Lenten Reflection - April 20, 2014 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

These two verses must be connected with the next two: "if we deny Him, he will also deny us; if we are faithless, He remains faithful - for He cannot deny Himself."

Many scholars believe that these four verses are a portion of a very early Christian hymn. Paul is sharing his belief that we must live our lives fully in Christ. This is why the forty days of Lent, culminating in the events of Holy Week - Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Day—must be seen as a whole. Paul knew that Jesus prepared Himself spiritually in the wilderness for His ministry, experienced the Last Supper with His loved ones, was betrayed, denied, crucified, and His dead body placed in a tomb, and on Easter was raised from the dead. In this passage Paul is sharing this hymn with Timothy to remind him of our need to experience these events with our Lord. We cannot "jump" into Easter and the Resurrection without experiencing the preparation of Lent, His Last Supper, our connection with Him being betrayed, denied, and killed. We cannot share in the Crown without sharing in the Cross. On this glorious day, I am reminded of the words from the song, The Rose: "Just remember in the winter far beneath the bitter snows lies the seed that with the sun's love in the spring becomes the rose." We must die with Him in order that, with the "Son's" love "in the spring," we will be raised with Him. Amen.

William H.C. Ticknor+ (2009)

Lenten Reflection - April 19, 2014 Holy Saturday

Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.
I Peter 4:10

First and foremost Peter is reminding us that as Christians we are tasked with being good stewards. Secondly, as good stewards to serve one another with our time, our talents, and our treasures. The good News is that St. James consists of a congregation that works hard at being good stewards and serving one another. However, to better understand Peter's message let's take a look at what a good steward is and how we can better serve one another.

First, a good steward understands that everything they have is a gift from God. This includes our lives, our health, family, friends, career, and accomplishments. These all belong to God. Second, a good steward recognizes that these gifts from God are a blessing and were given to us by God to use them as a blessing for others. If you use your gifts as a blessing to others and those who receive your blessings do likewise, God will be glorified by all who recognize these as blessings, especially those who acknowledge these truly are gifts from our Father above.

Joe Carta (2012)

Lenten Reflection - April 18, 2014 Good Friday

But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5

The prophet Isaiah, the most poetic of prophets, says on this black day that our Lord was "wounded, crushed and bruised" by our sins. When I hear those words, I flinch. Yet I am immediately assured that Our Lord's wounds have "healed" us and "made us whole." It is a powerful measure of God's greatness that we can be forgiven and comforted by one who was "despised and rejected," who was taken away and murdered "by a perversion of justice."

Part of the Songs of the Servant, this section has been called "the golden passional" and "the most important text in the Old Testament." The Ethiopian eunuch ponders it with Philip in Acts 8: 26-40. The verse is in what is known as Second Isaiah, assigned to an author or authors who came after Isaiah, beginning in 539 B.C. It first appears that the "servant" symbolizes the nation of Israel, (42:1-4) then later scholars see the servant as Jesus himself. especially in Chapter 53. As we read on in Isaiah, we know the Suffering Servant "shall see light" and make "intercessions" for us, the transgressors. I marvel at the prophet's vision and realize that he wants us to know the hope God gives us regardless of the blows life hands us - that there is a loving light beyond the darkness.

Val Hymes (2009)

Lenten Reflection - April 17, 2014 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

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.

Kathy Dickinson (2008)

Lenten Reflection - April 16, 2014

So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom....
Psalm 90

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.

Doug Ellmore (2008)

Lenten Reflection - April 15, 2014

"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

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.

Lou Hays+ (2008)

Lenten Reflection - April 14, 2014

So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.
Romans 7:13-25

"I try to be good, but sometimes I just can't help myself." I don't remember which of our daughters said it or what the circumstances were. Most parents hear similar words from their offspring, but when we examine the statement in the light of our quotation from Paul's letter to the Romans, we hear a different message. Each of us earnestly tries to obey God's law, and each of us is frequently frustrated at our inability to ignore the temptations assaulting us from every side. Indeed, we "delight in God's law," but we also find many ways of delighting in the empty pleasures of the secular world.

Are we too hard on ourselves? Maybe, maybe not. God gave us pleasurable earthly pastimes for our enjoyment, so they can't be all bad. Where we go astray is in what balance we achieve between the worldly and the holy. We know we shouldn't devote every hour of our lives to fun and games, but we also should realize that we don't have to spend all of our time with our noses to the spiritual grindstone. Even the most strictly cloistered monks find time to have fun.

