First Thursday in Lent

John 3:16-21 (NRSV)

‘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.

‘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. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgement, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.’

Why is it that we see these signs with John 3:16 at sporting events and on yard signs? Do folks believe that someone will see that sign, know instantly that it refers to a bible verse, and run out, look it up, read it, believe, and start living differently? I'm not sure it works that way. Maybe that's why, even as a priest, I'm turned off at these hollow public displays of faith. 

Let's dig into the practice a little. I understand that it started in Boston in the 1970s as a way for evangelical Christians to propagate the Gospel. Their idea was to put John 3:16 on a sign and hold it up at a game. If the game is televised, more people would learn salvation and everlasting life through Jesus. The verse, "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," seems to display the complete message, or does it? The question that I have is, "is eternal life" the ultimate goal? I don't mean to be cynical here, but what is it that were are striving for? 

Or, are we striving for a life more connected to God in this life? Are we living to be closer to our creator? In doing so, are we becoming more responsible to those around us (our neighbor) and the environment (God's creation)? Are we loving God and loving our neighbor like God's only Son asks? Some would say that belief is enough... if you believe, you are in, like it's some sort of club for eternal life. That's partly why I cringe at isolated scripture texts without some context. 

John 3:16 is part of a more extensive explanation of who Jesus is. Yes, Jesus is the one that reconciles the world to God and Jesus is the one that provides us a way to have an eternal presence with our creator after this earthly life is over. However, Jesus is also the one who is the light that shows us the way to be and live in a relationship with God and with one another. A relationship that needs to be nurtured with practice. Not that we can do anything to earn God's love, but that we act out of and in response to God's love.

I'm not sure what, if any, converts to the faith these signs bring. But I do know, for me, it lacks context for those who are not familiar with the Holy Scriptures. If you asked someone on the street what John 3:16 was, they would say it was a Bible verse but wouldn't know what it said or meant. 

During the lent season, we are encouraged to engage in practices that draw us closer to God. If holding up a sign at a game does it for you, then rock on. I'm not condemning the practice. But, be ready to respond to the question, "why are you doing that?" by offering the story of Jesus calling us into a life of love and relationship. 

First Wednesday in Lent 2021

John 2:23-3:15 (NRSV)

When he was in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, many believed in his name because they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part would not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone.

Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, “You must be born from above.” 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.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can these things be?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?

‘Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

The Pharisee, Nicodemus, came to Jesus "by night." I am sure that he was afraid of what others might think if he openly endorsed this itinerant teacher from Nazareth. Nicodemus believed in Jesus and his teaching and wanted to know more. He had already experienced the miraculous acts or "signs" that Jesus did. So, without telling his fellow Pharisees, Nicodemus sneaks out for a one on one with Jesus.

The encounter is intimate and life-giving. Jesus and Nicodemus are sitting there in the evening chatting about theological concepts. You can feel the energy building in the text as Jesus reveals to Nicodemus what it is to experience the Kingdom of God after being born anew. As a Pharisaic teacher, Nicodemus should have known more about the spiritual nature of re-birth. After Jesus explains it, Nicodemus is astonished. His only response was, "how can these things be."

I've heard many over the years about being "born-again" or "reborn" or "born from above." I'm not sure that neither they nor I understand the complexity of what it means to be "born anew." I think that the faith rebirth comes from knowing and living for God rather than for the world or self. I feel that comes from caring for those that God cares for and comes from knowing that you are forgiven and have the chance to right the wrongs. 

Nicodemus was probably not a coward but saw his meeting with Jesus as controversial enough to keep it a secret. This makes me think... How often do we "hide our faith" for fear of ridicule? And if we do, are we really living like we have been born anew? If being born again means knowing and living for God, how might we respond more fully with a faith-filled life? The world waits for signs that God is real. However, those reborn in God are doing very little to show the world who God is.

