The shadow of Lent has fallen upon us. The light of the Epiphany has dimmed and been covered. The dark cloud of inevitable death is only a stones throw away. God has empowered his only begotten Son with a mission of salvation to all creation. While this isn’t the first time God has made a covenant (or promise) with his creation, this will be the ultimate and last covenant necessary.
Long before Jesus is sent on his divine salvific mission, there is the story of Noah. Once again we learn that God has become displeased and disgusted with his very free, but very broken creation. Once again God looks down at not only humanity’s waywardness, but on at the negative effect we have had on the rest of his creation. One would think that we might have learned something in the Garden of Eden. But that is the nature of sin. Left unchecked it continues to repeat its destructive patterns over and over again; each time becoming a little worse until it has consumed all the things it touches (especially us) cutting us off from the light and love of God.
In this mornings reading from the Book of Genesis we find the whole earth at fault before God. God’s patience is gone. His tolerance of humanity’s self-centered, faithless behavior is at its end. God will no longer allow his creation to live in such a filthy and sinful manner. So He brings the flood. Since all of God’s creation is closely linked the destruction of the earth and all living things is part of God’s divine plan. Yet we have a loving God. A God whose nature it is to create; and rather than wipe out his work completely, God has his faithful servant Noah build an ark and herd two of every kind of animal (both male and female) aboard the big boat. Now, I used to work for the Biology Department while in college at UGA. I was the animal caretaker for the lab animals. That smelled bad enough, but can you imagine what the ark must have smelled like?! I often wonder who got the job of cleaning the stalls.
The important thing to note about the flood story is that after it was all over, God made a covenant with Noah. He said he would never again destroy the earth by flood waters. To mark the sign of this covenant he hung a beautiful rainbow in the sky. In Christ Jesus, God will do the same for us. Accept rather than hang a rainbow in the sky, he will hang his only Son from a cross.
In today’s reading from Mark, we witness Jesus’ baptism and literal expulsion into the Judean desert (not a good place to be). This reading in Mark is the beginning of Jesus’ ministry to his people and eventually to all creation. In many ways, Jesus is the “New Ark.” We find Jesus suffering through merciless temptation for 40 days, with the wild beasts and angels. (You see) once again we see that all creation is linked.
As we look at the nature of God and his covenants, there are interesting parallels between today’s two readings:
In Genesis the clouds form and the rain pours down. In Mark the heavens are violently torn apart at Jesus’ baptism, and the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus like a Dove.
In Genesis, Noah floats on the waters for 40 days; adrift in a wet and abandoned world. There is a dark void where abundant life used to exist. In Mark, Jesus is set adrift in the desert. For 40 days he endures the desolate void found in a dry and abandoned waste land.
In Genesis, Noah herds God’s creatures into the ark and cares for them during this 40 day period. In Mark, Jesus draws the desert creatures to himself. He is God’s new Ark or refuge.
We don’t know what kind of sailing Noah experienced during the flood. We are not told if he faced terrible waves and violent tempests. But we do know that Jesus faced a terrible onslaught by the Adversary; an attack meant to derail and destroy the future hope of God’s creation. If Jesus gave in or failed, the world was doomed. But as we all know, where Adam failed in the Garden of Eden, Jesus will succeed in the Judean desert. And just as the flood waters eventually subside, so does Jesus’ wilderness exile. God’s plan for redeeming all creation is now in motion.
All too often we find ourselves adrift in this world. We find ourselves frightened, worried and consumed with the weight of our problems. Perhaps we long for the heavens to open up and have God deliver us. Perhaps we desperately hope to find refuge and sanctuary on a rescue boat, as we slowly drown in a sea of doubt and despair.
There is no doubt that today’s world is a difficult place to exist. We all have major worries. If it is not the deflated economy, it is the violence we see in society. If it is not war and conflict, it is the abuse of the innocent. We exist in a very harsh and world in which the Adversary is always brewing up a new tempest or sand storm to make our lives difficult, full of doubt and distracted. This is why it is absolutely vital that we remember that Jesus (the New Covenant) is (dare I say the word!) our Bailout Package. Except unlike the monstrosity in Washington, this bailout comes at no cost without interest. This morning as Jesus undertakes his mission to redeem the world, deep down in creation a change is subtly taking place. Because of Jesus’ faithfulness, the Adversary knows that he has already lost the battle. While he will make a few subtle returns, Jesus will not fall for his tricks or ploys. Jesus has turned his face toward Jerusalem and the cross. Lent has begun.
