Sunday, March 31, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 31, 2013 Easter

If we have died with him, we shall live with him; if we hold firm, we shall reign with him.
2 Timothy 2:11


This is the passage upon which I was asked to write a mediation. After reading numerous commentaries, I realized they all stated that this is just one line of an ancient Christian hymn. In the Early Church they often placed their faith into song. Verses 12 & 13 clearly need to be added to verse 11 resulting in the following: "if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful – for he cannot deny himself."

Timothy is basically summarizing what is written in Romans, Chapter 6:3-8. Verses 3 & 4: "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life."

Truly this is a "triumphant hymn." However, with our Free Will we have the ability of "denying him" and in turn "he will also deny us." The great news clearly is that if by God's Grace we are enabled to say "Yes" to Christ in our relationship, he will, as always, be faithful to us.

It is by God's Grace alone that we can today share in the Victory of our Lord! Alleluia, Alleluia!

William H. C. Ticknor+

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 30, 2013 Holy Saturday

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


This prayer, attributed to St. Francis, was in a church bulletin several years ago and when I read it I knew I had to keep it near by. The uncountable times I have retrieved this prayer, printed on a now stained and wrinkled piece of paper, have never failed to bring me peace. Thankfully I am then able to share His love and peace.

"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love, where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith, where there is despair, hope, where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."

Nancy McClunin

Friday, March 29, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 29, 2013 Good Friday

And the angels tended him.
Mark 1:1-13


This passage is powerful. Jesus was sent into the wilderness for forty days. During this time He was tested continually by Satan and with wild beasts. I feel the passage speaks to all of us. When haven't we been tempted to take or do things we shouldn't do? Faith is what keeps us on the path of the light and Satan is what pushes us off. Do you take time to listen when you are in the wilderness or try to face it alone? We have someone to help guide us when we are lost or afraid. Jesus showed us; we have to believe. Sometimes letting go feels like falling into a bottomless well. When we do finally let go and let God - He catches us - always. Temptation will always be there, but so will God. (Remember according to Larry the Cucumber: God is bigger than the boogie man!)

Nola Meyers

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 28, 2013 Maundy Thursday

Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.
I Corinthians 10:16-17


The theme of bread as a gift and as a miracle is strong in both the Old and the New Testaments. Whether it is the manna in the wilderness in the time of Moses referred to by Paul earlier in this chapter or the loaves that fed five thousand as people gathered to hear Jesus it sustained and unified the people for whom it was a heavenly gift. For the people closest to Jesus in his ministry the bread of passover was the last meal shared with Him and the one we are asked to remember as a sacrament each Maundy Thursday and every time we celebrate the Eucharist.

Of all the church participation in my life, reading and teaching and assisting in communion, the most powerful experience has been offering to my friends and neighbors, my fellow congregants, the bread and wine of communion. Each time it brings the presence of Jesus, as he promised, and unity with each other. It binds us into one, one loaf, not only with the people at the rail that moment but with all who have ever received the bread in His name any time in the past, and with all who are receiving it around the world. Each time changes me from one person with cares and worries and self-centeredness into a vehicle used by the Holy Spirit to bind His people of all times and nations into one, one loaf, belonging to the one true God Paul was entreating the Corinthians to carefully and devotedly follow.

Susan Tabatsko

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 27, 2013

The Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced.
Isaiah 50:7


Jesus had traveled the countryside healing the sick and preaching the words of GOD. He healed Simon' s mother-in-law, a leper, a paraplegic and chose his apostles from among the crowds. Jesus was proclaiming new laws to be followed. He was also making enemies of the established priests. They accused Him of blasphemy and sin.

The Pharisees (priests) questioned whether we could sin and speak ill of the Lord and still be forgiven. Jesus replied that we can't choose Satan and ridicule God and expect to be forgiven. Jesus answered that "if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand."

At St. James' we are privileged to have God's Commandments on the wall behind the altar. Are they just another beautiful artistic accessory in our historic sanctuary? Do we read them, make our children aware of them, and obey them?

Lorraine Taylor

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 26, 2013

And he said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified." But I said, "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the Lord, and my reward with my God."
Isaiah 49:3-4


My Bible tells me there are three movements (messages) in the Salvation Symphony of the book of Isaiah. They are: judgment, comfort and hope. This passage is found in the comfort part of the Salvation Symphony. God tells me, as his servant, I will be one who glorifies him (If only it were so!) I know I fall far short of the mark. And I know it is only God who can untangle my labored efforts and make them worthwhile.

Caroline York Chisum

Monday, March 25, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 25, 2013

[Jesus] overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts.
Mark 11:15-19


During Passover the temple was used by merchants to do big business. Because these merchants came from all over, the temple was turned into a busy market place with little to no room for worship. Jesus became angry because the place of worship had become the place of big and somewhat shady business and a barrier to those who wanted to worship.

The Bible teaches us that there are times when righteous indignation is OK. We are bombarded with so many distractions, so many ways to focus on what is short term enjoyment. We allow the world to adjust our thoughts instead of keeping a steady eye on the Lord. Romans 12:2 says Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.

As Christians, we have a responsibility to take a stand when our world crashes into our relationship with our Lord. Each day we should be focused first on the Lord, not jumping ahead to today's plans and problems. It is the Lord that will bring us the long term joy and peace to our life. When the "merchants" of your life start to take over, step back, overturn those tables and re-focus on what is true, and what is everlasting, our Lord.

Molly Nussear

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 24, 2013 Palm Sunday

After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered...and they believed the scriptures and the word that Jesus had spoken.
John 2:22


Hindsight is always revealing. Things so often make more sense in retrospect. Thus it was for the disciples. In the verses prior to this, Jesus had forced the merchants, with their animals, and the moneychangers out of the Temple. He was then challenged by the Jewish leaders to provide a miracle to prove he had God's authority for his actions. Jesus replied, "Destroy this temple. I will build it again in three days." Now the temple had been originally built by King Solomon in 959BC; was destroyed by Israel's enemies several centuries later and rebuilt in 516BC. Herod the Great had expanded this second temple over a period of 46 years. The Jewish leaders could not understand how the temple that took 46 years to construct could be rebuilt in 3 days. Jesus, of course, was talking about his body as the temple and his resurrection three days later; a fact so clear now, but so confusing then to the disciples.

