“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” - Romans 8:1-2
Reflection by Bill Ticknor+
Today, Jesus’ crucified body is lying in the tomb. Tonight, at the Easter Vigil, our scripture readings will take us from the beginning of creation all the way through the death and resurrection of our Savior. Can we even begin to comprehend what was going on in the minds of Jesus’ loved ones? Their hearts clearly had been torn asunder by his horrifying and humiliating death on the cross. All sense of hope was gone! They had to have been totally devastated.
But, we live on this side of the Easter Vigil, and it is in light of that reality that Paul in his letter to the Church in Rome was able to write: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Do you understand what Paul is saying? “Therefore there is no condemnation.”
In his book, The Applause of Heaven, Max Lucado writes: “For those in Christ, these promises are not only a source of joy. They are also the foundations of true courage. You are guaranteed that your sins will be filtered through, hidden in, and screened out by the sacrifice of Jesus. When God looks at you, he doesn’t see you: he sees the One who surrounds you. That means that failure is not a concern for you. Your victory is secure. How could you not be courageous?”
The key words for us are “For those in Christ.” Throughout this Lent we have hopefully been “In Christ” through his wilderness experience, we have been “In Christ” during his crucifixion, and now by God’s Grace we are “In Christ Jesus” in the new life of the resurrection.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 21, 2008 - Good Friday
“Lord, why can’t I follow you now?” - John 13:37
Reflection by Val Hymes
During the Last Supper, Jesus patiently and repeatedly responds to the questions of his disciples. He washes their feet, yet is still being pestered by Simon Peter. Jesus talks to him as if to a little child, saying, “Where I am going you cannot come,” and returns to his primary message, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you.” But Simon Peter doesn’t listen. He persists, demanding to know why he cannot follow Jesus “right now.” Jesus, facing betrayal, torture and death, remains the comforter. He chides Peter, saying, “before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.” But yet he adds, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” And he promises, “where I am, there you may be also.”
How often have I been impatient and failed to listen? Too often. Have I missed messages like this? How often do we push on to ask for our own needs and fail to heed the important message of our Lord’s love and promise of eternal life with him?
I see around me people who can listen. What a blessed gift.
Reflection by Val Hymes
During the Last Supper, Jesus patiently and repeatedly responds to the questions of his disciples. He washes their feet, yet is still being pestered by Simon Peter. Jesus talks to him as if to a little child, saying, “Where I am going you cannot come,” and returns to his primary message, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you.” But Simon Peter doesn’t listen. He persists, demanding to know why he cannot follow Jesus “right now.” Jesus, facing betrayal, torture and death, remains the comforter. He chides Peter, saying, “before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.” But yet he adds, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” And he promises, “where I am, there you may be also.”
How often have I been impatient and failed to listen? Too often. Have I missed messages like this? How often do we push on to ask for our own needs and fail to heed the important message of our Lord’s love and promise of eternal life with him?
I see around me people who can listen. What a blessed gift.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 20, 2008 - Maundy Thursday
“I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink anew in the kingdom of God.” - Mark 14:12-25
Reflection by Kathy Dickinson
Jesus shared these words with His twelve disciples during The Last Supper. They broke bread and drank from the cup. Jesus told them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many…I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.”
I think Jesus’ words were meant to prepare the disciples for His crucifixion. These twelve men had followed Jesus with unshakeable faith. They had heard Him preach and had witnessed Him perform many miracles. I would imagine, no matter how much Jesus may have reassured them that His crucifixion was God’s will, it was a painful and difficult thing for them to understand and to accept. I think Jesus’ words were meant to prepare them for His death, which He knew was imminent. He may have also hoped His words would comfort the disciples by reassuring them that He was not afraid—that He would have life everlasting in the kingdom of God. Jesus needed the disciples to believe in the kingdom of God, to know that it should not be feared so that they would continue to spread the word of God.
Reflection by Kathy Dickinson
Jesus shared these words with His twelve disciples during The Last Supper. They broke bread and drank from the cup. Jesus told them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many…I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.”
I think Jesus’ words were meant to prepare the disciples for His crucifixion. These twelve men had followed Jesus with unshakeable faith. They had heard Him preach and had witnessed Him perform many miracles. I would imagine, no matter how much Jesus may have reassured them that His crucifixion was God’s will, it was a painful and difficult thing for them to understand and to accept. I think Jesus’ words were meant to prepare them for His death, which He knew was imminent. He may have also hoped His words would comfort the disciples by reassuring them that He was not afraid—that He would have life everlasting in the kingdom of God. Jesus needed the disciples to believe in the kingdom of God, to know that it should not be feared so that they would continue to spread the word of God.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 19, 2008 - Wednesday, Holy Week
“But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and the inheritance will be ours.’ So, they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard.” - Mark 12:1-11
Reflection by The Pickart Family
In this parable, Jesus tells a story that challenges and shames the high priests of his time. When Jesus finishes, the priests are so insulted that they want to arrest him. Fearing the crowd’s reaction, they leave.
This parable, like others, raises questions in the reader’s mind: Whom do the characters represent? What is the message? Clearly, Mark wants us to believe that the tenants are the high priests themselves. In that sense, the parable illustrates their hypocrisy, and how their followers are headed to eternal condemnation. After killing the son, the tenants learn the inheritance will not be theirs, and that “the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
Another interpretation, however, might be that the tenants represent not just the scribes but all humankind. The tenants reject, harm, and even kill successive messengers sent by the owner, the last of which is his favored son. Doesn’t that describe how the world treated the prophets and Jesus himself? Could this parable also serve as a reminder of original sin?
