John 8:32 is an often quoted verse. Jesus says, "You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
He has been trying to explain who he is, why he had come, and his relationship to The Father. His listeners have been slow to understand.
The truth does set us free. The truth assures us of God's love, of God's grace, of God's intentions toward us. The truth is that we are deeply loved, valued, and sought after. The truth is that God will bridge the gap which so often separates us. The truth is that God so loved the world that he will give his son in order that we might be saved.
This verse was altered in a quote by Pope John XXIII. The alteration of this quote is part of a beautiful paper relief my wife made for me shortly after we were married. John said, "The truth will make you free, but first it will make you miserable." Known for his concern for the least among us, John was pained by the realities of hunger and hardship. He knew the truth, of God's love for us; he also knew the truth with regard to how far too many of God's children continue to live. Why must those for whom Christ died continue to live lives of desperation?
It makes one miserable, when you realize that there is enough food in the world to feed everyone. But greed and strife and lack of commitment means some eat to excess while others starve. It makes one miserable, to observe "second homes" which sit empty for much of the year, while others are sleeping in cardboard boxes or on park benches. It makes one miserable, to know the truth. None of us - not one of us - need be enslaved to heartbreak or desolation.
The truth does make us free. In that freedom, we are able more clearly see the world's suffering. That freedom allows us to know that suffering is not necessary. Our freedom prods us to address the ills of our world and to assist in making God's will known.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Devotion - Wednesday, March 30
In Romans 5, Paul writes of justification. As with most of his comments on this subject, he places the emphasis on faith and grace.
"Therefore, since we are justified by faith," he begins. "Through (our Lord Jesus Christ) we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand," he continues.
It is not we who bring about the change, but "the Holy Spirit which has been given us."
To drive home the point, Paul reminds us that "While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly." Further, "God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us."
Any claim we might make of righteous living is built upon the foundation of what Christ has first done for us. Any thoughts we might have of pleasing God are but a response to what God has accomplished.
As I have become fond of repeating, "You either believe in grace or your don't." If you do, you live your life confident of God's abiding presence. If you don't, then you continue to be anxious as to whether salvation has truly come.
As with Paul, awareness of God's grace, being poured into our lives, results in a changed life. We cannot return to our selfish and self-centered ways. It is impossible to return to them; we have been remade in the image of Christ. We spend our days telling others of what it is that God has done for us and in us. Our every utterance includes an acknowledgment of how our lives are different, as a result of the grace of God.
"Therefore, since we are justified by faith," he begins. "Through (our Lord Jesus Christ) we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand," he continues.
It is not we who bring about the change, but "the Holy Spirit which has been given us."
To drive home the point, Paul reminds us that "While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly." Further, "God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us."
Any claim we might make of righteous living is built upon the foundation of what Christ has first done for us. Any thoughts we might have of pleasing God are but a response to what God has accomplished.
As I have become fond of repeating, "You either believe in grace or your don't." If you do, you live your life confident of God's abiding presence. If you don't, then you continue to be anxious as to whether salvation has truly come.
As with Paul, awareness of God's grace, being poured into our lives, results in a changed life. We cannot return to our selfish and self-centered ways. It is impossible to return to them; we have been remade in the image of Christ. We spend our days telling others of what it is that God has done for us and in us. Our every utterance includes an acknowledgment of how our lives are different, as a result of the grace of God.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Devotion - Tuesday, March 29
John 7:37-52 contains an interesting lesson on prejudice. The religious authorities have sent guards to arrest Jesus. When they draw near and begin to hear what he has to say, they abandon their assignment and return empty handed. Those who had sent them chide them and refuse to understand why they would have been swayed by Jesus' teaching.
Nicodemus once more enters the story. Remember that he had earlier gone to Jesus by night and been involved in that confusing dialogue about being born anew. Nicodemus asks if it isn't possible that Jesus is a prophet. The response to this is "Search (the scriptures) and you will see that no prophet is to rise from Galilee."
Because of where Jesus is from (or where he is assumed to be from) any thought of him as God's messenger is dismissed. When these prejudicial statements are challenged, scripture is used as justification.
We might not reject someone's word because of their city of origin, but we might pre-judge them based on their ethnic background or their skin color. We are most likely to make assumptions based on their social status. It isn't always the case, but often we decide whether we will listen to them even before they have begun to speak. Are they dressed like a preppy or like a hick? Do they speak with a dialect?