Given all the distractions of day-to-day life, it is easy to miss the constant interaction that God shares with us. Many times I have experienced events in my life that, only in hindsight, reveal themselves as "God happenings." And, I remember and believe the word that Jesus has spoken.

Susan Whitehead

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 23, 2013

At that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord.
Zephaniah 3:9


"Shema, Israel" or "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one." That's Deut. 6:4, and in Hebrew is a prayer still spoken in synagogues and homes today. Moses' last chance to remind God's people of all they had to remember (the 10 commandments), to be thankful for (their very lives after the exodus from Egypt), to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all our strength" (Deut. 6:5). Then Moses, just before he dies, lays his hands on Joshua and he (Joshua) becomes the one to speak the Word of God to the people. Thus begin the prophets of God.

God gave God's Word to a prophet to be relayed to the people so they wouldn't forget God. But, being human, they often forgot. Then the prophet would bring the Word of God's "fierce anger" until the people repented and came back to God, whereupon God would have compassion and show great mercy. (Think "Prodigal Son") This goes on for generations through many blessed and tortured prophets. (The people often didn't want to hear the bad news the prophet had to deliver…) Then—silence. For 400 years God sends no prophet to deliver the Word. The world goes on as usual... people drift... until... Until God takes a different tack. God sends The Word. "In the beginning was The Word, and The Word was with God, and The Word was God" (John 1:1). Jesus came among us! God's Word spoke through the prophets to nations. Jesus speaks to you and me individually – directly to our own hearts and minds. And when we get that (Shema, Patti, or [Insert Your Name Here]), when we finally hear the Word with our hearts, the old prophet Zephaniah's Word from God will be fulfilled and we will speak and act with compassion and love to others and to God's whole creation. "At that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord." Amen!

Patti Sachs

Friday, March 22, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 22, 2013

Though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.
John 11:5-6


When we read the whole story of Lazarus and his bodily resurrection by Jesus we are struck by the interpretation or "spin" that the Evangelist gives to the facts of the events. John clearly views this as a prime example of Jesus, the Almighty Son of God, defying the physical reality of death and demonstrating His Power to all present. But "what if..."

What if the fully human Jesus received word of Lazarus' illness, prayed and trusted His Father in heaven to grant His prayer, and then calmly returned to His Father's work for two days longer. What if arriving in Bethany and finding Lazarus in the tomb for four days, the fully human Jesus was sincerely afflicted at the loss of His friend. Here the scripture says, "Jesus wept." What if having accepted the Will of His Father, Jesus prayed again and the Father brought Lazarus out of the tomb at last.

When we pray to God our prayers are certainly heard. Sometimes the answer is "yes", sometimes "no", and sometimes "not yet." That's why we must pray "without ceasing" with our final petition, "Thy Will be done. Amen"

Michael Ryan

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 21, 2013

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:12-13


Gives me goose bumps! It's 'nightmare' quality – that horrible inability to escape, hide, win! The first man Adam must have felt that big time when he realized God knew all about their unfortunate choice. He knows! We're naked! How embarrassing!!

But, what did the Creator do? He "made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them" (Genesis)

CS Lewis says "... nothing can hide us from God: there is no copse, no forest, no jungle thick enough to provide cover…. In the twinkling of an eye, in a time too small to be measured, and in any place, all that seems to divide us from God can flee away, vanish, leaving us naked before Him, like the first man, like the only man, as if nothing but He and I existed. And since that contact cannot be avoided for long and since it means either bliss or horror, the business of life is to learn to like it. That is the first and great commandment."

Then I think of Peter and his horror, realizing after all his commitments to the Master, and even recognizing Jesus as his Messiah, still adamantly denying he even knew Him. But Jesus knew all along this was going to happen. He looked way beyond that. He loved Peter.

How awesome that our loving Creator, outside of time and space, and to whom we are accountable, understands and knows the good and bad in our hearts. He has graciously and mercifully provided the victorious way for us to rise above our often horrendous failures, and find peace.

According to St James - 'Mercy triumphs over judgment'

Thank you Lord!

Nan Lewis

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 20, 2013

If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us.
Daniel 3:17


These were the words uttered by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego before King Nebuchadnezzar had them hurled into a furnace so hot it incinerated the servants who threw them in. Amazingly the trio did not meet their deaths within the inferno. Instead witnesses describe seeing them walking around inside the furnace accompanied by a fourth man who some scholars and theologians believe was Jesus. Jesus saved them just as he promises to do for you and me!

As Christians we believe in a merciful God. God the Father desires an individual relationship with each of us, and wants us to come to him and ask personally for our salvation.

Jesus embodies God the Son who lived among us as a man and made ultimate and final sacrifice for our sins. In being raised from the dead, he proved that God's love will conquer sin and death. So can we earn God's grace? No. The Bible makes it clear that no amount of good deeds or clean living can earn his forgiveness. Instead, we can only receive his grace by believing in him, acknowledging ourselves to be sinners, and accepting that Jesus his son was sacrificed for our sins.

Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were saved from Nebuchadnezzar's furnace, if you and I are able to surrender ourselves and enter into a personal relationship with God, we too can be saved from the hellish fires.

David West

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 19, 2013

Please send me one of the servants and a donkey so I can go to the man of God.
2 Kings 4:18-21, 32-37


This biblical passage tells the story of the sudden death of a Shunammite woman's son. This story teaches us about faith, and how faith works. The woman in this story was a believer, who lived her life by faith. She believed in the value of God's word.

God wants us to grow in our trust and relationship with Him. He wants us to turn our entire lives over to Him—all our fears, hopes, dreams, and problems, whatever they might be. But, so often we are happy and comfortable with the routines of our lives. The Lord, however, wants to stretch our faith and he often tests us in some area where we not only need it, but where we are the most vulnerable. And, so it was with this Shunammite woman.

