|
Date: Tuesday, March 19
Contributor: Kathy Ackerman Lectionary Link: https://www.lectionarypage.net/WeekdaysOfLent/TuesdayFifthWeek.html The Gospel of John gives me a headache. No, I don’t hate the Gospel of John. It has a lot to teach us and is quite beautiful. It has earned its name as being the “most theological of the gospels” because it is so heavily freighted with symbolic and theological language. That theological density is what gives me a headache every time I read John. John also gives me a headache because he tends to push me into thinking about hard realities. This passage is no exception. Martin Luther called this passage “a dreadful sermon, an appalling and dreadful word of farewell.” I have to agree with him. This passage is what is known in some circles as a “clobber passage” because it can be used to beat unbelievers over the head and shoulders. John has Jesus talking to a crowd outside the Temple, and he is outlining what is going to happen to him, but in a very mystical, metaphorical sense. (John just LOVES making Jesus mystical and metaphorical.). He also tells them that unless they believe in him, they will die for their sins. Of course, the crowd isn’t going to get all that mysticism and metaphorical language. They ask what you and I would ask. “Is he talking about suicide? “Who are you to be talking to us this way, telling us that we can’t follow?” He then says “why am I speaking to you? I have much to say to you and much to condemn.” He then talks about being sent by God, and that God has instructed him. He concludes by saying that when he dies, those listening will realize what he was trying to tell them. Clobber passage indeed. But sometimes, we need to be clobbered, if only to remind us that Jesus wasn’t just a teacher, wasn’t just a healer, wasn’t just a good man who was killed by the Romans and then miraculously rose from the dead. He is part of God, he IS God. The passage ends with “many believed him.” After all that clobbering, all that darkness, somehow some of the crowd went away believing him. That seems a bit odd, given the clobbering. But again, sometimes, a good clobbering is what is needed to wake us up, to shake us up, to make us think a little more and a little harder. I’m off to find some aspirin or Tylenol.
0 Comments
Date: Monday, March 18
Contributor: Marilyn Baldwin LectionaryLink: https://www.lectionarypage.net/WeekdaysOfLent/MondayFifthWeek.html “Let anyone who is without sin be the first to throw a stone …” Both of our readings today are about the threat of stoning as punishment in biblical times. Susanna was threatened by two elders with stoning if she did not comply with their wishes. In the John reading, we know less of the story. We humans are a pretty judgmental bunch. It’s normal, we’re told, because we’re wired somehow to sort things into categories: good/bad, black/white; male/female, and so on. It gives our brains a little work to do at the beginning, prejudging what we just “know” to be true about someone or a given situation. (This is related to the word prejudice.) Mostly, we have prejudged ourselves to be in whatever good category there is, and others are found wanting. And we seem always ready to create the “Other,” one who is beyond redeeming; one we’d rather have out of our presence. In John, Jesus was in the temple, teaching, and a woman was brought in, caught in adultery. According to Mosaic law, she was to be stoned - a horrifying prospect even then - but the law required it. One of 613 laws, actually. I would venture that just by waking up each day, at least one of those laws would be violated by most of us. First, I’m afraid I’d have to ask, why the woman, and why not the man involved? Why was the law so overwhelmingly on the side of the more powerful, and so biased against the powerless? Why does this same bias still occur in laws two millennia later, and half a world away? Next, we tend to look at others’ faults with a magnifying glass, and gloss over our own. The same faults that we see looming large in them may just be a projection of our own faults, and they make us uncomfortable. Subconsciously, we may seek resolution so we’re not continually reminded of our own failings. In Matthew 7:5, Jesus says, “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” When I am tempted to judge others, I must first ask myself what it says about me that their behavior bothers me. What is it about me that I’m trying to hide? And how can I connect with them? My guess is that we already have something in common, and by reaching out, I may have found a friend instead of making an enemy. Help me, Lord Jesus, to pause and think before I prejudge another. You welcome us, faults and all. Amen. Date: Saturday, March 16, 2024
Contributor: Ann Trapnell Lectionary Link https://www.lectionarypage.net/WeekdaysOfLent/SatFourthWeek.html The Tradition of Lenten Suppers Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving are often viewed as the 3 pillars of Lent. You will find all of these addressed in St. Christopher’s weekly Lenten Soup Suppers – and so much more. A quick search online provides a nice history of soup suppers courtesy of Wikipedia. I’ve edited excerpts from this information to demonstrate how nicely our Suppers fulfill this tradition and help us observe the 3 pillars of Lent: The origin of the Lenten supper lies in the early Church, when Christians would fast from food and water until sunset and then consume a Lenten supper once sundown occurred. Many of us continue this practice of fasting today during Lent – either in the form of meals or specific foods – or in the form of sacrificing something else less tangible (such as worry, gossip, etc). In a communal context, the suppers are often held on Wednesdays and those gathered often break that day’s Lenten Fast together through a community supper and attend a service of worship (here at St. Christopher’s we offer The Ways of the Cross at 7pm each Wednesday). Given the Lenten focus on sacrifice, abstinence and plainness, Lenten suppers are simple, having foods like soup, bread, and water. Lenten suppers are often held in the church's parish hall and a mealtime prayer is always offered before Christians partake in the Lenten supper. A basket for alms is kept out at the soup supper in the parish hall and those who are participating in the Lenten supper may contribute to it. I strongly encourage you to drop in on one of St. Christopher’s weekly Lenten Soup Suppers (each Wednesday during Lent from 5:30-7pm through March 20th). Not only does it provide an opportunity to observe the pillars of Lent in community with others from our faith family – it provides a much needed moment to gather in fellowship with others and walk in The Way of Love. Date: Friday, March 15, 2024