Indirectly, the parable has positive and affirming messages—God is patient, forgiving, and willing to sacrifice His son for us. At its core, however, the parable (and this passage in particular) is a rather stern warning of humanity’s flaws. People are imperfect to begin with, and under weak or evil leadership, they will make astonishingly bad decisions and will never find salvation. Following God’s word is foremost a personal decision—a path that has to be chosen and walked by people as individuals.
Reflection by The Pickart Family
In this parable, Jesus tells a story that challenges and shames the high priests of his time. When Jesus finishes, the priests are so insulted that they want to arrest him. Fearing the crowd’s reaction, they leave.
This parable, like others, raises questions in the reader’s mind: Whom do the characters represent? What is the message? Clearly, Mark wants us to believe that the tenants are the high priests themselves. In that sense, the parable illustrates their hypocrisy, and how their followers are headed to eternal condemnation. After killing the son, the tenants learn the inheritance will not be theirs, and that “the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
Another interpretation, however, might be that the tenants represent not just the scribes but all humankind. The tenants reject, harm, and even kill successive messengers sent by the owner, the last of which is his favored son. Doesn’t that describe how the world treated the prophets and Jesus himself? Could this parable also serve as a reminder of original sin?
Indirectly, the parable has positive and affirming messages—God is patient, forgiving, and willing to sacrifice His son for us. At its core, however, the parable (and this passage in particular) is a rather stern warning of humanity’s flaws. People are imperfect to begin with, and under weak or evil leadership, they will make astonishingly bad decisions and will never find salvation. Following God’s word is foremost a personal decision—a path that has to be chosen and walked by people as individuals.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 18, 2008 - Tuesday, Holy Week
“They heard I was groaning, with no one to comfort me.” - Lamentations 1:17-22
Reflection by Patti Sachs
[v.21: “People heard my groaning, but there was no one to comfort me.” But see v.20: “…in my heart I am disturbed, for I have been most rebellious…”]
I know in my heart when I am rebellious, not faithful or true, and I am feeling alone, like God has removed Himself from me; “…there is no one to comfort me…”. (I’ve heard that when I feel like God is far away, it’s not He that’s moved…it’s me!) God never leaves us. In Ch.3:19-23 we read “I remember…the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them and my soul is downcast…Yet this I call to mind…Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.”
Thanks be to God!
Reflection by Patti Sachs
[v.21: “People heard my groaning, but there was no one to comfort me.” But see v.20: “…in my heart I am disturbed, for I have been most rebellious…”]
I know in my heart when I am rebellious, not faithful or true, and I am feeling alone, like God has removed Himself from me; “…there is no one to comfort me…”. (I’ve heard that when I feel like God is far away, it’s not He that’s moved…it’s me!) God never leaves us. In Ch.3:19-23 we read “I remember…the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them and my soul is downcast…Yet this I call to mind…Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.”
Thanks be to God!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 17, 2008 - Monday, Holy Week
“‘Have Faith in God,’ Jesus answered. ‘I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go. Throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.’” - Mark 11:12-25
Reflection by Gladys Wilson
What does having faith in God mean? Jesus tells us that faith can move mountains. Many of the challenges we face each day seem like mountains we cannot climb, cross, or move. Our faith enables us to attempt new things, stretch our imagination and cast aside doubt and obstacles. Our faith enables us to climb, cross and move mountains.
Very often we say things like “with God all things are possible” or “Let Go, Let God.” These words reflect the belief that with true faith God can do anything. But do we all believe these words or are they mere clichés we mimic. Do you have any doubt about God’s abilities? When we doubt, even for a second, we are showing weakness in our faith. We must strive to banish this doubt from our minds, hearts and actions. Our faith in God is what gets us through every crisis, every triumph and every sorrow. We must have faith in God with our whole heart.
The most powerful way we can show our faith in God is through prayer. God knows what our prayers are before we think them or say them. He knows what is in our heart. When praying we must believe that, if it is in God’s plan, everything we ask for will be received, Have faith in God, have no doubt in your heart and believe that what you ask for will come to pass. No obstacle will stand before a confiding faith in God.
Reflection by Gladys Wilson
What does having faith in God mean? Jesus tells us that faith can move mountains. Many of the challenges we face each day seem like mountains we cannot climb, cross, or move. Our faith enables us to attempt new things, stretch our imagination and cast aside doubt and obstacles. Our faith enables us to climb, cross and move mountains.
Very often we say things like “with God all things are possible” or “Let Go, Let God.” These words reflect the belief that with true faith God can do anything. But do we all believe these words or are they mere clichés we mimic. Do you have any doubt about God’s abilities? When we doubt, even for a second, we are showing weakness in our faith. We must strive to banish this doubt from our minds, hearts and actions. Our faith in God is what gets us through every crisis, every triumph and every sorrow. We must have faith in God with our whole heart.
The most powerful way we can show our faith in God is through prayer. God knows what our prayers are before we think them or say them. He knows what is in our heart. When praying we must believe that, if it is in God’s plan, everything we ask for will be received, Have faith in God, have no doubt in your heart and believe that what you ask for will come to pass. No obstacle will stand before a confiding faith in God.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 16, 2008 - Palm Sunday
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” - Psalm 22
Reflection by Val Hymes.
Palm Sunday – Jesus, with palms waving, returns to Jerusalem knowing what is ahead—his agony in the garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal and his crucifixion. In his prayer for deliverance from suffering, the psalmist foretells our Lord’s anguish.
The words—a raw, naked plea for help—are repeated by Jesus on the cross. (MK. 15:34) Why does God not answer?
There are times when we feel alone, abandoned and facing problems we cannot solve. Despair can grow out of such a small problem. The despair is still great. Why does he not answer?
Perhaps he does and we do not listen as the psalmist sings, “In you our ancestors trusted; they trusted and you delivered them. To you they cried, and were saved.”