Romans 2:25-3:18 (NRSV)

Friday in the Second Week of Lent - Reflections on the Letters of Lent

Circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law; but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. So, if those who are uncircumcised keep the requirements of the law, will not their uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then those who are physically uncircumcised but keep the law will condemn you that have the written code and circumcision but break the law. For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is true circumcision something external and physical. Rather, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and real circumcision is a matter of the heart-- it is spiritual and not literal. Such a person receives praise not from others but from God. Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much, in every way. For in the first place the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. What if some were unfaithful? Will their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Although everyone is a liar, let God be proved true, as it is written, "So that you may be justified in your words, and prevail in your judging." But if our injustice serves to confirm the justice of God, what should we say? That God is unjust to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) By no means! For then how could God judge the world? But if through my falsehood God's truthfulness abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? And why not say (as some people slander us by saying that we say), "Let us do evil so that good may come"? Their condemnation is deserved! What then? Are we any better off? No, not at all; for we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under the power of sin, as it is written: "There is no one who is righteous, not even one; there is no one who has understanding, there is no one who seeks God. All have turned aside, together they have become worthless; there is no one who shows kindness, there is not even one." "Their throats are opened graves; they use their tongues to deceive." "The venom of vipers is under their lips." "Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness." "Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery are in their paths, and the way of peace they have not known." "There is no fear of God before their eyes."

"Real Circumcision is a matter of the heart." The cutting or mutilation of one's body for ritualistic purposes has always befuddled me. Why would you hurt yourself to prove your relationship? Why would God require the removal of the male foreskin in order to prove that there is a bond? What purpose does it serve? This topic may generate more question than reflection today. But, that's ok.

If we listen to what Paul is saying, he is making the claim that it doesn't matter if you are circumcised if you are not going to keep up your end and honor the covenant. That those who keep the covenant and grow in love and relationship are circumcised by virtue of the relationship. I understand that the ancients needed to make an outward physical sign of their covenant, symbolic of the bond they experienced with God. A bond that affected their relationship with one another. 

Paul is further saying that our lack of faithfulness to our relationship with God doesn't diminish God's faithfulness in us. I don't know how many times I have heard folks claim that they've been too bad, that God doesn't want anything to do with them. False! God is faithful and desires a relationship, especially with those who have gone astray. God's favor and grace for creation never decreases. Once the bond is there, it NEVER goes away.

So, what is the call to action amid all this circumcision talk? I hear God calling us to keep the covenant and nurture the relationship. Leaning on the fact that it doesn't matter if we are male and have a foreskin or not. What matters is that our hearts are right with God. Do we trust God? In the season of Lent, it is the perfect time to evaluate ourselves and our relationships, see what we are doing that destroys and remove it... recognize what it is that brings us closer together and do it. How deep is our commitment?

Romans 4:13-18 (NRSV)

Tuesday in the 2nd weeks of Lent - Reflections on the Letters during Lent

For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation. For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations")-- in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become "the father of many nations," according to what was said, "So numerous shall your descendants be."

"Promise" is what I hear when I read this passage from Paul's Letter to the Romans. To me, promise implies a commitment to action. You will or you will not do something that you told someone else. In bible-speak and theology, there is a lot of talk about covenant which I think is different from a promise. To me, a covenant is a more formal agreement or arrangement that is a relationship with obligations and mutual responsibilities. Where a promise is just an obligation (one-sided), the covenant is a formal, detailed arrangement (two-sided).

In this portion of his letter to the church in Rome, Paul is reminding the people of the original "promises" made to Abraham by God long before there was Torah (or law.). Paul explains that the promise pre-existed and is a promise based on faith in God and God's favor for us, not because of the law or those keeping the law. It seems that Paul is using this line of thinking to assert that Abraham's descendants who have kept the faith in God are the recipients of God's blessings, not those that merely "keep the law." This includes those children of Abraham who now have a new found faith in Jesus as the Christ.

