Overcoming Shame and Anxiety

 Scripture:

Micah 5:2-5a  • 

 

Luke 1:46b-55 or Psalm 80:1-7  • 

 

Hebrews 10:5-10  • 

 

Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)

  

Imagine a young girl, unmarried and pregnant 2000 years ago in Judea. The gospel says she left her hometown in haste to go to her cousin Elizabeth’s home. Why? How was she met and received? And how did Mary respond?

What a blessing we have in this week’s gospel. Mary, surely anxious and in what her countrymen would say is a shameful condition, is met with joy, and gives us her Magnificat. She is received with joy, and thanks God, declares her lowliness in humility, and shows us how the glory of God finds favor in the lowly and lays out for us God’s merciful plan of salvation in the baby she carries. The mighty and powerful will be brought down, the prideful will be scattered, and the hungry will be filled with good things. Shame and anxiety will be no more as God in his mercy has given us his Son to bear and remove all sin and that which separates us from God and each other. Mary’s heart is bursting with joy and love and hope. And if we receive those who are ashamed or have anxiety with joy, and love, Christ, in his love, comes again, and give them strength and hope.

We light the fourth candle in this last Sunday of Advent, with hope, joy and love. Reflect on this as Elizabeth receives Mary, and Christ is born in Bethlehem, and in our hearts this Christmas.

Our readings this week are:  Fr. Rick Morley's remarks about Elizabeth in "from shame to blessing with haste," Dan Clendenin's "Blessed is the Child You Will Bear - Advent and Anxiety," and The Debie Thomas' "At the Threshold."

Rejoice Always? How do we do that?

 Scripture: Zephaniah 3:14-20  • Isaiah 12:2-6  • Philippians 4:4-7  • Luke 3:7-18

Amid the hustle and bustle of the season, year's end work to finish, cleaning, baking, decorating, shopping, wrapping presents, meetings, choir practice, addressing Christmas cards, office and church dinners, worshiping, reading, checking off our lists and agendas, thinking of others...thinking of others? There are a lot of emotions which come into play during Advent and Christmas. How can we rejoice in all things?

We again encounter John the Baptizer, crying out for repentance in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord, and this time, in addition to the urgency of his message, we see can hear anger in his voice. What place does this have in the good news coming near? In preparing for the Lord, what are we called to do? See Good News? Ouch that hurts! by Peter Woods.

Yes, we have all experienced or witnessed the full range of emotions and human conditions during the Christmas season. Great joy, wonder, surprise and sadness, loneliness, nostalgia, and anger. And in the midst of all of our humanity, the Lord comes to us, the giver of life, to share all that is life with us. Read "Joy- their Color of Grace" by Christopher Burkett, and the story of the grandmother, Gagi, to see how anger and self pity is overcome by joy, as we prepare for the coming of the Lord, who is doing something wonderful and new.

For a profound article on joy and rejoicing, recognizing God's presence,and exercising joy in tough times, a forward calling for joy, read Debie Thomas' "Rejoice Always?"

What, or Who Do We Listen To?

 Scripture: Baruch 5:1-9 or Malachi 3:1-4  • Luke 1:68-79  • Philippians 1:3-11  •

Luke 3:1-6

The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of a voice of one crying in the wilderness, called, and calling us, to prepare the way of the Lord, to make his paths straight, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.  From Luke's gospel, we recognize this to be John the Baptist, or better yet, to begin with John the Baptist. We are to prepare for a new beginning.

What is a prophet? What do prophets do? Why do we need a prophet? That is the question The Rev. Leon Johnson asks in his homily, "Who Needs a Prophet" What do you think about prophets, and why do you think we do, or don't, need prophets? What does John the Baptist do? What are we called to do?

What, or whose voice do we listen to? The Rev. Lucy Standlund, in "Prepare the Way," asks. 
Is it the voice of the powerful and privileged? Debie Thomas examines this, and more in 

"A Voice Crying."

In "This Isn't the Way It's Supposed to Be," The Rev. Frank Pagano tells us it is good news to know something isn't what it should be, and to be able to move on, with hope and the power to move on to God's peace with forgiveness. 