Our Lord trusts us to believe he is there with us in our anguish.
Reflection by Val Hymes.
Palm Sunday – Jesus, with palms waving, returns to Jerusalem knowing what is ahead—his agony in the garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal and his crucifixion. In his prayer for deliverance from suffering, the psalmist foretells our Lord’s anguish.
The words—a raw, naked plea for help—are repeated by Jesus on the cross. (MK. 15:34) Why does God not answer?
There are times when we feel alone, abandoned and facing problems we cannot solve. Despair can grow out of such a small problem. The despair is still great. Why does he not answer?
Perhaps he does and we do not listen as the psalmist sings, “In you our ancestors trusted; they trusted and you delivered them. To you they cried, and were saved.”
Our Lord trusts us to believe he is there with us in our anguish.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 15, 2008
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.” - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Reflection by Susan Whitehead
It is said that around the age of 35 our bodies begin to decline, leading us ultimately to the infirmities associated with aging. In essence, we are dying little by little every day. In the previous verse (4:16), Paul encourages the Christians at Corinth not to lose heart for “though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.” But for Paul and others preaching the Gospel, the deterioration of their outer or physical bodies is not merely the result of natural processes but the sufferings they endure in spreading the good news. Yet, Paul indicates that his spirit is renewed daily and ours should be, too. While Paul refers to “light and momentary troubles,” in fact he and the apostles have suffered significantly. Paul has been beaten a number of times and once was stoned and left for dead. Paul is living out the life of Christ through his own sufferings and to refer to them as “light” and “momentary” is possible only because of his profound faith, the “unseen.” Likewise, as we experience trials and tribulations in our lives, through our faith we know that they will never outweigh the eternal blessings that await us.
I heard a story once about a man who was buried in his car. Do I believe that he is riding around heaven in four-wheeled glory? Not at all. For as Paul is pointing out in this passage, what is seen – all those details of our lives such as jobs, activities, families, possessions, relationships – are merely temporary. We can not take them with us when we die. But, because of Christ’s death on Calvary, we can be assured of heavenly blessings, unseen and eternal, because our Lord promised them to us.
Reflection by Susan Whitehead
It is said that around the age of 35 our bodies begin to decline, leading us ultimately to the infirmities associated with aging. In essence, we are dying little by little every day. In the previous verse (4:16), Paul encourages the Christians at Corinth not to lose heart for “though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.” But for Paul and others preaching the Gospel, the deterioration of their outer or physical bodies is not merely the result of natural processes but the sufferings they endure in spreading the good news. Yet, Paul indicates that his spirit is renewed daily and ours should be, too. While Paul refers to “light and momentary troubles,” in fact he and the apostles have suffered significantly. Paul has been beaten a number of times and once was stoned and left for dead. Paul is living out the life of Christ through his own sufferings and to refer to them as “light” and “momentary” is possible only because of his profound faith, the “unseen.” Likewise, as we experience trials and tribulations in our lives, through our faith we know that they will never outweigh the eternal blessings that await us.
I heard a story once about a man who was buried in his car. Do I believe that he is riding around heaven in four-wheeled glory? Not at all. For as Paul is pointing out in this passage, what is seen – all those details of our lives such as jobs, activities, families, possessions, relationships – are merely temporary. We can not take them with us when we die. But, because of Christ’s death on Calvary, we can be assured of heavenly blessings, unseen and eternal, because our Lord promised them to us.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 14, 2008
“For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness…’” - 2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Reflection by Taylor Milbradt
In the above verse, Paul refers to the passage in Genesis to introduce how God has made His light shine in our hearts. Most of us probably feel satisfied with our lives most of the time, but we all have known or will know challenging times. Paul reminds us that when those times come, God has provided each of us with the “light” in our hearts, the light to know the glory of God through Jesus Christ.
Further in the passage Paul describes his trials and how although “hard pressed on every side,” he is “not crushed.” In our lives, the death of a loved one, illness, or disappointment in our personal or professional life can leave us feeling “hard pressed,” sometimes so overwhelmed we can hardly function. But Paul tells us not to “lose heart,” that God is with us. The power to overcome trying times comes not from us, but from God and
He provides all that we need to overcome all our trials. Paul assures us that God does not allow his children to be “crushed,” “abandoned” or “destroyed.” God is there watching over us, ensuring that we can handle whatever happens. One of the great gifts from God is the steadfastness of His love and caring for each of His children. When you feel “hard pressed” or overwhelmed, ask God to “turn up” His light in your heart.
Reflection by Taylor Milbradt
In the above verse, Paul refers to the passage in Genesis to introduce how God has made His light shine in our hearts. Most of us probably feel satisfied with our lives most of the time, but we all have known or will know challenging times. Paul reminds us that when those times come, God has provided each of us with the “light” in our hearts, the light to know the glory of God through Jesus Christ.
Further in the passage Paul describes his trials and how although “hard pressed on every side,” he is “not crushed.” In our lives, the death of a loved one, illness, or disappointment in our personal or professional life can leave us feeling “hard pressed,” sometimes so overwhelmed we can hardly function. But Paul tells us not to “lose heart,” that God is with us. The power to overcome trying times comes not from us, but from God and
He provides all that we need to overcome all our trials. Paul assures us that God does not allow his children to be “crushed,” “abandoned” or “destroyed.” God is there watching over us, ensuring that we can handle whatever happens. One of the great gifts from God is the steadfastness of His love and caring for each of His children. When you feel “hard pressed” or overwhelmed, ask God to “turn up” His light in your heart.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 13, 2008
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” - Mark 10:17-31
Reflection by Tricia Hurlbutt
Prior to this passage, a wealthy young man approaches Jesus, and asks what it will take to achieve salvation. Jesus reminds him to live his life according to the commandments; the young man replies that he has followed them since his youth. Jesus then tells him that in order to find the one thing that he is lacking, he must give away all of his material possessions. The young man asserts that he cannot do that, and walks away saddened by the experience.