The call to action for me would be to understand that rules are intended to shape and order society. Though mostly intended for good, sometimes rules or laws are not just and display the prejudices of those who make them. I understand that those who were "under the law" thought that they were doing what is righteous before God, but I also think that God is more worried about the relationship than anything else. It all began from a relationship with Abraham. God said, "And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you." (Genesis 17:7)

Romans 1:1-15 (NRSV)

Monday of the Second Week of Lent - Reflections on the Letters of Lent

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the world. For God, whom I serve with my spirit by announcing the gospel of his Son, is my witness that without ceasing I remember you always in my prayers, asking that by God's will I may somehow, at last, succeed in coming to you. For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you-- or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as I have among the rest of the Gentiles. I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish -- hence my eagerness to proclaim the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

Mutually encouraged is the phrase that catches my attention... Paul says, "that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith." Encouragement is what we all need from time to time. The offer of Paul to provide spiritual support to the church in Rome is true apostolic oversight and care for the people he loves.

Paul is called the "untimely apostle" because he had a later encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. He was not among the original 12 followers of Jesus. In his travels, he established church communities and his letters to those communities are some of the best records we have of early church history. In this reading of his introduction to the letter to the church in Rome, you can feel Paul's desire to be with them again, encouraging them in faith, offering them some spiritual support. However, because of other circumstances, he has been prevented from returning to Rome.

We all need encouragement. The call I hear today is to encourage each other. Hold one another in prayer. Support each other's endeavors. Make sacrifices for the success of others. You can really feel it if you are engaged in something that isn't supported. Like Paul, we should burn deep with the desire to be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.

Hebrews 3:12-19 (NRSV)

Wednesday of the First Week in Lent - Reflections on the Letters during Lent

"Take care, brothers and sisters, that none of you may have an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partners of Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end. As it is said, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion." Now who were they who heard and yet were rebellious? Was it not all those who left Egypt under the leadership of Moses? But with whom was he angry forty years? Was it not those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, if not to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief."

Partners & Confidence! I understand that partnerships are close relationships working together for a common goal. Having confidence in something means that you trust. It's something that you can rely on. Put these two together (especially in the same sentence) and you've got something... a trusted close relationship at work!

The writer continues the encouragement from yesterday's reflection, explaining that we take caution that we care for one another in a way that encourages faith and belief. There is a sense of urgency implied when the writer days TODAY! Not tomorrow, not the next day, don't wait, do it today. Why? Because we are partners that are entrusted with the message of Good News. So we should listen for God and act! We are reminded of the whining that the Hebrews did in the wilderness. We remember the stories of those who did not trust God and complained. I have always heard it said that it didn't take 40 years to get the Hebrews out of Egypt... it took 40 years to get Egypt out of the Hebrews! :) Until they trusted God, they were unable to enter the promised land.

The call to action for me today is to listen... and then with faith and confidence that my partner, Jesus, has my back, to act boldly on what I hear God calling me to do. Like so much of the Christian life, this isn't for me alone it is for me to invite all others into this faithful living so that they too will gain confidence and faith and learn to trust in God.

Hebrews 12:1-14 (NRSV)

Hebrews 12:1-14 (NRSV) - Reflections on the Letters during Lent.
Ash Wednesday - March 6, 2019

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as children —“My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, or lose heart when you are punished by him; for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves, and chastises every child whom he accepts.” Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children; for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline? If you do not have that discipline in which all children share, then you are illegitimate and not his children. Moreover, we had human parents to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not be even more willing to be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share his holiness. Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord."

I've got to admit... The one thing that jumps out to me in the passage is "RUN." Not only run but run with perseverance the race that is set before us. It's like telling us to "power through" the chances and challenges of our life. There is only one issue. I don't like to run. I did run pretty regularly in one period in my life, but I don't enjoy it. I have many friends and colleagues that love to run. It's just never been one of my passions. That may be the issue, but I think it has bearing on the reflection and why "RUN" screamed in my head when I read the passage.

To me, this section of the letter to the Hebrews almost seems like a locker-room pep talk, either before a track meet or the big game. We are told to be disciplined and endure trials, to train for the ultimate test of our agility and strength. Train so that we may RUN with endurance and RUN with perseverance. I may not like to run, but I do know how to train. It seems that the writer of this letter wants us to train like we would for a long race. A long race that will take its toll on our weary spirits.