Jesus is rejected because nothing in the ancient writings spoke of a prophet coming from Galilee. Was this the true reason, or did it justify their distaste for what he was saying? (Remember that he had called for the dismantling of the religious structures dear to them.) For whatever reason, they had previously determined that nothing good could come out of his mouth.
It is always a challenge to model our lives after Jesus rather than after those who opposed him. There are too many opportunities to assume the position of power and authority and self-righteousness which was favored by the Pharisees and scribes. Prejudices aid us in maintaining the status quo rather than being open to the new thing God is doing in our midst. Read this section of John for yourself and root out from your life the temptation to dismiss the unpopular voice.
Nicodemus once more enters the story. Remember that he had earlier gone to Jesus by night and been involved in that confusing dialogue about being born anew. Nicodemus asks if it isn't possible that Jesus is a prophet. The response to this is "Search (the scriptures) and you will see that no prophet is to rise from Galilee."
Because of where Jesus is from (or where he is assumed to be from) any thought of him as God's messenger is dismissed. When these prejudicial statements are challenged, scripture is used as justification.
We might not reject someone's word because of their city of origin, but we might pre-judge them based on their ethnic background or their skin color. We are most likely to make assumptions based on their social status. It isn't always the case, but often we decide whether we will listen to them even before they have begun to speak. Are they dressed like a preppy or like a hick? Do they speak with a dialect?
Jesus is rejected because nothing in the ancient writings spoke of a prophet coming from Galilee. Was this the true reason, or did it justify their distaste for what he was saying? (Remember that he had called for the dismantling of the religious structures dear to them.) For whatever reason, they had previously determined that nothing good could come out of his mouth.
It is always a challenge to model our lives after Jesus rather than after those who opposed him. There are too many opportunities to assume the position of power and authority and self-righteousness which was favored by the Pharisees and scribes. Prejudices aid us in maintaining the status quo rather than being open to the new thing God is doing in our midst. Read this section of John for yourself and root out from your life the temptation to dismiss the unpopular voice.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Devotion - Monday, March 28
Our Alternative Spring Break Trip was fun, enlightening, and challenging. We engaged in service projects; we took in the sights of Washington, D.C.; we were awestruck by the faithful service of God's sons and daughters.
As part of my "welcome home," the family gathered for breakfast (my favorite meal of the day.) As we sat down to eggs, bacon, and biscuits, I was reminded of the story in which the director used the food on his breakfast plate to size up a potential team member. He was reported to have said, "See these eggs? Well, the chicken in involved. But see the bacon? The pig is fully committed. Which are you - involved or committed?"
The week in D.C., exploring the work of the Church among the poor and homeless, asks of us the same question - "Are you involved, or committed?"
Too often, we become involved in the work of Christ and decide this is enough. Too often, we congratulate ourselves on a week of service and fail to follow through on the changes we promised ourselves we would made upon return home. Too often, we fail to commit ourselves.
Jesus was committed. He instructs his followers that they too are to be committed. He even says, "Take up your cross and follow me." In our baptismal and confirmation liturgies we speak of our self-centered lives ending so that our lives might reflect the life of Christ. We promise that we will commit ourselves to God and follow where Jesus has lead the way.
Spring Break always interrupts the flow of Lent. As those attempting to maintain their Lenten Disciplines while traveling or living in a hostel for the week. This Spring Break may have been the perfect interruption to our Lent - it was a reminder of the work remaining to be done to house, clothe, and feed those whom Jesus came to serve. We were involved for a week; now is the time to be committed.
As part of my "welcome home," the family gathered for breakfast (my favorite meal of the day.) As we sat down to eggs, bacon, and biscuits, I was reminded of the story in which the director used the food on his breakfast plate to size up a potential team member. He was reported to have said, "See these eggs? Well, the chicken in involved. But see the bacon? The pig is fully committed. Which are you - involved or committed?"
The week in D.C., exploring the work of the Church among the poor and homeless, asks of us the same question - "Are you involved, or committed?"
Too often, we become involved in the work of Christ and decide this is enough. Too often, we congratulate ourselves on a week of service and fail to follow through on the changes we promised ourselves we would made upon return home. Too often, we fail to commit ourselves.
Jesus was committed. He instructs his followers that they too are to be committed. He even says, "Take up your cross and follow me." In our baptismal and confirmation liturgies we speak of our self-centered lives ending so that our lives might reflect the life of Christ. We promise that we will commit ourselves to God and follow where Jesus has lead the way.
