Devotion - Thursday, April 30

"Let no one disqualify you."

In his letter to  Colossians (chapter 2), Paul addresses the ways in which some find opportunity to dismiss the witness of others.  Grounds for disqualification seem to include food questions, drink, festivals...  even sabbath observance.  Paul tells the followers of Jesus to stand confident and let no one disqualify you.

We have journeyed together through this academic year (with some of you the journey has been for multiple years.)  We have shared our confidences and acknowledged our remaining questions.  Above all, we have acknowledged the wonderful thing which has happened in our lives - that thing which cannot be denied - that thing which serves as the root of our quest to find a way to speak of our experience of God.  

I encourage you to speak boldly of the faith that resides within you.  Though you may worry it is only a kernel, remember the image of the mustard seed whose size does not affect its ability to become mighty.

Let no one disqualify you.

Witness to what you have seen, to what you have experienced, to what you have been given.  Avoid those who would question your practices regarding new moons or customs or traditions (see Colossians 2).  "You have come to fullness of life in him."

We will be back together in the August.  Till then know that I will hold you in my prayers and that I covet yours for me.  Be safe.  Be thoughtful.  Above all, be prayerful.

Devotion - Wednesday, April 29

Which of God's traits are you glad to note?  Another way of asking this is to ask what characteristics do you trust God has, and will apply to you and your relationship with God?

I am grateful that God is merciful.

I think we all turn to God's graciousness.

Where would we be were God not forgiving.

And surely we hope God will remember Luther's explanation the 8th commandment and "interpret our actions in the kindest of ways."  Right?

We do hope, expect, assume, pray that these attributes will come into play when God looks upon us and when God deals with us.  So isn't it reasonable to turn this back around and say that these are the traits which ought to show forth in our lives?  If we want God to be forgiving, shouldn't his servants be known for that same characteristic?

Following Jesus doesn't mean trailing close enough behind him so as to be first in line should he drop a miracle or hand out a blessing.  Following Jesus means traveling where he traveled, it means going where he goes, it means living as he lived.

Forgiving - gracious - merciful: these are what we have first received from God, and now we are to pass them on to others.  If we want God to have these traits, we ought to apply them in our lives and in our dealings with others.

Devotion - Tuesday, April 28

I heard that of all the Gospel accounts, John was the one preferred by Martin Luther.  Here, I break with Luther.  My preferred account is Luke.

Luke has a tilt toward the forgotten and overlooked.  Luke tells the stories which lift up the outcast and the abandoned.

This morning I read from Luke 6.  This is the parallel story to Matthew 5.  In Matthew it is called "The Sermon on the Mount."  In Luke it is "The Sermon on the Plane."  In Luke, Jesus comes "down" and stood on a "level place."

Subtle.  And perhaps too much should not be read into it.  But here the movement is downward.  The direction we find in Jesus moving is down; down to us, down away from the heights of heaven, down from any position of authority or power.

And the message in Luke also reflects this movement.  Whereas in Matthew the "poor in spirit" are blessed, in Luke we read simply "Blessed are you poor."  Even when I am not as generous with my wealth as I ought to be, I am aware of the need for the poor to be taken care of.

It is probably understandable that this point in my day I would be so appreciative of a God who makes his way down, to the places were we live.  The prayers which I offer are for those who need God to come.  I have remembered this morning those struggling to complete coursework and exams.  I have asked God to be with them.  I have remembered this morning those who are experiencing heartbreak and anxiety.  I have asked God to come into their hearts and spirits.  I have remembered those still in need of finding a summer job.  My prayers are that God will encourage them and prevent them from being discouraged by the "No's" they have already heard.

I appreciate the movement of God in the Gospel of Luke.  I am grateful for a God who comes to the plane, to the level places where life is lived.  There is much to be seen from a mountain top; but there is great need down here.  Thanks be to God who sets aside the heavens in order to be with us.

Devotion - Monday, April 27

The Lectionary has moved past Daniel, but I wanted to make sure that we got a chance to note what is probably the most well known chapter.  Daniel does end up in a den of lions, and is spared.  This is the image or the story of Daniel most widely known.