The disciples were amazed by the command, and this passage was Jesus’ response. At first glance it seems to be a proclamation against personal riches of any sort, but is that truly what Jesus is saying? Is he literally asking us to give away everything in order to achieve righteousness, and henceforth the Kingdom of Heaven?
Quite possibly, he is. But on the other hand, could Jesus be testing the young man? Could his request to adopt an ascetic lifestyle be an effort to see what was truly in the wealthy man’s heart? The young man’s immediate and adamant unwillingness to even entertain the idea makes clear to all where his true priorities lie. Despite having lived a righteous life, his wealth and material goods are more important to him than eternal salvation.
With the passing of two millennia, this scenario has only become more relevant than it was in the days when Mark witnessed it. The accumulation of money and stuff has become a goal, and distracts us from what is truly important. How can we claim God as our first love and priority when we are distracted by the trappings of the good life? If we claim to be Christians, we must clear our hearts and lives to make room for that which is truly important.
Reflection by Tricia Hurlbutt
Prior to this passage, a wealthy young man approaches Jesus, and asks what it will take to achieve salvation. Jesus reminds him to live his life according to the commandments; the young man replies that he has followed them since his youth. Jesus then tells him that in order to find the one thing that he is lacking, he must give away all of his material possessions. The young man asserts that he cannot do that, and walks away saddened by the experience.
The disciples were amazed by the command, and this passage was Jesus’ response. At first glance it seems to be a proclamation against personal riches of any sort, but is that truly what Jesus is saying? Is he literally asking us to give away everything in order to achieve righteousness, and henceforth the Kingdom of Heaven?
Quite possibly, he is. But on the other hand, could Jesus be testing the young man? Could his request to adopt an ascetic lifestyle be an effort to see what was truly in the wealthy man’s heart? The young man’s immediate and adamant unwillingness to even entertain the idea makes clear to all where his true priorities lie. Despite having lived a righteous life, his wealth and material goods are more important to him than eternal salvation.
With the passing of two millennia, this scenario has only become more relevant than it was in the days when Mark witnessed it. The accumulation of money and stuff has become a goal, and distracts us from what is truly important. How can we claim God as our first love and priority when we are distracted by the trappings of the good life? If we claim to be Christians, we must clear our hearts and lives to make room for that which is truly important.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 12, 2008
“Is it against the law for a man to divorce his wife?” - Mark 10:1-16
Reflection by John Huntington+
“…as was his custom, he again taught them.” To teach is to change a life forever. Jesus wanted to change their lives forever. But to test him the Pharisees chose the subject: divorce. They asked “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” Referring to Deuteronomy 24:1-4 and Jeremiah 3:8, Jesus grounded in creation (Gen 1.27; 2.24) a restrictive interpretation permitting divorce but prohibiting remarriage. And he did this in a way that equalizes the rights of husband and wife. But remarriage was to be considered as adultery against the first spouse. The punishment for adultery could be death. So, to equate remarriage with adultery seems shocking to us.
Some who read this will have been divorced and remarried. Indeed, this is true of some clergy. So, how is it possible to be a faithful Christian—to wholeheartedly accept the life-changing teaching of Jesus—and yet to divorce and remarry?
In the Episcopal Church a priest must obtain his bishop’s permission in order to remarry a person who has been divorced. But remarriage is not prohibited. How would you personally justify this policy in view of this passage from Mark’s gospel? It is easy to see how a person could be accused of adultery if she or he divorced a spouse simply because another person seemed more attractive. But, isn’t it more commonly true that divorce occurs only after a marriage is long dead? After the obligations of intimacy and mutual support have long been abandoned?
Reflection by John Huntington+
“…as was his custom, he again taught them.” To teach is to change a life forever. Jesus wanted to change their lives forever. But to test him the Pharisees chose the subject: divorce. They asked “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” Referring to Deuteronomy 24:1-4 and Jeremiah 3:8, Jesus grounded in creation (Gen 1.27; 2.24) a restrictive interpretation permitting divorce but prohibiting remarriage. And he did this in a way that equalizes the rights of husband and wife. But remarriage was to be considered as adultery against the first spouse. The punishment for adultery could be death. So, to equate remarriage with adultery seems shocking to us.
Some who read this will have been divorced and remarried. Indeed, this is true of some clergy. So, how is it possible to be a faithful Christian—to wholeheartedly accept the life-changing teaching of Jesus—and yet to divorce and remarry?
In the Episcopal Church a priest must obtain his bishop’s permission in order to remarry a person who has been divorced. But remarriage is not prohibited. How would you personally justify this policy in view of this passage from Mark’s gospel? It is easy to see how a person could be accused of adultery if she or he divorced a spouse simply because another person seemed more attractive. But, isn’t it more commonly true that divorce occurs only after a marriage is long dead? After the obligations of intimacy and mutual support have long been abandoned?
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 11, 2008
“The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” - Psalm 121
Reflection by Cynthia Steuart
For a better understanding of these verses, please read Psalm 121 in its entirety. From a historical perspective, the psalmist is looking to the mountains for assistance. The mountains were considered Holy places, because they were closer to God. The Priest reassures the psalmist that God will protect him from harm and watch over him.
This psalm may also have been written for the people of Israel, letting them know that God would watch out for them. As God does for Israel, so does God do for us if we allow him to do so. I personally feel very blessed and am so thankful for God being in my life.
God helps us and protects us in many different ways. His assistance may be from other people, through happenings, which some would say were coincidences (which really are not coincidences) and from the thoughts that God places in our minds. My mother always used to say, "Listen to the Angels! Follow what they say!"