What's the right balance for you and me? That's a good question for reflection during this Lenten season. If we are honest with ourselves, we will probably find that we need to change by God's grace in some way. We might need to pray more. Maybe we will actually find that we have to play more.

Bob McCoy+ (2008)

Lenten Reflection - April 13, 2014 Palm Sunday

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.

Nan Lewis (2013)

Lenten Reflection - April 12, 2014

As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.
Psalm 42:1

To me this passage strikes right at the heart of what we seek as Christians. Animals, such as deer, thirst, search, and eventually find something to satisfy them. Fortunately for deer, their thirst is in the physical realm, unlike ours which can exist on many levels. As Christians, we are constantly seeking something else to better our relationship with God, whatever it may be. This passage says to me that to want something, to need something important to us is a thirst from deep in our hearts. For this kind of thirst, God is in fact the water we seek to satisfy us, even though we don't always go to Him first. As we read deeper into Psalm 42, there is more detail about what can be taken as a deep longing for God and His help in distressing situations. Verse three reads: My Tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me continually, "Where is Your God?"

God is the water that can give us anything, but we need to remember not to be greedy (to drink the well dry), but quench ourselves little by little, until eventually we thirst no more. After seeking and searching, by the grace of God, we can be at peace with ourselves and our brothers and sisters in Christ. We can accept that we never have to worry "where is my God," because we know He has His own place in us and through us.

Nancy Horkan (2009)

Lenten Reflection - April 11, 2014

But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter, "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
Mark 8:33

Peter often didn't seem to get it! Perhaps the other disciples were similarly confused. Jesus had been letting all of them know—prophesizing—the fate that been assigned to Him.

Jesus was Peter's friend, as He is to all of us who choose to acknowledge Him, but in this instance Peter failed to accept the divinity of Christ as well as the mission to mankind that had been assigned to Him. In his desire to appeal to the fully secular Jesus, he, in effect, was asking Christ to reject His divine mission.

Peter reacted in a purely human way. We, too, sometimes fail in this way.

God has let us know through His Word and His Son that He loves us. He's always aware of our problems and He cares about them. But, how often do we implore Christ to show his love by concentrating on our earthly dilemmas. In our pleas we sometimes fail to remember that His last command to us, just before His ascension, was to go forth and make disciples of all men: to evangelize, to do God's work. Our day-to-day tasks and problems are certainly important, but shouldn't our first prayers have to do with showing our love for Him by having the strength and courage to work on the commission He's given to us?

Jesus rebuked Peter, just as He rebuked Satan when Satan tempted Jesus after Jesus' baptism. How often are we deserving of our own rebuke?

Charlie Wolf (2008)

Lenten Reflection - April 10, 2014

I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily, he shall strike root like the forests of Lebanon.
Hosea 14:5

In the context of the Lenten season, on first read, this passage fondly puts a smile on my face, as it reminds me of spring. It renews my spirit by reminding me that from the cold, still, dark hopelessness of winter follows the promise of spring. Even my 6 year old son understood the reference to spring.

On the second read, I began at the beginning of Hosea's book and found the readings to be harsh. Hosea describes with grueling, bitter symbolism, how the people of Israel will be punished by God for disavowing Him. All 13 chapters prior to this passage are filled with descriptions of the sins against God. Read alone, the 13 chapters depict our God as jealous and revengeful, without forgiveness; but read as a whole book with the 14th chapter, I believe I understand the meaning of Hosea's writings and the Lenten season; despite our sins against Him, God is love and will forgive those who seek to understand Him.

I now understand that this passage, in context, is about repentance. Hosea wanted to evoked a feeling of regret about our sins but reminds us that through repentance our spirits will be renewed.

Michelle & Jackson Perkins (2009)

Lenten Reflection - April 9, 2014

So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he wore; and they took him and threw him into a pit.
Genesis 37:23-24

One of the most popular Old Testament stories is that of Joseph and his coat of many colors. Joseph was given the coat by his father, Jacob, who favored Joseph over his other sons. This gift angered Joseph's brothers and they were filled with jealousy, prompting them to devise a scheme of killing Joseph and then throwing him into a nearby pit. Their plan was to tell their father that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal. Fortunately, there was a change of plans, fueled by the brothers' guilt, and Joseph was not murdered before being thrown into the pit.