He ends up there as a result of a decree of that is signed by King Darius (this is the third King who had ruled over Daniel.)  The decree was a trap.  It was written by those who were jealous of Daniel and were looking for some way to have Daniel removed from his position. King Darius signs, without thinking.  He signs without realizing that his actions will mean punishment for Daniel.

Let's finish the story, and I will come back to my thought for the day.......  King Darius is made aware that Daniel is not in accordance with the decree.  Punishment is to be thrown in the lion's den.  King Darius is greatly distressed, and looks for a way to circumvent the proscribed punishment, but cannot. So Daniel is placed in the den.  But, as we all know, the lions do not harm him.  He reports "My God sent his angels and shut the lions' mouths."

Daniel ends up in the den as a result of a decree that King Darius signs.  The decree was clear - anyone who bowed to another god was to be fed to the lions!  Darius knew this.  He just didn't think he knew anyone who would be affected by the decree.  He didn't stop to think that those who would be affected might have faces and names and be of value.

We are sometimes trapped by our "decrees."  They may not involve casting others into a den of lions, but they do include considering them less welcome or desirable or worthy.  One example was a few years back when CU students lobbied for a change in bus routes - making it possible for the buses to travel closer to the student apartment complexes.  This seemed fine.  But the changes meant the buses no longer came close to the homes of the lower income residents - folks who depend on the buses to go to the grocery store or to work.

Let me mention one more - one that might cause greater debate.  The deaths of an American by a drone attack has angered many.  But what of the dozens who are killed by drone attacks who are not holding a US passport?  We don't think about the decree to send them until it affects someone we hold nearer to our hearts.

Be aware of the decrees you sign.  Be thoughtful as to the effect of your rules and stipulations.  God protects Daniel, and God surely is with all those unjustly affected by the senseless decrees.  But would it not be more pleasing to God if His loyal followers were to apply sufficient wisdom as to avoid such needs for intervention?

Unfortunately, the Lectionary will not review the chapters of Daniel which serve as the model for the New Testament book of Revelation. But I encourage you to read it on you own.  See the parallels.  Understand that whether one is in ancient Persia or modern Rome, God's will cannot be overcome - even by the most ruthless or heartless or thoughtless power mongers.

Sermon - April 26, 2015

4^th Sunday of Easter -  Year B                                                                                            

John 10:11-18

                                  Being the “Good Shepherd”

 

One of the difficulties of reading scripture in this culture is our tendency to think of everything in the first person.  “What does this mean in ‘my’ life?”  or “What do these verses have to say to ‘me’?” 

I am NOT on that bandwagon which insists this is an inappropriately narcissistic generation – I think the research on that emerges from a set of false hypothesis.  If go out there looking for abominable snowmen – you will find them, or at least find reasons to ask for more money and time to find them. 

One of the difficulties in reading scripture in this culture is our tendency to read things in the first person.  It was an e-devotion from Richard Rohr about two weeks ago that got me thinking on this.  The biblical reference in that offering comes later in John.  He was reflecting on the same verse Adam Nichols quoted in Friday’s e-devotion.  It is the place where Jesus says, “My peace be upon you.”  Jesus’ words are not spoken to the individuals hiding in that dark upper room;  Jesus’ words are said to the whole of the Church – most likely with an undertone of insisting that this is to be contained in the message that was to spread from Jerusalem to Judea and into the whole world.  It is a gift which comes to the individuals; because it has been given to the whole group.

But, when this scripture is read in this culture, we are too inclined to think it is a promise to “me,” and you, and maybe to “you,” and probably “you,” and maybe “you,” (if you get your life in a bit better order.) 

But that is not the way it comes; Jesus does not speak to us individually so much as he speaks to us as a community.  His promises come to “all of US”; which surely means they come to “us”; but possibly only when they come by way of “all of US.” 

Lest you think I got confused on the appointed Gospel for today – have no fear.  I am going to talk about the Shepherd, about the “Good Shepherd.”  What I intend to suggest is that the widely popular and greatly comforting image of the Good Shepherd also needs a cultural check.  It is a powerful promise that Jesus will be our shepherd; and of all the images this one is the most essential to see as a gift which comes to us as a community rather than to us as lone individuals. 