On this Ash Wednesday, this first day of lent, we get to settle into a 40 day training period. Training both for our physical and our spiritual health. Training to meet the obstacles in the life that laid before us. Training so that we can enjoy fully the rewards that are prepared for us.

Part of that training may be to go on a diet of sorts. We may abstain from things of this world that are frivolous or extravagant, to help us focus on those things of God that nurture our relationship with God and each other. Also, in training, we need to take on healthy behaviors. Maybe behaviors like prayer and study, helping in the soup kitchen or food bank, or maybe just checking in on someone who is confined. 

I appreciate the traditions of the Episcopal Church and the prayers of the Daily Office (Lauds, Matins, Vespers, and Compline) that have been preserved in our Book of Common Prayer for daily use. I have known folks to call the practice of a regimen of praying the daily office "calisthenics for Christians." The sort of training that helps shape our faith which in turn informs our belief and provides us with a strong faith to help us through the troubles of our life.

For me, running has always been difficult. However, I pray that I maintain the discipline needed in order to keep the faith in me strong and bubbling over.

Titus 2:1-15 (NRSV)

But as for you, teach what is consistent with sound doctrine. Tell the older men to be temperate, serious, prudent, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance.

Likewise, tell the older women to be reverent in behaviour, not to be slanderers or slaves to drink; they are to teach what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be self-controlled, chaste, good managers of the household, kind, being submissive to their husbands, so that the word of God may not be discredited.

Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, and sound speech that cannot be censured; then any opponent will be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us.

Tell slaves to be submissive to their masters and to give satisfaction in every respect; they are not to answer back, not to pilfer, but to show complete and perfect fidelity, so that in everything they may be an ornament to the doctrine of God our Saviour.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

Declare these things; exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one look down on you.

I am always skeptical when someone claims to have all the right answers. And, it would be presumptuous for me to claim that I know the answers. Therefore, I think it is my job, as pastor, to help people live with the questions within the mysteries of God. I like to let God reveal the truth to others through my faith, in love, and endurance.

As I sit and think about this portion of the letter to Titus, I struggle with some of the imagery that swirls around in my head. Images of slavery, subjugation, and other old world patriarchal images. They are all there. However, if we look deeper at what Paul is trying to tell Titus, then the message (the sound doctrine) starts to surface above the social condition of the times.

If we take out all the literal and specific men, women, and slave talk, then several things that Paul says to Titus resonates with me. Paul lists a litany of behaviors for Titus: Consistency, temperance, seriousness, prudence, a sound faith in love and endurance… reverence, not slanderous, sober, self-controlled, committed to family, keepers of the house, a model of good works, teacher of integrity, confident speaker, humble, servant of others… These behaviors in any society would be considered correct or upright behaviors or traits for anyyone. Traits that would apply to all, not just men or women. Everyone, regardless of class or condition. The first sentence in the last paragraph drew me to that conclusion. Paul says “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all!” If salvation is brought to all, then God has made God's self accessible to everyone.

I wrote on Ash Wednesday about the “Spiritual Training Camp” that the writer of the letter to the Hebrew’s was describing. I saw the image of the season of Lent as being a time devoted to spiritual training. Today, Paul's words to Titus help guide us in our training, reminding us to continue to prepare ourselves because we are still a work in progress. We don’t have all the answers. We may never have all the answers. Nevertheless, part of not having all the answers, (part of living with the questions) makes ourselves open to the Holy Spirit and ready for anything that God might be doing with us. So, we should order our lives, be strong in the faith, and prepare. For the Glory of God has yet to be fully revealed in us.

Mark 11:27-33 (NRSV)

Again they came to Jerusalem.  As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him and said, "By what authority are you doing these things?  Who gave you this authority to do them?"  Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.  Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?  Answer me."  They argued with one another,  "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?'  But shall we say, 'Of human origin'?"- they were afraid of the crowd, for all regarded John as truly a prophet.  So they answered Jesus, "We do not know."  And Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."