As we undertake this Lenten journey with Christ; the more faithfully we commit ourselves to stay the path; the less power our fears will have over us. Please remember, no matter what storms or hardships we face, God is faithful and God will not abandon us. Through Christ Jesus our Lord we have a new hope and a new life. So, please – join me and together, (together) we will take this Lenten journey – (a journey) which will eventually lead to the greatest bailout package of all – the Resurrection.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Indifference, the Refined Art of Exile
This past Sunday I preached a sermon on the hurtful nature of indifference. This particular sermon was a difficult one to preach, because not only did several folks in the congregation find it challenging, but so did the preacher! The question as well as the challenge is - as Christian's how can we remain indifferent to people who genuinely suffer? How can we turn our backs on people whose pain is only magnified by society's blatant abandonment? The political prisoner, the homeless refugee, starving families, the sick, destitute and abandoned; by ignoring their existence and looking the other way we exile them from our consciousness. The Jewish Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel states it best when he says, "By denying their humanity, we betray our own."
Remaining indifferent to those who truly suffer in this world is nothing new to our time. Indifference is a cruel form of social marginalization. A Darwinian theorist might even justify that marginalization of those who are sick, needy or in desperate trouble is the "natural order of things." But for those who claim Christ as our Lord, we are called to usurp the "natural order of things."
First century Palestine was no different than any other age when it came to the outcast, socially marginalized and loathed. Actually it was probably worse since the Jewish law gave credibility to the exile and expulsion of those considered unclean. Leprosy most assuredly was one such death sentence to a life of normal social acceptance. It was an ancient curse that guaranteed a person of a life stripped of dignity, hope and any kind of value. This terrible disease caused grotesque disfigurement of the body. It was considered highly contagious, and those who contracted it were condemned to a life of exile, desperation and poverty. Lepers were cast out of society, avoided and treated as despicable objects. The lepers of Jesus day lived a life of deep humiliation, and were treated with an attitude of indifference. In Wiesel's words, they were reduced to a mere "abstraction."
Can you imagine every time encountering a "clean" person having to yell, "Unclean! Unclean!" so that they might avoid contact with you? That was exactly what the Jewish law required. Can you imagine the humiliation of being bound in filthy rags from head to toe in order to distinguish yourself as a disease infected leper? Can you imagine having to live near the city dump so that you could out run your fellow lepers for scraps of food? Well, that was exactly the hopeless existence the lepers of Jesus' day were forced to live. They were treated as rude and unwanted interruptions, reduced to mere abstractions.
Yet the leper in Mark's Gospel ran to Jesus. He broke the law and asked Jesus to please make him clean; and Jesus did exactly that - he touched him and made him clean; made him whole and restored his dignity. One might argue at this point that Jesus is God and he knows the heart of all people. True; that is a correct thought and understanding of the nature of God, and we know (at least most of know!) that we're not God. But still, as Christians we are given a few direct marching orders from Jesus to take care of the poor, the destitute, the widows and orphans, as well as the oppressed and alien (legal or illegal).
A few days ago I gave a man ten dollars so that he could buy gas in order to get to a job interview near Petersburg. I found out within the hour that he took that ten dollars straight to the liquor store. At first, I was frustrated and disappointed because the gentleman lied to me; I felt deceived and used. No wonder people (myself included) often walk right by or step over those who claim to be in desperate need. But is that what Jesus is telling us to do - make judgments regarding those who ask us for help? For those of us who have experienced the abuse of trust and the deceptive ploys of the needy and homeless, Jesus' direct commandment to us to take care of the sick and poor is most difficult.
The last I checked, God doesn't ask us to determine who is worthy of our assistance and who is not (at least I haven't been charged with that daunting responsibility). God simply asks us to be faithful conduits of his love and mercy to all those in trouble, sorrow, sickness or adversity. God also didn't tell us to be door mats for those we know abuse the system either! There is a fine line of accountability and enablement that we need to recognize, yet this is learned through our willingness to love unconditionally and give of ourselves as Christ has taught us. Our directive is to serve Christ as his humble servants and become icons of love, hope and light to all people; even the ones who abuse the system. (You never know what transforming action or word might invite the Spirit into their lives).
In conclusion, Jesus treats all people as just that - people. Everyone from the most desperate leper to the most pious Pharisee, Jesus refuses to treat them as a rude intrusion or mere abstraction. He treats all of God's children the same - with love (some time's rather testily - but nevertheless love) compassion and dignity. This is the model that we as Christians are called to live and inwardly digest. While this lifestyle is not easy, it is the food that nourishes our spirits and the life line that connects us and God to the community. When we become willing to step outside of ourselves and become vulnerable (even to the abuse of society) we suffer with those who suffer; we suffer with Christ as he continues to tirelessly unite his Body as one in Him. So I encourage all of us to be a conduit of God's love and mercy and not a gatekeeper or judge.
Remaining indifferent to those who truly suffer in this world is nothing new to our time. Indifference is a cruel form of social marginalization. A Darwinian theorist might even justify that marginalization of those who are sick, needy or in desperate trouble is the "natural order of things." But for those who claim Christ as our Lord, we are called to usurp the "natural order of things."