Let’s start with the obvious:  our culture values the rugged individual and the self-made person – but such an existence comes with a dark side.  Being all alone and out front is a lonely place to be. Being on the top rung of the ladder has its advantages, but too often getting there involves stepping on the fingers of fellow climbers.

The image of a shepherd, particularly of a “good shepherd,” allows us to step away from insistence that being number one is all that matters.  Accepting a shepherd who will watch over us removes the responsibility of being in charge and in control  of all things.  Our culture may value being the lead dog, but something deep in our souls knows how blessed it is to be cared for and watched over – as a good shepherd cares for his sheep. 

The thought that a kind and caring shepherd is watching over us makes the perils we face less frightening. 

There are wonderful stories and images of the Good Shepherd going out to look for the one lost sheep.  How reassuring these stories are to us.  But even those of you who have never set foot on a farm know what the shepherd does once the lost sheep is found – right?  What does the shepherd do?..... This is more of a bible knowledge question than knowledge of herding…..  What does the shepherd do, when he finds the lost sheep?.....   The shepherd brings the sheep back to the herd.  The lost sheep is returned to the cozy and comforting and protective sheep herd.  The other sheep snuggle up close to the one who was lost but now is found.  The sheepfold provides protection from the ravenous wolves.  The shepherd’s goal is to keep the individual sheep in the herd with the other sheep.   

One of the difficulties in reading scripture in this culture is our tendency to hear things as if they are only addressed to us as individuals.  This causes us to lose much of what is most comforting about the images and stories of the “Good Shepherd.”  The Good Shepherd has a herd of well-loved and well-cared for sheep.  The Good Shepherd has a fold where an individual sheep can be at ease and be assured of protection. 

Today is the day that we bid farewell and Godspeed to graduating and/or departing students.  It is an emotional day – for all of us.  Emotional in that those whom we have come to know and to love and to appreciate are about to do precisely what we hoped they would do when we met them four or five or six years ago.  They have accomplished what they came here to do and are ….  well, graduating.  I don’t want to put words in the mouths of these particular individuals, but our LCM-C students and graduates have been part of at least two research projects trying to understand what attracts and retains young adults to Church.  Number one answer:  Being part of a group. 

They come because others are here.  They stay because others also stayed.   

Put this in biblical or theological terms and you get – they love being part of a flock.  They appreciate being a sheep among other sheep. 

I would further add that many of the Clemson alums speak of the importance of a sheep herd which includes sheep with a bit more experience of being under the care of a watchful good shepherd.  They like being in a congregation rather than simply in a student only group.  Of course they would say that – this is the ministry we offer – but it is significant that they lift this up and realize how much this has affected their experience. 

Sheep were never intended to be alone.  A lone sheep is a lost sheep.  A lone sheep is vulnerable to injury and starvation and attack.  Something deep within us knows this.  This is why we respond so emotionally to images of a good shepherd who will watch over us. 

There is a tendency in our culture to think of how this applies to “me.”  We have been schooled to ask how this affects us as individuals.  Maybe that is one of the reasons Church involvement is becoming less popular.  In the Church which bears the names and the marks of Jesus, we are encouraged to think of ourselves as one among others.  Here, we are being schooled to lose ourselves for the sake of the whole. 

It may cut against the grain of so much of what is being taught in other places, but it what a comfort it is to know that there is a good shepherd, searching for us when we are lost, reclaiming us when we are found, and placing us among others who will walk with us to the place with still waters and green pastures. 

Amen.

Devotion - Thursday, April 23

The  "handwriting on the wall", for King Belshazzar, was that he had seen with his own eyes and experienced in his own life the realities and power of God's presence - but he chose to ignore them.  He had seen what happened to his father, Nebuchadnezzar.  He had observed Nebuchadnezzar's conversion.  And yet Belshazzar had taken the sacred vessels and used them as if they were nothing more than the spoils of war.

The handwriting on the wall told him that his reign was over; that the Medes and Persians would soon rule over the Kingdom that had been his.

The handwriting was on the wall.

