A weekend away has left me feeling as if today is a day to rest and recuperate, but I look at the calendar and realize it is Halloween. I wonder if you all will rest this evening,or if you will be out in force, reveling in the day.
Halloween is shunned by some in the Christian community. It is seen as an inappropriate nod to the things demonic. We do tend to see more costumes involving witches than resurrected saints. There are all sorts of stories on how the tradition grew and expanded. I am enough of a cynic to believe that its current popularity in American culture has more to do with marketability. Thanksgiving has lost out to "the first shopping day for Christmas," so Halloween is the event you can sell. Folks are decorating for Christmas by the last week in November, but there would be time to put up one set of decorations for October 31, take them down, and get ready for Santa's and snow globes.
Halloween is All Hallow's Eve. It falls on October 31, the day before All Saints' Day. On All Saints we remember and honor all those who have passed, giving thanks for their presence among us and seeking their aid in our continued pilgrimage. There is a passing reference in the Resurrection narratives to the graves opening and the saints mingling among God's people. While this is intended as a reinforcement of witnessing to the faith, some interpret it as ghoulish warnings to those who are unfaithful.
There was no "Halloween" in Martin Luther's day. All Saints' Day was (still is) a day of holy obligation, so all the faithful would have made their way to worship on that day. This made the evening of October 31 the perfect day for Luther to post a notice on the door of the Church, that he wanted to start a debate about the practices of the Pope. Thus, October 31 is observed among Lutherans as Reformation Day.
Enjoy your day. If you are planning an evening's activity, have fun. It is a day for frivolities, not for serious evangelism, but you might store away a few thoughts about the origins of this day and be prepared to remind your fellow party-goers that tomorrow is All Saints, and to encourage them to follow up their day of fright and screams with a day of prayerful remembrance.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Devotion - Thursday, October 27
The appointed lesson for today comes from the 6th Chapter of I Corinthians. Paul has been addressing concerns about the community in Corinth. Here, he deals with issues of sexual morality. Paul has some stern words for those who fail to realize that bodies are important. He writes, "Do you not know that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God?"
I must insert a thought which those of you attending our LCM some-what annual "sex talk" have heard me say: Most of the talk we hear about sex is way too simple. Too much of what we are told ignores the complex nature of our sensual selves. These thoughts are consistent with what it is that Paul says about our bodies in I Corinthians.
Our bodies are not like a sweat-shirt, which we use in whatever way we choose. Our bodies are not like a car, which we own and thus have the ability to either treat kindly or badly. Our bodies are a gift from God; the temple for God; and something about which God is deeply concerned.
Let us not forget that the God whom we worship set aside a heavenly body in order to take on a human body. There is something sacred about our bodies.
How, then, ought we to treat them? Certainly with respect and honor. Surely in a way which reflects the value God has for them.
It is too light a thing to say "You can do this," or "that is not allowed." The complexity of our existence should not be reduced to a few simple axioms. When we misuse our bodies, or the body of another, something more significant is going on than merely breaking some rule handed down to us by some interpreter. We are violating the sacred trust God has in us and for us. We are rejecting the role God desires in our lives.
Another unhealthy trend in modern religious life is the privatization of piety. We take everything as a matter "between me and God." We fail to understand the communal nature of our faith. If you want to evaluate whether your actions are appropriate, ask yourself one simple question: "Can I discuss my choices with other members of the community?" If I can, there is a reasonable expectation that my actions are not shameful and potentially hurtful. If I cannot, it may mean that I am acting shamefully.
This issue is way too complex to address in a few short paragraphs. But the Lectionary brought me to this text and thus forced me to reflect on it. Rather than read this offering as answer, use it to begin your own thinking about the sacredness of your body and as encouragement to see in others the same.
I must insert a thought which those of you attending our LCM some-what annual "sex talk" have heard me say: Most of the talk we hear about sex is way too simple. Too much of what we are told ignores the complex nature of our sensual selves. These thoughts are consistent with what it is that Paul says about our bodies in I Corinthians.
Our bodies are not like a sweat-shirt, which we use in whatever way we choose. Our bodies are not like a car, which we own and thus have the ability to either treat kindly or badly. Our bodies are a gift from God; the temple for God; and something about which God is deeply concerned.
Let us not forget that the God whom we worship set aside a heavenly body in order to take on a human body. There is something sacred about our bodies.
How, then, ought we to treat them? Certainly with respect and honor. Surely in a way which reflects the value God has for them.
It is too light a thing to say "You can do this," or "that is not allowed." The complexity of our existence should not be reduced to a few simple axioms. When we misuse our bodies, or the body of another, something more significant is going on than merely breaking some rule handed down to us by some interpreter. We are violating the sacred trust God has in us and for us. We are rejecting the role God desires in our lives.
Another unhealthy trend in modern religious life is the privatization of piety. We take everything as a matter "between me and God." We fail to understand the communal nature of our faith. If you want to evaluate whether your actions are appropriate, ask yourself one simple question: "Can I discuss my choices with other members of the community?" If I can, there is a reasonable expectation that my actions are not shameful and potentially hurtful. If I cannot, it may mean that I am acting shamefully.
This issue is way too complex to address in a few short paragraphs. But the Lectionary brought me to this text and thus forced me to reflect on it. Rather than read this offering as answer, use it to begin your own thinking about the sacredness of your body and as encouragement to see in others the same.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Devotion - Wednesday, October 26
I want to refer, once more, to the experience of Monday evening. I sat with a group of students engaged in interfaith dialogue. The wisdom of the model, developed by the students, was to ask "What does your religion say about the topic, but also share with us how you feel."
There are a number of places where our practice does not match our doctrine. We don't often examine these. It is when we try to explain the foundations of our faith that we bump up against the practice of our faith.
Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in Matthew, continues to serve as content for my prayers. Today, I read "You have heard it said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.'"
We stumbled over Sunday's lesson on loving neighbor. This is itself a challenge. Remembering that Jesus had something to say about who all is to be included in the category of "neighbor," we realize that he means for us to love all those we encounter, not merely those who belong to the same social clubs as we.
Now, he tells us to love our enemy; to pray for those who persecute us.
The crisis in Libya is horrific. The murder of Gaddafi has exposed the world's blood thirst. Can our response stand the test of Jesus' Sermon?
Loving our neighbors gets reduced to loving those who are in our family or members of our congregation. This is a lessening of what Jesus teaches. Celebrating the death of another, even one who was a tyrant, cannot be considered an act in line with the words of Jesus.
We sometimes hide behind comments like, "The world now is so different from when it was when Jesus was here." That is certainly true. But Jesus knew the world would change, he only hoped and prayed (served and died) so that the change which was to come might result in a world more aligned with God's vision of what the world might be like.
