Mark 9:38-48
          Leading the sheep astray

           38 John said to him, "Teacher, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he was not following us." 39 But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him; for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon after to speak evil of me. 40 For he that is not against us is for us. 41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ, will by no means lose his reward.

42 "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung round his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.

           Many of the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church equate being gay with being a pedophile.  This has been stated time and again even though it is completely false.  At issue, ( beside the fact the church seems to be a haven for, or fosters an atmosphere conducive to pedophiles   )  is the guilt from their own coverups. The coverups are really at the heart of their hypocrisy and lay bare any claim to their own Christian ethics and morals.

            Before this becomes more of a rant than a reflection, because I am capable of both, let us point out some facts. The Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church does not agree with this treatment of gays.  Gays should be respected and loved, it's right there in the catechism.

           Where the church leads the children astray so to speak is in the life they expect gays to live. They expect a level of chastity and celibacy that has never even worked within the clergy of the church itself and is more stringent than what they allow (defacto) in the heterosexual non-clergy believers.  Celibacy or living a life alone will perhaps work for some (if it does, kudo's to them) . However it will never work for almost the entirety of humanity because it is contrary to what God called us to do, how God wishes us to live.  Gen. 2:18 ( It is not good that Man should be alone ). 

           In fostering such an unworkable, neigh, unholy system, it plays specific havoc on the gay community. By insisting that they live within this un-natural system but all the while gays are called like every human to a inter-personal, physical relationship, they doom them to a life of condemnation. To my way of thinking, this is leading the children astray. Many a gay person that lives relationship to relationship is perpetuated by this premise that they cannot enter into a lasting relationship. And again, all the while driven  by our own humanity to interpersonal closeness and bonding. Of course closeness can happen without physicality but sexuality is an equal part of who we are, of how God made all of us. To deny who we are is a true sin for all of us.

            To deny who we are is a true sin for all of us.
            

            

Luke 9:43-45
          Can you hear ?

           43 And all were astonished at the majesty of God. But while they were all marveling at everything he did, he said to  his disciples, 44 "Let these words sink into your ears; for the Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men." 45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, that they should not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

          Things being concealed. Words that need to sink in. Sometimes we hear words and we don't understand what's being said. Not that we are stupid, that's not what I mean. Sometimes we just don't get. It may not be the right time. But perhaps we are not listening well enough, we can increase our chances of getting the message. Yes, we have two ears and one mouth, I've said that before. But there are other ways of listening as well. 

          Sometimes I will meet someone and casually ask "how are you?"  "Good" comes back the reply. To show the person I am really interested in them, that I am truly listening, I sometimes add "Are you sure?" or "Really?" I suppose it throws some people off but if I really want to listen and hear the true answer to the question I asked which is "How are you?". 

         On a less verbal level, body language is a great way of listening.  reading body language is an art and a science. If we care about those around us and wish to engage them in a meaningful way, we really do have to listen and let the message sink in. 

          I guess this is critically important in any relationship but perhaps heightened in marriage where communication is key and is often lacking.  Of coures this being a scripture passage, it reminds us to listen to our God. The 'body language' God uses is all around us.  God surely speaks in the lives of those we are gifted with, the people around us. 

         Yesterday my husband and I hiked in the Valley of Fire in Nevada. I thought God was casually screaming at us with every turn of the trail, each new vista, each dramatic change in color.  

           It is not just words sometimes that need to sink in. But as scripture often says, for those that have ears - Listen.

Luke 9:18-22

          Who do you say you are?

          18 Now it happened that as he was praying alone the disciples were with him; and he asked them, "Who do the people say that I am?" 19 And they answered, "John the Baptist; but others say, Eli'jah; and others, that one of the old prophets has risen." 20 And he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And Peter answered, "The Christ of God." 21 But he charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, "The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third  day be raised."

          One thing I have discovered from coming out only a few short years ago is the variety within the LGBTQ community, even more than what those letters stand for. What sex is, what relationships are, what defines us as individuals is as broad as the mind can conjure up. That is really a blessing if you think about it. Since we are on the fringe of society and are seen as rule breakers from the get go, we are free to be who we want to be.

          And so, from this reading today, I would ask you who do they say you are? Regardless of who the they is, there's an opinion. It appears that no matter what the subject, politics to sex, a large number of people would prefer if everyone were in neat little boxes. And if you don't fit neatly in a box, they'll be happy to put you in one.

            I have to say with the strongest of terms and the strongest of emotions, DO NOT let anyone pigeonhole you. When you figure out who you are, and by all means give yourself all the time you need to figure that out, then you tell them who you are.

          The conservative right, the flaming ignorant rightists feel no compunction to tell the world what they think you are. They seem to think that they even know what you do. If these God fearing good christian folk can't come up with facts, the commandment of "though shall not bear false witness" does not stand in their way, they make up 'facts' to condemn and degrade who you are.

         The God of love, the Creator, our savior Jesus Christ loves you with reckless abandon knows who you are and welcomes you with loving arms. There are some real Christians out there who will also love you and accept you, seek them out in person and in community (churches)  Do not let everyone who says "I am a God fear'n Christian" fool you.  The people of the Westboro Baptist Church are a fine example of why God cries. These people are blasphemers of highest order. If anyone goes to hell, surely they will be there.

         Accept who you are. Love who you are. And I am sure God would like to hear from you. God loves you most of all. 

Luke 9:7-9

          Dudley Doright

          7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, 8 by some that Eli'jah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen. 9 Herod said, "John I beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things?" And he sought to see him.

          I have such wonderful memories of childhood TV. Some of my favorite heroes come from TV.  One of them was Dudley Doright, a Canadian Mountie. He would save Nel ( I'll save you Nel! ), usually saved from a railroad track where she had been tied up by the villain ( Snydley Whiplash ) in the Bullwinkle and Rocky (squirrel) Show. Ahhh, those were the days. 

          I still have heroes too. People who I look up to for doing the right thing even when it isn't the most expedient or convenient thing to do. Recently it was Chris Klewe of the Minnesota Vikings. What a guy.  How about Bishop Gene Robinson? John Corvino? My husband? It's good to have heroes and role models.