I make it a point never to threaten non-followers.  I do not want anyone to come to faith out of fear or avoidance of some horrible fate.  But I do speak of opportunities missed.  One of our graduating students shared similar thoughts last week.  "I don't know how they do it," was the comment.  Meaning, how do those who have no faith or community of faith face the challenges of school and relationships and life?  They are missing an opportunity.

The handwriting on the wall is clear:  the way of Jesus brings a contentment and confidence which makes life meaningful.  These things may come through other sources, but we have seen (clearly seen) how they have come into the lives of others.  We have seen with our own eyes and experienced in our own lives the power of God's adoption.  Why would we ignore this and live as if we did not know this to be true?

The handwriting is on the wall.  God is every ready to love us and to support us; God has established a community to make that love and acceptance tangible.  

Devotion - Wednesday, April 22

The Book of Daniel gives rise to another often repeated saying.  "The handwriting is on the wall." implies that the future is set, is seen by all, and cannot be debated.

It is in Daniel 5 that King Belshazzar (son of King Nebuchadnezzar and the one who inherits the throne from his father) asks for the sacred vessels of the Temple in Jerusalem to be brought out and used for a wild and drunken party.  As they are dishonoring these vessels, a hand appears opposite the King and writes something on the wall.  

The King cannot read it, nor can his enchanters, so Daniel is about to be called upon again to interpret the words which have been sent from God.

To say, "The handwriting is on the wall" is to claim the simplicity of the message, even though there is an acknowledgment that not all will be able to read it.  All will see the decree; not all will agree on how it is to be interpreted. 

It is always the challenge of God's people to find a way to open the eyes of others to the words which God has spoken.  It is sometimes a challenge for the people of God to find an interpretation of the words upon which all can agree.  One will claim the words mean this; others will insist the words mean that.

Sometimes the words are difficult to read; more often it is the message of the words which we find objectionable and thus search for some way to pretend that the handwriting is not on the wall.

We know what the word of God is regarding care of creation - but do we listen?

We know what the word of God is regarding loving others - but how often do we harbor grudges or fail to interpret their actions in the kindest of ways?

We know what the word of God is regarding the money being carried in our pockets - but do we return our tithe (the first 10%) and then make an offering?

The handwriting is on the wall.  Join me in reading Daniel 5 to discover what it says.

Devotion - Tuesday, April 21

If you are keeping up in your reading of Daniel, you know that much has happened.  This morning's assigned reading is Daniel 4:28-37.

While King Nebuchadnezzar is pleased that Daniel and his friends knew his dream and were able to offer an interpretation, it seems he soon forgot.  When the King chooses to set up a golden idol to himself, and Daniel's three friends refuse to bow down to the idol, the King becomes angry and commands them to be thrown into the fiery furnace.  This is a story often repeated - how the fire did not harm them.  Nebuchadnezzar is moved and orders that no one is to speak ill of the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

Then the King has another dream, which Daniel interprets.  This one tells the King that he will lose everything; including his sanity.  Daniel is troubled when he gives the interpretation to the King.  In today's reading, all this unfolds.

The end of today's reading includes a conversion of King Nebuchadnezzar.  He turns to the heaves and his sanity is restored. 

That is a lot of review, but it leads to my point:  Who would have thought it possible that the King would come to share the faith of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego?  How could such a change come upon the King of Babylon?  And who would have thought that to have happened as a result of the actions of four young lads, ripped from their homes and families in Jerusalem?

And, it all came to pass, are a response to the four of them faithfully living their lives.  They refused to compromise what they knew to be the instructions of their God.  They would not set aside the traditions and customs so important to the descendants of Abraham.  

The world cannot help but be changed as a result of the faithful witness of God's followers.  The world cannot withstand the impact of such persons.  It is tempting for God's followers to compromise and to allow this little thing or that little bit slip or slide.  God may not be the one most grievously affected by such copulation; what is most likely to be altered is the impact a faithful life could have on the world.  

How knows?  Who could have know?  It is the faithful life of a few young lads which brings such a change in the life of the man who had besieged Jerusalem and carried off the vessels of the house of God.  What impact can your one precious life have?  Only God knows - it is true.  But only you can discover.