She had waited a long time for this child. He was her child of promise, one given in love! But, now her faith was being tested where she was most vulnerable. Even so, she had such faith and confidence in God's great goodness that she was ready to believe that he would restore what he had now taken away!

To truly live by faith means we must learn to be vulnerable and to trust God with all our fears and unknowns and to trust Him with our whole lives. It means we must learn to step out in faith, to leave our future in the Lord's hands, trusting his ability to meet our needs, no matter what life may bring. We may not see an immediate solution to our problems, as did the Shunammite women in receiving her son back to life, but by believing in the Lord's compassion, love and eternal purposes, we can find comfort and hope knowing that the Lord will answer our needs and prayers in a better way and better time.

Linda M. Stewart

Monday, March 18, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 18, 2013

Then Mary said, 'Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.'
Luke 1:38


I was excited when I received my Lenten reflection Bible passage, because it was given to me during the season of Advent. The beautiful story of the birth of Christ is what Christmas is all about, a biblical tale that I never tire of hearing. Our Celebration Choir presented a magnificent cantata on Christmas Eve that told of our Savior's birth through song and narration. One song, "Breath of Heaven," focuses on the awe Mary felt as being chosen by God to bear His son. One line, in particular, "I offer all I am, for the mercy of your plan…" speaks to the message that this passage is saying. It was my favorite line in the song, and I truly feel that God had a hand in assigning me this scripture for reflection.

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, and delivered the good news that she, a virgin, would become pregnant and bear a son who would be called Jesus, Mary did not hesitate in accepting the news with the reply, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let I be with me according to your word." This was a marvelous expression of faith by Mary, demonstrating that she firmly and whole-heartedly believed what Gabriel had told her. She did not demonstrate any measure of disbelief, as she knew it was her calling to serve the Lord.

The news of being The Chosen One carried the potential of inconvenience for Mary. Would Joseph abandon their plans for marriage? Would she be shunned by fellow townsfolk? What about her reputation. Would she be left pregnant and helpless? And yet she responded to Gabriel's news with the perfect response, without hesitation, "Here I am Lord…" She was stating that she was ready to dedicate herself to the Lord's service.

As we reflect during this Lenten season, we need to ask ourselves if we, like Mary, are willing to commit ourselves, by faith, to our Lord's service. If we put our faith in God, seemingly impossible situations will become possible.

Susan Dowling

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 17, 2013 The Fifth Sunday of Lent

I am the resurrection and the life.
John 11:17-44


This scripture actually starts with "Jesus said to her"; I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whomever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?

When I try and put myself in Martha's place, I am able to imagine her grief and her belief that she would see her brother again at the day of resurrection. But Martha got more than that—Jesus made her a witness to the resurrection of her brother. Just imagine her sense of awe when Jesus resurrected Lazarus, in her time! What a powerful miracle she witnessed!! Life changing Faith in Jesus is life giving, it fills your heart with JOY, LOVE and SECURITY. The knowledge, the belief in Jesus' love sustains us all.

Journey to Adulthood—J2A (Grades 9-11)

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 16, 2013

O let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous, you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God.
Psalm 7:9


Psalm 7 is David's plea for help from persecutors. The young David was respected and liked by everyone. Cush, a Benjamite and a possible relation of King Saul, accused David of conspiracy against Saul's royal authority. The king believes Cush's accusations, both from his jealousy of David's popularity, and from the familial relationship between himself and Cush. This is clearly a case of he who advises the king can have significant influence for good or bad. In Psalm 7, David asks for protection from God against Saul and Cush's accusations of treason and treachery.

This particular verse contains two key prayers: to end the reign of the wicked, and establish the righteous. How many times have we perceived ourselves to be wronged by others? Do we deal with our wrongs like David does, by asking God to vanquish the wicked? Or do we want to take matters into our own hands? We are taught that God will deal with the wicked, and recognize those who are right, but how frequently are we patient enough to wait for God's judgment and action?

Even David, in earlier verses of Psalm 7, has doubts that God is listening. Are we as patient as David? Does the pace of our lives push us to settle and resolve grievances at a faster pace? How many wrongs are truly life-changing? If David has the patience to ask God for help in a life-or-death situation, can we really be less patient in our lives?

Ruth L. Lodder

Friday, March 15, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 15, 2013

They all ate and were satisfied.
Mark 6:30-46


As long as we follow Jesus' teachings, we live our lives according to his word, and we try to refrain from sinning, we will be rewarded. Being a Christian is more complicated than simply claiming the title. We have to work for recognition, and that work, whether it is good or bad, is what determines where we spend the rest of eternity.

Jesus has a plan for us all, and he will not let us want for anything. What more could we want, honestly? He gave up his life for us so that we could live comfortably. That's the greatest gift we could ask for. Sure, we all have earthly desires; new clothes, a new car, or a new phone. But if we take a moment to appreciate what we've already been given by the Lord, those Earthly desires become trivial in comparison.

We seem to forget to be thankful for everything we have at times. Instead, we focus on what other people have, or what we don't have. We're all guilty of it. If we let go of the need for Earthly goods, we hand ourselves over to Christ. If we put our faith in him, we will not want for anything. He will take care of it all.

Caroline Pickart

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 14, 2013

You shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make your free.
John 8:21-32


When I was growing up, the church I attended had this phrase across the front, and sitting there I saw it every Sunday. The saying means a lot to me, both as something from my childhood, and something I strongly believe.

We tend to say that the Bible speaks, if not to absolute historical fact, more importantly to truth. Indeed, the Psalmist says, "O LORD, the God of truth" In The Book of Common Prayer, it says, "O God ... whose service is perfect freedom."

Knowing the truth lets us shed all the chains of our mortal lives, to get away from the trappings of physical being and possessions, and move toward that important spiritual union with God. To know God is to know what's important. Not the trips we take or the things we have, but our souls' rightness with God, our salvation.

As Christians, we know that everything physical about us fades, but that our souls go on. Knowing the truth we can leave everything behind, and we are free to go on with God.

