Prayer of the Day
God of the covenant, in the mystery of the cross you promise everlasting life to the world. Gather all peoples into your arms, and shelter us with your mercy, that we may rejoice in the life we share in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Psalm 27
Philippians 3:17—4:1
Luke 13:31-35
"Wait for the Lord and be strong. Take heart and wait for the Lord!"
Are you feeling persecuted? Downtrodden? Today's readings offer assurance that although we may doubt or resist God's desire to protect and save us, we should stand firm in the Lord and in our commitment to Him, just as he stands firm in his commitment to us. God's covenant with Abram continues today. There are rewards for us - the Lord is my light and my salvation. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
February 28, 2010
February 27, 2010
Saturday
Psalm 27
Psalm 118:26-29
Matthew 23:37-39
An article in National Geographic many years ago reported on the destruction after a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park. Forest rangers began their hike up a mountain to assess the fire’s damage. One ranger found an eagle literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat disturbed by the eerie sight, he knocked the ashy corpse with a stick.
When he hit it, three tiny chicks ran out from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, aware of impending disaster, had carried her little chicks to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. When the fire arrived and the heat had scorched her body to ash, the mother remained steadfast. Because she had been willing to die, those under the cover of her wings lived. CC
February 26, 2010
Friday
Psalm 27
Genesis 14:17-24
Philippians 3:17-20
“Imitation is an advanced behavior whereby an individual observes and replicates another's. The word can be applied in many contexts, ranging from animal training to international politics.” – Wikipedia.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. As a parent I watch in amazement and pride as my two year old rapidly absorbs motor and language skills mostly by imitating the people she meets and interacts with. Of course, at present, I have considerable control over what influences my daughter, but as she grows older the leverage I can apply to influence in her decisions fades.
Paul hoped that his “children” at the church in Philippi would join him in imitating Christ. He warns them of earthly temptations and reminds them of their citizenship in heaven, a starkly contrasting their Roman citizenship. Paul also connects to the deep sense of expectancy felt by the church in its infancy and leverages a belief that Christ would come again in the immediate future to give his instructions and warnings a pressing urgency.
In the two millennia since Paul wrote to the church at Philippi Christianity has lost the sense of expectancy present his original audience. “In our day, belief in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ has faded into a remote and sometimes irrelevant doctrine into many large segments of the Christian church; and it is entirely possible that our present lack of courage and lack of joy flow from this attitude.”1
But the leverage that Paul applies to influence the Philippians to imitate Christ applies today to the church in Rochester, to you, to me, to my daughter, to all who through baptism Christ has joined to his death and resurrection. No one can know when the trumpet will sound, the eye will twinkle or the thief will come in the night. Our joy and courage to imitate Christ should not originate from banal flattery but heightened anticipation of his coming again to reign in glory. JB
1James Montgomery Boice, Philippians (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1971), p.247
February 25, 2010
Thursday
Psalm 27
Genesis 13:1-7, 14-18
Philippians 3:2-12
The confidence of the psalmist regarding God’s presence in his life and God’s constant love and care is astounding! I envy it as there are days when I wonder about it. Wonder about where God is in the midst of it all, what God is saying to me, if anything, questioning whether or not God is leading me. The psalmist brings me back to center.
The reality is that throughout Old Testament and New Testament writings the presence and power of God is more than evident. So is the promise of God to God’s people never to leave or forsake them or send them into exile again. Ever been in exile? Not a pretty place to be.
Who shall I fear if the Lord is on my side? No one, nowhere, no how. If God be for us who can be against us? Paul’s words echo these words and confirm them. When the going gets tough, God gets going. Someone once told me that. My response was that God is always going; going to the aid of God’s people, going the extra mile, going to the cross for us, for me, for all!
Genesis 13:1-7, 14-18
Philippians 3:2-12
The confidence of the psalmist regarding God’s presence in his life and God’s constant love and care is astounding! I envy it as there are days when I wonder about it. Wonder about where God is in the midst of it all, what God is saying to me, if anything, questioning whether or not God is leading me. The psalmist brings me back to center.
The reality is that throughout Old Testament and New Testament writings the presence and power of God is more than evident. So is the promise of God to God’s people never to leave or forsake them or send them into exile again. Ever been in exile? Not a pretty place to be.