           I'm not sure Herod was interested in Jesus as a hero, after all this is the same Herod that had John beheaded. The reading however does indicate Herod had an interest in finding out who this Jesus fellow was. Would we be making such an inquiry of Jesus? Do we want to know who this Jesus person is? Do we believe he is God? Does he have the answers not only for life, but our own personal life as well? Is Jesus our hero? Jesus certainly was a rebel, perhaps the original revolutionary.

          Jesus is my hero and so much more. The only way I can get to know him is through prayer and holy scripture. Short of being there (and I am not certain I would have had the brains or courage to know who he was) scripture is all I have to go on. This is one of the reasons I am so interested in the actual words Jesus used and not relying totally on what words someone else chose as the translation. 

          Still, the bottom line is that Jesus is my quintessential hero. Is he yours as well?

Luke 9:1-6

1 And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal. 3 And he said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. 4 And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them." 6 And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

          Whenever I go on a trip, I pack very carefully. Clothes for every occasion, the usual array of toiletries and of course money or credit card or both. Hotel reserved and paid for, car, you name it. 

          The apostles actually were going on trips, much longer and by a much slower method that we can probably fathom. They spread the Good News to much of their known world and the message of God's love spread.

          We too are called to a journey and we do not need all the trappings, "no staff, no bag, no bread, no money". In fact for our journey, material things often are detrimental because they obscure our vision of ourselves and what is truly important. Our journey, the journey I speak so often about, is to wholeness and wellness. On this journey, we need to find out who we are, the 'maladies' that might stand in the way of achieving our goal and growth. In fact, the more concerned we are with the material things of this world, the less time and attention we can give to reaching our goal. We can and need material things to survive but we need to strike a personal balance so we achieve what we need to. God gives us the power as it indicates in the reading. God wants us to succeed, that's why we are here. To find out who we are, bring ourselves to wholeness, share ourselves with others with love and generosity and help others on their journeys.

           This is our lifelong journey and like the apostles, we will travel to places we probably never dreamed and we will reach heights we never thought possible.

          Joy, love and wholeness be yours.

Luke 8:19-21

           La Famiglia !

          19 Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him for the crowd. 20 And he was told, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you." 21 But he said to them, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it."

          In the new TV series, Major Crimes, a very young man, a witness and a victim whose mother has abandoned him, is the ward of Captain Raydor. Aside from any other weekly plot, this story line really shows a new family being created. It has all the hallmarks of love, concern, caring and respect. Not the typical family but a family none the less.

           In recent decades here in the US and perhaps around the world, the definition of family has grown as divorce has created newer varied family units, war widows, single parenthood and recently same sex families have burst into our consciousness.

           As we know when a gay person comes out, especially to their natural born family, they run the very real risk of being shunned. Not only do they run the risk of being thrown out of their homes, they run the risk of being thrown out of their social circles and their house of worship. Included in this is the insidious toleration of  being gay, people who accept another family member being gay on only a superficial level. People proclaim members as 'family' but in fact have nothing to do with them. That family member being gay becomes an elephant in the room and they wear the invisible "A" of Hester Prynne.

            As the support and love of family is almost the basis of our lives, gay and lesbian people construct another version of family. Perhaps it's another couple, two unattached gay people who live together and support each other, perhaps couples who socialize, love and respect each other. Still, a whole host of straight people who not only accept their gay friends but embrace it because they see the beautiful person that God created. These people create new families, no less valid and perhaps in many cases much more loving.

           In the reading, Jesus said "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it." A family, any family, is not necessarily the one we are biologically born into. Family are those that hear God's words of love, who live out the two great commandments day in and day out with each other. This is nothing more radical than what Jesus is saying when he made a denial of sorts of his very own natural family and went the step further to say that family is the unit that walks the walk, not the one that talks the talk.

            Quoting Moonstruck yet another time,  let's toast La Famiglia!

Luke 8:16-18

             Let there be light

            16 "No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, that those who enter may see the light. 17 For nothing is hid that shall not be made manifest, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come to light. 18 Take heed then how you hear; for to him who has will more be given, and from him who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away."

            The image of a lamp on a lampstand doesn't have quite the same meaning to us as it did back in the day but I hope I can convey what darkness is like and just how crucial the lamp is.

           Many years ago, visiting the family homestead, I toured an old copper mine. Down we went into the mine. At one point when we were all assembled, the tour guide turned off all the lights. You could not even see your own hand, you could not see an inch in front of your face. It was a bit frightening to say the least.

           We are so used to having light around us, we rarely catch a glimpse of true darkness. The faint light of a street lamp, an outside house light, the glow from an alarm clock, a cable box light or the red glow of a power strip. We seem to never be in total darkness. This was not true in the ancient world, in Jesus' time. That lamp really was kind of crucial. It was the only source of light, you wanted it to be strategically placed and you certainly wouldn't hide it. 

           For our world to function well, I mean, the way God wants it to be, we cannot be hiding our own light.  There is light in each of us. It shines through when we accept who we are  and share the goodness in us that God created. If we hide who we are, no matter who we are, we are making the world a darker place. Our being, our personality, our uniqueness illuminates the world. We are a light that is special and unique. If we deprive the world of our own light, we are dooming the world to a darkness that God would cry over.

             If I could ask you to google Godspel, I'd say look for the song You are the Light of the World. It's all about this reading and it's true.

            You are the ligt of the world.

Mark 9:30-37    ( for 9-23-12 )

          Success !

         

          9:30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again." But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him. Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the way?" But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all."

Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me."

          Years ago I used to listen to the rodio at night on my drive home. The show that I always looked forward to was a wise old man, a sage named Bernard Meltzer, he gave advice on all topics and problems. One of the things that  I recall was a recommendation for married couples: When your wrong admit it, when you're right - shut up. Still another is that marriage is not a 50-50 proposition, it's each party giving 100% to the other.