Devotion - Thursday, April 16

Have you ever heard a reference to "feet of clay"?  It is often used as a way to speak of rulers or nations which seem to be strong, but have a weak foundation.  The reference comes from Daniel 2.

This is the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar.  He sees a mighty image, with a head of gold and a chest of silver, thighs of bronze, legs of iron.  But the feet are a mixture of iron and clay (two substances which don't mix well or hold together).  Thus a stone is able to smash those feet and the head of gold and legs of iron fall.

I was on a backpacking trip in my college days and a hiking partner mused about our ankles.  "You look to see how well the pack is carried; what sort of sun protection is being used; if the person is overweight - but when it comes right down to what matters it is the ankles what have to support all the weight and adjust as you step over rough places and navigate uneven trails."

King Nebuchadnezzar felt secure in his head of gold, but he had come to realize that the image needed not only a glorious capstone but also solid feet.  He dreamed this; and Daniel interpreted the dream for him.

I hope and pray you never dream this same dream; but we can learn from it.  We can come to realize that all the glorious crowns in the world cannot persevere unless the feet are equal to the task.

Nebuchadnezzar was thinking of kingdoms and nations; we are primarily concerned with the life we have been given.  Will we make sure that the crowning head is supported by a strong foundation?  Will we pay attention to what lies at the base of our lives, rather than those parts which are most often seen and championed?

The stone that brings down Nebuchadnezzar's figure becomes a great mountain in his dream.  Daniel tells him that this stone is the kingdom which the "God of heaven will set up".  This small stone becomes the mountain upon which we can build our lives.

Devotion - Wednesday, April 15

Did I mention on Monday that when Daniel is taken captive into the King's Court he is stripped of his name and given a different name?  King Nebuchadnezzar insisted on calling Daniel Belteshazzar.  The names are given to Jewish boys when they come to the Temple on the eight day to be presented.

King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream.  He insists the wise men (with whom Daniel has been placed and schooled) tell him the interpretation of the dream - without the benefit of being told what the dream was!  In Daniel 2:17-30 we read that God reveals the dream and the dream's meaning to Daniel.

Verse 30 is interesting.  I am surprised Daniel could say such words to the King and live.  He tells King Nebuchadnezzar that the dream will allow him to "know the thoughts of your mind."

I have never been one to think that dreams reveal to us things we don't already know.  I generally think of dreams as Daniel speaks of dreams - they reveal to us the thoughts which are already in our minds, but we would ignore or dismiss.

Persons sometimes ask me why I rise to early in the morning?  These devotions are usually sent by 6:30, after my time of reading and prayer is complete.  I rise early so that I might reflect on the thoughts of my mind - particularly those thoughts which I would prefer to ignore or dismiss.  In these early morning hours, when there is a deep quiet all around me, it is easier to hear the voice of God and the message that God is sending to me.

We will read tomorrow about the King's dream.  It was not something the King would have wanted to acknowledge.  Today's message is really a question:  Do you allow the thoughts of your mind to creep into the consciousness of your day?  Or, as my prayer book once instructed me, have you so striven to hide them from others that you have also come to ignore them yourself?

Find time to be still.  Listen.  See what it is that you might not want to see but that which God wants you to see.

Devotion - Tuesday, April 14

If you were in worship last Sunday, you may recall that we read from I John.  Part of the back story of John 1 is the attraction of the community with "new" things.  They were said to be eager to find "new" insights/wisdom/ways of knowing God (or gods).  In writing to them, John chooses words carefully so as to hold their attention but help direct them to the old, old truths.

This morning I was reading I John 2:1-11.  Here, we can see this attempt quite clearly.  

The tension is still with us.  We are inclined to be attracted to something which we didn't previously know or to follow that which seems different or exciting.

One of the things we learned while traveling in Germany was the significance of the parrot.  There were parrots on the widows of the chapel at the monastery in Erfurt where Luther took his vows.  The parrot was the symbol for God's servants: they were to repeat what had been told them, without adding new words or thoughts.  Even the tour guide who told us these things had a tone of disbelief that this would be the appropriate behavior of God's people.