Greg Davis

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 13, 2013

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 2:23-3:15


Setting the statement in context: Jesus has just been in Cana in Galilee where he attended a wedding and changed water into wine. From there, Jesus went to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples where he stayed for a few days. As it was time for Passover, Jesus went from there to Jerusalem where he found the Temple full of merchants selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others exchanging money. Because they had turned his Father's house into a market, Jesus fashioned a whip out of cord and chased them all out. Later while still in Jerusalem, a Pharisee named Nicodemus went late at night to visit Jesus. Some say he came at night because he was afraid to come during the day or that he wanted to have a long conversation that would not be possible during the day. Nicodemus acknowledged that Jesus was a teacher that has come from God because no one could perform the miraculous signs Jesus was doing if God were not with him. Jesus responds with "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." Nicodemus thinking of worldly things says that surely a person cannot enter his mother's womb and be born a second time. Jesus responds with a question; "You are Israel's teacher and you do not understand these things?" Jesus says "I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe, how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?" "So the Son of man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life" (resurrected).

Nicodemus seems to be a bit dense here, particularly since he is a teacher of the Jewish faith that includes prophecies of Jesus' coming. It is easy to think like a Monday morning quarterback and wonder how Nicodemus was unable to understand what he was being told. But how often have I looked for explanations based on my knowledge of the physical world when the explanation lies in the spiritual world? As a person that has studied and spent a career in science, probably too often. Would I have done any better?

As Christians, being spiritually born again we are set apart from other religions and don't have to worry about things like the 613 laws of the Jewish Torah. However, we must try our best to live up to the example set by Jesus. But when we fail, and as humans we will fail, Grace will see us through.

Warren Harper

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 12, 2013

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you: my soul thirsts for you. . .Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 63:1-8


This psalm was written when David was hiding from his enemies in the barren Desert of Judah. He was lonely and longed for a friend he could trust to ease his loneliness.

I'm sure most of us have experienced these same feelings some time in our life; lonely days, sleepless nights, stress, worry, etc.

Let us turn these times into prayer and reflect on how God continues to help us and guide us during these difficult times.

Betsy Hillery

Monday, March 11, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 11, 2013

Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land.
Mark 6:47


This is a seemingly unremarkable passage, falling between descriptions of two of the most well-known miracles that Jesus performed during his lifetime. Earlier, Jesus had preached to and fed a crowd of 5,000 with five loaves of bread and two fish. He then sent the apostles ahead of him, across the water to Bethsaida, while he went up the mountainside to pray. While he was alone on the land, he spied the returning boat with the apostles inside, struggling against a heavy wind – and walked across the water to assist and comfort them.

It's easy to overlook a brief description of Jesus' location between these two seminal events. The passage, however, is beautiful for its simple and evocative language. It suggests a brief moment of serenity in Jesus' otherwise hectic life. It also reminds us that for all the works of the apostles, Jesus – largely on his own – bore heavy burdens of knowledge and responsibility. And lastly, it confirms that in times of duress, we are never really on our own.

George and Claire Pickart

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 10, 2013 The Fourth Sunday of Lent

The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He has appointed me to build a temple for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Any one of His people among you – may the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.
Ezra 1:2-3


The temple at Jerusalem was built in the tenth century BCE by King Solomon, and, after some troubling years, was completely destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BCE. Later, Cyrus the Great authorized the temple's rebuilding. Twenty-three years later, the new building was completed. It stood until the Siege of Jerusalem, when the invading Romans destroyed it totally and finally in 70 CE.

The rebuilding was intended to provide a central place for the faithful to worship the Lord. It also served as a place for the faithful to gather in community and serve God by serving one another.

Does the preceding paragraph remind you of another town and place of worship? Maybe the town could easily be Lothian. The place of worship could be St. James' Parish.

Sometimes, we think that we don't do enough to answer God's call to us. We should always strive to do more, but look at the list on the west wall of the church. This was prepared by Kerry Smith to serve as a constant reminder of all the wonderful things our parish does for its members, friends, and neighbors, including those unfortunate souls who don't have all the material blessings many of us have. Our parish has taken to heart these words from Matthew: "…just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."

We don't call our beloved church a temple, but that's what it is, and we have built it. A temple to our determination to follow the word of God in all that we say and in all that we do.

The Rev. Bob McCoy

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 9, 2013

The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'
Mark 12:28-34


This is a passage of scripture that I have been familiar with my entire life! As a child my mother would often remind me, and show me by her actions, that loving others was an essential part of life, and that God expected this from all people. However, never has this passage been more difficult than in my adult life. Loving others is not always easy! God is not asking us just to love our children or spouse (which some days is easier than others), but rather he is asking us to love our neighbor. God interprets our neighbor as everyone on this earth, no matter how lovable or unlovable they may be. He wants us to take time and show his love to those people that we come across every day. This means showing compassion to your co-workers who drive you crazy and never seem to have a positive word to say about anyone or anything, being patient with the store clerk who is moving in slow motion, and loving those who actively do things to hurt you. I do try each day to love both the lovable and unlovable people that are in my life, but I will admit that I do fall short quite often. My response is to pray for forgiveness, patience and for God's love to shine through me to everyone that I encounter. This prayer brings me peace and the strength to try to love my neighbor again the next day.

Brenda White

Friday, March 8, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 8, 2013

The gatekeepers had been assigned to their positions of trust by David and Samuel the seer.
I Corinthians 9:19-23


What have we here?

For some chapters before this, and in this chapter, we get genealogies and the responsibilities for guarding the tent of the Ark of the Covenant, as well as other Levite responsibilities. Then, on to Saul's genealogy. In the next Chapter, it's all over for him.

I don't know about you, but when I start getting into these lists of names, my mind starts snoring. It doesn't care how much I scream at it to "wake up! AND PAY ATTENTION!" it takes one look at all those names and starts looking for a happy spot. Elsewhere.

