to choose to simply not show up for all the fights we are constantly being invited to attend?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What would the world look like, if we asked enough questions, in every human encounter, to move ourselves into a place of endless possibilities before simply picking “hit it or run from it” as our perpetual mindless options to everything?</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus asked <span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">100 questions</span> for every answer he gave.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He asked questions… well… religiously.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Which makes me wonder if the asking of questions might actually be a spiritual discipline, like centering prayer, journaling, walking a labyrinth, or meditation?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I wonder what it would look like to practice asking more questions… many more questions… many, many more questions before ever starting to consider giving an answers.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="Apple-converted-space">Where might that sort of practice lead? </span>What might that look like?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>How to you think you might begin?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Who might even be willing to give it a try?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Amen. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-54291521513823876052023-10-12T07:52:00.002-07:002023-10-12T07:52:48.775-07:00That is the Question<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b>Isaiah 25:1-9</b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemwhILBT2QwGnHMeCKDWGmfCvOQGXcLq10xRh9Q_9wvhQjEW5ThxBJg3p5GXTXxN_DHGhWDg-5dDdIhxO3_6Lej6x3pdQ98afjenTfs0Y18mzOeswpP57IzyRvB4153Ux6ZPB4JSVVeddTAewg1WGU0TH0SQvP9bQDvBpg5slZ1Skwo0RYtlAfiBMmaRM/s912/david%20tennant%20hamlet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="912" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemwhILBT2QwGnHMeCKDWGmfCvOQGXcLq10xRh9Q_9wvhQjEW5ThxBJg3p5GXTXxN_DHGhWDg-5dDdIhxO3_6Lej6x3pdQ98afjenTfs0Y18mzOeswpP57IzyRvB4153Ux6ZPB4JSVVeddTAewg1WGU0TH0SQvP9bQDvBpg5slZ1Skwo0RYtlAfiBMmaRM/s320/david%20tennant%20hamlet.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name; for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. For you have made the city a heap, the fortified city a ruin; the palace of aliens is a city no more, it will never be rebuilt. Therefore strong peoples will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will fear you. For you have been a refuge to the poor, a refuge to the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rainstorm and a shade from the heat. When the blast of the ruthless was like a winter rainstorm, the noise of aliens like heat in a dry place, you subdued the heat with the shade of clouds; the song of the ruthless was stilled.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">This passage from Isaiah is used often for funerals as an image of eternal life.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s my favorite image of eternal life, for what it’s worth.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But this passage is mostly NOT ABOUT eternal life in the sweet by and by.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s mostly about God’s frustration with people all over creation, continuing to act SO VERY DIFFERENTLY than the way we were created. To continue to act so horribly to one another, that we have become nearly unrecognizable to God… like aliens! This passage is mostly about God’s ongoing desire for us… all of us… to return to be what God made us to be… human beings filled to overflowing with love and life. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">While the current horrors in Israel and Palestine will inescapably come to mind when we talk about humans being horrible to one another, the truth is that people being utterly ruthless and completely awful to one another is far from confined to this time and that place.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> The truth is that n</span>o matter where you might find yourself, the powerful of our world blast the powerless with, as Isaiah writes, the unrelenting brutality of a winter rainstorm.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And what’s the result?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The result today, is as it was in Isaiah’s time... cities in ruins… homes lying in a heap… clouds of dust… the smell of death… bitter loneliness… and tears… oh my God the tears… rivers and rivers flowing into bottomless oceans of never ending tears. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">And should we be tempted to once more fool ourselves into thinking that we have the power to route and direct ruin, death, and tears FROM us exclusively TO them (whoever play those roles in the moment)… this passage from Isaiah reminds us that destruction and tears always rebound on the sender.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Destruction and tears caused by profound, prolonged, abusive, and violent treatment inflicted by one group ALWAYS rebounds on the other with unjustifiable but totally predictable, fear filled retribution which in turn invokes a nothing to loose violent reaction and more retribution that then unleash new torrents of tears until everyone is drown. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s a broken record of human misery, playing without ceasing now for countless millennia.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>An endless tune that makes God weep for God’s beloved creation.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A human madness which God has been calling us to end with God's word delivered from patriarchs and poems, prophets and parables since God's feasts were first abandoned for Human death by Cain and Able.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I often think that if our God could be driven stark raving mad, this evil and injustice, blood and death, and our constant obsession with ruthlessness, revenge, retribution, and reprisal leaving all of creation a smoldering tear-stained ruin would surely do it. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thankfully God is not driven to madness as easily as I am… and so, even in the midst of the world's latest still-smoking ruins, strewn with bodies, and soaked with tears, God reminds us all once again of God’s true desire for all of creation. It is God's desire to make a feast for all peoples… ALL PEOPLES… ONE People, as God created them.