Some nonbelievers would say that you have a lot of good luck. I do not believe in good luck. You have the protection and the blessings from God. Make sure that you thank him daily for your protection, and for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon you.
Reflection by Cynthia Steuart
For a better understanding of these verses, please read Psalm 121 in its entirety. From a historical perspective, the psalmist is looking to the mountains for assistance. The mountains were considered Holy places, because they were closer to God. The Priest reassures the psalmist that God will protect him from harm and watch over him.
This psalm may also have been written for the people of Israel, letting them know that God would watch out for them. As God does for Israel, so does God do for us if we allow him to do so. I personally feel very blessed and am so thankful for God being in my life.
God helps us and protects us in many different ways. His assistance may be from other people, through happenings, which some would say were coincidences (which really are not coincidences) and from the thoughts that God places in our minds. My mother always used to say, "Listen to the Angels! Follow what they say!"
Some nonbelievers would say that you have a lot of good luck. I do not believe in good luck. You have the protection and the blessings from God. Make sure that you thank him daily for your protection, and for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon you.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 10, 2008
“Now John answered Him, saying, ‘Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.’ But Jesus said, ‘Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is on our side.” - Mark 9:38-40
Reflection by Greg Davis
For me, this is an important statement about who Christ welcomes, and what He permits in His name. Christ expresses a straightforward, basic concept, much later plainly stated by St. Peter, who says, “Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality, but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”
The apostles try to protect Christ by forbidding a non-follower to cast out demons in Jesus’ name. But Christ needs no such protection. He accepts, nay, welcomes the non-follower’s actions, those works done in Christ’s name.
Jesus tells his followers not to forbid the man, because the results, the evidence of that man’s actions will keep him, or anyone who does “a mighty work” in Christ’s name, from speaking ill of Christ. Jesus plainly tells the apostles not to forbid him to continue, because “He that is not against us is for us.”
What a concept! It’s amazing in its simplicity. The point is not that the man casts out demons, but that he does so in Jesus’ name. Doing good works in Christ’s name is open to everyone, open to anyone.
Will not Christ accept all who honestly work in His name? Do your works with Jesus’ name on your lips and in your hearts, and be always acceptable to Him.
Reflection by Greg Davis
For me, this is an important statement about who Christ welcomes, and what He permits in His name. Christ expresses a straightforward, basic concept, much later plainly stated by St. Peter, who says, “Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality, but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”
The apostles try to protect Christ by forbidding a non-follower to cast out demons in Jesus’ name. But Christ needs no such protection. He accepts, nay, welcomes the non-follower’s actions, those works done in Christ’s name.
Jesus tells his followers not to forbid the man, because the results, the evidence of that man’s actions will keep him, or anyone who does “a mighty work” in Christ’s name, from speaking ill of Christ. Jesus plainly tells the apostles not to forbid him to continue, because “He that is not against us is for us.”
What a concept! It’s amazing in its simplicity. The point is not that the man casts out demons, but that he does so in Jesus’ name. Doing good works in Christ’s name is open to everyone, open to anyone.
Will not Christ accept all who honestly work in His name? Do your works with Jesus’ name on your lips and in your hearts, and be always acceptable to Him.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 9, 2008 - The Fifth Sunday of Lent
“‘This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel…’ declares the Lord. ‘For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.’” - Jeremiah 31:31-34
Reflection by The Rev. Lou Hays, Rector, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Mt. Lebanon, PA
God’s heart must be breaking. Is this what God had in mind when God said, “I will be their God, and they shall be my people”? Bishop Mark Dyer often reminded his students at Virginia Seminary that schism is the greatest sin. When we fracture the body of Christ, we literally break God’s heart. Sadly a small number of Episcopalians have decided they alone know the truth and are attempting to break away from the Episcopal Church. This weighs heavy on my heart, since I now serve in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, one of four Dioceses that are seeking to separate from the Episcopal Church. Ironically, those who claim to be the “orthodox” Anglicans have abandoned a central tenet of Anglicanism: the ability to debate and to agree to disagree, coming together in common worship, not common theology.
It’s not just the Church that breaks God’s heart. Does the way we live our lives cause God to weep, or to rejoice? Do we put God first, or is God an afterthought? Do we give generously of our time, talent, and treasure, remembering that all that we have and all that we are comes from God?
The good news is that faithful Episcopalians in every Diocese are firmly committed to the Episcopal Church. The good news is that we try to live our lives as God intends. The very best news is that God forgives our iniquity, and remembers our sin no more.
Reflection by The Rev. Lou Hays, Rector, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Mt. Lebanon, PA
God’s heart must be breaking. Is this what God had in mind when God said, “I will be their God, and they shall be my people”? Bishop Mark Dyer often reminded his students at Virginia Seminary that schism is the greatest sin. When we fracture the body of Christ, we literally break God’s heart. Sadly a small number of Episcopalians have decided they alone know the truth and are attempting to break away from the Episcopal Church. This weighs heavy on my heart, since I now serve in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, one of four Dioceses that are seeking to separate from the Episcopal Church. Ironically, those who claim to be the “orthodox” Anglicans have abandoned a central tenet of Anglicanism: the ability to debate and to agree to disagree, coming together in common worship, not common theology.
It’s not just the Church that breaks God’s heart. Does the way we live our lives cause God to weep, or to rejoice? Do we put God first, or is God an afterthought? Do we give generously of our time, talent, and treasure, remembering that all that we have and all that we are comes from God?