The names were important to the Israelites. It put things in perspective, and for them gave a continuous link to their past and origins. It justified the status of the Levites in their society and religion. It's interesting to note that all this takes place while we're in the middle of the conflict between David and Saul, and Saul and the Philistines. It's important to the author that we get this information before moving on in the story. The Levites, these gatekeepers and other attendants were important, and this one phrase points out the direct involvement of the secular and religious leadership in the individuals' lives and duties.

Basically, the gatekeepers were called to their positions of trust and guardianship by both the legal authority (David) and the religious authority (Samuel).

What are you being called to do? How is God involved in your life and duties?

Greg Davis

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 7, 2013

Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.
Mark 6:30-32


Doesn't that sound inviting!! And yet, how many of us follow Jesus' advice? It seems that we all move too fast, are constantly busy, and even feel guilty when we're not doing something. And yet, no one is busier than Jesus and his apostles were! In these passages, the apostles had just returned from their ministry tour, and I imagine they were very excited to tell Jesus all about it. We are told in verse 31 that because so many people were coming and going they did not even have a chance to eat.

Jesus' first response as they reported their achievements was to take them away to rest.

He was reminding them that even though they were doing important work, God did not want them to work 24/7. I believe that Jesus is telling us through this passage that we need rest, we need solitude, we need times of refreshment, relaxation and renewal. Times alone so we can hear God speaking to us, and times with our loved ones to enjoy each other. During this Lenten season, can you think of just one way that you can find some rest for your body, mind, and soul. One way you can step back from your own personal "rat race" to rest and recharge your spiritual batteries. After all, even God rested on the seventh day!

Nancy Horkan

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 6, 2013

With the measure you use, it will be measured to you. . .
Mark 4:25-41


Use it or lose it. Sandwiched between the Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Growing Seed, this passage first seemed harsh to me, but we do experience this in many areas of our lives. With our bodies, we build endurance and strength in part by exercise and activity; fail to do so and muscles atrophy, the body weakens. With our minds, we build our intellect in part through study and problem solving; fail to do so and the mind will never reach its potential.

How does this work with God? Especially with a God who is always with us and wants to be in relationship with us? Jesus is not saying that God is withdrawing anything, especially himself, from us; it's we that may, whether consciously or subconsciously, allow our given spiritual ability to atrophy and gradually, almost imperceptibly, "lose" our ability to truly hear and feel God.

But wait, there is hope for us spiritual couch potatoes! While C.S. Lewis wrote about Christianity as a progressive death of self, there are some things that only our "self" can do. One of those things is to develop the quality of willingness to exert ourselves spiritually. I think the actual experience of this is (very) different for each person, but no matter where it is on the spectrum between a gradual dawning and a glaring moment of clarity, in the end it is a decision we make (aided by grace) to take the effort. Moreover, it is not simply a decision, but countless decisions made repeatedly, hence the need for willingness. No one ever got toned abs from doing sit-ups for one day, and our spirituality grows stronger the same way.

Rick Downs

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 5, 2013

Is the Lord with us or not?
Exodus 17:1-7


Moses was faced with a difficult task of keeping his faith and keeping the people he is leading appeased. They are ready to stone him because they don't have water and are thirsty. They whine and complain and accuse him of leading them to a certain death because of their need for water. They tell him not only will they die, but their children and their livestock.

After reading the passage the children gave this as witness that God is with us. Here are some of their responses:
  • If the Lord wasn't with them, they wouldn't have been given water.
  • Because of Moses' faith God gave him the means to provide water to the people.
  • God saved Moses from being stoned.
  • God is always with us even in the difficult times. We just need to remember that.
Atrium III (Grades 4 and 5)
Jackson, Zach, Parker, Alex, Marion, Chase, Miss Nola and Miss Sharon

Monday, March 4, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 4, 2013

This child is not dead; she is only asleep.
Mark 5:38-42


We live in a confusing world.

We, as Christians, are taught from a young age to live according to God's will, which is all laid out for us in the Bible. If you treat others the way you want to be treated, respect your parents and your neighbor, and abstain from sin, you've earned your one-way ticket to heaven. We're taught that God has a plan for everything, and everyone.

That last part tends to make a lot of people skeptical. How can you worship a God who lets so many awful things happen to his followers? How do you explain cancer? How do you explain school shootings? How do you explain starving children in Africa? Honestly, the explanation is beyond most of us. We don't know why terrible things happen to good people. We have to trust and believe in God.

Faith is believing whole-heartedly in something that is not tangible. We cannot see, hear, touch, smell or taste God. But he is almighty, and we feel his presence all around us. He's truly everywhere. He's the trees, the sunset, the oceans; he's your neighbors, your friends, and your siblings. Without him, nothing we appreciate and love would be possible.

There are those that doubt the works of our God. But in the end, "our faith will heal us." Our steadfast belief in God will comfort and save us through these difficult and sometimes dark times we live in.

Will Pickart

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 3, 2013 The Third Sunday of Lent

The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath.
Mark 2:23-3:6


This is a period of time in Jesus' life where the Pharisees are questioning him critically and trying to expose him for violating Jewish law. They question him when they see his disciples plucking grains in the field. They also question him when he goes to a synagogue and encounters a man with a withered hand and heals him. The Pharisees interpret these acts as "working" on the Sabbath day, which is a violation of Jewish law. Jesus' response is that it is not work to satisfy one's hunger nor is it work to do good deeds, even if it is the Sabbath day.

Jesus was trying to teach us that it is ok to do God's work on the Sabbath. He declares the Sabbath for doing good rather than harm. God gave us the gift of the Sabbath Day to help us keep it holy and as a day of rest, not to practice just to make God happy or arbitrarily restrict our activities. So many times people become so preoccupied with the fine points of law that the big picture and compassion for others are lost. Sometimes in trying to keep with the "law," the most important points – justice, mercy and faithfulness - are lost. Let us make the holy day our weekly reminder of our dependence on God, that the world today is not as it should be and the most important things that happen in our lives are the things that happen through God's "work."