Spring Break always interrupts the flow of Lent. As those attempting to maintain their Lenten Disciplines while traveling or living in a hostel for the week. This Spring Break may have been the perfect interruption to our Lent - it was a reminder of the work remaining to be done to house, clothe, and feed those whom Jesus came to serve. We were involved for a week; now is the time to be committed.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Devotion - Thursday, March 17
I wondering "St. Patrick's Day" might be an opportune teaching moment, too good to miss. Many, if not most, of the persons you encounter today are likely to say something about it being St. Patrick's Day.
One of my facebook friends started a long line of "Why do the non-Irish observe St. Patrick's Day?" Thus exposing the confusion in her mind between saints of the Church (and therefore saints for us all) and a cultural or national icon. True, Patty is the saint of the Irish, but he is no less a saint for the rest of us.
We (non-Roman Catholic types) don't typically put much effort into observing any saint. We may refer to Paul as Saint Paul, but typically this is just an assumption that "Saint" is part of his name. Not that his is a "saint" in our religious life.
The teachable moment for today might be to engage those who speak of St Patrick's Day in a bit of conversation about saints. Don't tell them, so much as ask them, "What does it mean, in your life, to identify with a 'saint'?" And see what they tell you.
Saints are those who aid us in our own faith journey. They are the wise who have gone before and set an example. Saints are in heaven, interceding for us. Without saints, our struggle would be greater; our way less clear.
Some of the saints have a day on the Liturgical Calendar. Some have statues in churches or metals worn around necks. Other saints are closer to our hearts; they are the mother, or grandfather, or camp counselor who brought the love of God into our lives at just the right time.
This teachable moment might allow you to help others explore these saints in their life. And whether they are deeply religious or merely cultural observers, your conversation will give them the opportunity to explore all those whom God has placed in their life, bring comfort and hope at just the right time.
Happy Saint Patrick's Day. Perhaps it is only the Irish who need to wear green on this day. Those of us fortunate enough to have a strong relationship with Christ and his Church can wear our crosses and say our prayers of gratitude for those cultural observations which allow us to be reminded of God's grace coming into our lives at just the right time.
One of my facebook friends started a long line of "Why do the non-Irish observe St. Patrick's Day?" Thus exposing the confusion in her mind between saints of the Church (and therefore saints for us all) and a cultural or national icon. True, Patty is the saint of the Irish, but he is no less a saint for the rest of us.
We (non-Roman Catholic types) don't typically put much effort into observing any saint. We may refer to Paul as Saint Paul, but typically this is just an assumption that "Saint" is part of his name. Not that his is a "saint" in our religious life.
The teachable moment for today might be to engage those who speak of St Patrick's Day in a bit of conversation about saints. Don't tell them, so much as ask them, "What does it mean, in your life, to identify with a 'saint'?" And see what they tell you.
Saints are those who aid us in our own faith journey. They are the wise who have gone before and set an example. Saints are in heaven, interceding for us. Without saints, our struggle would be greater; our way less clear.
Some of the saints have a day on the Liturgical Calendar. Some have statues in churches or metals worn around necks. Other saints are closer to our hearts; they are the mother, or grandfather, or camp counselor who brought the love of God into our lives at just the right time.
This teachable moment might allow you to help others explore these saints in their life. And whether they are deeply religious or merely cultural observers, your conversation will give them the opportunity to explore all those whom God has placed in their life, bring comfort and hope at just the right time.
Happy Saint Patrick's Day. Perhaps it is only the Irish who need to wear green on this day. Those of us fortunate enough to have a strong relationship with Christ and his Church can wear our crosses and say our prayers of gratitude for those cultural observations which allow us to be reminded of God's grace coming into our lives at just the right time.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Devotion - Wednesday, March 16
I wrote yesterday of the distinctive nature of John's Gospel. Another of these is his tendency to philosophize. Some have called John the "gnostic gospel," meaning that he tends to show tendencies toward gnosticism. (Gnosticism is a worldview in which knowledge is the supreme virtue. That which is earthly is held in less regard.)
It is in John 2 that Nicodemus comes to see Jesus. Here, Jesus speaks of being "born anew." He tells Nicodemus that unless one is born anew they cannot enter the Kingdom. Nicodemus asks how it is possible to once more be born when one has already grown old. Jesus chides him, "Are you a teacher, and yet you do not understand?"
Not wanting to kindle Jesus' frustration, I pretend that I understand. On some level I do; but on others I am not so sure.
Jesus also says to Nicodemus, "The wind blows where it will, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither i goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit." On one level I understand; on another I do not.