First century Palestine was no different than any other age when it came to the outcast, socially marginalized and loathed. Actually it was probably worse since the Jewish law gave credibility to the exile and expulsion of those considered unclean. Leprosy most assuredly was one such death sentence to a life of normal social acceptance. It was an ancient curse that guaranteed a person of a life stripped of dignity, hope and any kind of value. This terrible disease caused grotesque disfigurement of the body. It was considered highly contagious, and those who contracted it were condemned to a life of exile, desperation and poverty. Lepers were cast out of society, avoided and treated as despicable objects. The lepers of Jesus day lived a life of deep humiliation, and were treated with an attitude of indifference. In Wiesel's words, they were reduced to a mere "abstraction."
Can you imagine every time encountering a "clean" person having to yell, "Unclean! Unclean!" so that they might avoid contact with you? That was exactly what the Jewish law required. Can you imagine the humiliation of being bound in filthy rags from head to toe in order to distinguish yourself as a disease infected leper? Can you imagine having to live near the city dump so that you could out run your fellow lepers for scraps of food? Well, that was exactly the hopeless existence the lepers of Jesus' day were forced to live. They were treated as rude and unwanted interruptions, reduced to mere abstractions.
Yet the leper in Mark's Gospel ran to Jesus. He broke the law and asked Jesus to please make him clean; and Jesus did exactly that - he touched him and made him clean; made him whole and restored his dignity. One might argue at this point that Jesus is God and he knows the heart of all people. True; that is a correct thought and understanding of the nature of God, and we know (at least most of know!) that we're not God. But still, as Christians we are given a few direct marching orders from Jesus to take care of the poor, the destitute, the widows and orphans, as well as the oppressed and alien (legal or illegal).
A few days ago I gave a man ten dollars so that he could buy gas in order to get to a job interview near Petersburg. I found out within the hour that he took that ten dollars straight to the liquor store. At first, I was frustrated and disappointed because the gentleman lied to me; I felt deceived and used. No wonder people (myself included) often walk right by or step over those who claim to be in desperate need. But is that what Jesus is telling us to do - make judgments regarding those who ask us for help? For those of us who have experienced the abuse of trust and the deceptive ploys of the needy and homeless, Jesus' direct commandment to us to take care of the sick and poor is most difficult.
The last I checked, God doesn't ask us to determine who is worthy of our assistance and who is not (at least I haven't been charged with that daunting responsibility). God simply asks us to be faithful conduits of his love and mercy to all those in trouble, sorrow, sickness or adversity. God also didn't tell us to be door mats for those we know abuse the system either! There is a fine line of accountability and enablement that we need to recognize, yet this is learned through our willingness to love unconditionally and give of ourselves as Christ has taught us. Our directive is to serve Christ as his humble servants and become icons of love, hope and light to all people; even the ones who abuse the system. (You never know what transforming action or word might invite the Spirit into their lives).
In conclusion, Jesus treats all people as just that - people. Everyone from the most desperate leper to the most pious Pharisee, Jesus refuses to treat them as a rude intrusion or mere abstraction. He treats all of God's children the same - with love (some time's rather testily - but nevertheless love) compassion and dignity. This is the model that we as Christians are called to live and inwardly digest. While this lifestyle is not easy, it is the food that nourishes our spirits and the life line that connects us and God to the community. When we become willing to step outside of ourselves and become vulnerable (even to the abuse of society) we suffer with those who suffer; we suffer with Christ as he continues to tirelessly unite his Body as one in Him. So I encourage all of us to be a conduit of God's love and mercy and not a gatekeeper or judge.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Fear Driven or Faith Driven
What does it mean to experience life through a "Fear Driven" lens? What does it mean to experience life through though a "Faith Driven" lens?
To live driven by fear means we are usually running away from someone or something that creates anxiety in our hearts. A fear driven life also has the ability to drive us toward something (healthy or unhealthy) in order to escape those threats. I spent much of my youth living on the fear driven side of the scale; either running towards denial or running away from reality and pain. Like many people today I too experienced those dreaded demons who whisper words of phantom doubt and anxiety into the soul's ear, cultivating various forms of spiritual sickness and disease. It is a nightmare existence to live in constant and unceasing fear - fear of failure, fear of loss, fear of others, fear of self, fear of conflict, fear of authority, fear of things beyond our control, and fear of retribution. For many of us this list has the potential go on and on, forming an endless litany of despair.
How are we to live a life centered in Christ if we spend a life immersed in fear? The answer is quite simple; we can't!
The prophet Jeremiah wrote:
"Blessed is the man who trusts the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by water that sends its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when the heat comes; its leaves are green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8
I want to be like that tree planted by the water; a clean, clear and nutrient laden water; one that provides spiritual refreshment and growth; a living water that brings peace and calmness to the very core of life's storms; a water that cools and refreshes the heart, even when the heat of life creates a parched and dusty drought. When our roots are spiritually deep, planted in the rich soil of Christ, we suddenly experience what it means to lead a faith driven life. Those deep roots are grounded in trust; a holy and unbending trust in God, who provides the sustaining nutrients our spirits and consciousness need to live. In Jesus Christ we find an unconditional love that when tapped into, we are able to experience the benefit of a joy filled confidence.
