I wonder if Jesus had Psalm 121 in his head when he was preparing for the cross: I lift my eyes up to the hills. From where will my help come?
And as he suffered, just as we suffer, he wondered where God was in the midst of it all. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
And God's answer: Resurrection. New life from the ashes. God's answer is resurrection.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
November 29: Micah 4; Psalm 120; Matthew 26
For all the peoples walk, each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever.
In what god's name do we walk? To walk in the name of God is to follow God's ways and commands. So, for Christians this means to love one another as we have been loved by God---with sacrifice and mercy and forgiveness and compassion. Because loving others this way is loving God. Loving others this way is to walk in the name of God.
Or do we walk in the name of another god? Perhaps we live our lives according to the ways of power or fame or consumerism or vanity or reputation or .......?
What drives us? What do we look to as our goal, our end hope? Is it financial success or employment success or recognition in the community or beauty?
Or is our deepest longing to be more and more like Jesus? Are we motivated by grace and love like Jesus---seeking the benefit of God by seeking the benefit of others?
In Jan Karon's book At Home in Mitford, the character Fr. Tim tells someone: If you keep your eyes on other Christians, you are bound to be disappointed. The key is to keep your eyes on Christ.
In what god's name do we walk? To walk in the name of God is to follow God's ways and commands. So, for Christians this means to love one another as we have been loved by God---with sacrifice and mercy and forgiveness and compassion. Because loving others this way is loving God. Loving others this way is to walk in the name of God.
Or do we walk in the name of another god? Perhaps we live our lives according to the ways of power or fame or consumerism or vanity or reputation or .......?
What drives us? What do we look to as our goal, our end hope? Is it financial success or employment success or recognition in the community or beauty?
Or is our deepest longing to be more and more like Jesus? Are we motivated by grace and love like Jesus---seeking the benefit of God by seeking the benefit of others?
In Jan Karon's book At Home in Mitford, the character Fr. Tim tells someone: If you keep your eyes on other Christians, you are bound to be disappointed. The key is to keep your eyes on Christ.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
November 28: Micah 3; Psalm 119:145-176; Matthew 25
Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did to to me......just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me."
As we give thanks this day for our blessings---which are abundant and rich because we have life, hope, and eternity with God---let us remember the least of these. And let us determine how we can do for them and what we can, and will, do for them. For by doing for them, we are doing for Christ.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
November 27: MIcah 2; Psalm 119:113-144; Matthew 24
I will surely gather all of you, O Israel...
God desires ALL of humanity. Each one of us. The bright and beautiful. The annoying and silly. The gentle and good. The angry and the oppressed. The black, the white, the tan, the straight, the gay, the transgendered, the doubtful, the faithful, the valiant, the coward, the rich and the poor.
Surely I will gather all of you....
God desires ALL of humanity. Each one of us. The bright and beautiful. The annoying and silly. The gentle and good. The angry and the oppressed. The black, the white, the tan, the straight, the gay, the transgendered, the doubtful, the faithful, the valiant, the coward, the rich and the poor.
Surely I will gather all of you....
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
November 26: Micah1; Psalm 119:73-112; Matthew 23
"...as for me, I will meditate on your precepts...." (Psalm 119: 78)
To meditate on God's precepts, God's ways, God's laws. To let those ways of being seep into our bloodstream as the life-giving, life-preserving source that they are. What might this mean for us? Are we willing to partake in this type of meditation?
The Truth is: Living God's way, by God's law, will transform us. Make us more like Jesus: forgiving, merciful, compassionate, steadfast in love, full of grace.
The Question is: Are we willing to be transformed? To be changed? To let go of those pieces of us---those parts of our lives---that keep us from being Christ-like?
If our answer is yes, then we are to soak up God's ways through study, prayer, sacrament, and fellowship so that whose we are becomes who we are.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.... Your decrees are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart." (Psalm 119: 105, 111)
To meditate on God's precepts, God's ways, God's laws. To let those ways of being seep into our bloodstream as the life-giving, life-preserving source that they are. What might this mean for us? Are we willing to partake in this type of meditation?