Who shall I fear if the Lord is on my side? No one, nowhere, no how. If God be for us who can be against us? Paul’s words echo these words and confirm them. When the going gets tough, God gets going. Someone once told me that. My response was that God is always going; going to the aid of God’s people, going the extra mile, going to the cross for us, for me, for all!
February 24, 2010
Wednesday
Psalm 17
Job 1:1-22
Luke 21:34—22:6
From Luke 21: "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life"... "Be alert at all times"
What's holding you back or weighing you down? Is there something that is separating you from the joy that is Christ Jesus? Are you wasting your energies worrying about unnecessary things that are keeping you from God? It is easy to be weighed down by the worries of life, but Jesus tells us to be alert - don't let your guard down - keep your eye on the prize! He offers us a way out, a better way - and the strength to bear our burdens knowing that we are not alone.
"Don't worry, be happy"
Lord, you fill us with good things and offer us strength. Thank you for helping us to stay alert and for your grace to share our burdens.
Job 1:1-22
Luke 21:34—22:6
From Luke 21: "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life"... "Be alert at all times"
What's holding you back or weighing you down? Is there something that is separating you from the joy that is Christ Jesus? Are you wasting your energies worrying about unnecessary things that are keeping you from God? It is easy to be weighed down by the worries of life, but Jesus tells us to be alert - don't let your guard down - keep your eye on the prize! He offers us a way out, a better way - and the strength to bear our burdens knowing that we are not alone.
"Don't worry, be happy"
Lord, you fill us with good things and offer us strength. Thank you for helping us to stay alert and for your grace to share our burdens.
February 23, 2010
Tuesday
Psalm 17
Zechariah 3:1-10
2 Peter 2:4-21
Psalm 17:8 –“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings”.
A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?"
Hands started going up.
He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first let me do this."
He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air.
"Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty.
"Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.
"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God's eyes. To Him, dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to Him.
We are all precious in God's sight and each of us held mercifully in His sacred heart. That's really what we need to know; that's really what each of us needs to hear. Sometimes, we can feel utterly alone or lost in this world, struggling to find where we belong. But when we place our faith in the God who is Love, He tells us in many ways, through Scripture and prayer and most especially in the gift of Holy Communion that we are cherished, embraced, loved and strengthened by Him. Every time we kneel at the altar to receive Him in, with and under the elements of bread and wine, Christ comes to us in holy mystery to comfort and sustain us with the bread of heaven and the cup of blessing.
Prayer: Eternal God, there are days when we all feel like children who need to know Your all-embracing love. Sometimes, we struggle with life and feel oppressed by our responsibilities, hurts and sufferings. During these moments, we need to be held in your arms and declared precious in your sight. Today let each of us receive the truth of who you say we really are; that we are indeed the apple of your eye and your cross reveals the depths of your love for us. In the name of God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit we pray. Amen.
Zechariah 3:1-10
2 Peter 2:4-21
Psalm 17:8 –“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings”.
A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?"
Hands started going up.
He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first let me do this."
He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air.
"Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty.
"Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.
"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God's eyes. To Him, dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to Him.
We are all precious in God's sight and each of us held mercifully in His sacred heart. That's really what we need to know; that's really what each of us needs to hear. Sometimes, we can feel utterly alone or lost in this world, struggling to find where we belong. But when we place our faith in the God who is Love, He tells us in many ways, through Scripture and prayer and most especially in the gift of Holy Communion that we are cherished, embraced, loved and strengthened by Him. Every time we kneel at the altar to receive Him in, with and under the elements of bread and wine, Christ comes to us in holy mystery to comfort and sustain us with the bread of heaven and the cup of blessing.
Prayer: Eternal God, there are days when we all feel like children who need to know Your all-embracing love. Sometimes, we struggle with life and feel oppressed by our responsibilities, hurts and sufferings. During these moments, we need to be held in your arms and declared precious in your sight. Today let each of us receive the truth of who you say we really are; that we are indeed the apple of your eye and your cross reveals the depths of your love for us. In the name of God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit we pray. Amen.
February 22, 2010
Monday
Psalm 17
1 Chronicles 21:1-17
1 John 2:1-6
1 John 2: 1-6
Cultural fads wax and wane as society moves forward in time. Some imbed themselves in a communal lexicon, some fade into oblivion, and others cycle through periods of increased or decreased popularity. This periodic popularity describes the expression “What Would Jesus Do?” or “WWJD” and its many derivatives. Initially popularized in the 1890’s by Charles Sheldon’s book In His Steps, What Would Jesus Do, the expression returned to wide spread usage in the 1990’s. It has since faded though many bumper stickers, t-shirts and wristbands remain, perhaps lying in wait for a return to glory in 2090.