The true fact of the matter is spiritual droughts will always occur in this life. Challenges will rise and fall with whatever season we find ourselves. There are days in which we will feel parched and dry; we may even find ourselves in a desert. But if our spiritual roots are spread out and firmly attached to Christ, the one thing we can most assuredly count on is God's living water. In the most barren time it will bubble up and nourish our hearts, minds and bodies.
The holy and life giving spirit our hearts long for is God. He is the nurturing water that gushes out of rocks, rises out of sand and flows through dry desert crags. Christ is the living water that gives rest to the weary, strength to the weak, love to the reviled, calmness to the restless in spirit, and peace to those who are desperate.
While fear will always exist in this world and constantly assault us, looking for any crack or crevice to breach our faith, know that in Christ there is an endless ocean of hope that is filled with grace and love. In Christ Jesus nothing can ever separate us from the love of God.
To live driven by fear means we are usually running away from someone or something that creates anxiety in our hearts. A fear driven life also has the ability to drive us toward something (healthy or unhealthy) in order to escape those threats. I spent much of my youth living on the fear driven side of the scale; either running towards denial or running away from reality and pain. Like many people today I too experienced those dreaded demons who whisper words of phantom doubt and anxiety into the soul's ear, cultivating various forms of spiritual sickness and disease. It is a nightmare existence to live in constant and unceasing fear - fear of failure, fear of loss, fear of others, fear of self, fear of conflict, fear of authority, fear of things beyond our control, and fear of retribution. For many of us this list has the potential go on and on, forming an endless litany of despair.
How are we to live a life centered in Christ if we spend a life immersed in fear? The answer is quite simple; we can't!
The prophet Jeremiah wrote:
"Blessed is the man who trusts the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by water that sends its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when the heat comes; its leaves are green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8
I want to be like that tree planted by the water; a clean, clear and nutrient laden water; one that provides spiritual refreshment and growth; a living water that brings peace and calmness to the very core of life's storms; a water that cools and refreshes the heart, even when the heat of life creates a parched and dusty drought. When our roots are spiritually deep, planted in the rich soil of Christ, we suddenly experience what it means to lead a faith driven life. Those deep roots are grounded in trust; a holy and unbending trust in God, who provides the sustaining nutrients our spirits and consciousness need to live. In Jesus Christ we find an unconditional love that when tapped into, we are able to experience the benefit of a joy filled confidence.
The true fact of the matter is spiritual droughts will always occur in this life. Challenges will rise and fall with whatever season we find ourselves. There are days in which we will feel parched and dry; we may even find ourselves in a desert. But if our spiritual roots are spread out and firmly attached to Christ, the one thing we can most assuredly count on is God's living water. In the most barren time it will bubble up and nourish our hearts, minds and bodies.
The holy and life giving spirit our hearts long for is God. He is the nurturing water that gushes out of rocks, rises out of sand and flows through dry desert crags. Christ is the living water that gives rest to the weary, strength to the weak, love to the reviled, calmness to the restless in spirit, and peace to those who are desperate.
While fear will always exist in this world and constantly assault us, looking for any crack or crevice to breach our faith, know that in Christ there is an endless ocean of hope that is filled with grace and love. In Christ Jesus nothing can ever separate us from the love of God.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Founded on the Love of Jesus - Anything else is Just a Bad Substitute
This week I attended the Diocese of Virginia’s 215th Annual Diocesan Council, held in Reston, Virginia. The theme of this year’s council was – "The Church is One Foundation." This is such an appropriate theme as the Diocese of Virginia continues the unfortunate litigation process regarding our property with those 11 break away parishes. I was reminded at council of our need to live, worship and exist in community. At the heart of Jesus’ ministry, community was important. For Christ, not only was gathering his followers around him an essential part of his ministry, but embracing diversity was vital as well; and what a diverse group of disciples he called to service! Jesus had a band of people from all walks of life serving as his Apostles. Through his band of followers, Jesus created a microcosm and model of the Christian community. He called and welcomed a tax collector, a Zealot, ordinary fishermen and even a traitor into his community of followers. What does this say about Christianity when even those who have bad intentions are allowed into the community of faith? It tells us that we are all welcome and that God loves the sinner. God welcomes the hurt, the oppressed, the sick, the lost, the outcast and loathed people. Jesus opened the community up to us all in order to redeem us all.
Still, how quickly we forget what it means to be a Christian. How easily we forsake community for individuality. How ever so subtly we become a club of exclusiveness, rather than a community of inclusiveness. From our roots we Christians have always been a diverse bunch. The reason we live together despite our petty arguments, disagreements and differences is that we are formed in Christ Jesus our Lord. He is at the center of our lives and faith. Jesus is truly the “Sure Foundation” that bonds us together providing the common ground for us to stand and gather.