The good news is that faithful Episcopalians in every Diocese are firmly committed to the Episcopal Church. The good news is that we try to live our lives as God intends. The very best news is that God forgives our iniquity, and remembers our sin no more.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 8, 2008
“After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, ‘Why couldn’t we drive the evil spirit out?’ He replied, ‘This kind can come out only by prayer.’” - Mark 9:28-29
Reflection by Sharon McGlaughlin
The response of Jesus to his disciples that ‘This kind can come out only by prayer” reminded me of what I already know, but do not always practice. I was like many people who pray when they are in need, struggling with a problem that just will not go away. I would thank God for the good in my life, but didn’t always invite him into my life everyday. Several years back, it finally dawned on me (a God Smack moment), that when I started my day with prayer, there was more peace in it. The negative things seemed less daunting, the good more joyous, and life in general on an even keel.
When our oldest son was presented with a life changing event in his life, I started to pray even harder for him. I wanted to give him comfort, and make things better, but I am only human. I called on God through prayer to give our son what he needed to heal, find peace, and have the desire in his heart to return to the church.
I know that it is only through the prayers that were offered up for him that he now attends church on a regular basis with a wonderful young woman who has agreed to be his wife. He is no longer without a true knowledge that God does listen to prayer and gives what He knows is the best for us. Jesus turned to prayer always, shouldn’t we?
Reflection by Sharon McGlaughlin
The response of Jesus to his disciples that ‘This kind can come out only by prayer” reminded me of what I already know, but do not always practice. I was like many people who pray when they are in need, struggling with a problem that just will not go away. I would thank God for the good in my life, but didn’t always invite him into my life everyday. Several years back, it finally dawned on me (a God Smack moment), that when I started my day with prayer, there was more peace in it. The negative things seemed less daunting, the good more joyous, and life in general on an even keel.
When our oldest son was presented with a life changing event in his life, I started to pray even harder for him. I wanted to give him comfort, and make things better, but I am only human. I called on God through prayer to give our son what he needed to heal, find peace, and have the desire in his heart to return to the church.
I know that it is only through the prayers that were offered up for him that he now attends church on a regular basis with a wonderful young woman who has agreed to be his wife. He is no longer without a true knowledge that God does listen to prayer and gives what He knows is the best for us. Jesus turned to prayer always, shouldn’t we?
Friday, March 7, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 7, 2008
“[The disciples] kept the matter to themselves, discussing what ‘rising from the dead’ meant.” - Mark 9:2-13
Reflection by Sharon Angel
I feel that this passage deals entirely with faith. Jesus had told the disciples that He would rise from the dead. I'm sure they did not know what to make of such a statement. However, they knew Jesus and believed in Him. Sometimes, I think it's very hard to be a Christian, but we have to hold on to our faith, and one day all our questions will be answered.
I think the disciples had an advantage regarding faith that we do not. They had Jesus right there. They could see, hear, and feel him. But Jesus didn't leave us to fend for ourselves; He is with us in the Eucharist, and through the Eucharist we are able to sustain all the hardships of life. He will never desert us. We just have to have faith.
Reflection by Sharon Angel
I feel that this passage deals entirely with faith. Jesus had told the disciples that He would rise from the dead. I'm sure they did not know what to make of such a statement. However, they knew Jesus and believed in Him. Sometimes, I think it's very hard to be a Christian, but we have to hold on to our faith, and one day all our questions will be answered.
I think the disciples had an advantage regarding faith that we do not. They had Jesus right there. They could see, hear, and feel him. But Jesus didn't leave us to fend for ourselves; He is with us in the Eucharist, and through the Eucharist we are able to sustain all the hardships of life. He will never desert us. We just have to have faith.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 6, 2008
“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and for that of the Gospel will save it.” - Mark 8:31-37
Reflection by Marjie Mack
It is hard to imagine that God loves us even more than the love we have for our own children. As a parent, I just cannot imagine how God could send his only son to this human world and allow him to suffer so much in order to save all of us. How awesome is God to love us enough to have done just that! As a human being, it is truly beyond my comprehension. How often do I, like the disciples in the Gospel reading today, just not get it? How often do I wonder how God can allow bad things to happen to good people, especially children? How often do I worry over what really is small stuff?
Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say I am?" If I know the answer to that question, then why do I have such trouble yielding myself to God's will? How much time and energy do I spend trying to figure out and adapt to this human world in order to preserve my life and status and obtain more material things? Why don't I realize that all I am and all I have comes from God and it all belongs to God? Why don't I share more of my things and my life with others to serve him? If I lose my old self and accept my new life in God, I will have everlasting life. Maybe I will also be able to experience the kingdom of God on earth.
Reflection by Marjie Mack
It is hard to imagine that God loves us even more than the love we have for our own children. As a parent, I just cannot imagine how God could send his only son to this human world and allow him to suffer so much in order to save all of us. How awesome is God to love us enough to have done just that! As a human being, it is truly beyond my comprehension. How often do I, like the disciples in the Gospel reading today, just not get it? How often do I wonder how God can allow bad things to happen to good people, especially children? How often do I worry over what really is small stuff?
Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say I am?" If I know the answer to that question, then why do I have such trouble yielding myself to God's will? How much time and energy do I spend trying to figure out and adapt to this human world in order to preserve my life and status and obtain more material things? Why don't I realize that all I am and all I have comes from God and it all belongs to God? Why don't I share more of my things and my life with others to serve him? If I lose my old self and accept my new life in God, I will have everlasting life. Maybe I will also be able to experience the kingdom of God on earth.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 5, 2008
“Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” - Genesis 50:15-26
Reflection by Judy Huntington
Do not be afraid. These words were spoken by Joseph to his brothers, who had sold him into slavery for 20 pieces of silver and who feared retribution now that they were dependent upon him. Joseph recognizes that it was their intent to do him harm but that through God’s will good has come from their evil actions. He will not punish them.
