God made you alive together with him, when he forgave us all our trespasses, erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross.
Colossians 2:13-14
What???
Much thinking required.
This is hard.
Maybe there was a problem in Colossae that Paul was responding to. What were they up to? Well a little bit of research reveals that Colossians is one of the prison letters that Paul wrote when he was imprisoned the first time. He had gotten word that the people of Colossae were fighting and trying to settle some doctrine that confused them. In this light, we can read this as a sort of Pauline smack-down: Together with Christ, you're forgiven, the legal record is erased, Jesus was nailed to the cross... for you... for each and every one of us.
On the other hand, there seems to be some compelling evidence that Paul did not write this epistle, that it was in fact written by someone on the ground in Colossae, but somehow became attributed to Paul. The anxiety the Colossians were having seemed to revolve around the symbolic observances of new Christian laws. They were good on the big things, but bogged down on the fine print. Well, regardless of the topic, the advice is sound: Together with Christ, you're forgiven, the legal record is erased, Jesus was nailed to the cross... for you... for each and every one of us.
One of my most powerful and vivid memories of Cursillo weekend involved a cross and setting aside our anxieties and worries. It was, if I recall correctly, the second evening when we were all tired and confused about what we were doing at Cursillo in the first place. But this exercise was very centering and comforting. Together with Christ...
JoEllen Kelly
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Friday, February 27, 2015
Lenten Reflection - February 27, 2015
They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
Matthew 27:28-31
As I do every time I read this passage or watch it in a movie, the first thing I feel is anger. How dare they treat our Savior like this? What more in the world could he have done to prove his true identity. Then I remember, he went through this for me. Then the anger transforms to shame. My sin was the thorns and mocking. It is hard to imagine the pain and embarrassment our Lord must have felt. Even harder to comprehend is that he had the power to stop it at any time but did not. No matter how brutal, he was determined not to interfere with God's will and to allow the plan to play out. And again, he did this for me.
As we reflect on our work within our Lord's church and how difficult it can be from time to time, let's not forget what he went through for us. Also we should remember that after all that, he was willing to forgive, and asked his father to forgive those same people responsible for inflicting this pain and humility on him. How then can we ever hold a grudge or cast judgment on someone within his Church?
And finally, I would like to share that reflecting on this passage has helped give me energy to face the tasks ahead of me this year within our parish. No matter how challenging the tasks may get, they can never mirror the things our Lord went through on our account.
Steven E. Dorsey
Matthew 27:28-31
As I do every time I read this passage or watch it in a movie, the first thing I feel is anger. How dare they treat our Savior like this? What more in the world could he have done to prove his true identity. Then I remember, he went through this for me. Then the anger transforms to shame. My sin was the thorns and mocking. It is hard to imagine the pain and embarrassment our Lord must have felt. Even harder to comprehend is that he had the power to stop it at any time but did not. No matter how brutal, he was determined not to interfere with God's will and to allow the plan to play out. And again, he did this for me.
As we reflect on our work within our Lord's church and how difficult it can be from time to time, let's not forget what he went through for us. Also we should remember that after all that, he was willing to forgive, and asked his father to forgive those same people responsible for inflicting this pain and humility on him. How then can we ever hold a grudge or cast judgment on someone within his Church?
And finally, I would like to share that reflecting on this passage has helped give me energy to face the tasks ahead of me this year within our parish. No matter how challenging the tasks may get, they can never mirror the things our Lord went through on our account.
Steven E. Dorsey
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Lenten Reflection - February 26, 2015
May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Galatians 6:14
During my research of this passage, I found it interesting that Paul wrote the letter in his own handwriting thereby emphasizing its importance. His goal was to declare in no uncertain terms that he placed his trust in nothing but Jesus Christ –- crucified for the pardon of our sins and the salvation of our souls. The symbolism of the cross is also very important. In earlier times, the cross was an instrument of torture, a symbol of utter shame and a most dishonorable form of death. When you think about it, it is truly astounding that God could use the vilest of symbols and turn it into a glorious token of victory.