If we are to grow as a community of faith and carry the Gospel message to all nations, we need to learn to accept each other for who God created us. While it is alright to recognize and even discuss our differences, in the end it is vital to the Church Universal that we embrace one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, laying aside the divisive need to be right or prove others wrong. There is no room for that kind of behavior in the economy of God.
“The Church is One Foundation with Jesus Christ her Lord” and she stands in magnificent beauty despite the threats of schism and sin's wicked stain. I encourage us to look at Jesus’ disciples and their diversity. I encourage us to look at the church and the diversity of her membership. I encourage us to look in the mirror and know that while we are a unique being, formed in the image of God, so are others; even those people we may not like or understand. As the Christian community we are founded on Jesus Christ our Lord, anything else is just a bad substitute.
Still, how quickly we forget what it means to be a Christian. How easily we forsake community for individuality. How ever so subtly we become a club of exclusiveness, rather than a community of inclusiveness. From our roots we Christians have always been a diverse bunch. The reason we live together despite our petty arguments, disagreements and differences is that we are formed in Christ Jesus our Lord. He is at the center of our lives and faith. Jesus is truly the “Sure Foundation” that bonds us together providing the common ground for us to stand and gather.
If we are to grow as a community of faith and carry the Gospel message to all nations, we need to learn to accept each other for who God created us. While it is alright to recognize and even discuss our differences, in the end it is vital to the Church Universal that we embrace one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, laying aside the divisive need to be right or prove others wrong. There is no room for that kind of behavior in the economy of God.
“The Church is One Foundation with Jesus Christ her Lord” and she stands in magnificent beauty despite the threats of schism and sin's wicked stain. I encourage us to look at Jesus’ disciples and their diversity. I encourage us to look at the church and the diversity of her membership. I encourage us to look in the mirror and know that while we are a unique being, formed in the image of God, so are others; even those people we may not like or understand. As the Christian community we are founded on Jesus Christ our Lord, anything else is just a bad substitute.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Divine Living in a Human State of Mind
What does it mean to be fully human? What does it mean to embrace this heart, mind, body and soul that God has created? These are important questions when examining our faith. These questions remind us that we are not merely a spiritual being trapped in a bodily shell; we are reminded that our body, mind and soul are all connected and integral parts of one another; we are reminded that God is a divine artist, sculptor and creator. So what does it mean to be fully human and alive in this world?
We don’t have to look very far for the answer to these questions. Jesus is the perfect example of what it means to live life to its fullest human potential. Jesus, the Word made Flesh (the Incarnation) is fully human, yet fully divine. This is the mystery of God. Through his human nature, Jesus teaches us how to live in our mortal bodies with a rich and deep spiritual fortitude. To live a life that is fully human means to live a life that is spiritually nourishing and grounded in Christ. When our spirits are healthy, our humanity thrives despite our shortcomings, hardships and challenges. A healthy spiritual life allows us in our humanity to face life with compassion, love, forgiveness and with a fearlessness that comes from an open and vulnerable heart.
Jesus was made perfect in everyway, but he experienced the full spectrum of emotions in his humanity that we do. While Jesus lived his life without sin, that is a luxury that you and I don’t have in this life. We are sinners whose humanity is broken, divided and consumed by burdens. Yet God made us perfect. God made us in his image. God blessed us and molded us to be above all of his creatures. Christ in his humanity reminds us of the perfect nature of God; a breath of life that we once shared. But God doesn’t make junk, and despite our human fallibility we are saved through the perfection of Jesus Christ.
So what does it mean to be fully human? It simply means that we will make mistakes in this life, yet we are fully redeemed. We bear burdens, but we’re not alone. We stumble and fall, but Christ is always there to pick us up. To learn what it means to be human is to accept the diversity in which God has created in each of us, and become willing to live life on life’s terms in joyful gratitude for the rich blessing of communion with Christ and one another.
We don’t have to look very far for the answer to these questions. Jesus is the perfect example of what it means to live life to its fullest human potential. Jesus, the Word made Flesh (the Incarnation) is fully human, yet fully divine. This is the mystery of God. Through his human nature, Jesus teaches us how to live in our mortal bodies with a rich and deep spiritual fortitude. To live a life that is fully human means to live a life that is spiritually nourishing and grounded in Christ. When our spirits are healthy, our humanity thrives despite our shortcomings, hardships and challenges. A healthy spiritual life allows us in our humanity to face life with compassion, love, forgiveness and with a fearlessness that comes from an open and vulnerable heart.
Jesus was made perfect in everyway, but he experienced the full spectrum of emotions in his humanity that we do. While Jesus lived his life without sin, that is a luxury that you and I don’t have in this life. We are sinners whose humanity is broken, divided and consumed by burdens. Yet God made us perfect. God made us in his image. God blessed us and molded us to be above all of his creatures. Christ in his humanity reminds us of the perfect nature of God; a breath of life that we once shared. But God doesn’t make junk, and despite our human fallibility we are saved through the perfection of Jesus Christ.