Human history is full of wars and suffering caused by the all-too-human desire to get even, sometimes disguised as a desire for fairness or justice. Most of us have a hard place in our hearts where we nurture grudges against people who have deliberately tried to harm us, and we secretly wish they could be in our power, even if only for an instant, so that we could obtain justice. How much we could learn from Joseph!
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught, “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.” This is a jarring statement about the essential unfairness of life, where good things happen to bad people. How we deal with this unfairness is a measure of how well we have internalized this basic Christian message. In his I Have a Dream speech, August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King expressed his theological understanding of this principle: unearned suffering is redemptive. And is not redemption the purpose of our lives?
Reflection by Judy Huntington
Do not be afraid. These words were spoken by Joseph to his brothers, who had sold him into slavery for 20 pieces of silver and who feared retribution now that they were dependent upon him. Joseph recognizes that it was their intent to do him harm but that through God’s will good has come from their evil actions. He will not punish them.
Human history is full of wars and suffering caused by the all-too-human desire to get even, sometimes disguised as a desire for fairness or justice. Most of us have a hard place in our hearts where we nurture grudges against people who have deliberately tried to harm us, and we secretly wish they could be in our power, even if only for an instant, so that we could obtain justice. How much we could learn from Joseph!
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught, “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.” This is a jarring statement about the essential unfairness of life, where good things happen to bad people. How we deal with this unfairness is a measure of how well we have internalized this basic Christian message. In his I Have a Dream speech, August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King expressed his theological understanding of this principle: unearned suffering is redemptive. And is not redemption the purpose of our lives?
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 4, 2008
“Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord, the man you teach from your law...the Lord has become my fortress and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.” - Psalm 94
Reflection by Maria Ciarochi
The Psalmist states that BLESSED is the person taught by the Lord. What a challenge to take time and LISTEN to what our God has to say! I know I struggle to get to that place in my personal prayer life. I seem to have no problem asking God for help, or giving God advice (you know when my prayer requests have my answers attached to them). There are even wonderful prayer times filled with worship, adoration and gratitude, but it is still me speaking. Silence, filled only with LISTENING, now there is the challenge!
In a world where self-help books, TV interviews, and computer blogs give the impression that it is so easy to attain wisdom within a few minutes, the temptation is there to avoid setting aside more than a short time each day to read and meditate on Scripture, and to avoid sitting quietly in God’s presence.
The Psalmist seems to know some helpful ways of getting to that listening place.
I will begin by asking the Lord to become my fortress, buffeting the thoughts, such as fear, anxiety, impatience, frustration, and daily schedule, which would distract me from listening. He also imagines God as the rock of his refuge, to give him comfort. My image of comfort is Jesus sitting in a rocking chair holding me on his lap at times of crisis in my life. Some times I get to rest my head on His chest listening to His heart beat, and that is all I need to achieve peace and attain the strength to survive the crisis.
This Lent I hope to climb on His lap and ask Him to teach me how to follow Him. Maybe we will read the Bible together and maybe some of the time I will just LISTEN. I hope you find the time to LISTEN too!
Reflection by Maria Ciarochi
The Psalmist states that BLESSED is the person taught by the Lord. What a challenge to take time and LISTEN to what our God has to say! I know I struggle to get to that place in my personal prayer life. I seem to have no problem asking God for help, or giving God advice (you know when my prayer requests have my answers attached to them). There are even wonderful prayer times filled with worship, adoration and gratitude, but it is still me speaking. Silence, filled only with LISTENING, now there is the challenge!
In a world where self-help books, TV interviews, and computer blogs give the impression that it is so easy to attain wisdom within a few minutes, the temptation is there to avoid setting aside more than a short time each day to read and meditate on Scripture, and to avoid sitting quietly in God’s presence.
The Psalmist seems to know some helpful ways of getting to that listening place.
I will begin by asking the Lord to become my fortress, buffeting the thoughts, such as fear, anxiety, impatience, frustration, and daily schedule, which would distract me from listening. He also imagines God as the rock of his refuge, to give him comfort. My image of comfort is Jesus sitting in a rocking chair holding me on his lap at times of crisis in my life. Some times I get to rest my head on His chest listening to His heart beat, and that is all I need to achieve peace and attain the strength to survive the crisis.
This Lent I hope to climb on His lap and ask Him to teach me how to follow Him. Maybe we will read the Bible together and maybe some of the time I will just LISTEN. I hope you find the time to LISTEN too!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 3, 2008
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.’ And they were amazed at him.” - Mark 12:17
Reflection by Woody Wooddell
Consider the mindset of those who were amazed. This passage takes place in Jerusalem after Palm Sunday. With his ministry nearing its completion, Jesus had come to the temple to teach, when the Pharisees confronted him. The Pharisee’s power was being challenged by Christ’s message of redemption and salvation by God through faith in him. They asked him by what authority he taught such truths that fly in the face of their laws. The Pharisees felt Christ’s power came from Satan and hoped to catch Jesus in blasphemy. Jesus considered them a “brood of vipers.”
Trying to trap him into an answer that would endanger him with either the Jews or the Romans, they asked “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? “ Taking a Denarius, Jesus recognized their hypocrisy and had them identify Caesar’s image on the coin. He said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.”
Obey your earthly authority and give Caesar the coins he is due, but obey God and give him your heart and your faith that he is due. They realized he was not here to overthrow Rome. Jesus was telling them that his kingdom was not here on earth but in heaven. Now that truly is a reason to be amazed.
Give God your heart. Be ready to be amazed.