So what does this boil down to for us? Like Paul, we need to trust in and rely on our Lord at all times. While this may seem difficult during moments in our lives, it is He who grounds us and provides that spiritual comfort no one else can fulfill. Living our lives in a thoughtful and caring manner is a small price to pay for the One who sacrificed so dearly to take on the sins of the world. If ever in need of being reminded of the importance of that sacrifice, I would refer you to the lyrics of "The Old Rugged Cross": "To the old rugged cross I will ever be true; Its shame and reproach gladly bear; Then He'll call me someday to my home far away, Where His glory forever I'll share" (last verse).
Am Okrzesik
Galatians 6:14
During my research of this passage, I found it interesting that Paul wrote the letter in his own handwriting thereby emphasizing its importance. His goal was to declare in no uncertain terms that he placed his trust in nothing but Jesus Christ –- crucified for the pardon of our sins and the salvation of our souls. The symbolism of the cross is also very important. In earlier times, the cross was an instrument of torture, a symbol of utter shame and a most dishonorable form of death. When you think about it, it is truly astounding that God could use the vilest of symbols and turn it into a glorious token of victory.
So what does this boil down to for us? Like Paul, we need to trust in and rely on our Lord at all times. While this may seem difficult during moments in our lives, it is He who grounds us and provides that spiritual comfort no one else can fulfill. Living our lives in a thoughtful and caring manner is a small price to pay for the One who sacrificed so dearly to take on the sins of the world. If ever in need of being reminded of the importance of that sacrifice, I would refer you to the lyrics of "The Old Rugged Cross": "To the old rugged cross I will ever be true; Its shame and reproach gladly bear; Then He'll call me someday to my home far away, Where His glory forever I'll share" (last verse).
Am Okrzesik
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Lenten Reflection - February 25, 2015
Pilate said to them, "Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah? "All of them said, "Let him be crucified!" Then he asked, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Let him be crucified!"
Matthew 27-22-23
These were troubled times in Jerusalem. This was a time of unrest between the people and Rome. Zealots roamed the land rebelling against what they believed to be a tyrannical government. Rome had its hands full trying to quell unrest and prevent a general rebellion. As governor, one of Pilate's primary responsibilities was to maintain peace, and he would be held accountable if there was violence and rebellion. Jerusalem was preparing for the Festival of Unleavened Bread and would be crowded with people coming to participate in Passover. Expecting that there could be trouble, as was his custom, Pilate and his legions traveled to Jerusalem. While Pilate entered the City from the west through Harod's Gate with a show of all his majesty and earthly power, Jesus entered from the east through the Golden Gate humbly riding on a donkey with no worldly possessions.
Jesus fell into disfavor with the Jewish religious leaders and they hated him for his violation of their rules. They found him guilty of blasphemy under Jewish law, but did not have the authority to execute him. They had to turn to Rome, but Pilate had no reason or authority to execute him for that reason. When the leaders turned to false accusations of crimes under Rome law, Pilate was not impressed, but agreed to issue a crucifixion order to appease them. This to prevent them from issuing a formal complaint to Rome that could result in his being recalled by Rome. As was the custom, Pilate offered to free one prisoner, but the crowd had been whipped into such frenzy against Jesus, they chose to release Barabbas.
So, who is responsible for Jesus' death? While the Jewish leaders were the instrument, isn't it really all of us? None of us are capable of perfection, so God in his compassion chose to come to the earth to show us perfection, and through the death of Jesus Christ, to provide us a way through him to stand before God and enter his Kingdom.