Contributor: Mary Rowe Lectionary Link https://www.lectionarypage.net/WeekdaysOfLent/FridayFourthWeek.html The texts for today create a seeming dilemma for us as Christians. On one hand we are called to make decisions and judgements in order to witness to the gospel. To call out evil when we see it. Christians from the right and the left are hurling judgements at each other. We don’t like to hear that we are wrong- not living a righteous life! What does it mean to live a righteous life? Which voices do we listen to? In Wisdom they tortured the righteous man because they didn’t like what he was saying. He went against what they wanted or expected to hear. In the Gospel of John, they didn’t recognize Jesus as the Messiah, when he was right in Front of them. He didn’t fit what they were expecting or wanted. What resonated with me in the texts was the promise that God hears the brokenhearted. He is near to those who suffer. The way of love and compassion can help us navigate through the maze of people’s shouting out God’s will. We each have our own experiences of God’s loving presence in our lives. I believe it is our call to witness God’s presence in our lives the way we are aware of it; yet being cognizant that somebody may have had a very different experience that we may learn from. None of us has all the answers, so it is important to listen and to be open to the Spirit and not be defensive but grounded in love. Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024
Contributor: Robert Allen Lectionary Link https://www.lectionarypage.net/WeekdaysOfLent/ThursFourthWeek.html This more somber Psalm 106 contrasts with the more joyful Psalm 103 of Ash Wednesday. Verses 19 and 20 of Psalm 106 refer to the calf-image fabricated by the people of Israel at Mt Sinai. When God told Moses that He was thinking about destroying His people for this and other defiance and disobedience, Moses argued with God and prevailed. Moses advocated on many other occasions for the people. This more somber Psalm 106 contrasts with the more joyful Psalm 103 of Ash Wednesday. Verses 19 and 20 of Psalm 106 refer to the calf-image fabricated by the people of Israel at Mt Sinai. When God told Moses that He was thinking about destroying His people for this and other defiance and disobedience, Moses argued with God and prevailed. Moses advocated on many other occasions for the people. On Easter we celebrate our own Mediator and Advocate, who for our disobedience made “a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world”. On Easter we celebrate our own Mediator and Advocate, who for our disobedience made “a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world”. Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Contributor: Gayle Marsh Lectionary Link https://www.lectionarypage.net/WeekdaysOfLent/WedFourthWeek.html We did not ask for reflections on Wednesdays this year. However, Gayle was kind enough to share this piece on bullying. Remember the jingle, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”? Maybe you chanted that back to persecutors or rehearsed the mantra time and again to disarm its message. Belittling names and words impact for a lifetime. We absorb toxic labels of stupidity, clumsiness, skinniness, fatness, ugliness: the list goes on. Girls and women are circled as objects for conquest. News stories document the failure to listen and respect that the word NO means NO. Period. Bullying can happen wherever people gather; at school, at play, at work, online and at council meetings. Sadly, it can even happen in faith communities. Bullying can be stopped when we look at its dynamics, practice respect and speak out when power is abused. Judging another person as somehow inferior and being suspicious of those who appear different is an underlying dynamic to recognize. On the surface, race, ethnicity, age, able-ness, occupations, social class, faith, gender, sexual orientation and political perspectives may divide us. Yet, we share a common desire to enjoy a safe world with clean air and water and wholesome food and respectful love. We have more in common than what separates us. Life is created in beauty by a God who delights in diversity and smiles upon our unique giftedness and "packaging" as my nephew calls it. It's past time to go beyond comfort zones, to meet and greet others who appear different than us. How much do the people we spend time with look, act, and think like us? One of the best-known teachings of Jesus is the Good Samaritan, Luke 10: 29-37. The Samaritan acts like a neighbor by becoming involved to help the outsider, the traveler, beaten and robbed and cast aside. We don't know the motivation underlying the bullies mean streak. We might assume a busy schedule and ritual purity laws were convenient excuses for the priest to look away. The Levite temple worker also failed to respond with care and compassion. We see bullies, a victim, and disengaged witnesses. And then a change agent, the Good Samaritan, steps forward. Investing time, energy and resources this Samaritan allows an interruption and stops to cares for a beaten soul lying on the road. Becoming fully human carries a responsibility to care beyond oneself. Jesus asked, “Which of the three, the priest, the Levite or the Samaritan, is neighbor to the one who fell into the hands of the robbers?” The answer: “The one who showed mercy.” May we learn to welcome interruptions in our precious schedules, to become involved, to become the change our world longs to see. Jesus challenges us, “Go and do likewise.” Date: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 Contributor: Joel and Leslie Norton Lectionary Link https://www.lectionarypage.net/WeekdaysOfLent/TuesdayFourthWeek.html Choosing to give up or reduce something for Lent can lead to lasting positive changes in your life. Lent is also a perfect time to take on new practices that improve your well-being such as volunteering and practicing acts of kindness and generosity. Giving up something for Lent that isn't food-related can be a meaningful way to engage in self-reflection and personal growth. Here are several ideas that focus on habits, behaviors, and lifestyle choices:
 Date: Monday, March 11, 2024 Contributor: Gayle Marsh Lectionary Link https://www.lectionarypage.net/WeekdaysOfLent/MondayFourthWeek.html If you are a history buff or were alive in August 1971, you might remember the Apollo 15 mission. It’s the mission that brought the lunar rover to the moon. Mission Commander Colonel David Scott, was the seventh person to walk on the moon and first person to drive the rover. This picture is from Episcopal Digital Network Archives. Scott was a member of St Christopher’s Episcopal Church in League City, Texas. Along with their prayers he was sent off with a Bible from the parish to carry in in his personal travel bag. Besides his footprints Scott left, he also left the Bible (circled) on the lunar module. How cool is that? St Christopher is the patron of travelers. Jesus seems fond of asking followers to travel light, to be in relationship with the people and places we are sent. What do you carry with you, literally or figuratively? What rests on your nightstand? Maybe it’s a Bible that proclaims the “Word of the Lord endures forever”, (I Peter 1:25) maybe it’s a Book of Common Prayer, a daily source to cling to and shape you over time. Or maybe it’s a hymn from Sunday that keeps humming alongside as you travel. Songs grafted into our hearts become poetic sources that build resilience. David Scott left both his footprints and his Bible behind as a testimony to those who decades later return to the moon. Since the season of Lent reminds us of the shortness of life. What witness, what legacies will we leave behind for others to find? Much has happened in the past five decades of space travel and I am constantly amazed how the Hubble and James Web telescope “proclaim the glory of God’s handiwork”. This image of Hubble Butterfly Nebula NGC 6302 illuminates a portion of today’s reading from Isaiah 65:17–25. “I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating….  Date: Saturday, March 9
Contributor: Connie Hendrick Lectionary Link https://www.lectionarypage.net/WeekdaysOfLent/SatThirdWeek.html Luke 18:9–14 Jesus told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, `God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, `God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted." The word justified in Luke’s parable resonates in me. Just + ify comes from the Late Latin justificare, “make just”. The outcome of the parable is that the Tax Collector humbles himself before God, seeks God’s mercy, is shown mercy, and is made just. As in the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” The original audience for the parable was a group of self-righteous individuals who held others in contempt as they compared themselves and their good works to those they considered inferior. And this made me think of “cancel culture” which is really a topic for another reflection … Getting back to the parable, our main characters are introduced. The Pharisee is respected, a model of virtue, but arrogant and proud. The Tax Collector is despised, a sinner, humble, and ashamed, but self-aware and sincere in his plea for mercy. We hear their prayers. The Pharisee produces a prayer (or self-monologue) of congratulation, listing the many deeds that make him righteous while the Tax Collector humbles himself and asks for God’s mercy. And we are told the result of these prayers. Only the Tax Collector returns to his home justified by God’s mercy. I wonder if the original audience accepted the parable's contrast between the self-righteous man and the man made righteous by God’s mercy. Date: Friday, March 8 Lectionary Link https://www.lectionarypage.net/WeekdaysOfLent/FridayThirdWeek.html We did not receive the reflection for today, so instead, I invite you to hear the words of Bishop Craig Loya from his weekly email. “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.” —John 3:16 Beloved in Christ, The gospel lesson for this Sunday contains what is perhaps the most widely known verse in the Bible. Wide exposure often leads to narrow understanding, and I think our familiarity with this verse causes us to miss some of its depth and richness. In John’s gospel, believing is less understanding something with our minds, and more a relationship we commit ourselves to. Believing in Jesus means committing our hearts and lives to an ongoing relationship. It means showing up regularly to spend time with Jesus in scripture, prayer, and sacrament. It means tending to what the way of Jesus asks of us in our lives, attending to the movement of the Spirit. It involves struggle, doubt, building trust, delighting in Jesus and allowing Jesus to delight in you. And the eternal life promised for those who believe isn’t a mere escape from the physical world to some ethereal heaven after we die, it’s about experiencing life in the fullness of God’s love right now. For those committed to Jesus, the eternal kind of life, joining God’s project to heal the world with love, starts now. The faith we share cannot be reduced to punching a ticket to heaven when we die. It’s about joining God in the work that has already begun of healing the world with love, of engaging the work of justice for the oppressed, of freedom for the captives, of sight, joy, love, and hope. For God so loved the world, for God so loved you, for God so loved those cast down, that he gave his son to join us to the overwhelming tide of perfect, healing love. Grace and Peace,  |
AuthorThese reflections are written by members of our Faith Community ArchivesCategories |
RSS Feed