Reflection by Woody Wooddell
Consider the mindset of those who were amazed. This passage takes place in Jerusalem after Palm Sunday. With his ministry nearing its completion, Jesus had come to the temple to teach, when the Pharisees confronted him. The Pharisee’s power was being challenged by Christ’s message of redemption and salvation by God through faith in him. They asked him by what authority he taught such truths that fly in the face of their laws. The Pharisees felt Christ’s power came from Satan and hoped to catch Jesus in blasphemy. Jesus considered them a “brood of vipers.”
Trying to trap him into an answer that would endanger him with either the Jews or the Romans, they asked “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? “ Taking a Denarius, Jesus recognized their hypocrisy and had them identify Caesar’s image on the coin. He said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.”
Obey your earthly authority and give Caesar the coins he is due, but obey God and give him your heart and your faith that he is due. They realized he was not here to overthrow Rome. Jesus was telling them that his kingdom was not here on earth but in heaven. Now that truly is a reason to be amazed.
Give God your heart. Be ready to be amazed.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 2, 2008 - The Fourth Sunday of Lent
“The Unclean spirits, too, when they saw him, would fall down at his feet and cry aloud, ‘You are the Son of God.’” - Mark 3:7-12
Reflection by Reverend Carl Rehling
“You are the Son of God” causes me to ask a question by changing a few words “are you a Son of God?” Our church and scripture tell us we are His children. But do we always act as if we are? Do we appear to those around us, at work, at home, or school wherever, whenever?
Maybe the story of a young business man and Apple Mary will help us to address this question.
The story goes back a few years when the train was the main mode of travel for business men. In the station that the young man used for his travel was the almost-blind Apple Mary and her apple stand. This was her only source of income.
One morning as he was hurrying thru the station to a big deal with a big commission, the young man, with the rushing of the crowd and his haste, bumped into Mary’s apple cart and the apples went rolling. Mary was devastated; her source of livelihood was gone. But the young man stopped and crawled over the dirty floor. He retrieved and cleaned every apple and returned them to the cart. He missed his train, missing the big deal and the big commission, but he was about to receive the greatest reward a child of God could receive.
Mary, though almost blind, could see enough to realize what he had done and said to him, “WHO ARE YOU? ARE YOU JESUS?”
He had acted as a child of God. The word for us is “GO AND DO LIKEWISE.”
Lord, help us to break through to that area of human life where people can touch each other in love, for there we will find what you saw when you made us to be like you.
Reflection by Reverend Carl Rehling
“You are the Son of God” causes me to ask a question by changing a few words “are you a Son of God?” Our church and scripture tell us we are His children. But do we always act as if we are? Do we appear to those around us, at work, at home, or school wherever, whenever?
Maybe the story of a young business man and Apple Mary will help us to address this question.
The story goes back a few years when the train was the main mode of travel for business men. In the station that the young man used for his travel was the almost-blind Apple Mary and her apple stand. This was her only source of income.
One morning as he was hurrying thru the station to a big deal with a big commission, the young man, with the rushing of the crowd and his haste, bumped into Mary’s apple cart and the apples went rolling. Mary was devastated; her source of livelihood was gone. But the young man stopped and crawled over the dirty floor. He retrieved and cleaned every apple and returned them to the cart. He missed his train, missing the big deal and the big commission, but he was about to receive the greatest reward a child of God could receive.
Mary, though almost blind, could see enough to realize what he had done and said to him, “WHO ARE YOU? ARE YOU JESUS?”
He had acted as a child of God. The word for us is “GO AND DO LIKEWISE.”
Lord, help us to break through to that area of human life where people can touch each other in love, for there we will find what you saw when you made us to be like you.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Lenten Reflection - March 1, 2008
“So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom…” - Psalm 90
Reflection by Douglas Ellmore, Sr.
Upon reflection of the passage “So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom,” my first thoughts were of the Latin saying “carpe diem” or “seize the day.”
We must also reflect on the fact that our lifestyles today are very busy, and we can get caught up in maybe doing too much. The passage advises us to spend each day wisely. But, why or how do we do so?
The full passage of Psalm 90 wants us to understand that while God has a definite purpose and meaning for our lives, that some day that purpose here on earth will be completed. We don’t know when that day will be or how it will come. But if we try to live each day trying to fulfill God’s purpose for us, we will be ready to be with God when that day does come.
We need to also know that God’s purpose varies for each of us and that purpose may vary each and every day, and it may vary during each day. We have a responsibility to God to do our best in whatever we do, including work, school, sports, and chores.
Now there will be days in which we will face problems. These “bad” or “tough” days are there for a Godly reason that we can not always understand. However, we should have faith, knowing that God is with us and will support us with His strength in doing His work each and every day and help us overcome these problems, if we do our part by doing our best and not giving-up.
Live each day wisely doing your best, knowing God is supporting you always.
Reflection by Douglas Ellmore, Sr.
Upon reflection of the passage “So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom,” my first thoughts were of the Latin saying “carpe diem” or “seize the day.”
We must also reflect on the fact that our lifestyles today are very busy, and we can get caught up in maybe doing too much. The passage advises us to spend each day wisely. But, why or how do we do so?
The full passage of Psalm 90 wants us to understand that while God has a definite purpose and meaning for our lives, that some day that purpose here on earth will be completed. We don’t know when that day will be or how it will come. But if we try to live each day trying to fulfill God’s purpose for us, we will be ready to be with God when that day does come.
We need to also know that God’s purpose varies for each of us and that purpose may vary each and every day, and it may vary during each day. We have a responsibility to God to do our best in whatever we do, including work, school, sports, and chores.
Now there will be days in which we will face problems. These “bad” or “tough” days are there for a Godly reason that we can not always understand. However, we should have faith, knowing that God is with us and will support us with His strength in doing His work each and every day and help us overcome these problems, if we do our part by doing our best and not giving-up.
Live each day wisely doing your best, knowing God is supporting you always.
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