            The secret to success in the here and now and in the here after is right in this gospel reading.  It's all about giving and not expecting. Put others first and yourself second. Of course I don't mean be a doormat, we should have more respect for a creation of God (ourselves)  But still, there is this reading which once again tells us that whoever wishes to be first must be the last and the servant of all.  That is true for a successful marriage (where each should put themselves second in favor of the "us". It's also true in friendships, church, life and perhaps the whole world would be a much better place as well. 

          What kind of profound effect would it have if we all lived in an 'other' centric manner.  Live simply so others may simply live - a very good expression comes to mind.  Whoever lives this way and welcomes others, serves others , welcomes the child, they welcome God and our rewards will be manifest.

          

Luke 8:4-15 & Psalm 56:9b-13

4 And when a great crowd came together and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: 5 "A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. 8 And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold." As he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." 9 And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, 10 he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be saved. 13 And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while  and in time of temptation fall away. 14 And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.

Psalm 56:9b-13

This I know, that God is for me.
10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise,
11 in God I trust without a fear. What can man do to me?
12 My vows to you I must perform, O God; I will render thank offerings to you.
13 For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

           "Choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life". That seems hard to believe doesn't it? I still recall Tevia asking God to be cursed (with wealth) so bad that he should never recover.. We all need money for our basic needs and truth be told we'd like a lot more for our wants as well. Some people seem to have it all and that's ok. God does want the best for us.

            We need to know that money does not necessarily equal happiness. I've said it before and we need to be reminded even as I check the morning money reports on line. Enjoy worldly things only in so far as they remind you of how blessed you are and that the joy is in living and not in things.

             One of the reasons I was in need of therapy as I contemplated the growing awareness that I was gay is that I might be called to give up everything I had. House, family, position in the community etc. Fortunately, the same faith that drove me to seek closeness to our God, the same faith that lead me to serve God, is the same faith that gave me the assurance that God loved me no matter what and that my true happiness was not in anything I 'owned' or thought I owned (position, status, even family). The psalm for today just says it all. My happiness while perhaps elevated by nice things, a viking range, subzero refrigerator, the status of ordination and the joy of service and preaching, the joys of my children, are not mine really at all and they themselves do not bring happiness by themselves. They only bring a semblance of happiness, a partial happiness that is only fulfilled in the lens and understanding of God's love. You really do have to know who you are and that God loves you.

                  This is true for all of us. This I know, God is for me.

  

Matthew 9:9-13

          Turn a different corner

          9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him. 10 And as he sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"  12 But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  13 Go and learn what this means, `I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

            Have you ever given any thought to timing? In any context, it really is critical.

          My husband and I have often thought how blessed we are. At times our thoughts have wandered into the territory of,  what if we had met years ago? The truth is, we both know that had we met years ago we wouldn't be the people we are today, that made us fall in love with each other. We would not have been ready for each other. It seems like we met at just the right time and God gifted each of us with the other. Timing is everything, we were ripe. 

         Jesus said to Matthew "Follow me" and Matthew went. At a different time I don't think he would have. Jesus picked some disciples at one time, Matthew at another. Perhaps Matthew had some issues in his life. I am sure even then, men pondered the meaning of life. They had to 'find themselves' to the extent they could. Matthew was ripe when Jesus asked him to follow.  

          Scripture is the same as well. I've noted that you can read a passage at 20 and get one message, read it 20 years later and get another that you couldn't have fathomed at the age of 20. 

          Life is so complex. Creation is a matrix we will never fully unravel. Perhaps it is not ours to know because it keeps us searching, learning and growing. The mystery of how things occur and the seemingly magical timing that is involved is astounding.

           I believe we should simply accept these wonderful gifts that we have been graced with ,with all the coincidences and perfect timing that is entailed. Be thankful for turning a different corner and finding the joy of your life. 

             

Luke 7:36-50

          Men and women of the city

            36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house, and took his place at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of  woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner." 40 And Jesus answering said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he answered, "What is it, Teacher?" 41 "A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he forgave them both. Now which of them will love him more?" 43 Simon answered, "The one, I suppose, to whom he forgave more." And he said to him, "You have judged rightly." 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house, you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet  my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." 48 And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?" 50 And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

          I am always captivated by the number of people that Jesus associated with. The array is astounding, people that were considered unclean, enemies, Roman centurions, people he preached against, the woman at the well, lepers, people with demons, foreigners - you name it,  he was right in there mixing it up with the worst of them. If only we could hear his mother - a real, if not quintessential Jewish mom. Jesus ! be careful who you associate with! 

          Here Jesus is standing up for a prostitute.  How much more will he stand up for us?  At least as much to my way of thinking. 

           Now about this prostitute thing. You know , the church has vilified sex ever since Augustine had problems dealing with his own intense promiscuity and a bad conscience. Sex is not bad. Enjoying a gift that God gave us and designed us for is not bad. A mutual expression of love does not warrant condemnation. Random, reckless sex - that is a problem. It's dangerous in so many ways, but sex -sex is good. Consenting adults, respect, love, fun, it all sounds like a good mix. The church has gone to it's usual radical and fixated extreme in it's prohibitions and restrictions on sex - gay or straight.

            I have no doubts that Jesus would dine with each of us, see us for the beautiful creations we are and bless us. If we are not behaving in manner consistent with our morals and conscience, he still would dine with any of us. 

           Remember the last line, "Your faith has saved you, go in peace".

          

Luke 7:31-35

          Games people play

          31 "To what then shall I compare the men of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the market place and calling to one another, `We piped to you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not weep.' 33 For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine; and you say, `He has a demon.' 34 The Son of man has come eating and drinking; and you say, `Behold, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' 35 Yet wisdom is justified by all her children."

          Yesterday I wrote that our subconscience is capable of incredible gymnastics. Todays reading speaks about children's games. How different are we as adults? What mental gymnastic games do you play, do we all play?

            If we're single we play dating games with live people as if they are toys at our disposal, as if the people are disposable. If we straight or gay, we play games about how we are right and so and so is wrong. We can justify almost anything. We bash one party in a manner no different than the manner 'they' are bashing us. We love to play games. You'd think with all this mental gymnastics we'd all be in better shape!