“By what authority are you doing these things?”  The chief priests, elders, and scribes ask Jesus about his authority again, wanting to trick him.  The tensions are building as the religious leaders become more threatened by Jesus’ teaching.  They want him out of the way because he is gaining a following and people are beginning to believe in him.

Most of the questions from the leaders in this passage are about authority.  They ask how Jesus has authority to do the teaching, healing, and casting out demons that he is doing.  By asking the question the leaders attempt to defame Jesus, and cause the his followers to become skeptical.  As believers, we know his power is of God.  However, if Jesus were to answer, he would risk committing blasphemy according to their standards.

Jesus tells the leaders that if they will answer one question, he will tell them where his authority comes from.  If they don’t, he will not answer them.  Jesus presents them with a catch-22 situation in his question about the baptism of John.  The leaders opt not to answer.  Therefore, Jesus doesn’t reveal to them the source of his authority.  This buys him a bit more time to carry out his mission.

The call that I hear today is have faith.  Those of faith know Jesus’ authority comes from God.  Mark’s audience would realize that.  The encounter with the religious authorities is a victory for Jesus and makes the leaders appear weak.  By pleading ignorance, the leaders give Jesus a silent affirmation.  If we hold onto the faith, we are not able to be tricked by those who would rather we not believe in Jesus because it doesn’t suit their agenda.  

John 8:46-59 (NRSV)

Which of you convicts me of sin?  If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?  Whoever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not from God."  The Jews answered him, "Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?"  Jesus answered, "I do not have a demon; but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me.  Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is one who seeks it and he is the judge.  Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death."  The Jews said to him, "Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and so did the prophets; yet you say, 'Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.'  Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets also died. Who do you claim to be?"  Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, he of whom you say, 'He is our God,' though you do not know him. But I know him; if I would say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him and I keep his word.  Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad."  Then the Jews said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?"  Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am."  So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.

Again, we leave our weekly progression through Mark and we take a detour into the Gospel according to John.  Today we are faced with Jesus being confronted again by the “Jews” who wish to convict him of blasphemy.  The daily lectionary repeats the exact reading that we heard on February 11, 2012; give or take a verse.  The idea that gets my attention today is that they call Jesus a Samaritan, which is ironic because Samaritans do not believe in the resurrection (and Jesus rises from the dead).

The questions continue about the identity of Jesus, and about where his power and abilities come from.  They have now come to the conclusion that Jesus must have a demon.  Jesus tries to explain that his abilities and his glory comes only from God, and that God is the source of all and the judge of all.  Jesus tries to explain his connection to God by telling them that he was before Abraham.

The call that I hear today is “be a keeper of the Word.”  Jesus says that whoever keeps his word will never taste death.  Therefore, everlasting life is the reward of being a “keeper of the Word.”  How do we keep the Word of God, which we know to be Jesus the Christ?  We keep him in faith and practice.  We keep him in trust for others.  To be keepers of the word, we need to be a sharer of the word.  In order to do this, I suggest that we live as St. Francis suggested, “preach the Gospel at all times.  When necessary, use words!”

Mark 9:14-29 (NRSV)

When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and some scribes arguing with them.  When the whole crowd saw him, they were immediately overcome with awe, and they ran forward to greet him.  He asked them, "What are you arguing about with them?"  Someone from the crowd answered him, "Teacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so."  He answered them, "You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you?  Bring him to me."  And they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth.  Jesus asked the father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood.  It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us."  Jesus said to him, "If you are able!  All things can be done for the one who believes."  Immediately the father of the child cried out, "I believe; help my unbelief!"  When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You spirit that keeps this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!"  After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, "He is dead."  But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand.   When he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?"  He said to them, "This kind can come out only through prayer."

 

The father of the possessed boy says, “I believe; help my unbelief!”  This passage takes place immediately after Jesus, Peter, James, and John come down from the mountain where Jesus was transfigured before them.  They return to the disciples who are trying to cast a demon out of a boy.  However, the disciples are not able to exorcise the demon.