Cindy Carrier

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 2, 2013

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Psalm 103:1


This is not, I think, the most remembered verse from Psalm 103; rather we are more familiar with "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love (verse 8)." For me, slow to anger, has always been a challenge as well as many of the other LORD-attributes mentioned in this Psalm. After reading the entire Psalm a few times, I realize that it is, in part, a reflection on how understanding and forgiveness are two qualities we can strive for if we want to live in the LORD's image.

It's very hard to have a long fuse and to forgive those who have hurt us, our families or even our society. I've heard it said many times that forgiving those who hurt you really doesn't do them as much good as it does you—that it sets you free from anger and resentments that chew away at your time and soul, really. When asked why they forgave the man who shot up their school and subsequently helped his family, the Amish said that it was to help their own community heal and move on. This has always struck me as superior humanity, but one which I probably couldn't attain. I vehemently oppose the death penalty, but I'm not sure I could get much beyond that toward honest forgiveness.

I realize I have not really addressed verse 1 of this Psalm. It didn't spark anything in me, but I figure it put me on the path to read the entire Psalm in order to think about anger and holding on to grudges. For me, that is work worth doing and doing again. Thinking both individually and globally, there is a lot to forgive against those who trespaf against us (see the Lord's Prayer tablet on the north wall of St. James') and we should all, at the very least, probably try to let go of old resentments and get on with this great life.

Praise the LORD, my soul.

JoEllen Kelly

Friday, March 1, 2013

Lenten Reflection - March 1, 2013

[Jesus] got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Peace! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
Mark 4:25-41


This verse follows a day upon which Jesus has been preaching to great crowds beside the sea. He has asked the disciples to have a boat ready to withdraw from the multitude. As Jesus and his disciples depart, a powerful storm arises and the boat begins to fill. At the request of his frantic disciples, Jesus "rebukes" the storm, and calm is restored.

Peace: Jesus needed it, and so do we. Overwhelmed by the clamor of massive crowds who pressed upon him to listen to his parables and begged for Him to heal them, even Jesus sought relief, peace and quiet. And at sea with the disciples, a new storm develops that He must still.

This is so similar to the lives so many of us lead: we are constantly "busy," seldom "still" and rarely "completely calm." As I write this reflection, I have received three emails and one phone call. But I think this is what Jesus is asking from us: moments when we can be quiet, calm, still, so that we can reflect upon what we are called to do in life. We are to rebuke the wind and waves in our own life by telling them, "Peace! Be still!"

Diana Doswell

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 28, 2013

Again he said, 'What shall we say the kingdom of God is like?'
Mark 4:30-32


When our YAC class started rattling off words, thoughts, and ideas about the kingdom of God, the following were the first to be blurted out: "Mystery, Flowers, Butterflies, Gold Streets, Bright Light, Pearly Gates, Beauty not able to be grasped by our earthly minds, Angels, Happiness, Welcoming, Family, Friends, Vast, Bigger than you can imagine ..." As the thoughts were bouncing around our classroom, we eventually came to two words we thought best described the kingdom of God – INFINITE and INDIVIDUAL.

We found that as we each tried to think of places we have been that make us think of heaven everyone had their own location. One student talked about the feeling when you are the only person on the beach with the ocean stretching out before you – the beauty and peace are overwhelming. Another student felt the same sense of greatness in a shaded forest setting, and still another saw the kingdom of God looking at farm land. Everyone agreed that in the kingdom of God we would find what means heaven to each of us individually. All agreed that the sense of infinity you feel staring at the endless ocean, forest, or planted fields provides a small glimpse of what we can imagine.

Cheryl Dorr and the YAC class (Grade 12)

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 27, 2013

But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.
Matthew 20:17-28


This quote from the scripture may seem strange to some who read this page.

Just before Jesus uttered these words, James and John, through their mother, had asked to be seated on either hand of Jesus in the heavenly kingdom. They, along with the others, often just didn't seem to get it. They had seen Jesus exhibit humility, meekness, and disregard for worldly ambition in his ministry and yet, few saw the need to emulate the Master. Rather, as in this case, they sought to use his prestige to further their own earthly desires. With the above-quoted words, Jesus rebuked his disciples. By the time of the crucifixion, their understanding of their place in His kingdom had changed. Most even accepted death in his service.

Paul, in a letter to the Corinthians said, "I go through all of the things I go through for your sakes." I am sure that Paul was highly thought of by those to whom he ministered. But, he got it. He saw himself not as a revered teacher (which he truly was) but as a slave bound to Christ. He realized the importance of stressing his real servanthood in order for his actions to be seen as Christ-like.

Do we get it? Many of us, I perceive, do. When we strive to serve Christ we are, in fact, being servants for Christ. Upon reflection, the quoted words aren't strange at all.

Charlie Wolf

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 26, 2013

Those who love their life, lose it. And those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
John 12:25


WOW!!!!! This is such a powerful scripture, and it could be taken the wrong way so easily. This is the section of John that Jesus is predicting his death. He is with his disciples at a feast where some Greeks were attending and asked Philip if they could see Jesus. Jesus replies with predicting his death and explaining how a grain of wheat needs to be planted so it can produce many seeds. Look at how many lives have been produced because of the death of Jesus.

Can you imagine how anyone would have felt then, wanting to see Jesus, and then hearing that same person predicting his death? I have always wondered how I would have reacted had I lived then. I would like to think I would have been a follower of Jesus, but I really think I would have been way too scared to follow that crowd. I don't like to admit it, but I probably would have been one of the in-crowd followers too scared to step out on faith and go against the grain.

We as Christians and human beings with free will, too many times want to know the reason why something has happened, especially when it is something that we perceive as a bad thing. Our nature is to want a reason or someone to blame; however, we need to have patience because God always turns our "bad" situations into a good thing for us, and it is a growing experience and we can always learn something when we look back.

One of my favorite poems is Footprints in the Sand, and when I look back at my life I can see the many times there were only one set of footprints in the sand of my life. So, I have learned to love this life of mine with fervor for I am excited to see what is in God's plan for me and the day that I will be with Jesus, God and all of my loved ones that are there waiting for me to join the big banquet table.