Warren Harper
Matthew 27-22-23
These were troubled times in Jerusalem. This was a time of unrest between the people and Rome. Zealots roamed the land rebelling against what they believed to be a tyrannical government. Rome had its hands full trying to quell unrest and prevent a general rebellion. As governor, one of Pilate's primary responsibilities was to maintain peace, and he would be held accountable if there was violence and rebellion. Jerusalem was preparing for the Festival of Unleavened Bread and would be crowded with people coming to participate in Passover. Expecting that there could be trouble, as was his custom, Pilate and his legions traveled to Jerusalem. While Pilate entered the City from the west through Harod's Gate with a show of all his majesty and earthly power, Jesus entered from the east through the Golden Gate humbly riding on a donkey with no worldly possessions.
Jesus fell into disfavor with the Jewish religious leaders and they hated him for his violation of their rules. They found him guilty of blasphemy under Jewish law, but did not have the authority to execute him. They had to turn to Rome, but Pilate had no reason or authority to execute him for that reason. When the leaders turned to false accusations of crimes under Rome law, Pilate was not impressed, but agreed to issue a crucifixion order to appease them. This to prevent them from issuing a formal complaint to Rome that could result in his being recalled by Rome. As was the custom, Pilate offered to free one prisoner, but the crowd had been whipped into such frenzy against Jesus, they chose to release Barabbas.
So, who is responsible for Jesus' death? While the Jewish leaders were the instrument, isn't it really all of us? None of us are capable of perfection, so God in his compassion chose to come to the earth to show us perfection, and through the death of Jesus Christ, to provide us a way through him to stand before God and enter his Kingdom.
Warren Harper
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Lenten Reflection - February 24, 2015
And carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha.
John 19:17
This passage from John is about Jesus carrying the cross to his crucifixion. For me, this passage is a reminder of my commitment in 2014 to the Daughters of the King (DOK). DOK was founded in 1885 for women of the Episcopal, Anglican, Catholic and Lutheran Churches. The focus of the Order is prayer, service, and personal evangelism. There are over 26,000 Daughters around the world. I am part of a religious order that is a caring community of women who support each other in our faith journey, and who work to strengthen our parishes.
When I learned the DOK motto, I realized that this is a group of women with values and commitments consistent with my own.
I am but one, but I am one.
I cannot do everything but I can do something.
What I can do, I ought to do.
What I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do.
Lord, what will you have me do?
The Spirit of the Living God truly inspired our founding mothers and the clergy who supported them. Today, 130 years later, God is still moving among us, fanning the flames of our ministry and drawing us to a closer, more personal relationship with Him through our dedication to prayer, service and evangelism. With heart, mind and spirit, we uphold and bear the cross.
Visit www.DOKnational.org to learn more.
Linda Rines
John 19:17
This passage from John is about Jesus carrying the cross to his crucifixion. For me, this passage is a reminder of my commitment in 2014 to the Daughters of the King (DOK). DOK was founded in 1885 for women of the Episcopal, Anglican, Catholic and Lutheran Churches. The focus of the Order is prayer, service, and personal evangelism. There are over 26,000 Daughters around the world. I am part of a religious order that is a caring community of women who support each other in our faith journey, and who work to strengthen our parishes.
When I learned the DOK motto, I realized that this is a group of women with values and commitments consistent with my own.
I am but one, but I am one.
I cannot do everything but I can do something.
What I can do, I ought to do.
What I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do.
Lord, what will you have me do?
The Spirit of the Living God truly inspired our founding mothers and the clergy who supported them. Today, 130 years later, God is still moving among us, fanning the flames of our ministry and drawing us to a closer, more personal relationship with Him through our dedication to prayer, service and evangelism. With heart, mind and spirit, we uphold and bear the cross.
Visit www.DOKnational.org to learn more.
Linda Rines
Monday, February 23, 2015
Lenten Reflection - February 23, 2015
For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2
Paul's first letter to the Corinthians captures the problems that we still face as Christians living in a modern society. Corinth was a beautiful resort city recognized as the capital of pleasure for the entire empire. The people of Corinth loved to philosophize and they were very persuasive with their words. They placed a premium on earthly-based rhetoric and shallow thoughts that Paul referred to as "the wisdom of words." Although Paul was a man that could reason and debate, he made a deliberate decision to focus his preaching on Christ and His sacrifice for us. Paul was willing to risk rejection by changing the debate from one grounded in the earthly wisdom of man to a message of only the power of God.