There are a number of places where our practice does not match our doctrine. We don't often examine these. It is when we try to explain the foundations of our faith that we bump up against the practice of our faith.
Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in Matthew, continues to serve as content for my prayers. Today, I read "You have heard it said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.'"
We stumbled over Sunday's lesson on loving neighbor. This is itself a challenge. Remembering that Jesus had something to say about who all is to be included in the category of "neighbor," we realize that he means for us to love all those we encounter, not merely those who belong to the same social clubs as we.
Now, he tells us to love our enemy; to pray for those who persecute us.
The crisis in Libya is horrific. The murder of Gaddafi has exposed the world's blood thirst. Can our response stand the test of Jesus' Sermon?
Loving our neighbors gets reduced to loving those who are in our family or members of our congregation. This is a lessening of what Jesus teaches. Celebrating the death of another, even one who was a tyrant, cannot be considered an act in line with the words of Jesus.
We sometimes hide behind comments like, "The world now is so different from when it was when Jesus was here." That is certainly true. But Jesus knew the world would change, he only hoped and prayed (served and died) so that the change which was to come might result in a world more aligned with God's vision of what the world might be like.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Devotion - Tuesday, October 25
A small number of us attended last night's Interfaith Dialogue Dinner. It was an enjoyable evening. After sharing a meal, we broke into two groups and discussed topics identified by the participants. Our sub-group had representatives from the Christian community and from Islamic communities.
One of the topics we picked at random from the slips of paper was "Divorce." We found, for the most part, agreement between us. We realized, as persons talked, that extreme views are held by followers of Jesus as well as those who have chosen the path of Mohammad.
One "Christian" held the position that this is not allowed. Another, from a Roman Catholic background, raised the issue of annulments. The Muslim student with us pointed out that divorce was allowed in her communities, and that contrary to what many Americans think, it is an option for women as well as for men. An older Islamic gentleman, pointed out that a male can divorce by saying "I divorce you" three times, publicly, but that a women must go to the courts for her pronouncement. This slightly differing interpretation brought out some additional views from the Christian perspective - views in which divorce was more acceptable.
This morning, I replayed the discussion in my mind after reading the appointed text. Still reading from Matthew 5, the verses contain Jesus' words about divorce. He speaks of it as unacceptable.
Acknowledging that my primary audience for these writings are the students, I want to use these brief sentences to address the things which are most likely to be of concern to you.
First, some of you come from divorced families. You already understand why Jesus would speak harshly of divorce. You know the tear which occurs, not merely in the lives of those who divorce but also in the lives of those who share life with them.
At the same time, you are aware of the heartache and pain which preceded the divorce. And in most instances, you come to acknowledge that the tearing apart of lives has allowed for more peaceful lives to emerge.
Second, I would lift up for you the importance of understanding the covenant of marriage and encourage you to engage in many conversations about it - long before you are anywhere near saying "I do." We make too many assumptions about our understanding of the bond made by the exchange of rings and vows. Jesus attempts to warn us of the disastrous effects of making bad relationship choices. You are likely to have made a few of these yourself, or seen bad choices in the lives of roommates or friends.
We need to understand that marriage is more than an extended date. It is a pledge to build a life together. It is a promise to support and care for the other. It is an earthly opportunity to experience unwavering devotion and commitment. Those traits are more easily shared when they are linked to the One whose unwavering devotion and commitment gives rise to our faith life.
I commend these inter-faith dialogues to you. They are revealing; they also create an opportunity for you to reflect on issues which are very important, but are too infrequently discussed.
One of the topics we picked at random from the slips of paper was "Divorce." We found, for the most part, agreement between us. We realized, as persons talked, that extreme views are held by followers of Jesus as well as those who have chosen the path of Mohammad.
One "Christian" held the position that this is not allowed. Another, from a Roman Catholic background, raised the issue of annulments. The Muslim student with us pointed out that divorce was allowed in her communities, and that contrary to what many Americans think, it is an option for women as well as for men. An older Islamic gentleman, pointed out that a male can divorce by saying "I divorce you" three times, publicly, but that a women must go to the courts for her pronouncement. This slightly differing interpretation brought out some additional views from the Christian perspective - views in which divorce was more acceptable.
This morning, I replayed the discussion in my mind after reading the appointed text. Still reading from Matthew 5, the verses contain Jesus' words about divorce. He speaks of it as unacceptable.
Acknowledging that my primary audience for these writings are the students, I want to use these brief sentences to address the things which are most likely to be of concern to you.
First, some of you come from divorced families. You already understand why Jesus would speak harshly of divorce. You know the tear which occurs, not merely in the lives of those who divorce but also in the lives of those who share life with them.
At the same time, you are aware of the heartache and pain which preceded the divorce. And in most instances, you come to acknowledge that the tearing apart of lives has allowed for more peaceful lives to emerge.
Second, I would lift up for you the importance of understanding the covenant of marriage and encourage you to engage in many conversations about it - long before you are anywhere near saying "I do." We make too many assumptions about our understanding of the bond made by the exchange of rings and vows. Jesus attempts to warn us of the disastrous effects of making bad relationship choices. You are likely to have made a few of these yourself, or seen bad choices in the lives of roommates or friends.
We need to understand that marriage is more than an extended date. It is a pledge to build a life together. It is a promise to support and care for the other. It is an earthly opportunity to experience unwavering devotion and commitment. Those traits are more easily shared when they are linked to the One whose unwavering devotion and commitment gives rise to our faith life.
I commend these inter-faith dialogues to you. They are revealing; they also create an opportunity for you to reflect on issues which are very important, but are too infrequently discussed.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Devotion - Monday, October 24
It is seldom a good ideal to return to one's own sermon with a thought on Monday morning. If the sermon is over, let it be over! Right? However, as I was reading the appointed Gospel for today, I could not help but notice a common point.
Matthew 5:21-26 contains Jesus' reminder that it isn't only our actions which run us afoul of God's desires, it is the inclinations of our hearts. Much like yesterday's Gospel, in which Jesus told the Pharisees it wasn't keeping all the rules which pleased God, rather loving with all our minds, and heats, and will, which please God, so here, Jesus helps us see that the mood of our hearts and the attitude with which we approach others makes a great difference.
Jesus says, "You have heard it said 'You shall not kill.' But I tell you everyone who is angry with his brother or sister shall be liable to judgement." Those insult another, those who utter "You fool!" are liable. It isn't merely what we do but how we approach another which affects our righteousness.
It is a lot easier to avoid the outward actions than it is to restrain ourselves with regard to how we feel. I may not strike my adversary, I may even avoid saying bad things about them in the presence of others, but the tough test is altering the way I feel about them in my heart.