Jeanie (Zseltvay) LesCallett

Monday, February 25, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 25, 2013

... unless a man has been born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:1-17


... no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above. John 3:3. Oxford NRSV

Some of the older Bible translations say, "... unless a man has been born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." That term "born again" has been used to challenge and discourage worshippers when asked, "Are you born again?" They imply that people are not religious if they haven't been "born" recently into the spirit. Are they not good enough for God to love them?

Here in John, Jesus makes it clear that God does not care whether or not we are "born again." All he asks, as he explains to Nicodemus, is that we believe in him. He very patiently says this is a bit of a mystery. "The wind blows where it chooses and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

And Jesus reassures him and us that "whoever believes in the (Son of Man) may have eternal life." And he gives us those remarkable words, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." He further reassures us by saying, "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."

Val Hymes

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 24, 2013 The Second Sunday of Lent

If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves, and take up their cross and follow me.
Mark 8:34


In first thought, Jesus seems to be asking a lot of his followers, his disciples. What does it mean to deny yourself? What does it mean to take up your cross? What does it truly mean to follow Jesus?

To deny yourself, you must say no to yourself. I'm not talking about completely denying your needs and wants, but rather, being ok with making God's will the priority.

Think of all the times you've said the "Lord's Prayer." We say, "Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." We must become thoughtful in our words and actions towards others. We must remember God's will is to love all and forgive all. God's will is to love and forgive unconditionally. This is a hard thing to do, but we are all capable because God made us in his image, he gave us the choice and potential.

So, take up your cross, and do God's will. The cross is a symbol of pain, suffering, shame, and death. As Christians, we also must see it as a symbol of Jesus's sacrifice for us. He died for our sins. We sinned, we sin, and we'll sin some more. But he forgave, he forgives, and he'll always forgive us. And so we shall sacrifice ourselves to the inevitable hurt and pain others will cause us and remember to forgive and love. That is truly the only way to spread Jesus's teachings and follow him.

Seasons of the Spirit Class (Grade 6)
Andrea Ellmore

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 23, 2013

Then Jesus asked them, 'Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?'
Mark 2:23-3:6


The Sabbath was a day set aside to rest and worship – a day when we are restored physically and spiritually and can focus on God. This day was intended to promote love of God and others.

In this reading, Jesus and his disciples are walking through the grainfield on Sunday. As they walked, they picked some of the grain. They were hungry and not selfishly indulging themselves. The Jewish law said that crops should not be harvested on the Sabbath. This law prevented the farmers from becoming too greedy and the laborers from being overworked. This law was never intended to mean that we cannot help ourselves or each other on the Sabbath. The Pharisees felt Jesus and his disciples had broken the law by harvesting the grain. The Sabbath law had become more important to the Pharisees than the purpose of the law.

Our society creates lots of rules. The rules are usually created with good intentions to protect ourselves and/or protect others. However, too often these rules are observed even when they are not appropriate for a situation. Before you insist on a rule, think about it. Make sure you understand the purpose of the rule. Make sure it is appropriate to the situation and is not more harmful than good. Is this God's rule or is this the rule of the Pharisees? Remember the example of the Pharisees that clearly had lost track of the purpose of God's law.

Kelly Richard

Friday, February 22, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 22, 2013

Lord, thou only art our King: help me, who am alone and have no helper but thee.
Esther 14:1-6, 12-14 (from the Apochrypha)


No matter how far the rest of the world may seem, if we truly have faith, we are never alone. "Come to me those who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." We are so blessed as faithful Christians to know, as Queen Esther did, that all we must do in deep times of trouble and pain is to ask our Lord to be with us and he is. I feel deep sympathy for all of those who are sick, those dealing with economic disasters, those dealing with marriage issues, etc. who are so deeply alone and are unaware of the fact they need only ask for the Lord to be with them, and he will be. All may not be fixed, however the strength of the Holy Spirit will refresh them and prepare them for the challenges ahead. Honestly I can attest, as we all can, that it is hard to remember or even believe this when you are staring face to face with trouble, but that is where the community of Christians can step in, by encouraging each other to trust in our Lord and let them see the peace of the Lord through our generous words of encouragement. Remember we must all be in this walk together.

Steven E. Dorsey

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 21, 2013

This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign.
Luke 11:29-32


I imagine that every person who has ever read this immediately thinks that this was written about their generation. After all, has there ever been a time when God and man have not been separated? On the heels of yet another unthinkable act of insane cruelty, I had to admit that my generation was pretty evil also. This was the year in which the Christmas tree was decorated with the words to an ecumenical prayer service in the background, not to those lovely carols with images of peace on earth and good will toward men. So, we looked for a sign, a sign that we deserved God’s grace and mercy, a sign that everything was going to be OK, a sign to comfort us and let us know that God had not turned His back on us and left us to our own devices.

Jesus said that no sign will be given to his generation except the sign of Jonah. Jonah, who tried to run away from God rather than follow His command, heard the word of the Lord a second time and went to Ninevah to proclaim their fate. His words were heard and the people believed God. Per the king’s decree all were directed to fast and wear sackcloth. All shall turn from their evil ways and from the violence that is in their hands. And God spared them. Again.

Earl Buffaloe

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 20, 2013

The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Psalm 51:17


How often do we come to God broken because of new understandings of how we should be living among our neighbors? During this penitential season of Lent, it is good for us to reflect on how we may have offended God and our neighbors by what we have done or left undone, in thought, word, or deed.

Of course, God already knows what we have done or not done. This psalm reminds us that he wants us to come to him broken and contrite, with the understanding that we need him and are ready to turn to him. God wants us to ask for a clean, pure heart and for him to grant us a willing spirit to sustain us in this life. Then he wants us to praise him and tell our neighbors about him. With God's help, our neighbors may see God in our words and actions.

This psalm seems similar to the Holy Eucharist (Rite One)service: "Ye who do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways: Draw near with faith, and make your humble confession to Almighty God, devoutly kneeling."

How great is our God! Instead of punishment, he gives us chances over and over to lead new lives! All we have to do is turn to him, love him, and love our neighbors as ourselves.