            I've spoken about the need to be honest with who we are, to own ourselves and grow. That state of being that we strive for seems an unlikely occurrence if all we are interested in is playing games., i.e. staying so childlike. Jesus said we should remain as children, this is NOT what he meant.

            In this election year it seems very difficult to cut through the political rhetoric and gamesmanship exercised by almost everyone. What is called for is honesty, compassion for our brothers and sisters and moving forward in growth. You decide who is more guilty but don't make a game of it. We should own up to what we want to be as a nation as well. It's not to be the American Taliban as noted on the television show The Newsroom. 

          No games, this is serious stuff. 

           

          

  Luke 7:11-17

           Schadenfreude ?

          11 Soon afterward he went to a city called Na'in, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. 12 As he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and  a large crowd from the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." 14 And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." 15 And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. 16 Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people!" 17 And this report concerning him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.

          One of the characteristics of my life has been that I have had great empathy for the down trodden, minorities, the marginalized. While this is a wonderful gift to feel this way, I had no idea that perhaps it was part of an internal struggle for me trying to admit to myself that I too was part of a minority, a marginalized citizen as a gay man. It took almost my entire life to accept who I am. I am happy to say I still have a great capacity to empathize with so many people and groups.

           In this reading Jesus shows a great deal of sympathy for the widow whose son has died. From what I have read, the original words in Hebrew are not adequately conveyed. Jesus actually is filled with a great amount of emotion that rises from deep inside his gut. It is an intense emotion that Jesus is feeling that causes him to bring this young man back to life. Does he have a foreshadowing of how his own mother will feel when he himself is dead? 

          I know that many people I have spoken to despise Gov. McGreevey as a man who only came out because he was going to be outed. To me, there is a lack of empathy for the this man who underwent horrible internal turmoil trying to be everything he was supposed to be, all that he was lead to believe he had to be and the person that was hiding inside, too afraid to come out in the daylight. Our subconscience is capable of incredible gymnastics to keep us safe. I would think almost any gay person would have great empathy for Jim McGreevey.

             As we go through our day and see someone in turmoil it is very telling what we say and feel.  Our reaction is a testament to our faith and what we believe.  Do we believe in schadenfreude (happiness at the misfortune of others) or do we truly care deep in our gut as Jesus did? Sympathy and empathy are not part of the Ten commandments but there sure are part of the two great commandments.

             As funny as the song Schadenfreude (from Avenue Q) is, it highlights how we should really live our lives just as this story of Jesus shows us. 

           In caring and loving others we are loving God.

Luke 7:1-10

          a dear slave

         1 After he had ended all his sayings in the hearing of the people he entered Caper'na-um. 2 Now a centurion had a slave who was dear to him, who was sick and at the point of death. 3 When he heard of Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his slave. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him earnestly, saying, "He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he built us our synagogue."6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, "Lord, do not trouble  yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; 7 therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, `Go,' and he goes; and to another, `Come,' and he comes; and to  my slave, `Do this,' and he does it." 9 When Jesus heard this he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude that followed him, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I  found such faith." 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave well.

          I think it's fair to say that there is considerable internal conflict, tension and turmoil in any faithful person who realizes that they are gay. Most of us who have been raised Christian or as a Roman Catholic have been faithfully taught that being gay, if not an outright sin, is certainly not something you wish to be or admit. If you have been a faithful person like myself and think you might be gay, you search for comfort in the one source of confidential and unconditional love that is available to you, Jesus. Sadly, there are no references or comfort to be found in scripture. Or is there?

          In point of fact there are several in both Hebrew and Christian scripture. As with any selection from scripture you can derive so many messages and the Lord does in fact speak to us in scripture in many ways. Read a section of scripture at 20 years old and you may get one message, read it 20 years later from a different perspective and with more knowledge, you get a totally different message.

          At face value this passage could easily mark how Jesus reached out in compassion beyond the bounds of Judaism. A centurion represents several direct conflicts forJudaism. Jesus' boundless love is a true lesson for us.

           Do a little digging and you find something else though. As with any selection of scripture that we read (in english), the passage has gone through numerous translations from the original texts. While the people who translated and transcribed such texts take painstaking efforts to get it right, there are still questions about words from the original texts. In this reading the original text word in question is "Pais"( in regard to the person needing healing). This word has many possible meanings and one of them would be a homosexual lover or the junior sexual partner of a powerful man. It is true that this cannot be determined without question but a powerful centurion of an occupying army that actually begs an itinerant jewish preacher for a healing of his "servant" (when the word is not servant but "pais") seems quite extraordinary. This must be an a very special 'servant' indeed.

           Because it would be problematic for a religion that has invested so much in rationalizing it's own sexual mores and in fact has vilified homosexuality, any translation that could possibly justify or even acknowledge same sex relationships would be quashed. Still, Jesus did not mention anything about same sex relationships in any way, pro or con. Any mention in scripture comes from the cultural context of the writer.

          All that I can say is this reading seems mighty peculiar in it's original texts. What I derive from all this is the generosity and love of Jesus and his welcoming arms to all, even those that would seem anathema. I think if we ask for God to heal us and love us, there is no question as to what his answer would be. 

         

Mark 8:27-35

          Whole life policy

          27 And Jesus went on with his disciples, to the villages of Caesare'a Philip'pi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that I am?" 28 And they told him, "John the Baptist; and others say, Eli'jah; and others one of the prophets." 29 And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Christ." 30 And he charged them to tell no one about him. 31 And he began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he said this plainly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter, and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are not on the side of God, but of men." 34 And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up  his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.

           Sometimes people look at God like an insurance policy. They practice their faith to insure that they get into heaven. Not only that, their giving in time and treasure is because they feel that if they do this, God will surely bless their lives and protect them from the woes of the world.