I, however, would not mind if this particular expression of piety faded away for good. Asking “what would Jesus do?” assumes the existence of an innate understanding of Christ’s mind
and the ability to predict Christ’s reaction in the present moment situation at hand. The disciples, including Peter, Jesus’ closest apostle, lived and worked side by side with Jesus and still couldn’t predict “what would Jesus do?” How then could a human mind, childlike in comparison to the mind of Christ, ever assume to know what Christ, God’s living word made manifest in flesh and blood, would do? Answering “WWJD” assumes an intimate and immediate knowledge of Jesus’ mind. It easily leads down a slippery slope toward saying “I have come to know him” without keeping his commandments.
Perhaps asking different questions would help an effort to abide in Christ. Asking “what has Jesus done” prevents the assumption of insight in to the current state of Christ mind. Knowing what Jesus has done requires dutiful reading from the best record of Christ’s actions and teachings, the Gospels. Applying that knowledge to daily life roots decisions and interactions in grounded comprehension of the example set by Jesus Christ.
Consider also the question “What has Jesus promised?” Christ has promised that through baptism we join to him not only in his death but also in his resurrection and eternal life. In response to this magnificent gift of grace abide in Christ, walk as Christ walked and live in the knowledge of all Christ has done for us.
1 Chronicles 21:1-17
1 John 2:1-6
1 John 2: 1-6
Cultural fads wax and wane as society moves forward in time. Some imbed themselves in a communal lexicon, some fade into oblivion, and others cycle through periods of increased or decreased popularity. This periodic popularity describes the expression “What Would Jesus Do?” or “WWJD” and its many derivatives. Initially popularized in the 1890’s by Charles Sheldon’s book In His Steps, What Would Jesus Do, the expression returned to wide spread usage in the 1990’s. It has since faded though many bumper stickers, t-shirts and wristbands remain, perhaps lying in wait for a return to glory in 2090.
I, however, would not mind if this particular expression of piety faded away for good. Asking “what would Jesus do?” assumes the existence of an innate understanding of Christ’s mind
and the ability to predict Christ’s reaction in the present moment situation at hand. The disciples, including Peter, Jesus’ closest apostle, lived and worked side by side with Jesus and still couldn’t predict “what would Jesus do?” How then could a human mind, childlike in comparison to the mind of Christ, ever assume to know what Christ, God’s living word made manifest in flesh and blood, would do? Answering “WWJD” assumes an intimate and immediate knowledge of Jesus’ mind. It easily leads down a slippery slope toward saying “I have come to know him” without keeping his commandments.
Perhaps asking different questions would help an effort to abide in Christ. Asking “what has Jesus done” prevents the assumption of insight in to the current state of Christ mind. Knowing what Jesus has done requires dutiful reading from the best record of Christ’s actions and teachings, the Gospels. Applying that knowledge to daily life roots decisions and interactions in grounded comprehension of the example set by Jesus Christ.
Consider also the question “What has Jesus promised?” Christ has promised that through baptism we join to him not only in his death but also in his resurrection and eternal life. In response to this magnificent gift of grace abide in Christ, walk as Christ walked and live in the knowledge of all Christ has done for us.
February 21, 2010
First Sunday in Lent
Prayer of the Day
O Lord God, you led your people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide us now, so that, following your Son, we may walk safely through the wilderness of this world toward the life you alone can give, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
Romans 10:8b-13
Luke 4:1-13
I was struck by the reading from Deuteronomy this time around. Note how the giving of the Israelites takes place, with a full and recognized sense of history and a deep and abiding faith in the One who led them home. Finally, a bow is to be used after the offering has been presented and celebration should take place then.
Do we give our gifts to the Lord out of a sense of the history of God’s saving actions in our lives? When you write the check or seal the envelope or place it in the offering plate or recall it is being electronically sent to church; is it from a perspective of all that God has done for you, for us, in Christ Jesus?
I write thank you notes fairly frequently for gifts given to the parish, kindnesses done and offerings shared. I do so with the history in mind but I’m not so sure I do the same with me offering envelope. Next time you fill yours or bring it or send it, think of it as a Thank You note to God for all that God has done for you and for this world. Then go and celebrate!