Waiting in Hope for the coming of the Christ child and the parousia

 Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-16  • Psalm 25:1-10  • 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13  • Luke 21:25-36

We finished Lectionary year B with apocalyptic readings, followed by Christ the King Sunday, and begin Lectionary Year C this first Sunday in Advent, a season in which we celebrate Christ's coming, with apocalyptic readings concerning the second coming of Christ, the Parousia (παρουσια - coming, presence).

Read "Advent:Waiting and Working for the Kingdom," by the Rev. Dr. J. Barney Hawkins, IV, and see how many ways you can think of how we can prepare and be part of the coming of Christ, now and tomorrow. How can a kingdom be made of a wasteland? Read "A Kingdom from a Wasteland," by Dave Barnhart. What are the wastelands of our lives, our community , church and society? What are we called to do about them? Why? Wait, and work, in hope for the promise. The good new is we do not have to wait in fear or despair. 

What is Truth?

 Today is Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday after Pentecost, and the last Sunday in Lectionary Year B. Next Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent, and the beginning of Lectionary Year C. Here is a link to today's Scripture. In today's gospel, Pilate asks Jesus, "What is truth?" What is Jesus’ reply? What do you say is truth? What, or who, do you believe? Consider Debie Thomas' "What is Truth?"

Also read Joshua Bowron's "Five Acts - Christ the King Sunday. 

Apocalypse- The End of the World as we know it

 

Apocalypse - The End of the World As We Know It

Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 and 1 Samuel 2:1-10 •Daniel 12:1-3 and Psalm 16 • Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25 • Mark 13:1-8  

It is fitting, at the close of Lectionary Year B, and before the beginning of Advent, that we consider endings. Apocalyptic and eschatological readings are sometimes read to portend of the end times. Apocalypse comes from the Greek αποκαλυψισ, interpreted as a revelation, an appearance, a manifestation. Eschatology is sometimes referred to as the study of the end times, but on a different level, addresses the meaning of history, the ultimate destiny of humanity. Most modern eschatology and apocalypticism, both religious and secular, involves the violent disruption or destruction of the world, whereas Christian and Jewish eschatologies view the end times as the consummation or perfection of God's creation of the world. For example, according to ancient Hebrew belief, life takes a linear (and not cyclical) path; the world began with God and is constantly headed toward God’s final goal for creation. Rudolph Bultmann in his "History and Eschatology: the Presence of Eternity," sees Christ as the eschaton (εσχατον),  the presence and focal point of realizing the ultimate meaning of our lives. A lot has been written, jokingly and seriously, about the end of the Mayan calendar..

In the gospel account this week, the disciples marvel at the huge stones of Herod's temple. Jesus tells them: "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down." Many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birthpangs."

Image of God

  1 Samuel 1:4-20; 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25; Mark 13:1-8

What do you think of when you think about God? What is your image of God? Is God one who dishes out rewards and punishment depending on our actions? Is God a God of wrath, or love - or both, or somewhere in between? Do you believe in God?

What do you think about God when there is injustice, futility, casualties, violence, disasters, and heart break?

What do you think about judgment, the Judgment Day, the apocalypse?

Where is God in all of this? What does Jesus have to say about this?

Consider the couple struggling with infertility, and compare your thoughts with those of The Rev. Danae M. Ashley in "JourneyThroughGrief. "

What Are We Running For... or From?

 Scripture: Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 and Psalm 127  • 1 Kings 17:8-16 and Psalm 146  • Hebrews 9:24-28  • Mark 12:38-44

Tired of our busyness, workaholic, everything depends on me, rat race? Not enough time in the day? Everything seems to go so fast?

Do yourself a favor, take a few minutes, read and savor the words of beautiful Psalm 127, and read Debie Thomas' "What Are We Building?

For a lesson on the gospel account of the Widow's Mite and the Widow encountered by Elijah read Widows Who Gave All.

Image link.

Walking in Love - Costly Love - Not Far from the Kingdom

 Scripture: Ruth 1:1-18 and Psalm 146  • Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and Psalm 119:1-8  • Hebrews 9:11-14  • Mark 12:28-34

This week, Jesus is asked what is the greatest commandment. Jesus answers with the Shema, "Hear O Israel,  you shall love your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength., and the second is you shall love your neighbor as yourself." The questioner then responds that this is more important than all whole bunt offerings and sacrifices. Jesus responds by telling him he is not far from the kingdom. 

Just what does this love entail? Read the passages from Ruth and Hebrews

 And consider Debie Thomas' "Walk in Love."