            I think Jesus would tell you otherwise and I think that this very reading today is an indication that being a believer sometimes actually brings on trouble and heartache. I'm not speaking of the times when you could actually be martyred  for believing. First of all, being faithful is no guarantee we will live a problem free life. I could suggest a great book, When bad things happen to god people ( Rabbi Harold Kushner ), if you are yourself in the throws of such pain. In addition though, sometimes putting yourself out there, living a faithful life will actually put you in the midst of pain and anguish. I don't believe we are called to the same fate as Jesus but loving God is not an insurance policy against harm, personal trauma; it does not guarantee all will go well, you will be a millionaire and find the man of your dreams (though I have!).

          What we are called to do is find Christ in all of life, our good days and our bad days, in our celebrations and our sorrows. The Hebrew scriptures are a treasure trove of stories of a love affair between God and His people. If you start reading the Old Testament you will see some pretty frightening stuff going on and yet these people, imprisoned, tortured, doing battle with enemies and enduring famines and years in a hostile desert see fit to imortalize their love for God, their journey and willingness to follow His word. It truly is the greatest story ever told. I've spoken about about being open to all that is going on around you during your day as God speaks to us constantly. That includes the bad things that are not only going on around us but perhaps happening to us. They should most assuredly NOT be looked at as punishment but God will be there with you, he always is. God loves us, helps us, listens to us, shares our joys and sorrows.

           So I beg the question, whose team are you playing on? Are you of this world or are you on God's team? 

John 19:25-27

          That disciple

          But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold, your son!' Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother!' And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

          The time has come in the liturgical year that we come across a reading again about 'that' disciple whom Jesus loved.  While it would be wishful thinking to run with the idea that Jesus was gay, this reading especially and others do certainly point to a special relationship between John and Jesus. 

           Let's address the Jesus is gay idea. The references to the "disciple whom Jesus loved" not withstanding, there is no reason set forth in the accepted books of holy scripture that would suggest to me that Jesus was gay. However, let's not bypass what I just said, "the accepted books" of scripture. As it turns out, there were (are) many books that told the story of Jesus. It was up to man, and in this case I mean the church, to decide which books were accepted or forbidden.  A judgement was made as to  which books woud be officially accepted. This was a judgement based on many criteria but basically the church was deciding which books were actually the inspired word of God. Some of the criteria were things like, did the book in question actually have a following? Was it used in worship?Did the book have a sense of truthiness to it? Did the facts bear out what we already know and accept? Did the book agree with the other accepted texts. Since these decisions were made a very long time after the actual life of Jesus and the church was in somewhat of a formative stage, questions arose about what the text in question might say going forward. For example, with regard to our question of Jesus being gay, did the church want a text (book) in the accepted list of books (the canon) that would give the image or message that they wanted to portray and set forth.  This raises theological, sociological, historical and many more questions about how and what books were accepted into the canon. Lets just be aware that there are in fact other texts ('books') that exist and could have made it into our accepted scriptures of the New Testament. I will leave it to you to google The Gospel of Thomas, The Gospel of Mary and the Gospel of Batholemew and many others.

           Now back to our reading. This could easily be seen as a man dying (on a cross) and him saying to his most trusted and loved friend (partner?), see my mother here? she is now your mother too. I want you to honor our relationship by making her your mother now. And as Jesus was hanging there, he calls to his mother and says to her as he looks at his BFF John, "behold your son". This is quite a powerful image that  John is portraying of Jesus. Even if it does not signify an ancient right of same sex family dynamic where John accepted Mary as a mother-in-law so to speak, the whole concept here is one of a very deep relationship between Jesus and John. While the idea of Jesus being gay might seem repulsive, heretical and insulting to some, it is not meant to be demeaning in any way at all. The images of John (who was younger than the other apostles) sitting next to Jesus with his head resting on Jesus' chest are straight from scripture. It isn't disgusting, it is loving and warm. The relationship of some sort is clearly there.

          Why is it so referenced in John's Gospel that he (John) is "the disciple whom Jesus loved"? I struggled with that for years. I believe that as the writer of the Gospel, John had the assuredness in his heart that Jesus loved him. While Jesus loved all his disciples, John is the writer of this Gospel and he is conveying what he felt even if it means incorrectly, or correctly, that he (John) thinks that Jesus loves him more than the other apostles. Sounds childish perhaps, like Tommy Smothers saying "Mom loves me best!". John felt that Jesus loved him best! At the very least we know that John believed it because he saw fit to immortalize that thought in his Gospel by the writing numerous times "the disciple whom Jesus loved". I wish we could all know that with such certainty because it is true. Jesus does love us!

          The idea that John is aware that Jesus loves him as a disciple is a foundational belief. As I've  said before, I wish we all knew that 'Jesus loves us' in our hearts as certain as we know what our name is.  Whether the scriptural statement "the disciple whom Jesus loved" means more and that there was a more significant bond between Jesus and John is up for interpretation. I personally do not know but I like the idea that Jesus could appreciate the attraction and love of another man. In his complete knowledge of creation (since He was there from the very beginning), he knew that within his created world there were examples of both hetero and homosexual activity and attraction across the spectrum of the animal kingdom. One can only believe that it was part of his design to begin with. Bear in mind, I am speaking of loving and attraction, not immoral sexual activity.

           Was Jesus gay? Who knows. Is it really important? It certainly goes against accepted belief but there is more information out there to pursue in that line of thought. You can research it yourself and decide.

         I am content to not know either way for sure. I am sure that I am a disciple whom Jesus loves.  Are you aware that Jesus loves you?

Luke 6:39-42

        Can I help you with that?

          39 He also told them a parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but every one when he is fully taught will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 Or how can you say to your brother, `Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in  your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your  brother's eye.

          Whose job is it to point out all the flaws in our character? Whose job is it to point out that this or that is wrong with us? Surely we'd get tired of hearing the litany of seeming complaints and shortcomings if someone was in charge of that job.

           This reading would tell us that no one has that job except for ourselves. As important as it is that we know we are loved, that it is important to know how good we are and how wonderful a gift we are from God to this world, it is also important for us to know that no matter how hard we try we are not perfect. We are not God. We need to spend our time here on earth as much in growing and trying to perfect who we are as well as loving others and sharing the goodness that God wanted us to share.

