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. 

Titus 3:1-15 (NRSV)

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Titus 3:1-15

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is sure.

I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. After a first and second admonition, have nothing more to do with anyone who causes divisions, since you know that such a person is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned.

When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Make every effort to send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, and see that they lack nothing. And let people learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive.

All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with all of you.

In the conclusion of his letter, Paul reminds Titus that Jesus saves us, “not because of any works of righteousness that we have done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth (baptism) and renewal by the Holy Spirit (confirmation).” Like yesterday’s reflection, Paul assures that salvation is open to everyone. And he’s reminding Titus that it is God’s grace justifies us through these sacraments. All we have to do is accept it.

It is easy for us to be sucked in to being “do gooders.” Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with doing good, but doing good works just for the sake of doing good works is a slippery slope. It can lead to feelings of self-salvation. I feel that Christians (those who have come to believe) should do good works as a response to our gift of salvation. We need to remember that good works alone will never save you. We are saved by grace.

As I think about the litany that Paul offers us today (Paul loves litanies): avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, I think we can understand what he thinks Titus may be up against. By the list, I am thinking that he may be battling a culture of self-serving people. You know that type. People that ask the same question of everything, “what’s in it for me!” These are the folks out to “follow the law” and be good and do all the right cultural things, thinking that it will somehow save them. However, they remain spiritually lost because the second piece (the reason) of the puzzle is missing. Jesus gives the believer a reason and a purpose.

On our journey through the season of Lent, it is a time for us to be reminded that our gift of salvation is a precious one. It was paid for by the work of Jesus on the cross. We have been made worthy only through Jesus dying for us. Worthy to be reconciled to God, our creator, who loves us more than we can understand. We need to also remember that we can’t get through this life alone. We can only do it by God’s grace and help.

John 5:19-24 (NRSV)

Jesus said to them, 'Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.  The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished.  Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes.  The Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.  Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.

Astonished is my word for today.  I even like the sound of it; astonished.  It captures the true meaning of the gospel for me.  Full of wonder, amazement, excitement, etc…  I would hope that everyone is “astonished” at Jesus’ works, but not only his works, his presence.

In this passage, there is some clarity to Jesus’ identity and authority.  To the teller of the good news, in this case, John, Jesus is the full embodiment of God (the Father).  Therefore, Jesus does nothing on his own.  God works through him, and those who see are astonished.

God raises the dead, judges justly, and is to be honored and respected.  Showing dishonor and disrespect to Jesus is showing the same to God.  However, if we believe in Jesus (believe that he is the true embodiment of God) then we receive the promise of eternal existence with God – everlasting life.  We pass from death to life.

The call today to me is believe.  But, not just believe in - be in wonder and amazement that God has been fully embodied as a human.  God has come close to us in the person of Jesus, so that we might know God, and believe.  God loves us so completely that he wants us to be reconciled to God's self.  God, the creator of all things, has promised that those who believe will not “die” but receive life and an eternity reconciled with the source of all being.

John 12:44-50 (NRSV)

Then Jesus cried aloud: 'Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me.  And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.  I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.  I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.  The one who rejects me and does not receive my word has a judge; on the last day the word that I have spoken will serve as judge, for I have not spoken on my own, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak.  And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me.'

Today is the first Sunday in Lent.  The rhythm of the daily office moves away from the prayer of Jesus in John chapter 17 back to chapter 12.  The word that surfaces today in my initial reading is judge.  Jesus says that he didn’t come to judge the world, but to save it.

Jesus’ proclaims that belief in him constitutes belief in the one who sent him (the Father).  He has come to show the way (as the light) and deliver the world to salvation.  The world that rejects Jesus, rejects the Father, and is subject to the judgment of the Father.

Everyone who believes in Jesus, as a true disciple, does not believe only in Him, but in the Father who sent Him.  Jesus displays the glory of the Father and we learn to obey, love, and trust in him.  As believers, we are freed from the darkness of ignorance, sin, and misery.  We learn that the commandment of God is everlasting life, but the same commandment will seal the fate of all who reject it, despise it, or neglect it.

If we are to follow in the way of Jesus, then we are also called not to judge.  God is the only judge, and will deal justly.  The way I read this, it seems like those who reject, despise, or neglect God have already judged themselves.

John 8:21-32 (NRSV)

Again he said to them, "I am going away, and you will search for me, but you will die in your sin.  Where I am going, you cannot come."  Then the Jews said, "Is he going to kill himself?  Is that what he means by saying, 'Where I am going, you cannot come'?"  He said to them, "You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world.  I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he."  They said to him, "Who are you?" Jesus said to them, "Why do I speak to you at all?  I have much to say about you and much to condemn; but the one who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him."  They did not understand that he was speaking to them about the Father.  So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me.  And the one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him."  As he was saying these things, many believed in him.  Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."

“Lifted up…”  It’s almost comical that the Jews still don’t understand who Jesus is (see my comment on Jews - 2/3/2012).  Jesus seems even more frustrated with the situation, and wonders why he is speaking to them at all.  As if to say, “what’s the use?”  Jesus offers the way to eternal life and reconciliation with God, and they still don’t comprehend.