The Truth is: Living God's way, by God's law, will transform us. Make us more like Jesus: forgiving, merciful, compassionate, steadfast in love, full of grace.
The Question is: Are we willing to be transformed? To be changed? To let go of those pieces of us---those parts of our lives---that keep us from being Christ-like?
If our answer is yes, then we are to soak up God's ways through study, prayer, sacrament, and fellowship so that whose we are becomes who we are.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.... Your decrees are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart." (Psalm 119: 105, 111)
Monday, November 25, 2013
November 25: Jonah 4; Psalm 119:33-72; Matthew 22
Oh Jonah! Angry because God shows mercy. Angry because the people of Ninevah actually listened to his prophecy and changed their ways. Angry because they then made his words of warning fall flat.
Jonah is angry because he feels God's grace and mercy make him look like a fool.
How often do we get angry because we think other people do not deserve God's grace? Because we think they are not worthy (like we are) of knowing God's blessings....they haven't worked hard enough or prayed long enough or scraped low enough to deserve it.
Grace is not about deserving. It's about love. Loving someone enough that you want, and work for, that person's benefit----regardless of their actions. Thank goodness God loves us like this. May the Holy Spirit empower us that we might love others in the same way!
Lord, infuse us with your grace so that we may flow from your love. ---Mechthild of Magdeburg
Jonah is angry because he feels God's grace and mercy make him look like a fool.
How often do we get angry because we think other people do not deserve God's grace? Because we think they are not worthy (like we are) of knowing God's blessings....they haven't worked hard enough or prayed long enough or scraped low enough to deserve it.
Grace is not about deserving. It's about love. Loving someone enough that you want, and work for, that person's benefit----regardless of their actions. Thank goodness God loves us like this. May the Holy Spirit empower us that we might love others in the same way!
Lord, infuse us with your grace so that we may flow from your love. ---Mechthild of Magdeburg
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Saturday, November 23, 2013
November 23: Jonah 3; Psalm 119:1-32; Matthew 21
God changed God's "mind."
Not sure if a divine entity
has a "mind"---
such a human concept---
but it's the best we can do
to understand the limitless,
the mystery,
that is God---
we put God in human terms.
Why did God change directions?
Because humanity did.
Negative consequences were abandoned.
Because humanity turned the corner.
Because humanity changed its ways.
So, it's not so much that God changed.
But humanity changed.
This is a God of second chances.
There is always hope.
Not sure if a divine entity
has a "mind"---
such a human concept---
but it's the best we can do
to understand the limitless,
the mystery,
that is God---
we put God in human terms.
Why did God change directions?
Because humanity did.
Negative consequences were abandoned.
Because humanity turned the corner.
Because humanity changed its ways.
So, it's not so much that God changed.
But humanity changed.
This is a God of second chances.
There is always hope.
Friday, November 22, 2013
November 22: Jonah 2; Psalm 118; Matthew 20
We've all felt like Jonah.
Finding ourselves in deep waters,
weeds wrapped around our heads,
the water closing in over us.
Like Jonah,
we must remember
that God holds us
even when the waters are rough
the way forward is dark
and we are drowning.
God will bring us out of the Pit.
God is our deliverance.
God will set us back safely on dry land.
We must remember:
God's steadfast love endures forever.
Finding ourselves in deep waters,
weeds wrapped around our heads,
the water closing in over us.
Like Jonah,
we must remember
that God holds us
even when the waters are rough
the way forward is dark
and we are drowning.
God will bring us out of the Pit.
God is our deliverance.
God will set us back safely on dry land.
We must remember:
God's steadfast love endures forever.
November 21: Jonah 1; Psalm 117; Matthew 19
We've all felt like Jonah.
Feeling like God is asking too much of us...
God is asking something that is too hard....
God is asking us to do the impossible...
And, like Jonah,
when we try to run from God's call to us,
not only does it affect us,
it affects others.
There is no running from God.
Feeling like God is asking too much of us...
God is asking something that is too hard....
God is asking us to do the impossible...
And, like Jonah,
when we try to run from God's call to us,
not only does it affect us,
it affects others.