          To admit our faults or mistakes does not mean that we are bad people. It does not diminish our self worth or value. It simply means we are growing and that we are on our journey to wholeness.  The problem arises when we are more interested in helping others with problems we see in them than we are in helping ourselves. Perhaps worse, is when we are convinced we have no problems, we have no room to grow because we have already reached our potential or our own state of perfection. If we think that, we are probably dead.

           Accept our innate goodness and that we are loved but accept that we are on a  journey to wholeness because we have not arrived and we should help ourselves in this regard before we commit to helping others. 

           So look in the mirror and say, brother can I help you with the log in your eye?

Luke 6:27-38

          Giving without expectation

          27 "But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30 Give to every one who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again. 31 And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. 32 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most  High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. 37 "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back."

          This week there seems to be a focus on death. First it is the fact that this week encompasses 9/11, which is always a sobering and solemn time. In addition to that two people passed away this week that made the emphasis on death all the more personal.  I could not help but run a full range of emotions and thoughts. One thing that I focused on perhaps was the value of life and a life well lived. I've spoken of true happiness before but what lens can we put to a life at it's end, when it passes from this world to the next?

          I was struck yesterday by the funeral for Ginny Nichols and since it was a 4+ hour ride each way, I had ample time for thought. Ginny apparently found the true happiness I speak of in her life. She lived life well as judged by her husband and children and the packed church who were a testament to all the wonderful things her preacher son said about her i his sermon. That made me think of commonalities with another person that died this week along with the thousands that perished in 9/11.

         John McGuire also passed this week and he too found his happiness, his wholeness, his holiness and it showed in the life he lived, just like Ginny. A robust life of love and service. Then I thought of all the responders to 9/11 who died in service , who emptied themselves of all self thought and gave their life to help someone else who needed it. Lives that ended but were elevated to a maturity that gives supreme value on a life, that shows the love we are capable of in a moments notice. Ginny and John spent their whole lives in love and service, the repsonders gave all their love in a crescendo of love that painted their entire lives with a glow of love and selfless service.  

           We live life to find out who we are and we are justly happy when we find it. When we do find ourselves, gay or straight, we are called to move forward in that happiness, that wholeness, to grow and produce fruit. We need to grow and reach a fullness of life in how we live. Our is a life measured by our lov, not for ourselves so much as our love for others and how we express that love.

            Be happy with who you are, share that gift selflessly with others for a life truly well lived.

          

Luke 6:20-26

           It gets better

20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 "Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. "Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh. 22 "Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. 24 "But woe to you that are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25 "Woe to you that are full now, for you shall hunger. "Woe to you that laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. 26 "Woe to you, when all men speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.

          I would like to paraphrase Tevia from Fiddler on the Roof, 'God, if money is a curse, may you strike me down and may I never recover!'  Blessed are the poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Yes indeed.

         I noted some time ago my trips to the mountains in the Dominican Republic and how poor the people are. They have virtually nothing,  except..... they are a happy and deeply faithful people. The notion of keeping up with the Jones hasn't afflicted them yet. In the local world that you and I live in, where happiness is equated with 'things' and keeping up appearances, we can't seem to figure out what makes us truly happy.  We are lucky if we figure it out in our lifetime.

         This is one area where gays have a leg up. While most in our community do have some semblance of money (the gay demographic), we know deep inside that true happiness comes from just being who we are.  A generalization for sure but pretty much on target.

         As it turns out from this reading we seem to be many of the things that Jesus is speaking of in this sermon though. We hunger (for freedom and equality), we are hated, excluded and reviled. 

         So in addition to the fact that we know what happiness is, we are even more blessed in Jesus' eyes for how we are treated, excluded, reviled and our names are cast as evil.

          If gays seem so happy, it may be because we know what happiness is and because we have the sly knowledge that, according to Jesus, we shall have the last laugh as we inherit the riches of heaven.

         Of course getting into heaven might be a wee bit more complicated than that. We do have to live a good life in all that entails but we have a great start. Knowing who you are, accepting it and loving it makes for a truly happen person, it gets better and you will find true happiness.

Luke 6:12-19

          What were you thinking about?

          12 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, he called his disciples, and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles; 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, 15 and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. 17 And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea  and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; 18 and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 19 And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came forth from him and healed them all.

          When Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, he was a devout Jewish man. After praying all night long he came down from the mountain and picked 12 Apostles from among his disciples. It would seem that this was somewhat of a pivotal moment. He has been struggling terribly with the Scribes and Pharisees over the law, struggling over hollow worship and he found himself ministering not just to the Jews but to all sorts of "unclean" people, foreigners and gentiles. Having come down from the mountain with such purpose and intent, I can't help but think what message he received from the Father. What was Jesus thinking about as he prayed? and Jesus was a really good pray-er if there are grades given out on such things. What was he thinking?

          Whatever it was, it essentially set the groundwork for a new church, or a new sect of Judaism. It was a new beginning. It is beginning to feel like Autumn, a sort of dying and we will await a new beginning. Perhaps it will be similar to the new beginning that Jesus started when he came down from that mountain from a night a prayer.

            As we approach Autumn, Advent, winter and eventually spring and Easter, perhaps we can climb our own mountain for a fortnight of prayer. Not literally of course, but an extended period of time devoted to prayer, speaking with the Father as he yearns to hear from us. Who knows what we'll be thinking about, but I can rest assure that it will be the beginning of something great for each one of us.

            Go up to the mountains, joyful, prayerful.

Luke 6:6-11

           The mind of God

                 

6 On another Sabbath, when he entered the synagogue and taught, a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man who had the withered hand, "Come and stand here." And he rose and stood there. 9 And Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?" 10 And he looked around on them all, and said to him, "Stretch out your hand." And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.

          What is in the mind of God? I suppose it might be blasphemous to to even think we are capable in any way of coming close to what God thinks. Still, here we have a reading that clearly has Jesus going against the 'law' of keeping Holy the sabbath by curing a man. Jesus is the one who asks what is better? It is the law that the Pharisees and Scribes have set forth as God's word which Jesus is not adhering to. Of course if anyway can break God's rules, it's himself that can do it, eh?