Seeing a new vision of justice

 Scripture: Job 42:1-6, 10-17 and Psalm 34:1-8, (19-22)  • Jeremiah 31:7-9 and Psalm 126  • Hebrews 7:23-28  • Mark 10:46-52

In the final passages of the Book of Job, Job learns a new kind of justice. A justice not limited to retribution. What moves Job to see a different way of looking at things - to begin life anew after suffering great loss? What is this new way of looking at life after loss or separation? What is this new kind of justice? Consider The Rev. Shelli Williams' "See Life Begin Again." Her article also considers the gospel reading and the reading from Hebrews.

In the gospel lesson, like last week, Jesus asks the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, what he wants Jesus to do for him. What is Bartimaeus' response? What is Jesus' response? What does it take for Bartimaeus to see again?

The writer of Hebrews tells of the difference of Christ, the priest, and the Levitical priests. What is the difference? What is the significance of the permanent priesthood of Christ? What does that mean for us?

Consider the theme of restoration as you think about this lesson.

What's in it for me? And commendable critique as opposed to condemnable critique

 Scripture: Job 38:1-7, (34-41) and Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c  • Isaiah 53:4-12 and Psalm 91:9-16  • Hebrews 5:1-10  • Mark 10:35-45

This week The Rev. Amy Richter tells us if we can change the question, we can change our lives. It seems the question of the day is "What's in it for me?" We see it in the sons of Zebedee. We saw it at the tower of Babel. We see it in the world today. And look at the jealousy, angst, and division it causes.

What if we changed the question? That's what Jesus consistently asks us to do. What if the question is what is in for our brothers and sisters, our relationships, even our country and world? What is the question if it is not "What's in it for me?" What will it take to change the question, and our lives together?

Give it some thought. Read The Rev. Richter's "Change the Question, Change Your Life."

In our Lectionary passage from Hebrews, we read that the word of God helps us discern what is good and commendable,  not condemnable. Jesper Svartnik lokens the Greek word κρητικός (kritikos) (from which we get critic, which means to distinguish, to separate) to God and explains how loving critique helps us live with boldness into the good and as God's loving purpose. This should give us pause to reflect on how we criticize, and for what purpose, or reason. Read Svartnik's article in Christian Century here.

Love that provokes

 Scripture: Job 23:1-9, 16-17 and Psalm 22:1-15  • Amos 5:6-7, 10-15 and Psalm 90:12-17  • Hebrews 4:12-16  • Mark 10:17-31

This week we have the parable of the rich young ruler, who asks Jesus what he must do to "inherit" eternal life.  Here is a rich young man who seemingly has it all, but has a sense he lacks that which would fulfill him. Is there something we lack that would fulfill us? What if our situation is that we are alone, or afraid, sick, or financially at risk, in danger, or without a home?

In this life we and our loved ones, will experience many things. Citing a prayer of Thomas Merton,  Debie Thomas, in "What Must I do?" walks us through this account in Mark's gospel. The young man has kept the Commandments. He has done good, and like Merton, recognizes his need. And Jesus loved him. Jesus didn't pat him on the back, so to speak, but in his love, provokes him to give up his possessions and follow him. Then what happens? The love of Jesus recognizes the freedom to walk away. What we lack is our inability to give up that which possesses us, or our possessions. The love of an all powerful God does not need to possess or control us. That love is so deep it would allow us to walk away. What will we do? What must we do to have eternal life, life in true abundance? Life that fulfills and makes us whole.

Pain and suffering - Why?

 

Scripture: Job 1:1, 2:1-10 and Psalm 26  • Genesis 2:18-24 and Psalm 8  • Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12  • Mark 10:2-16

We start a series of studying Job, and the focus this week is the beginning of a discussion of pain and suffering, and questions about why we have pain and suffer; how can a God who loves us allow us to suffer; why are there senseless killings, wars, disease - you name it.

Before the influence of the dichotomy of "light" and "darkness," and black and white beliefs separating good and evil beginning with the influence of Persian religion and the rise of apocalyptic thought and literature, Satan was considered the "Accuser," sort of God's questioning, prosecuting attorney, so to speak, and part of the council of heaven. We see that in the wisdom book of Job.