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A feast which has the power to repair the chasms cut into creation by the ever repeating pickaxes blows of human retribution.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>God’s desire is for us to stop trying to out-dig one another to hell, and instead to come to God’s FEAST… a completely top notch feast at that… where all of humanity sits down TOGETHER, eats divine food TOGETHER, at God’s table TOGETHER and return TOGETHER from living as aliens, to living as the sisters and brothers God created us all to be.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">ONLY THERE and ONLY THEN… at our Divine Parent’s Table, will ALL the death, we claw at one another for as if it were gold... Only there at God's Table will all of that death be swallowed up and the death we've been eating for so long be replaced with rich food filled with marrow and well aged wines strained clear!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>THAT, Isaiah reminds us, is what The Lord desires.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>THAT is the Word of the Lord that has been spoken.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>THAT is what the Lord continues to call us toward, even as humanity continues the race to dig my grave faster than you dig yours! </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Its overwhelming! What can WE do?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">We always seem to ask that question in times like these, don't we?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What can we do?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But that's not really the right question. We know what to do, don’t we?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We’ve been reminded of what to do for thousands of years by patriarchs and poems, prophets and parables, saints and sages.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> We know what to do. </span>Do justice.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Love kindness.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Walk humbly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We KNOW what to do.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Start right here, right now, in the one square foot in which you are standing and begin to </span>Love God with all your heart, mind, and soul. Do that by living God's Way.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A Way that puts the other’s needs ahead of ours.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A Way that does what is in the other’s best interest.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A Way that fully adopts God’s ways of thinking and builds on reconciliation not retribution, forgiveness not fury… takes joy in feasts not fighting. What can we do is not the question.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>To be what God created us to be, or not to be?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> THAT is the question. </span>Amen. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-44245886054198455042023-10-06T04:22:00.001-07:002023-10-06T04:22:31.786-07:00Botrytis Cinerea<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b>Matthew 21:33-46</b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYK0XwOYw7DA1EmGCbssJ2075rtAXBhOP36dwQXGgg3O5A7fT-v21wQuunIk638MwabIbemvXcra63EP37YdY91-F0fkmIAMREr4G-deWt3N9b9nYrE1C7jlfqxh2GT7yB0iJSkdPyENm-NCQZfpM40syu6aSm8b5JlPn9e97GUpOhVx-kolx8ltAyoGJ/s375/articles-botrytiscinerea_text_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYK0XwOYw7DA1EmGCbssJ2075rtAXBhOP36dwQXGgg3O5A7fT-v21wQuunIk638MwabIbemvXcra63EP37YdY91-F0fkmIAMREr4G-deWt3N9b9nYrE1C7jlfqxh2GT7yB0iJSkdPyENm-NCQZfpM40syu6aSm8b5JlPn9e97GUpOhVx-kolx8ltAyoGJ/s320/articles-botrytiscinerea_text_2.jpg" width="226" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they treated them in the same way. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.” So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom. The one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them. They wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowds, because they regarded him as a prophet.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">We are now three for three in winemaking Gospel lessons.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Some might say that’s because Jesus “just happens” to have stopped outside a vineyard… that if he had stopped outside a Brussels Sprouts farm all these Gospels would have been about Brussels Sprouts.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But here’s the thing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I don’t like Brussels Sprouts.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Plus, I think there’s something to the interplay of art and science with winemaking that you just don’t get with those smelly mini-cabbages on a stick!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So I’m sticking with wine!</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Two weeks ago we talked about the good scientific calculations needed to pick grapes at just the right balance of sugar and acidity.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Good scientific calculations, it turns out, do work most of the time and not just in winemaking.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This past Wednesday, for example, the good scientific calculations that the 5G Emergency Broadcast on our cellphones would NOT activate a secret virus hidden in our COVID vaccines and we would NOT, in fact, turn into zombies, as some believed, also turned out to be correct.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So good scientific calculations do work MOST of the time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>MOST of the time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This week’s parable reminds us, however, that there are always exceptions that prove the rule. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">This week the vineyard owner calculated that sending his servants and a son to get what was expected from his tenants… calculations made on a lifetime of observations… suddenly turned out to be deadly wrong.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The tenant’s calculations… also based on a lifetime of observations that “might-makes-right” is how our world works, calculated that they could somehow inherit the vineyard through assault and murder.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But as the examples show, even calculations made from centuries of observations, don’t always add up. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The folks listening to Jesus were also living out of their scientific calculations and their own centuries of observations.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>From those calculations and observations Jesus was CLEARLY not the Messiah.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They had calculated that the genuine Messiah would come and work by the numbers… work the way they had all come to understand the world to work.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They wanted, and they expected, a Messiah that would knock heads together and boot out the Romans.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Might makes right is the world’s tried and true scientific formula, and they were committed to the world’s formula.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">But in grape growing, and in abundant life growing, scientific calculations aren’t always everything.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Sometimes in both, there is work to be done on the other side of the brain… the artsy side… or else we humans run the risk of missing God doing a new thing and worse… winemakers run the risk of making predictable and boring wine! God, this parable reminds us, is constantly leaning toward the artistic side when it comes to helping humans grow toward abundant life.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>God is always looking to do a new thing with us. That’s why God didn’t send a by-the-numbers, tally sheet marking, knock heads together, sort of Messiah.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>God sent Jesus, who simply invited the people to follow his artsy fartsy Way of walking through this life guided by the principle of loving God and loving neighbor.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jesus told this parable to remind us to expect the unexpected from God, and that the unexpected CAN be an incredible blessing, even if at first the unexpected looks like “CHANGE” which we all know is pretty much always very, very wrong. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The unexpected turning into a blessing, even when it looks at first glance like something has gone horribly wrong also happens in winemaking.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Such is the case with Botrytis Cinerea, or Bunch Rot… a fungus among us that gives you dark and hairy shriveled up grapes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Can you imagine the first winemaker to see it?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The science side of their brain screaming, “NOPE, nope, that’s a big, hairy, gross, shriveled up NOPE” and at the same time the artistic side of her brain saying, “WHOA!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>THAT is SUPER weird.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>LET’S THROW ‘EM IN AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS!”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Now, I don’t know which side won that first time around, but at some point the artsy side of the brain DID win and those hairy, gross, shriveled up grapes got thrown in and when the wine was finally tasted… it was something so unbelievably wonderful, that gross hairy fungus became known as the “Noble Rot” because in the olden days, only the Nobility could afford wine made with those grapes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was that good! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Messiah who would suffer and die rather than fight and win,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>was just as impossible as gross, hairy, shriveled up grapes making great wine!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Chief Priests and Pharisees could not grasp God working this way.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They could not wrap their minds around their by-the-numbers-God sending a throw-the-math-out-artistic-loser named Jesus as the Messiah.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">That is really the message in the Gospel for today.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We are being invited to accept and embrace a Messiah that doesn’t add up.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We are being invited to accept and embrace a completely unexpected Savior that makes absolutely no sense in a world run on a fundamentalist following of the might-makes-right formula.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We are being invited to accept and embrace the One called Jesus, who gathers up all our hairy, gross, and shriveled up selves and transforms us into Nobility!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Brothers and Sisters of the King of King and Lord of Lords!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Gifted p</span>ositions of Nobility that make us fit for the surprisingly abundant, joy filled, and everlasting life God first created us all to live.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Amen. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-49308138448887975312023-09-28T07:07:00.000-07:002023-09-28T07:07:09.310-07:00Right Between the Eyes<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b style="color: #010000;">Matthew 21: 23-32</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b style="color: #010000;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdU5MRTpobg_zkKXlSKrYWSW-mJhyBtBNKh_QYz2FntisvgykFR5_zdlfNMPhvFsJqxdDIKC9gDM98ouZEUXLmWSlAcKKfZvsqZgaQVFaKh0dl-ACXzvUW1r6kcKRxu9SDm34rUcVgoGPy7RtHl8MfdLqfGOwwbqCUoFEXtszWs_S_eJWbQecqN-pVg7VV/s2736/1461337308-cross-eyed-male.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1824" data-original-width="2736" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdU5MRTpobg_zkKXlSKrYWSW-mJhyBtBNKh_QYz2FntisvgykFR5_zdlfNMPhvFsJqxdDIKC9gDM98ouZEUXLmWSlAcKKfZvsqZgaQVFaKh0dl-ACXzvUW1r6kcKRxu9SDm34rUcVgoGPy7RtHl8MfdLqfGOwwbqCUoFEXtszWs_S_eJWbQecqN-pVg7VV/s320/1461337308-cross-eyed-male.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="color: #010000; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">When Jesus entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’ Jesus said to them, ‘I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?’ And they argued with one another, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say to us, “Why then did you not believe him?” But if we say, “Of human origin”, we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.’ So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And he said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #010000; font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #010000; font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> ‘What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not”; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, “I go, sir”; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax-collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax-collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last week Jesus told a roundabout parable involving a landowner/winemaker/artist who cared more about making great wine than pretty much anything else.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was a parable, like all parables are, that tells us a bit about how God works.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But last week’s parable needed to be pulled apart, examined, and sifted through to get all the way down into its nooks and crannies in order to extract all of its parable-y goodness.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">This week Jesus tells another parable.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It also tells us something about how God works.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The difference is that while last week we needed to dig around in the vineyard to figure out what Jesus was saying, this week there's no digging required.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There’s absolutely nothing to pull apart, examine, or sift through with this one.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jesus just shoots this parable right between the eyes of the rich and powerful Chief Priests and the God and country Pharisees in a way they simply couldn’t miss.</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">This week’s parable comes on the heels of a confrontation with the Chief Priests and Pharisees.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They went out with the intention of tricking Jesus into saying something incriminating.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jesus, however, wasn’t having it. He asked them to answer a question first about John the Baptist.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He didn’t ask, we should notice, if they liked John the Baptist's theology. He asked them if they had started LIVING as John the Baptist had called people to live!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Clearly they hadn’t and that fact set the Chief Priests and Pharisees right up against the third rail of Palestinian politics. The rich, powerful, and puritanical hated John, but the people LOVED him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So with the rich, powerful, and puritanical all set back on their heels, Jesus shot this little, tiny, parable right between their eyes with all of Jerusalem watching.</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">One son, Jesus told them, SAID he would get right to work but didn’t.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The other SAID he would NOT go to work... but then, in the end actually went out and worked.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>With this completely non-subtle parable, Jesus said to rich and powerful Chief Priests and the God and country Pharisees, “you guys are all TALK and no ACTION… BUT… God cares ONLY about WHAT YOU’RE DOING, NOT about what you say or how you look. So, big shot Priests and Pharisees… Are you DOING something?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Are you DOING ANYTHING?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">For Jesus, faith isn’t something that happens up here in the ol’ noggin.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It isn’t a list of things to agree to. It isn’t putting a sticker on your car.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It isn’t liking and sharing Jesus stuff on social media.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For Jesus, faith isn’t something that happens in your head or comes out of your mouth.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For Jesus, faith is what you DO in self giving love, with your feet and your hands and with all of your being as you walk step by step through this life we’ve been given.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>God, Jesus told them, wants to see the walk we walk.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Not the talk we talk.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Basically Jesus was asking the people watching this confrontation, "In all the time these rich and powerful, God and country people have been flapping their gums, have you ever seen them DO anything"?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> N</span>obody had.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They were all SHOW and no GO and Jesus was reminding them and everyone gathered there that day that God doesn’t have any time for show.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>God is all about the GO. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">That’s the down and dirty, straight between the eyes parable for today.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But, since this is only page six and we usually go to eight pages for a full length sermon, we can do just a tiny bit more with this for today.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We can take a minute to remind ourselves what GO actually looks like.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It looks like deep gratitude for what we’ve been given.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It looks like SEEING people other folks treat as if they don’t even exist.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It looks like hearing, listening, and acting when that quiet voice that says, “this doesn’t feel right” even while the rest of the world sticks their fingers in their ears and turns away. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It looks like a life lived in service… not necessarily Mother Theresa level service, but simply a life of doing little things for the people around you… the people you know and the people you don’t know.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> It looks like d</span>oing those little things for others who might never know and will never be able to pay you back.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It looks like boosting a small voice, if we have a large voice, so it might finally be heard.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It looks like bringing healing, wholeness, and life to all people, whether the world thinks they “deserve” it or not; whether the folks who receive it will appreciate it or not; whether they'll ever even thank you for it or not.