Jesus told the Pharisees that they were concerned with the actions; he wanted them to look at their hearts and see what they discovered there. What resides in your heart is the strongest indication of whether you have indeed become the person Christ hopes you will become.
Matthew 5:21-26 contains Jesus' reminder that it isn't only our actions which run us afoul of God's desires, it is the inclinations of our hearts. Much like yesterday's Gospel, in which Jesus told the Pharisees it wasn't keeping all the rules which pleased God, rather loving with all our minds, and heats, and will, which please God, so here, Jesus helps us see that the mood of our hearts and the attitude with which we approach others makes a great difference.
Jesus says, "You have heard it said 'You shall not kill.' But I tell you everyone who is angry with his brother or sister shall be liable to judgement." Those insult another, those who utter "You fool!" are liable. It isn't merely what we do but how we approach another which affects our righteousness.
It is a lot easier to avoid the outward actions than it is to restrain ourselves with regard to how we feel. I may not strike my adversary, I may even avoid saying bad things about them in the presence of others, but the tough test is altering the way I feel about them in my heart.
Jesus told the Pharisees that they were concerned with the actions; he wanted them to look at their hearts and see what they discovered there. What resides in your heart is the strongest indication of whether you have indeed become the person Christ hopes you will become.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sermon - October 23
19th Sun after Pentecost - Year A Pr 30
Matthew 22:34-46
The Greatest Commandment
“Which commandment in the law is the greatest?” I wonder how that question would be answered, were it not taken directly from the Gospel of Matthew? Heck, I wonder how it might be answered, even though most of us have read Matthew, or even committed 22:37 to memory.
“Which commandment in the law is the greatest?”
I really wish I had gotten around to this early enough to have taken a more credible, non-biased survey. What I did do was a bit of surfing - looking at phrases and slogans, at mission statements and guiding principles. What I found were a lot of references to “believing in our hearts and confessing with our lips.” I unearthed a number of “making a decision for Christ,” or more commonly “accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.” Now, in fairness, one might say that all such slogans or mission statements assume the first and greatest commandment – but they don’t print it. And if you are doing a quick search you are more likely to find “One name under heaven,” than you are to find “love your neighbor as yourself.”
“Which commandment in the law is the greatest?”
Now, I am continually harping on how wrong it is to take a verse out of context. So, let’s make sure that I am not guilty of that infraction here. Jesus is teaching; but more precisely he is interacting with his detractors. We don’t know if he is still in the Temple. We were told back in the 23rd verse of the 21st chapter that that is where he was. There are a number of stories and encounters recorded in the verses which follow. We are never told that he has relocated. There is a reference to “the same day…” perhaps implying that all of these encounters occur during that same visit to the Temple.
Jesus has been confronted by “the elders of the people” (21:23); by the “chief priests and Pharisees” (21:45); by “the Pharisees (and) the Herodians” (22:15); by the Sadducees (22:23); and then, again, by Pharisees in today’s appointed text.
All of these encounters seem to hinge around the question asked of Jesus back there in chapter 21:23. They came to him, wanting to know, “By what authority (is he) doing these things.” They keep coming at him – all of his detractors. And none of them have been able to dethrone him; no one has been able to dispute his presentation of the will and word of God.
Finally, in today’s reading, the Pharisees come at him again. They ask him to tell them “which commandment in the law is the greatest?”
Back to context: the Pharisees were legalists. They were a lay movement within the religious community who felt that the rituals and traditions were no longer sufficient. They were looking for renewal through the observance of the commandments. So, when they ask Jesus which “law” is the greatest, they are really interested in his answer. They are masters at keeping the laws; they are zealous in doing what it is that God instructs us to do. The answer Jesus gives he gives in context. Perhaps he might have answered differently if it were someone else asking the question. Perhaps he knew that they would be most satisfied were he to point to a rule or law which supported their zealous attempts at righteous living.
Jesus opens the book they consider most dear, the book of Deuteronomy, and he quotes Chapter 6, verse 5. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
How are they going to argue with him? They can’t. Here they are, the extreme literalist, insistent on keeping so many laws and rules and obligations, and Jesus reminds them that all of that strict attention to sins of commission and sins of omission amounts to nothing unless it is built upon a foundation of love for God.
“You want to say that drinking alcohol is wrong? Fine. But avoiding strong drink isn’t the first commandment, loving God is.”
“You teach your children not to utter four letter words? All well and good. But a clean mouth won’t make a bit of difference unless that mouth is coupled with a loving heart.”
“You insist on baptizing your babies, and make sure that you commune at least once within a twelve month period? That is good practice. But such practices are outgrowths of loving God, not substitutes for it.”
The Pharisees really liked the precision of being able to say, “This is what you DO in order to be saved.” Jesus tells them it is not what you do but whether you love.
Those who have been coming at Jesus have been haranguing him, trying to entrap him. They have wanted to see his credentials and they have wanted to know his school of thought. When they have tried everything they can think of, they finally give him the green light and he hits them precisely where they live. “It isn’t the rules you keep which make you a faithful follower; it is whether your heart, your life, and your thoughts are consumed with love.”
He has them on the ropes. He has supplanted their attention to the “laws” with “loving,” and he isn’t finished. Turning, once more to their precious collection of stipulations, Jesus quotes for them Leviticus 19:18. Not only do God’s instructions regarding “love” mean loving God, it also is the guiding principal in your relationships with others. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
To add his crescendo to his dispelling their well protected notions of what it meant to be pleasing and perfect, Jesus adds, “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
It is only in Luke that this encounter is followed with an attempt on the part of one of those who came to challenge him to save face. Only in Luke is just asked, “Well, just exactly who is my neighbor?” There, and there alone, are these words of Jesus followed by the telling of the parable of the Good Samaritan. In both Matthew and in Mark, the verses which follow are about authority and about getting it right. In Matthew, and in Mark, Jesus’ words on the Greatest Commandment are followed with an exploration of whether the one providing the answers might indeed be the One for whom they have been longing. If he is, then surely, they ought to listen to him.
I am about to run out of time. Some would say that I am already over my time limit. So let me bring this home.
We live in a time when there are lots of folks raising rules and regulations and insisting that to truly be a Christian one must abide by this or that code. The religious talk of our day is overwrought with presentations of what one must do to be saved – and way too much of that talk is preoccupied with obeying this or rejecting that. We are too much like the Pharisees. We have ignored “the greatest and first commandment. And a second (which) is like it.”