So what does it mean to be fully human? It simply means that we will make mistakes in this life, yet we are fully redeemed. We bear burdens, but we’re not alone. We stumble and fall, but Christ is always there to pick us up. To learn what it means to be human is to accept the diversity in which God has created in each of us, and become willing to live life on life’s terms in joyful gratitude for the rich blessing of communion with Christ and one another.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
The Baptism of our Lord
Have you ever had a moment of clarity when you could see things the way they really were?
Often we live our lives caught up in the fast and furious pace of the world; robotically living from one moment to the next. Occasionally however there are those rare times when everything
seems to snap into focus. Sometimes we have these insights in prayer, sometimes in relationships, sometimes in the overlooked details of daily living. Sometimes those moments are fleeting. Sometimes those moments are life changing.
A moment of clarity is a gift from God in which we are shown the truth; a truth that causes us to look deep into our own hearts and face what we see there. Those moments of clarity often affect us in a penetrating and personal manner. They lead us to spiritual crossroads that define our lives and direction.
Jesus had such a moment of clarity. One that brought him to a crossroads in his life. Jesus went to the Jordan to be baptized. The immersion of Jesus in that dirty filthy water revealed his place, his power, and his mission. In a moment of intense clarity, as Jesus rose from beneath the waters surface, his identity was revealed by the voice of God -“This is my son in whom I am well pleased.”(You see) Jesus’ baptism gave him the verbal assurance that he was indeed God's son.
He was born of the Holy Spirit, but his baptism gave him the visible assurance that the Spirit was present with him.(The Spirit descended upon him like a dove).
Jesus baptism gave him the positive assurances he would need during his temptation
and time of ministry, his sufferings and death. But despite knowing this, the road Jesus chose to walk certainly didn't make his life any easier; nor does our baptism make the challenges we face each day any less real. People still suffer, get sick, die, and experience the unfairness of life.
Challenges are always present in this world. Our baptism reminds us that we are renewed and reconciled children of God; beloved children of the resurrection.
There is a powerful sense of security in the knowledge that our baptism unites us to a community of faith. Because of our initiation into this Christian faith, we never have to walk life's journey alone.
Jesus’ ministry began in an act of solidarity with the lost.That act of solidarity was his baptism.
His baptism marked the beginning of his Salvific mission to save us from sin and death. Jesus’ baptism foreshadowed his ministry as the “Suffering Servant.” Being counted with sinners in baptism, he would be killed at the hand of sinners. But just as Jesus rose from the waters of the Jordan, so too would he rise form the grave. By his baptism, all barriers that kept us from God’s presence were broken. Through the water of baptism,the Holy Spirit flooded into the world. There was an intense moment of clarity unloosed upon God’s creation. What was revealed in that moment of immersion and rising up out of the water was: No longer was God’s Spirit reserved for only a few chosen people. Through Jesus the Spirit would be offered to all.
Salvation was suddenly available to everyone. That is a profound revelation! That is Good News!
Have you had precious moments of clarity regarding your relationship with God?
What moments of grace have you experienced?
How have these moments changed you?
How did those moments affirm your baptism
and life as a Christian?
Often we live our lives caught up in the fast and furious pace of the world; robotically living from one moment to the next. Occasionally however there are those rare times when everything
seems to snap into focus. Sometimes we have these insights in prayer, sometimes in relationships, sometimes in the overlooked details of daily living. Sometimes those moments are fleeting. Sometimes those moments are life changing.
A moment of clarity is a gift from God in which we are shown the truth; a truth that causes us to look deep into our own hearts and face what we see there. Those moments of clarity often affect us in a penetrating and personal manner. They lead us to spiritual crossroads that define our lives and direction.
Jesus had such a moment of clarity. One that brought him to a crossroads in his life. Jesus went to the Jordan to be baptized. The immersion of Jesus in that dirty filthy water revealed his place, his power, and his mission. In a moment of intense clarity, as Jesus rose from beneath the waters surface, his identity was revealed by the voice of God -“This is my son in whom I am well pleased.”(You see) Jesus’ baptism gave him the verbal assurance that he was indeed God's son.
He was born of the Holy Spirit, but his baptism gave him the visible assurance that the Spirit was present with him.(The Spirit descended upon him like a dove).
Jesus baptism gave him the positive assurances he would need during his temptation
and time of ministry, his sufferings and death. But despite knowing this, the road Jesus chose to walk certainly didn't make his life any easier; nor does our baptism make the challenges we face each day any less real. People still suffer, get sick, die, and experience the unfairness of life.
Challenges are always present in this world. Our baptism reminds us that we are renewed and reconciled children of God; beloved children of the resurrection.
There is a powerful sense of security in the knowledge that our baptism unites us to a community of faith. Because of our initiation into this Christian faith, we never have to walk life's journey alone.
Jesus’ ministry began in an act of solidarity with the lost.That act of solidarity was his baptism.