There is no running from God.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
November 20: Obadiah; Psalm 116; Matthew 18
Obadiah--the shortest book in Old Testament---a warning against arrogance. A warning against placing oneself above others---putting oneself at the center---in God's rightful place.
In Matthew, when the disciples are fishing for a compliment and ask who is the greatest in the kingdom of God (hoping, of course, to hear their own names), Jesus brings forward a child.
A child--one who had the lowest status in this culture. One who had no rights, no power and no privilege. Because power and privilege do not equal status in God's kingdom. What give us status in the eyes of God is that we are God's beloved children. Therefore, we are all equal in God's eyes as far as our worth and value are concerned. No one is not a child of God. No one. Remembering this, and that it is God who creates and gifts us, will help us to keep our puffed-up pride in check.
God desires the return of every sheep to God's flock. And we are just the shepherds to be about the business of seeking the lost. May God grant us the opportunity to care for the lost today.
In Matthew, when the disciples are fishing for a compliment and ask who is the greatest in the kingdom of God (hoping, of course, to hear their own names), Jesus brings forward a child.
A child--one who had the lowest status in this culture. One who had no rights, no power and no privilege. Because power and privilege do not equal status in God's kingdom. What give us status in the eyes of God is that we are God's beloved children. Therefore, we are all equal in God's eyes as far as our worth and value are concerned. No one is not a child of God. No one. Remembering this, and that it is God who creates and gifts us, will help us to keep our puffed-up pride in check.
God desires the return of every sheep to God's flock. And we are just the shepherds to be about the business of seeking the lost. May God grant us the opportunity to care for the lost today.
November 19: Amos 9; Psalm 115; Matthew 17
In Amos we have heard of God's disappointment in us. In Amos, just as is the case throughout Scripture, we are reminded that God's steadfast love for us cannot be broken. That God's anger never lasts forever.
This is a God of second (and third, and fourth, and...) chances.
May our words and actions give thanks and praise to God for this Good News today.
God's love for us never fails----even when we are at our worst. Praise be to God!
This is a God of second (and third, and fourth, and...) chances.
May our words and actions give thanks and praise to God for this Good News today.
God's love for us never fails----even when we are at our worst. Praise be to God!
November 18: Amos 8; Psalm 114; Matthew 16
In Amos we hear that God has been warning us since time began.
God has been warning us about the consequences when we use others as a means to gain for our benefit. We have been made aware, again and again, that there are dire consequences for us neglecting our call to be stewards of Creation and caretakers of one another. Whenever we put down the yoke of caring for our sisters and brothers, there is always fallout.
It is not so much that God punishes us for our sin but that Creation is designed in such a way (requiring our stewardship and love) that our sin has consequences. Our selfishness leads to brokenness.
Today, let us actively heed these warnings. May God grant us the eyes to see where the needs are; may the Holy Spirit grant us the strength to do what is needed; may Jesus infuse us with the desire to use our blessings in order to bless. May God's will be done by us this day.
God has been warning us about the consequences when we use others as a means to gain for our benefit. We have been made aware, again and again, that there are dire consequences for us neglecting our call to be stewards of Creation and caretakers of one another. Whenever we put down the yoke of caring for our sisters and brothers, there is always fallout.
It is not so much that God punishes us for our sin but that Creation is designed in such a way (requiring our stewardship and love) that our sin has consequences. Our selfishness leads to brokenness.
Today, let us actively heed these warnings. May God grant us the eyes to see where the needs are; may the Holy Spirit grant us the strength to do what is needed; may Jesus infuse us with the desire to use our blessings in order to bless. May God's will be done by us this day.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Saturday, November 16, 2013
November 16: Amos 7; Psalm 113; Matthew 15
God sets a plumb line in our midst.
So that we might know.
So that we might know how we have fallen short.
So that we might know where we are headed.
So that we might know.
Know how to live
as a human.
So that we might know
how to live
as one created in the image of the divine.
A plumb line.
Jesus.
So that we might know.
So that we might know how we have fallen short.
So that we might know where we are headed.