Marjie Mack

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 19, 2013

But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
Luke 22:26-27


This passage comes from a time period when the disciples had been arguing over who was the greatest. As usual, Jesus steps in and sets them straight with the correct perspective. Other translations use "king" or "leader" for greatest and "servant" for youngest in this passage. When we discussed this and the surrounding verses in our Atrium II class, the young people were eager to say that they think it is great to serve; it's a good thing to help other people. They recalled ways theyhave served the Lord by helping people:
  • praying for people
  • raising money for the sick
  • helping out at home or in the classroom
  • looking out for each other
  • taking care of someone who is sick or in trouble
  • talking to all people...especially making friends with new or lonelypeople
  • making people feel better when they are sad
  • making cards for people
We also had a discussion on being thankful for the people that serve us in so many ways . It is important to remember that we should also be willing to do the same kinds of things for others. One final note, the children felt very good that Jesus would think that they –and what they can do- are as important as grown-ups. Hopefully our busy adult lives still leave time to stop and serve, as a youthful servant's heart so willingly does.

Atrium II (Grades 1-3)
Laura Miller and Jennifer Sparrow Wolf

Monday, February 18, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 18, 2013

So, when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first, be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 5:23-24


For me this scripture reminds me that harboring anger and hate only hurts the person holding it. How will God's love touch a heart block with that? Like a shield protects our body from harm, bearing a grudge can harden the heart. This will prevent the joy and happiness of God's warmth from touching our hearts. So we must forgive and our hearts will be warmed with God's light. Forgiveness and acceptance frees the body and soul to welcome and feel God's love and in turn share it with others.

Linda Dinges

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 17, 2013 The First Sunday of Lent

'Thou art my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased.' The spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness... forty days tempted by Satan... he was with the wild beasts: and the angels ministered to him.
Mark 1:9-13


Baptism is a time of turning our focus from things of this world to Godly things. The waters of Baptism clear our eyes and our hearts, allowing us to see God's work in and expectations for our daily lives. What better place to go to experience the meaning of that change than in the wilderness. A wilderness that can be a stark and scary place, but which can also be a magical place where we see more clearly and the differentiation of dark from light seems to be easier.

During his time in the wilderness, Jesus had the opportunity to contemplate and pray about his new life and mission. He had an opportunity to experience the types of challenges that he would face as he pursued his mission in a world not only inhabited by good, but also by evil. A world filled with temptations as well as grace.

Temptations are only bad for us if we give in to them. If we can learn to see them clearly for what they are, and call upon God to give us the strength to resist them, they can strengthen our resolve to pursue our mission of building God's Kingdom here on earth.

Where is your wilderness, that place where you are most often tempted and where you most often feel alone? Can you clearly see the temptations for what they are and resist them? With Jesus' help you can.

The Ven. Kerry J. Smith

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 16, 2013

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, 'Follow me.'
John 1:43


"Follow me": two words, eight letters, but a simple phrase that carries a big request with no other directives.

Jesus says to Philip, "Follow me" and Philip does. Jesus doesn’t say to Philip go home gather your possessions and tell your family you are going away. He just says to follow him. As much as I would like to think that I would just up and follow if called, I am human enough to know that I would start off by saying I need to let my family know that I am leaving. I would want to bring a clean set of clothes, my toothbrush and a comb. I would also have many questions because that is how I am. There should be no questions when Jesus calls us. My faith should be strong enough to lead me in his shadow.

Lord, help me to find the strength to be the person you created. Let me walk in the light of your love sharing it as I go. May I follow you and bring others along with me. Amen

Sharon McGlaughlin

Friday, February 15, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 15, 2013

Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.
Mark 1:1-4


In this passage, Jesus tells the Pharisees that if they continue in their sinful ways they will not be forgiven. Did I just say an unforgivable sin? Yep I did! I understand this passage to be that Jesus explains how a house divided against itself will fall. Jesus even uses the metaphor of how you must put God's love before your family.

No one is exempt from the judgment of sins for entrance into heaven, except Christ himself. Yet those who live through God's love will never be left out of heaven.

Lauren Crawford

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 14, 2013

Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
John 1:29-34


A wild man from the desert speaks these words when he sees Jesus approaching him. Jesus, a man who up to this point, as far as we are aware, spent thirty odd years living in a small peasant village learning how to use the tools of the trade of his earthly father. Jesus has yet to begin his ministry, the ministry that will lead him to the Cross. At this point in the story, Jesus has yet to understand fully the mission he will carry out, by choice. But John, he knows; his prophetic words recall the prophecy from Isaiah 53:6-7, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all…like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent."

When we think of Christ as the sacrificial lamb we often forget that the strength of his sacrifice is his obedience to his Father’s will, and his dedication, as the second person of the Godhead, to saving humanity. The strength of Christ's sacrifice is that he used his free will to save us. Adam's free will brought us into sin and death. Christ's free will brings us into grace and life.

Dawn Campbell+

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Lenten Reflection - February 13, 2013 Ash Wednesday

Beware of practicing your piety before others.
Matthew 6:1-21


Lent is a time for reflection. Today, as we begin the season,Matthew encourages us to examine our faith and our motives.

This passage is from the Sermon on the Mount, in which Christ delineates standards for us to live by. Of course because we are human, none of us will ever meet this ideal, no matter how hard we try. But we are assured that, if we truly believe in Him, aspects of the kingdom, something of each of the Beatitudes, will be present within us—spiritual poverty, humility, a spiritual thirst, mercy, peace. Equally important will be evidence of the surpassing righteousness of Christ. As our faith grows we will begin to practice righteousness, and anger, impure thoughts, insincerity, retaliation and other human failings will progressively disappear from our lives. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit and with his Word, including the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, we will practice righteousness.

However, this is where the danger lies. Once we begin to fulfill the righteousness of God, and live a life full of good deeds, it is very easy to begin to lose our focus and to perform our acts of righteousness before men, in order to be seen by them. Matthew cautions us that if we seek praise and adulation from our peers for being pious, then this is the only reward we will receive, missing out on God's much more important reward.

Tricia Hurlbutt