His baptism marked the beginning of his Salvific mission to save us from sin and death. Jesus’ baptism foreshadowed his ministry as the “Suffering Servant.” Being counted with sinners in baptism, he would be killed at the hand of sinners. But just as Jesus rose from the waters of the Jordan, so too would he rise form the grave. By his baptism, all barriers that kept us from God’s presence were broken. Through the water of baptism,the Holy Spirit flooded into the world. There was an intense moment of clarity unloosed upon God’s creation. What was revealed in that moment of immersion and rising up out of the water was: No longer was God’s Spirit reserved for only a few chosen people. Through Jesus the Spirit would be offered to all.
Salvation was suddenly available to everyone. That is a profound revelation! That is Good News!
Have you had precious moments of clarity regarding your relationship with God?
What moments of grace have you experienced?
How have these moments changed you?
How did those moments affirm your baptism
and life as a Christian?
Ouch! When Clergy Drop the Ball
Arise; shine for the light of the Lord is upon us! I love the season of Epiphany. It is the season of renewal and hope, sparked by the healing radiance of God. The Epiphany begins with the long journey of the wise men. While our manger scenes often depict “these ‘three?’ kings of Orient Old” showing up at the stable, in reality it was much later when they arrived at the home of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus (behave yourself all of you Ricky Bobby fans! Jesus was the ‘baby Jesus’ long before the movie).
We find this beautiful story of the wise men and their westward journey early on in the Gospel of Matthew. While this is a beautiful passage and one that demonstrates to us the far reach of God’s endless light, there is also a subtle and often glossed over disturbance which subtly haunts this passage. It is not the obvious and sinister hatred of King Herod (a true narcissistic murderer and fiend); it is not his tricky and treacherous nature; nor is it the fact that the wise men went to Herod in the first place (after all, if a king is born what more logical place to go look for him than at the palace?). What bothers me most of all in this passage is the clergy - the religious leaders and authorities.
Herod discovered through the wise men’s visit that a King and Savior was born somewhere in his region. He discovered through the wise men that a Liberator and Great Councilor was somewhere out there amongst the people. He realized in his narrow, yet terribly cunning mind that any ‘King’ was a threat to his sovereign reign (even though in reality he was nothing more than a Roman puppet). So what does Herod do? Not only does he attempt to trick the wise men into leading him to the Christ child in order to kill him, but he summons the clergy as well. Herod was probably certain that these preists must know something through their daily contact with the people. And here is the rub - they all fearfully respond. Herod enlists their assistance in his wicked plan to murder Jesus, and they oblige. It is important to note that these are the same religious leaders who are reading the Scriptures and looking (awaiting and anticipating) the coming of the ‘Liberating Messiah.’ And even if Jesus is not the type of liberator that they seek, they didn’t know that at this particular moment in time; and they sell him out!
Perhaps the Clergy were enjoying the ‘good life’ at the expense of their own people? Who really knows, but the fact is they responded to Herod’s call out of fear for their own safety and security. Perhaps this is the reason that as the wise men arrived in Jerusalem, the star they were following mysteriously disappeared. They had lost their guiding light and beacon. We are told in Scripture that it was only after meeting with Herod that the star reappeared to the three kings. The star certainly never appeared to God’s own ordained leaders!
It is most unfortunate when God’s own shepherds betray their flock. It is bad enough when the clergy become consumed with the need for worldly power and greed, but it is horrific when they betray the people they are called to lead and protect into the hands of the wicked. What is so distressing is when (we) the clergy cast aside faith in God and bow to fear. Fear! Fear for personal safety; fear over the loss of a comfortable lifestyle; fear of change. As clergy, when we sell out to the world, we to lose our guiding light and holy beacon. The night becomes pitch black and we lose all sense of direction. That is an aweful and lonely place to exist.
While it is easy for us to judge the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, this is a most unfortunate pattern that has existed in the history of the church. All we have to do is look at the corruption of the clergy during the Middle Ages, or the blind eye turned by the church during World War II as Hitler attempted to execute a whole race of people. The Pope and much of the church didn’t dare make a stand against Hitler or draw attention to the awful atrocities he and his Nazi thugs were committing against the Jewish race. Out of pure fear they abandoned their faith and bowed to Hitler, betraying the trust of so many people who desperately looked to them for guidance.
The clergy in this passage did the same thing. They betrayed their beliefs and people out of fear. Their faith was nothing more than a false façade. They did absolutely nothing to intervene or take a faithful stand, even as Herod went on to slaughter all the baby boys of their people (the Holy Innocence).
When clergy drop the ball it has an awful and lingering affect on God’s people. After all, we are God’s ordained and trusted Shepherds. But despite the past, it is not our place to stand in judgement against the failures of others; for none of us are 'super-persons' or perfect without sin. We are after all only human beings who are sinners, and we all drop the ball on occasions. Thank goodness for God's redeeming grace! Therefore it is my most sincere prayer that in our day and age that corruption, power, greed nor fear will prevent us from perserving the faith and mission we are ordained to serve. It is the clergy’s mission to stand in love, holding accountable the corrupt governments of this world; to embrace our people (especially those who suffer) and stand firm in our faith - even if it means personal suffering and persecution. It is our responsibility to embrace our conviction to Christ, and become icons (living windows) to God’s liberating glory.