As Christians, most of us have encountered times in our lives where we relied on the power of God to help us through a difficult situation. When we need help, it is easy to put our total trust in God. On the other hand, when life is firing on all cylinders, we subtly are lured into a material world that places a premium on earthly possessions and lifestyles pushing us away from God. Unlike Paul, many of us are not relentless and steadfast in our message, and almost two thousand years later could still benefit from his teachings to "know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."
John Okrzesik
1 Corinthians 2:2
Paul's first letter to the Corinthians captures the problems that we still face as Christians living in a modern society. Corinth was a beautiful resort city recognized as the capital of pleasure for the entire empire. The people of Corinth loved to philosophize and they were very persuasive with their words. They placed a premium on earthly-based rhetoric and shallow thoughts that Paul referred to as "the wisdom of words." Although Paul was a man that could reason and debate, he made a deliberate decision to focus his preaching on Christ and His sacrifice for us. Paul was willing to risk rejection by changing the debate from one grounded in the earthly wisdom of man to a message of only the power of God.
As Christians, most of us have encountered times in our lives where we relied on the power of God to help us through a difficult situation. When we need help, it is easy to put our total trust in God. On the other hand, when life is firing on all cylinders, we subtly are lured into a material world that places a premium on earthly possessions and lifestyles pushing us away from God. Unlike Paul, many of us are not relentless and steadfast in our message, and almost two thousand years later could still benefit from his teachings to "know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."
John Okrzesik
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Lenten Reflection - February 22, 2015 The First Sunday of Lent
Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
John 19:25
The women who were faithful followers, who loved Jesus, stood with Him until the end and beyond, intending to prepare His body for the grave. It is what the women did and still do. They did not deal in confrontation or in denial or in doubt; they simply did what needed to be done. Standing near, preparing the body were no glamorous tasks or even noble, though they were quietly heroic. It had to be so painful to watch and follow His struggles and finally His death, yet devotion required them to be there. The womanly virtues of caring for and standing near in loyalty are apparent here and throughout history. Not all women demonstrate this in their character and many men do, notably in this instance John the beloved disciple at the cross.
Why is this worth considering? For me, it is much more important than debating whether this passage refers to three or four of the women who stood at the cross. It is about the most basic of Christian character traits, being close and supportive of not only Jesus, but all of His children with whom we come into contact. Loyalty and commitment and devotion to the end, not for fame or our own comfort, but for others and ultimately for God, is shown by example in these women, and by God's grace, in our own lives.
Susan Tabatsko
John 19:25
The women who were faithful followers, who loved Jesus, stood with Him until the end and beyond, intending to prepare His body for the grave. It is what the women did and still do. They did not deal in confrontation or in denial or in doubt; they simply did what needed to be done. Standing near, preparing the body were no glamorous tasks or even noble, though they were quietly heroic. It had to be so painful to watch and follow His struggles and finally His death, yet devotion required them to be there. The womanly virtues of caring for and standing near in loyalty are apparent here and throughout history. Not all women demonstrate this in their character and many men do, notably in this instance John the beloved disciple at the cross.
Why is this worth considering? For me, it is much more important than debating whether this passage refers to three or four of the women who stood at the cross. It is about the most basic of Christian character traits, being close and supportive of not only Jesus, but all of His children with whom we come into contact. Loyalty and commitment and devotion to the end, not for fame or our own comfort, but for others and ultimately for God, is shown by example in these women, and by God's grace, in our own lives.
Susan Tabatsko
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Lenten Reflection - February 21, 2015
It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
The words of Paul from Galatians 2:20 and 21 of his letter to the churches of Galatia express the crux of Christianity as I believe it to be. All people will receive the unmerited divine gift of ever lasting life in God's Kingdom at their death, if they have faith that Jesus is the Son of God, who loves them and who died for them for the forgiveness of their sins by God, to provide the justification for God's gift of everlasting life in his Kingdom.