In this week's blog in his "Adventurous Lectionary," Bruce Epperly discusses Christian and non-Christian perspectives on the questions about pain and suffering, from karma, to God is testing us, God's will, new age linear acts-consequences processes (positive thoughts create positive consequences, negative thoughts, the opposite, e.g., prosperity religion), and a divine suffering with us as a healing, redemptive process.

Dan Clendenin, in "The Book of Job: Certainty, But No Security," says there are lessons to be learned such as not trying to fix our friends who suffer with "pious clichés," despite our good intentions. What then should we do? What can we learn from the Book of Job, from and about suffering?

Lines in the Sand

 Scripture: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 and Psalm 124  • Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29 and Psalm 19:7-14  • James 5:13-20  • Mark 9:38-50

We have all kinds of passages about those who are for or against us, whether God is for or against us, and whether we are for or against God, which, unfortunately, as the authors of the scripture and the articles linked in this lesson tells us, can serve to divide us or destroy us unless we are able to find ourselves in the midst of our struggles, differences, trials, sufferings. How do we do that?

I think this week's scripture and lesson tell us how to do that. In discovering "who we are," Jesus finds the disciples defining someone outside their group prophesying in Jesus' name. What does Jesus tell them? What does Jesus mean when he says, "Whoever is not against us is for us?"

Read The Rev. David Lose's "Who Are You?" and Debie Thomas' "Hosts, Not Bouncers."

The Disconnect - What is Said, and What is Heard

 Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-31 and Psalm 1  • Wisdom of Solomon 1:16-2:1, 12-22 or Jeremiah 11:18-20 and Psalm 54  • James 3:13 - 4:3, 7-8a  • Mark 9:30-37

One of the most confounding, bewildering, and frustrating problems today is the disconnect between what is said and what we hear. 

With the flood of information, our technology has unleashed and the prominence of social media, it seems what we hear is that which tends to validate  our preconceptions and biases.

In an age where even verifiable truth is under assault, how do we get past this malaise?

In today's gospel the disciples are confused and afraid, and unwilling to accept what Jesus is telling them when he speaks of his betrayal and death by killing. What does Jesus do to teach them, and us? What is the significance of bringing a child into their midst? Read The Rev. Carlos de la Torre's "Divine Things."

Questions Jesus Asks of Us

 Scripture: 

Proverbs 1:20-33 and Psalm 19 or Wisdom of Solomon 7:26 - 8:1  • 

 

Isaiah 50:4-9a and Psalm 116:1-9  • 

 

James 3:1-12  • 

 

Mark 8:27-38

Any good attorney knows not to ask a question at trial without knowing the answer beforehand. Of course, the trial follows months of discovery through interrogatories, inspection of documents, depositions, and requests for admissions. Any true lover of philosophy loves the questions, and knows that there are more questions than answers. And answers come sometimes as we experience the questions, often when we least expect it. We all have questions about the issues confronting us every day. Some great, some small.

This week, Jesus gives his disciples, and us, the question of "Who do you say that I am?" In "Living the Question," The Rev. Debie Thomas gives us an excellent review and discussion in examining Jesus' question, and the responses of his disciples, and especially the response of Peter, and the dialogue between Jesus and Peter - between friends, and a disciple of the Lord. She says Jesus invites us to live the question. How do we deal with life's important questions, and priorities? What will you do with Jesus' question?

In "Questions That Matter, " Thomas asks "Are you ashamed of Jesus?" Of Christians, or Christianity?" Why, or why not? Would our answer be approved by Jesus?

Like Peter, do we have our own views of Who Jesus is, what messiahship is? In the end who is Jesus, and who are his followers? See The Rev. Kellan Day's "Ending."

Playing Favorites

 Scripture: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 and Psalm 125  • Isaiah 35:4-7a and Psalm 146  • James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17  • Mark 7:24-37

From Jesus' encounter with the Syro-Phoenician woman, who tells him that even dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs, to James' entreaty not to favor the rich over the poor, and his warning that to those who show no mercy, no mercy will be shown, God speaks to us about showing favoritism. Does James simply critique the rich, or simply empathize with the poor? Is there something else going on here? Consider, The Rev. Dr. Trace D. Haythorn's "Standing in the Tragic Gap."

Who is deserving of God's grace? Consider this week's article of Bruce Epperly's "The Adventurous Lectionary, Living a Holy Adventure."

For the other half of today's gospel, read Debie Thomas' "He Sighed."

Do we have the Spirit of God in us?