So that we might know.
Know how to live
as a human.
So that we might know
how to live
as one created in the image of the divine.
A plumb line.
Jesus.
Friday, November 15, 2013
November 15: Amos 6: Psalm 112; Matthew 14
Amos 6 reminds us that if we live in the lap of luxury, we are living outside of God's plan. God's plan places abundance in humanity's reach. But that abundance doesn't reach to the edges of humanity if some grab more than their share---more than what their needs require----leaving not enough for others.
And it doesn't matter if some get more because they are faster, brighter, stronger, luckier.
If we are faster, brighter, stronger, and luckier, then we are even more responsible to make sure those who are not blessed in the same way have what they need.
God commands us to take care of the orphan, the widow, the resident alien among us because we are able to do so; because we are bound to them; because they are God's own. If we have more, then the truth is, we have more to share and more to do and more to give. Blessed to be a blessing.
And it doesn't matter if some get more because they are faster, brighter, stronger, luckier.
If we are faster, brighter, stronger, and luckier, then we are even more responsible to make sure those who are not blessed in the same way have what they need.
God commands us to take care of the orphan, the widow, the resident alien among us because we are able to do so; because we are bound to them; because they are God's own. If we have more, then the truth is, we have more to share and more to do and more to give. Blessed to be a blessing.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
November 14: Amos 5; Psalm 111; Matthew 13
Jesus' parables tell us that God's kingdom is something that starts small, but then grows....
The Kingdom of God is a treasure that is worth everything we have.....
Be a magnet for Christ: Draw people's attention to God's action in the world and in our lives. Sow the seeds of God's Kingdom. Infect the world with the love of Jesus.
The Kingdom of God is a treasure that is worth everything we have.....
Be a magnet for Christ: Draw people's attention to God's action in the world and in our lives. Sow the seeds of God's Kingdom. Infect the world with the love of Jesus.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
November 13: Amos 4; Psalm 110; Matthew 12
These stories of healing and Jesus being questioned whether it's right to heal on the Sabbath usually make me think: Duh! How silly these people were....thinking it wrong to heal at any time.
And then I stop and think: When do I refuse to heal?
Lord, infuse me with your grace so that I may flow from your love.
And then I stop and think: When do I refuse to heal?
- When I refuse to forgive
- When I refuse to listen
- When I don't take the time to really pay attention to someone
- When I ignore another's cry for help because:
- I am too busy
- I am too tired
- I don't know the person
- They live so far away
- Shouldn't they just learn to help themselves
- I can turn off the TV, turn the page in the magazine, throw away the letter....
- When I demand my way is the only way
- When I forget that the person on the other side is loved by Jesus just as much as I am
Lord, infuse me with your grace so that I may flow from your love.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
November 12: Amos 3; Psalm 109; Matthew 11
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."---Matthew 11:28-29
Goodness, I don't know about you, but I needed to hear these words today. I need to be reminded that when life has worn me down to a bare nubbin' there is a place I can go to be restored and to gain new vision. I can rest in the love of Christ, in the arms of God, through the practice of prayer and devotion.
Will that make the problems and the stresses disappear? In my experience, no. But it does:
Goodness, I don't know about you, but I needed to hear these words today. I need to be reminded that when life has worn me down to a bare nubbin' there is a place I can go to be restored and to gain new vision. I can rest in the love of Christ, in the arms of God, through the practice of prayer and devotion.
Will that make the problems and the stresses disappear? In my experience, no. But it does:
- secure time and space in my life for the holy---restoring my spirit
- grant me new eyes with which to see the struggles
- help me to gain perspective
- allow me to get a bigger picture and consider the views of others
- give me a chance to catch my breath
- fill my well of life-giving water--the Spirit sustains me
Monday, November 11, 2013
November 11: Amos 2; Psalm 108; Matthew 10
Happy Veteran's Day
We give thanks for our Veterans this day:
O God of truth and justice,
we hold before you those whose memory we cherish,
and those whose names we will never know.
Help us to lift our eyes above the torment of this broken world,
and grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm.