The phrase “lifted up” jumps out at me because I remember the Old Testament story of Moses in the wilderness and the serpent bites.  Moses lifted up a serpent on a pole.  When Israel looked at the serpent they were healed.  [Numbers 21:4-8]  We know that if I remembered the story, these faithful people that Jesus was speaking to do.  Jesus offers them a new healing and restoration by their belief in him and the witness of his crucifixion yet to come.  He doesn’t come right out and say it, but he does say, “when you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he.”  Jesus points out to them the time when they will actually get it.

If we were to read this passage without knowing the rest of the story, it might be confusing.  I think sometimes that we assume folks know the stories, so we speak in “high context” language, and don’t explain the undertones or the missing pieces.  In reflection and study of scripture, it is important to look deep into the story and try to fully understand the truths that it holds.

The call today is clear and directly from Jesus’ words…  “If you continue in my word, and are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”  We struggle every day to stay engaged with what God is doing in our life, and how we discern God’s presence with us.  Being a disciple doesn’t mean that we have it all figured out, but it does mean that we consistently strive to understand and follow Jesus.  If we are honest in our efforts, participate and nurture our souls with his teaching, then Jesus will make the truth known to us, and we will be free from sin and death.

Mark 10:13-22 (NRSV)

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them.  But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.  Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’  And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. 

As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honour your father and mother.” ’ He said to him, ‘Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.’ Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?  What a sharp contrast between the rich man and people bringing little children to him.  Jesus says, we must receive the kingdom of God as a little child, but what does that mean?  I don’t think it means that we need to be naive, but I do feel that we need to have a certain vulnerability and innocence about us.

Those of us that work with and around children and those of us that have children know that children are trusting and curious…  they ask questions, and they like to be involved and respected…  Children have worth and an insightful brilliance that our clouded minds lack.  So what this says to me is that our approach of God needs to me one of emptying ourselves, and making ourselves vulnerable before God.  We open our lives up to God to let God do God’s best work within us.

The man who comes to Jesus with an inquiring mind is a keeper of the law.  He is half way there, but he needs to not be bound by earthly things.  The scripture says he has many possessions, and that he grieves because Jesus tells him to let go of his stuff.  I don’t think that money and possessions are not bad or evil.  It’s how we use the money and possessions that either makes it a vehicle to or a barrier from God.  What we do with our money is an expression of our faith (or lack thereof).

Therefore, for me, the sharp contrast of the stories goes away.  Children don’t have worries over money like adults do.  They learn about possessions and value by their parents and other adults.  It makes me think, “what are we teaching our children by the way we use our money?”  In order to be as a little child, the rich man needs to give up the barrier between him and God.

To me, the text is an invitation to us to look at our lives and start to remove the barriers between us and God.  It doesn’t matter if it’s money or possessions, priority of activities, the ways we participate, etc…  if it affects our relationship with God, it needs to be dealt with.  Does the way we live our life express our faith?

John 6:52-59 (NRSV)

The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ ⁵³So Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. ⁵⁴Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; ⁵⁵for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. ⁵⁶Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. ⁵⁷Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. ⁵⁸This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live for ever.’ ⁵⁹He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.

The biggest phrase that stands out for me in this passage is “my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink.” I think we spend a lot of time trying to literalize the text, rather than discerning what it is saying to us.

If we understand, acknowledge, and accept that Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf - (his death as atonement for our sins), then the text becomes an invitation and opportunity for us to participate in the everlasting life only offered by Jesus.  We can then embrace the fact that his embodied flesh in some way nourishes us. However, this is not nourishment in a conventional sense of 'sustenance for the body.' This nourishment is 'sustenance for the soul.' 

As Christians, we believe that we fully participate in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection at our baptism. After that, we are nourished by the bread and wine of the Eucharist. I like to think of our nourishment as viaticum (our food for the journey). Just as the Israelites were nourished on their journey in the desert by manna, quail, and water from the rock, which only provided them with bodily necessities, we are nourished on our journey with the bread and wine which is Christ’s body and blood - the spiritual necessities for our full participation. Unlike the provisions given to Israel which are finite, our continued reception of the shared bread and wine of the Eucharist provides us with infinite nourishment for our eternal souls, and connects us with God (by our participation in Jesus) in a very profound way. In the Eucharistic feast, the bread and wine becomes for us “true” food. It is an anamnesis, where we experience the presence of Jesus in a very tangible and tactile way. It is not simply a passive ritualistic process of going through the motions, but an active process by which we can actually enter into the Paschal mystery - by acting as he did.

The text calls us to participation… participation with each other in Christian community, in taking the bread and wine, and in participating fully as a community in God’s promises of salvation and everlasting life. We are simply creatures of God acting out the divine mysteries of God with ordinary things that God makes holy. Yet, from these ordinary things, we receive exponential spiritual benefits from God that are very hard to understand with our ordinary minds or explain with our ordinary words.