</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">But even with this parable shot right between the eyes, Jesus' goal was not to shame or demean anyone.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>His goal, like with every other parable, was to get us to give up the God we have made in our own image, and instead… turn and live!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> And turning means </span>GOING and going is what is needed to move us toward a life filled with meaning, worth, and dignity. So may we turn and live. May our minds be the same as Christ Jesus.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>May we talk less and GO more.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And may we continually go with one another into Abundant life.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Amen. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p class="p3" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px;"><br /></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-41136606324220463142023-09-21T03:49:00.001-07:002023-09-21T03:49:17.081-07:00It's All About the Grapes<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Matthew 20:1-16</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGe1dVK1tHx8VaTG4D2J335XF6pmiQRGpjS3fgosEfT1pCrTFR_4S9jDCUcT1_AuX5mhxQlOgGyKMlBTNAbexO11a7-VgKiNBTAs15a9O-WDVNtDgACNpdHOXNDA6rw8FGqJIkaAZwfUV6qio-v047S4FByauOUW8Q6uXfg-1JoeEeTfdEr5V1ZFtj2ZCm/s2560/grapes.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGe1dVK1tHx8VaTG4D2J335XF6pmiQRGpjS3fgosEfT1pCrTFR_4S9jDCUcT1_AuX5mhxQlOgGyKMlBTNAbexO11a7-VgKiNBTAs15a9O-WDVNtDgACNpdHOXNDA6rw8FGqJIkaAZwfUV6qio-v047S4FByauOUW8Q6uXfg-1JoeEeTfdEr5V1ZFtj2ZCm/s320/grapes.jpeg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p class="p3" style="color: #010000; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Parables are meant to help us understand how God really works.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jesus also tells them in a way that shocks the audience into really questioning what they have come to believe about God.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That shock opens a brief window of opportunity where they might… just might… be able to see God as God is, rather than the way they have made God out to be.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Seeing God not as God is, but as we have made God out to be wasn't only a problem of the ancients. It's very much a problem of today as well.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Anne Lamont sums it up this way:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“You can safely assume you’ve created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Parables in general, and this one in particular, crack wide open a god made in OUR image and calls us back to see God as God is. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">This parable is about a landowner… but not just any sort of landowner… this one is also a winemaker. That means he’s a little bit of a businessman, and a whole lot of an artist.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>An artist whose artistic medium is grapes... their sugar, their acid, and their fermentation. The perfect balance of sugar and acid in the grapes on the vine happens at only one, perfect moment. When that moment comes, the winemaker wants every single grape off the vine and into the crusher as quickly as possible.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That’s why our landowner in the parable keeps going out to get more workers because THIS is that ONE… PERFECT… MOMENT.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">He gets everyone he could find to start at 6 a.m.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They agree on one denarius for a 12 hour day.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But those workers he found then just weren't enough.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He goes to town again and grabs a second bunch and promises them whatever’s “right.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Still, there aren’t enough workers… the grapes keep changing until they’re picked, you know!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He is obsessed with getting the grapes in perfect balance… there’s no time to talk about pay, THE ONE… PERFECT… MOMENT is slipping away!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He needs EVERYONE picking… he even hires people at “the eleventh hour”… that last hour’s push, after all, might make the difference in this vintage being Chateau LaFeat Rothschild or Bartels and James!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then the day is over.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The grapes are in and it’s time to pay the promised wages.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Everyone gets a denarius.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The one hour folks, the six hour folks, the nine hour folks and the twelve hour folks.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>One denarius to each and every one.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Well, that’s just not fair, is it?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s socialism!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But the winemaker doesn’t care.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He agreed on a denarius with the first group and said he’d do what’s right for the rest.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A living wage for each is what he thinks is “right” regardless of what anyone says is “fair” or “socialism” or any other “ism”!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">That’s lesson one of this parable.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>God cares NOT about FAIR. God gives what is RIGHT… and what is right is what is needed for life!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But wait, there’s more!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Because a layer or two beneath that lesson, lies another, even more outrageous one.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That first lesson was taught by the businessman side of our landowner.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But just look at what the artistic side of our landowner has to teach.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Imagine that little town the next morning.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Everyone would, of course, already know the story... it's a small town after all!