And yet, it is "the message we have heard" (I John 1:5) which we proclaim as the word of salvation.  It is the old, old story of God's involvement in the world which we are to carefully repeat.  This old, old story must continue to serve as the foundation of our modern day application of the word to our lives.

Seek the new thing which God is doing in your life and in your midst.  But cling to the old, old story and to the truths which never go out of style.

BTW - If you are keeping up in your reading of Daniel, today's appointed text is Daniel 2:1-16.

Devotion - Monday, April 13

There is a difference between a devotion and a bible study, but this morning I am going to tip-toe along that line.  The Lectionary began the book of Daniel today, and I want to encourage you to read along with me these next few weeks as we make our way through this book.  I won't write about it every day, but I will be reading through it every day, and would very much like for you to be reading it with me.  

Daniel was a young man living in Jerusalem during the time when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged the city.  He is taken into captivity, to serve this foreign King.

Today I read Daniel 1:1-21.

As I prayed, I imagined myself in Daniel's position.  Rather easily I could see myself there.  No one has me locked in a dungeon or bound by chains, but I see the ways in which I am being held captive.  The world in which I must live has strong rules with regard to social behavior.  How early in life are we taught NEVER to speak of money or politics?  The world in which I must live bombards me with encouragements to seek first the prosperity of my household - as if obtaining that will allow all other things to be added to me.  The world in which I must live has telemarketers called to offer my home security systems, because "You can't trust those strangers who walk or drive through your neighborhood."

Daniel begins with a refusal to accept the ways of his captors.  Daniel will not allow the mindset of the powerful to change the way God has told Daniel to live.

How well do I stand up to my captors?  How easily to do I give in to the conventional wisdom of the culture when it is God's Wisdom that leads to all righteousness?

Devotion - Thursday, April 9

I want to walk a fine line today - the line between speaking of things of which I lack sufficient knowledge and failing to speak about a topic that must be addressed.  Forgive me if these brief words leave too much unsaid or makes statements which are so broad that they smack of ignorance.

The appointed reading for today is from John 15:12-27.  In these Jesus speaks of the "world" hating those who follow him.  The world hates them because they do not participate in the ways of "the world".  If they were not following Jesus in The Way, then they would go along with the way that those around them are going and would fit in and would (by their going along) be supporting the way which is so popular and preferred.

Those of you reading this are unlikely to be among those who are "going along" with the behaviors which are too often assumed to be the norm for college students.  I know that.  But the world in which you live is too tolerant of such and it is your place to bear witness to the path you have chosen and to the way of living which you have chosen.  

I am in such anguish over the death of Tucker Hipps and all that has followed it.  My prayers this morning were for those who may now be caught up in the group-think which emerged in the immediate aftermath and now must be maintained out of some sense of duty to others.  It upsets me too in that it provides the detractors of college life and college students to say, "See, that is what they are like." when you and I know that is NOT what  you are like.

You have reason to worry about rejection in the "world" in which you live.  Standing up for a way of life that is based on the Word and the grace of Christ will put you out of step with the world you too often see on a college campus.  But that vision of a world is not the whole reality; it is not even the majority.  

Read John 15 today.  And consider how you might reflect the world as you have come to understand it to be.  And as opportunity presents itself, stand up for that world and in opposition to one in which death and heartbreak are forced upon us.

Devotion - Wednesday, April 8

I was reading this morning from Acts 3.1-10.  Peter and John are entering the Temple when they encounter a man who is lame.  He sits at the gate to the Temple in order to beg.  

Peter looks at the man.  The man thinks Peter is going to give him some money, so he looks back.  Then Peter tells the man he has no silver or gold, but that what he will give him something even more precious:  "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

I remember reading a book with the title "Unfettered Hope."  The author pointed out that we are too quick to seek from God small tokens or insignificant expressions.  She points out that God gave us the world with all it's beauty; God saves us from the fear and realities if death. And we would ask God for a good grade on the next exam or pleasant weather for our holiday at the beach?

"I have neither silver or gold, but I give you what I have."  Peter understood that he had something of worth, that he had recived an amazing gift and a tremendous expression of God's grace.