We are not going to be reading Luke’s rendition of this encounter. I will not try to cram in a short explanation of who it is that Jesus considers to be our neighbors. You already know. At issue here is whether you will follow, or continue search for an alternative path. We search for that other path because we are not ready to embrace Jesus’ words about loving our neighbor – when those neighbors include the undocumented Hispanics, or those with weird social habits, or even the followers of other gods. I don’t need to help you “understand” who Jesus is talking about when he says, “love your neighbor.” You already know and understand. My job – on this day – and with this text - is simply to force you to answer the question of whether you do follow Jesus and therefore are prepared to accept what he says.
‘“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’
Amen.
Matthew 22:34-46
The Greatest Commandment
“Which commandment in the law is the greatest?” I wonder how that question would be answered, were it not taken directly from the Gospel of Matthew? Heck, I wonder how it might be answered, even though most of us have read Matthew, or even committed 22:37 to memory.
“Which commandment in the law is the greatest?”
I really wish I had gotten around to this early enough to have taken a more credible, non-biased survey. What I did do was a bit of surfing - looking at phrases and slogans, at mission statements and guiding principles. What I found were a lot of references to “believing in our hearts and confessing with our lips.” I unearthed a number of “making a decision for Christ,” or more commonly “accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.” Now, in fairness, one might say that all such slogans or mission statements assume the first and greatest commandment – but they don’t print it. And if you are doing a quick search you are more likely to find “One name under heaven,” than you are to find “love your neighbor as yourself.”
“Which commandment in the law is the greatest?”
Now, I am continually harping on how wrong it is to take a verse out of context. So, let’s make sure that I am not guilty of that infraction here. Jesus is teaching; but more precisely he is interacting with his detractors. We don’t know if he is still in the Temple. We were told back in the 23rd verse of the 21st chapter that that is where he was. There are a number of stories and encounters recorded in the verses which follow. We are never told that he has relocated. There is a reference to “the same day…” perhaps implying that all of these encounters occur during that same visit to the Temple.
Jesus has been confronted by “the elders of the people” (21:23); by the “chief priests and Pharisees” (21:45); by “the Pharisees (and) the Herodians” (22:15); by the Sadducees (22:23); and then, again, by Pharisees in today’s appointed text.
All of these encounters seem to hinge around the question asked of Jesus back there in chapter 21:23. They came to him, wanting to know, “By what authority (is he) doing these things.” They keep coming at him – all of his detractors. And none of them have been able to dethrone him; no one has been able to dispute his presentation of the will and word of God.
Finally, in today’s reading, the Pharisees come at him again. They ask him to tell them “which commandment in the law is the greatest?”
Back to context: the Pharisees were legalists. They were a lay movement within the religious community who felt that the rituals and traditions were no longer sufficient. They were looking for renewal through the observance of the commandments. So, when they ask Jesus which “law” is the greatest, they are really interested in his answer. They are masters at keeping the laws; they are zealous in doing what it is that God instructs us to do. The answer Jesus gives he gives in context. Perhaps he might have answered differently if it were someone else asking the question. Perhaps he knew that they would be most satisfied were he to point to a rule or law which supported their zealous attempts at righteous living.
Jesus opens the book they consider most dear, the book of Deuteronomy, and he quotes Chapter 6, verse 5. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
How are they going to argue with him? They can’t. Here they are, the extreme literalist, insistent on keeping so many laws and rules and obligations, and Jesus reminds them that all of that strict attention to sins of commission and sins of omission amounts to nothing unless it is built upon a foundation of love for God.
“You want to say that drinking alcohol is wrong? Fine. But avoiding strong drink isn’t the first commandment, loving God is.”
“You teach your children not to utter four letter words? All well and good. But a clean mouth won’t make a bit of difference unless that mouth is coupled with a loving heart.”
“You insist on baptizing your babies, and make sure that you commune at least once within a twelve month period? That is good practice. But such practices are outgrowths of loving God, not substitutes for it.”
The Pharisees really liked the precision of being able to say, “This is what you DO in order to be saved.” Jesus tells them it is not what you do but whether you love.
Those who have been coming at Jesus have been haranguing him, trying to entrap him. They have wanted to see his credentials and they have wanted to know his school of thought. When they have tried everything they can think of, they finally give him the green light and he hits them precisely where they live. “It isn’t the rules you keep which make you a faithful follower; it is whether your heart, your life, and your thoughts are consumed with love.”
He has them on the ropes. He has supplanted their attention to the “laws” with “loving,” and he isn’t finished. Turning, once more to their precious collection of stipulations, Jesus quotes for them Leviticus 19:18. Not only do God’s instructions regarding “love” mean loving God, it also is the guiding principal in your relationships with others. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
To add his crescendo to his dispelling their well protected notions of what it meant to be pleasing and perfect, Jesus adds, “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
It is only in Luke that this encounter is followed with an attempt on the part of one of those who came to challenge him to save face. Only in Luke is just asked, “Well, just exactly who is my neighbor?” There, and there alone, are these words of Jesus followed by the telling of the parable of the Good Samaritan. In both Matthew and in Mark, the verses which follow are about authority and about getting it right. In Matthew, and in Mark, Jesus’ words on the Greatest Commandment are followed with an exploration of whether the one providing the answers might indeed be the One for whom they have been longing. If he is, then surely, they ought to listen to him.
I am about to run out of time. Some would say that I am already over my time limit. So let me bring this home.
We live in a time when there are lots of folks raising rules and regulations and insisting that to truly be a Christian one must abide by this or that code. The religious talk of our day is overwrought with presentations of what one must do to be saved – and way too much of that talk is preoccupied with obeying this or rejecting that. We are too much like the Pharisees. We have ignored “the greatest and first commandment. And a second (which) is like it.”
We are not going to be reading Luke’s rendition of this encounter. I will not try to cram in a short explanation of who it is that Jesus considers to be our neighbors. You already know. At issue here is whether you will follow, or continue search for an alternative path. We search for that other path because we are not ready to embrace Jesus’ words about loving our neighbor – when those neighbors include the undocumented Hispanics, or those with weird social habits, or even the followers of other gods. I don’t need to help you “understand” who Jesus is talking about when he says, “love your neighbor.” You already know and understand. My job – on this day – and with this text - is simply to force you to answer the question of whether you do follow Jesus and therefore are prepared to accept what he says.
‘“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’
Amen.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Devotion - Thursday, October 20
I found in this morning's Opening Prayer much to think about. As we contemplate the reasons or ways in which we fall short of God's hope for us, this prayer provides insight.
"Almighty God, you who call me to prayer, and who offer yourself to all who seek your face, pour out your Holy Spirit upon me today and deliver me from coldness of heart, a wondering mind, and wrongful desire."