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> They know </span>when old Jim stops to get his newspaper. They're certainly going to know about that nutty winemaker’s crazy payday! It will have blown up social media over night and in the morning the whole town will be unanimously convinced!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This guy’s crazy!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And… AND they’ve already thought about next year… and oh boy!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Next year this guy’s going to be sorry when every worker in the tri-state area shows up at this guy’s vineyard at the eleventh hour to work for one hour to get a whole day’s pay! </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">To the folks in the town this winemaker looks like a complete idiot, right?</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">He’s done something crazy and he's going to pay for that crazy next year and everyone in town can't wait to watch! </span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">But is our winemaker crazy-crazy? Or is our winemaker crazy-brilliant?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What’s the ONE THING this artistic winemaker cares about most?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Not his reputation.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He could not care less.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s certainly not holding onto his cash.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Maybe doing what’s right?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Yeah, a bit.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But what this artistic winemaker wants, more than anything else in the whole wide world is to get his grapes to the crusher in that ONE PERFECT MOMENT when every grape is absolutely perfect.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And what this crazy-brilliant guy has just done is to trick every single person in the WHOLE county to show up for just one hour of work next year at harvest… show up in that one PERFECT hour… the hour in which every grape has reached perfection.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">THAT’S the sort of outrageous God we have!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A God who will do literally ANYTHING, spend ANY amount, disregard what ANYBODY thinks, to make sure, on that one perfect day, in that one perfect hour, by hook or by crook, by faith or even by crazy-brilliant flimflam that EVERY SINGLE PERSON in all of creation will end their day standing in the front yard of the Divine Winemaker’s Kingdom and receive everything they need to have an abundant and eternal life.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Amen.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-11342419098967688692023-09-14T06:48:00.002-07:002023-09-14T06:48:19.089-07:007.2 BILLION Dollars<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Matthew 18:21-35</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSuXcMg5CPgYadNU-H3-cQ-9etP46mh3ZZMwPH7f6n7VGiX2afAYt5Z5VyIjI8dHFfcIDH3AQl41EeMJApVmmFyQR4Mak2dCqQCPO5rB4V3FsF6rXPGFE7nx_O83U9kndyiKhyQ5Kd_VAecGGot9OGNo4dAUUZAlJV5TMUju9Sbc6e65b9INSQxSjzPOS/s578/drevil_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="578" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSuXcMg5CPgYadNU-H3-cQ-9etP46mh3ZZMwPH7f6n7VGiX2afAYt5Z5VyIjI8dHFfcIDH3AQl41EeMJApVmmFyQR4Mak2dCqQCPO5rB4V3FsF6rXPGFE7nx_O83U9kndyiKhyQ5Kd_VAecGGot9OGNo4dAUUZAlJV5TMUju9Sbc6e65b9INSQxSjzPOS/s320/drevil_cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">This Gospel starts off with Jesus telling Peter he needs to forgive “77 times.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jesus wasn’t being literal.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He was using a sort of numerical symbolism.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In that day and age, “7” was seen as a perfect number and “77” would have been, well, super perfect.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jesus was telling Peter he needed to forgive the perfect amount of times… the way God forgives… in other words, as many times as it was needed. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then to cement the true enormity of God’s grace, Jesus tells them a parable.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A parable that requires a calculator.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So we’ll start parable math class with the second slave first.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He owed the first slave 100 denarii, but what’s a denarii?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A denarius (singular) is a day’s wages for a field worker, so at Massachusetts minimum wage, which is $15 an hour, working for 8 hours…<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>that’s 120 bucks.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He owed 100 of those denarii (plural), so in ‘Murican money, he owed… 12 grand.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ouch.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But wait, there’s more math in this parable.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That first slave owed his King 10,000 Talents… but what’s a Talent?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Well, it takes 6000 Denarii to make just ONE Talent… so 6000 times 120 bucks makes…<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>$720,000!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But that’s just ONE Talent.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This guy owed how many Talents? 10,000!? Holy National Debt, Batman!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Okay, so 10,000 times $720,000 turns out to be… 7.2 Billion dollars!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I don’t know about you, but even imagining 7.2 billion dollars boggles my mind.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>To un-boggle the mind, here are some things you can get with that amount of cashola.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>First you could buy enough ships to have your own navy.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A navy larger than 59 other countries’ navies. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You could buy 233,333 cars at $30,000/each or 35,000 houses at $200,000/each.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>AND if that slave had tried to pay back that debt to his king (without interest mind you) at $100,000 a year, it would take him 70,000 years to pay what he owed. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">This parable is doing what parables always do… telling us something about the way God works.