O Lord God, you led your people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide us now, so that, following your Son, we may walk safely through the wilderness of this world toward the life you alone can give, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
Romans 10:8b-13
Luke 4:1-13
I was struck by the reading from Deuteronomy this time around. Note how the giving of the Israelites takes place, with a full and recognized sense of history and a deep and abiding faith in the One who led them home. Finally, a bow is to be used after the offering has been presented and celebration should take place then.
Do we give our gifts to the Lord out of a sense of the history of God’s saving actions in our lives? When you write the check or seal the envelope or place it in the offering plate or recall it is being electronically sent to church; is it from a perspective of all that God has done for you, for us, in Christ Jesus?
I write thank you notes fairly frequently for gifts given to the parish, kindnesses done and offerings shared. I do so with the history in mind but I’m not so sure I do the same with me offering envelope. Next time you fill yours or bring it or send it, think of it as a Thank You note to God for all that God has done for you and for this world. Then go and celebrate!
February 20, 2010
Saturday
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
John 12:27-36
Two things have been rolling around my mind about the readings for today...From Psalm 91 ... "I will protect those who know my name" and from Ecclesiastes and from the Gospel - the concept of time. ..."for everything there is a season" and ..."What should I say - 'Father save me from this hour'? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour.
I am, and almost always have been, a procrastinator. Yes, it's true. If it can be done tomorrow, why do it today? Time is a struggle for me - I alternately wish it would go quicker and wish it would go slower.
That doesn't always work out so well for me. But, I think that is why I have come to appreciate the seasons of the church, and especially the time of Lent. There is an order here, a pace, a schedule to be followed. This time is an important part of our (my) journey together. Towards Easter, towards the Resurrection, towards knowing God's name (psalm 91).
Do you know God's name? There are some powerful promises in that psalm, as well as powerful reminders about time in Ecclesiastes. Do you know the reason you are here? I hope that I (we) can use this Lenten time to get a better sense of place and time and what is meant for us. And to get to know God better. That is my Lenten journey - to reconnect with the time of the church and with God; not about what I can give up, but what I can pick up in terms of discipline and intentional prayer.
Lord, help us to know your name, to know that our time is your time and that there is a reason for our time. Be with us step-by-step on this journey as we move closer to knowing you. Amen
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
John 12:27-36
Two things have been rolling around my mind about the readings for today...From Psalm 91 ... "I will protect those who know my name" and from Ecclesiastes and from the Gospel - the concept of time. ..."for everything there is a season" and ..."What should I say - 'Father save me from this hour'? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour.
I am, and almost always have been, a procrastinator. Yes, it's true. If it can be done tomorrow, why do it today? Time is a struggle for me - I alternately wish it would go quicker and wish it would go slower.
That doesn't always work out so well for me. But, I think that is why I have come to appreciate the seasons of the church, and especially the time of Lent. There is an order here, a pace, a schedule to be followed. This time is an important part of our (my) journey together. Towards Easter, towards the Resurrection, towards knowing God's name (psalm 91).
Do you know God's name? There are some powerful promises in that psalm, as well as powerful reminders about time in Ecclesiastes. Do you know the reason you are here? I hope that I (we) can use this Lenten time to get a better sense of place and time and what is meant for us. And to get to know God better. That is my Lenten journey - to reconnect with the time of the church and with God; not about what I can give up, but what I can pick up in terms of discipline and intentional prayer.
Lord, help us to know your name, to know that our time is your time and that there is a reason for our time. Be with us step-by-step on this journey as we move closer to knowing you. Amen
February 19, 2010
Friday
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
Exodus 6:1-13
Acts 7:35-42
39-41"They craved the old Egyptian ways, whining to Aaron, 'Make us gods we can see and follow. This Moses who got us out here miles from nowhere—who knows what's happened to him!' That was the time when they made a calf-idol, brought sacrifices to it, and congratulated each other on the wonderful religious program they had put together.” (Acts 7:39-41)
Jesus the Christ, is God’s answer to the age long desire for a “God we can see and follow” Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. Theologians have sometimes called this “the scandal of the incarnation.” Think about it… The Master of the Universe, the Divine Artist and Creator of all that is, entered His creation in the womb of Mary. God moved into the neighborhood and set aside His glory to save us from ourselves. The God who was far away becomes one of us so that we might behold the Father.