Coldness of heart prevents me from caring for others in the way that God cares for them. My eyes have seen the photos of starving children and my ears have heard the cry of the oppressed but the coldness of my heart causes me to say, "I have taken care of myself, they should do the same."
A wondering mind takes me in many differing directions rather than focusing on and following the way of Christ. Today I may see the path clearly, but the affairs of tomorrow choke the attention to the path and soon I am living no differently than those who have made no commitment to follow Christ.
Wrongful desires arise when what I see are the things that I do not have, when I covet, when I seek my own gratification. Whereas coldness of heart leads to sins of omission, wrongful desires lie behind sins of commission.
In our prayers, let us ask God for assistance in each of these areas. We cannot sit back and merely avoid evil - we must be active in bringing about the good. Our hearts must warm to the needs of others. Our busy schedules cannot serve as justification for failing to study and meditate on the word of God. And while I have never advocated the radical response of plucking out eyes or cutting off hands, we need to realize that any wrongful desire which leads us away from God must be removed from our lives.
This morning's prayer concludes:
"By the power of your spirit place within me steadfast love and devotion, so that today I may worship and serve you with all my life."
Amen.
"Almighty God, you who call me to prayer, and who offer yourself to all who seek your face, pour out your Holy Spirit upon me today and deliver me from coldness of heart, a wondering mind, and wrongful desire."
Coldness of heart prevents me from caring for others in the way that God cares for them. My eyes have seen the photos of starving children and my ears have heard the cry of the oppressed but the coldness of my heart causes me to say, "I have taken care of myself, they should do the same."
A wondering mind takes me in many differing directions rather than focusing on and following the way of Christ. Today I may see the path clearly, but the affairs of tomorrow choke the attention to the path and soon I am living no differently than those who have made no commitment to follow Christ.
Wrongful desires arise when what I see are the things that I do not have, when I covet, when I seek my own gratification. Whereas coldness of heart leads to sins of omission, wrongful desires lie behind sins of commission.
In our prayers, let us ask God for assistance in each of these areas. We cannot sit back and merely avoid evil - we must be active in bringing about the good. Our hearts must warm to the needs of others. Our busy schedules cannot serve as justification for failing to study and meditate on the word of God. And while I have never advocated the radical response of plucking out eyes or cutting off hands, we need to realize that any wrongful desire which leads us away from God must be removed from our lives.
This morning's prayer concludes:
"By the power of your spirit place within me steadfast love and devotion, so that today I may worship and serve you with all my life."
Amen.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Devotion - Wednesday, October 19
We return to class today after two days of Fall Break. (I realized that I failed to remind non-Clemson readers that there would be a two day absence of morning devotions.) Rest is a good thing; rest is an important thing; rest is something God has insisted we have.
"Sabbath" is one of those words we hear rarely and generally only in a specific context. When we hear the word, we associate it with "Sunday," or with the day on which God rested. The insertion of Sabbath into our week is God's way of ensuring that we are forever reminded of the need to take our rest. While one day is set aside for our renewal, renewal is to be an ever present part of our lives.
I spent some of the just completed "sabbath" days rushing around and being about various tasks. I took in the NASCAR Race on Saturday; I participated in the Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic, United Methodist (LARCUM) Bishop's Day. But I was fortunate enough to have days to visit with my brother and sister, to spend time with my wife and father-in-law. If you were on Facebook yesterday, you might have seen that I even got in an afternoon nap.
Today, it is back to classes; our LCM programing resumes and there are several students lined up to come see me and share how God is present in their lives. This is as it should be. What I hope is different is that the experiences of these past four days might trigger within me a remembrance of how wonderful it is to have opportunity to rest, time to enjoy what is wonderful about the life God has given me. That is what it means to have a bit of Sabbath inserted into our lives.
"Back to work," or "Off to class." But remember, God is with you and as much as God expects you to use your time and your talents wisely, God also hopes that you will remember you are not only pursuing a degree, or earning a living, you are also building a life - a life as one of God's precious children. Do what you must; remember who you are and who God has called you to be.
"Sabbath" is one of those words we hear rarely and generally only in a specific context. When we hear the word, we associate it with "Sunday," or with the day on which God rested. The insertion of Sabbath into our week is God's way of ensuring that we are forever reminded of the need to take our rest. While one day is set aside for our renewal, renewal is to be an ever present part of our lives.
I spent some of the just completed "sabbath" days rushing around and being about various tasks. I took in the NASCAR Race on Saturday; I participated in the Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic, United Methodist (LARCUM) Bishop's Day. But I was fortunate enough to have days to visit with my brother and sister, to spend time with my wife and father-in-law. If you were on Facebook yesterday, you might have seen that I even got in an afternoon nap.
Today, it is back to classes; our LCM programing resumes and there are several students lined up to come see me and share how God is present in their lives. This is as it should be. What I hope is different is that the experiences of these past four days might trigger within me a remembrance of how wonderful it is to have opportunity to rest, time to enjoy what is wonderful about the life God has given me. That is what it means to have a bit of Sabbath inserted into our lives.
"Back to work," or "Off to class." But remember, God is with you and as much as God expects you to use your time and your talents wisely, God also hopes that you will remember you are not only pursuing a degree, or earning a living, you are also building a life - a life as one of God's precious children. Do what you must; remember who you are and who God has called you to be.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Devotion - Thursday, October 13
I wrote recently about the parts of the Gospel story so familiar to us that we gloss over them without feeling their full impact. One of the stories which I do my best to pass over without reflection is the slaughter of the children by Herod.
The wise men come to Herod, when they see the star. They assume the child king would have been born in one of Herod's palaces. Herod is troubled by this and asks them to make sure to tell him where the child is found. Being warned by God not to go back to Herod, they depart by another way. Joseph is also warned, and he takes the Baby Jesus to Egypt. When Herod realizes the wise men have not returned, he slaughters all the male children in Bethlehem who are two years and younger.
It is a horrible story. One that is difficult to associate with the feel-good stories of Christmas.
We sometimes forget that the presence of Jesus causes problems. The entrance of God into our world means that everything else must shift a bit, to the sides. There can be only one God and anything that would prefer to be god must rejected.
This is not a repudiation of the promises of scripture that Jesus has come to bring us life, and life abundantly. Rather it is the acknowledgement that this life we receive has core commitments which cannot be relegated to second-class status.
Having Jesus in our lives means that somethings will be disrupted.
The disruptions are (most likely) to occur in the areas where disruptions are called for. The call from God leaves little room for those addictions which diminish life (either our own or the lives of others.) But disruptions are coming.