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jesus uses this “can’t wrap your mind around it” amount of money… the GDP of entire countries… to show us the mind blowing extent of God’s forgiveness.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When we pray the Lord’s prayer and it says in one version “Forgive us our debts” THIS is the level of debt it talks about God forgiving!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>To do 7.2 billion dollars worth of sinning in a single lifetime, by the way, you’d have to do $800 of sin every single second of your entire life, both awake and asleep!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This was Jesus’ way of saying one more time that there is absolutely, positively, no possible way for any of us to do anything, anything, ANYTHING that God would not or could not forgive.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">But now we need to go back to the second slave and his encounter with the first slave over his debt of a measly 12 grand.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Even though the first guy had just been forgiven his 7.2 billion dollar debt, he refused to pass on the same compassion, grace, and forgiveness that he had first received.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jesus added this part to the parable because he knew very well that we’d all very much like receiving God’s unlimited, unconditional, 7.2 billion dollars worth of forgiveness, love and compassion BUT we’d also have trouble passing it on to others, even at a minuscule fraction of what we first received. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus knew that even though the King in the parable simply forgave without condition, the rest of us regular humans very often would rather get even, rub it in their face, or get them to learn their lesson.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But this part of the parable is here to remind us that passing on only PART of the love, grace, and generosity that we’ve first received is not God’s way and it’s not the way to abundant life.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s not the Way because IF we only pass on a piece of what we’ve received, then we will inevitably find that it is US who are not free.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It will be US who will be tortured.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Not tortured by God in some cosmic hot place, but by the simple truth that when we don’t let all the debt, hurt, pain, or resentment go, the part we hold onto just grinds away inside of us.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We churn it over and over in our minds.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We work ourselves up into a lather.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We torture ourselves. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus gets his point across here very clearly… the more we forgive… the more we let go of the wrongs that have been done to us… the more we strive to be generous, even when others have not been so generous with us… the more we will experience the freedom, fullness, and abundance of life God created us to live.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The tighter we hold those wounds, the longer we grind those grudges, the more we hold back the compassion, generosity and love we have first been given by God, the more our lives will feel tortured, as we stew in old resentments and burn with anger.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">But how do we do that?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s really, REALLY hard to let it all go!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Again, this parable reminds us the answer to that is found in community because we just can’t do it alone.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We all need help living toward that mind-blowing 7.2 billion dollar level of forgiveness, given without conditions.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We all need help dying to our past hurts and rising toward being ever more generous and ever more compassionate. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">May we help one another to let go of the hurts, the pains and the wounds we’ve been dealt in this life, and instead live more generously, more graciously, more compassionately, and more lovingly toward the people around us.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Because in doing that, we will live each day toward a much less tortured, and infinitely more abundant, life.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Amen.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201281591003631732.post-75502364734378317902023-09-07T05:01:00.003-07:002023-09-07T05:01:31.302-07:00Eating Hot Wings. Sinful or Not?<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b>Matthew 18:15-20</b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAcWz9cycE1ZeAPyvwXmNYzdcWR2Vk6Yr_8RRY6QrveumTZ1hZl_ZsX0i-Q4eg6d9SIqta7S0aqCslrWfn2oFMFp-aiPSEcH6uWqpJy7Qq8AiSUxzKh_r4lUHyw2uxoD_RyQ2MA3FTahtikviOcCK7XVHHUFVDuyYCRv_tiiDpayqGnt3Np6sB86ujGHZ/s1100/buffalo-wings-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1100" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAcWz9cycE1ZeAPyvwXmNYzdcWR2Vk6Yr_8RRY6QrveumTZ1hZl_ZsX0i-Q4eg6d9SIqta7S0aqCslrWfn2oFMFp-aiPSEcH6uWqpJy7Qq8AiSUxzKh_r4lUHyw2uxoD_RyQ2MA3FTahtikviOcCK7XVHHUFVDuyYCRv_tiiDpayqGnt3Np6sB86ujGHZ/s320/buffalo-wings-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Alright, let’s see what we have this week… We’ve got “Oh wicked ones, you shall surely die!” from the first lesson.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A bit dark but alright.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Let’s try the second… “reveling, drunkenness, debauchery and licentiousness…”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>sounds interesting.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And in the Gospel we’ve got “If another member of the church sins against you…”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So, sin it is, and if it's going to be sin, we first need to completely throw out our “helpful” Puritan ancestors’ warped ideas about “sin” and we need to ignore everyone who preaches about sin with perfect teeth in fancy suits. Instead, we need to do this radical thing called “read the Bible” because what’s in the Bible is WAY different than the puritanical or fundamentalist notion of sin. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">In all three of these lessons, the particular details of WHAT someone has done is very much beside the point. The POINT, is that SIN is anything that creates a rift, a separation, or a falling out between you and another person, between you and your community, OR between you and God. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Think of it this way.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You order a dozen hot wings and eat them all.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Is that a sin?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Biblically it could go either way at this point.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>IF you ordered them for yourself and you ate them all that’s not a sin.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>BUT if you and your friend ordered 12 wings to share and you ate them all before they got even one…<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>THAT’S a sin.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s a sin, not because hot wings are sinful (thank God), but because eating the whole dozen when you were supposed to share creates a rift between you and your friend!</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">What makes ANYTHING sinful depends ENTIRELY on whether or not a separation, a rift, or a falling out has happened as a result.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>God genuinely cares absolutely nothing about this or that particular act.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>God genuinely cares entirely about the state of the relationship between people, within communities, and with God.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In Bible times the state of a relationship had literal life or death implications.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Living apart from others, you simply didn’t have the food, shelter, clothing, or the protection you needed to survive.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In Bible times sin led not to some eternal torment or existential death, but to genuine, keel over and kick the bucket, death. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, over the years folks have agreed that there are some things that pretty much always end up wrecking a relationship.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There are even lists.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Killing, for example, is a genuine relationship wrecker.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Adultery also not good for a relationship.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But even with those, it is the broken relationship, the separation, that grieves God the most.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Broken relationships grieve God because, as all these lessons and all of Scripture bear witness to, “alone” is not how God created us to live.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s unfortunate that all too often it takes disaster and horrible tragedy to remind us we really aren’t made to go it alone.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We’ve always been and still remain today, deeply dependent on one another for any sort of life that is actually worth living. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">You and I were created to be deeply dependent upon one another.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That’s not a flaw, as the “rugged American individualists” would have you believe… it’s not a human shortcoming… it’s the way God created us to be!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We were dreamed up, designed, and loved into being to be interdependent… to live in relationship… in community… together and not apart. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">That's why all these lessons tell us how to do that… how to live together… AND they tell us how we can go about mending the rifts that inevitably happen as we work our way through life.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The key to that repair should not be a surprise… it’s love.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The kind of love that drives us to do the hard and sacrificial work of living for the other, and doing whatever is in their best interest. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is the kind of love that understands that forgiveness is not forgetting someone ate all the wings before you got even one!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This is the kind of love that is strikingly honest with the other about the rift that has been created, AND being open and willing to work relentlessly to find a way that you can share some wings with one another once again.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This is the kind of love that speaks hard truths… sets clear, firm boundaries… and offers healthy, mutually respectful ways back, and not ways that bury the past, or ignore the other.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">We live in a world that seems each day intent on creating division, widening rifts and digging the chasms that separate us ever deeper and deeper.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Those divisions, rifts and chasms… THOSE are the true and horrible sin of the world.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As Christians, we're called to show the world that the way to abundant life is not separation and kicking people out, but to treat people the same way Jesus treated tax collectors and gentiles.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>See them, welcome them, sit with them, talk with them, eat with them, and work to restore the community to wholeness so there will be life for all.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know, that feels like an insurmountable task!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But over the last few years I’ve come to understand that focusing on the entirety of the world's sin, nearly always leads not to healing, but to despair. Jesus reminds us in this Gospel that our calling is not to start globally, but to simply gather two or three together, sit in some rainbow chairs at the fair, or under a tent on the AT, or make people smile as you hand them a barbecue sandwich.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is in those seemingly insignificant acts that Christ is present with us… holding us, guiding us, and leading us into even more ways we can bring life out of death and genuine healing to our sin-sick world.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Amen.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>Rectory Ramblingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261495324716316783noreply@blogger.com0