As we honour the past, may we put our faith in your future;
for you are the source of life and hope, now and for ever. Amen. (from Scottish Episcopal Church)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. John 14:27
Matthew today reminds us that being a follower of Jesus is not all sunshine and lollipops. When we truly live the other-centered life of Christ, others will not understand. They will resist it---it will seem completely "unnatural" to them. Funny, since Jesus' nature is our true nature, but it is one we must learn and allow ourselves to be transformed into rather than one that simply "fits." That's what sanctification is all about....learning to be our true selves---made in the image of God.
We give thanks for our Veterans this day:
O God of truth and justice,
we hold before you those whose memory we cherish,
and those whose names we will never know.
Help us to lift our eyes above the torment of this broken world,
and grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm.
As we honour the past, may we put our faith in your future;
for you are the source of life and hope, now and for ever. Amen. (from Scottish Episcopal Church)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. John 14:27
Matthew today reminds us that being a follower of Jesus is not all sunshine and lollipops. When we truly live the other-centered life of Christ, others will not understand. They will resist it---it will seem completely "unnatural" to them. Funny, since Jesus' nature is our true nature, but it is one we must learn and allow ourselves to be transformed into rather than one that simply "fits." That's what sanctification is all about....learning to be our true selves---made in the image of God.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Saturday, November 9, 2013
November 9: Amos 1: Psalm 107; Matthew 9
for his steadfast love endures forever....
I need this Truth today. That no matter how much I mess up.....because I have and I will....God will continue to love me, to walk beside me, to cleanse me so that I can start anew.
Of course, for that cleansing to happen, I must first confess my error, my sin, and I must place it into God's hands instead of carrying it around so it can infect me again.
But what a joy to rest in today---that God is a fountain of love that never runs dry, never turns off, never forsakes. A Truth I need to hear this day and every day. For God so loved the world....For God so loves me.....
I need this Truth today. That no matter how much I mess up.....because I have and I will....God will continue to love me, to walk beside me, to cleanse me so that I can start anew.
Of course, for that cleansing to happen, I must first confess my error, my sin, and I must place it into God's hands instead of carrying it around so it can infect me again.
But what a joy to rest in today---that God is a fountain of love that never runs dry, never turns off, never forsakes. A Truth I need to hear this day and every day. For God so loved the world....For God so loves me.....
Friday, November 8, 2013
November 8: Joel 3; Psalm 106; Matthew 8
For the Lord is a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel." -Joel 3:16
When I read passages like this, I often think to myself: "Boy, am I glad I'm not Jesus! It would be so hard to be the One everyone needs to turn to for refuge..for safety...for security."
Silly me. We are the living members of the Body of Christ....we are to be as Jesus in the world. This means that we are called to be a refuge and a stronghold for any and all of God's people who need a refuge. Any one of them. Even if they don't deserve it or they are a stranger to us.
Of course, what that refuge looks like will be different for each one......but it certainly doesn't mean to turn a blind eye or to ignore the need or to wait for someone else to step up to the plate.
With this realization, I often let God know that I think God is asking just plain too much of me.
And then, God reminds me: Hey! I put you in community. No one said you should do this alone.
Someday I'll get it....
When I read passages like this, I often think to myself: "Boy, am I glad I'm not Jesus! It would be so hard to be the One everyone needs to turn to for refuge..for safety...for security."
Silly me. We are the living members of the Body of Christ....we are to be as Jesus in the world. This means that we are called to be a refuge and a stronghold for any and all of God's people who need a refuge. Any one of them. Even if they don't deserve it or they are a stranger to us.
Of course, what that refuge looks like will be different for each one......but it certainly doesn't mean to turn a blind eye or to ignore the need or to wait for someone else to step up to the plate.
With this realization, I often let God know that I think God is asking just plain too much of me.
And then, God reminds me: Hey! I put you in community. No one said you should do this alone.
Someday I'll get it....
Thursday, November 7, 2013
November 7: Joel 1-2; Psal 105; Matthew 7
Joel is a prophet writing in a time of crisis:
Wake up, you drunkards, and weep...."
Joel is calling to people to action. This is something that we Christians are called to do.