It is good that the Bible does not gloss over these reminders. We need to be attracted to Christ, but realize that when Christ comes things are likely to change. The change means wonderful things for us; so long as we are prepared to say good-bye to those things which seem dear and precious to us, but in reality are distractions from whom God calls us to be.
The wise men come to Herod, when they see the star. They assume the child king would have been born in one of Herod's palaces. Herod is troubled by this and asks them to make sure to tell him where the child is found. Being warned by God not to go back to Herod, they depart by another way. Joseph is also warned, and he takes the Baby Jesus to Egypt. When Herod realizes the wise men have not returned, he slaughters all the male children in Bethlehem who are two years and younger.
It is a horrible story. One that is difficult to associate with the feel-good stories of Christmas.
We sometimes forget that the presence of Jesus causes problems. The entrance of God into our world means that everything else must shift a bit, to the sides. There can be only one God and anything that would prefer to be god must rejected.
This is not a repudiation of the promises of scripture that Jesus has come to bring us life, and life abundantly. Rather it is the acknowledgement that this life we receive has core commitments which cannot be relegated to second-class status.
Having Jesus in our lives means that somethings will be disrupted.
The disruptions are (most likely) to occur in the areas where disruptions are called for. The call from God leaves little room for those addictions which diminish life (either our own or the lives of others.) But disruptions are coming.
It is good that the Bible does not gloss over these reminders. We need to be attracted to Christ, but realize that when Christ comes things are likely to change. The change means wonderful things for us; so long as we are prepared to say good-bye to those things which seem dear and precious to us, but in reality are distractions from whom God calls us to be.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Devotion - Wednesday, October 12
Our Tuesday evening bible study group is making use of an introduction to the Bible called "The Greatest Story." It is a quick survey of all the books of the bible, making note of the stories which have inspired God's people throughout the ages.
This morning, I was reading one of those stories. It is about Elijah. Occurring in I Kings 17, it involves Elijah warning King Ahab (King over Israel, but not faithful to the ways of God) that there would be no rain, except when foretold by Elijah. Warned, Elijah flees and ends up in Zarephath. There he meets a widow and asks her to bring him something to eat. She replies she only has enough for one final meal for her and her son, that she is even now collecting wood to make that meal. Elijah instructs her to do as she has planned but to bring him a morsel of bread first, the prepare for her family. She does. And "for many days," the supply of flour and oil does not run out. God provides for Elijah and for his hostess.
There is more to the story - as you might realize. Read it for yourself. As is true for all stories, there are many messages - more content than could be shared in a collection of declarative sentences.
There is the simple message that Elijah is truly God's messenger. There are wonderful images of what it means to extend hospitality. And through it all are reminders of God's intention to provide for his servants.
Stories make up most of the Bible's content. Even the chapters of lists and laws are set within the story of their being inscribed on parchment or stone. Stories allow us to pass on so much more information than would be possible in listing points in an argument.
The same can be said for your story; for the story of your interaction with God. Too often we suffer from the notion that telling others about Christ involves quoting verses or making definitive statements In reality, the most effective way of sharing the Good News is to share how that news has altered your own life. It is telling the story of your appreciation for what it is that God has done for you.
Elijah's story has survived thousands of years of retelling. As it is retold, it invites others to compare their own story and see that no less than Elijah, we have experiences of being called by God, cared for by God, and reasons to give thanks for the servants of God who have extended hospitality to us.
This morning, I was reading one of those stories. It is about Elijah. Occurring in I Kings 17, it involves Elijah warning King Ahab (King over Israel, but not faithful to the ways of God) that there would be no rain, except when foretold by Elijah. Warned, Elijah flees and ends up in Zarephath. There he meets a widow and asks her to bring him something to eat. She replies she only has enough for one final meal for her and her son, that she is even now collecting wood to make that meal. Elijah instructs her to do as she has planned but to bring him a morsel of bread first, the prepare for her family. She does. And "for many days," the supply of flour and oil does not run out. God provides for Elijah and for his hostess.
There is more to the story - as you might realize. Read it for yourself. As is true for all stories, there are many messages - more content than could be shared in a collection of declarative sentences.
There is the simple message that Elijah is truly God's messenger. There are wonderful images of what it means to extend hospitality. And through it all are reminders of God's intention to provide for his servants.
Stories make up most of the Bible's content. Even the chapters of lists and laws are set within the story of their being inscribed on parchment or stone. Stories allow us to pass on so much more information than would be possible in listing points in an argument.
The same can be said for your story; for the story of your interaction with God. Too often we suffer from the notion that telling others about Christ involves quoting verses or making definitive statements In reality, the most effective way of sharing the Good News is to share how that news has altered your own life. It is telling the story of your appreciation for what it is that God has done for you.
Elijah's story has survived thousands of years of retelling. As it is retold, it invites others to compare their own story and see that no less than Elijah, we have experiences of being called by God, cared for by God, and reasons to give thanks for the servants of God who have extended hospitality to us.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Devotion - Tuesday, October 11
I continue to believe that rising early in the morning to read my Bible is the best option. No other time of the day is as protected as the early morning hours. However, at this hour of the day, there remain a few wisps of sleepiness and ever present desire to drift back into my dreams. I depend upon the stories I read to startle my mind and energize my emotions.
Today I read of the assent of Ahab to the throne of Israel (I Kings 16); of the imprisonment of Paul (Philippians 1); and the resurrection of Jesus (Mark 16). As I closed my book and began to reflect on what I had read, I found it easier to remember details of the first two, than the particulars of Mark's presentation of that first Easter.
My devotional guide includes a writing from a prominent person. Today, there was a reading from Paul Tillich's Shaking of the Foundation. In it he warned of the very thing I had experienced - we become so accustomed to the familiar stories that we fail to be startled by their content.
We know that Jesus is only in the grave for three days. As a result, we miss the horror associated with placing him there.
We know that Paul's writings and his work will change the Roman world. So we are not worried when we hear of his ordeal at the hands of the prison guards.
It is startling, to consider the chain of events, as they occur, and allow the shock of each to reach our hearts and emotions.
Tillich writes, "It has been forgotten that the tomb of Jesus was the end of His life and of His work before it became the place of his final triumph."
Replay in your mind today the events of Jesus' life and consider which have become muted for you. The wonder of hearing the story for the first time is recaptured whenever we follow the individual steps along the way, knowing that they are leading us but fully engaging each step along the way.
Today I read of the assent of Ahab to the throne of Israel (I Kings 16); of the imprisonment of Paul (Philippians 1); and the resurrection of Jesus (Mark 16). As I closed my book and began to reflect on what I had read, I found it easier to remember details of the first two, than the particulars of Mark's presentation of that first Easter.