It is my belief that although Christ lived in Paul through Paul's actions to deliver knowledge of the Gospel to various people, it was Paul's faith that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross for the forgiveness of his sins and the sins of the world which was the reason for God granting ever lasting life in God's Kingdom.
Jo Smith
Galatians 2:20
The words of Paul from Galatians 2:20 and 21 of his letter to the churches of Galatia express the crux of Christianity as I believe it to be. All people will receive the unmerited divine gift of ever lasting life in God's Kingdom at their death, if they have faith that Jesus is the Son of God, who loves them and who died for them for the forgiveness of their sins by God, to provide the justification for God's gift of everlasting life in his Kingdom.
It is my belief that although Christ lived in Paul through Paul's actions to deliver knowledge of the Gospel to various people, it was Paul's faith that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross for the forgiveness of his sins and the sins of the world which was the reason for God granting ever lasting life in God's Kingdom.
Jo Smith
Friday, February 20, 2015
Lenten Reflection - February 20, 2015
Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, "You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross."
Matthew 27:39-40
Lord Jesus, we will never fully understand or appreciate what you endured for our sakes. Your servant John reminds us that you came to that which was your own – humanity, your beloved creation – and we did not receive you. (John 1:11) It wasn't enough that we tortured you, spat on you, and nailed you to a cross. We mocked you as you hung there, throwing your own words in your face. Words we didn't understand, words predicting your resurrection from the dead (John 2:19-22), which would open the way to eternal life for us. We taunted you, calling out to you to come down from the cross and save yourself, if you were the Son of God. Never realizing that you were choosing to hang there and die for us, submitting to the Father's will on our behalf (Matt. 26:42), even as we despised and rejected you (Isa.53:3). It is a wonder that you could love humanity at all, let alone love us enough to give your life for us, but that is what you did. We can never love you enough in return.
Leslie Clark
Matthew 27:39-40
Lord Jesus, we will never fully understand or appreciate what you endured for our sakes. Your servant John reminds us that you came to that which was your own – humanity, your beloved creation – and we did not receive you. (John 1:11) It wasn't enough that we tortured you, spat on you, and nailed you to a cross. We mocked you as you hung there, throwing your own words in your face. Words we didn't understand, words predicting your resurrection from the dead (John 2:19-22), which would open the way to eternal life for us. We taunted you, calling out to you to come down from the cross and save yourself, if you were the Son of God. Never realizing that you were choosing to hang there and die for us, submitting to the Father's will on our behalf (Matt. 26:42), even as we despised and rejected you (Isa.53:3). It is a wonder that you could love humanity at all, let alone love us enough to give your life for us, but that is what you did. We can never love you enough in return.
Leslie Clark
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Lenten Reflection - February 19, 2015
Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.
Acts 2:36
The last sentence of the first Easter sermon . . . Peter's summary of what he had preached – that Jesus was divinely tasked and attested to by His miracles; that the popular and national response was to crucify Him; that God's response in turn was to raise Him up from death and to His right hand; that the testimony of the apostles' speaking in tongues was Jesus' exercise of His authority by pouring out the Holy Spirit; and that the people of Israel should – with certainty - understand that, in contrast to their putting Him to death, God had appointed Jesus as King and Savior . . . and it provoked a response -- "What shall we do?"
In context I can almost hear the assertiveness and power of Peter's conclusion reflected in this verse. His listeners certainly did – v.37 says they were "cut to the heart". Peter's sermon clearly impacted them, radically and emotionally. So, why don't I feel such an emotional response to his assertion? Did God make me cold-blooded? Or is it the sinful corruption of my heart? Or something else?