How do we do this? It seems that mostly we tend to only pay attention to individuals and chastise them as individuals, but the prophet here is addressing an entire nation....a group of people....and saying: "Hello? We're in trouble here; we can't ignore it."
Okay, you might be thinking, but I'm no prophet. I'm not going to go around telling people what to do.
Well, I believe we are all callled to be prophets---those who point to Jesus and Jesus' way---but we don't all have to do it with our words.
When we refuse to take part in a system or a policy that is destructive, we are prophesying.
When we choose not to live in ways---even if they are popular and socially acceptable---that we feel go against God's ways---then we are prophesing.
When we support systems and organizations that are life-giving and that are in alignment with Resurrection living---we are prophesying.
Being a prophet isn't necessarily about speaking with a bullhorn.....it's about living in a way that points to Jesus. So, let's wake up and prophesy. Prophesy, mortal, prophesy.
Wake up, you drunkards, and weep...."
Joel is calling to people to action. This is something that we Christians are called to do.
How do we do this? It seems that mostly we tend to only pay attention to individuals and chastise them as individuals, but the prophet here is addressing an entire nation....a group of people....and saying: "Hello? We're in trouble here; we can't ignore it."
Okay, you might be thinking, but I'm no prophet. I'm not going to go around telling people what to do.
Well, I believe we are all callled to be prophets---those who point to Jesus and Jesus' way---but we don't all have to do it with our words.
When we refuse to take part in a system or a policy that is destructive, we are prophesying.
When we choose not to live in ways---even if they are popular and socially acceptable---that we feel go against God's ways---then we are prophesing.
When we support systems and organizations that are life-giving and that are in alignment with Resurrection living---we are prophesying.
Being a prophet isn't necessarily about speaking with a bullhorn.....it's about living in a way that points to Jesus. So, let's wake up and prophesy. Prophesy, mortal, prophesy.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
November 6: Hosea 13-14; Psalm 104; Matthew 6
In the Gospel today, we read the Lord's Prayer. What a radical prayer this is.
First of all, we proclaim that God is OUR father--not my father--but ours. Right away, we claim not only our individual relationship with God, but also our communal relationship with God and each other.
Next, we pray that God's name may be hallowed---made holy. God's name is made holy through our actions---humanity's actions as living members of the Body of Christ. We recognize our mission--which is God's mission---to live consecrated lives in order that God's name be hallowed.
And when God's name is hallowed and our lives are lived as such, it is then that heaven is known on earth. Heaven---where God dwells---among humanity.
Next we again proclaim our interdependence on one another as we ask for OUR daily bread. This simple sentence declares the Truth that God believes all people to be radically worthy of having enough.
"And forgive us our debts...." Forgiveness. The very core of this consecrated life. To let go of grudges in order that we might be freed from our hatred, our pettiness, and our thirst for retaliation. Forgiveness. To release another from our anger and woundedness. Forgiveness---the sacrificial act of putting the other's wholeness above our need to be right or to be justified by vengeance.
"Rescue us from the evil one." Evil is a real presence in this world. But God promises to protect us---not that we won't necessarily have to face evil, but that we will have the strength to be sustained, and that no evil can overcome the love of God.
We pray this prayer so often that we might miss exactly what it's being said. This is a radical prayer that is centered on what God does in our lives instead of what we do or what we want. A humble prayer that recognizes God is God, and we are not.
First of all, we proclaim that God is OUR father--not my father--but ours. Right away, we claim not only our individual relationship with God, but also our communal relationship with God and each other.
Next, we pray that God's name may be hallowed---made holy. God's name is made holy through our actions---humanity's actions as living members of the Body of Christ. We recognize our mission--which is God's mission---to live consecrated lives in order that God's name be hallowed.
And when God's name is hallowed and our lives are lived as such, it is then that heaven is known on earth. Heaven---where God dwells---among humanity.
Next we again proclaim our interdependence on one another as we ask for OUR daily bread. This simple sentence declares the Truth that God believes all people to be radically worthy of having enough.