This passage can serve as a reminder to us all to trust in God, no matter what obstacles we face in life. I feel the pit is symbolic of the difficult challenges we all will face, and a reminder that God is always there for us, no matter how deep our despair. Joseph always put his trust in God by simply trusting that God would take care of him. He knew God was in charge, and that gave him comfort in the "pit" of his life. No matter how bad things become, we can always rely on God. How comforting!

"If we don't learn to bloom in the pit, we will never blossom on life's mountain" (Author unknown).

Susan Dowling (2009)

Lenten Reflection - April 8, 2014

With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.
Mark 4:24-41

The pressures and temptations of today's modern living make it difficult to take the time to appreciate the world around us as Jesus would want us to with generosity, tolerance, acceptance and love. I imagine that in the midst of people's hectic daily schedules, it is easy to become caught up with cares and worries that deprive us of our spiritual growth and an intimate relationship with God. We find deepening our faith commitment very challenging. We need to remember that great things begin with tiny actions. The Kingdom will only grow with care and nourishment. We are not to retain God's message within ourselves but to give it away and that same Message that has transformed our life will in turn influence someone else who will in turn influence another. If you doubt that such a glorious Kingdom could grow from such tiny beginnings, remember the mustard seed.

The disciples' skepticism of faith is as evident today as it was in that little boat. Those kinds of miracles aren't so apparent today. We have to look deeper and use our faith to know that they exist. This becomes difficult when the troubles of our life take us on, testing our faith. Jesus did not promise us calm waters in our journey of faith. He did promise to be with us. You do not need to see Him to know that He is there. A reminder of this is the song "Have You Seen Jesus My Lord?" Have you ever looked at the sunset? Have you ever stood at the ocean? Then you've seen Jesus, my friend. Ultimately, it is your own heart that determines your response to Christ and not His spectacular miracles.

Cindy Carrier (2008)

Lenten Reflection - April 7, 2014

Jesus also said, "this is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, wherever he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know why. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."
Mark 4:26-28

In Biblical times, the preferred method of planting seeds was to walk through a field scattering seed by hand and letting them fall where they may. Some landed on rich, fertile soil and some on rocky, dry ground. Some grew, and some didn't. The farmer tended to his fields as best he could, but he really didn't understand the science of plant growth, nor did he have much control over what happened. So he prayed and waited for the grain to ripen, and when it did, he reaped the harvest and gave thanks for all that God had given him.

So it is with the seeds of the Gospel. We scatter the seeds far and wide and wait for them to grow. Like the farmer, we don't understand how this happens—why some respond to the Gospel message and others do not. It isn't for us to know. God is sovereign, and we accept that his plan for us is in place. So we pray, and we wait. And when it is time, we rejoice for the harvest, those people whose lives are transformed by the love of Jesus Christ, and give thanks and praise to Almighty God. And then, just as the farmer feeds his family, we go forth into the world to feed others through our words and actions.

Michelle Doran+ (2008)

Lenten Reflection - April 6, 2014 The Fifth Sunday of Lent

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Matthew 4:18-22

The calling of the first Disciples marks the beginning of Jesus' ministry, following his baptism by John the Baptist, and the time of testing by Satan in the desert.

It is interesting to contemplate how we might have reacted had we lived during that time and been asked to leave everything and follow Jesus. But this was a time chosen by God, and people chosen by God for a specific purpose. Even though the Disciples got to walk and talk with Jesus directly, ask him questions and learn from him, it does not appear that they had an easy time understanding. In fact, it seems like it wasn't until all the facts were in, the life and teaching of Jesus, His death, and witness of His resurrection and ascension that they truly understood. Their willingness to move from denial to a belief so strong that they were themselves crucified, offers compelling proof that all these events occurred.

Sometimes we are so busy looking for proof that we don't see it all around us. Most often it is only by the grace of God that we can a see the truth. Even though we did not live during the time of Jesus, it is true that we are being, called just as the Disciples were called, to follow Jesus. Are we listening? Are we responding?