          For all those religious zealots, the far 'Christian' right, the people who would adhere to the law strictly and take every word of the Bible literally, here is Jesus' answer in this reading.  What is God's intent by saying keep the Sabbath holy? We have the law, it is quite clear is it not? Why would Jesus disobey? Why would Jesus so boldly give a bad example in such a public setting to repudiate in a way, the law that is held so high? Because this is a clue from Jesus that we are to use our brains, our intellect, our conscience in our adherence to the law. It si not enough to obey the law strictly and blindly. It is not enough to read scripture and take it literally. What is the intent? Surely the law is, at the very least, inspired by God, or conveys a truth that God wishes us to know. God gave us brains that we must use to determine how we should adhere to the law and understand his word as it is handed to us.

            This makes life so much harder for the scriptures are also filled with the notice that we will be held accountable. The question is accountable for what?  The young man who came to Jesus in a reading last week said that this young man adhered to all the laws. He asked Jesus what more must he do to achieve salvation? Strict adherence to the law, literal adherence to the law is NOT enough.

           As we go forth into our lives, we can become complacent and arrogant at how well we do at adhering to the 'law' ( the commandments, church law, church doctrine, etc ). 

           Do not rest, do not become complacent with God's word.

James 2:1-10
          Clear Eyes

           My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, "Have a seat here, please," while to the one who is poor you say, "Stand there," or, "Sit at my feet,"

have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into court? Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you? You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.

          I saw a picture comparison of skeletons all lined up and under each one it said who they were, either a specific person, a nationality, a race, a religion,  gay, etc. Except for the captions, they all looked the same. That is how God made us, all the same. As far as outward appearances, intellectual abilities, faith, hope, love, rich , poor, that's where the differences come in. But still, God loves us all the same and he expects us to love each other all the same. That's much easier said than done.

          On jury duty many years ago, one of my fellow jurors, a young man, kept looking out the window. He was looking at his Trans Am parked across the street. It seemed like a natural fit to me, he was draped with gold chains, rings, perfectly cut hair, dressed like he stepped right out of Saturday Night fever. When I got a chance to listen to this guy in conversation over lunch, I found out much more about him and I felt ashamed. He was a truly good man. He worked hard and further, he volunteered each weekend unloading trucks in New York City donating food to the homeless.

          I believe, as people of faith, we try not to make snap judgements about people but we do look for a reference with which we can approach, talk and converse and relate to people since we know we are created equally and loved equally. Well, at least as much as God loves us and we know that's a lot! The fact is however, we are bombarded with news items, pictures and commentaries and it is difficult to cut through some of the stereotypes and look at people with an unjaundiced eye.

          As a gay person, I know that there are stereotypes and prejudice about me and our community. The claims of 'lifestyle' choice, immoral behavior and even incorrect associations with sexual perversity and crimes. All are based on assumptions, bad information and bias. It is not so different in how blacks were once viewed.  The media is so strong though that sometimes these stereotypes and prejudices are hard to break free from. I must say, I think the general media is doing an admirable job of showing that we are really no different than anyone else. We seek to live and love, enjoy life and find that special someone to live our lives with. As genesis speaks of , because it is not right for man to be alone.

          On this beautiful Sunday morning as I glance out out over the water and the sun is rising, I  am filled once again with new hope, love and thanksgiving. I am thankful for all the gifts God has graced me with, the love of a good and wonderful man, my family, my boy George and countless other gifts I am given and asked to care for. I am hopeful for love to spread, for faith to spread, for understanding  and compassion to flourish and grow. I also hope and pray for the wisdom and clear vision to see others as you see them God, as beautiful creations of your love.

           Here's to the diversity of of your love and creation heavenly Father.

Luke 6:1-5 

          Lies and Damn Lies

         1 On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, "Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?" 3 And Jesus answered, "Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God, and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?" 5 And he said to them, "The Son of man is lord of the Sabbath."

          When we look at what we think is lawful, what is a crime, what is correct behavior and what is a sin, we often look to holy scripture. One of the main foundations for us is the Ten commandments and then the two great commandments. Our law is heavily influenced by these tenets.

          The two great commandments would seem to make it a wee bit harder to follow the ten commandments. Those two put a new lens on the ten. Though shalt not kill for example. While many will take that literally or worm around it  (in the case of war where it might be 'justifiable'), the lens of loving your neighbor as yourself, puts new meaning to 'thou shall not kill'. While you still canot go around killing people, you shouldn't kill their spirit either. No bad mouthing , no gossiping,  no demeaning,  and no false witnessing,  no lies about about other people, all could be considered killing another persons spirit in the lens of "love your neighbor as yourself".

         I hold the view that the two great commandments make it much more difficult to follow the ten commandments. Things are no longer black and white. There are grays and off whites when you have to use the lens of the two great commandments. You have to use your brain, your intellect and your conscience. 

          A literal adherence to the law of Moses is wrong if you follow what Jesus has said. We are being held to an even higher standard. We all are because even the Ten commandments were not to be taken that literally. Of course it is easier to do so and feel self righteous and be oblivious to all that is going on around you but Jesus knew we were created to be more than automatons adhering to a code with no thought or love.

        My one last thought is to look around you. Besides the obvious self examination in this regard, I'd suggest something additional. During this contentious political season, there are people out there proclaiming to be "Christians" who speak in vile terms and spew lies about people with whom they disagree; people that do not adhere to their narrow and literal interpretation of scripture and law. While God is the final judge of all behavior, examine the behavior of these "Christians" and you may decide that they are not very Christian at all and with that see that there messages are to held very suspect.

       Listen and hear.

Luke 5:33-39

       Think Fast

             33 And they said to him, "The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink." 34 And Jesus said to them, "Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35 The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days." 36 He told them a parable also: "No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it upon an old garment; if he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. 37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. 38 But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 39 And no one after drinking old wine desires new; for he says, `The old is good.'"

            I'd like to add to the well known Ecclesiastes reading that says "to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens...a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot". I'd like to add to that, there is a time to fast and a time to feast.