"And forgive us our debts...." Forgiveness. The very core of this consecrated life. To let go of grudges in order that we might be freed from our hatred, our pettiness, and our thirst for retaliation. Forgiveness. To release another from our anger and woundedness. Forgiveness---the sacrificial act of putting the other's wholeness above our need to be right or to be justified by vengeance.
"Rescue us from the evil one." Evil is a real presence in this world. But God promises to protect us---not that we won't necessarily have to face evil, but that we will have the strength to be sustained, and that no evil can overcome the love of God.
We pray this prayer so often that we might miss exactly what it's being said. This is a radical prayer that is centered on what God does in our lives instead of what we do or what we want. A humble prayer that recognizes God is God, and we are not.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
November 5: Hosea 11-12; Psalm 103; Matthew 5
Whenever I read Psalm 103, I hear the song "Bless the Lord" from Godspell. It's a joyful, upbeat song. It's a song that would be a wonderful way to start and end each day.
To start each day listing all the benefits God has given me. The benefits I can expect that day. And it would be good to tally up the things I take for granted....they are so easy to miss. You know things like: fresh air, clean water, daylight, my health, enough food to eat. Things that I take for granted but things that not everyone has.
And what a way to end each day: to take the time to list all the benefits that saw me through the day. Because even on my worst days, I still have: family and friends who love me, a home, clothes to keep me warm, a warm bed in which to sleep, fresh air, clean water, daylight, my health, enough food to eat.....
So many benefits that I accept casually and simply as a given. So many benefits that enable me to provide benefits for others.
Bless the Lord, O my Soul.
To start each day listing all the benefits God has given me. The benefits I can expect that day. And it would be good to tally up the things I take for granted....they are so easy to miss. You know things like: fresh air, clean water, daylight, my health, enough food to eat. Things that I take for granted but things that not everyone has.
And what a way to end each day: to take the time to list all the benefits that saw me through the day. Because even on my worst days, I still have: family and friends who love me, a home, clothes to keep me warm, a warm bed in which to sleep, fresh air, clean water, daylight, my health, enough food to eat.....
So many benefits that I accept casually and simply as a given. So many benefits that enable me to provide benefits for others.
Bless the Lord, O my Soul.
Monday, November 4, 2013
November 4: Hosea 9-10; Psalm 102; Matthew 4
The temptation of Jesus. In Matthew 4, we hear of Jesus' very human moment----hungry, tired, depleted, he is faced with that word: "IF....."
This is the very word that often challenges us. The world whispers in our ears and in our hearts: "If...."
If you were smarter,
If you were stronger,
If you were more capable,
If you were a better person,
If you were thinner,
If you were normal,
If you were truly a Christian......
That word "If" tries to make us forget our true identity---just like Evil tempted Jesus to forget his identity---as beloved children of God.
Instead of starting with IF, let's start with: I am sealed by the Holy Spirit in baptism and marked as Christ's own forever. Let's start with who we are and whose we are. And then we need to place practices and places in our daily lives that help us remember our true nature. We need to take time to remind ourselves of our origin and foundation so that we don't lose our way. These times and practices, these places and rituals save us from hunger, tiredness, and emptiness so that the world's whispers will not hold us in its grasp.
When it comes to our identity, there is no "IF." There is only: For God so loved the world.
This is the very word that often challenges us. The world whispers in our ears and in our hearts: "If...."
If you were smarter,
If you were stronger,
If you were more capable,
If you were a better person,
If you were thinner,
If you were normal,
If you were truly a Christian......
That word "If" tries to make us forget our true identity---just like Evil tempted Jesus to forget his identity---as beloved children of God.
Instead of starting with IF, let's start with: I am sealed by the Holy Spirit in baptism and marked as Christ's own forever. Let's start with who we are and whose we are. And then we need to place practices and places in our daily lives that help us remember our true nature. We need to take time to remind ourselves of our origin and foundation so that we don't lose our way. These times and practices, these places and rituals save us from hunger, tiredness, and emptiness so that the world's whispers will not hold us in its grasp.
When it comes to our identity, there is no "IF." There is only: For God so loved the world.
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