What would have happened if the Jewish clergy had stood up to Herod? What would have happened had the Catholic Church (as well as many other denominations) made a faithful stand against Hitler? Who knows; we certainly have no right to judge those folks, as that is solely up to God. But we can learn from the past, and as God’s modern day church do all we can to put faith before fear. I pray for myself as a member of the clergy, as I hope others do as well by saying, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
We find this beautiful story of the wise men and their westward journey early on in the Gospel of Matthew. While this is a beautiful passage and one that demonstrates to us the far reach of God’s endless light, there is also a subtle and often glossed over disturbance which subtly haunts this passage. It is not the obvious and sinister hatred of King Herod (a true narcissistic murderer and fiend); it is not his tricky and treacherous nature; nor is it the fact that the wise men went to Herod in the first place (after all, if a king is born what more logical place to go look for him than at the palace?). What bothers me most of all in this passage is the clergy - the religious leaders and authorities.
Herod discovered through the wise men’s visit that a King and Savior was born somewhere in his region. He discovered through the wise men that a Liberator and Great Councilor was somewhere out there amongst the people. He realized in his narrow, yet terribly cunning mind that any ‘King’ was a threat to his sovereign reign (even though in reality he was nothing more than a Roman puppet). So what does Herod do? Not only does he attempt to trick the wise men into leading him to the Christ child in order to kill him, but he summons the clergy as well. Herod was probably certain that these preists must know something through their daily contact with the people. And here is the rub - they all fearfully respond. Herod enlists their assistance in his wicked plan to murder Jesus, and they oblige. It is important to note that these are the same religious leaders who are reading the Scriptures and looking (awaiting and anticipating) the coming of the ‘Liberating Messiah.’ And even if Jesus is not the type of liberator that they seek, they didn’t know that at this particular moment in time; and they sell him out!
Perhaps the Clergy were enjoying the ‘good life’ at the expense of their own people? Who really knows, but the fact is they responded to Herod’s call out of fear for their own safety and security. Perhaps this is the reason that as the wise men arrived in Jerusalem, the star they were following mysteriously disappeared. They had lost their guiding light and beacon. We are told in Scripture that it was only after meeting with Herod that the star reappeared to the three kings. The star certainly never appeared to God’s own ordained leaders!
It is most unfortunate when God’s own shepherds betray their flock. It is bad enough when the clergy become consumed with the need for worldly power and greed, but it is horrific when they betray the people they are called to lead and protect into the hands of the wicked. What is so distressing is when (we) the clergy cast aside faith in God and bow to fear. Fear! Fear for personal safety; fear over the loss of a comfortable lifestyle; fear of change. As clergy, when we sell out to the world, we to lose our guiding light and holy beacon. The night becomes pitch black and we lose all sense of direction. That is an aweful and lonely place to exist.
While it is easy for us to judge the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, this is a most unfortunate pattern that has existed in the history of the church. All we have to do is look at the corruption of the clergy during the Middle Ages, or the blind eye turned by the church during World War II as Hitler attempted to execute a whole race of people. The Pope and much of the church didn’t dare make a stand against Hitler or draw attention to the awful atrocities he and his Nazi thugs were committing against the Jewish race. Out of pure fear they abandoned their faith and bowed to Hitler, betraying the trust of so many people who desperately looked to them for guidance.
The clergy in this passage did the same thing. They betrayed their beliefs and people out of fear. Their faith was nothing more than a false façade. They did absolutely nothing to intervene or take a faithful stand, even as Herod went on to slaughter all the baby boys of their people (the Holy Innocence).
When clergy drop the ball it has an awful and lingering affect on God’s people. After all, we are God’s ordained and trusted Shepherds. But despite the past, it is not our place to stand in judgement against the failures of others; for none of us are 'super-persons' or perfect without sin. We are after all only human beings who are sinners, and we all drop the ball on occasions. Thank goodness for God's redeeming grace! Therefore it is my most sincere prayer that in our day and age that corruption, power, greed nor fear will prevent us from perserving the faith and mission we are ordained to serve. It is the clergy’s mission to stand in love, holding accountable the corrupt governments of this world; to embrace our people (especially those who suffer) and stand firm in our faith - even if it means personal suffering and persecution. It is our responsibility to embrace our conviction to Christ, and become icons (living windows) to God’s liberating glory.
What would have happened if the Jewish clergy had stood up to Herod? What would have happened had the Catholic Church (as well as many other denominations) made a faithful stand against Hitler? Who knows; we certainly have no right to judge those folks, as that is solely up to God. But we can learn from the past, and as God’s modern day church do all we can to put faith before fear. I pray for myself as a member of the clergy, as I hope others do as well by saying, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
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Church of the Good Shepherd, Augusta, Ga.
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