For what will you ask God? For something to make your day better?  Or will you earnestly pray (and then look for the arrival) of the transformation of the whole world?  War does not have to be among us.  There is no reason why the poor must go hungry.  And we can stop the devastating effects of so many diseases.

"In the name of Jesus of Nazareth," let us pray for these things.

Devotion - Tuesday, April 7

There is an often repeated chorus to "return to the early Church." The desire expressed in such comments it to live in a religious milieu free of structures and controversy. I can identify with that, though I am enough of a student of Church history to realize that the early Church did not have a clear confession as to the divinity of Christ or the significance of baptism.

One of the marks of the early Church I do envy is noted in Acts 2. This Church grew fast, attracting many members. As soon as they became part of the group, they "had all things in common." Within that early Church, there were no members living in large (mostly empty houses) while other members were sleeping in homeless shelters. Within that early Church, there were no members feasting on sumptuous things while others were standing in line at the food pantry.

Why is the chorus to "return to the early Church" devoid of verses which speak to this part of early Church life?

I love the Now the Feast Liturgy for many reasons but chief among them is the post communion prayer which ask that God will give us the "courage to share our bread." It takes courage to live as Jesus lived. It takes courage to live as the early Church lived. It takes courage to trust that we will have enough and thus share.

Oh, if only we could return to the early Church.

Devotion - Monday, April 6

Christ is Risen!  Christ is risen indeed!

As the preacher at yesterday's sunrise service repeated this often heard but always wonderful words she supported them by reading Matthew's version of what happened on that first Easter morning.

In Matthew, there are witnesses to the rolling away of the stone and the arrival of those who announce  'He is risen!"  In Matthew's account, there is an earthquake that shakes the ground.  The preacher asked if we had ever experienced an earthquake?  Had we ever felt the ground move under our feet?

I have, once or twice, felt a slight trimmer of the earth beneath me.  It is a rather unsettling feeling.

As I joined in the preacher's announcement of the Easter earthquake I recalled how comforting  those jolts have been.

The power of God - revealed - does not fill us with fear but with confidence.  The power of God - made known - does not cause us to fret or worry but to celebrate.

Would that every day started with an Easter earthquake.

Devotion -Maundy Thursday

"Maundy" means "command." I am typically not comfortable speaking of "commands" with regard to Christian faith. I agree with St. Paul that in Christ we have been set free from the Law and its insistence that we do certain things in order to be in line for God's favor.

Normally. But not today.

Today, I stand firmly on the wisdom of 2100 years of teaching by Jesus' followers that the "command" to "love one another, as (Christ) has loved us" must be followed. This is the command Jesus gives and it is the only mark essential among his followers.

Jesus didn't love those who loved him in return. Jesus didn't wait to show love after it had become clear that his love would not be in vain. Jesus did not limit his expressions of love to those who are attractive. He loved. And he commands his followers to love.

We hear this command and we repeat this command on the day before we acknowledge Jesus' death. Maundy Thursday is followed by Good Friday. This is Jesus' last words to us. The dying words of our Teacher are to love, as he has loved us.

We are about to bring our Lenten season to an end. Today is the day to consider where all this has brought us. Now is the time to hear Jesus' command and to compare his love for us with our love for others.

Devotion - Wednesday of Holy Week

As we near the end of the Lenten season and look back on our efforts to remove sin and sinful ways from our lives, I found these words from a 19th century Danish Bishop (Monrad) to be helpful to me. These words brought me face to face with my tendency to excuse my thoughts or behaviors under the guise of a greater good.

"It is very important that we are without pretense when we come before Christ's countenance. All adornment, all excuses, must be cast aside. We must not give ourselves out as anything other than we are. Wares often pass in trade under false names in order to win easier sale; but is is still more common that the human heart houses cravings to which it gives false names in order to justify love for them. Deceit is called cleverness; greed is called concern for spouse and children; hatred and anger are called zeal for truth and justice. No sinful desire is found in the human heart that does not sail under a false flag and steal a name that does not belong to it. It is a great step forward when we are able to give the right name to all that lives within us. It is one of the blessings of prayer that it calls upon us for serious self-examination and brings into souls, half unconscious, part truth, part falsehood. Everything that lives within us should be laid bare in prayer."