I have struggled with this question for what seems like my entire life, and I am no closer to an answer now than I was 50 years ago. Fortunately, in His mercy God has not based my relationship with Him on how I feel, but on trust of His promises. If I repent and have been baptized in the name of Jesus for remission of my sins, if I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord, and if I truly believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, I will be saved. And I can be as certain of that as the fact He is Lord and Messiah!
Graham Clark
Acts 2:36
The last sentence of the first Easter sermon . . . Peter's summary of what he had preached – that Jesus was divinely tasked and attested to by His miracles; that the popular and national response was to crucify Him; that God's response in turn was to raise Him up from death and to His right hand; that the testimony of the apostles' speaking in tongues was Jesus' exercise of His authority by pouring out the Holy Spirit; and that the people of Israel should – with certainty - understand that, in contrast to their putting Him to death, God had appointed Jesus as King and Savior . . . and it provoked a response -- "What shall we do?"
In context I can almost hear the assertiveness and power of Peter's conclusion reflected in this verse. His listeners certainly did – v.37 says they were "cut to the heart". Peter's sermon clearly impacted them, radically and emotionally. So, why don't I feel such an emotional response to his assertion? Did God make me cold-blooded? Or is it the sinful corruption of my heart? Or something else?
I have struggled with this question for what seems like my entire life, and I am no closer to an answer now than I was 50 years ago. Fortunately, in His mercy God has not based my relationship with Him on how I feel, but on trust of His promises. If I repent and have been baptized in the name of Jesus for remission of my sins, if I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord, and if I truly believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, I will be saved. And I can be as certain of that as the fact He is Lord and Messiah!
Graham Clark
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Lenten Reflection - February 18, 2015 Ash Wednesday
"For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
1 Corinthians 1:18
The Cross! We wear it as Jewelry, we decorate our homes with it, and we use it to identify our churches. But what does it really stand for? In the mind of man, the cross often symbolizes weakness and failure. How ridiculous it seems, in the view of our world, for the power of God to be expressed through this crucifixion? But, Christ's crucifixion is the crowning revelation of God. Those at the foot of the cross and those who observed Jesus' public life experienced the presence of God and the key to God's true intent for our universe. The cross totally contradicts our preconceived ideas about power and wisdom. Through Jesus Christ, God has provided us the perfect example of justice and love, showing that true power is based in love and not domination. Through the cross, God reveals his method for dealing with the sinful ways and perspectives of the world. He meets them head on and masters them through overwhelming, redeeming and forgiving love. What we see as the foolishness of God, demonstrated by his allowing the crucifixion of his son, demonstrates our foolishness in accepting the values of the world over God's values. What seems to be God's most foolish act is greater than the world's greatest wisdom. As we go through this Lenten season, let us look at our lives through the prism of the cross and pray as our Lord taught us, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as in heaven."
The Ven. Kerry J. Smith
1 Corinthians 1:18
The Cross! We wear it as Jewelry, we decorate our homes with it, and we use it to identify our churches. But what does it really stand for? In the mind of man, the cross often symbolizes weakness and failure. How ridiculous it seems, in the view of our world, for the power of God to be expressed through this crucifixion? But, Christ's crucifixion is the crowning revelation of God. Those at the foot of the cross and those who observed Jesus' public life experienced the presence of God and the key to God's true intent for our universe. The cross totally contradicts our preconceived ideas about power and wisdom. Through Jesus Christ, God has provided us the perfect example of justice and love, showing that true power is based in love and not domination. Through the cross, God reveals his method for dealing with the sinful ways and perspectives of the world. He meets them head on and masters them through overwhelming, redeeming and forgiving love. What we see as the foolishness of God, demonstrated by his allowing the crucifixion of his son, demonstrates our foolishness in accepting the values of the world over God's values. What seems to be God's most foolish act is greater than the world's greatest wisdom. As we go through this Lenten season, let us look at our lives through the prism of the cross and pray as our Lord taught us, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as in heaven."
The Ven. Kerry J. Smith
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