In a world of bloody animal and human sacrifices, Jesus came to end them all, to do what they could not, by giving his own life in the sacrifice of the cross. God entered God’s creation and humanity killed Him. Sin, that part of us that hurts ourselves and others in ten million cruel and wicked ways from common deceit to mass destruction was what nailed the Divine to wood and crowned the King of Creation with twisted thorns.
Love is always sacrificial. For he who loves desires to give himself. In that unfathomable death and by His sorrowful passion, Christ, the Mercy of God poured out His life on the cross, that cross which speaks and never ceases to speak of God the Father, who is absolutely faithful to His eternal love for man, since He "so loved the world" — therefore man in the world-that "he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
Mercy is an indispensable dimension of love... believing in this love means believing in mercy.
Believing in the crucified Son means "seeing the Father," means believing that love is present in the world and that this love is more powerful than any kind of evil in which individuals, humanity, or the world are involved.
The cross is the most profound condescension of God to man and to what man — especially in difficult and painful moments — looks on as his unhappy destiny. The cross is like a touch of eternal love upon the most painful wounds of man's earthly existence.
Prayer: You expired, O Jesus, but the source of life poured forth for souls and an ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us. O Blood and Water, which poured forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You. Amen
Exodus 6:1-13
Acts 7:35-42
39-41"They craved the old Egyptian ways, whining to Aaron, 'Make us gods we can see and follow. This Moses who got us out here miles from nowhere—who knows what's happened to him!' That was the time when they made a calf-idol, brought sacrifices to it, and congratulated each other on the wonderful religious program they had put together.” (Acts 7:39-41)
Jesus the Christ, is God’s answer to the age long desire for a “God we can see and follow” Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. Theologians have sometimes called this “the scandal of the incarnation.” Think about it… The Master of the Universe, the Divine Artist and Creator of all that is, entered His creation in the womb of Mary. God moved into the neighborhood and set aside His glory to save us from ourselves. The God who was far away becomes one of us so that we might behold the Father.
In a world of bloody animal and human sacrifices, Jesus came to end them all, to do what they could not, by giving his own life in the sacrifice of the cross. God entered God’s creation and humanity killed Him. Sin, that part of us that hurts ourselves and others in ten million cruel and wicked ways from common deceit to mass destruction was what nailed the Divine to wood and crowned the King of Creation with twisted thorns.
Love is always sacrificial. For he who loves desires to give himself. In that unfathomable death and by His sorrowful passion, Christ, the Mercy of God poured out His life on the cross, that cross which speaks and never ceases to speak of God the Father, who is absolutely faithful to His eternal love for man, since He "so loved the world" — therefore man in the world-that "he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
Mercy is an indispensable dimension of love... believing in this love means believing in mercy.
Believing in the crucified Son means "seeing the Father," means believing that love is present in the world and that this love is more powerful than any kind of evil in which individuals, humanity, or the world are involved.
The cross is the most profound condescension of God to man and to what man — especially in difficult and painful moments — looks on as his unhappy destiny. The cross is like a touch of eternal love upon the most painful wounds of man's earthly existence.
Prayer: You expired, O Jesus, but the source of life poured forth for souls and an ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us. O Blood and Water, which poured forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You. Amen
February 18, 2010
Thursday
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
Exodus 5:10-23
Acts 7:30-34
Have you ever faced a situation that required you to defend your faith? Have you ever argued against adversaries with profound eloquence and comprehensive historical citation? Have you ever stood before a panel of judges empowered to spare or take your life based solely on your religious conviction?
To these questions I answered yes, maybe and, thankfully, no. However this passage from Acts, in fact all of chapter seven, reminds me that more than a few of God’s saints have answered yes to all three questions.
Acts 7:30-34 recalls a portion of Saint Stephen’s impassioned defense against accusations of blasphemy against Moses, and even against God; and of speaking against the temple and the law. John Wesley writes “In answer to this accusation, rehearsing as it were the articles of his historical creed, he [Stephen] speaks of God with high reverence, and a grateful sense of a long series of acts of goodness to the Israelites, and of Moses with great respect, on account of his important and honorable (sic) employments under God: of the temple with regard, as being built to the honour (sic) of God;...”
Despite his impassioned eloquence Stephen cannot turn the anger of the priests who incite a crowd and sanction his execution by stoning. Many generations after Stephen’s martyrdom, in this time and in this place, we live in a culture where the proclamation of Christ’s Gospel does not result in an appearance before a true death panel. However, this does not mean we may lapse into a life of easy complacency.
