Why we need the Resurrection

Scripture: Acts 10:34-43 or Isaiah 65:17-25  •  Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24  •  1 Corinthians 15:19-26                 John 20:1-18 or Luke 24:1-12

Christians around the world have entered the holiest week of the year as they journey with Jesus toward the cross and the ultimate mystery of the Resurrection on Easter morning. We can learn a lot about the Resurrection by thinking about why we need the Resurrection. Ultimately, Jesus came to us, humbled himself, obedient all the way to the cross, because we need him, and because of God's love for us. Check the following article from several bloggers who answer the question "Why I need the Resurrection."

Why do you need the Resurrection?




 

 

'ENOUGH'

Scripture: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29  •   Luke 19:28-40

As we study Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem in our celebration of Palm Sunday, all three of our authors ask "Why did Jesus come to Jerusalem?" Two of our authors, The Rev. Rick Morley in "enough - a reflection on Palm Sunday," and The Rev. Dr. Joseph S. Pagano in "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do," tell us Jesus came to say "Enough." What do they mean by that?

In "What Do the Palms Say?" The Rev. Byron Rohrig gives an interesting historical account of the significance of the use of palm branches in celebration of a triumphant entry into Jerusalem by the Maccabees, who rid Judea of Antiochus's soldiers and sued for a peace which lasted a century, not long before Jesus' entry into David's Royal City - a memory fresh in the minds of, and dear to Jews suffering under imperial Roman occupation. What do the palms say?

Passion and Extravagant Love in Lent?

Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-21 •  Psalm 126  • Philippians 3:4b-14  •  John 12:1-8

Passion - extravagant love, in Lent? This week we have John's account of the story of the woman who poured precious nard over the feet of Jesus, and wiped them with her hair. According to John this is Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus, not Mary Magdalene, or a prostitute as we are told in other gospel accounts. The point is that she, more than anyone else, recognizes Jesus for who he is - humanly and as the Savior of us all - and anoints not his head, but his feet, which will carry him to his crucifixion, and glory. She participates in the passion of Christ, losing herself, unconcerned about what others may think, and shows deep and extravagant, unfettered love to our Lord. 

Thanks be to God, Jesus got to experience the honor due his name before his Passion. Thanks be to God for this story, and Mary. Like her, we can participate in that passion, too - for God, and each other. What better time to reflect on such love, its beauty and sacrifice, than in the season of Lent.

Check out these wonderful articles which give us insight into the extravagant, passionate love which Christ wants for us, and gives to us.Daniel B. Clendenin's "She Did What She Could - Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany," and Rachel Mann's "Passion Sunday: the Politics of Passion (John 12-1-8).

The Prodigal Son - a lesson about God and ourselves

Scripture: Joshua 5:9-12  •  Psalm 32  •  2 Corinthians 5:16-21  •  Luke 15:1-3, 11b

This week we consider Luke's account of Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son. The beauty of Jesus' parables is that you can see something new and different each time you read it. Is it a parable about God, the father, the prodigal son, the brother, all of them? Who are we when we see people we don't like much unjustly rewarded? See The Rev. Eric D. Baretto's article "When People You Don't Much Like Receive God's Love." One of the purposes of the parable is what we can learn about ourselves.

What do we learn about God, as well as as ourselves, in this parable? See “holy arrogance – areflection on Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32” by The Rev. Rick Morley.

In "The Man Welcomes Sinners," Daniel Clendenin helps us see Jesus, and asks "Why does Jesus eat with sinners?" Why does he?

          Clendenin tells us: "But watch out for the religiously righteous. They can be like the elder brother who resented his father’s lavish grace, or like Jonah who complained when the Ninevites repented and God forgave them. Many people, Jesus warns us in another parable, are “confident of their own righteousness and look down on everybody else.” Some people have a need to be right, and to be seen as being right.

           In the epistle this week, Paul says that "God gave us this ministry of reconciliation." Do real sinners feel really welcome in our church?

           Clendenin invites us to try this radical idea — "extend this divine mercy to your own self, for that's what God has already done."