This passage shows the abilities of disciples who are trying to act out their faith.  Obviously, it is a problem for them.  Jesus seems frustrated with what he calls a “faithless generation.”  I don’ t think Jesus says this to belittle them, but to set them straight on their actions.  I have a feeling that they were trying to reenact the miraculous “dog and pony” show that the people are always asking for – what they think proves the power of God.  Their “actions” didn’t work because they were not backed by prayer.

Of course, Jesus is able to easily restore the boy to perfect health by casting out the demon.  It looks like he does this prior to the arrival of the crowd.  This would be exactly what we would expect of Jesus at this point, trying not to draw too much more attention to himself.

The call that I hear today is pray.  Prayer builds and guides belief.  A healthy prayer life becomes a centering force that strengthens you and guides your actions.  Prayer becomes a part of everything that you do as you seek to be closer to God.  We would just pour out our heart and mind and make ourselves vulnerable to God.  In prayer we make ourselves a receiver for the divine word that may come to us.

Mark 5:21-43 (NRSV)

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea.  Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, "My little daughter is at the point of death.  Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live."  So he went with him.  And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him.  Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years.  She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse.  She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, "If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well."  Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.  Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my clothes?"  And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, 'Who touched me?'"  He looked all around to see who had done it.  But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth.  He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease."  While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader's house to say, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?"  But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe."  He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James.  When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly.  When he had entered, he said to them, "Why do you make a commotion and weep?  The child is not dead but sleeping."  And they laughed at him.  Then he put them all outside, and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was.  He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha cum," which means, "Little girl, get up!"  And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age).  At this they were overcome with amazement.  He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

The scripture says, “they laughted at him.”  It is strange to me that the family, being worried about their little girl, would go so quickly from weeping and wailing loudly to laughing at Jesus.  The leader, Jarius, who went to get Jesus had the faith that Jesus would be able to help.  This obviously wasn’t the case with the rest of the family.  Their tears and their laughs were very quickly overcome with amazement.

This scripture passage is a healing story within a healing story.  Jarius goes to get Jesus so that Jesus can come heal his daughter who is near death.  They are making their way through the crowd and Jesus encounters a woman that has been suffering from hemorrhage for 12 years who comes up and touches his cloak.  She is immediately healed.  Jesus senses the power “go forth from him.”  He asks his followers who touched him and finds out that it is the woman.  He declares her healed of her disease by her faith.

They finally get the home of Jarius and takes in Peter, James, & John (brother of James).  He tells them that she is not dead, but only sleeping.  That’s when the laughing starts.  However, Jesus pays it no mind and tells the little girl in Aramaic, “Talitha cum,” which means little girl, arise.  The ones that were laughing are amazed.

Jesus is busy healing and restoring.  The preservation of the Aramaic words in the scripture leaves us with the mystery and power that surrounds this ancient saying.  We know that it is more than words that brings about the healing power of Jesus, but knowing the words he said makes it that much more awe-inspiring.

The call I hear is to be brave in our faith.  I feel that it was faith and bravery that allowed both of these healings to take place.  The woman who suffered from hemorrhage was brave enough to come up and touch Jesus, knowing that it would make him “ritually unclean.”  However, Jesus doesn’t rebuke her, but testifies to her faith.  The leader of the synagogue, Jarius, has the faith that Jesus can save his daughter.  Jesus raises her up after people think that she has already died.  We too should be brave in our faith.  Be brave enough to not only touch Jesus, but let Jesus touch us and heal us and raise us up.

Mark 4:35-41 (NRSV)

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, 'Let us go across to the other side.'  And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him.  A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped.  But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, 'Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?'  He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!'   Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm.  He said to them, 'Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?'  And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, 'Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?'

“Peace!  Be Still! – then the wind ceased!”  This phrase jumps right out in the middle of the passage at me.  I have been around water and boats all of my life, and have been in violent scary storms on the water.  It can be a terrifying experience.