          I don't think there are many people who enjoy good food and eating more than me. Our honeymoon in Paris was focused on food, I offer my own critiques on my face book page of restaurants that hit the mark and those that sink miserably. We enjoy good food. Feasting is good. I don't mean gorging - we never go to a buffet. I mean appreciating talent (chefs), gifts (food) and the treasure (that allows us to dine as we like). It really isn't a focal point of our life but we do enjoy eating.

          How does that square with it's 'the time to fast'. Fasting is an ancient tradition and has many admirable goals, it can achieve many things. For one, you learn to appreciate the food you do have, the gifts you have been given. It is cleansing. With the inequities that exist in this world as it does, it allows you some small semblance of unity with people in this world who have no food or little food to eat.  It also helps me to realize that it is not food that sustains me. As much as I like good food, it is God that sustains me.  You will find many biblical references to this idea of being sustained by God and not by food alone. Almost every religion has some form of fasting. Some forms of religious fasting seem farcical while others are intensely serious.

         Since I already have written about the fact that God wants us to feast, party, have a good time, I am going to suggest that we set aside a day or a period of time to fast. I would not want anyone to risk their health but to do so if it's at all  possible. Fast and see how you feel. See how it feels in your gut, your soul. Realize how others may feel that are not fasting as an option. Perhaps you could take the money you would have spent for the day on food (breakfast, Starbucks, lunch, snacks, dinner, dessert, drinks, etc) and donate it to some worthy cause. Perhaps check with the local food pantry and see what they need and buy it.

        Think fast, 'fast' and then think slow, meditate on how it feels.

Luke 5:1-11
   A Jewish carpenter  went fishing...

          1 While the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennes'aret. 2 And he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." 5 And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, 7 they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zeb'edee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. 

          I think a common thread of mine is the fact that we need to always be listening, to God, each other and to our surroundings. Another common thread that people who follow me will note is the theme of growth. We need to be constantly growing, stretching, being reborn. When you fail to listen or fail to grow, you really are dying. Your body may live to 80 but you can die at 50.

           Here is a reading that speaks of listening and the rewards that are yours if you do. Picture it, Sicily,  err, Gennes'aret 32AD. Peter the fisherman has been at it all night and caught nothing. Along comes Jesus, a carpenter, and he says, cast your nets over again.  A carpenter telling a fisherman how to fish. Really? Still, Peter does as Jesus suggests and the catch is so big, the boats are almost to the point of sinking. 

            It just goes to show, you never know where the answer to your problems are going to come from. And similarly, you don't know where the source of your great fortune will come from either. I put my trust in that Jewish carpenter fellow. What I think that is worth thinking hard about is the listening aspect. Perhaps we'd all be better off if we listened to the other chap, try very hard to see what he sees and hear what he hears. It may be an eye opener, or a heart opener, or a mind opener. 

            Let's not be arrogant enough to think that only we can supply the answers or that our answers can't come at a moments notice from a totally unexpected source.

            Anybody up for some fishing ?

Luke 4:38-44

          12 year tradition or Peter's mother-in-law

          38 And he arose and left the synagogue, and entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they besought him for her. 39 And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her; and immediately she rose and served them. 40 Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on  every one of them and healed them. 41 And demons also came out of many, crying, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them, and would not allow them to speak, because they knew  that he was the Christ. 42 And when it was day he departed and went into a lonely place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving  them; 43 but he said to them, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose." 44 And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

          This blog is such a wonderful thing. It has given me new discipline and  a vibrancy to my spiritual life. And today, it gives me license to comment on scriptures the way many a good Roman Catholic would like to but do so only in the safe haven of their own thoughts or private conversation.

          I would like to make comments on the fact that Peter, the Rock, the head of the church, our first Pope (although that title had not yet been created), the vicar of Christ here on earth  - was married. A holy man for sure but, you know,  a heterosexual, get down and dirty, married man.  A human for God's sake.

           The fact is, in sifting through Church history, we find an extensive list of married Priests, Bishops and Deacons (and even, Heaven forbid, women Priests, that will remain for another blog). This unholy  arrangement (of men and women together as God created them) was allowed, then discouraged and eventually banned in the Roman Catholic Church about the year 1000 AD. Hmmm. So if you balance the first 1000 years against the second thousand years, the 'tradition' of celibacy is a very rich 12 years old. But lets sift through some of the information we have. Even when it was 'outlawed', many a Priest, Bishop and Pope had not only wives, but concubines and mistresses.  

          The history is truly rich, here's a small sampling. The Council of Elvira, Spain in the year 306, decree #43: a priest who sleeps with his wife the night before Mass will lose his job. Really? How about St. Augustine in 401 AD, he wrote, “Nothing is so powerful in drawing the spirit of a man downwards as the caresses of a woman.” This is from a man who clearly had many sexual issues. And note, this seems counter to, uh, the creation story where God created man and woman to be together. One of my favorites is Pope Urban II (1095 AD), Urban II had priests’ wives sold into slavery, children were abandoned. So very Christian, I'm sure this is what Jesus had in mind all along. I hope you get the sarcasm because it really isn't funny. The history of Priests, Bishops and Popes who were married or who themselves were the child of a Pope, Bishop or Priest is  legion. I could go on but to what end?

           Two last points. The Roman Catholic church, which itself has a tremendous history of holy men with sexual dysfunctions and liaisons of all sorts is hardly in a position to speak to anyone about morals and what constitutes normal. Their fixation on homosexuality only alludes to more disfunction on their part as well as institutionalized ignorance.  Perhaps the idea of  committed loving relationships that actually work is what disturbs them, who knows.

            My last point, perhaps a bit late, is a statement about the clergy of the Roman Catholic church. Even though I have been generous heaping criticism on the Church, I would not want to dismiss the good work and faith of the so, so many wonderful Priests and Bishops that live spectacularly holy and wonderful lives. Furthermore, I would acknowledge that there is a gift or a calling to celibacy but it should never be a mandate or prerequisite to serve. It was certainly not to Jesus. It is still not a requirement in many of the Eastern Rite churches.

          Let's just leave it at this - remember that Peter had a mother-in-law. End of story.