We still must watch for the burning bushes in our lives and shed the barriers that keep us from entering God’s holy ground. Christ sends us out into the “Egypts” of this world armed only with the love God gave to our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and Stephen. In the midst of adversity, in the presence of suffering, in the face of danger and even death, through Christ and with the power of the Holy Spirit, proclaim Christ’s glory until he returns again.
Exodus 5:10-23
Acts 7:30-34
Have you ever faced a situation that required you to defend your faith? Have you ever argued against adversaries with profound eloquence and comprehensive historical citation? Have you ever stood before a panel of judges empowered to spare or take your life based solely on your religious conviction?
To these questions I answered yes, maybe and, thankfully, no. However this passage from Acts, in fact all of chapter seven, reminds me that more than a few of God’s saints have answered yes to all three questions.
Acts 7:30-34 recalls a portion of Saint Stephen’s impassioned defense against accusations of blasphemy against Moses, and even against God; and of speaking against the temple and the law. John Wesley writes “In answer to this accusation, rehearsing as it were the articles of his historical creed, he [Stephen] speaks of God with high reverence, and a grateful sense of a long series of acts of goodness to the Israelites, and of Moses with great respect, on account of his important and honorable (sic) employments under God: of the temple with regard, as being built to the honour (sic) of God;...”
Despite his impassioned eloquence Stephen cannot turn the anger of the priests who incite a crowd and sanction his execution by stoning. Many generations after Stephen’s martyrdom, in this time and in this place, we live in a culture where the proclamation of Christ’s Gospel does not result in an appearance before a true death panel. However, this does not mean we may lapse into a life of easy complacency.
We still must watch for the burning bushes in our lives and shed the barriers that keep us from entering God’s holy ground. Christ sends us out into the “Egypts” of this world armed only with the love God gave to our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and Stephen. In the midst of adversity, in the presence of suffering, in the face of danger and even death, through Christ and with the power of the Holy Spirit, proclaim Christ’s glory until he returns again.
February 17, 2010
Ash Wednesday
Prayer of the Day
Almighty and ever-living God, you hate nothing you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create in us new and honest hearts, so that, truly repenting of our sins, we may receive from you, the God of all mercy, full pardon and forgiveness through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Psalm 51:1-17
2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Fasting, alms giving and prayer. Matthew’s gospel centers us for this season we call Lent, a season of spring and growth and deeper understanding of the Passion of our Lord as we make the journey one more time with our Lord to the cross.
It’s not a depressing season as some would suggest, it’s a deepening season; a season during which we have opportunity to worship with greater frequency, pray with deeper intensity and understand with greater clarity the action of our God in this world. Join me on the journey.
Confess the sings and receive absolution, receive the ashes as reminder of your humanity and sign of your baptism and join with the faith community as we gather with hope and promise, longing for a more profound learning and, in the process, faith.
Almighty and ever-living God, you hate nothing you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create in us new and honest hearts, so that, truly repenting of our sins, we may receive from you, the God of all mercy, full pardon and forgiveness through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Psalm 51:1-17
2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Fasting, alms giving and prayer. Matthew’s gospel centers us for this season we call Lent, a season of spring and growth and deeper understanding of the Passion of our Lord as we make the journey one more time with our Lord to the cross.
It’s not a depressing season as some would suggest, it’s a deepening season; a season during which we have opportunity to worship with greater frequency, pray with deeper intensity and understand with greater clarity the action of our God in this world. Join me on the journey.
Confess the sings and receive absolution, receive the ashes as reminder of your humanity and sign of your baptism and join with the faith community as we gather with hope and promise, longing for a more profound learning and, in the process, faith.
February 9, 2010
Lenten Devotions
Watch this space beginning February 17th for daily lectionary readings throughout Lent with reflections written by the staff.
These materials are offered to you as a way to listen to and pray through the season of Lent; a season of reflection, prayer and growth. The lessons are from the Daily Readings of the ELW and are intended to read us up to and away from the Sundays in Lent. The readings that begin on Wednesday lead us toward the Sunday readings and the Monday and Tuesday readings lead us away from Sunday.
These materials are offered to you as a way to listen to and pray through the season of Lent; a season of reflection, prayer and growth. The lessons are from the Daily Readings of the ELW and are intended to read us up to and away from the Sundays in Lent. The readings that begin on Wednesday lead us toward the Sunday readings and the Monday and Tuesday readings lead us away from Sunday.
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