In the passage, as characteristic in Mark’s Good News, Jesus is on the move going to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.  They have just left the crowd and got in the boat.  It is assumed that it is the 12, but the scripture just says “they.”  Many of the appointed 12 were seasoned fishermen, and knew their way around a boat, and have more than likely been in storms before.  This one was different and violent.  The boat was being swamped (taking on water).

The disciples were scared and Jesus was asleep.  How he was asleep during the violent storm, we don’t know.  I surely wouldn’t be able to sleep in a small boat being tossed about.  They wake Jesus because they are in fear for their life.  Jesus wakes up and rebukes the wind.

After all is calm, he asked them why they were afraid asking if they still have no faith.  The disciples were amazed, and filled with awe and wonder at Jesus’ ability to control the elements of nature; a true act of God.

The call today for me is to “BE STILL” and remember that God is God!  In the world, we are tossed about by all sorts of turbulent waves – stress, calendars, responsibilities, money, etc…  It can really “sink our boat.”  However, we are called in the midst of that sometimes to BE STILL and calm down.  We are always to remember that God is God, and God is still in control.

Mark 10:23-31 (NRSV)

Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!"  And the disciples were perplexed at these words.  But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."  They were greatly astounded and said to one another, "Then who can be saved?"  Jesus looked at them and said, "For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible."  Peter began to say to him, "Look, we have left everything and followed you."  Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age-houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields with persecutions-and in the age to come eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first."

 

“Then who can be saved?!?”  That is a good question!  Jesus directly provides us with an indirect answer that perplexes his disciples, mystifies us, and makes some churches squirm.  I have been around some Christians that take the word “saved” to an astounding level, as if it were the ONLY reason to believe or go to Church…  I have often been the “smart aleck” and asked “from what” – or "yes, it happened on a Friday about 2000 years ago, but we didn't realize it till Sunday morning..."  knowing full well that it would launch a theological debate about soteriology (the doctrine of salvation through Jesus Christ).  Sorry, I am about nurturing people in the faith, so I'm not into the body count for Christ.  It’s almost as if some folks think the church is about selling some sort of celestial fire insurance (sorry, I won’t rant any longer).  Regardless of what our thoughts are surrounding the subject, we all want to know, “who can be saved?”

The scripture doesn’t say that those that have wealth are out.  Neither does it say you need to be poor.  Jesus just says it will be difficult for the wealthy.  (You have got to love Peter at this point, who has literally given up everything to follow Jesus.)  Jesus does assure us that whatever we give up for the sake of the good news, we will receive a hundredfold and eternal life.  So this makes one think…  what does salvation cost?  I don’t think that we, as mortals, can put a price on it.  It is beyond our understanding and impossible for us, but not impossible for God.  That may be the point of this passage.

To me the passage is saying a lot about the complexity of salvation in a very concise way.  I feel that the passage is trying to say that the way to salvation is a very difficult process, that requires us to unload our burdens, make ourselves vulnerable and submit to a process of formation that will take us against the norms of society.  It all starts with a belief in Jesus as Lord and progresses from there.  I am not saying that it’s anything you must do, but more what must be done to you and an acceptance of what has been done for you.  Jesus is the way to eternal life…  Jesus suffered death on the cross and bore the offenses of the whole world with him (yes, including ours)…  Jesus rose again, putting an end to death…  Those who believe in this are in fact saved (this is assured by scripture in several references).  But is that it?  Is that all there is to it?  That doesn’t feel as difficult as Jesus makes it seem in this passage.  So, the question that I offer now is…  We are saved by belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, what then are we going to do with it?

I feel that the call of the gospel today is formation (not salvation, but formation).  There are many ways to engage a process of formation.  Study, reflection, worship, outreach, sharing, discipleship, whatever you call it…  it’s all participation within the context of a Christian community.  Not home alone, but participating with others who nurture each other and hold each other up as the church.  I feel the gospel calling me to continuous formation, as the living Christ forms, informs, and transforms my life.  Only then can I truly understand the complexity of my salvation, and appreciate the sacrifices Jesus made on my behalf so many years ago.