Part of my morning devotion is to seek understanding. It is not my intention to pretend I know all things, understand all things, believe all things. My prayers include a request for insight. From John's gospel, in particular, I encounter those twists of phrases which provoke me to wonder and to probe the edges of my knowledge. Its tendency toward gnostic thought expand my way of encountering Christ.
On one level, I know the Jesus story. On so many other levels, I am a novice and in need of continually turning to scripture.
It is in John 2 that Nicodemus comes to see Jesus. Here, Jesus speaks of being "born anew." He tells Nicodemus that unless one is born anew they cannot enter the Kingdom. Nicodemus asks how it is possible to once more be born when one has already grown old. Jesus chides him, "Are you a teacher, and yet you do not understand?"
Not wanting to kindle Jesus' frustration, I pretend that I understand. On some level I do; but on others I am not so sure.
Jesus also says to Nicodemus, "The wind blows where it will, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither i goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit." On one level I understand; on another I do not.
Part of my morning devotion is to seek understanding. It is not my intention to pretend I know all things, understand all things, believe all things. My prayers include a request for insight. From John's gospel, in particular, I encounter those twists of phrases which provoke me to wonder and to probe the edges of my knowledge. Its tendency toward gnostic thought expand my way of encountering Christ.
On one level, I know the Jesus story. On so many other levels, I am a novice and in need of continually turning to scripture.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Devotion - Tuesday, March 15
My devotional guide has me reading from John during these days of Lent. One of the ways in which John differs from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) is the order of events. Whereas Jesus makes a journey to Jerusalem in them, John has Jesus in and out of Jerusalem on numerous occasions, and early on in the story.
This morning I read John 2:13-22. Here is contained John's account of the cleansing of the Temple.
Jesus enters the Temple. He fashions a whip out of rope and drives out the sheep, oxen, and money changers. His charge to them is that they have made of his Father's House a house of trade. The Temple serves a purpose, he reminds them. And that purpose is not being honored in the way they are using it.
How do we use God's house?
Before I proceed, let me affirm how heartening it is to come to the church and find a group of you typing away on your laptops, or watching the TV, or looking for leftovers in the fridge. I hope and pray that that will continue, even increase. This is a use of God's house; but it must be a bonus use, not the prime use.
How do we use God's house?
God's house is a place where we can feel safe, and comfortable, and at home. It is a place where we can explore our lives and our faith and know that this exploration will be supported by others who gather there with us. God's house is the place we say our prayers and expose the fears of our hearts. God's house is the place where we are assured that we have value and are valuable. God's house is the place we offer our hearts as well as our hands and our voices in service to others. In these ways, we honor God's house and do not make of it something it was not intended to be.
After Jesus cleanses the Temple, he speaks of tearing down the Temple and rebuilding it. John understands these comments to be an indication of God's intentions toward the body, not the actual Temple in Jerusalem. Following John's lead, and thinking of the Temple as our bodies, how would we answer questions about use? Are we using this "temple" as God hopes?
The use we make of the Temple is important. The use we make of our bodies is important. The forty days of Lent are a time to examine these and (where necessary) do a bit of cleansing of our own.
This morning I read John 2:13-22. Here is contained John's account of the cleansing of the Temple.
Jesus enters the Temple. He fashions a whip out of rope and drives out the sheep, oxen, and money changers. His charge to them is that they have made of his Father's House a house of trade. The Temple serves a purpose, he reminds them. And that purpose is not being honored in the way they are using it.
How do we use God's house?
Before I proceed, let me affirm how heartening it is to come to the church and find a group of you typing away on your laptops, or watching the TV, or looking for leftovers in the fridge. I hope and pray that that will continue, even increase. This is a use of God's house; but it must be a bonus use, not the prime use.
How do we use God's house?
God's house is a place where we can feel safe, and comfortable, and at home. It is a place where we can explore our lives and our faith and know that this exploration will be supported by others who gather there with us. God's house is the place we say our prayers and expose the fears of our hearts. God's house is the place where we are assured that we have value and are valuable. God's house is the place we offer our hearts as well as our hands and our voices in service to others. In these ways, we honor God's house and do not make of it something it was not intended to be.
After Jesus cleanses the Temple, he speaks of tearing down the Temple and rebuilding it. John understands these comments to be an indication of God's intentions toward the body, not the actual Temple in Jerusalem. Following John's lead, and thinking of the Temple as our bodies, how would we answer questions about use? Are we using this "temple" as God hopes?
The use we make of the Temple is important. The use we make of our bodies is important. The forty days of Lent are a time to examine these and (where necessary) do a bit of cleansing of our own.
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