Warren Harper (2011)

Lenten Reflection - April 5, 2014

Blessed are those who trust in the LORD, whose trust is in the LORD. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8

This passage from Jeremiah has strong meaning in my life! I have tried to live knowing that our LORD is an extremely important part of my life. This passage concerns the keeping of faith even in difficult personal times. Thinking of the passage's meaning - In good times - (we are well watered and feel the warm sunshine) - emotionally happy times, our relationships are all going well, and financially we prosper - these are the times when it is easy to feel our LORD's blessings and spread our LORD's message in a positive, confident and encouraging manner to all around us. When all is well in our lives, our Lord's blessings seem uncomplicated and undemanding. However, when times of "heat and drought" come into our lives, how will we deal with them? Will we curse our LORD and ask why? Or will we draw on our faith? Knowing confidently that Christ is in us and He will help us struggle through the times of "heat and drought." At difficult times it is often hard to remember that our LORD does not give us more then we can cope with. As Christians and members of a faithful community, we must also support others in their time of "heat and drought." Many of the Church's ministries are designed to provide the framework of care and assistance in times of trouble but still it is the members of the faithful community that can demonstrate to one another Christ's message of love and the peace that comes from trusting in the LORD.

Cathy Stasny (2009)

Lenten Reflection - April 4, 2014

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Psalm 23:5

How wonderfully comforting it is to know that the Lord is our shepherd, both protecting us and providing all we need to flourish, just as he was King David's shepherd when David wrote this psalm so many years ago. Sheep and goats were the most important domestic animals in David's time, providing meat, milk, fat, skins, wool, and horns. Shepherds, although lowly, were very important and were counted on to lead their flocks on paths to good pastures and safe water where the sheep would flourish. Shepherds were really the first "pastoral" care committee!

Just as David did, we enjoy a special bond of friendship with our Lord, and he invites us to His heavenly banquet table right in front of our enemies to show them that we are His flock. He anoints our heads with oil, treating us as honored guests were treated at banquets in David's time. He pours out His love and goodness on us so that our cup overflows and spills out on those around us, passing on his blessings to our friends and enemies alike.

How meaningful to me to be writing about this passage as I am preparing for the womens' weekend with the theme "Come to the Table"—the Lord's Table, where I am nourished in body, mind and spirit. Even today, we often honor our friends by inviting them to our table to share a meal with us to celebrate our bond of friendship. We want to shower blessings on those we love. So does God, if we will only let Him.

Marjie Mack (2009)

Lenten Reflection - April 3, 2014

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.
Luke 6:37

We can't survive without making judgments. From our childhood, we are taught to discern which actions are appropriate and which are not, those that threaten our safety and those that keep us safe. But Jesus isn't talking about that kind of judgment here. He still expects us to distinguish right from wrong. The direction in this passage follows his instruction that his disciples should love their enemies. Now he is telling his followers to avoid judgment of all people, including their enemies. These words warn us to avoid gossip and all the subtle ways that we discount one another. Too often we are quick to label people and write them off because they are a liberal or conservative, white or black, Jew or Catholic. Too often we assume that we alone understand God's prerogatives. Jesus is making it clear that there is no place for such assumptions among his followers.

Later in this passage, Jesus informs his disciples that "for with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Everyone has value in God's eyes. Jesus died for the sins of all, not just those whom we judge deserving. Here in Luke, Jesus is telling us that we will be measured by the same criteria that we use to measure others. Be it judgment, condemnation, forgiveness or generosity, Jesus uses his instructions in Luke to remind us that our rewards in his kingdom will be balanced against our actions.

Susan Whitehead (2009)

Lenten Reflection - April 2, 2014

But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:38-42

This scripture came at the perfect time for me. There are certain times of the year when I must let Martha out and other times I keep her locked away. I read the passage this morning and realized she is overdue to be put away. It is so easy to not see what is right in front of you because you are too busy looking at tasks to be done. We want to have all of our ducks in a row because this is what is expected of us. In the moment of completing our tasks it becomes easy to judge and resent those who are simply "living" (like Mary was). Instead I think this is a perfect lesson for us to look inside ourselves to find what is most important. We should be focusing on the blessings we have received. Living the life God wants for us. Turning away from the daily grind and to focus on the here and now. This is what living is. Sometimes it is easier said than done - especially on Sunday mornings when we have so much to do. When we attend church we are getting what Mary sought after that afternoon - spiritual guidance. We all need to live in the moment like Mary was able to do. Let Martha come out only out of necessity.

Nola Meyers (2011)

Lenten Reflection - April 1, 2014

Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Hebrew 13:1,2

Oh, God, for this day, just this one day, Let me live generously, kindly, in a state of grace and goodness that denies my many imperfections, And makes me more like you.

The above is the final paragraph to a prayer I keep in front of me at my desk. I try to read it daily, because if we truly work each and every day to be more like Christ, showing grace and love to those we meet, think of how different the world would be.

Molly Nussear (2011)