My devotional guide includes a writing from a prominent person. Today, there was a reading from Paul Tillich's Shaking of the Foundation. In it he warned of the very thing I had experienced - we become so accustomed to the familiar stories that we fail to be startled by their content.
We know that Jesus is only in the grave for three days. As a result, we miss the horror associated with placing him there.
We know that Paul's writings and his work will change the Roman world. So we are not worried when we hear of his ordeal at the hands of the prison guards.
It is startling, to consider the chain of events, as they occur, and allow the shock of each to reach our hearts and emotions.
Tillich writes, "It has been forgotten that the tomb of Jesus was the end of His life and of His work before it became the place of his final triumph."
Replay in your mind today the events of Jesus' life and consider which have become muted for you. The wonder of hearing the story for the first time is recaptured whenever we follow the individual steps along the way, knowing that they are leading us but fully engaging each step along the way.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Devotion - Monday, October 10
The comments I shared last week, regarding how one's associates affect one's behaviors, was met with a few very encouraging replies. This morning's reading, from Origen of Alexandria (185-254) struck a similar cord. Rather than that which external to us, Origen speaks of that which is internal.
He is speaking of prayer. When it comes to our sinfulness, he includes this, "ask God, first for healing to be delivered of the habit that causes one to sin." We do, over time, develop habits that lead to sinfulness.
The pop-religious will identify the "big three" areas of sinfulness, but we must also look at those sins which are seldom identified and thus never confessed or seldom avoided. We develop glutinous and self-indulgent habits. We ignore the poor and those in prison. Comparing ourselves to those whose social class is bit higher than our own we think we have no money to give to the relief of others. We fall into habits which erode our devotion and impede our spiritual journey.
Habits are formed over time. It will take us time to change those habits. Before we can change them, we must heed Origen's advise by recognizing them, then asking God to deliver us from them. Habits develop slowly; they are slowly altered. But it is possible. And it is a step in the right direction to living as God would have us live.
He is speaking of prayer. When it comes to our sinfulness, he includes this, "ask God, first for healing to be delivered of the habit that causes one to sin." We do, over time, develop habits that lead to sinfulness.
The pop-religious will identify the "big three" areas of sinfulness, but we must also look at those sins which are seldom identified and thus never confessed or seldom avoided. We develop glutinous and self-indulgent habits. We ignore the poor and those in prison. Comparing ourselves to those whose social class is bit higher than our own we think we have no money to give to the relief of others. We fall into habits which erode our devotion and impede our spiritual journey.
Habits are formed over time. It will take us time to change those habits. Before we can change them, we must heed Origen's advise by recognizing them, then asking God to deliver us from them. Habits develop slowly; they are slowly altered. But it is possible. And it is a step in the right direction to living as God would have us live.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Devotion - Thursday, October 6
My daily readings from the Old Testament are about to conclude their coverage of King Solomon. I don't remember writing about him, his accomplishments, his wisdom, and his work at building the Temple which his father (David) was not allowed to build.
Part of the baggage which comes with wealth and power is temptations. As Solomon became more well known and as his might expanded, neighboring kingdoms wanted to gain his favor. One way this happened was for the King from that neighboring nation to arrange a marriage between a daughter and the King he wished to befriend. It is written in I Kings 11 that Solomon had seven hundred wives.
As Solomon grew old, he began to give in to the ways of these wives. Having come from other cultures and other religions, they desired a place where they could worship in the traditions of their youth. Solomon built temples to other gods and he paid for the sacrifices which occurred there. As you could imagine, this displeased God.
How did Solomon change so dramatically?
Those with whom we live our lives affect the way we see life and the kind of life we live. Solomon was wise enough to rule over a great people, but seems not to have bee wise enough to have guarded against something as common as the influence of ones acquaintances.
Obviously, the main point to this morning's sharing is to encourage you to look at the persons with whom you spend your time. Are they strengthening you in your resolve to follow the ways of God? Are they a good influence in your faith journey? Is there any reason to worry that they might be leading you away from your devotion to God?
Secondly, the temptations which often do us in are the ones which it is easiest for others to see but to which we remain blind. I cannot imagine the wisdom and dedication it takes to rule over a great nation; but I am able to see that those who surround a person will eventually affect that person. I have the knowledge to avoid Solomon's downfall, while I would never even approach his wisdom.
Solomon did great things for the nation of Israel. He built the Temple which Jesus would visit. He gave Israel "glory days" to which they could forever look back. But he overlooked the most basic of instructions, given by every parent to ever child - "Select your friends well."
Part of the baggage which comes with wealth and power is temptations. As Solomon became more well known and as his might expanded, neighboring kingdoms wanted to gain his favor. One way this happened was for the King from that neighboring nation to arrange a marriage between a daughter and the King he wished to befriend. It is written in I Kings 11 that Solomon had seven hundred wives.
As Solomon grew old, he began to give in to the ways of these wives. Having come from other cultures and other religions, they desired a place where they could worship in the traditions of their youth. Solomon built temples to other gods and he paid for the sacrifices which occurred there. As you could imagine, this displeased God.
How did Solomon change so dramatically?
Those with whom we live our lives affect the way we see life and the kind of life we live. Solomon was wise enough to rule over a great people, but seems not to have bee wise enough to have guarded against something as common as the influence of ones acquaintances.
Obviously, the main point to this morning's sharing is to encourage you to look at the persons with whom you spend your time. Are they strengthening you in your resolve to follow the ways of God? Are they a good influence in your faith journey? Is there any reason to worry that they might be leading you away from your devotion to God?
Secondly, the temptations which often do us in are the ones which it is easiest for others to see but to which we remain blind. I cannot imagine the wisdom and dedication it takes to rule over a great nation; but I am able to see that those who surround a person will eventually affect that person. I have the knowledge to avoid Solomon's downfall, while I would never even approach his wisdom.
Solomon did great things for the nation of Israel. He built the Temple which Jesus would visit. He gave Israel "glory days" to which they could forever look back. But he overlooked the most basic of instructions, given by every parent to ever child - "Select your friends well."
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Devotion - Wednesday, October 5
On our retreat this weekend, the writer who proved to be the least accessible to the students was Thomas Merton. Perhaps it was the introduction I had given for him. He became a Trappist Monk. Trappist take a vow of silence. This was a bit beyond the reach of the students who were asked to read a sample of his writings and share with the rest of us how Merton embodied the spiritual traditions associated with contemplation.
I thought of this today as my lectionary brought me to the third chapter of James. Here, James speaks of how all the wild beast of the earth have been tamed, but no one has tamed the human tongue. James uses the anology of a huge ship which is controlled by a small rudder. So also the whole body is judged and directed by the tongue.
How often do we wish we had been able to hold our tongue? How often do we hear words coming out of our mouth only to realize before the sound has reached the ear of another that it would have been better not to utter those words? We live our lives reflecting God's goodness, we offer our hands in service to others doing the good works which bear evidence to our faith, only to let that small member of our body redirect it all.
James both marvels at this and asks how it is that the same tongue can be used to bless God and to curse God's children.
I doubt few of us will take a vow of silence. We depend upon our tongues for our livelihood, to make known all that we have been learning. But we would be served well by considering the frequency of our speech and to practice holding our tongue a bit more often.
Let me use an image from my activities these days. Working at the Habitat job site, we often tell folks, "Measure twice; cut once." It our our way of ensuring that the board won't be too short when it is put into use. Perhaps we could establish such a rule for our tongue - "Think twice, speak once." Just because a thought comes to our head, does not mean that we must utter it.
I thought of this today as my lectionary brought me to the third chapter of James. Here, James speaks of how all the wild beast of the earth have been tamed, but no one has tamed the human tongue. James uses the anology of a huge ship which is controlled by a small rudder. So also the whole body is judged and directed by the tongue.
How often do we wish we had been able to hold our tongue? How often do we hear words coming out of our mouth only to realize before the sound has reached the ear of another that it would have been better not to utter those words? We live our lives reflecting God's goodness, we offer our hands in service to others doing the good works which bear evidence to our faith, only to let that small member of our body redirect it all.
James both marvels at this and asks how it is that the same tongue can be used to bless God and to curse God's children.
I doubt few of us will take a vow of silence. We depend upon our tongues for our livelihood, to make known all that we have been learning. But we would be served well by considering the frequency of our speech and to practice holding our tongue a bit more often.
Let me use an image from my activities these days. Working at the Habitat job site, we often tell folks, "Measure twice; cut once." It our our way of ensuring that the board won't be too short when it is put into use. Perhaps we could establish such a rule for our tongue - "Think twice, speak once." Just because a thought comes to our head, does not mean that we must utter it.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Devotion - Tuesday, October 4
I continue to read from the book of James. This morning's lesson is from James 2:14-26. This is the section of the book which is most often quoted, referred to, or sometimes critiqued.
James speaks of the relationship between faith and works. Those of us in expressions of the church where faith is both our response to God and a gift from God have concern when the issue of works surfaces. We are cautious (appropriately so) when works enters into the equation of salvation. We guard against any suggestion that we must earn our way into heaven. As a result, we look at James with a critical eye.
There are some verses which lack the clarity of the conclusion he reaches. He says, "So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead." With this, all of us should be able to agree.
It is not my works which bring faith; it is not my works which trump faith; but the works I do show the faith that resides within me. Here I would agree with James. It is unimaginable that I would be a person of faith and not also be a person whose good words reflects the central conviction of my life.
We will always need to make sure that it is faith upon which we are building our lives. We can never depend on anything else. But we can and must show that faith; we are to be about the good works which bear evidence of a life of trust in Christ.
James speaks of the relationship between faith and works. Those of us in expressions of the church where faith is both our response to God and a gift from God have concern when the issue of works surfaces. We are cautious (appropriately so) when works enters into the equation of salvation. We guard against any suggestion that we must earn our way into heaven. As a result, we look at James with a critical eye.
There are some verses which lack the clarity of the conclusion he reaches. He says, "So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead." With this, all of us should be able to agree.
It is not my works which bring faith; it is not my works which trump faith; but the works I do show the faith that resides within me. Here I would agree with James. It is unimaginable that I would be a person of faith and not also be a person whose good words reflects the central conviction of my life.
We will always need to make sure that it is faith upon which we are building our lives. We can never depend on anything else. But we can and must show that faith; we are to be about the good works which bear evidence of a life of trust in Christ.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Devotion - Monday, October 3
I was reading this morning from James 2. Here, the writer encourages us not to show preference for the rich over the poor. He writes, "Show no partiality.... If you show partiality, you commit sin."
On the retreat this weekend, I made a reference to Vincent de Paul (1580-1660). He wrote "Christ chose to be born in poverty and took poor men as his disciples; he himself became the servant of the poor."
Also on the weekend retreat, we sang a song with hand motions. At the line, "God's going to turn this whole wide world upside down," those who knew the hand motions flipped right hand and left hand to demonstrate what turning upside down means.
I wonder if we are prepared for that?
I wonder if I am.
At the end of the retreat, I was eager to make my way back to my home. It is a modest home, when compared with those of other members of University Lutheran. But when I remember the homes I visited in Tanzania or Guatemala or even Germany, it is spacious. In that home, I have a thermostat that allows me to either heat the house or cool it. There is running water, a fridge full of beverages and food. I have Wi-fi, wide-screen TV. Do I need to go on?
In a few hours, I will leave this house to go to Bowman Field to work on the Habitat for Humanity House being built by the students. I will go, but can I admit to you that I am dragging myself out there this morning? That I feel the need to have a few more hours to rest and recuperate from the weekend's activities? I have that choice. Because I have the resources to back me up.
Jesus saw in the poor a dependance upon God which is too often missing from those who have plenty. Jesus forsook the symbols and signs of earthly prosperity in order to show that richness in faith is what matters. In doing so, he turned (and is turning) the whole wide world upside down.
Are we prepared for that?
Are you?
On the retreat this weekend, I made a reference to Vincent de Paul (1580-1660). He wrote "Christ chose to be born in poverty and took poor men as his disciples; he himself became the servant of the poor."
Also on the weekend retreat, we sang a song with hand motions. At the line, "God's going to turn this whole wide world upside down," those who knew the hand motions flipped right hand and left hand to demonstrate what turning upside down means.
I wonder if we are prepared for that?
I wonder if I am.
At the end of the retreat, I was eager to make my way back to my home. It is a modest home, when compared with those of other members of University Lutheran. But when I remember the homes I visited in Tanzania or Guatemala or even Germany, it is spacious. In that home, I have a thermostat that allows me to either heat the house or cool it. There is running water, a fridge full of beverages and food. I have Wi-fi, wide-screen TV. Do I need to go on?
In a few hours, I will leave this house to go to Bowman Field to work on the Habitat for Humanity House being built by the students. I will go, but can I admit to you that I am dragging myself out there this morning? That I feel the need to have a few more hours to rest and recuperate from the weekend's activities? I have that choice. Because I have the resources to back me up.
Jesus saw in the poor a dependance upon God which is too often missing from those who have plenty. Jesus forsook the symbols and signs of earthly prosperity in order to show that richness in faith is what matters. In doing so, he turned (and is turning) the whole wide world upside down.
Are we prepared for that?
Are you?
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